Automotive Module Connector Impedance Sensing for Disconnection Detection
Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive lighting devices face challenges in reliably detecting accidental disconnections of card edge connectors without using dedicated pins in the main connector.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device for automotive vehicles is designed with a main connector, a first module, and an electrically conductive part, where the connection status is determined through impedance measurements between the conductive part and the main ground connection, using resistors connected to connector position assurance terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connector position assurance pins are used to detect disconnection, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring dedicated pins in the main connector
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the connection detection function from the main connector by moving it to the module connector level. Each module connector independently detects its own connection status through dedicated CPA terminals (27, 28) and impedance measurement circuits, eliminating the need for CPA pins in the main connector while maintaining reliable disconnection detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces impedance measurement circuits as intermediary elements between the CPA terminals and the control unit. These circuits convert the physical connection state into measurable electrical impedance values, enabling indirect but reliable detection of connection status without requiring direct signal paths through the main connector.
2Measurement precision
If multiple dedicated pins are added to main connector for connection status detection, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the connection detection function into independent units at each module connector. Each module connector has its own CPA terminals and impedance measurement circuitry, allowing parallel independent detection without requiring additional pins in the main connector. This segmentation maintains measurement precision while simplifying main connector manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
Each module connector performs self-detection of its connection status through its own CPA terminals and impedance measurement circuits. The module connectors independently monitor their own attachment state to the housing, eliminating the need for centralized detection through the main connector and reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If card edge connectors are used for ease of connection, then ease of operation is improved, but connection stability deteriorates due to easy accidental disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements feedback by continuously monitoring the impedance between CPA terminals and ground through measurement circuits. When disconnection occurs, the impedance change is detected and signaled to the control unit, providing real-time feedback on connection status. This allows the system to respond to accidental disconnections while maintaining the ease of card edge connector insertion.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for reliable detection of connection status without the need for dedicated pins in the main connector, providing a cost-effective and efficient mechanism for ensuring proper connection of multiple modules.
Implementation Method 1
one of the first terminals is a first connector position assurance terminal and one of the second terminals is a second connector position assurance terminal, configured to provide information about the connection status with the first connector position assurance terminal
Implementation Method 2
the second connector position assurance terminal is connected to the ground connection of the first electronic circuit by the interposition of a first connection impedance and the first connection impedance comprises at least a first resistor
Implementation Method 3
the connection status of the first luminous module may be obtained from an impedance measurement between the electrically conductive part and the main ground connection, since the information about connection is transmitted to this element, which receives the equivalent resistance value of the resistors which are involved in the connection of the connector position assurance terminals
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an electronic device for an automotive vehicle. The electronic device includes a main connector, a first module, a first module connector and an electrically conductive part. The first module includes a first electronic circuit mounted with an electronic element and a ground connection. The first module connector includes first terminals and a receptacle portion affixed on the first electronic circuit including second terminals. One of the first terminals is a first connector position assurance terminal and one of the second terminals is a second connector position assurance terminal, configured to provide information about the connection status with the first connector position assurance terminal. The second connector position assurance terminal is connected to the ground connection of the first electronic circuit by the interposition of a first connection impedance and the second connector position assurance terminal is connected to the electrically conductive part.