Multi-band Electronic Card Design for Reduced Bulk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic cards require multiple cards to communicate across different frequency bands, leading to increased bulk and complexity, as they are typically designed for single frequency band communication, which limits their versatility in industrial, scientific, and domestic applications.
Innovation Solution
An electronic card with a printed circuit, power supply, microcontroller, and dual radio frequency communication means capable of operating in two distinct frequency bands, allowing for reduced size and enhanced communication protocols, including Bluetooth, ZigBee, and KNX RF, by utilizing a multi-layer printed circuit design with specific conductive and dielectric layer thicknesses and antenna configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate electronic cards are used for different frequency bands, then communication versatility is improved, but device bulk and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple communication means operating in different frequency bands (first band above 1 GHz, second band below 1 GHz, and optionally third band below 500 MHz) onto a single electronic card. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate cards while maintaining the ability to communicate across diverse frequency bands, thus reducing device bulk without sacrificing communication versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic card is designed with multi-functional communication capabilities by integrating multiple communication means that can operate in different frequency bands. The card can selectively activate appropriate communication means based on the required frequency band, making it a universal communication solution that replaces multiple specialized cards.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate electronic cards are used for different frequency bands, then communication versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple communication means with different frequency band capabilities into a single electronic card structure. This consolidation reduces structural complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate card assemblies, mounting locations, and associated connection interfaces while preserving full multi-band communication functionality.
3Device complexity
If a single electronic card is used for multiple frequency bands, then device bulk is reduced, but signal interference between bands may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-layer printed circuit board structure where different communication means are positioned on different layers. This spatial separation in the vertical dimension allows signals in different frequency bands to coexist on the same card with minimal interference, as the dielectric layers provide natural isolation between the conductive traces on adjacent layers.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 1e~1h
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The invention relates to an electronic board comprising a printed circuit (20), a power supply device (40), a microcontroller (42) powered by the power supply device (40), and a radio frequency communication device. The power supply device (40), the microcontroller (42) and the communication device are arranged on the printed circuit (20). The communication device comprises a first communication means (62) which can communicate in a first frequency band. The communication device comprises a second communication means (64) which can communicate in a second frequency band that is different from and/or does not adjoin the first frequency band.