Multiple Order Connectors for Contactless Communication Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed integrated circuits used in contactless communication systems require precise alignment to operate optimally, but existing alignment systems struggle with ensuring accurate alignment due to factors like signal dispersion, device stackup variations, and alignment disturbances, leading to issues like excessive power consumption, data loss, and RF emissions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple order connectors, where a first order connection provides coarse alignment and a second order connection, with a substrate and actuator, performs fine adjustments using sensors and actuators to ensure optimal alignment of contactless communication units (CCUs) between devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single connection interface is used for contactless communication, then the device structure is simple, but the alignment precision between CCUs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into two distinct orders: first order connection for coarse alignment and second order connection for fine alignment. This segmentation allows each connection level to specialize in a specific alignment function, achieving high precision without requiring a single complex interface to handle all alignment requirements simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the alignment process by implementing alignment in two sequential stages rather than a single simultaneous operation. The first order connection establishes initial alignment, and the second order connection refines it subsequently, effectively adding a time-based dimension to the alignment process.
2Device complexity
If coarse alignment only is provided by the first order connection, then the device structure is simple, but the communication performance deteriorates due to signal dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The second order connection introduces dynamic adjustment capability to the previously static alignment system. The actuator enables real-time fine-tuning of CCU positions, transforming the alignment system from a fixed coarse-adjustment mechanism to a dynamic system that can adapt and optimize alignment during operation, thereby improving communication reliability.
3Device complexity
If precise alignment is achieved without fine adjustment mechanism, then the device structure is simple, but power consumption increases due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The first order connection performs preliminary coarse alignment before the second order connection performs fine adjustment. This preliminary action ensures that the CCUs are brought into approximate alignment position, reducing the range required for fine adjustment and minimizing the energy consumption of the actuator while achieving the required precision.
4Device complexity
If no fine adjustment is provided, then the device structure is simple, but data loss occurs due to alignment disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The second order connection with actuator control establishes a feedback mechanism that can detect and correct alignment disturbances. When misalignment occurs due to external factors, the fine adjustment mechanism can compensate by making corrective positional adjustments, preventing data loss that would result from sustained misalignment.
Data Source
AI summary
Multiple order connectors for contactless communication devices and methods for using the same are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a first device for use in establishing a contactless communications link with a second device is provided. The first device can include a first order connection, which can be constructed to interface with a counterpart first order connection of the second device, and a second order connection. The second order connection can include a substrate, at least one contactless communications unit (CCU) mounted on the substrate and that is operative to establish the contactless communications link with a respective counterpart CCU of the second device, and an actuator operative to move the substrate such that the at least one CCU is optimally aligned with its respective counterpart CCU to establish the contactless communications link.