PCB Cable Adapter With Impedance Matching for Mixed Cable Diameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Single-Pair Ethernet applications face challenges with the use of relatively thick cables having large conductor diameters, which are not suitable for standard switch cabinets, necessitating a solution to transmit power and data between cables with different diameters.
Innovation Solution
An adapter comprising a printed circuit board, plug connector, and connection device that allows for the connection of cables with different diameters, featuring impedance-matching circuits and conductive connections to facilitate data transmission between cables with varying conductor sizes, including capacitors with air dielectric for signal quality improvement and adjustable impedance matching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If cables with large conductor diameters are used for data transmission, then data transmission over longer distances is enabled, but the cables are too large to be rationally used in standard switch cabinets
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two parts: a first cable with small conductor diameter for space-efficient connection to the switch cabinet, and a second cable with large conductor diameter for long-distance transmission. The adapter connects these two segments, allowing each to perform its optimal function.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary device between the first cable (small diameter) and the second cable (large diameter). It provides the interface that enables connection between cables of different conductor diameters, allowing the system to combine the space efficiency of thin cables with the transmission capability of thick cables.
2Area of stationary object
If cables with small conductor diameters are used in switch cabinets, then space is saved, but data transmission over longer distances becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission path is divided into two segments: the first cable handles the short-distance connection within the switch cabinet with small diameter, while the second cable handles the long-distance transmission with large diameter. The adapter enables this segmented approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves as a mediator that allows the small-diameter cable to connect to the large-diameter cable, enabling the small cable to benefit from the transmission capabilities of the large cable without requiring the large cable to fit in the switch cabinet.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an adapter is used to connect cables with different diameters, then cable flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter merges multiple functions into a single device: it provides mechanical connection between different cable types, electrical connection through conductive paths, and impedance matching through integrated circuits. This consolidation achieves adaptability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed as a universal interface that can handle different cable types and conductor diameters. The printed circuit board with multiple contact points and impedance matching circuits provides multi-functional capability, allowing the same adapter design to work with various cable configurations.
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
Enables the use of smaller diameter cables in switch cabinets while allowing data transmission over longer distances using larger diameter cables, improving signal quality and reducing noise interference.
Implementation Method 1
The printed circuit board has a metallic layer with conducting tracks
Implementation Method 2
The printed circuit board has an impedance-matching circuit for impedance matching, which may have at least one capacitor or consist of one capacitor
Implementation Method 3
The at least one capacitor may substantially or exclusively have air as a dielectric
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for cables includes at least a printed circuit board, a plug connector, and a connection device. The plug connector has at least two first plug contacts for plugging together with at least two mating plug contacts of a mating plug connector, to which first conductors of a first cable having a first diameter are connected. The connection device has at least two connections for connecting second conductors of a second cable. The second conductors have a second diameter that differs from the first diameter. The plug contacts are electrically conductively connected to the conductor connections via the printed circuit board so that data and power can be transmitted between the first and the second cable.