PCB Cable Detection Circuit for RF Connector Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in accurately detecting the engaged state of multiple cables due to the limitations of single detection circuits, especially when cables are connected to different sub-printed circuit boards or when RF connectors are spaced far apart, leading to incorrect identification of defective cables and increased physical inspection complexity.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device employs a detection circuit with resistors branching off between antennas and connectors, connected to a power management circuit and processors, which supplies voltage to antennas and determines cable engagement based on measured voltage values, allowing for accurate identification of engaged cables even when connected to different sub-boards or with long distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single detection circuit is used to detect multiple cables, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates because defective engaged state is detected even when only one cable is not engaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into multiple independent detection circuits, with each circuit responsible for detecting the engagement status of specific cables. This segmentation allows precise identification of which cable is defective while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces resistors as intermediary components in the detection circuit. These resistors are connected to ground and enable voltage-based detection of cable engagement status. The intermediary resistors allow the detection circuit to accurately sense cable states without direct contact, improving measurement precision while keeping the circuit design simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cables are connected to different sub-printed circuit boards, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to distributed connector placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the detection circuit with universal applicability across multiple sub-printed circuit boards. The same detection circuit architecture and resistor-based detection method can be applied regardless of which sub-board the cable is connected to, enabling flexible cable connections while maintaining consistent detection functionality throughout the distributed system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If RF connectors are spaced far apart, then adaptability is improved for different board layouts, but reliability deteriorates due to degraded RF performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses resistors as intermediary components that enable detection functionality without requiring direct RF signal transmission between distant connectors. The resistive voltage division method provides a separate detection path that is independent of RF signal integrity, allowing reliable cable engagement detection even when RF connectors are spaced far apart for layout flexibility.
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
The solution enables the device to reliably identify normal cable engagement, block non-engaged cables to reduce power consumption, and provide user guidance for repairs, improving detection accuracy and reducing manual inspection effort.
Implementation Method 1
a first detection circuit includes a first resistor positioned between the one or more processors and the power management circuit
Implementation Method 2
the first printed circuit board includes a second resistor branching off between the first antenna and the first connector and electrically connected to the ground, and a third resistor branching off between the second antenna and the second connector and electrically connected to the ground
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing, a first printed circuit board disposed inside the housing and including a first antenna, a first connector connected to the first antenna, a second antenna, and a second connector connected to the second antenna, memory storing one or more computer programs, a second printed circuit board spaced apart from the first printed circuit board inside the housing and including a power management circuit, a third connector electrically connected to the first connector, a fourth connector electrically connected to the second connector, a first detection circuit, and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the first detection circuit and the memory, a first cable electrically connecting the first connector and the third connector, and a second cable electrically connecting the second connector and the fourth connector, wherein the first detection circuit includes a first resistor disposed between the one or more processors and the power management circuit, and the first printed circuit board includes a second resistor branched between the first antenna and the first connector and electrically connected to the ground, and a third resistor branched between the second antenna and the second connector and electrically connected to the ground.