PCB Configuration Blocks and Edge Projections for Operational Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging to distinguish the operational and functional capabilities of various printed circuit boards (PCBs) in development environments, as they often serve a wide range of purposes and products, leading to confusion among engineers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of board configuration blocks and edge scheme projections on PCBs, which provide visual references and operational diagrams using metal traces or solder mask layers, helps identify the purpose and functionality of each PCB by highlighting key components, connections, and operational characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PCBs serve a wide range of purposes and products, then the versatility and applicability of PCBs increase, but it becomes difficult to distinguish the operational and functional capabilities of various PCBs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual copies or representations of the actual PCB layout, circuit paths, and component arrangements through diagrams printed on the PCB surface. These visual copies allow engineers to quickly understand the functional capabilities without physically examining or testing the PCB, thus resolving the information identification problem while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual diagram representations as an intermediary between the physical PCB and the engineer's understanding. These diagrams serve as a mediator that translates complex circuit configurations into easily interpretable visual information, enabling quick identification of functional capabilities across diverse PCB applications
2Productivity
If engineers work with several different types of PCB boards over a short period, then productivity and development pace increase, but confusion among engineers increases due to difficulty in distinguishing PCB purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs different colors in the visual diagrams to represent different functional areas, circuit types, or component categories on the PCB. This color-coding system allows engineers to quickly distinguish between different PCB purposes and functional capabilities, reducing confusion when working with multiple PCB types at high speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the PCB visual representation into distinct segments or zones that correspond to different functional areas or circuit blocks. This segmentation allows engineers to quickly identify specific functional capabilities without being overwhelmed by the entire PCB complexity, facilitating faster work across multiple PCB types
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of printed circuit boards (PCBs) with board configuration blocks and board edge projections are described. In one example, a PCB includes a core material and a metal layer comprising a plurality of metal traces on the core material. The plurality of metal traces can include component interconnect traces and a board configuration block. The board configuration block can include a plan diagram for the PCB, an operational diagram for the PCB, or a combination of plan and operational diagrams. In other examples, a PCB can include a core material having a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge can include one or more board edge scheme projections positioned within projection edge regions of the peripheral edge. The scheme projections have a projection shape based on operational characteristics for the PCB. In some cases, the board configuration blocks can be located on the board edge scheme projections.