PCB Impedance Simulation via Magnetic Field Application

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for simple and accurate methods to simulate impedance variations and crosstalk effects in printed circuit boards during laboratory testing, as these variations can lead to field failures due to manufacturing discrepancies and are not adequately addressed by existing technologies.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the application of a magnetic field to a conductive pathway on a microelectronic package using a magnetic field generator, such as an electromagnet or permanent magnet, to alter impedance and simulate manufacturing variations and crosstalk effects, allowing for controlled impedance adjustments within a predetermined range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If laboratory-tested printed circuit boards are used with nominal impedance alignment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inadequate simulation of bulk-manufacturing variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpedance alignmentVSAvoidfield failure resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by introducing impedance variations through magnetic field application before conducting the actual performance testing. This allows the system to pre-simulate manufacturing variations that would otherwise only appear in bulk-produced boards, enabling reliability testing under realistic conditions without requiring actual bulk-manufactured samples.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the impedance of conductive pathways through controlled magnetic field application. The magnetic field alters the electrical characteristics of the trace, enabling continuous variation of impedance parameters to simulate the range of variations encountered in bulk manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If bulk-manufactured printed circuit boards are tested, then reliability is improved by testing real manufacturing variations, but device complexity increases due to uncontrolled impedance variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield failure resistanceVSAvoidimpedance control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary element - a magnetic field generator - that mediates between the controlled laboratory environment and the uncontrolled bulk-manufacturing variations. This intermediary allows precise, controllable introduction of impedance variations without the complexity of actually producing and managing bulk-manufactured boards with inherent variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manufacturing system (bulk production processes that create uncontrolled impedance variations) with a magnetic field-based system. Instead of physically manufacturing boards with varying impedances, the magnetic field electronically induces the desired impedance variations, simplifying the overall testing setup while maintaining realism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If magnetic field application is used to simulate impedance variations, then adaptability is improved by enabling simulation of manufacturing variations, but device complexity increases due to additional testing equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimulation capabilityVSAvoidtesting equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field generator serves multiple functions: it generates the magnetic field for impedance variation simulation, provides controllable adjustment of impedance levels, and enables testing of multiple different variation scenarios. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment for each type of variation simulation, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach enables convenient simulation of impedance variations and crosstalk effects, reducing the likelihood of field failures by verifying the performance of printed circuit boards under tested conditions, thus ensuring reliable operation.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS9244120B2Simulation of printed circuit board impedance variations and crosstalk effects

Publication Date: 2016.01.26 LENOVO INT LTD

AI summary

A method for altering an impedance of a conductive pathway on a microelectronic package includes applying a magnetic field to the conductive pathway. The microelectronic package may be, for example, a printed circuit board. The method also includes controlling a magnitude of the magnetic field at the conductive pathway for altering the impedance of the conductive pathway. The magnetic field may be applied by, for example, an electromagnet or a permanent magnet. A magnetic field may also be applied for simulating crosstalk effects on a conductive pathway.