Reconfigurable PCB Interface for RF/Microwave Subsystems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RF/Microwave subsystems require custom, single-use interfaces that are not repeatable across different subsystems, making it inefficient to add or change components, and lacking in power supply and monitoring capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A printed circuit board (PCB) apparatus with a controller, connectors for providing control and power signals, and a mechanical interface for connecting to subsystems, allowing for quick reconfiguration and integration into larger systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a custom single-use interface is designed for each subsystem, then the interface can be tailored to specific subsystem requirements, but the design cannot be repeated across different subsystems, wasting time and resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal interface board that can connect to multiple different subsystems through a standardized mechanical interface and connector system. The board includes reconfigurable routing elements that allow a single interface design to serve multiple subsystem types, eliminating the need to create custom interfaces for each subsystem while maintaining adaptability to different configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface board is divided into modular sections with separate routing paths for different signal types (power, control, data). This segmentation allows individual routing configurations to be changed without affecting the entire interface design, enabling quick adaptation to different subsystem requirements while reusing the same base interface structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If a custom PCB is designed to approximate contiguous PCBs with pins for direct feeding, then connections can be established, but the system lacks power supply capabilities and monitoring functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single interface board including power distribution networks, control signal routing, monitoring capabilities, and mechanical interfacing. This integration allows the interface to provide comprehensive functionality (power supply, monitoring, control) while maintaining ease of connection through the standardized mechanical interface and connector system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If components are changed on the subsystem, then new functionality can be achieved, but desoldering and resoldering connections is required, which is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The interface board incorporates reconfigurable routing elements that can be dynamically adjusted through software control to change signal paths and connections. This allows component changes on the subsystem to be accommodated by reconfiguring the routing logic rather than physically modifying the interface connections, significantly reducing reconfiguration time while maintaining adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional custom design is performed to integrate the subsystem into a larger system, then integration can be achieved, but the overall complexity and time required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized mechanical interface and connector system serves as a universal integration platform that can connect different subsystems to larger systems without requiring additional custom design. The interface board includes pre-configured routing and connection points that accommodate various integration scenarios, reducing integration complexity while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for interfacing with an RF/microwave subsystem is provided. The apparatus includes a printed circuit board that includes: a controller, and a connector constructed to provide control signals and power signals to a subsystem in accordance with instructions from the controller, and a mechanical interface constructed to provide a mechanical connection between the subsystem and the printed circuit board.