PCB RF Coupler Layout for Compact Appliance Signal Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio frequency signal control devices for household electrical appliances face challenges such as large space occupation, high manufacturing complexity, and cost due to printed coils on circuit boards, and are sensitive to impedance variations and difficult to design and replicate consistently.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency signal control system with a coupler completely embedded on a printed circuit board, using printed transmission lines and blocking circuits to optimize signal flow and impedance insulation, eliminating the need for electronic components and allowing for compact and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a winding formed by printed turns is used to create the coupler on the printed circuit board, then the radio frequency signal can be coupled to the power supply conductors, but the footprint on the printed circuit board becomes significant due to the width of the tracks and the current value
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is divided into multiple separate printed conductors (first printed conductor, second printed conductor, third printed conductor) that are arranged in a specific pattern. These segmented conductors replace the traditional single winding structure, allowing the radio frequency signal to be coupled to the power supply conductors while significantly reducing the footprint on the printed circuit board.
2Power
If a winding with wide tracks is used to handle strong supply currents, then the current carrying capacity is sufficient, but the cost of obtaining the printed circuit board increases and housing size must be larger
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the printed circuit board are assigned different functions with appropriate track widths. The printed conductors carrying strong supply currents are given sufficient width in specific local areas, while other regions use narrower tracks. This localized optimization allows the design to handle strong currents where needed without requiring the entire board to have wide tracks, thereby reducing overall production complexity and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the coupler is printed on the circuit board, then the system can be integrated into the appliance, but the production becomes complex to industrialize and reliability is difficult to guarantee during mass production
Solution Approach 1:
The printed conductors are designed to automatically form the coupler structure through standard printed circuit board fabrication processes. The conductors are arranged such that they self-align and self-configure the coupling geometry, eliminating the need for additional assembly steps or specialized manufacturing processes. This self-service approach enables easy industrialization and consistent quality during mass production while maintaining system integration.
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 provides efficient radio frequency signal transmission with minimal space and cost, insensitivity to impedance variations, and consistent performance across different appliances, enhancing manufacturing reliability and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The coupler (10) is a radio frequency signal coupler comprising a transmission line (13) printed on the printed circuit board (9)... The coupler (10) comprises a line section (13a) printed on the printed circuit board (9) and connected in bypass to the transmission line (13)... The coupler (10) comprises a coupling line (15) printed on the printed circuit board (9) and having at least one part (15a) extending without electrical contact, parallel to the line section (13a)
Implementation Method 2
The system (1) comprises a blocking circuit (12) for radio frequency signals printed on the printed circuit board (9) and connected by only one end to the transmission line (13) at a connection point (Pr) between the connection point (Pc) of the coupler (10) and the management unit (3)
Implementation Method 3
The coupler (10) comprises a transmission line (13) printed on the printed circuit board (9) in a rectilinear extension direction (XX)... A first end of this transmission line (13) is connected to the first electrical conductor (5) while the second end of this transmission line (13) is connected to the management unit (3)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a radio frequency signal control system for a domestic electrical appliance (2) controlled by a management unit (3), the system comprising: - a radio frequency signal coupler (10), comprising a line segment (13a) printed on a printed circuit board (9) having a free end (13b) and being connected in parallel with a transmission line (13) printed on the printed circuit board (9) the first end of which is connected to an electrical conductor (5), the coupler (10) comprising at least one coupling line (15a) a part of which extends without electrical contact, parallel to the line segment (13a);- a radio frequency unit (7) for transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency signals comprising an input and/or output (Sa) of radio frequency signals electrically connected to the coupler, - a radio frequency signal blocking circuit (12), printed on the printed circuit board and connected at one end to the transmission line (13).