PCB Differential Trace Leak Detection for Coolant Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems face challenges in detecting coolant leaks, which can lead to short circuits, corrosion, and system malfunction due to variations in permittivity and insertion loss caused by liquid presence on circuit boards, often resulting from vibrations, thermal cycles, or other factors.
Innovation Solution
The system determines the presence of liquid on circuit boards by analyzing changes in eye diagram parameters (height and width) of differential signal traces, using a differential pair of circuit board traces to detect impedance and signal loss, and providing information to a baseboard management controller or processor when thresholds are exceeded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If coolant is transferred to remove heat from components, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but risk of liquid leakage and circuit board damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of liquid presence on the circuit board before actual damage can occur. By continuously monitoring eye diagram parameters and detecting changes in signal characteristics caused by liquid contamination, the system can identify leaks early and alert operators or initiate protective measures before short circuits or corrosion damage the electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses differential signal traces as an intermediary sensing mechanism. The coolant leak detection is achieved indirectly by monitoring the electrical characteristics of differential pairs that are routed near coolant channels. The liquid presence alters the electromagnetic properties of these traces, providing a non-intrusive detection method that doesn't require direct contact with the coolant.
2Measurement precision
If differential signal traces are used to detect liquid presence, then detection capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The differential signal traces serve multiple functions: they are used for normal data transmission and simultaneously function as sensors for coolant leak detection. By monitoring the eye diagram parameters of these existing communication traces, the system achieves dual functionality without adding separate dedicated sensing circuits, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational signals (differential data traces) to perform the detection function. The normal communication signals serve as the test signals for leak detection, eliminating the need for external test equipment or additional signal sources. The eye diagram analysis is performed using existing receiver circuitry that is already part of the communication interface.
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 method effectively identifies liquid presence on circuit boards, preventing potential damage by alerting system components, thus ensuring proper functioning and reducing the risk of short circuits and corrosion.
Implementation Method 1
transfer a liquid above an area of the circuit board to remove heat from a component of the information handling system
Implementation Method 2
variations in permittivity and insertion loss caused by liquid presence on circuit boards
Data Source
AI summary
In one or more embodiments, one or more systems, methods, and/or processes may determine a first height of a first eye diagram of a differential pair of circuit board traces of a circuit board of an information handling system; may determine a first width of the first eye diagram; may transfer a liquid above an area of the circuit board; may provide a differential signal to the differential pair; may determine a second height of a second eye diagram of the differential pair; may determine a second width of the second eye diagram; may determine at least one of that the second height is less than the first height by at least a first threshold and that the second width is less than the first width by at least a second threshold; and may provide information that indicates a presence of the liquid on the circuit board.