Pluggable Module with Integrated Balun and Coaxial Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Telecommunications carriers face challenges in adapting between twisted pair and coaxial cable assets for broadband delivery, as existing solutions require external baluns that add cost and complexity, and are not compact enough for integration into pluggable modules.

Innovation Solution

A pluggable module with an integrated F-Type coaxial connector and balun that performs single-ended to differential conversion, eliminating the need for external baluns and enabling native connectivity to 75Ω coaxial cable infrastructure, while incorporating all necessary electronics for a Gfast physical layer interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an external balun is used to connect coaxial cable to twisted pair equipment, then signal conversion between 75Ω single-ended and 100Ω differential is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal conversion capabilityVSAvoidexternal balun requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the balun functionality with the pluggable module by integrating a balun circuit on the module's circuit board. This merging eliminates the need for a separate external balun device, reducing system complexity while maintaining the signal conversion capability between coaxial cable (75Ω single-ended) and twisted pair (100Ω differential) interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a standard external balun is used for coaxial to twisted pair conversion, then signal integrity is maintained, but the solution is not compact enough for pluggable module integration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal integrityVSAvoidbalun size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a localized balun circuit on the pluggable module's circuit board rather than using a separate external device. This local integration maintains signal integrity through direct circuit coupling while reducing the overall volume required, enabling compact pluggable module integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical external balun device with an integrated electronic balun circuit on the circuit board. This substitution eliminates the need for separate housing, mounting mechanisms, and external connections, significantly reducing volume while maintaining electrical performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If external baluns are used for media adaptation, then connectivity between coaxial and twisted pair is achieved, but incremental cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedia conversion capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the balun functionality into the pluggable module assembly, eliminating the need to purchase and install separate external balun devices. This integration reduces incremental costs by consolidating multiple functions (signal conversion, connectivity, and module integration) into a single manufactured unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pluggable module is designed with universal adaptability by integrating the balun circuit, allowing it to function as both a standard twisted pair module and a coaxial-compatible module. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate coaxial-specific modules or external adapters, reducing overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If coaxial connector interface is added to pluggable module, then native connectivity to 75Ω coaxial infrastructure is achieved, but module complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoaxial connectivityVSAvoidmodule internal structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the balun functionality from the main signal path and implements it as a dedicated circuit block on the circuit board. This extraction allows the coaxial connector and balun circuit to be independently designed and optimized, managing module complexity through functional separation while maintaining native coaxial connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution provides improved signal integrity and broadband performance by integrating a miniature balun and F-Type connector into a compact pluggable module, reducing incremental costs and complexity, and allowing seamless adaptation between different media types.

Implementation Method 1

integrates a balun (balancer/unbalance converter) inside the pluggable module to perform the 75Q single-ended to 100Q differential conversion necessary between the coax input and subsequent signal processing circuitry

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBalun (balanced/unbalanced converter):

Data Source

PatentUS11223173B2Pluggable module with coaxial connector interface

Publication Date: 2022.01.11 BEL POWER SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A pluggable module comprising a housing having a first end and second end, an edge connector disposed at the first end, an F-type coaxial connector at the second end and a release lever including a stamped body that is symmetrical about a centerline bisecting the length of the body.