Printhead Pin Configurations for EMI Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Media processing devices face challenges in achieving high-speed data transmission and processing due to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and inefficiencies in pin configurations, which affect the conversion of electronic data into indicia on media, leading to reduced performance and potential non-compliance with radiation standards.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of pin configurations that group signal pins with reference voltage pins, such as ground or VDD, reduces the effective loop area, decreases propagation times, and minimizes electromagnetic interference, thereby enhancing data transmission rates and compliance with radiation standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If signal pins are grouped with reference voltage pins to reduce loop area and EMI, then electromagnetic interference is reduced and data transmission speed is improved, but pin configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidpin configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pin configuration is segmented into distinct groups: signal pins (data, clock, control) and reference voltage pins (VDD, GND). Each group is spatially separated and assigned to specific cable bundles, creating organized segments that reduce EMI while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Reference voltage pins act as intermediaries between signal pins and the ground plane. By placing reference voltage pins adjacent to signal pins and connecting them through dedicated cable bundles, the patent creates controlled impedance paths that mediate EMI effects and improve signal integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If pin configurations are optimized for high-speed data transmission by reducing loop area, then propagation time decreases and data transmission rate increases, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into multiple sections with dedicated cable bundles for different signal types (data, clock, control, power, ground). This segmentation allows each bundle to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturing feasibility through modular assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the connector are assigned different pin configurations optimized for their specific functions. Signal pins have specific impedance requirements, reference voltage pins have different spacing, and cable bundles are routed through specific pathways. This local optimization achieves high-speed performance without requiring complete redesign of the entire connector.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 faster data processing and conversion into indicia on media while reducing electromagnetic interference, resulting in improved performance and compliance with standards by decreasing inductance and creating a more consistent impedance for high-speed signal lines.

Implementation Method 1

minimizes electromagnetic interference, thereby enhancing data transmission rates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interference: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

decreases propagation times, and minimizes electromagnetic interference

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical signal propagation: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

decreasing inductance and creating a more consistent impedance for high-speed signal lines

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductance: Inductor

Data Source

PatentUS10814642B2Printhead pin configurations
Publication Date: 2020.10.27 ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORP
  • US10814642B2 patent drawing
  • US10814642B2 patent drawing
  • US10814642B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A media processing device is disclosed. An example media processing device includes memory including machine-readable instructions; and a processor to execute the machine-readable instructions to control a printhead assembly, the processor being configured to communicate with the printhead assembly in accordance with a pin configuration, wherein the pin configuration includes pin groups, and each of the pin groups includes a signal line and a reference voltage, wherein the signal line pin is coupled to a source of changing values, and the reference voltage pin is coupled to a constant voltage.