Probe Cable Assembly with Plastically Deformable Guiding Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible probe cable assemblies struggle to maintain precise positioning due to restoring forces, leading to interference from ambient electric fields and inaccurate signal measurement in high-speed differential signal measurements.
Innovation Solution
A probe cable assembly featuring a plastically deformable guiding element and magnetic elements with gaps, allowing the cable to be irreversibly shaped and maintained in position, effectively shielding against common mode interference while preventing magnetic element contact and friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible cable assembly is used to allow positioning of the measurement tip, then the cable can be formed to position the measurement tip at the DUT, but restoring forces act to remove the measurement tip from the intended position
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly is pre-formed into a specific shape during manufacturing that corresponds to the intended measurement position. This preliminary shaping allows the cable to maintain its position without restoring forces, as the pre-formed shape naturally conforms to the desired configuration when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the cable assembly by adding magnetic elements with specific magnetic properties and configuring the cable geometry to have reduced flexibility in certain sections. This parameter modification allows the cable to maintain its shaped configuration while still allowing positioning.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If magnetic elements are provided around the cable to shield from common mode interference, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but magnetic elements may contact and create friction
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic shielding is divided into multiple discrete magnetic elements spaced along the cable rather than using a continuous magnetic shield. This segmentation prevents the magnetic elements from contacting each other, eliminating friction while maintaining shielding effectiveness through the distributed magnetic field.
Solution Approach 2:
A non-magnetic spacer or insulation layer is introduced between adjacent magnetic elements to prevent direct contact. This intermediary element maintains the spacing required to eliminate friction while allowing the magnetic elements to provide effective shielding from common mode interference.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible cable is used, then the cable can be positioned, but the restoring forces will deform the cable after positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is pre-formed into the exact shape required for the measurement application during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that when the cable is deployed, it naturally assumes the correct position without deformation from restoring forces, maintaining both flexibility and position accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable's physical parameters are modified by adding structural elements such as a rigid backbone or varying the cable construction to reduce flexibility in specific sections. This allows the cable to maintain its shaped configuration while still providing sufficient flexibility for positioning.
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 ensures precise positioning and stable signal transmission by maintaining the cable's shape without restoring forces, effectively shielding against common mode interference and reducing signal distortion.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of magnetic elements arranged around at least a section of the length of the cable, wherein each magnetic element is separated by a gap from adjacent magnetic elements
Implementation Method 2
a plastically deformable guiding element configured to fix the cable arrangement with a predetermined relative position between the probe interface and the measurement output interface
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a probe cable assembly comprising a probe interface configured to couple to a measurement interface and to receive a differential signal, a measurement output interface configured to output the differential signal, and a cable arrangement electrically arranged between the probe interface and the measurement output interface and configured to conduct the differential signal between the probe interface and the measurement output interface, the cable arrangement comprising a cable, a plurality of magnetic elements arranged around at least a section of the length of the cable, wherein each magnetic element is separated by a gap from adjacent magnetic elements, and a plastically deformable guiding element configured to fix the cable arrangement with a predetermined relative position between the probe interface and the measurement output interface.