Universal RF Input PCB Layout for Dual Tuner Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing tuner modules for digital radio receivers require multiple design processes and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for separate printed circuit boards to accommodate both coaxial cables and RF connectors, leading to complexity and expense.
Innovation Solution
A tuner module with a printed circuit board featuring a specific RF input pattern that is electrically interchangeable with both coaxial cables and RF connectors, including signal and ground soldering patterns for coaxial cables and pin insertion holes for RF connectors, allowing a single board to handle both types of connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate printed circuit boards are used for coaxial cables and RF connectors, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the previously separate RF input patterns for coaxial cables and RF connectors into a single integrated RF input pattern on one printed circuit board. The pattern includes both a coaxial cable connection area with soldering terminals and an RF connector connection area with corresponding terminals, allowing both connection types to coexist on the same board without interfering with each other, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The printed circuit board is designed with universal RF input capability that can accommodate both coaxial cable connections and RF connector connections through a single multi-functional RF input pattern. This universal design allows the same board to serve multiple connection purposes, reducing the need for separate specialized boards while ensuring reliable connections for both types of interfaces
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple printed circuit board designs are created for different connection types, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The RF input pattern is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate both coaxial cable connections and RF connector connections on the same printed circuit board. The pattern includes appropriately positioned terminals and connection areas for both connection types, allowing a single board design to serve multiple connection purposes without requiring separate specialized boards, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
Within the unified RF input pattern, the connection areas for coaxial cables and RF connectors are spatially segmented into distinct zones. The coaxial cable connection area includes dedicated soldering terminals, while the RF connector connection area includes corresponding terminals positioned for connector attachment. This segmentation within unity allows both connection types to be accommodated on the same board with clear manufacturing instructions, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining versatility
3Reliability
If separate printed circuit boards are used for different connection types, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the previously separate printed circuit boards for coaxial cable connections and RF connector connections into a single integrated board. The unified RF input pattern includes all necessary terminals and connection areas for both connection types, eliminating the need for separate boards and reducing manufacturing costs associated with producing, inventorying, and assembling multiple specialized boards, while maintaining connection reliability through proper terminal design and positioning
Data Source
AI summary
An RF input portion is formed on a printed circuit board and is operable to input a high-frequency signal received by an antenna device. An electronic component is mounted on the printed circuit and is operable to process the input high-frequency signal. The RF input portion has a specific pattern adapted to be electrically interchangeably connectable with a plurality of types of connections.