Route-Through Connector Footprint for PCB Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed, low-voltage signaling on printed circuit boards is compromised by stub traces used for testing, leading to signal degradation and the need for separate test and production boards, increasing costs and reducing reliability.
Innovation Solution
A route-through connector footprint allows a standard connector to be directly integrated into the line traces between ICs on a printed circuit board, eliminating the need for stub traces and enabling testing at operational speeds without significant signal degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If stub traces are used to connect connectors to line traces for testing, then testing capability is provided, but signal quality deteriorates due to reflections and dispersions
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful stub trace segment is extracted and removed from the system. Instead of routing traces to a connector and back (creating stubs), the connector is positioned to allow traces to pass directly underneath it, eliminating the reflective and dispersive stub portions while maintaining testing capability through direct trace access.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the connector connection point to a different spatial dimension - placing the connector above the trace layer rather than integrating it into the trace routing plane. This allows traces to pass underneath the connector in the horizontal plane, eliminating stub formation while maintaining electrical connection capability.
2Reliability
If separate test and production boards are manufactured to avoid stub traces, then signal quality is maintained, but system cost increases and board layout complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single board design serves both production and testing functions. The connector footprint is integrated into the standard board layout, allowing the same board to be used for both operational use and signal testing, eliminating the need for separate test and production board variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing functionality is merged into the production board design by integrating the connector footprint directly into the trace routing. This combines what were previously separate functions (production operation and testing) into a single unified board design, reducing complexity and cost.
3Ease of operation
If connectors are placed at the edge of the board with stub traces, then connector accessibility is improved, but trace length increases causing signal degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is positioned in the vertical dimension above the trace layer rather than at the board edge in the horizontal plane. This allows traces to pass directly underneath the connector, minimizing trace length while maintaining connector accessibility from the board edge.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for observing signaling on the traces between ICs on a PC board without introducing significant signal degradation is provided. A route-through connector footprint allows the use of a standard connector without the use of stub traces. The route-through connector footprint allows a standard connector to be introduced directly into the line traces routed between ICs. Because stub traces are not used, this technique for mechanical interconnection into the line traces on a PC board allows for a single board layout to be used for both test and production. Additionally, because stub traces are not used, signal quality is minimally impacted and testing can be performed at operational speeds improving the reliability of the test function. The use of a route-through connector footprint additionally saves PC board space and cost.