Shared conductors for bidirectional signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly and interconnection of compact electronic components in personal computers and consumer devices present challenges due to increased complexity and cost, as each component requires a dedicated microbus connector, leading to cluttered circuit boards and complex manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing shared conductors that serve dual purposes by concurrently transmitting sensory or control signals to multiple internal devices, allowing for reduced pin counts, fewer connectors, and simplified connectivity by exploiting differences in frequency spectra across devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated microbus connectors are used for each internal device, then device functionality and reliability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single microbus connector to serve multiple internal devices simultaneously. The connector transmits different signals (fan control signals at lower frequencies and lighting control signals at higher frequencies) through the same physical medium, allowing one connector to replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated connectors. This reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable communication with each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in signal frequency to differentiate between devices sharing the same conductor. By transmitting fan control signals at lower frequencies and lighting control signals at higher frequencies, the system can multiplex multiple signal types over a single connector. The frequency parameter serves as a distinguishing characteristic that allows the controller to address different devices through the shared physical connection.
2Reliability
If dedicated microbus connectors are used for each internal device, then signal integrity is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to universally support multiple device types by transmitting different frequency ranges. This single universal connector replaces multiple device-specific connectors, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing assembly steps while maintaining signal integrity through frequency-based signal separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple signal transmission functions into a single physical connector. By combining fan control and lighting control transmissions over the same conductor, the system reduces the number of separate connections required, thereby simplifying manufacturing and assembly while preserving signal quality through appropriate frequency allocation.
3Device complexity
If shared conductors are used for multiple devices, then device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but signal interference may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of transmitted signals to prevent interference between devices sharing the same conductor. By assigning lower frequencies to fan control signals and higher frequencies to lighting control signals, the system creates frequency separation that prevents signal overlap and interference, allowing multiple devices to share conductors without harmful interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving different frequency characteristics to different signal types on the same conductor. Each signal type occupies a specific frequency range, creating localized signal quality zones within the shared transmission medium. This frequency-based differentiation ensures that each device receives its intended signal without interference from other devices sharing the conductor.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a computer system comprises transmitting first and second signals between a device interface and a first device over an elongate first conductor, the second signal including content of higher frequency than the first signal; transmitting a timing signal over an elongate second conductor, between a device interface and the first device, for synchronizing the second signal; and exposing at least the second signal and the timing signal to a second device distinct from the first device, the first device being substantially non-responsive to the second signal and to the timing signal, wherein at least the first or second elongate conductor conducts bidirectionally between the device interface and the first device.