Shielded Interposer Assembly for Removable PCB Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrical devices with SFP or SFP+ modules, replacing printed circuit boards (PCBs) is costly and time-consuming due to the non-removable nature of the PCBs, which require disassembling the chassis and taking the device offline.
Innovation Solution
A shielded interposer assembly with an electrically conductive plate and EMI cage supports an interposer, allowing for easy mating and demating of electrical devices, enabling the PCBs to be replaced without disassembling the device, by using a shielded interposer assembly that includes an electrically conductive plate, an EMI cage, and an interposer with mating interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PCBs are made non-removable to ensure stable electrical connection, then reliability of electrical connection is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate components: a fixed PCB in the chassis and a removable interposer assembly that can be easily replaced. This segmentation allows the PCB to remain permanently mounted for stable connections while the interposer handles the removable function for ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The interposer acts as an intermediary component between the fixed PCB and the SFP modules. It provides stable electrical connections when attached to the PCB while being itself easily removable and replaceable, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of connection stability and repairability.
2Ease of repair
If PCBs are made removable for easy replacement, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The replacement process is segmented into two simple steps: remove the interposer assembly from the old PCB and attach it to the new PCB. This avoids the complex chassis disassembly that would otherwise be required, making repair easier while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The interposer assembly is extracted as a separate, self-contained unit that can be independently removed and replaced. This extraction allows the PCB to be changed without affecting the chassis or other components, simplifying the repair process.
3Manufacturing precision
If extensive disassembly is required to replace PCBs, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interposer assembly is pre-configured with alignment features and connection interfaces that ensure proper positioning when attached to the PCB. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming alignment adjustments during replacement, maintaining manufacturing precision while reducing replacement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The interposer assembly is extracted as a complete, pre-assembled unit with all connection elements already in place. This allows the entire assembly to be replaced in one operation without requiring time-consuming disassembly and reassembly of individual components, thus reducing replacement time while maintaining connection accuracy.
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
Facilitates the replacement of PCBs without requiring extensive disassembly, reducing costs and time, while maintaining electrical communication between devices through the interposer assembly.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive plate... an electrically conductive EMI cage... configured to be supported by the electrically conductive plate
Data Source
AI summary
A shielded interposer assembly includes an electrically conductive plate, an electrically conductive EMI cage, and an interposer. The cage is configured to be supported by the electrically conductive plate and defines a cage interior. The interposer that defines first and second opposed mating interfaces. The interposer is configured to be supported by the electrically conductive plate such that each of the first and second mating interfaces is disposed in the cage interior. The EMI cage has front and rear ends that at least partially define front and rear mating paths that are configured to receive respective first and second electrical devices so as to mate the first and second electrical devices to the first and second mating ends, respectively, of the interposer.