Single-Wire Communication Board-to-Board Interconnect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing device cables face significant power and space constraints due to high transmission loss as cable length increases, limiting data throughput beyond a certain distance, especially with USB 3.1 which struggles to maintain throughput beyond eight to ten inches.
Innovation Solution
Implementing single-wire communication (SWC) connections that utilize a single wire for data transmission without a return wire, enabling low-loss, high-bandwidth channels exceeding 40 Gbps with reduced power requirements and simplified IO design, allowing for longer connection lengths and increased flexibility in device designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional transmission lines with differential cable pairs are used, then data throughput can be maintained over short distances, but transmission loss increases significantly beyond eight to ten inches, limiting cable length and requiring additional components like re-drivers or re-timers that consume more power and occupy PCB space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the return path function from the signal transmission function by utilizing the ground plane as a separate reference path. This separation allows the signal to travel along a single wire while the return current flows through the ground plane, eliminating the need for a second differential wire and reducing transmission loss associated with conventional differential pairs
Solution Approach 2:
The ground plane serves multiple functions: it acts as the reference plane for impedance control, provides the return path for signal currents, and functions as a shield against electromagnetic interference. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate return wires while maintaining signal integrity over longer distances
2Length of stationary object
If re-drivers or re-timers are used to extend cable length, then data throughput can be maintained over longer distances, but power consumption increases and PCB board space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for active signal regeneration components by extracting the return path function to the ground plane. This passive single-wire configuration eliminates power-hungry re-drivers and re-timers while achieving extended cable lengths through reduced transmission loss
Solution Approach 2:
The ground plane automatically provides the return path and impedance reference without requiring additional active components. The system uses existing structural elements (the ground plane) to fulfill multiple electrical functions, eliminating the need for power-consuming signal conditioning devices
3Reliability
If conventional differential cable pairs are used, then signal integrity can be maintained, but the number of wires required increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the return path function from the signal transmission function by utilizing the ground plane as a separate reference path. This separation allows the signal to travel along a single wire while the return current flows through the ground plane, eliminating the need for a second differential wire and reducing transmission loss associated with conventional differential pairs
Solution Approach 2:
The ground plane serves multiple functions: it acts as the reference plane for impedance control, provides the return path for signal currents, and functions as a shield against electromagnetic interference. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate return wires while maintaining signal integrity over longer distances
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
SWC connections provide a significant reduction in power consumption, frequency-dependent loss, and the number of wires needed, enabling higher bandwidth and longer connections without the need for electro-optical conversion, improving compatibility and reducing crosstalk, thus enhancing device-to-device communication speeds and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the single-wire transmission line to receive a signal from the contact pin and from the communication horn launcher and to propagate the signal as a transverse electromagnetic wave along an outer surface of the single-wire transmission line
Data Source
AI summary
A solution to the technical problem of improving device-to-device connection speeds includes the use of single-wire communication (SWC). Unlike the two differential wires required in transmission lines, SWC includes a transmission method using a single wire for data without requiring a return wire. The use of SWC has the potential to enable low loss channels of increasingly high bandwidth. The SWC improvements in bandwidth and frequency enable a significant reduction of power required for communication. SWC provides significant improvement in speed for each channel, so fewer wires may be used for each device-to-device connection. SWC also provides the ability to convey increased bandwidth and increased power over each wire, which further reduces the number of wires needed to provide power and communication.