Smart Breadboard Trace Generation via Video Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for translating breadboard circuits to printed circuit boards (PCBs) are prone to translation errors, leading to lengthy design, troubleshooting, and manufacturing processes, and often result in flawed PCBs that contribute to electronic waste.
Innovation Solution
A smart breadboard or smart printed circuit board system that connects to a computer, allowing users to download trace geometry directly onto the board, eliminating the need for jumper wires and enabling easy verification of trace designs. This system includes a switching matrix driven by a video imager, a power control circuit, and integration with computer software for automated circuit trace generation and reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual translation from breadboard to PCB is performed, then design flexibility is maintained, but translation errors increase and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copying technology where a video imager captures the breadboard circuit layout and automatically generates corresponding PCB trace geometry. This digital copy process eliminates manual translation errors while significantly reducing design time, as the circuit design is directly replicated from breadboard to PCB format without human intervention in the translation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of translating breadboard connections to PCB traces with an automated optical-digital system. The video imager captures the physical breadboard layout, and computer software automatically converts this visual information into precise PCB trace geometry, substituting human manual work with automated optical recognition and digital processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If jumper wires are used on breadboard, then circuit reconfiguration is flexible, but translation errors increase and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures the exact configuration of jumper wires and circuit connections on the breadboard through optical imaging, then automatically reproduces this configuration as precise PCB trace geometry. This copying process ensures that the manufacturing precision of PCB connections matches the flexibility of breadboard reconfiguration, eliminating translation errors while preserving design adaptability.
3Productivity
If PCB manufacturing is performed without verification, then production speed increases, but e-waste increases due to flawed traces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary verification of trace geometry by capturing an image of the actual PCB traces after manufacturing and comparing them against the original breadboard circuit design. This preliminary check identifies any deviations or errors before the PCB is deployed, preventing flawed products from becoming e-waste and ensuring manufacturing quality without sacrificing production speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the video imager captures the manufactured PCB traces, the computer software compares the actual traces against the intended design from the breadboard, and any discrepancies are identified for correction. This feedback mechanism ensures high manufacturing accuracy and prevents defective PCBs from entering service, reducing e-waste generation.
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
The system significantly reduces the time spent on circuit design, troubleshooting, and manufacturing by minimizing translation errors and ensuring valid connections, thereby reducing electronic waste and improving the efficiency of the circuit development process.
Implementation Method 1
The switching matrix is a photoconductive switching matrix driven by a video imager. The video imager is configured to create circuit traces on the photoconductive switching matrix
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and computer program product for automated circuit trace generation and reconfiguration on a circuit board, includes a circuit board having a plurality of contact points; a switching matrix coupled to the contact points of the circuit board, and connected to a computer. The switching matrix is programmed by the computer to generate one or more circuit traces onto the contact points of the circuit board.