Universal Receiver for Mass Interconnect Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional cable-based automatic test equipment systems require significant calibration time and risk performance issues upon reinstallation, and they fail to efficiently interconnect various instrumentation platforms without causing equipment damage or wear.

Innovation Solution

A universal mass interconnect system with a hybrid receiver assembly that includes spatially separated horizontal and vertical rails, allowing for secure positioning of interconnect modules such as APEX plug and socket modules, direct access kits, and flexible PCBs, which supports multiple test platforms like PXI, LXI, and AXIe, enabling efficient and safe connection and disconnection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional cable-based automatic test equipment systems are used, then connectivity between test platforms can be achieved, but significant calibration time is required and performance issues occur upon reinstallation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance stabilityVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the test connection into modular segments: a universal receiver with standardized interface and interchangeable test adapters with matching interfaces. This segmentation allows quick connection/disconnection without full system recalibration, as only the adapter module needs to be replaced rather than the entire cable-based connection system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The universal receiver employs a standardized interface design that can accommodate multiple types of test adapters (PXI, LXI, AXIe platforms) through a single platform. This universality eliminates the need for multiple specialized cable connections and their associated calibration procedures, allowing any adapter to be quickly swapped without performance degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional cable-based systems are used for interconnecting test platforms, then connectivity is achieved, but equipment damage and wear occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatform interconnectivityVSAvoidequipment wear and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables dynamic reconfiguration of test platforms by allowing quick interchange of adapters on the universal receiver. This dynamic capability supports multiple platform interconnections (PXI to LXI, LXI to AXIe, etc.) without the mechanical wear associated with traditional cable plugging and unplugging, as the standardized interface minimizes stress on connection points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If universal receiver with interchangeable adapters is used, then connection interchangeability and system compatibility are enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem compatibilityVSAvoidreceiver structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter design features a nested structure where the adapter module inserts into the universal receiver housing. This nesting approach consolidates multiple connection functions within a compact form factor, reducing the overall spatial complexity while maintaining the ability to support various test platforms through standardized interface geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS10938429B1Universal receiver

Publication Date: 2021.03.02 MAC PANEL

AI summary

A universal assembly for mass interconnect connection are shown and described. In one embodiment, an assembly includes an upper tier adapted to secure a vertical interconnect module on horizontal rails; and a lower tier having a horizontal carrier insert adapted to secure a horizontal interconnect module pulled-through said horizontal carrier insert, and a vertical module block insert adapted to secure a vertical interconnect module block. The result is an interconnect system and receiver for enhancing organizational and interchangeable electrical engagement.