Abstract: A printed circuit board includes additional stitching vias placed at strategic location within a connection matrix, which provides additional isolation and further accommodates high-speed communication capabilities. The stitching vias have a variable length or depth, depending on related structures within the circuit board, so as to avoid any interference with underlining escape routing, or alternative signal transmission structures. More specifically, these stitching vias help to eliminate cross-talk in the via field caused by the close proximity of signal carrying structures. Further, differential signal communication is better accommodated based upon this reduction in cross-talk.

Abstract: The various structures forming communication paths on a printed circuit board can create several undesired effects, especially when high frequency signals are considered. Non-functional pads created during the manufacturing process have the potential to create an undesired effect, but when the overall collection of non-functional pads are carefully configured, an optimized communication path can be formed. More specifically, by selectively removing some collection of the non-functional pads, the high frequency characteristics of the communication paths can be optimized.

Abstract: The various structures forming communication paths on a printed circuit board can create several undesired effects, especially when high frequency signals are considered. Non-functional pads created during the manufacturing process have the potential to create an undesired effect, but when the overall collection of non-functional pads are carefully configured, an optimized communication path can be formed. More specifically, by selectively removing some collection of the non-functional pads, the high frequency characteristics of the communication paths can be optimized.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, during a vibration welding process, a set of sensory signals from a collection of sensors positioned with respect to a work piece during formation of a weld on or within the work piece. The method also includes receiving control signals from a welding controller during the process, with the control signals causing the welding horn to vibrate at a calibrated frequency, and processing the received sensory and control signals using a host machine. Additionally, the method includes displaying a predicted weld quality status on a surface of the work piece using a status projector. The method may include identifying and display a quality status of a suspect weld. The laser projector may project a laser beam directly onto or immediately adjacent to the suspect welds, e.g., as a red, green, blue laser or a gas laser having a switched color filter.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, during a vibration welding process, a set of sensory signals from a collection of sensors positioned with respect to a work piece during formation of a weld on or within the work piece. The method also includes receiving control signals from a welding controller during the process, with the control signals causing the welding horn to vibrate at a calibrated frequency, and processing the received sensory and control signals using a host machine. Additionally, the method includes displaying a predicted weld quality status on a surface of the work piece using a status projector. The method may include identifying and display a quality status of a suspect weld. The laser projector may project a laser beam directly onto or immediately adjacent to the suspect welds, e.g., as a red, green, blue laser or a gas laser having a switched color filter.

Abstract: A system includes a host machine and a status projector. The host machine is in electrical communication with a collection of sensors and with a welding controller that generates control signals for controlling the welding horn. The host machine is configured to execute a method to thereby process the sensory and control signals, as well as predict a quality status of a weld that is formed using the welding horn, including identifying any suspect welds. The host machine then activates the status projector to illuminate the suspect welds. This may occur directly on the welds using a laser projector, or on a surface of the work piece in proximity to the welds. The system and method may be used in the ultrasonic welding of battery tabs of a multi-cell battery pack in a particular embodiment. The welding horn and welding controller may also be part of the system.