Is There a Simple Way to Route 9 Channels with Multiple Connectors on a PCB?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on designing a PCB that can route 9 channels from a larger set of 50 possible connections, specifically using 2-pos DF13 connectors. Participants explore potential methods for channel selection and routing, including the use of logic ICs, multiplexers, and microcontrollers, while considering the simplicity of the solution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about how the circuit identifies which channels are in use and whether programming is required, suggesting that 9 multiplexers could facilitate routing from 50 to 9 channels.
  • Another participant questions the nature of the channels being switched, asking about the type of signals (logic, analog voltage, or current) and the requirements for scanning inputs and remembering settings through power cycles.
  • A later reply clarifies that each channel includes a thermistor, indicating that the system reads resistance, and expresses a preference for a simple solution, potentially involving a microcontroller.
  • One participant challenges the clarity of the initial request, suggesting that a diagram could help illustrate the selection process and control information flow.
  • Another participant mentions the existence of commercial mechanical switches with relays, noting that electronic multiplexers may not be suitable for measuring resistances on the channels.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the best approach to achieve the desired routing and selection of channels, with no consensus on the simplest or most effective solution. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of implementation.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for more detailed specifications regarding the selection process and operational requirements, indicating that the current information is insufficient for a definitive answer.

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Hi,
I am designing a PCB with multiple 2-pos DF13 connectors in it (Like 50+).
at the end of the board there is a 10 pos. cable.

My intent is that the user (me) connects up to 9 channels in any position I like (I have 50 possible choices). However, this board is connected to another PCB that runs on DV connector that can only read 9 channels.

I wanted to know if there is a simple way to have some sort of logic IC (or maybe some other simpler way?) so that 9 channels get routed into the output of the board. Also, if there is a way for this IC to always number them in the same way (say top left is no. 1 , and go incremental row-wise or column-wise).

That way I can know which channel is which and I won't have to be testing each one everytime i use a different combination of positions (out of the possible 50).

Im assuming it is related to how TVs work (using a giant matrix of pixels) but this is a very small matrix of sensors that might or might not be in use.

Thank you!
 

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How does the circuit know which channels are used? Do you program it? Do you have to change that frequently?

50-->9 can be done with 9 multiplexers, and if you can program them you can get every possible routing.
 
What are the channels conducting, and what is permissible in the switching array? Are you switching Logic, analog voltage? analog Current? As you scan the inputs, how might you tell whether something is connected? Can you program a micro controller to scan the array and make decisions? Does it need to remember the settings through a power down? Are you switching 1000 volts? 200MHz? How fast do you need to decide? ETC ETC ETC

What are you really trying to do?

There is much you have left out that makes it impossible to answer.
 
Each channel has a thermistor in it, so it only reads resistance. So analgo voltage I would assume.

Yes i could add a micro-controller to scan and make decisions, however I would like to keep it as simple as possible. I am looking for the simplest solution.
 
again you fail to adequately describe what you are actually trying to do. Nothing about the selection process, how you want it to work. Try drawing a diagram with switches that show selected and unselected channels and where the control information comes from.

It may be that a uC IS the simplest, but it's hard to be sure with no real specification.
 
There are commercial mechanical switches with relays. I guess electronic multiplexers don't help if you want to measure resistances on those channels.
Where is the "logical"?
 

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