Electrochemically controlled capillarity to dynamically connect portions of an electrical circuit

    公开(公告)号:US11201393B2

    公开(公告)日:2021-12-14

    申请号:US16185763

    申请日:2018-11-09

    Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a capillary containing a eutectic conductive liquid (e.g., EGaIn) and an electrolyte (e.g., NaOH) that is integrated into a printed circuit board (PCB). In one embodiment, the capillary is formed in a through-hole in the PCB and has negative and positive electrodes at its respective ends to seal the eutectic conductive liquid and the electrolyte. The capillary further includes one or more electrodes that extend through a side of the portion of the capillary containing the liquids. The wiper electrodes also make electrical contact with respective conductive layers in the PCB. Using a DC voltage between the negative and positive electrodes, the eutectic conductive liquid forms electrical connections between the wiper electrodes, which in turn, forms electrical connections between the conductive layers in the PCB.

    Variable inductor through electrochemically controlled capillarity

    公开(公告)号:US10834829B1

    公开(公告)日:2020-11-10

    申请号:US16550403

    申请日:2019-08-26

    Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a variable inductor containing a capillary. The capillary includes an eutectic conductive liquid (e.g., EGaIn) containing suspended magnetic particles and an electrolyte (e.g., NaOH). In one embodiment, the variable inductor has a pair of electrodes (e.g., negative and positive electrodes) at the respective ends of the capillary to seal the eutectic conductive liquid and the electrolyte. The variable inductor also includes an inductor coil disposed around the capillary, and the inductor coil is connected to a circuit and provides inductance for the connected circuit. Using a DC voltage between the pair of electrodes, the eutectic conductive liquid can extend inside the capillary, which in turn, causes the variable inductor to have a desired inductance.

    Electrochemically controlled capillarity to dynamically connect portions of an electrical circuit

    公开(公告)号:US11855341B2

    公开(公告)日:2023-12-26

    申请号:US17457353

    申请日:2021-12-02

    CPC classification number: H01Q1/364 H01Q1/38 H05K3/06 H05K2203/0165

    Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a capillary containing a eutectic conductive liquid (e.g., EGaIn) and an electrolyte (e.g., NaOH) that is integrated into a printed circuit board (PCB). In one embodiment, the PCB includes a capillary, a negative electrode, a positive electrode, a plurality of insulation layers, and a conductive layer. The capillary extends through the PCB. The capillary includes a side surface forming an annular cylinder. A eutectic conductive liquid and an electrolyte are disposed within an aperture formed by the side surface. An electrode extends through the side surface and contacts at least the eutectic conductive liquid or the electrolyte. The negative electrode is disposed at a first end of the capillary. The positive electrode is disposed at a second end of the capillary. The conductive layer is disposed between two of the plurality of insulation layers. The electrode forms an electrical connection with the conductive layer.

    ELECTROCHEMICALLY CONTROLLED CAPILLARITY TO DYNAMICALLY CONNECT PORTIONS OF AN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT

    公开(公告)号:US20200153089A1

    公开(公告)日:2020-05-14

    申请号:US16185763

    申请日:2018-11-09

    Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a capillary containing a eutectic conductive liquid (e.g., EGaIn) and an electrolyte (e.g., NaOH) that is integrated into a printed circuit board (PCB). In one embodiment, the capillary is formed in a through-hole in the PCB and has negative and positive electrodes at its respective ends to seal the eutectic conductive liquid and the electrolyte. The capillary further includes one or more electrodes that extend through a side of the portion of the capillary containing the liquids. The wiper electrodes also make electrical contact with respective conductive layers in the PCB. Using a DC voltage between the negative and positive electrodes, the eutectic conductive liquid forms electrical connections between the wiper electrodes, which in turn, forms electrical connections between the conductive layers in the PCB.

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