Shawn Utz

Title: Innovations by Shawn Utz

Introduction

Shawn Utz is an accomplished inventor based in Kent, WA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of printed circuit board technology, holding 2 patents that address critical issues in high-speed communication and impedance compensation.

Latest Patents

One of Shawn's latest patents is titled "PCB with minimized crosstalk." This invention involves a printed circuit board that incorporates additional stitching vias strategically placed within a connection matrix. These vias provide enhanced isolation and accommodate high-speed communication capabilities. The variable length or depth of the stitching vias is designed to avoid interference with underlying escape routing or alternative signal transmission structures. This innovation effectively eliminates cross-talk in the via field, which is caused by the close proximity of signal-carrying structures. Furthermore, it improves differential signal communication by reducing cross-talk.

Another notable patent is the "Method for impedance compensation in printed circuit boards." This invention addresses several undesired effects that arise from the various structures forming communication paths on a printed circuit board, particularly when high-frequency signals are involved. Non-functional pads created during the manufacturing process can lead to undesirable effects. However, by carefully configuring the overall collection of non-functional pads, an optimized communication path can be established. Selectively removing certain non-functional pads allows for the optimization of high-frequency characteristics in the communication paths.

Career Highlights

Shawn Utz is currently employed at Cray Incorporated, where he continues to innovate and develop advanced technologies in the field of printed circuit boards. His work has significantly impacted the efficiency and performance of electronic communication systems.

Collaborations

Shawn collaborates with talented individuals such as Hyunjun Kim and Paul T Wildes, contributing to a dynamic and innovative work environment.

Conclusion

Shawn Utz is a notable inventor whose work in printed circuit board technology has led to significant advancements in communication efficiency. His patents reflect a deep understanding of the challenges in high-speed signal transmission and offer practical solutions to enhance performance.