HF terminals of HF connectors and methods to improve connector signal integrity.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for improving the signal integrity quality of a male HF connector (2) and / or an HF mating connector (2, 6; 40), preferably for use in the automotive industry, wherein for an HF mating connector (2, 6; 40) with improved quality, an air gap (4) is provided between the dielectric materials (20, 60) of the male HF connector (2) and the female HF mating connector (6), wherein at least one uncompensated signal integrity of the HF mating connector (2, 6; 40) is determined in a preliminary step of the method, and in a design step of the method, an HF compensation region (122) is provided next to the electromagnetic contact portion (110) of the male HF terminal (10) of the HF mating connector (2, 6; 40), and the compensated signal integrity of the HF mating connector (2, 6; 40) is determined, wherein the size of the HF compensation region (122) is determined such that the quality of the compensated signal integrity is higher than the quality of the uncompensated signal integrity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to HF terminals for HF connectors, particularly male HF terminals, preferably for use in the automotive industry. The invention also relates to methods for improving the signal integrity quality of male HF connectors and / or HF mating connectors. Furthermore, the invention relates to: HF connectors, particularly male HF connectors; HF mating connectors, particularly HF coaxial mating connectors or HF twisted-pair mating connectors; and electrical components, each preferably for use in the automotive industry. Background Technology

[0002] In the electrical industry (electronics, electrical engineering, electrical equipment, power technology, etc.), a large number of electrical connection devices or connectors, sockets, pins, and / or hybrid connectors—hereinafter referred to as (electrical) connectors (also known as mating connectors)—are well-known and used for transmitting current, voltage, signals, and / or data, with a wide range of current, voltage, frequency, and / or data rate values. In low, medium, or high voltage and / or current applications, especially in the automotive industry, these connectors are installed in environments subjected to mechanical stress, warmth or heat, dirt, humidity, and / or chemical corrosion, and need to ensure continuous, repetitive, and / or brief transmission of power, signals, and / or data after relatively long periods of inactivity. Due to their wide range of applications, a large number of specially developed connectors are known.

[0003] Such connectors, and (if relevant), their associated housings (e.g., in the case of connecting devices or equipment) or higher-level housings (e.g., in the case of connecting equipment), can be installed in wires, cables, cable trees, etc.—hereinafter referred to as assembled (electrical) cables—or in / within electrical equipment or devices, such as in / within housings, on / within lead frames, on / within circuit boards, etc., (electrical), electro-optical, or electronic components, or corresponding aggregates (electrical entities), etc.

[0004] If a connector (with or without a housing) is located at a cable, line, or cable tree, it is called a flight (plug) connector or plug, socket, and / or connector; if it is located at or within an electrical, optoelectronic, or electronic component, polymer, etc., it is also called a connector device, such as a (mount / attach) connector, (mount / attach) plug, or (mount / attach) socket. Furthermore, connectors at such devices are often also referred to as (plug) receptacles, pin connectors, pin strips, or headstocks.

[0005] Such connectors must ensure fault-free power transmission, and the corresponding and complementary parts (connector and mating connector) typically include locking and / or fastening devices to lock and / or secure the connector to the mating connector, or vice versa, making it permanent, but usually releasable. Additionally, the electrical connection device for the connector, such as including or containing actual contact devices (terminals; typically designed as a single material or integral unit, e.g., contact elements) or contact devices (terminals; typically designed as multiple, two, one, or one material or integral unit, e.g., one or more (crimped) contact devices), must be securely fixed therein. In the case of (pre)assembled cables, such connection devices can be provided in the form of connectors (see above), i.e., without a housing, e.g., in flight.

[0006] Efforts have been made to improve electrical connectors and their terminals, particularly to configure them more efficiently and to design and / or manufacture them more economically. In HF technology (High Frequency: HF, defined herein as frequencies greater than 3 to greater than 300 MHz, significantly entering the gigahertz range (approximately 150 GHz)), other rules apply to those in conventional electrical engineering (defined herein as frequencies below approximately 3 MHz) because, in HF technology, the wave characteristics of electricity become particularly important. HF connectors are therefore highly sensitive to air gaps in the longitudinal direction between the dielectric materials involved in a pair of HF terminals of the relevant HF mating connector. This means that the air gap should be as small as possible so that the signal amplitude of the HF connection is only slightly impaired due to the air gap.

[0007] Therefore, the tolerance range of HF connectors must be very small or extremely small. For this reason, many HF connectors are designed as screw-in HF connectors, which allows tolerances to be kept very small, and the air gap that occurs here can only extend a very small distance. However, screw-in HF connectors are significantly more complex to operate than insert connectors, require longer installation time, and are also significantly more expensive. Therefore, the object of this invention is to provide an efficient, economical, and / or easy-to-manufacture HF connector with reduced sensitivity to air gaps. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is achieved by: HF terminals of HF connectors, particularly male HF terminals, preferably for use in the automotive industry; methods for improving the signal integrity quality of male HF connectors and / or HF plug connectors; and the use of HF connectors, particularly male HF connectors, HF plug connectors, particularly HF coaxial plug connectors or HF twisted-pair plug connectors, and electrical entities, preferably each, in the automotive industry. Advantageous developments, additional features, and / or advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description.

[0009] The HF terminal according to the invention includes an electromechanical contact portion, a mechanical fastening portion, and an electromechanical engagement portion, and the HF terminal extends in a longitudinal direction. The contact portion provides electromechanical contact between the HF terminal and an HF mating terminal, the fastening portion provides fastening of the HF terminal in the electrolyte and in the housing, and the engagement portion provides further electromechanical contact between the HF terminal and the housing. Here, the fastening portion may include the engagement portion and / or may be used to perform its function. The fastening portion and the engagement portion can therefore be accommodated in a common portion of the HF terminal.

[0010] According to the present invention, for the final mating position subject to the tolerances of the HF plug connector, the HF plug connector includes an HF connector with HF terminals and an HF mating connector with HF mating terminals, wherein the HF terminals include a geometrically improved HF compensation region next to their contact portions, such that the signal integrity loss of the HF plug connector can be compensated and / or partially compensated due to the HF compensation region.

[0011] In other words, the final mating position of the two HF terminals of a specialized plug-in type (i.e., non-screw-in) HF plug connector (which includes an HF connector and an HF mating connector) (i.e., the HF terminal according to the invention, relative to the corresponding mating terminal in the HF plug connector) is also subject to tolerances in the longitudinal direction of the HF plug connector; the same applies to another type of insert connector. This final mating position subject to tolerances has an impact on the signal integrity of the HF plug connector (see below), or thus causes a certain loss of signal integrity of the HF signal connector.

[0012] Depending on the type, the tolerances at the contact portions of the HF terminals may add up to more than 1.4 mm. Of course, other tolerance cases can also be handled according to the invention. Particularly in the case of HF coaxial or HF twisted-pair connectors, these tolerances create annular air gaps between the dielectric materials of the HF terminals. This means that the associated HF terminal plug-in connector is partially surrounded by these annular air gaps. Since the adjacent annular air gaps in the two longitudinal directions and the dielectric materials of the HF connector have significantly different dielectric constants, this has a significant impact on the signal integrity of the HF connector.

[0013] The HF compensation region of the HF terminal according to the invention relates to a form or shape at and / or within the HF terminal that differs on the one hand from the conventional form of the HF terminal in the longitudinal direction before and / or after the HF compensation region, and on the other hand has a (passive) capability to partially compensate for signal integrity loss in the HF plug-in connection. This allows for the compensation of a certain degree of signal integrity loss in the HF plug connector. This means that, according to the invention, the potential deterioration of the signal integrity of the HF plug connector due to air gaps between the dielectric materials of the two HF connectors is prevented by the HF compensation region (static compensation) according to the invention. The HF compensation region is used herein as an impedance compensator, impedance compensation device, or impedance compensation material. The design of the HF terminal according to the invention helps to match the impedance caused by dielectric gaps in this region and improves the HF performance of the HF plug connector.

[0014] The HF compensation area can be set or arranged at / in the HF terminal or in the mechanical fastening part. The HF compensation area can also be set or arranged between the contact part and the fastening part at / in the HF terminal. The HF compensation area can also be set or arranged according to changes in the size or diameter of the HF terminal. Here, the HF compensation area can be arranged within the dielectric in the HF connector, where the compensation area can serve as the sole (form-fit locking and / or friction locking) fastening of the HF terminal within the dielectric.

[0015] The HF compensation area can be located at / inside the HF terminal, at least on one side, particularly on both sides or all sides. Here, the HF compensation area can be divided into at least two molded areas that together form the HF compensation area. This is, for example, the case of a two-sided HF compensation area for the HF terminal. Of course, three-sided, four-sided, or multi-sided HF compensation areas can be provided. The HF compensation area can also be located at / inside the HF terminal, around a portion of the periphery or around the entire periphery.

[0016] Apart from its insertion area, HF compensation area, and engagement portion, the HF terminal can be designed as a straight solid cylinder (male HF terminal). The base of this solid cylinder can be rectangular, especially substantially square, elliptical, especially substantially circular, prismatic, etc. The cross-section of the HF compensation area can be symmetrically arranged or positioned within the HF terminal with respect to its longitudinal axis, or mirror-symmetrically arranged or positioned with respect to the cross-section of the HF terminal.

[0017] Preferably, this involves all cross-sections of the HF compensation area or protrusion. The dimensions, shape, and / or location of the cross-section of the HF terminal can be substantially the same in the longitudinal direction, at least segmented immediately before and / or after the HF compensation area. The cross-section of the HF terminal, the cross-section of the contact portion, the cross-section of the fastening portion, and / or the cross-section of the engagement portion—excluding the HF compensation area—can be rectangular, especially substantially square, or elliptical, especially substantially circular.

[0018] The HF compensation area can be arranged as a protrusion in the central portion of the HF terminal. Here, the protrusion can be entirely or partially rectangular solid, cubic, or partially surrounding multiple sides, depending on the design of the HF terminal and its cross-section; or it can have an elliptical, oval, or spherical shape. Here, at least some or all of the longitudinal sections of the HF compensation area, protrusion, or molded area can be identical and flush with each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0019] According to the present invention, there may be two substantially identical HF terminals, one terminal having a larger compensation region, or a compensation region of a larger size, configured for higher frequencies (see [reference]). Figure 8 The protrusion may also have a wholly or partially constant size or diameter in the longitudinal direction. The protrusion may also have a wholly or partially beveled surface in the longitudinal direction. In particular, the HF terminal may be designed as an HF terminal that can only be plugged in and not screwed on. The HF terminal can be manufactured here, for example, by a stamping and forming process (pressing, embossing, etc.), which may be followed by a turning process, such as compression molding, etc.

[0020] HF terminals and their HF compensation areas or protrusions can be designed as single pieces or monolithic materials. A monolithic design refers to the formation of an HF terminal where there is only a single component, which can only be destructively divided. This component is made from a single starting piece (metal plate, blank, etc.) and / or from a single starting material (molten metal), and therefore must be integral in itself. It is held together internally by adhesion and / or cohesion. A materially (adhesively) monolithic design refers to a design of an HF terminal where the various parts are materially fixed to each other (welded, brazed, glued, etc.), and preferably cannot be separated into its parts without damaging one of them. Cohesion can also be generated here through friction and / or form-fit locking (not a monolithic design).

[0021] HF terminals can be configured using the method according to the invention for improving signal integrity. HF terminals can be constructed as contact devices (see above) or contact equipment (see above), particularly pin terminals. Of course, HF terminals can also be constructed as tab terminals, amphoteric terminals, etc., if suitable.

[0022] In the method for improving signal integrity according to the present invention (see also...) Figures 3 to 10 First, in the preparatory steps of the method for improving the quality of the HF plug connector (and thus designed) (see also...) Figure 1 and 3 In step 6), at least one uncompensated signal integrity issue is identified in the HF connector, which has an air gap between the dielectric materials of the male HF connector and the female HF mating connector. This is addressed in the design steps following the preliminary steps (see also...). Figure 2 and 7 In step 10), an HF compensation area is provided next to the electromechanical contact portion of the male HF terminal of the HF connector, and the compensated signal integrity of the HF connector is determined, wherein the size of the HF compensation area is determined such that the quality of the compensated signal integrity is higher than the quality of the uncompensated signal integrity.

[0023] This method is preferably designed for designing partially impedance-compensated male HF connectors or partially impedance-compensated HF plug connectors. According to the invention, the HF plug connector can be designed as a simulated image of a real HF plug connector, rather than a conceptual HF connector. The HF plug connector can exist here as a standardized HF plug connector, for example from a range, for example for a specific application. Through this method, for example, an HF plug connector subject to tolerances can be simulated, where the HF terminal plug connector is at least partially surrounded by an air gap between dielectric materials. The air gap is preferably designed as an at least partially surrounding annular air gap.

[0024] In the preparatory step, multiple TDR time signals of the HF connector can be used to select the male HF connector and / or HF plug connector. Additionally, in the preparatory step, the operating dimensions, particularly the diameter, of the male HF terminal and its associated shielding conductor sleeve are matched to each other relative to the desired impedance, thereby selecting the male HF connector and / or HF plug connector for quality improvement. In the preparatory step, the HF connector and / or HF plug connector is preferably designed for an impedance of 50 ohms. Other impedances, such as 75 ohms, 93-125 ohms, etc., can certainly be used.

[0025] The air gap between the dielectric materials can also be specifically configured in the preparatory steps. The dimensions of the male HF terminal, particularly its outer diameter, can also be selected in the preparatory steps. It is feasible to select typical dimensions for the HF terminal here (without calculation or simulation), such as a diameter of 0.4 mm. In addition, the dimensions of the shielding conductor sleeve, especially its outer diameter, associated with the selected male HF terminal can be determined in the preparatory steps.

[0026] During the design phase, multiple HF connectors can be referenced to identify male HF connectors and / or HF connectors to improve quality. For other identical HF connectors, the dimensions of the HF compensation area, particularly variations in diameter, are considered. Here, the air gap between the dielectric materials can be configured again during the design phase. TDR time signals and / or S-parameters can also be referenced during the design phase to evaluate quality improvements. Additionally, during the design phase, variations in dimensions, particularly diameter, can occur, including increases in size.

[0027] In the form of an embodiment of the invention, it can be observed here that at relatively low frequencies (see...) Figure 8 Below approximately 2.4 to 2.7 GHz, a larger HF compensation region leads to greater signal integrity attenuation. At relatively higher frequencies (see [reference needed]), Figure 8 (For frequencies greater than approximately 2.4 to 2.7 GHz), a larger HF compensation region results in a greater improvement in signal integrity. Of course, this can produce other consequences in different embodiments, which can be examined individually by the method according to the invention. Therefore, according to the invention, for a given transmission rate and a specific size, a specific form of the compensation region is selected in some cases (e.g., determined by the size) and / or a specific location in some cases (e.g., determined by the size), and correspondingly configured at / in the HF terminal.

[0028] In the intermediate steps (see also...) Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the design phase, impedance checks related to the desired impedance can be performed, and in some cases, the geometry or size of the male HF connector, HF plug connector, and / or HF compensation area can be adjusted. According to the invention, the air gap is preferably designed as a completely surrounding annular air gap. The method according to the invention for improving signal integrity quality is preferably performed as a computer-supported simulation method. Of course, the method according to the invention can also be performed with real components, wherein the TDR time signal and S-parameters are then measured instead of simulated.

[0029] The HF connector according to the invention comprises a shielded conductor sleeve, a dielectric material housed inside the shielded conductor sleeve, and HF terminals secured within the dielectric material, wherein the HF terminals are designed according to the invention, and / or the HF connector is designed by or has been designed by the method according to the invention. Such HF connectors are particularly suitable for HF coaxial plug connectors or HF twisted-pair plug connectors. In particular, the HF connector is designed as an HF connector that can only be plugged in and not screwed on.

[0030] The HF connector according to the invention comprises a male HF connector and a female HF connector, wherein at least one of the following is satisfied: the HF connector is designed according to the invention, and / or the HF connector or HF plug-in connector is designed by a method according to the invention. – An electrical entity according to the invention comprises an HF connector or HF plug-in connector, wherein the HF connector and / or HF plug-in connector is designed according to the invention, and / or the HF connector or HF plug-in connector is configured by or has been configured by a method according to the invention.

[0031] Such entities include, for example, electrical devices, (pre)assembled HF cables, electrical components, circuit boards, electrical parts, electrical modules, electrical installations, electrical equipment, electrical aggregates, electrical installations, electrical systems, etc.

[0032] This invention counteracts the degradation of signal integrity in HF plug connectors (e.g., HF coaxial plug connectors or HF twisted-pair plug connectors), also known as the terminal spacing effect, in order to improve the transmittable bandwidth (signal integrity improvement) of the associated HF plug connector. Specifically, this invention reduces the negative impact on the achievable bandwidth of the associated HF plug connector at higher frequencies caused by air gaps in the area of ​​the plugged HF terminals (see also...). Figure 8 ).

[0033] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments and also to illustrative, non-total drawings. Parts, elements, components, units, constituent parts, and / or figures having the same, unique, or similar design and / or function are given the same reference numerals in the description of the drawings (see below), the list of reference numerals, the patent claims, and the drawings themselves. Possible alternatives, such as final, static, and / or kinematic reversals, combinations, etc., or components, figures, units, parts, elements, or portions thereof, not explained in the summary of the invention (see above), not shown in the drawings, and / or not exemplary embodiments of the invention, may also be inferred from the reference numerals and / or the description of the drawings.

[0034] In this invention, features (parts, elements, components, units, constituent parts, functions, dimensions, etc.) can be developed either affirmatively (i.e., exist) or negatively (i.e., do not exist). In this application (specification (Summary of the Invention) (see above), description of drawings (see below)), list of reference numerals, claims, and drawings), a negative feature is a feature that is not explicitly explained unless the fact of its non-existence is emphasized according to the invention. This means that an actual manufactured invention, rather than one constructed using prior art, includes the omission of this feature.

[0035] The features of this application can be applied not only in the given manner, but also in other ways (isolation, assembly, substitution, addition, unique placement, omission, etc.). In particular, it is possible to substitute, add, or omit features in the patent claims and / or specification, based on the reference numerals and the features assigned to them, and vice versa, in the specification, the list of reference numerals, the patent claims, and / or the drawings. As a result, the features in the patent claims can be configured and / or specified more closely.

[0036] The features of the specification (from the viewpoint of the prior art, which is generally unknown initially) can also be interpreted as optional features; that is, each of these features can be considered an optional, arbitrary, or preferred feature, i.e., without constraint. Therefore, in some cases, features including their periphery can be separated from exemplary embodiments, and then that feature can be transformed into a general inventive concept. The absence of a feature in an exemplary embodiment (a negative feature) indicates that the feature is optional for the invention. The term "feature class" can also be further understood as a general term for features (potentially involving further hierarchical subclassing, etc.), for example, generalization of features is possible by considering equivalent effects and / or equivalent values. Attached Figure Description

[0037] In a purely exemplary diagram:

[0038] Figure 1 A cross-sectional perspective view is shown from the side of the illustration of the HF plug connector, which serves as a model of the image of the HF plug connector in the simulation method according to the present invention.

[0039] Figure 2 Similar to Figure 1 The diagram illustrates what happens during the simulation process, which simulates the HF compensation region at the male HF terminal of the HF connector.

[0040] Figure 3 A line graph of the simulated TDR time signal is shown in the preparatory steps of a simulation method for improving the signal integrity quality of male HF connectors and / or HF mating connectors.

[0041] Figure 4 The preparatory steps corresponding to the simulation method are shown. Figure 3 A line graph of the S-parameters of the TDR time signal;

[0042] Figure 5 A line graph of the TDR time signal selected in the preparatory steps is shown, representing the HF plug connector used to improve quality, and is used to further continue the simulation method.

[0043] Figure 6 It shows the corresponding Figure 5 The line graph of the S-parameters of the TDR time signal is also used as a representative of the HF plug connector for quality improvement, and its simulation method is further utilized.

[0044] Figure 7 A line graph of the simulated TDR time signal is shown in the design steps of a simulation method for improving the signal integrity quality of male HF connectors and / or HF mating connectors.

[0045] Figure 8 This illustrates the design steps corresponding to the simulation method. Figure 7 A line graph of the S-parameters of the TDR time signal;

[0046] Figure 9 A line graph of the simulated TDR time signal used for impedance checking is shown in the design steps of the simulation method for improving quality.

[0047] Figure 10 The simulation method corresponding to the impedance check is shown. Figure 9 A line graph of the S-parameters of the TDR time signal; and

[0048] Figure 11 and Figure 12 A detailed cross-sectional perspective side view of an HF plug connector with a further developed HF compensation region is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The following refers to HF connectors 2 and 6, preferably used in the automotive industry, specifically HF connector 2 and HF mating connector 6; 40 (refer to...). Figure 1 , 2 The invention will be explained in more detail with exemplary embodiments of variations of (11 and 12). Reference is made below to preferred methods for improving the performance of male HF connectors 2 and / or HF plug connectors 2, 6; 40 for use in the automotive industry (see reference). Figures 3 to 10 The invention is further explained in more detail through exemplary embodiments of the method for improving signal integrity. Although the invention has been described and illustrated in more detail through preferred exemplary embodiments, it is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but has the basic nature. Experts can derive other modifications based on these and / or the foregoing (description of the invention) without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

[0050] Therefore, this invention is generally also applicable to corresponding electrical components and / or non-automotive industries, such as the entertainment electronics industry, power electronics industry, electrical engineering industry, etc., and is quite common in the field. This means that the invention is generally applicable to electrical entities 1, 5 (see above). Ground-based power technology in vehicles and its derivatives are an exception here. Only those spatial portions necessary for understanding the purpose of the invention are shown in the drawings. The terms connector and mating connector, terminal and mating terminal, etc., should be interpreted synonymously, that is, they can be interchangeable in some cases.

[0051] Tolerances in the insertion depth of HF connectors 2 and 6 can typically cause peaks in the impedance distribution of HF connectors 2, 6; 40, for example, from two high-speed data connectors with transmission rates exceeding 1 GHz in the automotive industry (reference). Figure 3 The electrical signal travels along an electromagnetic path from one HF connector 2 / 6, via HF plug connector 2,6;40 to another HF connector 6 / 2, and vice versa. Ideally, such HF plug connector 2,6;40 should have a constant inner diameter and contain the same dielectric material with an impedance of, for example, 50 ohms (see above). This means no reflections and ensures very good signal performance.

[0052] Due to the tolerances of HF connectors 2 and 6, a dielectric gap 4 is generated between the dielectric materials 20 and 60 of HF connectors 2 and 6 in HF plug connectors 2 and 6; 40 (see...). Figure 1 When an electrical signal reaches the air gap 4, an induced peak is formed in this area of ​​the HF connectors 2, 6, 40 due to incorrect impedance matching. This air gap 4 is unavoidable and has a significant negative impact on the HF performance of the HF connectors 2, 6, 40. A typical axial tolerance range is approximately 1.4 mm, and preferably, the terminals 10, 50 involved are overlapped by approximately 1 mm so that the terminals 10, 50 can also be securely mated together (the length of the contact areas 110, 510 of the terminals 10, 50 is greater than or equal to 2.4 mm).

[0053] Each of these HF connectors 2 and 6 includes at least: radially outer shielding conductor sleeves 30 and 70, dielectric materials 20 and 60 disposed radially inner to the shielding conductor sleeves 30 and 70, and HF terminals 10 and 50 disposed radially inner to the dielectric materials 20 and 60. The shielding conductor sleeves 30 and 70 do not necessarily constitute the radially outer boundary (housing, outer shell, etc.) of the HF connectors 2 and 6. In the present case, the HF connector 2 is designed as a male HF mating connector 2 having an (internal) male HF terminal 10, and the HF connector 6 is designed as a female HF mating connector 6 having an (internal) female HF mating terminal 50.

[0054] The male HF terminal 10 is divided along its longitudinal direction Lr into: an electromechanical contact portion 110 having an insertion region 112, the insertion region 112 preferably having a rounded or chamfered corner radially outward and being free at the front end; a mechanical fastening portion 120 in the dielectric material 20; and an electromechanical connection portion 130, which can be designed, for example, as a press-fit portion, a brazing portion, a welding portion, a crimping portion, etc. Currently, the shielding conductor sleeve 30 of the male HF connector 2 is integrally constructed with the headstock, but this is optional according to the invention.

[0055] The female HF terminal 50 is divided along its longitudinal direction Lr into: an electromechanical contact portion 510 having an insertion region 512, the insertion region 512 preferably having a rounded or chamfered corner on the radially inward side and being free at the front end; a mechanical fastening portion 520 in the dielectric material 60; and an electromechanical connection portion 530, which is currently designed as a crimped portion, but may also be, for example, a press-fit portion, a brazing portion, a soldering portion, etc. Currently, the shielding conductor sleeve 70 of the female HF connector 6 is constructed as a crimpable shielding conductor sleeve 70, but this is optional according to the invention.

[0056] According to the invention, a compensation region 122 is provided at / in the male HF terminal 10 such that the signal integrity loss of the HF connector 2, 6; 40 is partially compensated and / or can be partially compensated due to the HF compensation region 122. This is caused, for example, by the tolerance-based final mating position of the HF connector 2, 6; 40, which includes the male HF terminal 10 and the female HF mating terminal 50.

[0057] The HF compensation region 122 is preferably constructed here from a single piece of material geometrically modified and fastened at / in the male HF terminal 10 or integrally with the male HF terminal 10. The compensation region 122 is specifically configured as a protrusion 122 of the HF terminal 10. Preferably, the compensation region 122 is provided at / in the male HF terminal 10, next to the contact portion 110. Here, the HF compensation region 122 may be located at / in the fastening portion 120 or between the contact portion 110 and the fastening portion 120 at / in the HF terminal 10.

[0058] The HF compensation area 122 can be located at / in the male HF terminal 10 on one side, both sides, or multiple sides 3, around a portion of the outer perimeter or the entire outer perimeter. Figure 2 In the middle, the male HF terminal 10 has a rectangular or square cross-section, wherein the compensation area 122 is disposed on both sides (in Figure 2 Above and below, transversely to the longitudinal direction Lr, flush with the two longitudinal sides of the male HF terminal 10. Figure 11 and Figure 12In the HF terminal 10, there is an elliptical, circular, or square cross-section, wherein a compensation region 122 is disposed around the entire outer periphery. Of course, the compensation region 122 may be disposed around a portion of the outer periphery.

[0059] The appropriate size or diameter of the compensation region 122 or the male HF terminal 10 within the compensation region 122 is determined by the method for improving quality according to the invention. Here, the position of the compensation region 122 at / within the male HF terminal 10 in the longitudinal direction Lr is substantially irrelevant, as is its position at / within the male HF terminal 10 in the circumferential direction. However, for example, the radial dimension of the compensation region 122 is preferably important, for example, in a single radial direction (one-sided compensation region 122), in two opposite radial directions (two-sided, preferably symmetrical compensation region 122), and in all radial directions (compensation region 122 around the entire outer periphery).

[0060] This method is preferably performed as a computer-aided simulation. Of course, measurements can also be taken at actual HF mating connectors 2, 6; 40 without simulating the relevant data. To determine an HF mating connector 2, 6; 40 with improved quality (having an air gap 4 between the dielectric materials 20, 60 of the male HF connector 2 and the female HF mating connector 6), this component is first converted into a computer model. The air gap 4 remains configured throughout the process and has a specific diameter, for example: 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.55 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm.

[0061] In the preliminary step I of this method, at least one uncompensated signal integrity of the HF connectors 2, 6; 40 is determined with reference to the computer model. Here, the male HF terminal 10 and the HF connectors 2, 6; 40 should have a pre-selected specific impedance, such as 50 ohms. If this is not the case, the relevant diameters of the male HF terminal 10 and the HF connectors 2, 6; 40 must be determined, and the HF terminals 10 and the HF connectors 2, 6; 40 must be properly configured. This means that, despite the air gap 4, the male HF connector 2 and / or the HF connectors 2, 6; 40 must be configured here for this impedance (refer to...). Figure 3 and Figure 5 (Impedance before and after the inductance peak).

[0062] The typical diameter of the male HF terminal 10, such as 0.4 mm or 0.5 mm, is preferably freely chosen here, and the geometry of the shielding conductor sleeve 30, especially its inner diameter, or the geometry of the headstock, is subsequently determined for this impedance. For example, this uses Figure 3The TDR timing signals I through VI are shown. The desired impedance of 50 ohms lies between signals III and IV, which represent specific geometries. This allows the determination of the geometry of the associated impedance. Figure 4 The S-parameters corresponding to I to VI of the TDR time signal are shown.

[0063] Figure 5 The TDR time signal selected for the desired 50 ohms in preparatory step I is shown. Figure 3 The TDR time signal between signals III and IV). Figure 6 The corresponding S-parameter is shown, which represents the reference S-parameter, according to which the compensation region 122 of the invention must be measured; that is, the reduction in attenuation for improving quality must be demonstrated here.

[0064] In design step II of this method, a geometrically defined HF compensation region 122 is now provided at / in the male HF terminal 10, preferably adjacent to its contact area 110, and the signal integrity compensation for the HF connector is determined in a computer model. This process is repeated with geometrically different HF compensation regions 122. Figure 7 The diagram shows the overall results for the two HF compensation regions 122 (the diameters of the HF terminals 10 in the HF compensation regions 122 are d = 0.6 mm and d = 0.8 mm) and the results of preparatory step I (without compensation). Design step II is preferably performed directly after preparatory step I.

[0065] Figure 8 It shows the relationship with Figure 7 The S-parameters corresponding to the TDR time signal. (See [link]) Figure 8 A larger size or diameter of the HF compensation region 122 is worse at lower frequencies than at higher frequencies. Based on the requirements for the HF plug connector 2, 6; 40 to be designed, especially for the transmission frequency, a suitable size or diameter should be selected for the compensation region 122. Simulation methods further demonstrate that by using the design of the HF plug connector 2, 6; 40, and especially the design of the male HF terminal 10 that can be developed therefrom, improvements can be made at specific frequencies or bands (here greater than about 2.4 to 2.7 GHz to greater than 10 GHz). Figure 8 HF performance.

[0066] In the intermediate steps (see Figure 9 and 10In step II of the design process, an impedance check related to the desired impedance can be performed. Here, if appropriate, the geometry or dimensions of the male HF connector 2 of the HF plug connector 2, 6; 40 and / or the HF compensation region 122 can be adjusted, particularly the diameter of its shielding conductor sleeve 30. Following the simulation method according to the invention, the compensation region 122 can be further improved. Therefore, the compensation region 122 can have only partially constant diameter in the longitudinal direction Lr, and can further include a bevel ( Figure 11 Or it can be entirely composed of inclined planes. Figure 12 The compensation area 122 can be formed again on one side, both sides, multiple sides, partially around the outer perimeter, completely around the outer perimeter, etc.

[0067] List of reference numerals

[0068] 1 Electrical Entity

[0069] 2 (Electrical) HF (Matching) (Plug-in) Connector

[0070] 4. Air gap between dielectric materials 20 and 60

[0071] 5 Electrical Entities

[0072] 6 (Electrical) HF (Matching) (Plug-in) Connector

[0073] 10 (Internal) (Female) HF (Mating) Terminal

[0074] 20 Dielectric Materials

[0075] 30 shielding sleeve, possibly designed as an integral part of the headstock.

[0076] The 40HF connector consists of HF connector 2 and HF mating connector 6.

[0077] 50 (internal) (female) HF (mating) terminal

[0078] 60 Dielectric Materials

[0079] 70 Shielding Sleeve

[0080] 110 (Electromagnetic) (Matching) Contact Part

[0081] 112 Insertion area, preferably with rounded corners or beveled corners.

[0082] 120 The (mechanical) fastening part in dielectric material 20

[0083] 122 Compensation area, especially the protruding part

[0084] 130 (electromagnetic) connection part

[0085] 510 Electromagnetic (Matching) Contact Part in Dielectric Material 20

[0086] 512 Insertion area, preferably with rounded corners or beveled corners.

[0087] 520 The (mechanical) fastening part in dielectric material 60

[0088] 530 (Electromagnetic) Connection Part

[0089] The longitudinal direction of Lr HF terminals 10, 50, etc.

Claims

1. An HF connector (2 / 6) having a shielded conductor sleeve (30 / 70), a dielectric material (20 / 60) mounted in the shielded conductor sleeve (30 / 70) and an HF terminal (10 / 50) fastened in the dielectric material (20 / 60), wherein having an air gap (4) between the dielectric material (20, 60) of the HF connector (2) and of the HF mating connector (6), wherein the HF terminal (10 / 50) has: an electromechanical contact portion (110 / 510), a mechanical fastening portion (120 / 520) and an electromechanical connection portion (130 / 530), wherein the HF terminal (10 / 50) extends in a longitudinal direction (Lr), characterized in that, for the final plug-in position subject to tolerances of the HF plug-in connector (2, 6; 40), the HF plug-in connector (2, 6; 40) comprises the HF connector (2 / 6) with the HF terminal (10 / 50) and the HF mating connector (6 / 2) with the HF mating terminal (50 / 10), the HF terminal (10 / 50) comprises a geometrically improved HF compensation region (122) next to its contact portion (110 / 510) such that a loss of signal integrity of the HF plug-in connector (2, 6; 40) can be partially compensated and / or partially compensated due to this HF compensation region (122).

2. The HF connector (2 / 6) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the HF compensation region (122): the HF connector (2 / 6) is a male HF connector (2).

3. The HF connector (2 / 6) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the HF compensation region (122): the HF connector (2 / 6) is used in the automotive sector.

4. The HF connector (2 / 6) of claim 1, characterized in that the HF compensation region (122): at / in the HF terminal (10 / 50), is provided or arranged in the mechanical fastening portion (120) of the HF terminal (10 / 50), at / in the HF terminal (10 / 50), is provided or arranged between the contact portion (110 / 510) and the fastening portion (120), and / or at / in the HF terminal (10 / 50), is provided or arranged as a size change or diameter change.

5. The HF connector (2 / 6) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: the HF compensation region (122) is provided or arranged at / in the HF terminal (10 / 50) at least on one side, the HF compensation region (122) is provided or arranged at / in the HF terminal (10 / 50) around a part of the circumference or around the entire circumference, and / or the HF terminal (10) is designed as a straight solid cylinder, apart from the insertion region (112) of its contact portion (110), its HF compensation region (122) and its connection portion (130).

6. The HF connector (2 / 6) according to claim 5, characterized in that: the HF compensation region (122) is provided or arranged at / in the HF terminal (10 / 50) on both sides or on all sides.

7. The HF connector (2 / 6) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: the entire cross section of the HF compensation region (122) is configured as a protrusion (122) in the central portion of the HF terminal (10), two essentially identical HF terminals (10 / 50) are provided, one terminal (10 / 50) having a larger compensation region (122) or a larger dimensioned compensation region, which is configured for higher frequencies, the protrusion (122) has a constant diameter in the longitudinal direction (Lr) in whole or in part, and / or the protrusion (122) comprises a bevel in whole or in part in the longitudinal direction (Lr).

8. The HF connector (2 / 6) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: the HF terminal (10 / 50) is designed as a HF terminal (10 / 50) that can only be plugged but not screwed, the HF terminal (10 / 50) with the HF compensation region (122) or the protrusion (122) can be designed as a single piece or a one-piece material.

9. A method for improving the quality of the signal integrity of a male HF connector (2) and / or of an HF plug-in connector (2, 6; 40), wherein, for an HF plug-in connector (2, 6; 40) with improved quality, an air gap (4) between the dielectric material (20, 60) of the male HF connector (2) and of the female HF mating connector (6) is provided, in a preliminary step (I) at least one uncompensated signal integrity of the HF plug-in connector (2, 6; 40) is determined, characterized in that, in a design step (II) after the preliminary step, at / in the male HF terminal (10) of the HF plug-in connector (2, 6; 40) next to its electromagnetic contact portion (110) a HF compensation region (122) is provided and a compensated signal integrity of the HF plug-in connector (2, 6; 40) is determined, wherein the dimensions of the HF compensation region (122) are determined such that the quality of the compensated signal integrity is higher than the quality of the uncompensated signal integrity. The method is used in the automotive industry. The method is designed as a method for designing a partially impedance-compensated male HF connector (2) or a partially impedance-compensated HF plug-in connector (2, 6; 40), and / or the HF plug-in connector (2, 6; 40) is designed as a realistic simulation of a real HF plug-in connector instead of a conceptual HF connector (2, 6; 40).

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, In the preliminary step (I) for selecting a male HF connector (2) and / or an HF plug-in connector (2, 6; 40), TDR time signals of a plurality of HF plug-in connectors (2, 6; 40) are referred to, and / or 11. The method of claim 9, wherein, In the preliminary step (I), the operating dimensions of the male HF terminal (10) and its associated shield conductor sleeve (30) are matched to each other with respect to the desired impedance, whereby the male HF connector (2) and / or the HF plug-in connector (2, 6; 40) is selected for quality improvement. The operating dimension of the shield conductor sleeve (30) is the diameter. In the preliminary step (I):

12. The method of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, the air gap (4) between the dielectric materials (20, 60) is configured, ​ ​ 13. The method of claim 12, wherein, ​ 14. The method of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, ​ ​ the dimensions of the male HF connector (2) and / or the HF plug-in connector (2, 6; 40) are determined in the design step (II) with reference to the plurality of HF plug-in connectors (2, 6; 40) to improve the quality, wherein for different HF plug-in connectors (2, 6; 40) a variation of the dimensions of the HF compensation region (122) is considered. the dimensions of the male HF connector (2) and / or the HF plug-in connector (2, 6; 40) are determined in the design step (II) with reference to the plurality of HF plug-in connectors (2, 6; 40) to improve the quality, wherein for different HF plug-in connectors (2, 6; 40) a variation of the dimensions of the HF compensation region (122) is considered.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, the dimensions of the male HF connector (2) and / or the HF plug-in connector (2, 6; 40) are determined in the design step (II) with reference to the plurality of HF plug-in connectors (2, 6; 40) to improve the quality, wherein for different HF plug-in connectors (2, 6; 40) a variation of the dimensions of the HF compensation region (122) is considered. in the design step (II):

16. The method of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, the air gap (4) between the dielectric materials (20, 60) is configured, a TDR time signal and / or parameters are referred to in order to evaluate the improvement of the quality, and / or 17. The method of claim 16, wherein, with regard to the variation of the dimensions, an increase of the dimensions occurs.

18. The method of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, in the design step (II): the variation of the dimensions is a variation of the diameter, and the increase of the dimensions is an increase of the diameter. In the intermediate step in the design step (II), an impedance check with regard to the desired impedance can be carried out, and in some cases, the geometry or dimensions of the male HF connector (2), the HF plug-in connector (2, 6; 40) and / or the HF compensation region (122) can be adjusted.

21. An HF plug-in connector (2, 6; 40) having a male HF connector (2) and a female HF connector (2), characterized in that 19. The method of claim 18, wherein, at least one of the HF connectors (2, 6; 40) is designed according to one of claims 9 to 20, and / or the HF connector (2) or the HF plug-in connector (2, 6; 40) is designed according to the method of one of claims 9 to 20.

22. The HF plug-in connector (2, 6; 40) of claim 21, which is an HF coaxial plug-in connector (2, 6) or an HF twisted pair plug-in connector (2, 6).

20. The method of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, 23. The HF plug-in connector (2, 6; 40) of claim 21 or 22, which is used in the automotive industry.

24. An electrical entity (1 / 5) having an HF connector (2 / 6) or an HF plug-in connector (2, 6; 40), characterized in that the HF connector (2 / 6) and / or the HF plug-in connector (2, 6; 40) is designed according to one of claims 9 to 20, and / or the HF connector (2) or the HF plug-in connector (2, 6; 40) is designed according to one of claims 9 to 20.

25. The electrical entity (1 / 5) of claim 24, which is used in the automotive industry. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Images