Connector system

Abstract

Connector system (1) comprising an electrical connector (2) for connection to at least one electrical line (5) and an electrical circuit (3), wherein the electrical connector (2) - at least one input-side contact (9) that can be electrically connected to a signal conductor (10) of the electrical line (5), - at least one output-side contact (11) which is electrically connected to a connector inner conductor (12), - Shielding means (8) that can be electrically connected to a ground conductor (7) of at least one electrical line (5), - a recording (13) for the electrical circuit (3), and - a locking element (15) for closing an access opening (14) of the receptacle (13), wherein the electrical circuit (3) further comprises contact points (16) for contacting at least one of the input-side contacts (9) and at least one of the output-side contacts (11) when the electrical circuit (3) is inserted into the receptacle (13), wherein the electrical circuit (3) has a transmission possibility from the at least one input-side contact (9) to the at least one output-side contact (11), characterized in that the electrical circuit (3) has a circuit shield (22), and that at least one contact element (21, 23) is provided on the means for shielding (8) of the connector (2) and / or on the locking element (15) and / or on the electrical circuit (3).are to electrically contact the circuit shield (22) with the ground conductor (7) of the at least one electrical line (5) when the electrical circuit (3) is inserted into the receptacle (13).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connector system comprising an electrical connector for connection to at least one electrical line and an electrical circuit.

[0002] Connectors for disconnecting and connecting cables are well known and are used in a wide variety of forms, particularly in electrical engineering. A connector can be a plug, a socket, a coupling, or an adapter. In particular, the connector can be used to connect at least one cable and / or at least one printed circuit board (PCB). The term "connector" used within the scope of the invention is representative of all variants.

[0003] Due in part to the ongoing development of digital technology, signal processing systems, which sometimes require interconnection via cables and connectors, are becoming increasingly complex. To ensure a sufficiently high data rate and signal quality over the cable connection, additional circuit components are regularly required.

[0004] In particular, to achieve high data rates, it may be necessary to take into account the installed cable lengths and, for example, to match impedances or characteristic resistances and / or to process the signals to be transmitted in an application-specific manner, i.e., to attenuate, amplify, linearize or manipulate them in other ways.

[0005] Ultimately, this results in a wide variety of options regarding the components required for signal processing, which usually have to be provided individually by the manufacturers.

[0006] It has been shown that integrating circuit components and sometimes entire printed circuit boards into a cable assembly or connector can offer manufacturing advantages. Such connectors are known, for example, from US 7,775,833 B1 and US 5,955,703. These systems can offer an economic advantage because system components can be designed identically, with only the cable arrangements requiring individual adaptation.

[0007] Depending on the application, replacing a cable can sometimes be quick and easy, unlike replacing other system components. Such a replacement may be necessary for many reasons, such as damage, system modification, or system expansion.

[0008] However, even replacing cables can be difficult in many cases. This is especially true for the automotive and aerospace industries. For example, due to space constraints, cables in a vehicle are usually only accessible in certain areas, such as around connectors, without significant disassembly.

[0009] Furthermore, even the production of different cable arrangements in the variety that is usually necessary is complex and costly.

[0010] The generic patent US 6,685,505 B1 relates to a connector assembly comprising a USB connector and an electrical circuit, enclosed in a common insulating housing. The connector assembly itself is enclosed in a shielding element.

[0011] For further technical background, reference is also made to publications US 5,683,261 A, JP 2001 143 833 A, JP H08 293 363 A, US 5,314,346 A and JP H01 134 884 A, which concern connectors with integrated electrical circuits.

[0012] The problem with the known connectors is that they are generally not sufficiently suitable for use in high-frequency technology.

[0013] Another problem with conventional connectors is that a cable interface usually requires a fanning out to meet the geometric requirements of the connector interface. However, such a fanning out area is particularly critical for the transmission of high-frequency signals and can negatively affect signal quality.

[0014] In view of the known state of the art, the object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved connector system in which adapting the wiring is even easier than with the current state of the art.

[0015] This problem is solved for the connector system with the features listed in claim 1. The dependent claims and the features described below relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of the invention.

[0016] The connector system according to the invention comprises an electrical connector for connection to at least one electrical line and an electrical circuit.

[0017] The electrical circuit preferably includes at least one electrical component.

[0018] An electrical line is any device for transporting or transmitting electrical energy for data transmission and / or electrical supply. Preferably, the electrical line is an electrical cable consisting of a network of several individual conductors. An electrical cable generally has a ground conductor or outer conductor and one or more signal conductors in the form of inner conductors.

[0019] However, it may also be provided for in the context of the invention that the electrical conductor is an electrical conductor of an electrical device, a further connector or an electrical conductor on a printed circuit board, for example a microstrip conductor or a connection point to a microstrip conductor.

[0020] The term "ground conductor" can be understood to mean any electrical conductor that carries a ground potential or any other reference potential.

[0021] The term "signal conductor" can be understood to mean any conductor for the transmission of electrical data signals and / or electrical supply signals.

[0022] For better understanding, the invention is described below primarily using the connection with an electrical cable as an example. This is not to be understood as a limitation. Those skilled in the art can readily apply the terms "cable," "outer conductor," and "inner conductor" to the more general terms "line," "ground conductor," and "signal conductor."

[0023] Preferably, the connector can have a housing for receiving at least one electrical conductor, for example, for receiving an electrical cable.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, a single cable can be accommodated by the housing. For accommodating the at least one cable, it may be advantageous to provide means, well known from the prior art, for sealing and / or for absorbing tensile forces acting on the cable.

[0025] The housing can be electrically conductive, for example made of metal, or preferably electrically non-conductive, for example made of plastic. A combination of materials is also possible. Using a plastic housing is generally easier to manufacture and, depending on the application, can also offer advantages from an electrical engineering perspective due to its insulating properties.

[0026] According to the invention, the electrical connector further comprises at least one input-side contact that can be connected to a signal conductor of the electrical line (e.g., a cable inner conductor of an electrical cable) and at least one output-side contact that is electrically connected to a connector inner conductor.

[0027] The input contact of the connector, to which the electrical conductor is connected or to which at least one cable with at least one inner conductor is received, and the output contact of the connector are therefore fundamentally, that is, without further measures and configurations described below, not electrically connected to each other.

[0028] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one input contact and the at least one output contact are spatially separated from each other. The two contacts can be arranged opposite each other, i.e., in a line or axis. Preferably, the ends facing each other of the input and output contacts are arranged in two opposing planes, preferably parallel to each other.

[0029] It may be provided that a single-pole or a multi-pole connector is used. That is, it may be provided that one input contact and one output contact are provided, or that more than one input contact and more than one output contact are provided. Preferably, two to twenty input contacts are provided, more preferably three to ten input contacts, and most preferably up to four input contacts. The number of output contacts is preferably configured analogously.

[0030] It may also be intended that the number of input contacts and output contacts differs from each other.

[0031] Furthermore, the number of signal conductors or cable inner conductors and input-side contacts, or the number of connector inner conductors and output-side contacts, can also differ. For example, several signal conductors or cable inner conductors can be connected to the same input-side contact.

[0032] According to the invention, the electrical connector further comprises shielding means which can be electrically connected to a ground conductor of the at least one electrical line (e.g., an outer conductor of the at least one cable).

[0033] Shielding against unwanted electrical and electromagnetic interference is particularly important for achieving high data rates. Experience has shown that it is advantageous if not only the signal line or cable itself, but also the connector and its electrical components, exhibit high electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and therefore incorporate suitable shielding.

[0034] According to the invention, it is further provided that the connector has a receptacle for the electrical circuit and a locking element for closing an access opening of the receptacle.

[0035] The device is preferably arranged in such a way that it spatially separates the at least one input-side contact and the at least one output-side contact from each other, or is located between the at least one input-side contact and the at least one output-side contact.

[0036] The electrical circuit has contact points to connect at least one of the input contacts and at least one of the output contacts when the circuit is inserted into the housing. Furthermore, the circuit provides a transmission link from the at least one input contact to the at least one output contact. These transmission links can be individually configured for each conductor, signal conductor, contact, or signal to be transmitted, depending on the number of electrical lines or signal conductors.

[0037] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the electrical circuit can be inserted between the at least one input-side contact and the at least one output-side contact in such a way that a contact point or contact points of an input-side contact surface of the electrical circuit contact the at least one input-side contact and a contact point or contact points of an output-side contact surface of the electrical circuit (which preferably runs parallel to the input-side contact surface and is oriented in the opposite direction) contact the at least one output-side contact.

[0038] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided in particular that the electrical circuit is designed as a printed circuit board, preferably as a double-sided printed circuit board (with two printed circuit board layers) or as a multi-layer printed circuit board with more than two printed circuit board layers, as a multi-chip module, as a system-in-package, as a system-on-chip and / or as an integrated circuit.

[0039] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the electrical circuit can be designed as a printed circuit board with one or more printed circuit board layers, wherein the printed circuit board can, for example, have conductor tracks, vias and / or electrical components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors and / or semiconductor circuits up to complex integrated circuits or microchips or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0040] In this context, a printed circuit board with multiple layers, i.e., also a "multilayer printed circuit board", can also be understood as a system consisting of several (populated or unpopulated) single-sided or double-sided printed circuit boards.

[0041] To form the electrical circuit, it may also be possible to arrange several microchips on top of each other and / or next to each other in a common chip package in the manner of a so-called "multi-chip module", wherein the microchips within the chip package are connected to each other and / or to the contact points of the chip package or the electrical circuit via so-called bond wires - or by another known connection technology.

[0042] Finally, the electrical circuit can also be designed as a "system-in-package", in which one or more microchips together with at least one other electrical component (e.g. together with coupling capacitors) are arranged within a common chip package and are connected to each other and / or to the contact points of the electrical circuit by bond wires (or in some other way).

[0043] It can also be a so-called "system-on-chip" or a conventional microchip or a single application-specific integrated circuit in a chip package with contact points arranged on the chip package to implement the electrical circuit.

[0044] For the sake of simplicity, the invention will below be described essentially by using a printed circuit board as an electrical circuit. However, this is not to be understood as a limitation.

[0045] Preferably, the electrical circuit, in particular a multilayer printed circuit board, can have a metallization on at least one surface, preferably on all outwardly facing surfaces.

[0046] The connector system according to the invention enables the use of a modular connector which, by inserting a specific electrical circuit, e.g., a printed circuit board with desired electronics, exhibits, for example, signal-enhancing properties. The functions of the connector can thus be defined by various electrical circuits. The connector and the electrical conductor connected to it can be manufactured identically for a multitude of applications. Only the electrical circuits need to be individually adapted to the specific application variant. Furthermore, the installation or assembly of the electrical circuit is straightforward. Thus, even an end user could decide on the variant to be installed or easily modify the variant, for example, by adding a functional extension.

[0047] The present invention overcomes the disadvantage that an already installed solution is only usable for a specific purpose. Virtually any type of electronics, and thus functionality, can be retrofitted, for example in the form of a printed circuit board.

[0048] For most applications, it would likely be advantageous if the electrical circuit that can be inserted into the receptacle is only installed once by the manufacturer, thereby defining the functionality of the connector or the cable connected to it.

[0049] The described connector system can be used to particular advantages in the automotive sector. Components can be modified quickly and cost-effectively without requiring any intervention in the adjacent electronics or the replacement of an entire cable, circuit board, and / or device, such as a control unit.

[0050] The connector system according to the invention can also be used in the form of an adapter or adapter plug.

[0051] It is also possible for the electrical circuit to be used as an activation module for extended functions that can be purchased by an end customer, for example. The connector system can thus be used to create an access control system.

[0052] In a further development of the invention, the electrical circuit, when inserted into the receptacle, can be positioned between the at least one input-side contact and the at least one output-side contact. The contacts and / or contact points can all be implemented with the same contact type or with different contact types. Any combination is possible.

[0053] In further training, it may also be stipulated that the contact points of the electrical circuit and / or the contacts of the connector are designed as flat contacts and / or sliding contacts and / or solder pads and / or spring contacts (e.g. pogo pins) and / or plug contacts (male or female).

[0054] The aforementioned contact point designs have proven particularly advantageous when the electrical circuit is to be inserted into the housing. Of course, other contact options are also possible, such as designs with contact blades and corresponding receptacles for the contact blades, and the like.

[0055] In further training, it may also be provided that, when the contacts of the connector are designed as spring contacts, the relaxed length of the springs and / or the distances between the contacts are chosen in such a way that the at least one input-side contact and the at least one output-side contact make contact even when the electrical circuit is not inserted into the receptacle.

[0056] In this case, it is advisable to arrange the contact pair, composed of an input contact and an output contact, opposite each other in a line.

[0057] It can be provided that even if the electrical circuit is not inserted into the housing, at least one input-side contact and at least one output-side contact remain in contact. The connector system would thus be usable even in this state, at least in a basic version.

[0058] It can also be designed so that no contact exists without an electrical circuit. This can be achieved, even when the contacts are designed as spring contacts, for example by an offset arrangement of the contacts of a contact pair, i.e., not lying in a line.

[0059] It may be provided that, when using a multi-pole connector, some contacts already make contact when the electrical circuit is not in use, while other contacts only make contact when the electrical circuit is in use.

[0060] Depending on the application, it may be necessary to integrate additional electrical components, for example for signal processing, into the connector system via the electrical circuit.

[0061] For example, the transmission technology can be optimally adapted to the transmission channel. Signal integrity can then be maintained, for example, over long distances, whereby the electrical circuitry can be adapted to the channel length and / or channel type, such as cable length and cable type.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, the electrical circuit can also allow for rewiring of the connector.

[0063] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the locking element is at least partially made of an electrically conductive material and that the locking element, when it closes the access opening of the receptacle, electrically contacts the means for shielding the connector.

[0064] A direct or indirect electrical connection of the locking element to the shielding means of the connector, to the ground conductor of the at least one electrical line, or to the outer conductor of the at least one cable can advantageously improve the shielding of the connector and the electrical circuit, e.g., a printed circuit board, and optionally other components within the connector. The electromagnetic compatibility of the connector system can thus be increased. In this context, a contact surface that is as large and complete as possible, and therefore also has a low resistance, can be advantageous.

[0065] It may be provided that the locking element has at least one contact spring which electrically contacts the means for shielding the connector when the locking element closes the access opening of the receptacle.

[0066] The use of a contact spring has proven to be a particularly reliable electrical connection. Regardless of surface roughness, manufacturing tolerances, and the mechanical and thermal stresses on the connector system during operation, a defined contact is guaranteed. By using the contact spring, a wide tolerance range can be compensated for, and a "hole" in the connector system's shielding can be avoided at all times.

[0067] In particular, it may be provided that the closure element is made of plastic with an electrically conductive attachment or (preferably entirely) of metal.

[0068] A conductive attachment is understood to mean, in particular, a sheet metal part or a structure that can be attached to the side of the locking element facing the inside of the connector, for example, by clipping or gluing. The conductive attachment can preferably be formed as a single unit with a contact spring. It can also be provided that a contact spring is electrically connected to the conductive attachment or to the metal of the locking element. The contact spring can preferably establish an electrically conductive connection between the shielding means of the connector and the locking element or the attachment when the locking element is inserted into the access opening.

[0069] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the closure element has a seal for sealing the access opening.

[0070] A seal refers specifically to a mechanical seal against contamination and / or to protect against the ingress of liquids. This can be a rubber-like or foam-like material, or something similar.

[0071] Further development may also provide that the locking element can be fixed in the housing of the connector and / or in the means for shielding the connector and / or in the receptacle by means of a force-fit and / or material-fit and / or form-fit, preferably by clamping and / or screwing and / or gluing and / or soldering.

[0072] Depending on the application, complexity and space requirements, the use of a simple closure element, for example in the form of a sheet metal piece, can be advantageous.

[0073] It is also possible for the electrical circuit, in particular a printed circuit board, to be formed as a single unit with the locking element. Thus, it is possible for the electrical circuit or printed circuit board itself to close the access opening of the receptacle after it has been inserted.

[0074] According to the invention, the electrical circuit has a circuit shield, and at least one contact element is / are provided on the means for shielding the connector and / or on the locking element and / or on the electrical circuit in order to electrically contact the circuit shield with the ground conductor of the at least one electrical line when the electrical circuit is inserted into the receptacle.

[0075] If necessary, it may also be provided to electrically connect the circuit shielding to at least one signal conductor of the at least one electrical line, in particular if a signal conductor carries a defined potential, for example a ground potential, which is suitable to form a sufficiently good shield.

[0076] Separate shielding of the electrical circuitry, e.g., shielding of the printed circuit board in addition to the shielding provided by the connector itself, can be advantageous for achieving even better electromagnetic compatibility of the connector system. Even if electromagnetic leakage were to occur in the connector surrounding the electrical circuitry, for example, due to damage, the sensitive electronics, such as the circuitry on the printed circuit board, would still be shielded.

[0077] In principle, it is preferable to protect the connector system redundantly against electromagnetic interference by means of shielding (possibly including shielding by the locking element) and by contacting the circuit shielding.

[0078] If the electrical circuit is designed as a multilayer printed circuit board (PCB), the PCB can, for example, have a circumferential surface and edge metallization made of metal, preferably copper, to form the circuit shield. This circumferential metallization represents a particularly simple and effective way to shield the PCB from electromagnetic radiation. It is intended that the contact points are excluded from the continuous metallization so that they are not in conductive contact with the circuit shield.

[0079] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that at least one electrical component is integrated into the electrical circuit, in particular into the printed circuit board, wherein a thermally conductive layer is formed immediately adjacent to at least one of the electrical components, and wherein the thermally conductive layer comprises an electrically insulating polymer support material, in particular synthetic resin and / or epoxy resin, and further comprises aluminium oxide and / or boron nitride.

[0080] Particularly when using a double-sided printed circuit board or a multilayer printed circuit board with more than two layers, i.e., especially in a sandwich-like structure, a thermally conductive layer can be provided for cooling electrical components. Specifically, such a thermally conductive layer can be arranged between two printed circuit boards. The thermally conductive layer can, for example, be in the form of a foam.

[0081] Foams are artificially produced materials with a cellular structure and low density. Almost all plastics are suitable for foaming. Foam-like, thermally conductive layers can therefore be easily processed in multilayer printed circuit boards, on printed circuit boards, and in / on any electrical circuit, and have a positive effect on the material consumption of the substrate.

[0082] Synthetic resin provides good electrical insulation and can be further processed to increase its thermal conductivity. Furthermore, synthetic resin is a cost-effective material that can be applied to an electrical circuit, such as a printed circuit board with electronic components, with a small number of processing steps.

[0083] By combining synthetic resin with aluminum oxide or boron nitride, a particularly favorable compromise between the desired properties of "low electrical conductivity" and "high thermal conductivity" can be achieved. A combination of synthetic resin, aluminum oxide, and boron nitride is also suitable.

[0084] A combination of epoxy resin and aluminum oxide or boron nitride is also suitable. A combination containing epoxy resin, aluminum oxide, and boron nitride is also suitable.

[0085] In its simplest form, the electrical circuit can be designed as a printed circuit board (PCB) and only have conductive traces and / or vias, meaning the PCB is only used to connect the input contacts to the output contacts. Depending on the PCB design, different wiring configurations or pin assignments of the connector are possible. For example, the connector can be converted from a standard version to a so-called "crossover" version simply by replacing the PCB.

[0086] Furthermore, it may be possible to influence the signals transmitted through the connector using electrical components. For example, networks consisting of resistors and / or capacitors and / or inductors can be set up to specifically adapt the signal(s) to be transmitted to the requirements of the system to be used.

[0087] Active electrical circuits may also be included.

[0088] In particular, active and / or passive components of the electrical circuit can be provided for impedance-controlled transmission.

[0089] Semiconductor components such as transistors, especially metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) or bipolar transistors, can also be used as electrical components.

[0090] Amplifiers and / or equalizers can be implemented in the electrical circuit in a particularly advantageous way.

[0091] The printed circuit board or electrical circuit can also include programmable components such as microprocessors or programmable circuits such as FPGAs (“Field Programmable Gate Arrays”).

[0092] The electrical circuit can be designed to detect the length of a connected cable and automatically adjust the signal strength and impedance based on the detected cable length.

[0093] In particular, voltage levels and / or characteristic impedances can be adjusted. It may also be possible to change the frequency of a transmitted signal and / or to linearize or suppress interference in transmitted signals.

[0094] The electrical circuit, in particular the printed circuit board, can have any geometry, especially of the contact surfaces. Preferably, the electrical circuit or the printed circuit board has rectangular or round contact surfaces.

[0095] A contact surface is understood to be the surface of the printed circuit board that has the contact points.

[0096] In particular, it may be provided that the connector is designed for the transmission of electrical signals according to a USB standard, especially for use in a motor vehicle.

[0097] In particular, use with a USB 1.0 or USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 or any other, even higher, standard may be intended.

[0098] In principle, the connector system can be used to transmit data and / or electrical supply signals.

[0099] The mounting for the electrical circuit can have a mechanical coding such that only correspondingly mechanically coded electrical circuits, in particular printed circuit boards, can be used and / or such that the electrical circuit, e.g. a printed circuit board, can only be used in one orientation.

[0100] The connector can also contain multiple electrical circuits.

[0101] The connector system can also have multiple receptacles for accommodating electrical circuits.

[0102] In a particular embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the electrical circuit has an input-side interface with at least one of the input-side contact points in order to connect the at least one signal conductor of the at least one electrical line, wherein the electrical circuit has an output-side interface with at least one of the output-side contact points, and wherein the transmission possibility is provided, in particular at least for impedance control, between the input-side interface and the output-side interface, wherein the design of the input-side interface differs from the design of the output-side interface.

[0103] It may be intended that the number of input and output contact points differs from each other.

[0104] A different design of the interfaces can be achieved in particular through the respective arrangement of the contact points relative to each other, for example a respective center-to-center distance ("pitch"), the geometric shape of the interfaces or contact points, the type of contacting and / or the contact material.

[0105] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the input-side interface and the output-side interface of the electrical circuit each form a contact surface that runs or is arranged orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the connector.

[0106] The longitudinal axis of the connector preferably also corresponds to the insertion direction of the connector for connection with a second connector. Furthermore, the longitudinal axis can run along a feed axis of the electrical conductor. However, the feed of the electrical conductor can also be at any angle, in particular perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis.

[0107] Because the contact surfaces of the two interfaces are orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the connector, they can be connected particularly easily to at least one signal conductor of at least one electrical line and at least one inner conductor of the connector. In this case, the electrical connection can also provide a particularly high transmission quality, which can be especially advantageous for high-frequency technology.

[0108] The electrical connector may optionally be designed in two parts, with the receptacle for the electrical circuit being arranged on a first part or a second part of the connector, and the first part of the connector being connectable to the second part by a material-fit, form-fit, and / or force-fit connection. Preferably, the two parts of the connector are clipped together.

[0109] The replacement element to exchange the electronics or the functionality of the connector can therefore be an electrical circuit and / or a part of the connector with an electrical circuit.

[0110] A two-part connector design can be advantageous because, in this case too, the electrical circuit can be easily replaced by replacing one part, e.g., the first part of the connector. The first part of the connector can be the part that connects to the electrical conductor or the part that makes contact with a second connector.

[0111] The two parts of the connector can be slid onto and / or into each other and / or plugged in.

[0112] It may also be provided that the receptacle for the electrical circuit is arranged on the first part or the second part of the connector in such a way that the electrical circuit is positioned between the first part of the connector and the second part of the connector when the two parts of the connector are connected together.

[0113] Alternatively, the electrical circuitry can also be arranged within a part, e.g., the first part of the connector, such that it is not located at the connection point with the second part of the connector. Preferably, however, the electrical circuitry is arranged at the front or end face of the first part of the connector, which makes electrical contact with the other part of the connector particularly easy.

[0114] In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical circuit can also be divided between the two parts. For example, the electrical circuit can be designed in two parts, wherein, in particular, a first part of the electrical circuit can be accommodated in the first part of the connector and a second part of the electrical circuit can be accommodated in the second part of the connector.

[0115] In one embodiment, it may be provided that the input-side contact points of the input-side interface have a first pitch and the output-side contact points of the output-side interface have a second pitch.

[0116] The invention can then be advantageously used to avoid a conventional fanning area within a connector and to adapt the input-side and output-side interfaces in an impedance-controlled manner. For example, this allows a narrow cable interface to be fanned out into a wider connector interface.

[0117] The known branching patterns from the prior art can cause interference in the transmission path, which is particularly detrimental for the transmission of high-frequency signals. The electrical circuitry can easily ensure that the two interfaces have the same impedance. For this purpose, a printed circuit board can be used, for example, whose microstrip lines, vias, and, if necessary, other electrical components compensate for the capacitive behavior of the transition from the respective inner conductors or signal conductors. The circuitry thus provides a reflection-free pitch change.

[0118] In one embodiment of the invention, it can also be provided that the input-side interface is designed according to a first connector standard and the output-side interface according to a second connector standard.

[0119] A connector standard refers to a basic design of a connector, particularly an interface of the connector. This can be a standardized form (e.g., a standardized RJ connector) or a proprietary design or individual form.

[0120] The electrical circuitry ensures an optimally suited transition for high-frequency applications, even with differing connector standards between the two interfaces. Differences between the interfaces that would generally negatively impact signal transmission, such as varying cable lengths, center-to-center distances (pitch), relative positioning of the contact points or contacts, geometry or size of the individual contact points or contacts, and material type of the individual contact points or contacts, can be electrically compensated for or adapted by a suitably selected electrical circuit.

[0121] In one embodiment of the invention, it may be provided in particular that the transmission capability is set up to provide reflection-free signal transmission between the at least one electrical line and a second electrical connector and / or between the at least one electrical line and one of the two parts of the connector and / or at least between the input-side interface and the output-side interface.

[0122] If the design and routing of the electrical conductor and the corresponding second connector are known, the electrical circuit can therefore be optimally designed to ensure high-frequency signal transmission.

[0123] In one embodiment, it can also be provided that the at least one signal conductor is designed as part of another printed circuit board and that the at least one signal conductor of the other printed circuit board is connected to the at least one input-side contact point via at least one contact line.

[0124] For example, if the connector is designed as a PCB connector and is therefore intended to be connected to another circuit board rather than a cable on the input side, then appropriate contact leads can be used, which can be soldered onto or into the other circuit board. These contact leads can be used, in particular, to connect the signal conductors of electrical lines on the other circuit board, but also to connect a ground conductor on the other circuit board.

[0125] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the transmission capability is set up to equalize different signal propagation times between the signal conductors of the further circuit board and the input-side contact points, in particular due to different lengths of the contact lines.

[0126] Depending on the electrical connection, and especially when using a connector designed as an angled PCB connector, different signal propagation times can occur due to the varying lengths of the contact traces. This can be particularly problematic when transmitting high-frequency signals. This problem can be solved relatively easily by using a suitably designed electrical circuit, for example, by compensating for these differences with the aforementioned microstrip traces on a printed circuit board.

[0127] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawing.

[0128] The figures each show preferred embodiments in which individual features of the present invention are combined with one another. Features of an embodiment can also be implemented independently of the other features of the same embodiment and can therefore be readily combined by a person skilled in the art to form further meaningful combinations and subcombinations with features of other embodiments.

[0129] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0130] They show schematically: Fig. 1 a connector system according to the invention comprising an electrical connector and an inserted electrical circuit in a form as a printed circuit board as well as a closing element which closes an access opening to a receptacle for the printed circuit board; Fig. 2 the connector system of Fig. 1 without the circuit board and with the locking element removed; Fig. 3 a spatial representation of the locking element of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 with a seal and an electrically conductive attachment; Fig. 4 a connector system according to the invention in a second embodiment with a fixed locking element; Fig. 5 a connector system according to the invention in a third embodiment; Fig. 6 an example of a first circuit diagram of a connector according to the invention; Fig. 7 an example of a second circuit diagram of a connector according to the invention; Fig. 8 an example of a third circuit diagram of a connector according to the invention; Fig. 9 a representation of a pitch change between an input-side interface and an output-side interface of a connector; Fig. 10 a connector in a training as a printed circuit board connector; and Fig. 11 a representation of a printed circuit board with a circumferential metallization and two printed circuit board layers.

[0131] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a section through a connector system 1. The connector system 1 comprises an electrical connector 2 and an electrical circuit 3, which in the exemplary embodiment is designed as a printed circuit board 3. The connector 2 also has a longitudinal axis L, which runs along a mating direction, indicated in the figure by a double arrow.

[0132] In principle, any electrical circuit can be provided in place of the printed circuit board 3, for example in the form of a multi-chip module, a system-in-package, a system-on-chip and / or any integrated circuit, i.e., for example, also a single microchip or ASIC. For the sake of simplicity, the invention is described in the exemplary embodiment using a printed circuit board 3, which can, however, be understood as a "black box" for any electrical circuit.

[0133] The connector 2 has a housing 4, which in the present embodiment is made of a non-conductive material, e.g., a plastic. The housing 4 serves, among other things, to accommodate an electrical conductor 5, which in this embodiment is designed as a cable 5 held in the housing 4 of the connector 2 by a retaining device 6. The cable 5 is an electrically shielded cable 5 with a ground conductor designed as an outer conductor 7, in particular as a braided shield 7, which is electrically connected to a shielding means 8 of the connector 2. The outer conductor 7 carries a defined electrical potential, in particular a ground potential, which is suitable for forming a shield. The braided shield 7 is clamped between the shielding means 8 and the housing 4 of the connector 2.The shielding means 8 preferably extends completely around the inner areas of the connector 2 in order to completely shield the connector 2 electromagnetically.

[0134] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, signal conductors 10, which in this embodiment are designed as inner conductors 10 of cable 5, are electrically connected at their ends facing the circuit board 3 to input-side contacts 9. The connector 2 has output-side contacts 11, which are electrically connected to connector inner conductors 12. In this embodiment, three contacts 9 and 11 are provided. The number can be arbitrary.

[0135] The connector 2 has a receptacle 13 for the circuit board 3, which is formed as a slot-shaped recess 13 between the input-side contacts 9 and the output-side contacts 11. The receptacle 13 has an access opening 14 through which the circuit board 3 can be inserted. A closing element 15 is provided for closing the access opening 14.

[0136] The circuit board 3 has contact points 16, which in this case are designed as flat contacts 16 or solder pads, which in the case of the circuit board 3 used (as shown) contact the input-side contacts 9 and the output-side contacts 11.

[0137] The circuit board 3 is positioned between the input contacts 9 and the output contacts 11. To ensure robust and particularly reliable contact as well as easy insertion and removal of the circuit board 3, the contacts 9 and 11 of the connector 2 are designed as spring contacts 9 and 11. The use of spring contacts 9 and 11 allows for a large tolerance range to be compensated for while simultaneously ensuring easy insertion of the circuit board 3.

[0138] The circuit board 3 features conductive traces, vias (not shown here), and electrical components 17. This allows for customized transmission from the input contacts 9 to the output contacts 11. The transmission options are diverse. For example, signal amplification, impedance matching, linearization, automatic adjustment based on the installed cable length, and programmable circuits can be implemented. Alternatively, the circuit board 3 can be configured to have only conductive traces and / or vias, enabling variable and quick rewiring of the connector 2.

[0139] In the exemplary embodiment, the housing 4 of connector 2 optionally features a mechanical keying mechanism, allowing connector 2, which is configured as a plug in this example, to be inserted into a socket (not shown). Connector 2 can be a plug, a socket, a coupler, or an adapter. In particular, connector 2 can also be used as a printed circuit board connector or housed in a device enclosure. For further contact, connector 2 can have contact sleeves 18 in its front region, which are electrically connected to the connector's inner conductors 12.

[0140] The locking element 15 is preferably made essentially of plastic or a non-conductive material and has an electrically conductive attachment 19 in the form of a contact spring attachment 19. The attachment 19 electrically contacts the shielding means 8 of the connector 2 and thus ensures a closed electromagnetic shield. The locking element 15 includes a seal 20 for mechanically sealing the access opening 14.

[0141] The locking element 15 also includes a contact element 21, which, acting as an additional contact spring, electrically connects the electrically conductive attachment 19 of the locking element 15 to a circuit shield, in this case a printed circuit board shield 22 in the form of a metallized surface of the printed circuit board 3. Furthermore, another contact element 23 of a similar design is provided at the lower end of the receptacle 13, which additionally contacts the printed circuit board shield 22 of the printed circuit board 3. In principle, electrical contact of the shields 8, 19, 22 that is as comprehensive and extensive as possible is advantageous.

[0142] Of course, one or all contact element(s) 21, 23 can also be provided on the circuit board 3 or on the circuit board shield 22.

[0143] Furthermore, a printed circuit board shield 22 can also be implemented without necessarily providing electrical contact with the attachment 19 via the contact element.

[0144] The printed circuit board 3, and in particular its sectioned structure, is shown only as an example and in a highly abstract form. The printed circuit board 3 could be a single-sided printed circuit board, a double-sided printed circuit board, or a multilayer printed circuit board 3 with more than two layers. A printed circuit board 3 with two layers 26 is described later. Fig. 11 shown enlarged.

[0145] The connector system 1 shown can advantageously be configured for the transmission of electrical signals according to a USB standard.

[0146] In Fig. 2 is the one in Fig. Figure 1 illustrates the connector system 1 again, with the circuit board 3 removed. Furthermore, the locking element 15 is not inserted into the access opening 14. In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is provided that the input-side contacts 9 and the output-side contacts 11 do not make electrical contact when the circuit board 3 is removed. This is a structurally preferable solution, as such an arrangement is easy to implement. It can also be advantageous to achieve reliable galvanic isolation of circuits within the connector 2 by removing the circuit board 3. It can also be understood as being within the scope of the invention to provide a circuit board 3 that merely ensures reliable galvanic isolation between some or all contacts 9 and 11. The circuit board 3 would therefore have a transmission capability or a transfer function of zero between at least one input-side contact 9 and at least one output-side contact 11. The circuit board 3 can thus also serve as a locking element – ​​depending on the embodiment, either in the inserted or removed state.

[0147] In one embodiment, it may also be provided that the relaxed length of the springs, if the contacts 9, 11 are designed as springs, or the distances between the contacts 9, 11 are chosen such that the input-side contacts 9 and the output-side contacts 11 make contact with each other even when a circuit board 3 is not inserted.

[0148] In Fig. 3 is the locking element 15 of the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 is enlarged and shown in a three-dimensional representation. The locking element 15 is essentially made of a non-conductive material and includes the seal 20 already described. To ensure sufficient electromagnetic shielding, the conductive attachment 19 is preferably made of a sheet metal and is slid or placed onto the locking element 15. Lateral contact springs 24 are provided, which ensures reliable electrical contact with the outer conductor 7 of the cable 5 or with the shielding means 8 of the connector 2, even when large tolerances need to be compensated for.

[0149] In this preferred embodiment, the contact springs 24 are preferably arranged in a ring around the locking element 15. In a simplified design, however, a single contact or a single contact spring 24 may also suffice.

[0150] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of a connector system 1 according to the invention. Features already described in a previous embodiment are not explained again in detail below. This applies to all subsequent figures.

[0151] The in Fig. The embodiment shown in section 4 differs from the preceding embodiment of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 essentially in that the locking element 15 is formed in a simplified embodiment as a sheet metal element or entirely from metal. The locking element 15 is positively and force-fit connected to the shielding means 8 of the connector 2, for example by a screw connection. The locking element 15 is preferably recessed in the housing 4 of the connector 2 when installed. Alternatively, a coplanar design or a design in which the locking element 15 protrudes from the housing 4 is also possible (see, e.g., Fig. 1), possible.

[0152] A third embodiment of a connector system 1 according to the invention is described in Fig. Figure 5 shows the connector 2 as a coupling. The contact sleeve(s) 18 of the front region of the connector 2 is / are arranged relative to the circuit board 3 such that a corresponding plug can directly contact the output-side contact points 16 of the circuit board 3. In this case, the output-side contact 11 is formed by the corresponding plug, which can be considered a component of the present connector system 1. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the corresponding plug contacts at least one output-side contact 11 of the connector 2. In this case, the output-side contacts 11 and the connector inner conductors 12 would be formed integrally with the contact sleeves 18.

[0153] In the Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. Figure 8 shows simplified circuit diagrams to illustrate three exemplary variants of the connector system 1 and to demonstrate the various transmission possibilities from the at least one input contact 9 to the at least one output contact 11. The input contact 9 of the connector 2 with the cable conductors 10 and the output contact 11 of the connector 2 with the connector conductors 12, as well as the printed circuit board 3, are shown in each diagram. The electrical connections of contacts 9 and 11 of the connector 2 and the contact points 16 of the printed circuit board 3 are only shown schematically.

[0154] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 6. The circuit board 3 serves solely to transmit or directly connect the cable inner conductors 10 to the connector inner conductors 12. In the simplest case, the circuit board 3 can only have vias for this purpose. The circuit board 3 and the transmission method then function as a so-called "dummy" element.

[0155] In Fig. 7 is one of the Fig. Figure 6 shows a similar embodiment in which the circuit board 3 again serves only to connect the cable inner conductors 10 and the connector inner conductors 12, without providing any further influence on the signals. However, in this embodiment, it is a "crossover" connection, i.e., a cross-connection of signals and thus a connection that differs from the Fig. 6 different connector configurations.

[0156] By replacing the circuit boards 3, the plug connection 2 can thus be functionally changed.

[0157] Fig. Figure 8 shows another embodiment in which an electronics unit 25 of the circuit board 3, represented as a “black box”, electrically influences one or more or all signals during transmission from the input contacts 9 to the output contacts 11.

[0158] The invention can also be used to avoid or replace a conventional fanning area within a connector, or to adapt an input-side interface 30 and an output-side interface 31 in an impedance-controlled manner. Within a connector, the so-called pitch, i.e., the center-to-center distance of the contacts 9, 11 or contact points 16, usually needs to be modified. Often, the cable inner conductors 10 are fanned out, i.e., the pitch is increased, to achieve the correct dimensions for the connector. Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 4 and Fig. In section 5, such a division is clearly visible.

[0159] Typically, the cable inner conductors 10 are fanned out so that their ends take on a position such that each end of a cable inner conductor 10 is assigned a corresponding end of a connector inner conductor 12 and the corresponding ends run coaxially to each other.

[0160] In principle, any routing options are available for the input and output interfaces 30, 31. Any pin assignments or connector standards can be adapted to the electrical circuit or circuit board 3, while impedance control is simultaneously possible through appropriate circuit components of the electrical circuit or circuit board 3. For example, it is possible to switch from a transmission type or "twisting" with a star quad to a parallel transmission type ("parallel pair").

[0161] Fig. Figure 9 shows another example of different input and output interfaces 30, 31, each with a different pitch. The circuit board 3, which, as shown, can have round contact pads, represents a type of adapter that enables ideally matched transmission from an input interface 30, in this case a narrow cable interface, to an output interface 31, in this case a wider connector interface. The output interface 31 thus has larger distances between the individual wires or connector inner conductors 12. As already mentioned, such a transition is usually solved in practice with a fanning area, which, however, causes interference in the transmission path. By using a suitable electrical circuit, both interfaces 30, 31 can, however, have the same impedance (e.g., 90 ohms differential).

[0162] For example, a printed circuit board 3 can be provided, whereby direct contact can initially be made to the printed circuit board 3 from both sides with the respective interface dimensions. A suitable design of the microstrip traces and vias of the printed circuit board 3 can then compensate for the capacitive behavior of the transition from the respective inner conductors 10, 12 to the printed circuit board 3. Preferably, a reflection-free pitch change is provided.

[0163] In the Fig. 9 and Fig. For simplicity, the mounting 13 for circuit board 3 is not shown in Figure 10. However, circuit board 3 can be inserted into connector 2 as described previously.

[0164] In Fig. 10 is connector 2 of the Fig. 9 is shown as a printed circuit board connector. As shown, the connector 2 is not connected to a cable 5 on the input side, but to another printed circuit board 32. Several electrical conductors 5 or signal conductors 10 of the other printed circuit board 32 can be contacted via corresponding contact lines 33. A ground conductor of the other printed circuit board 32 can also be connected via at least one contact line 33. The contact lines 33 connect the signal conductors 10 to the contact points 16 of the printed circuit board 3 or to the input-side contacts 9.

[0165] In this configuration, particularly due to the angled design, the different lengths of the contact lines 33 result in the problem of varying signal propagation times, which can prove particularly problematic when transmitting high-frequency signals. This problem can be solved relatively easily by using a suitable electrical circuit or printed circuit board 3.

[0166] By using an electrical circuit according to the invention, a transition optimally suited for high-frequency technology can be provided between an input-side interface 30 and an output-side interface 31, wherein differences between the interfaces 30, 31 that would negatively affect the signal transmission, such as in particular different line lengths, center-to-center distances or relative positioning of the contacts, geometry or size of the individual contacts and material type of the individual contacts, can be electrically compensated or adapted by the appropriately designed electrical circuit.

[0167] Fig. Figure 11 shows a schematic sectional view of a printed circuit board 3 in an optional embodiment as a printed circuit board 3, as it could be used for the present invention. It can also be a multilayer printed circuit board.

[0168] The circuit board 3 according to Fig. 11 comprises a full-surface metallization 22 made of copper on its surfaces or side faces, which forms the circuit board shield 22. The metallization 22 is recessed around the contact points 16 to prevent the contact points 16 from short-circuiting to the shield.

[0169] Within the metallization 22, two printed circuit board layers 26 are arranged, which are connected by means of contacts 27 and spaced apart from each other. The printed circuit board layers 26 of the printed circuit board 3 are connected to the contact points 16 via vias 28. Electrical components 17 are preferably arranged on the inwardly facing sides of the printed circuit board layers 26. The vias 28 and contacts 27 can also be formed in one piece.

[0170] A thermally conductive layer 29 can be formed between the printed circuit board layers 26 and the electrical components 17 surrounding or immediately adjacent or adjoining them.

[0171] The distance between the printed circuit board layers 26 can depend, among other things, on the height and / or operating voltage of the electrical components 17 as well as on the electrical insulation capacity of the thermally conductive layer 29.

[0172] To ensure sufficient electrical insulation of the thermally conductive layer 29, the thermally conductive layer 29 may contain epoxy resin. Due to the low thermal conductivity of epoxy resin, the thermally conductive layer 29 may also be enriched with boron nitride and / or aluminum oxide. Accordingly, the required thickness of the thermally conductive layer 29 may depend significantly on its composition.

[0173] Synthetic resin can also be used instead of epoxy resin. It is also particularly suitable.

[0174] In principle, a connector 2 of the embodiments described above can be Fig. 1, 2 and 4 to 10 may also be designed in two parts.

Claims

[1] Connector system (1) comprising an electrical connector (2) for connection to at least one electrical line (5) and an electrical circuit (3), wherein the electrical connector (2) - at least one input-side contact (9) that can be electrically connected to a signal conductor (10) of the electrical line (5), - at least one output-side contact (11) which is electrically connected to a connector inner conductor (12), - Shielding means (8) that can be electrically connected to a ground conductor (7) of at least one electrical line (5), - a recording (13) for the electrical circuit (3), and - a closing element (15) for closing an access opening (14) of the receptacle (13), wherein the electrical circuit (3) further comprises contact points (16) for contacting at least one of the input-side contacts (9) and at least one of the output-side contacts (11) when the electrical circuit (3) is inserted into the receptacle (13), wherein the electrical circuit (3) has a transmission possibility from the at least one input-side contact (9) to the at least one output-side contact (11), characterized by, that the electrical circuit (3) has a circuit shield (22), and that at least one contact element (21, 23) is or are provided on the shielding means (8) of the connector (2) and / or on the locking element (15) and / or on the electrical circuit (3) in order to electrically contact the circuit shield (22) with the ground conductor (7) of the at least one electrical line (5) when the electrical circuit (3) is inserted into the receptacle (13). [2] Connector system (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the electrical circuit (3) is designed as a printed circuit board, preferably as a double-sided printed circuit board or as a multilayer printed circuit board with more than two printed circuit board layers (26), as a multi-chip module, as a system-in-package, as a system-on-chip and / or as an integrated circuit. [3] Connector system (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by, that the electrical circuit (3), when inserted into the receptacle (13), is positioned between the at least one input-side contact (9) and the at least one output-side contact (11). [4] Connector system (1) according to one of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized by , that the contact points (16) of the electrical circuit (3) and / or the contacts (9, 11) of the connector (2) are designed as flat contacts and / or sliding contacts and / or solder pads and / or spring contacts and / or plug contacts. [5] Connector system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that when the contacts (9, 11) of the connector (2) are designed as spring contacts, the relaxed length of the springs and / or the distances between the contacts (9, 11) are selected such that the at least one input-side contact (9) and the at least one output-side contact (11) make contact even when the electrical circuit (3) is not inserted into the receptacle (13). [6] Connector system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the locking element (15) is at least partially made of an electrically conductive material and that when the locking element (15) closes the access opening (14) of the receptacle (13), it electrically contacts the means for shielding (8) of the connector (2). [7] Connector system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by, that the locking element (15) has at least one contact spring (21) which electrically contacts the means for shielding (8) of the connector (2) when the locking element (15) closes the access opening (14) of the receptacle (13). [8] Connector system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the closure element (15) is made of plastic with an electrically conductive attachment (19) or of metal. [9] Connector system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the locking element (15) has a seal (20) for sealing the access opening (14). [10] Connector system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by, that the locking element (15) can be fixed in a housing (4) of the connector (2) and / or in the shielding means (8) of the connector (2) and / or in the receptacle (13) by means of a force-fit and / or material-fit and / or form-fit, preferably by clamping and / or screwing and / or gluing and / or soldering. [11] Connector system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that at least one electrical component (17) is integrated into the electrical circuit (3), in particular into the printed circuit board according to claim 2, wherein a thermally conductive layer (29) is formed immediately adjacent to at least one of the electrical components (17), and wherein the thermally conductive layer (29) comprises an electrically insulating polymer support material, in particular synthetic resin and / or epoxy resin, and further comprises aluminium oxide and / or boron nitride. [12] Connector system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by, that the electrical circuit (3) has an input-side interface (30) with at least one of the input-side contact points (16) for connecting the at least one signal conductor (10) of the at least one electrical line (5), and wherein the electrical circuit (3) has an output-side interface (31) with at least one of the output-side contact points (16), wherein the transmission possibility is provided, in particular at least for impedance control, between the input-side interface (30) and the output-side interface (31), and wherein the design of the input-side interface (30) differs from the design of the output-side interface (31).

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