Adjustable Impedance High Speed Data Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional high speed data connectors with twisted data transfer elements face challenges in impedance matching and require re-tooling for different bandwidths and impedances, and are not suitable for use with standard cables.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable impedance high speed data connector featuring a printed circuit board with electric modules that can be adjusted for capacitance and inductance, allowing for customizable impedance matching and compatibility with various bandwidths and impedances, eliminating the need for re-tooling and enabling use with standard cables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If twisted data transfer elements are used to reduce electromagnetic interference, then noise resistance is improved, but impedance matching capability deteriorates and re-tooling is required for different bandwidths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interference resistanceVSAvoidimpedance matching capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into separate functional modules: twisted pair elements for noise resistance and separate impedance matching circuits. This segmentation allows each module to independently perform its function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The impedance matching circuits are designed to be adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the connector to dynamically adapt its impedance characteristics to match different bandwidth requirements and cable types, eliminating the need for re-tooling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional twisted pair connectors are used, then noise resistance is improved, but device complexity increases due to special handling requirements for re-tooling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interference resistanceVSAvoidre-tooling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector incorporates universal impedance matching circuits that can accommodate multiple cable types and bandwidth requirements through adjustment, making the same connector suitable for various applications without requiring specialized versions or re-tooling procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If fixed impedance connectors are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different bandwidths and impedances deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidbandwidth compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The impedance matching circuits incorporate adjustable elements that allow the connector to be configured for different impedance values and bandwidths while maintaining a standardized manufacturing process. The adjustability is built into the design rather than requiring custom manufacturing for each application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The adjustable impedance connector reduces electromagnetic interference, ensures impedance matching, and allows operation across various bandwidths, enhancing signal quality and ease of handling.

Implementation Method 1

Mounted onto the printed circuit board and electrically connected thereto is at least one electric module having a capacitance, inductance, or a resulting impedance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

Mounted onto the printed circuit board and electrically connected thereto is at least one electric module having a capacitance, inductance, or a resulting impedance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductance: Inductor

Implementation Method 3

the output impedance of the connector becomes substantially the same as the input impedance; thus, any effect of electro-magnetic interference on the electrical signal passing through the circuit within the printed circuit board of the connector is reduced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpedance matching: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Data Source

PatentUS10418767B2Adjustable impedance high speed data connector, and methods of assembling and operating thereof
Publication Date: 2019.09.17 JST CORP
  • US10418767B2 patent drawing
  • US10418767B2 patent drawing
  • US10418767B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An adjustable impedance high speed data connector, and methods for assembling and operating thereof. The adjustable impedance high speed data connector of this invention includes a printed circuit board accommodated within, or printed or stamped onto, a tray, the printed circuit board including sets of terminals respectively extending on opposite ends of the printed circuit board. Mounted onto the printed circuit board and electrically connected thereto is at least one electric module having a fixed or adjustable capacitance or a fixed or adjustable inductance, which may be combined in any desired combination to achieve a desired impedance for the connector. By adjusting the variable capacitance or inductance of the electric module (or the variable combinations of capacitance and/or inductance of a plurality of electric modules), the impedance within the connector is adjustable for allowing the connector to operate at various ranges of bandwidths.