Angled High-Density Connector Interface for Low Mode Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical connectors face challenges in achieving high density and high speed data transmission with low mode conversion and signal integrity, particularly in miniaturized formats, due to limitations in angular twist and resonance issues.
Innovation Solution
The development of electrical connectors with angled mating interfaces and thin superelastic signal conductors, along with electromagnetic shielding, to reduce angular twist and enhance signal integrity, allowing for high bandwidth operations up to 56 GHz and data rates of 112 Gb/s.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If electrical connectors use traditional right angle or orthogonal configurations, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but signal integrity deteriorates due to angular twist and mode conversion at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the angular parameter of the connector interface from traditional 90-degree right angle or orthogonal configurations to acute angles (e.g., 45 degrees or less). This parameter change reduces the angular twist that signal conductors must undergo during mating, thereby reducing mode conversion and improving signal integrity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by using acute angled mating interfaces instead of conventional right angle configurations. This dimensional change in the angular orientation allows signal conductors to maintain more consistent alignment during connection, reducing signal degradation while preserving ease of assembly
2Volume of moving object
If electrical connectors are miniaturized to achieve high density, then space utilization improves, but signal integrity worsens due to increased angular twist and resonance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by reducing the angular orientation to acute angles (45 degrees or less), which reduces the effective path length and angular deviation that signals must traverse in miniaturized connectors. This allows high-density packaging while maintaining signal integrity by minimizing mode conversion in the compact form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing the angular configuration specifically at the mating interface region where signal transmission occurs. The acute angled design locally improves signal path characteristics at the critical connection point while allowing the overall connector to be miniaturized for high density
3Productivity
If electrical connectors support higher data rates and frequencies, then transmission capability improves, but mode conversion and signal integrity deterioration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the angular parameter to acute angles (45 degrees or less), which reduces mode conversion effects that become increasingly problematic at high data rates and frequencies. This parameter optimization enables higher productivity (112 Gb/s data rates and 56 GHz frequencies) while maintaining signal integrity by minimizing signal path deviations
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 solution enables high-density, high-speed electrical connectors with low mode conversion and improved signal integrity, supporting data transmission rates of up to 112 Gb/s and frequencies up to 56 GHz, while maintaining low manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
thin superelastic signal conductors, along with electromagnetic shielding, to reduce angular twist
Implementation Method 2
electromagnetic shielding, to reduce angular twist and enhance signal integrity
Data Source
AI summary
A modular high speed, high density electrical connector configurable for use in multiple configurations, including a direct attach orthogonal configuration. The connector is assembled with modules that include shielded pairs of signal conductors with mating ends that are rotated approximately 45 degrees with respect to intermediate portions of the signal conductors. The connector may have a mating interface with receptacles in one connector and pins in the mating connector. The pins may be small diameter and may be implemented with superelastic wires so as to resist damage despite having very small effective diameter. A compact mating interface resulting from small diameter mating contact portions may enable other portions of the connector, including the shielding surrounding the signal conductors to be smaller, which may raise the resonant frequency of the connector and extend its bandwidth.