Angled High-Density Connector Layout for Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors face challenges in achieving high density and high speed while maintaining low cost and signal integrity, particularly in configurations requiring right angle or direct mate orthogonal systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of electrical connectors with angled mating interfaces, where signal conductors have mating ends separated at one angle and intermediate portions separated at another, allows for flexible connection configurations and reduced mode conversion, enabling high bandwidth and data transmission rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional right angle connectors are used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but signal integrity deteriorates due to mode conversion and skew at high frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the signal conductors by introducing angled transitions instead of traditional right angle bends. The signal conductors are configured with intermediate portions at angles (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the mating ends and contact tails, which transforms the signal path geometry to reduce mode conversion and skew while maintaining manufacturability through standardized angular features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds an angular dimension to the signal conductor configuration by introducing intermediate portions that extend at angles between the mating ends and contact tails. This dimensional change creates a more complex three-dimensional signal path that reduces electromagnetic mode conversion and skew, improving signal integrity at high frequencies while still being manufacturable with standard PCB routing capabilities.
2Productivity
If high density connector configurations are implemented, then productivity increases, but signal integrity worsens due to increased mode conversion and skew
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the angular parameters of signal conductors in high-density configurations by using intermediate portions at controlled angles (e.g., 45 degrees) rather than traditional right angles. This parameter change reduces mode conversion and skew even when multiple signal pairs are closely spaced, enabling high data transmission rates (e.g., 112 Gb/s) while maintaining signal integrity through optimized geometric characteristics.
3Reliability
If angled intermediate portions are introduced, then signal integrity improves by reducing mode conversion, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the signal conductor configuration by using intermediate portions at angled orientations (e.g., 45 degrees) rather than symmetric right angle bends. This asymmetric geometry reduces mode conversion and skew by creating more gradual transitions in the electromagnetic field distribution, improving signal integrity while the angular features remain manufacturable with standard fabrication processes.
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.