Angled Side Wall Electrical Contact for PCB Impedance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical connector systems face challenges in maintaining performance when the height is increased to accommodate greater space between printed circuits, leading to issues with impedance, insertion loss, and signal reflection.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an electrical contact with a mating segment, an intermediate segment, and a tail segment, where the intermediate segment features a base wall and side walls extending at a non-parallel angle to manage impedance, insertion loss, and reflection by providing a more uniform shape and increased surface area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the height of the electrical connector system is increased to accommodate greater space between printed circuits, then the space between printed circuits is increased, but the electrical performance deteriorates due to impedance mismatch, insertion loss, and signal reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the intermediate segment, specifically the angle of the side wall relative to the base wall. By adjusting this angle, the patent optimizes the electrical characteristics (impedance, insertion loss, reflection) of the electrical contact while maintaining the increased height required for greater space between printed circuits. This allows the system to achieve both increased spacing and maintained electrical performance.
2Length of stationary object
If the electrical contacts are lengthened to accommodate the increased height of the system, then the height accommodation is improved, but the impedance control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform geometry in the intermediate segment through the angled side wall. Different portions of the electrical contact have different cross-sectional areas, with the wider portion providing better impedance control. This local variation in geometry allows the longer electrical contact to maintain proper impedance matching despite the increased length required for greater height accommodation.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical contact is provided for an electrical connector that is mounted on a printed circuit. The electrical contact includes a mating segment having a mating interface configured to engage a mating contact of another connector. The electrical contact also includes a tail segment having a mounting interface configured to be mounted to the printed circuit. An intermediate segment extends between and interconnects the mating and tail segments. The intermediate segment includes a base wall extending a length from the tail segment to the mating segment. The intermediate segment further includes a side wall extending outwardly from the base wall along at least a portion of the length of the base wall. The side wall extends outwardly at a non-parallel angle relative to the base wall for affecting at least one of an impedance, an insertion loss, or a reflection of the electrical contact.