Backplane Connector Ground Shields for Crosstalk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current backplane connector systems face challenges in achieving high-speed operations and increased pin densities while minimizing signal interference and crosstalk, particularly at frequencies above 25 Gbps and with pin densities of at least 50 pairs per inch.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of high-speed backplane connector systems that incorporate wafer assemblies with differential electrical connector pairs encapsulated by three-dimensional ground shields and dielectric fillers, ensuring reduced propagation of undesirable signal modes and maintaining uniform impedance profiles through identical connector geometries and strategic air gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the spacing between electrical terminals is reduced to increase pin density, then the number of electrical terminals per inch increases, but signal interference and crosstalk increase
Solution Approach 1:
Ground shields are introduced as intermediary structures between adjacent differential connector pairs. These ground shields act as mediators that block electromagnetic field coupling between neighboring signal pairs, thereby preventing crosstalk while allowing high pin density. The ground shields are strategically positioned at intervals along the length of the connector pairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where ground shields are positioned both above and below differential connector pairs, creating a three-dimensional encapsulation. This nested arrangement of ground shields around signal pairs provides comprehensive shielding while maintaining compact spacing between terminals.
2Quantity of substance
If the spacing between electrical terminals is reduced to increase pin density, then the number of electrical terminals per inch increases, but near-end crosstalk noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
Ground shields serve as intermediary barriers that prevent electromagnetic coupling between adjacent differential pairs at the near-end. By positioning ground shields immediately adjacent to signal pairs, the patent effectively blocks the generation of near-end crosstalk noise while maintaining high terminal density.
3Quantity of substance
If the spacing between electrical terminals is reduced to increase pin density, then the number of electrical terminals per inch increases, but far-end crosstalk noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
Ground shields positioned at regular intervals along the length of differential connector pairs act as mediators that prevent far-end crosstalk. These shields block electromagnetic field propagation over distance, thereby reducing far-end noise while allowing terminals to be closely spaced.
4Reliability
If ground shields are added to reduce crosstalk, then signal integrity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is segmented into modular units, each consisting of differential connector pairs with associated ground shields. This segmentation allows the complex shielded structure to be broken down into repeatable modules, simplifying manufacturing and assembly while maintaining signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated structures. Ground shields are merged with housing elements and positioning features are integrated into the shield structures themselves, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical connector system for mounting a substrate comprises a plurality of electrical contact assemblies. Each electrical contact assembly comprises a plurality of electrical contacts arranged in parallel relationship. Each electrical contact defines a length direction and defines an electrical mating connector (417) at a mating end (422) of the electrical contact. A plurality of insulated sections are positioned along the length direction to hold the plurality of electrical contacts in the parallel relationship, wherein the insulated sections are spaced apart from one another along the length of the plurality of electrical contacts. The spacing between the plurality of insulated sections permits each electrical contact assembly to be bent between the insulated sections in a desired configuration. A plurality of housing segments (404) comprise a plurality of electrical contact channels (418) each comprising a conductive surface and adapted to receive at least a pair of electrical contacts of an electrical contact assembly. The plurality of electrical contact assemblies are arranged in a matrix of rows and columns of electrical contacts at the mating end (422) of the electrical connector (417), the rows of electrical contacts lying substantially parallel to a plane of the substrate. A housing segment of the plurality of housing segments (404) and associated electrical contact assemblies of the plurality of electrical assemblies form a row of the matrix of electrical contacts at the mating end (422) of the connector (417). Multiple housing segments (404) are shaped to form the matrix of electrical contacts when assembled adjacent to one another, and the electrical contact channels (418) of the plurality of contact channels electrically isolate pairs of electrical contacts from other pairs of electrical contacts in the matrix.