Bi-Sectional Lead Frames for Crosstalk Reduction in Modular Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current connector designs fail to effectively address crosstalk noise at higher transmission frequencies in UTP cabling systems, leading to increased noise interference and reduced signal quality, and they often add complexity or cost to compensate for this noise.

Innovation Solution

The modular insert assemblies feature bi-sectional contacts with split lead frames that reduce noise by isolating internal contacts and introducing signal balancing only when electrically mated, allowing for optional compensation based on plug design, using capacitive coupling sections such as capacitive plates or interdigitated fingers to rebalance signals without altering impedance characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional continuous lead frames are used in modular connectors, then electrical continuity is maintained, but crosstalk noise increases at higher transmission frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrosstalk noiseVSAvoidsignal quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lead frame contacts are divided into two separate sections (front end portion and rear end portion) that are initially electrically isolated from each other. This segmentation allows the front end portion to be positioned close to the plug contact for signal reception while the rear end portion remains separated to avoid crosstalk, thereby reducing noise at higher frequencies while maintaining signal integrity through controlled connection only when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If lead frame contacts are positioned close to plug contacts for signal reception, then signal strength is improved, but crosstalk interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal strengthVSAvoidcrosstalk interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the lead frame into front and rear portions, the front end can be optimally positioned near the plug contact to maximize signal coupling and strength, while the rear end portion is separated to minimize crosstalk interference with adjacent pairs, achieving both strong signal reception and reduced interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bi-sectional lead frame structure acts as an intermediary element between the plug contact and the internal connector circuitry. It provides controlled electrical connection only when a plug is inserted, allowing signal transmission while isolating the internal contacts from each other to prevent crosstalk, thus mediating between signal strength requirements and interference reduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If noise compensation mechanisms are added to reduce crosstalk, then signal quality improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrosstalk reductionVSAvoidconnector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The segmentation of lead frames into bi-sectional contacts provides inherent noise isolation without requiring additional compensation circuits or complex mechanisms. The physical separation and controlled connection of front and rear portions naturally reduce crosstalk, achieving noise reduction through simple structural design rather than complex active compensation systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Object-affected harmful factors

If internal contacts are isolated to reduce crosstalk, then noise is reduced, but electrical continuity is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise reductionVSAvoidelectrical continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bi-sectional lead frame contacts are designed to be dynamic in their electrical connection state. When no plug is inserted, the front and rear portions are isolated to reduce crosstalk. When a plug is inserted, the mechanical force causes the front end portion to contact the rear end portion, establishing electrical continuity. This dynamic transition allows the system to adapt between noise reduction mode and signal transmission mode

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

This design effectively reduces near-end and far-end crosstalk, maintaining signal quality across higher frequencies while being simple, cost-effective, and adaptable to various plug designs, thereby enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio and reducing bit error rates.

Implementation Method 1

using capacitive coupling sections such as capacitive plates or interdigitated fingers to rebalance signals without altering impedance characteristics

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS7481678B2Modular insert and jack including bi-sectional lead frames
Publication Date: 2009.01.27 LEGRAND DPC LLC
  • US7481678B2 patent drawing
  • US7481678B2 patent drawing
  • US7481678B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure is related to a modular insert and associated jack assembly used in telecommunication connector systems that reduces the adjacent lines electro magnetic interference from an adjacent transmitter for different plug assemblies. The internal contacts/lead frames feature a bi-sectional design. Internal EMI line reduction is allowed only when the bi-sectional contacts are electrically mated by a plug with corresponding contact layout. By isolating the contact sections in the interface system, the coupled signal for EMI balance is optionally utilized in a low cost and manufacturable design.