Biased Connector Assembly for Stub Length Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IO connectors face challenges in maintaining signal integrity at high data rates due to tolerance stack-up, which results in a longer stub length of contact pads, causing signal noise and interference.
Innovation Solution
A biased connector system is introduced, featuring a receptacle connector with integral biasing members that urge the pluggable transceiver module away from the connector, thereby adjusting the stub length of the contact pads to a predetermined range, ensuring optimal signal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing IO connector designs are used, then the connector structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the stub length of contact pads becomes too long causing signal noise and interference at high data rates
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member introduces a dynamic element to the connector assembly, allowing the plug module to be actively biased toward a predetermined position that optimizes stub length. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables precise control of contact pad engagement without requiring complex manufacturing tolerances, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the positional parameter of the plug module by introducing a biasing force. By adjusting the biasing member's force and position, the stub length can be controlled within an optimal range, directly addressing the signal integrity issue at high data rates while maintaining a relatively simple connector structure.
2Reliability
If tolerance stack-up is not addressed, then the connector design remains simple, but signal integrity performance deteriorates at high data rates greater than 56 Gbps
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member applies a preliminary counteracting force to compensate for tolerance stack-up effects before they can degrade signal integrity. By pre-positioning the plug module optimally, the system proactively prevents stub length variations that would otherwise cause signal noise and interference at high data rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member acts as an intermediary element between the plug module and receptacle connector, mediating the interaction to ensure optimal contact pad engagement. This intermediary component absorbs and compensates for tolerance variations, protecting signal integrity without requiring the entire connector assembly to be complex.
3Manufacturing precision
If the plug module position is not controlled, then the connector assembly is simple, but the stub length exceeds the predetermined range causing signal noise
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member enables the connector assembly to self-adjust and self-position the plug module optimally during insertion. This self-service mechanism automatically achieves precise contact pad engagement without requiring complex external positioning systems or complicated assembly procedures, maintaining ease of operation while improving manufacturing precision.
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 biased connector system effectively reduces the stub length, minimizing signal noise and improving signal integrity, especially in high data rate applications such as 112 Gbps and 224 Gbps.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one biasing member biases the pluggable transceiver module away from the connector
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a connector assembly comprising a receptacle connector configured to mount to a substrate and form an electrical connection therewith. The receptacle connector includes a cage that defines a port, with the port comprising one or more biasing members or, in some embodiments, at least three biasing members positioned therein. The connector assembly further includes a connector comprising at least one terminal with a contact portion, and a plug connector comprising a pluggable transceiver module configured to be inserted into the port. The pluggable transceiver module includes circuitry with at least one contact pad configured to engage with the contact portion of the at least one terminal. The one or more biasing members are configured to urge the pluggable transceiver module to a predetermined position such that a stub length of the at least one contact pad has a predetermined length.