Blade Power Connector Reducing Inductance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing configuration of power supply systems, where power is delivered over long distances to devices that switch power states rapidly, results in voltage sag due to inductance issues, which can be problematic for sensitive devices, and often requires the use of capacitors to maintain a constant voltage.
Innovation Solution
A combined electrical power and signal connector system that integrates blade-type power contacts with signal pins, allowing for proper alignment and connection, and includes a design with interlocking structures and insulative barriers to reduce inductance and impedance, enabling efficient power and signal transmission while minimizing the need for capacitors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If power is delivered over long distances to rapidly switching devices, then device positioning flexibility is improved, but voltage sag occurs due to inductance
Solution Approach 1:
The power delivery path is segmented into multiple parallel conductors (blade contacts) instead of a single long conductor. This segmentation reduces the loop area and inductance of each segment while maintaining the overall power delivery distance, thereby reducing voltage sag during rapid power state transitions
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design nests multiple blade-type power contacts within a compact housing structure. The blade contacts are arranged in a nested configuration that minimizes the overall connector profile while maintaining adequate spacing between conductors to reduce inductance and improve voltage stability over long delivery distances
2Reliability
If capacitors are added adjacent to power consumption devices, then voltage constantness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with preliminary inductance reduction features (parallel blade contacts with optimized geometry and spacing) that proactively minimize voltage sag before it occurs. This preliminary action reduces or eliminates the need for additional capacitors at the device level, thereby maintaining voltage constantness without increasing overall system complexity
3Power
If blade-type power contacts are used, then current density handling is improved, but inductance effects worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The blade-type power contacts feature localized geometry optimization where the blade width, length, and spacing are specifically designed to maximize current carrying capacity at critical high-current-density regions while minimizing loop area in other regions. This local quality differentiation allows high current density handling without excessive inductance effects
Data Source
AI summary
A power module of an electrical connector is provided which has a dielectric housing and a pair of blade terminals. The housing has a forward face and a support arm projecting forwardly from the face. The support arm has opposing first and second sides. The housing has a cavity. The face has a pair of slots extending therethrough which are in communication with the cavity and which are provided adjacent the sides of the support arm. Each of the blade terminals has a body portion and a blade portion. The body portions are housed in the cavity and the blade portions extend through the slots and are positioned alongside the sides of the support arm. The electrical connector may also have a signal module interconnected to the power module. The electrical connector may also be configured to mate with another electrical connector as part of a connector assembly.