Board Mounted Connector Multi-Row Contact Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-speed I/O connectors, such as those for HDMI, suffer from cross-talk between signal contacts due to inadequate spacing and positioning of ground and signal contacts, leading to suboptimal electrical coupling and impedance uniformity.
Innovation Solution
A board-mounted electrical connector design featuring spaced apart signal and return reference contacts arranged in specific patterns, such as isosceles triangles or diagonal lines, to increase distance between contacts and reduce cross-talk, with return reference contacts positioned between signal pairs for improved coupling and impedance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If ground contacts are all provided on the same row, then the connector structure is simplified, but the distance between ground contacts is insufficient leading to increased cross-talk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-row arrangement of ground contacts to a multi-row arrangement, utilizing the second dimension (vertical arrangement) to increase spacing. Ground contacts are distributed across multiple rows rather than confined to one row, thereby increasing the distance between adjacent ground contacts and reducing cross-talk between signal contacts while maintaining structural organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into multiple rows for organizing contacts. By dividing the contact array into separate rows (signal contact rows and ground contact rows), the design achieves better spatial separation and control over electromagnetic interference, allowing ground contacts to be strategically positioned to reduce cross-talk without requiring a complete redesign of the connector structure.
2Device complexity
If signal contacts are provided on the same row, then the connector structure is simplified, but the distance between adjacent signal contact pairs is insufficient leading to cross-talk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes multi-row arrangement to position signal contact pairs, increasing the distance between adjacent pairs by distributing them across different rows. This dimensional approach allows signal contacts to be spaced farther apart while maintaining a compact overall connector footprint, thereby reducing cross-talk between adjacent signal pairs.
Solution Approach 2:
Ground contacts serve as intermediary elements positioned between signal contact pairs. By placing ground contacts in intermediate positions (at corners or between signal contacts in adjacent rows), the design creates electromagnetic shielding that reduces cross-talk between signal pairs, effectively using ground contacts as mediators to isolate adjacent signal paths.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If ground contacts are positioned at intermediate positions between signal contacts in adjacent rows, then cross-talk is reduced, but the distance between ground contacts remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by utilizing the vertical dimension (multiple rows) to increase the distance between ground contacts. Instead of only positioning ground contacts horizontally between signal contacts, the design places ground contacts in different rows, thereby increasing both the horizontal and vertical spacing between ground contacts simultaneously, achieving better cross-talk reduction and adequate ground contact separation.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes an insulator, and a plurality of spaced apart signal contacts and return reference contacts which are held by and routed through the insulator. The signal contacts form signal pairs which include a positive signal contact and a negative signal contact. At a first end of the insulator, the signal pairs and return reference contacts are provided in two rows. At the second end of the insulator, the signal pairs and return reference contacts are provided in at least three rows. The signal pairs and return reference contacts form either a plurality of isosceles triangles or a plurality of diagonal lines.