Broadside Connector Subassemblies for High-Density 50 GHz Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connectors face challenges in maintaining high density and high speed data transmission while minimizing electrical interference and manufacturing tolerances, particularly at higher frequencies, which can lead to signal skew and reduced signal integrity.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of broadside-coupled differential pairs within connector subassemblies, combined with modular construction and transition regions that switch between edge-to-edge and broadside coupling, to manage signal skew and maintain signal integrity across a wide frequency range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If high density electrical connectors are used to increase the number of circuits in a given area, then the data transmission capacity is improved, but electrical interference between adjacent signal conductors increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of circuitsVSAvoidelectrical interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the shielding function from the signal conductors themselves and implements it through separate shield members positioned between adjacent signal conductors. These shield members are electrically connected to reference conductors, creating isolated channels that prevent crosstalk while maintaining high density circuit arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces shield members as intermediary elements between adjacent signal conductors. These shields act as mediators that block electromagnetic interference while allowing the signal conductors to maintain their high-density configuration, thus resolving the contradiction between density and interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If shield members are placed between adjacent signal conductors to reduce interference, then signal integrity is improved, but the complexity of the connector structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal integrityVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the shield members with the insulative housing or support structures, combining multiple functions into integrated components. This reduces overall complexity by eliminating separate shielding structures while maintaining signal integrity through the combined design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shield members serve multiple functions: they provide electromagnetic shielding, maintain mechanical spacing between conductors, and are electrically connected to reference conductors for impedance control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the number of circuits in a given area is increased to handle more data, then the data transmission capacity is improved, but the frequencies at which the circuits operate must be increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capacityVSAvoidoperating frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potential harm of high-frequency operation (increased susceptibility to interference and signal loss) into a benefit by implementing targeted shielding and impedance control measures. This allows the system to operate at high frequencies necessary for high data capacity while mitigating the associated drawbacks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Speed

If electrical connectors are designed for higher frequencies to handle more data, then the data transmission speed is improved, but signal skew and reduced signal integrity occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidsignal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent carefully controls geometric parameters of the signal conductors, shield members, and insulative structures to maintain consistent impedance across all signal paths. This parameter control prevents signal skew and maintains integrity at high frequencies, resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250329967A1Very high speed, high density electrical interconnection system with broadside subassemblies

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 AMPHENOL CORP

AI summary

A modular electrical connector with broad-side coupled signal conductors in a right angle intermediate portion. Broadside coupling provides balanced pairs for very high frequency operation. The connector may be assembled with multiple subassemblies, each of which may have multiple pairs of signal conductors. The subassemblies may be formed from an insulative portion having grooves in opposite sides into which the intermediate portions of signal conductors. Covers, holding the signal conductors in the grooves, may establish the position of the signal conductors relative to reference conductors at the exterior of subassembly, so as to provide a controlled impedance. Lossy material may be positioned between the pairs in a subassembly and/or may contact the reference conductors of the subassemblies, and the lossy material of the subassemblies may in turn be connected with a conductive structure.