Cable Assembly Asymmetric Contact Edge Distances for Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
High frequency electronic products require improved signal integrity and faster data transmission rates, as existing cable assemblies with parallel electrical contacts and equal edge distances often reduce signal quality and speed when transmitting high frequency signals above 5 GHz.
Innovation Solution
The cable assembly features electrical contacts with varying edge distances, including a smaller first edge distance adjacent to contact sections and larger expanded edge distances between them, which are fixed by a plastic insert molding process within a protective cover, enhancing signal integrity and transmission quality and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If equal edge distances are used between adjacent electrical contacts, then manufacturing is simplified, but signal integrity deteriorates at high frequencies above 5 GHz
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by varying the edge distances between adjacent electrical contacts. Specifically, the first edge distance (adjacent to contact sections) is set to a first value, while the second edge distance (between wire connecting sections) is set to a second value that is greater than the first value. This asymmetric configuration optimizes signal integrity at high frequencies by reducing electromagnetic interference and crosstalk between adjacent contacts, while still maintaining manufacturability through defined dimensional parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating edge distances at different locations of the electrical contacts. The contact sections have a first edge distance optimized for electrical connection, while the wire connecting sections have a second edge distance optimized for signal transmission. This localized optimization allows each region to have dimensions tailored to its specific functional requirements, improving overall signal integrity without compromising manufacturing feasibility.
2Productivity
If higher data transmission rates are implemented, then bandwidth increases, but signal quality and transmission speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric edge distance configuration directly addresses high-frequency signal transmission challenges. By setting the second edge distance (at wire connecting sections) greater than the first edge distance (at contact sections), the patent reduces electromagnetic coupling and crosstalk between adjacent differential pairs during high-speed data transmission. This enables higher data transmission rates while maintaining signal quality through reduced interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifically optimizing the edge distance dimensions for high-frequency performance. The second edge distance is increased relative to the first edge distance, creating a parameter configuration that minimizes signal loss and maintains transmission quality at higher data rates. This dimensional optimization enables the cable assembly to support gigahertz-range transmission speeds.
3Reliability
If edge distances are optimized for signal integrity, then transmission quality improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While the asymmetric edge distance configuration does increase structural complexity compared to equal spacing, the patent manages this complexity through clear dimensional definitions and consistent application across the electrical contact array. The asymmetry is localized to specific edge distance measurements rather than requiring complex contact geometries, making the design manageable for manufacturing while achieving improved signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent limits the complexity increase by applying local quality principles only where necessary for signal integrity optimization. The asymmetric edge distances are applied specifically at the wire connecting sections where high-frequency signals are most susceptible to interference, while other portions of the electrical contacts maintain simpler configurations. This localized approach minimizes overall structural complexity while achieving the signal integrity benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable assembly includes a plurality of wires and a plurality of electrical contacts. The electrical contacts include contact sections and wire connecting sections, and the wire connecting sections of the electrical contacts are respectively connected to the wires. Two adjacent electrical contacts for transmitting signals have a first edge distance and an expanded edge distance. The first edge distance is adjacent to the contact sections, and the expanded edge distance is between the first edge distance and the wire connecting sections. In addition, the first edge distance is smaller than the expanded edge distance to improve signal integrity.