Cable Connector Terminal Layout for Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing terminal density and miniaturization of connectors pose challenges in connecting terminals and cables while maintaining shielding performance and signal integrity.
Innovation Solution
A cable connector design with misaligned rows of conductive terminals and integrated grounding shells to reduce crosstalk and improve signal integrity, featuring flush mounting portions and differential pairs with aligned ground terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If terminal density is increased and connectors are miniaturized, then connector size is reduced, but signal integrity and shielding performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of conductive terminals where odd-numbered and even-numbered terminals are offset relative to each other in the longitudinal direction. This asymmetric layout reduces signal interference between adjacent terminals while maintaining high terminal density, thereby preserving signal integrity in miniaturized connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an isolator as an intermediary component positioned between odd-numbered and even-numbered conductive terminals. This isolator acts as a shielding barrier that prevents electromagnetic interference between adjacent terminals, maintaining signal integrity despite reduced connector size and increased terminal density.
2Quantity of substance
If terminal density is increased, then more terminals can be connected, but crosstalk between terminals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric offset arrangement of odd and even terminals in the longitudinal direction increases the effective spacing between adjacent terminals of different rows. This reduces capacitive coupling and electromagnetic crosstalk while allowing higher terminal density to be achieved within the same connector footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolator positioned between odd-numbered and even-numbered terminals serves as an electromagnetic shield that blocks crosstalk between adjacent terminals. This allows increased terminal quantity to be accommodated without proportionally increasing crosstalk levels.
3Ease of manufacture
If terminals are arranged in aligned rows, then manufacturing is simplified, but signal interference between rows increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from symmetric aligned rows to an asymmetric offset arrangement where odd and even terminals are staggered in the longitudinal direction. This maintains manufacturing feasibility through standardized processes while significantly reducing signal interference between adjacent terminal rows through increased effective spacing.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connector includes an insulating body, a number of cable conductive terminals, a number of cables and a grounding shell. The insulating body extends along a first direction and a second direction. The cable conductive terminals include a number of first cable conductive terminals disposed in a first row and a number of second cable conductive terminals disposed in a second row. Each of the first cable conductive terminals includes a first mating portion and a first mounting portion. Each of the second cable conductive terminals includes a second mating portion and a second mounting portion. The first mounting portions are flush with the second mounting portions. The grounding shell includes a spacer between the first cable conductive terminals and the second cable conductive terminals to improve signal integrity. A connector assembly having the cable connector is also disclosed.