Electrical Cable Assembly Drain Wire Shielding Cross-Talk
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed signal cables connected to substrates experience electromagnetic interference due to exposed insulating layers, leading to cross-talk issues.
Innovation Solution
The electrical cable assembly includes conductive signal conductors and drain wires with varying heights and configurations, where the drain wires are strategically positioned and sized to reduce cross-talk by increasing their height and density, and optionally incorporating auxiliary wires attached to the drain wires to enhance electromagnetic shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the distance between signal conductors is reduced to increase cable density, then the cable assembly density increases, but electromagnetic interference and cross-talk between conductors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces drain wires as intermediary elements positioned between signal conductors. These drain wires act as electromagnetic shields that intercept and redirect electromagnetic fields, preventing direct interference between adjacent signal conductors. The drain wires serve as a mediating structure that enables closer spacing of signal conductors while maintaining electromagnetic compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the cable assembly by varying the height, spacing, and configuration of drain wires relative to signal conductors. By adjusting these parameters, the electromagnetic field distribution is optimized to reduce cross-talk while maximizing cable density. The specific height and positioning of drain wires are critical parameters that control the shielding effectiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If drain wire height is increased to improve electromagnetic shielding, then cross-talk reduction improves, but the cable assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cable assembly into distinct segments: signal conductors, drain wires, and auxiliary wires, each performing specific functions. The drain wires are segmented and positioned at specific intervals between signal conductors, creating a modular structure that simplifies manufacturing and assembly while providing effective electromagnetic shielding at each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural qualities to different parts of the cable assembly. Drain wires have specific height requirements relative to signal conductors to provide optimal local shielding. The configuration varies locally between different conductor pairs based on their specific electromagnetic interference patterns, rather than applying a uniform structure throughout the entire cable assembly.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration effectively mitigates electromagnetic interference and increases the density of the cable assembly by reducing the distance between signal conductors, thereby minimizing cross-talk while maintaining or improving connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical cable can include first and second drain wires having respective portions disposed within the insulator... each of the first and second drain wires can define an outer perimeter having first and second opposed surfaces that are spaced from each other along a third direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, an electrical cable can be configured to electrically connect to contact pads that are carried by a substrate. The electrical cable can include at least one, such as a pair, of electrical signal conductors and at least one, for instance a pair, of electrically conductive drain wires. A drain wire in the electrical cable can define a first surface that is configured to face the substrate and a second surface that is opposite the first surface. The drain wire can define a height that is greater than 0.2 mm as measured from the first surface to the second surface along a straight line.