Low-Profile Cable Termination Assembly for Dense PCB Interconnects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable or wire interconnects for printed circuit boards (PCBs) face issues of high height, excessive material usage, and mechanical unreliability, particularly in high-speed applications, and lack sufficient interconnect density.
Innovation Solution
A cable termination connection assembly with a base, signal contact members, and a cover that allows for press-fit installation, enabling secure engagement with the PCB, while allowing modular assembly and efficient use of space, reducing height, and enhancing mechanical reliability and signal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pluggable connector is used to terminate the cable, then the connection can be easily installed and removed, but the overall height becomes too high for many applications
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate pieces: a male connector that terminates the cable and a female connector that mounts on the PCB. This segmentation allows the cable termination to be performed separately from the PCB mounting, reducing the overall height requirement while maintaining ease of installation through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a vertical stacking approach to a horizontal layout where the cable runs parallel to the PCB surface. The male connector extends horizontally from the cable, and the female connector receives it in a horizontal orientation, eliminating the need for vertical clearance and reducing overall height
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pluggable connector is used for the interconnect, then the connection can be disconnected and reconnected, but extra material is used and extra costs are incurred when pluggability is not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design serves multiple functions: it provides both pluggable connectivity when needed and secure permanent mounting when pluggability is not required. The same male and female connector components can be used for either application, eliminating the need for separate designs and reducing material variety and costs
3Ease of manufacture
If a traditional cable termination is used, then the cable can be connected to the PCB, but the mechanical reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The male connector incorporates a curved or angled approach to insertion, allowing the cable to approach the PCB at an optimized angle rather than perpendicular. This curved insertion path distributes mechanical stress more evenly and reduces stress concentration points, improving mechanical reliability while maintaining ease of termination
Solution Approach 2:
The connector components utilize composite material construction combining different materials with complementary properties - such as rigid materials for structural strength and flexible materials for stress absorption - to achieve both ease of manufacture and high mechanical reliability
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional interconnect design is used, then the cable can be connected to the PCB, but the interconnect density is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design utilizes horizontal spacing and lateral arrangement of multiple connection points along the cable length, rather than vertical stacking. This dimensional reconfiguration allows multiple interconnects to be packed more densely along the PCB edge while maintaining adequate clearance for each connection, increasing interconnect density without compromising ease of manufacture
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an apparatus including: a cable termination connection assembly, comprising: a base including a body defining a groove therein; a signal contact member that is engageable with the base, at least a portion of the signal contact member being insertable into the groove of the body of the base, the signal contact member including pins extending therefrom; and a cover that is engageable with the signal contact member, wherein the cover can be pressed by a user to cause the pins to extend through the base and engage a PCB.