Cage Member Locating Features for EMI Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing receptacle connector assemblies for pluggable modules face challenges in managing electromagnetic interference (EMI) due to large openings in the cage member walls, which affect electrical performance, especially at high frequency operations.
Innovation Solution
A cage member with metal walls and integrated locating features is designed to provide improved EMI shielding, featuring press-fit mounting pins and pin slots that minimize EMI leakage, and a bottom wall with locating features to ensure proper positioning relative to the circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If clearance slots are made oversized to receive standoffs and mounting pins, then ease of assembly is improved, but EMI shielding effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting pin is divided into distinct functional segments: a reduced-diameter press-fit portion for insertion through minimal clearance slots, and a larger-diameter standoff portion for engaging the circuit board. This segmentation allows each portion to have optimized dimensions for its specific function, enabling tight EMI shielding while maintaining assembly ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-diameter pin design to a multi-diameter pin design with varying cross-sectional dimensions along its length. The press-fit portion has a smaller diameter than the standoff portion, creating a dimensional progression that resolves the contradiction between slot size and EMI shielding.
2Ease of manufacture
If press-fit pins are stamped out of walls, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but EMI leakage areas are created
Solution Approach 1:
The pin structure is segmented into a press-fit portion and a standoff portion with different diameters. The press-fit portion is designed with minimal clearance slots for tight EMI shielding, while the standoff portion provides mechanical engagement. This segmentation eliminates the need for large clearance slots that would otherwise be required for single-diameter pins.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the pin have different local qualities (diameters) optimized for their specific functions. The press-fit portion has a smaller diameter for tight EMI shielding, while the standoff portion has a larger diameter for mechanical engagement. This local quality variation resolves the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and EMI leakage prevention.
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
The solution effectively contains EMI, ensuring reliable electrical performance and proper alignment of pluggable modules with communication connectors, enhancing the overall efficiency of communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
The walls are manufactured from a metal material and providing electrical shielding
Implementation Method 2
The mounting pins each have a press-fit portion configured to be press fit in a plated via of the circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes a cage member having a plurality of walls defining a module cavity for a pluggable module. The walls include a top wall, a bottom wall and side walls extending between the top and bottom walls. The side walls extend to a bottom edge at the bottom wall and include mounting pins extending from the bottom edge that each have a press-fit portion configured to be press fit in a plated via of a circuit board. The bottom wall has a generally planar bottom surface facing the circuit board and a generally planar top surface facing the module cavity. The bottom wall includes a locating feature extending below the bottom surface and having a datum surface configured to engage the circuit board. The datum surface is a predetermined distance from the top surface to set a position of the top surface relative to the circuit board.