Vehicular Camera Coaxial Connector EMI Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle vision systems face challenges with high-speed digital data transmission due to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and signal corruption, which are not adequately addressed by conventional coaxial connectors that require intricate machining and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle vision system with enhanced electrical connections using a coaxial connector that includes a ground clamp to engage the ground pins of the camera housing with the printed circuit board's shield, providing a robust ground path and improved data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional coaxial connectors are used for high-speed digital data transmission, then signal isolation and EMI protection are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to intricate machining requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the coaxial connector components directly into the housing structure, merging the connector function with the housing itself. This eliminates separate machining operations for the connector and reduces assembly steps while maintaining the coaxial shielding effect for EMI protection and signal isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical protection, structural support, and integrated coaxial connector functionality. The ground clamp is incorporated into the housing design, allowing the same component to perform both structural and electrical grounding functions, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional coaxial connectors with separate ground paths are used, then basic electrical connection is achieved, but grounding effectiveness is insufficient leading to signal corruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a ground clamp that establishes a preliminary ground path before signal transmission occurs. The clamp engages with the PCB ground trace during assembly, creating a low-impedance ground connection in advance that prevents EMI and signal corruption during high-speed data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground clamp acts as an intermediary component that bridges the connector housing and the PCB ground trace. It provides a dedicated low-impedance path for ground current, mediating between the external connector and the internal circuit board to ensure effective grounding and reduce signal interference.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional connector assembly methods are used, then basic connectivity is achieved, but assembly complexity and manufacturing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector components are merged into the housing structure, eliminating separate assembly steps for installing the connector body, ground clamp, and shielding. The integrated design allows for simplified manufacturing processes such as injection molding or stamping that can create the entire connector assembly in a single operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground clamp and connector components are pre-integrated into the housing structure during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that when the housing is assembled to the PCB, the electrical connections are already in place, eliminating the need for separate grounding and connector assembly steps.
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 enhances data transmission by reducing EMI and signal corruption, improving the reliability of high-speed digital data applications while simplifying the connection process and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The clamping element is in electrically conductive connection with the ground pins and is configured to engage the electrically conductive shield when the connector is connected to the header of the circuit board
Implementation Method 2
shielded coaxial cable is used for its excellent isolation of the signal and ground path from each other, and from electromagnetic interference (EMI) issues with adjacent electrical components
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular camera includes a front housing portion that accommodates a lens and an imager, a circuit board disposed at the front housing portion, a rear housing portion and a coaxial connecting element at the rear housing portion. The coaxial connecting element includes a first coaxial connector portion and a second coaxial connector portion. The first coaxial connector portion extends outward from the rear housing portion and the second coaxial connector portion extends inward from the rear housing portion. The circuit board has a coaxial connector established thereat. When the rear housing portion is mated with the front housing portion, the second coaxial connector portion electrically connects to the coaxial connector to electrically connect the coaxial connecting element with circuitry at the circuit board. The first coaxial connector portion is configured to connect to a coaxial cable of a vehicle when the vehicular camera is disposed at the vehicle.