Shield-to-Housing Capacitive Connector for Low-Impedance Data Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capacitive connections between connector shields and housings in high-speed data transmission systems, such as those in modern vehicles, suffer from high impedance due to the use of capacitors on printed circuit boards, which is inadequate for data rates exceeding 1 GHz.
Innovation Solution
A terminal assembly with a connection device comprising a first electrically conductive contact and a second insulating contact is used to capacitively connect the shield and grounding part, utilizing a resilient element like a spring or gasket with a conductive coating to ensure low-impedance contact, optionally with an insulation pad, ensuring secure and low-impedance connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If capacitive connection with MLCCs is used, then the connection is simple and inexpensive, but the impedance is comparatively high which is inadequate for high-speed transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is segmented into two distinct contacts: a first electrically conductive contact for contacting the shield and a second insulating contact for contacting the grounding part. This segmentation allows each contact to be optimized for its specific function, with the conductive contact providing low-impedance path and the insulating contact providing isolation, thereby achieving low impedance for high-speed transitions while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device uses composite material structure combining electrically conductive material and insulating material in a single integrated component. This composite approach enables the device to provide both conductive pathways (for low impedance) and insulating barriers (for isolation) simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between simple construction and precise impedance control
2Reliability
If resilient element like spring is used, then secure contact is ensured through spring force, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device incorporates a resilient element (spring or gasket) that provides dynamic contact force. The spring continuously applies elastic restoring force to maintain reliable electrical contact between the conductive contact and shield, and between the insulating contact and grounding part, ensuring secure connection while accommodating minor misalignments or dimensional variations without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms
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 provides a low-impedance capacitive connection between the connector shield and housing, enhancing signal integrity and reducing electromagnetic interference, suitable for high-frequency data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
an in particular low-impedance, capacitive (plug) connection between the connector shield and the grounding part or housing is created
Implementation Method 2
The spring force of the spring is utilized in order to press the connection device against the contact surfaces or against the housing and shield
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal assembly, comprising a terminal connector having a shield, a grounding part, in particular a housing, and a connection device which is arranged in order to capacitively connect the shield and the grounding part, wherein the connection device contacts the shield and the grounding part, and the connection device comprises a first electrically conductive contact and a second insulating contact, wherein one contact contacts the shield and one contact contacts the grounding part.