Card Edge Connector Ground Trace ESD Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrostatic discharges (ESDs) can cause failure in automotive lighting devices with printed circuit boards (PCBs), and existing solutions often require additional conductive components to protect sensitive elements, which can be cumbersome and prone to mechanical issues.

Innovation Solution

An insulated metallic substrate PCB with a card edge connector that establishes a ground connection using signal traces and a card edge connector socket, eliminating the need for external conductive elements and enhancing ESD protection without mechanical complications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an additional conductive piece is used to protect sensitive elements from ESD, then ESD protection is improved, but device complexity and mechanical reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveESD protectionVSAvoidadditional conductive element

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the ground connection function with the card edge connector structure itself. The card edge connector includes a metallic core that directly contacts the heatsink, integrating ESD protection into the existing connector rather than adding a separate conductive piece. This merging eliminates the need for additional components while maintaining ESD protection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The card edge connector is designed to serve multiple functions: signal transmission through its circuit layers and ESD protection through its metallic core contact with the heatsink. By making the connector multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated ESD protection components, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a conductive additional piece is welded or fixed to the PCB, then ESD protection is achieved, but ease of manufacture and mechanical reliability worsen due to potential mechanical issues

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveESD protectionVSAvoidadditional mechanical operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The ground connection capability is merged into the card edge connector structure itself. The metallic core of the connector serves as the ground path, eliminating the need for separate welding or fixing operations of additional conductive pieces. This integration simplifies manufacturing while ensuring reliable ESD protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If an additional piece crosses the PCB through the dielectric layer, then ground connection is achieved, but manufacturing precision and structural integrity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveground connectionVSAvoidcrossing through dielectric layer

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the ground connection function with the card edge connector's metallic core, which naturally contacts the heatsink. This eliminates the need to create holes or pathways through the dielectric layer of the PCB, avoiding manufacturing precision issues and potential structural weaknesses while achieving reliable ground connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution effectively protects against ESDs and electromagnetic compatibility issues while providing a robust and mechanically sound connection, suitable for automotive lighting applications.

Implementation Method 1

the card edge connector comprises a plurality of signal traces, wherein at least one of the signal traces is a ground trace which is in electrical connection with a ground connection of the insulated metal substrate printed circuit board

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11466831B2Printed circuit board, card edge connector socket, electronic assembly and automotive lighting device

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 VALEO ILUMINACION SA

AI summary

An IMS printed circuit board comprises a card edge connector with a first face and a second face, the second face being in electric contact with the metallic core and the card edge connector comprising a plurality of signal traces. At least one of the signal traces is a ground trace which is in electrical connection with a ground connection of the printed circuit board and is intended to be connected to a ground pin comprised in a card edge connector socket. The IMS printed circuit board also provides a card edge connector socket with a plurality of pins, one of the pins being a ground pin and being configured to receive the ground trace of the printed circuit board. An electronic assembly comprises the printed circuit board and the card edge connector socket and a lighting device are also provided.