Co-edge Connector for High-Speed Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing co-edge connectors are not well-suited for coupling different sized panels and do not provide sufficient high-speed data communication, limiting the performance of systems with high-performance components.
Innovation Solution
A high-speed edge connector design that includes a housing with coupled terminals to engage signal traces on multiple panels, allowing for secure mounting and high-speed data transfer, capable of handling panels of varying thicknesses and facilitating high-speed data communication up to 30 Gbps per signal path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If existing co-edge connector designs are used, then the connector can be added when additional panels are installed, but the connector does not provide sufficient high-speed data communication performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and electrical parameters of the connector to achieve high-speed data communication. Specifically, it uses controlled impedance traces (50 ohms single-ended, 100 ohms differential), optimizes signal path length matching, and selects materials with appropriate dielectric properties to support signals up to 30 Gbps while maintaining signal integrity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connector is designed to accommodate panels of different thicknesses, then the adaptability increases, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic and adjustable structural elements to accommodate varying panel thicknesses. The housing includes adjustable positioning features and compliant contact mechanisms that can adapt to different panel depths without requiring multiple specialized connector designs, thereby managing complexity while maintaining versatility
3Speed
If the connector provides high-speed data communication capability, then the system performance improves, but the connector profile increases which restricts thermal and airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by providing high-speed signal paths only where needed rather than across the entire connector. The housing design includes dedicated high-speed signal channels with controlled impedance and optimized geometry in specific regions, while other areas maintain a low profile to preserve thermal and airflow characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a housing with a set of broad-side coupled terminals configured to engage a pair of signal traces on a first panel and a second panel and transfer signals between the signal traces on the first and second panels. The connector may be slid onto the edges and then fastened to one or both of the panels with a locking feature. Multiple signal pairs may be included in the connector and may be electrically separated. The design of the connector helps facilitate high-speed data communication per signal pair with a return loss performance that does not exceed at predetermined level. Certain configurations of the connector may be used for co-planar configurations. Certain configurations of the connector may couple together panels of different thicknesses.