Coaxial Board-to-Board Connector Assembly for Misalignment Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current board to board connectors for high-frequency signal transmission in 5G massive MIMO systems face challenges such as high costs, reduced length flexibility, and poor Return Loss performance due to radial misalignments, and lack a solution for axial misalignment compensation, especially with aluminum die-cast shielding covers, which deteriorate over time with temperature and humidity changes.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece to three-piece integrative coaxial board to board connector design using an existing shielding cover as a coaxial outer contact, with flexible spring-like cup washers and center pins to compensate for axial and radial misalignments, eliminating the need for shielding washers and gaskets, and allowing for high flexibility in board-to-board distances by using a semi-finished cable product that can be cut to desired lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional board to board connectors are used with shielding washers and gaskets, then shielding performance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (shielding washer, gasket, connector elements) into an integrated connector assembly. The connector directly integrates shielding functionality into its structure, eliminating the need for separate shielding washers and gaskets while maintaining effective RF shielding performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: electrical connection, mechanical alignment, and RF shielding. This multi-functional design replaces traditional multi-component assemblies with a single integrated component that provides all necessary functions.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed-length connectors are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different board distances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates flexible elements including spring-loaded contact tips and elastomeric materials that allow dynamic adjustment to compensate for variations in board spacing. This enables the same connector design to adapt to different board distances while maintaining reliable electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design allows for parameter variations in length and flexibility to accommodate different application requirements. By changing physical parameters such as spring pressure, elastomer hardness, and contact tip geometry, the connector can be optimized for specific board distance ranges while maintaining manufacturing precision.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid connector components are used, then structural stability is improved, but compensation for misalignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector utilizes flexible components including elastomeric materials and spring-loaded elements that can deform to accommodate radial and axial misalignments between connectors. These flexible elements maintain stable structural support while providing the compliance needed to compensate for positioning variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded contact tips and elastomeric components are pre-designed to provide cushioning and compliance before actual connection occurs. This beforehand cushioning allows the connector to absorb misalignment stresses and maintain reliable signal transmission quality.
4Ease of manufacture
If aluminum die-cast shielding covers are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but signal transmission quality deteriorates over time due to environmental degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly combines aluminum die-cast shielding covers with corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel fasteners, nickel-plated contact tips, and environmentally sealed elastomeric components. This composite material approach maintains the cost advantages of aluminum casting while compensating for its environmental degradation issues through complementary materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The design accepts that aluminum die-cast components may degrade over time in harsh environments and incorporates replaceable sealing elements and protective coatings that can be renewed or replaced to extend the service life and maintain signal transmission quality.
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 provides cost-effective, flexible, and reliable high-frequency signal transmission with improved Return Loss performance by compensating for misalignments and reducing RF leakage, while maintaining contact integrity over time, and can be used for both short and long distances.
Implementation Method 1
flexible spring-like cup washers and center pins to compensate for axial and radial misalignments
Data Source
AI summary
A board to board connector assembly (1) includes a first connector (2) suitable to be arranged on a first printed circuit board (3) and a second connector (4) suitable to be arranged on a second printed circuit board (5). An adapter (6) is arranged in a mounted position between and interconnected to the first and the second connector (2, 4). The adapter (6) includes an adapter inner conductor (7) and an adapter outer conductor (8). The adapter outer conductor (8) is arranged separate from the adapter inner conductor (7) and comprises a bore (18) in which the adapter inner conductor (7) is arranged.