Connector System Cable Bypass for High-Speed Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
High data rate communication systems face significant signal attenuation and impedance discontinuities due to the use of FR4 laminate circuit boards, making them impractical for distances greater than 30-50 cm, especially at signaling frequencies above 12.5 GHz, as they consume a large portion of the total loss budget and introduce unwanted reflections.
Innovation Solution
A connector system with a reduced number of interfaces, utilizing press-fit terminals and a cable configuration that terminates signal pairs directly to the circuit board, minimizing soldering and impedance changes, and incorporating a U-shield for improved electrical performance and reduced reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If FR4 laminate circuit board is used for signal transmission, then manufacturing cost is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but signal attenuation increases significantly at high frequencies above 12.5 GHz
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the high-frequency signal transmission path from the FR4 laminate circuit board by introducing a dedicated cable assembly with low-loss transmission media. This separates the high-frequency signal path (through the cable) from the FR4 board, allowing the board to maintain its manufacturing advantages while the cable handles the attenuation-critical signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution employs composite material construction by combining FR4 laminate for the circuit board structure with specialized low-loss cable materials for signal transmission. This composite approach allows each material to perform its optimal function: FR4 provides structural support and low-frequency signaling, while the cable materials (such as PTFE or other low-dielectric-loss materials) handle high-frequency signals with minimal attenuation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between silicon and external interface is increased to 30-50 cm, then device functionality is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to cumulative attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cable assembly as an intermediary component between the FR4 circuit board and the external interface. This cable acts as a mediator that bridges the 30-50 cm distance requirement while maintaining signal integrity through its low-loss transmission characteristics, thus enabling both the desired distance and acceptable signal-to-noise ratio.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interfaces and soldering connections are used in connector system, then adaptability and connectivity are improved, but impedance discontinuities increase causing signal reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple connection functions into a unified cable assembly structure. Instead of having separate soldered connections at multiple interfaces, the cable assembly provides integrated connectivity that reduces the number of discrete interfaces. This consolidation minimizes impedance discontinuities by eliminating unnecessary connection points while maintaining adaptability through standardized connector interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector system is provided that includes a first connector and a second connector that are both coupled by a plurality of cables. The first connector is a stacked connector and includes a first terminal pair and a second terminal pair that are positioned in spaced apart card slots. The second connector includes a third and a fourth terminal pairs and the first and second terminal pairs are fixably connected to the third and fourth terminal pairs by the plurality of cables.