Circuit Board Connector Clearance Structure for Impedance Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors for circuit boards face challenges in achieving a good impedance match while allowing relative movement between the movable and stationary housings, as the impedance matching portions can cause a drop in impedance of the deformation portions.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector incorporates a dielectric member with contoured portions that extend along the intermediate portions of the terminals, maintaining a clearance to adjust the characteristic impedance and ensure a good match, while allowing the movable housing to move relative to the stationary housing without impedance drop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If impedance matching portions made of dielectric material are placed in contact with the deformation portions, then impedance matching is achieved, but the impedance of the deformation portions drops too low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an air gap as an intermediary between the deformation portions and the impedance matching portions. This air gap prevents direct contact between the dielectric material and the deformation portions, thereby preventing the impedance drop caused by the dielectric material while still allowing the impedance matching portions to function effectively through proximity coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the space between the deformation portions and impedance matching portions by introducing a controlled air gap. This segmentation separates the dielectric material from the deformation portions, preventing harmful electrical interaction while maintaining the structural integrity and functional relationship between the components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If deformation portions are made resiliently deformable to permit movement of the movable housing, then relative movement is achieved, but impedance matching becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The air gap acts as a mediator that decouples the mechanical deformation of the resilient portions from the electrical impedance characteristics. This allows the deformation portions to move freely for adaptability while the impedance matching portions maintain stable electrical properties through the isolating air gap.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the contradiction by transitioning from direct spatial contact to electromagnetic field coupling across the air gap. This dimensional transition allows mechanical movement in one dimension while maintaining electrical impedance control through electromagnetic coupling in another dimension.
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 enables the electrical connector to achieve a good characteristic impedance match while permitting relative movement, ensuring reliable electrical communication and durability in varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the terminals have a stationary-side retained portion retained in the stationary housing, a movable-side retained portion retained in the movable housing, and a resiliently deformable intermediate portion located between the stationary-side retained portion and the movable-side retained portion
Data Source
AI summary
To provide an electrical connector for circuit boards capable of implementing a good impedance match while permitting relative movement of the movable housing with respect to the stationary housing. The connector has a dielectric member 40, which is disposed in the interior space formed in the stationary housing 20 and is attached to the movable housing 30, the dielectric member 40 has contoured portions 42A, which are spaced by a clearance from the intermediate portions 15 of the terminals 10 and extend along the intermediate portions 15, and the contoured portions 42A are capable of following the intermediate portions 15 when the intermediate portions 15 are resiliently deformed in the connector width direction perpendicular to the terminal array direction.