Electrical Connector Contact Module Ground Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector systems that interconnect printed circuits through a midplane printed circuit suffer from signal degradation due to multiple mating interfaces and are costly, particularly at higher signal speeds.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a contact module with a housing, mating and mounting edges, and integrated ground shields to reduce signal loss by minimizing the number of interfaces and enhancing electrical connectivity, featuring a dielectric body with signal and ground contacts arranged in differential pairs and overmolded electrical leads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a midplane printed circuit with front and rear header connectors is used to interconnect two printed circuits, then the printed circuits can be electrically connected, but signal degradation occurs due to multiple mating interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical lead and ground shield into a single integrated contact module assembly, eliminating separate mating interfaces. The electrical lead extends continuously from the mating contact to the mounting contact, and the ground shield provides continuous shielding along the entire length, reducing signal degradation by minimizing interface transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground shield acts as an intermediary element that surrounds the electrical lead, providing electromagnetic shielding along the entire signal path. This continuous shield mediates between the signal source and external interference, reducing signal degradation without requiring additional active components.
2Reliability
If multiple mating interfaces are provided between printed circuits, then electrical connection can be established, but cost increases due to midplane printed circuit and header connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connector into modular contact modules, each containing an electrical lead and ground shield assembly. This segmentation allows for standardized, cost-effective manufacturing of individual modules that can be assembled into larger connector configurations, reducing overall system cost while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining the electrical lead and ground shield into a single integrated contact module, the patent reduces the total component count and assembly complexity. This merging eliminates the need for separate ground shield installations and reduces manufacturing steps, thereby lowering production costs while ensuring reliable electrical connection.
3Productivity
If signal paths include multiple interfaces and traces through midplane printed circuit, then printed circuits can be interconnected, but signal degradation is exacerbated at higher signal speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The ground shield provides continuous electromagnetic shielding along the entire length of the electrical lead, from the mating contact through the housing to the mounting contact. This continuous shielding maintains signal integrity by consistently blocking external interference throughout the signal path, which is critical for maintaining reliable transmission at higher signal speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground shield is positioned in close proximity to the electrical lead throughout its entire length, providing localized shielding where the signal is most vulnerable to interference. This local quality of shielding ensures that signal integrity is maintained at each point along the transmission path, rather than relying on distant or intermittent shielding.
Data Source
AI summary
A contact module is provided for an electrical connector. The contact module includes a housing having a mating edge, a mounting edge, and a side. An electrical lead is held by the housing. The electrical lead extends from a mating contact to a mounting contact. The mating contact extends outwardly from the mating edge of the housing. The mounting contact extends outwardly from the mounting edge of the housing. An inner ground shield is mounted on the housing. The inner ground shield includes a housing side segment that extends over at least a portion of the side of the housing between the mating and mounting edges thereof. An outer ground shield is mounted on the housing. The outer ground shield extends over at least a portion of the housing side segment of the inner ground shield.