Communication Connector Crosstalk Compensation via Biasing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional RJ-type connectors face issues with near end crosstalk (NEXT) and far end crosstalk (FEXT) at higher frequencies due to the design of twisted pairs, which complicates signal transmission and introduces unwanted crosstalk that is difficult to negate effectively.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates shorter, more conductive contact assemblies and a biasing assembly to minimize crosstalk by positioning crosstalk compensation components close to the plug contacts, reducing the distance over which crosstalk signals travel and enhancing signal integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional RJ-type connectors are used with standard twisted pair arrangements, then basic connectivity is achieved, but near end crosstalk (NEXT) increases significantly at higher frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission qualityVSAvoidnear end crosstalk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the crosstalk compensation function from the traditional connector design by introducing separate compensation components (such as compensation conductors or dedicated cancellation circuits) that are positioned close to the plug contacts. This separation allows the compensation mechanism to operate independently near the crosstalk source, effectively reducing NEXT without altering the basic twisted pair connectivity structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary crosstalk compensation by positioning compensation components and compensation signals in advance near the plug contacts where crosstalk is generated. The compensation mechanism is prepared and activated before the harmful crosstalk signals can propagate significantly, allowing for more effective cancellation of NEXT at its source rather than attempting to compensate downstream.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If twisted pairs are arranged with wire straddling to connect plug contacts, then connectivity is established, but crosstalk compensation becomes less effective at higher frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrosstalk compensation effectivenessVSAvoidconnector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating crosstalk compensation resources specifically at the plug contact interface where NEXT is generated, rather than attempting uniform compensation throughout the entire connector. Compensation components are locally positioned near the signal source, and compensation signals are tailored to the specific crosstalk characteristics at each contact point, providing targeted effectiveness without requiring complex global restructuring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If compensation components are positioned farther from plug contacts, then connector assembly is simplified, but the distance over which crosstalk signals travel increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector assemblyVSAvoidcrosstalk signal propagation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions compensation components as close as practically possible to the plug contacts to perform preliminary crosstalk cancellation at the source. This preliminary action occurs before crosstalk signals can propagate and accumulate over distance, making the compensation more effective even though it increases assembly complexity slightly. The close positioning enables the compensation mechanism to act on crosstalk signals immediately upon generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 configuration significantly reduces unwanted crosstalk, particularly NEXT, by compensating for crosstalk near its source, thereby improving signal transmission quality and integrity at higher frequencies.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing assembly configured to push the contact members toward the contact pads

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9843121B1Communication connector having contact pads contacted by movable contact members
Publication Date: 2017.12.12 LEVITON MFG CO INC
  • US9843121B1 patent drawing
  • US9843121B1 patent drawing
  • US9843121B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A communication outlet for use with a communication plug comprising a plurality of plug contacts. The outlet includes contact pads, contact members, and a biasing member. The contact members each have an electrically conductive portion attached to an electrically non-conductive portion. Each of the conductive portions forms an electrical connection with a different corresponding one of the contact pads. Each of the contact members is movable with respect to its corresponding contact pad. The contact members are movable with respect the plug contacts. The biasing member is attached to the non-conductive portion of each of the contact members and is configured to bias the conductive portion of each of the contact members toward a different corresponding one of the plug contacts when the plug is inserted into the outlet.