High-Speed Electrical Connector Ground Coupling Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors experience significant cross talk due to the close spacing of signal contacts, which compromises signal integrity, especially as electronic devices miniaturize and data transmission speeds increase.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a ground coupling assembly that electrically connects ground conductors within the connectors, shifting resonance frequencies to extend the operating frequency range without altering the connector's dimensions, thereby reducing cross talk and enabling faster data transmission while maintaining compatibility with existing standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If signal contacts are closely spaced to enable miniaturization, then device size is reduced, but cross talk between adjacent signal contacts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ground conductors as intermediary elements positioned between adjacent signal contacts. These ground conductors act as mediators that shield the signal contacts from each other, reducing the harmful electromagnetic fields and cross talk that would otherwise occur due to close spacing. The ground conductors create electromagnetic barriers that prevent direct interference between neighboring signal paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the electrical parameters of the connector by adding ground coupling assemblies that electrically connect multiple ground conductors together. This changes the impedance characteristics and electromagnetic field distribution in the connector, thereby reducing cross talk. The ground coupling assembly alters the electrical parameters (such as ground impedance and field distribution) to achieve better signal integrity despite close spacing.
2Speed
If data transmission speed is increased, then communication performance is improved, but cross talk and signal integrity issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The ground conductors serve as intermediary shielding elements that become increasingly important at higher data transmission speeds. By providing electromagnetic barriers between signal contacts, the ground conductors prevent high-frequency cross talk that would otherwise degrade signal integrity during fast data transmission. The mediators (ground conductors) ensure that high-speed signals can coexist without excessive interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground coupling assembly changes the electrical parameters of the connector to optimize it for high-speed operation. By electrically connecting ground conductors through the ground coupling assembly, the patent modifies the impedance profile and electromagnetic characteristics of the connector, thereby improving signal integrity at higher data transmission speeds while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If ground conductors are electrically connected to reduce cross talk, then signal integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground coupling assembly merges multiple ground conductors into a unified electrical network. By combining the ground conductors through conductive coupling, the patent creates a coordinated ground system that provides enhanced shielding and cross talk reduction. The merging of ground elements into a coupled system improves signal integrity while the integration approach minimizes the added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground coupling assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it electrically connects ground conductors for cross talk reduction, provides additional shielding, and maintains mechanical stability of the connector structure. This multi-functionality means that a single added component (the ground coupling assembly) achieves several objectives, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while improving signal integrity.
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 effectively reduces cross talk, allowing for higher data transmission speeds within established frequency and time domain limits, providing a cost-effective and drop-in compatible upgrade for existing connectors to meet new standards.
Implementation Method 1
ground coupling assembly that contacts and electrically connects at least a pair of the ground conductors
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a printed circuit board that includes a body that carries a plurality of ground conductors that define respective ground contact pads, and a plurality of signal conductors that define respective signal contact pads. The contact pads are configured to mate with electrical contacts of a complementary electrical connector. The printed circuit board includes a ground coupling assembly that electrically connects at least a pair of the ground conductors.