Connector Contact Assembly With Ground Plates for High-Speed Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contact assemblies for electrical connectors often struggle with effective grounding and signal transmission, particularly in high-speed applications, due to inadequate shielding and resonance issues.
Innovation Solution
A contact assembly for an electrical connector featuring a row of contacts with insulator, upper and lower ground plates surrounding the contacts, and separate conductive rivets electrically connecting the ground plates, forming a strip-line structure for improved high-speed transmission and shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional grounding structures are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but shielding effectiveness and high-speed transmission performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding structure is segmented into multiple ground contacting portions distributed across the upper and lower ground plates, rather than using a single continuous ground structure. This segmentation allows for better electromagnetic shielding while maintaining manageable manufacturing complexity through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding structure transitions from a two-dimensional planar configuration to a three-dimensional arrangement with upper and lower ground plates positioned at different heights, surrounding the row of contacts vertically. This dimensional change enhances shielding effectiveness by creating a more comprehensive electromagnetic barrier
2Reliability
If ground plates are placed close to contacts, then shielding improves, but resonance issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The ground plates are segmented into multiple ground contacting portions rather than forming continuous large surfaces. This segmentation disrupts resonant pathways while maintaining close proximity to contacts for effective shielding, thereby reducing resonance issues
Solution Approach 2:
The ground contacting portions are strategically positioned at specific locations aligned with the contacts, providing localized shielding where needed most while avoiding continuous ground structures that could create resonance problems
3Reliability
If integrated conductive elements are used, then manufacturing is easier, but electrical connection reliability between ground plates may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection between ground plates is achieved through separate conductive rivets rather than a single integrated conductive element. This segmentation allows for more reliable point-to-point connections while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized fastening components
Solution Approach 2:
Conductive rivets serve as intermediary elements that electrically connect the upper and lower ground plates. These rivets provide reliable electrical connection while being simple, standardized components that ease the manufacturing and assembly process
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
The solution achieves better high-speed transmission performance and effective shielding by forming a strip-line structure with equidistantly spaced ground plates and separate conductive rivets, addressing resonance and grounding issues in existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive element electrically connecting the upper and lower ground plates
Data Source
AI summary
A contact assembly for an electrical connector, includes: a row of contacts having plural contacting portions; an insulator secured to the contacting portions; an upper ground plate and a lower ground plate surrounding the row of contacts, at least one of the upper and lower ground plates integrally having plural ground contacting portions aligned with the contacting portions of the row of contacts; and plural separate conductive rivets electrically connecting the upper and lower ground plates.