Communication Connector Shielding via Segmented Ground Rails
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication systems face performance issues, particularly at high data rates, due to inadequate electrical shielding in communication connectors.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a communication connector with a wafer stack configuration, including ground wafers and signal wafers arranged in a stacked configuration, where ground rails with rail tabs extend through signal wafers to provide electrical shielding, coupling multiple ground wafers for enhanced shielding effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrical shielding is used in communication connectors, then the structure is simple, but the shielding effectiveness is inadequate for high data rates
Solution Approach 1:
The ground shielding structure is segmented into multiple ground wafers stacked vertically, with each wafer providing shielding for specific signal layers. The ground rails are also segmented into multiple sections connected by rail tabs, allowing distributed grounding throughout the connector assembly rather than relying on a single ground structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested shielding where ground wafers are positioned between signal wafers in a stacked configuration, creating concentric ground-signal-ground layers. The rail tabs extend through signal wafers to connect ground wafers, nesting the grounding path within the signal transmission path for maximum shielding effectiveness.
2Reliability
If ground rails are integrated with ground wafers, then manufacturing is simpler, but electrical shielding for high-speed signals is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The ground rails are separated from ground wafers into distinct components. The ground rails form a continuous framework structure, while ground wafers are individual stacked elements that fit within the rail structure. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and prepared separately before final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Rail tabs serve as intermediary connectors between ground rails and ground wafers. These tabs extend through signal wafers to electrically connect adjacent ground wafers, creating a continuous ground path that integrates the separated rail and wafer components into a unified shielding system.
3Reliability
If more ground wafers are added to enhance shielding, then shielding effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple ground wafers are merged into a single stacked assembly that functions as an integrated shielding structure. The ground rails and rail tabs combine multiple ground wafers and signal wafers into a unified connector unit, managing the complexity of multiple components through systematic integration rather than separate assemblies.
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 effectively enhances electrical shielding for high-speed data signals, improving the performance of communication systems by reducing electromagnetic interference and ensuring reliable data transmission at high data rates.
Implementation Method 1
Each rail tab extends through at least one signal wafer to provide electrical shielding for signal contacts of the at least one signal wafer
Implementation Method 2
ground rails separate from the ground wafers and being plugged into the wafer stack to electrically connect to corresponding ground wafers
Data Source
AI summary
A communication connector includes a wafer stack including ground wafers and signal wafers arranged in a stacked configuration. Each signal wafer includes a dielectric frame holding a signal leadframe including a plurality of signal contacts. Each ground wafer includes a dielectric frame holding a ground leadframe including ground plates connected by tie bars and rail slots therethrough. The communication connector includes ground rails separate from the ground wafers and being plugged into the wafer stack to electrically connect to corresponding ground wafers. The ground rails have rail tabs received in corresponding rail slots being coupled to ground plates of corresponding ground wafers. Each rail tab extends through at least one signal wafer to provide electrical shielding for signal contacts of the at least one signal wafer. Each rail tab is coupled to at least two different ground wafers to electrically connect the at least two different ground wafers.