Connector Ground Terminal Layout for Shorter Return Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connectors used in electronic devices experience increased noise emission and high-frequency signal loss due to the mid plate and ground terminal not being connected at the front end, leading to a lengthened return path of current.
Innovation Solution
The connector design includes a ground terminal that is spaced apart from the mid plate and bent to contact both surfaces of the mid plate, reducing the return path of current and improving signal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the ground terminal is disposed separately from the mid plate at the front end of the connector, then the manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but the connector acts as an antenna emitting noise and the loss of high-frequency signal increases due to lengthened return path
Solution Approach 1:
The ground terminal is divided into multiple segments: a first ground terminal disposed separately from the mid plate at the front end for simplified assembly, and a second ground terminal extending to contact the mid plate to provide a short return path. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill different functions - the first segment enables easy manufacturing while the second segment reduces noise emission.
2Ease of manufacture
If the ground terminal is disposed separately from the mid plate at the front end of the connector, then the manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but the loss of high-frequency signal increases due to lengthened return path
Solution Approach 1:
The ground terminal is divided into multiple segments: a first ground terminal disposed separately from the mid plate at the front end for simplified assembly, and a second ground terminal extending to contact the mid plate to provide a short return path. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill different functions - the first segment enables easy manufacturing while the second segment reduces noise emission.
3Reliability
If the ground terminal contacts the mid plate, then the return path of current is reduced and signal integrity is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground terminal is designed with flexibility to bend and extend toward the mid plate, allowing it to adapt its position. This dynamic design enables the ground terminal to contact the mid plate when needed for optimal signal integrity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a single-piece construction that can deform during assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
An example electronic device may include a connector; and a printed circuit board electrically connected to the connector, wherein the connector may include: a mid plate that includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a plurality of terminals; and an insulating structure in which at least a part of the mid plate is disposed and supporting at least some of the plurality of terminals, wherein the plurality of terminals may include a ground terminal that is disposed to be spaced apart at least in part in a first direction or in a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the mid plate, is extended in a length direction of the connector, and is in contact with the mid plate at one end thereof and is in contact with the printed circuit board at the other end thereof.