Connector Ground Shield Layout for Crosstalk Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of electronic components and reduced spacing between terminals in connectors necessitates improved shielding to manage higher signal speeds and pin densities while maintaining impedance and minimizing crosstalk.
Innovation Solution
A ground system comprising ground contacts and shields with nonplanar configurations that provide multiple contact areas for ground currents to flow, ensuring comprehensive electrical shielding and minimizing gaps for effective signal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ground contacts have single contact area with ground shields, then manufacturing is simpler, but ground current flow is insufficient for proper shielding
Solution Approach 1:
The ground contact structure is segmented into multiple engagement portions (first engagement portion and second engagement portion) that create separate ground contact areas with the ground shield. This segmentation allows ground currents to flow through multiple distinct paths, improving shielding effectiveness without requiring a completely complex new structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to ground current flow by positioning ground contact areas at different locations along the ground shield. The first and second ground contact areas are spaced apart to allow ground currents to properly flow through the entire ground shield, effectively utilizing the length dimension of the connector to improve shielding.
2Reliability
If ground shields have nonplanar configuration passing between signal contacts, then shielding from crosstalk is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground shield is configured with a nonplanar geometry that allows it to pass between signal contacts in a curved or bent path rather than a straight line. This curvature enables the ground shield to effectively surround and shield signal pairs from crosstalk while maintaining manufacturability through standard forming processes.
3Productivity
If connector pin density is increased to fit more components in less space, then component integration is improved, but spacing between terminals is reduced making shielding more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The ground shield is positioned to nest between pairs of signal contacts, creating a nested configuration where the ground shield passes through the space between differential signal pairs. This nested arrangement provides effective shielding for high-density pin configurations without requiring additional space beyond what is already available in the connector structure.
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 effectively controls crosstalk and signal radiation, providing robust and manufacturable connectors with adequate shielding without additional components or complex features.
Implementation Method 1
Surfaces of the securing sections of the ground contacts are positioned in mechanical and electrical engagement with surfaces of the ground shields, providing first ground contact areas across which ground currents may flow. The first engagement portions of the ground contacts are provided in electrical and mechanical engagement with the surfaces of the ground shields, providing second ground contact areas across which the ground currents may flow.
Implementation Method 2
The ground shields are positioned proximate the ground contacts. The ground shields have a nonplanar configuration, with portions of the ground shields passing between signal contacts. The ground contacts and the ground shields entirely peripherally surround pairs of signal contacts to provide electrical shielding for the pairs of signal contacts.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector and a ground system which includes ground contacts and ground shields positioned proximate the ground contacts. The ground contacts have receiving sections, securing sections and mounting sections. The receiving sections have first engagement portions and second engagement portions. The ground shields have a nonplanar configuration, with portions of the ground shields passing between signal contacts. Surfaces of the securing sections of the ground contacts are positioned in mechanical and electrical engagement with surfaces of the ground shields, providing first ground contact areas across which ground currents may flow. The first engagement portions of the ground contacts are provided in electrical and mechanical engagement with the surfaces of the ground shields, providing second ground contact areas across which the ground currents may flow. The second ground contact areas are spaced from the first ground contact areas to allow the ground currents to properly flow through the entire ground shields.