Electrical Connector Ground Terminal Shielding Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors face challenges in achieving effective signal interference shielding due to the large space occupation and inadequate shielding effect between adjacent signal terminals, especially with higher density connectors where crosstalk interference is prevalent.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates two terminal groups with ground and signal terminals, where the signal terminal is positioned between the extending arms of the ground terminal, and the first elastic arm of the rear terminal group abuts the front ground terminal to create an electrical connection, achieving zero potential difference and enhanced shielding by grounding the adjacent ground terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If two rows of ground terminals are provided at two sides of the row of signal terminals to facilitate signal shielding, then the shielding effect between adjacent signal terminals is improved, but the arrangement of the terminals occupies an excessively large space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement of terminals to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. Ground terminals are positioned above and below the signal terminals in the vertical dimension, allowing effective shielding without increasing the horizontal footprint. This vertical stacking enables dense terminal arrangement while maintaining adequate shielding performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds signal terminals within the vertical space between upper and lower ground terminals. The signal terminals are nested in the gaps between adjacent ground terminals in the vertical direction, creating a compact layered structure where ground terminals surround signal terminals in three dimensions, achieving effective shielding with minimal space occupation.
2Productivity
If the interval between adjacent signal terminals is reduced to achieve higher density, then the productivity and density of the electrical connector are improved, but crosstalk interference between the adjacent signal terminals occurs easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses crosstalk in high-density connectors by introducing vertical grounding layers above and below the signal terminals. This three-dimensional grounding structure creates electromagnetic shielding barriers that prevent signal interference even when horizontal spacing between signal terminals is minimized, enabling high connector density without sacrificing signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies localized grounding structures specifically positioned adjacent to each signal terminal in the vertical dimension. Each signal terminal is surrounded by ground terminals above and below it, creating localized shielding zones that prevent crosstalk between neighboring signal terminals while allowing the overall connector to maintain high density.
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 reduces signal interference between adjacent signal terminals by grounding the terminals, increasing the shielding effect and reducing potential differences, while also optimizing space usage and enhancing the connector's density.
Implementation Method 1
the first elastic arm of the ground terminal of the rear terminal group abuts the ground terminal of the front terminal group to form an electrical connection therebetween
Implementation Method 2
the first elastic arm comprises two extending arms and a through slot formed between the two extending arms; the mating member presses on the first elastic arm
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes two adjacent terminal groups in a front-rear direction, including a front terminal group and a rear terminal group. Each terminal group includes a ground terminal and a signal terminal. The ground terminal has a first base portion and a first elastic arm. The first elastic arm includes two extending arms and a through slot formed therebetween. The signal terminal has a second base portion and a second elastic arm. The first elastic arm and the second elastic arm are used to be electrically connected to a mating member. In a same terminal group, the signal terminal is located in front of the first base portion, and the second elastic arm runs through the through slot. The mating member presses on the first elastic arm. The first elastic arm of the ground terminal of the rear terminal group abuts the ground terminal of the front terminal group.