Electrical Connector Ground Terminal Shielding Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector systems face challenges in achieving effective shielding for high-frequency signals due to increased terminal density and length, which leads to signal interference and manufacturing complexities, while also requiring a compact design.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector design features ground terminals in contact with two corresponding mating terminals in a left-right direction, allowing for enhanced shielding without increasing the connector's size, and incorporates insulating blocks and shielding plates to manage terminal arrangement and reduce crosstalk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the width of each ground terminal is widened to provide better shielding, then the shielding effect is improved, but the mounting space is increased and the connector size becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The ground terminal contact structure transitions from a single-point contact to a multi-dimensional contact pattern. Each ground terminal contacts two corresponding first mating terminals simultaneously in the left-right direction, creating a three-dimensional contact network that enhances shielding effectiveness without increasing the connector's planar footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple grounding functions into a single ground terminal structure. By contacting two first mating terminals simultaneously, each ground terminal performs dual grounding functions, effectively increasing the shielding network density without adding more terminal components or increasing overall size.
2Reliability
If additional shielding members are provided on the signal terminal pairs to reduce crosstalk, then the shielding effect is improved, but the assembly difficulty increases due to dense terminal arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The ground terminals serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide electrical grounding, create shielding barriers between signal terminals, and structurally support the connector assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate shielding members, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining effective shielding.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground terminals themselves provide the shielding function without requiring additional dedicated shielding components. The structural design of the ground terminals allows them to automatically form shielding barriers between signal terminal pairs through their contact configuration with the first mating terminals.
3Area of stationary object
If the intervals between terminals are reduced to increase terminal density, then the connector compactness is improved, but the signal interference between signal terminals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector terminal arrangement is segmented into distinct functional zones: first mating terminals for grounding, second mating terminals for signal transmission, and ground terminals providing shielding separation. This segmentation creates natural shielding barriers between signal terminals even at high densities, preventing signal interference while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground terminals act as intermediary elements between signal terminal pairs. By contacting two first mating terminals simultaneously, each ground terminal creates an electromagnetic shielding barrier that mediates and isolates adjacent signal terminals, preventing crosstalk and interference in high-density configurations.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If the length of each row of terminals is increased to maintain terminal intervals, then the signal interference is reduced, but the connector system size becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the length constraint by transitioning to a multi-dimensional terminal contact architecture. Instead of increasing the linear length of terminal rows, the ground terminals establish vertical and lateral contact relationships with multiple first mating terminals simultaneously, creating three-dimensional shielding paths that reduce interference without extending the connector's length.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an electrical connector and an electrical connector assembly. Each of the ground terminals is provided to be in contact with two corresponding first mating terminals in a left-right direction. The terminals may mate with the first and second mating terminals under the same specification, thus facilitating unified automatic production of the mating connector, and may achieve the objectives for increasing the shielding effect of the electrical connector and saving the quantity of the terminals without changing the size of the electrical connector.