Electrical Connector Ground Terminal Width Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-speed USB connectors suffer from significant crosstalk between high-speed differential signal terminals and between high-speed and low-speed terminals due to mutual inductance and capacitive coupling, as well as signal transfer delays caused by high dielectric constants in the insulation material.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector design includes a widened first ground terminal and folding sections for high-speed differential signal terminals to reduce inductive coupling, along with an insulation body that minimizes dielectric constant exposure by removing rear side walls to increase spacing and reduce capacitive coupling, thereby addressing crosstalk and signal delay issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the ground terminal has the same width as the high speed differential signal terminals, then the connector structure is simple, but the mutual inductance increases causing inductive coupling crosstalk between high speed terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The ground terminal is designed with non-uniform width, being wider at specific sections adjacent to high speed differential signal terminals. This local variation in geometry reduces mutual inductance at critical coupling points without requiring complete structural redesign, thereby reducing inductive coupling crosstalk while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the connection portions of high speed and low speed terminals are parallel and spaced by constant distance, then the manufacturing is easy, but the capacitive coupling crosstalk between high speed and low speed terminals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection portion of the ground terminal is designed to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the connection portions of high speed and low speed terminals, rather than being parallel to them. This dimensional change in arrangement reduces the parallel coupling area, thereby reducing capacitive coupling crosstalk while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through straightforward geometric configuration.
3Reliability
If the high speed differential signal terminals are enclosed in the plastic insulation body, then the insulation is good, but the dielectric constant is high causing signal transfer delay
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation structure is segmented into different regions: air insulation sections where signal transfer speed is critical, and plastic insulation sections where mechanical support and overall insulation are needed. This segmentation allows the high speed differential signal terminals to be exposed to air in key areas, reducing dielectric constant and signal delay, while still maintaining adequate insulation through the plastic body in non-critical areas.
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 design effectively reduces inductive and capacitive crosstalk between high-speed and low-speed terminals, enhancing signal integrity and achieving faster signal transfer by minimizing mutual inductance and dielectric constant impact.
Implementation Method 1
there is a relative large mutual inductance generated in the high speed circuit, causing inductive coupling crosstalk between the two pairs of high speed differential signal terminals
Implementation Method 2
causing capacitive coupling crosstalk between the high speed circuit terminals and the low speed circuit terminals
Implementation Method 3
each of high speed differential signal terminals has a relative high dielectric constant, causing a signal transfer delay of the high speed differential signal terminal during transmitting signals
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an electrical connector having an insulator body, a shield, and an upper and a lower rows of terminals. The shield is constructed to enclose the insulator body. The upper and a lower rows of terminals are held in the insulator body, wherein one of the two rows of terminals is a row of low speed circuit terminals and the other is a row of high speed circuit terminals having two pairs of high speed differential signal terminals and a first ground terminal. At least a portion of the first ground terminal has a width larger than a corresponding portion of each of high speed differential signal terminals. The ground terminal of the high speed circuit is widened compared with high speed differential signal terminals, and it can effectively reduce the inductive coupling crosstalk between the high speed differential signal terminals.