Connector Contact Layout for Early Grounding Against ESD and EOS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for electrostatic discharge (ESD) and overvoltage protection in electronic products, such as consumer electronics, often lead to costly solutions and inefficiencies due to improper contact configurations between connectors, resulting in signal interference and damage to CPU components.
Innovation Solution
A port processing method that involves rearranging the signal layout of terminal contact cores and signal cores, including using contact cores as signal ground, extending their length, and adjusting their spacing to enhance ESD and overstress protection capabilities, while prioritizing ground connections to prevent energy propagation to the chip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional grounding methods are used (grounding at middle position or one end), then the structure is simple, but ESD and EOS protection capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by extending the contact cores longer than signal cores and using higher contact elastic pieces, so that ground connection is established before signal connection during plug insertion. This preliminary grounding ensures ESD/EOS protection is activated before any signal transmission begins, resolving the contradiction by prioritizing safety without requiring complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by making contact cores (ground) physically longer and having higher contact elastic pieces than signal cores, reversing the conventional assumption that signal contacts should be primary. This inversion ensures ground contact occurs first during connection, providing inherent ESD/EOS protection while maintaining simple connector结构设计.
2Reliability
If ESD protection devices and increased line impedance characteristics are added, then ESD protection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the connector structure itself to provide ESD/EOS protection through its inherent geometry (longer contact cores, higher contact elastic pieces) rather than requiring external ESD protection devices. The connector's own structure performs the protection function, eliminating the need for additional costly components while maintaining simple manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the connector structure itself as a disposable/cost-effective protection mechanism rather than investing in expensive ESD protection devices. By incorporating ESD protection functionality into the basic connector design, it provides reliable protection at minimal additional cost, making protection affordable for mass-produced consumer electronics.
3Area of stationary object
If contact cores are positioned close to signal cores, then connector size is reduced, but signal mixing and EOS issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by ensuring ground contact is established before signal contact through extended contact core length and higher contact elastic pieces. This preliminary grounding creates a safe reference potential before signals are transmitted, preventing signal mixing and EOS issues even when cores are positioned closely together, thus allowing compact connector design without sacrificing reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If wire cores are not properly aligned during contact, then connection flexibility is improved, but abnormal EOS or ESD issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by designing contact cores to make contact first during insertion, establishing a reliable ground connection before any signal cores engage. This preliminary grounding ensures that even if alignment is imperfect, a safe reference potential is established first, preventing abnormal EOS or ESD issues while maintaining connection flexibility for various insertion scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A port processing method, used to enhance an electrostatic discharge protection capability and an overstress protection capability. The method comprises: step S1, providing a cable having a plurality of terminal contact cores leading out of the cable, the plurality of terminal contact cores comprising contact cores disposed at two sides of the cable, and signal cores disposed within the cable; and S2, changing the signal layout of the contact cores and the signal cores, so as to enhance the electrostatic discharge protection capability and the overstress protection capability. The method for changing the signal layout comprises: using the contact cores as a signal ground, and disposing a contact spring plate at a middle portion of each of the contact cores and each of the signal cores; and extending lengths of the contact cores outward.