Connector Arrangement Impedance Transition Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector arrangements experience interference due to sudden changes in impedance when the distance between conductor pairs changes, leading to suboptimal differential signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an external conductor that surrounds the conductors circumferentially and can be lengthened to compensate for impedance changes, either by adjusting the distance between conductors or changing the conductor diameter, to maintain consistent impedance across the connector arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the distance between conductors is increased in the intermediate portion, then the conductors can transition from the cable to the connector, but the impedance changes suddenly causing interference
Solution Approach 1:
An external conductor is introduced as an intermediary element between the internal conductors and the environment. This external conductor acts as a mediator that compensates for impedance changes caused by the increasing distance between internal conductors in the intermediate portion, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference while allowing the necessary geometric transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The impedance parameters are actively managed by adjusting the geometry of the external conductor. By changing the distance between the external conductor and the internal conductors, or by modifying the diameter of the external conductor along its length, the impedance can be compensated to maintain signal integrity during the transition from cable to connector.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an external conductor is added to compensate for impedance changes, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external conductor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a shield against electromagnetic interference, provides impedance compensation, and serves as a structural element for the connector assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The external conductor can be implemented as a flexible shielding structure or thin-walled conduit that conforms to the geometry of the internal conductors. This approach provides effective electromagnetic protection and impedance control without adding substantial bulk or structural complexity to the connector design.
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 external conductor effectively reduces electromagnetic interference and maintains the integrity of differential signal transmission by controlling impedance changes, ensuring reliable connectivity and minimizing interference.
Implementation Method 1
The external conductor is configured to compensate for a change in the impedance on account of the change in distance between the cores of the conductor pair
Data Source
AI summary
A connector arrangement comprising a connector and a cable connected to the connector, each comprising at least one conductor pair for transmitting a differential signal, wherein the cable comprises a first portion and a second portion, in which the conductor pair comprises electric contacts, and wherein the conductors are at a first mutual distance in the first portion and a second mutual distance in the second portion, the second mutual distance being greater than the first distance, wherein an intermediate portion is formed between the first portion and the second portion, in which intermediate portion the distance between the conductors of a conductor pair increases in the direction of an interface-side end of the connector, wherein the conductor pair is guided in an unshielded cable in the first portion, and wherein the conductors are surrounded by an external conductor in at least one part of the intermediate portion.