Connector Insertion Loss Control via Dielectric Air Pockets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors face signal degradation due to insertion loss as they are made smaller, necessitating a high-speed connector with low insertion loss conductors.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector features a dielectric frame with insertion loss control windows that expose transition portions of the conductors to air, reducing insertion loss by controlling the size and shape of these windows to minimize signal degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If electrical connectors are made smaller, then device size is reduced, but insertion loss increases causing signal degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric frame is designed with non-uniform properties: solid dielectric material in some regions and air pockets in other regions. This local variation in dielectric properties allows different sections of the conductor to experience different electromagnetic environments, optimizing signal transmission by reducing insertion loss in critical areas while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the medium surrounding the conductor by introducing air pockets within the dielectric frame. This parameter change from uniform dielectric material to a composite structure with air regions modifies the electromagnetic field distribution, reducing signal degradation and insertion loss in the miniaturized connector.
2Volume of moving object
If conductor size is reduced, then connector miniaturization is achieved, but signal integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric frame incorporates strategically positioned air pockets that create localized regions with optimized electromagnetic characteristics. These local quality variations compensate for the reduced conductor size by controlling field distribution and reducing signal degradation in specific critical areas, thereby maintaining overall signal integrity.
3Strength
If dielectric material surrounds conductors, then mechanical support is provided, but insertion loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric frame is segmented into regions of solid dielectric material and regions of air pockets. This segmentation allows the structure to provide mechanical support where needed while creating low-loss transmission paths in other areas, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and signal transmission quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the dielectric frame have different properties: solid dielectric regions provide mechanical support and positioning, while air pocket regions minimize electromagnetic loss. This local differentiation of material properties allows simultaneous optimization of both mechanical strength and electrical performance.
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 insertion loss and enhances signal integrity by allowing air to surround exposed portions of the conductors, thereby improving the performance of high-speed connectors.
Implementation Method 1
The dielectric frame has insertion loss control windows in at least one of the first side and the second side defining air pockets exposing exposed portions of the corresponding transition portions to air
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a contact module having a dielectric frame holding conductors. The conductors extend between a mating end and a terminating end and have a transition portion between the corresponding mating end and the terminating end passing through the dielectric frame. The transition portions of the conductors have opposite first and second sides and opposite first and second edges between the first and second sides. The dielectric frame has opposite first and second sides generally parallel to the first and second sides of the transition portions. The dielectric frame has insertion loss control windows in at least one of the first side and the second side defining air pockets exposing exposed portions of the corresponding transition portions to air. The size and shape of the insertion loss control windows controlling insertion loss along the conductors.