Electrical Connector Lead Frame Module Shielding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors face challenges in providing effective shielding against cross-talk and interference, especially at high signal speeds, and the use of ground skewers increases complexity and cost without ensuring reliable alignment and engagement.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector design incorporates a lead frame module with interleaved signal and ground conductors, a tie bar, and a dielectric holder, where signal conductors jog around the tie bar without engaging it, and a ground plate electrically connects to the tie bar to provide improved shielding between lead frame modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ground skewers are used to electrically connect ground shields, then electrical shielding is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ground shield connection function with the existing contact module structure. The ground shields of adjacent contact modules are electrically connected through the connector housing, eliminating the need for separate ground skewers. This merging approach maintains electrical shielding while reducing device complexity and part count.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, holds contact modules, and simultaneously electrically connects ground shields between adjacent modules. This multi-functionality eliminates dedicated ground skewers while maintaining shielding effectiveness.
2Reliability
If ground skewers are used to engage ground shields, then electrical connection is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ground shield connection is merged with the housing structure, which provides inherent alignment features through the contact module positioning. This eliminates the need for precise ground skewer alignment with openings, as the housing itself provides the connection path.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates ground shield connection without requiring direct engagement between separate ground skewers and ground shields. The housing provides a controlled interface that simplifies alignment requirements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional ground shields are used, then some shielding is provided, but vertical cross-talk between signal conductors is not adequately blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends ground shielding in the vertical dimension by having ground shields extend beyond the contact modules. This additional vertical coverage blocks electromagnetic interference between signal conductors of adjacent contact modules, addressing cross-talk that traditional horizontal-only shielding cannot prevent.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground shields are designed with varying extents: some shields extend beyond contact modules while others are contained within. This local variation optimizes shielding effectiveness in specific areas where cross-talk is most problematic, particularly at module interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A lead frame module of an electrical connector includes a ground lead frame, signal conductors, a dielectric holder, and a ground plate. The ground lead frame includes multiple ground conductors and a tie bar that extends between and connects the ground conductors. The signal conductors are interleaved with the ground conductors. The signal conductors have jogged segments that extend across the tie bar around an outer side of the tie bar without engaging the tie bar. The dielectric holder at least partially surrounds the signal conductors and the ground lead frame to secure the signal conductors relative to the ground lead frame. The ground plate is disposed along an interior side of the dielectric holder and engages an inner side of the tie bar, which is opposite the outer side, to electrically connect the ground plate to the ground lead frame.