Connector Pin Segmentation for Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with wireless communication units face reduced communication speeds due to electromagnetic noise radiation from cables, which is not adequately addressed by existing noise reduction methods, especially with the miniaturization of devices and increased sensitivity of communication units, and can interfere with other electronic devices performing wireless communication.

Innovation Solution

A communication module design featuring a wiring board with ground wiring, electronic components, and connectors where high-frequency signal pins are arranged without non-high-frequency signal pins between them, and ground terminals are strategically placed to minimize phase differences between signal and return currents, reducing electromagnetic noise radiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional noise reduction methods (such as ring-shaped ferrite core) are used to reduce electromagnetic noise radiation from cables, then some noise reduction effect is achieved, but the noise reduction is insufficient due to miniaturization of electronic devices and increased sensitivity of wireless communication units

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic noise radiationVSAvoidwireless communication speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector pins are segmented into distinct groups: high-frequency signal pins (first pins) and non-high-frequency signal pins (other pins). By spatially separating these pin groups and positioning the high-frequency pins adjacent to the ground terminal without intervening pins, the patent creates isolated electromagnetic zones that reduce noise radiation. This segmentation approach divides the connector's electromagnetic environment into controlled regions, effectively reducing the harmful electromagnetic noise while maintaining reliable wireless communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If electronic devices are miniaturized to reduce size, then device compactness is improved, but electromagnetic noise radiation increases and interferes with wireless communication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidelectromagnetic noise radiation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a specific arrangement pattern within the connector where high-frequency signal pins are positioned in direct adjacency to the ground terminal. This localized configuration optimizes the electromagnetic field distribution at the critical connection point, reducing noise radiation from that specific region. The selective positioning of pins based on their signal frequency requirements creates locally optimized electromagnetic environments without requiring overall device enlargement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If sensitivity of wireless communication unit is increased to improve communication performance, then communication quality is improved, but the unit becomes more susceptible to electromagnetic noise radiation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication sensitivityVSAvoidelectromagnetic noise radiation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary anti-action by designing the connector pin arrangement to preemptively counteract electromagnetic noise before it can interfere with the wireless communication unit. By positioning high-frequency signal pins adjacent to the ground terminal and eliminating intervening pins, the design creates an electromagnetic shield effect at the source of potential noise generation. This preliminary structural arrangement prevents noise from propagating to the sensitive wireless communication unit, allowing high sensitivity without corresponding noise susceptibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS10886648B2Communication module, electronic device, and image pickup apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.01.05 CANON KK
  • US10886648B2 patent drawing
  • US10886648B2 patent drawing
  • US10886648B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A communication module includes a wiring board including ground wiring, an electronic component provided on the wiring board, and a first connector provided on the wiring board and electrically connected to the electronic component via the wiring board. The first connector includes a metal member electrically connected to the ground wiring, and a plurality of pins arranged in an arrangement direction and including a plurality of high-frequency signal pins used for transmission of a high-frequency signal and a plurality of non-high-frequency signal pins for a use different from the transmission of the high-frequency signal. The plurality of high-frequency signal pins include a plurality of first pins successively arranged in the arrangement direction. None of the plurality of non-high-frequency signal pins is interposed between the plurality of first pins and the metal member.