Connector Shell Adjusting Impedance via Local Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical connector systems face challenges in maintaining optimal impedance and secure coupling, especially at high data rates, where increased impedance due to conductor spacing affects data transmission and mechanical coupling reliability.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector system with a shell element that adjusts the distance between conductors by exerting a force on the cable, using a ferrule with a dent to create a compensation area with adjusted impedance, and a secondary lock member for secure strain relief and electromagnetic shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the conductors are spaced further apart at the connection site to facilitate connection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the impedance increases which deteriorates the transmission characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The shell element is designed with a specific geometry that creates a localized compression zone on the cable. This local quality change allows the conductors to be pushed closer together only in the region where the shell contacts the cable, while maintaining their spaced-apart configuration elsewhere for ease of connection. The localized impedance adjustment resolves the contradiction by improving transmission characteristics only where needed without compromising connection ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of conductor distance locally by applying mechanical compression through the shell element. This parameter change (reducing conductor spacing) is applied selectively in the compression zone to adjust impedance and improve transmission characteristics, while the overall conductor spacing remains favorable for connection operations.
2Reliability
If a shell element is added to adjust impedance by compressing the cable, then the transmission characteristics are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shell element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection for the cable, acts as an impedance adjustment mechanism through localized compression, and potentially provides structural support for the connector assembly. By combining these functions into a single component, the invention improves transmission characteristics without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the cable protection function and the impedance adjustment function into a single shell element. Instead of adding a separate impedance adjustment mechanism to an existing protected cable assembly, the shell is designed to perform both protection and impedance control in one integrated component, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If the distance between conductors is reduced to lower impedance, then the transmission characteristics are improved, but the ease of connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shell element creates a localized zone of reduced conductor spacing only in the region where mechanical compression is applied. The conductors maintain their original, easier-to-connect spacing in the rest of the cable length. This local quality change allows impedance optimization without compromising the overall ease of connection operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrical connector system with adjusted impedance, comprising a cable having at least two conductors and a shell element provided at least partially around said cable. Further, the electrical connector system comprises a connector housing assembly separate from the shell element adapted to at least partially receive the at least two conductors and the shell element.