Low-Profile Connector Shell Segmentation for Signal Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector systems face challenges in achieving high signal transmission characteristics with low height and minimizing interference with heat sinks, particularly when connecting circuit boards to cables in information processing systems.
Innovation Solution
The connector system includes a first connector with individually optimized signal contacts and shells, and a second connector with separate shells for each signal contact, allowing for parallel alignment and reduced height, thereby improving signal transmission characteristics and reducing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single ground contact made of a single metallic plate is used to surround the signal contact mold-in component, then the connector structure is simplified, but signal transmission characteristics deteriorate due to interference between adjacent signal contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The single ground contact is divided into multiple separate ground contacts, each surrounding individual signal contacts. This segmentation isolates the electromagnetic fields of adjacent signal contacts, preventing interference while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. Each ground contact acts as an independent shield for its associated signal contact.
2Length of stationary object
If the connector height is reduced to minimize interference with heat sinks, then the distance to circuit elements is reduced improving signal quality, but the shielding effectiveness deteriorates due to limited space for ground contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The ground contacts are configured to extend vertically only in the regions where signal contacts are present, rather than creating a continuous tall shield. This localised approach provides effective electromagnetic shielding for each signal contact while keeping the overall connector height minimal, thus not interfering with heat sinks below the circuit board.
3Length of stationary object
If signal contacts are aligned parallel to the facing surface for compact arrangement, then the connector height is reduced, but signal transmission characteristics worsen due to increased proximity to heat sinks and reduced shielding space
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel-aligned signal contacts are each surrounded by individual ground contacts, segmenting the electromagnetic fields. This allows the compact parallel arrangement to be maintained for low height, while the separate ground contacts provide sufficient shielding effectiveness despite the reduced vertical space.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector include: an insulative housing comprising a facing surface configured to face a circuit board; a conductive first signal contact and a conductive second signal contact that are held by the housing to be aligned along an arrangement orientation substantially parallel to the facing surface, the first signal contact and the second signal contact being configured to be electrically connected to the circuit board in a state where the facing surface faces the circuit board; a first shell held by the housing to surround the first signal contact about an axis along a fitting orientation substantially parallel to the facing surface and intersecting the arrangement orientation, the first shell being configured to be electrically connected to the circuit board in a state where the facing surface faces the circuit board; and a second shell held by the housing to surround the second signal contact about an axis along the fitting orientation, the second shell being configured to be electrically connected to the circuit board in a state where the facing surface faces the circuit board.