Modular Connector Shield Structure for Cross-Talk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular connectors face challenges in minimizing cross-talk between signal contact pairs, especially at the mounting end, as the increased pin density and reduced spacing lead to signal integrity issues and impedance variations.
Innovation Solution
A modular electrical connector with a shield member featuring mounting and shielding sections, including substrate receiving slots with resilient portions on either side, applies a normal force to contact surfaces for mechanical and electrical engagement with ground traces, providing 360-degree shielding and reducing cross-talk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the spacing between electrical terminals is reduced and pin density is increased to fit more components in less space, then the area of the connector is reduced, but cross-talk between signal contact pairs increases and signal integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A shield member is introduced as an intermediary element between adjacent signal contact pairs. The shield member includes shielding sections with substrate receiving slots that position ground traces between signal pairs, acting as a mediator to block electromagnetic interference and reduce cross-talk while allowing the connector to maintain high pin density in a compact footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield member implements local quality by providing targeted shielding only where needed - between adjacent signal contact pairs at the mounting end. The shielding sections are selectively positioned to create ground barriers specifically at locations where cross-talk is most problematic, rather than providing uniform shielding throughout the entire connector structure.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If shielding is added to reduce cross-talk between signal pairs, then cross-talk is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield member merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides electromagnetic shielding, mechanically supports ground traces through substrate receiving slots, and maintains structural integrity of the connector assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts needed compared to traditional shielding approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield member utilizes thin, flexible shielding sections with integrated substrate receiving slots. These thin-film structures provide effective electromagnetic shielding while remaining lightweight and easy to integrate into the connector assembly, avoiding the need for bulky rigid shield structures.
3Quantity of substance
If the number of electrical terminals is increased to handle higher speeds and greater pin densities, then the signal handling capability is improved, but impedance control becomes more difficult and cross-talk increases
Solution Approach 1:
Ground traces positioned within substrate receiving slots of the shield member serve as intermediary reference planes between adjacent signal terminals. These intermediary ground structures provide stable impedance references that help maintain consistent characteristic impedance even as the number of electrical terminals increases and spacing between them decreases.
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
The solution effectively minimizes cross-talk between signal pairs by maintaining contact surfaces in engagement with ground traces, ensuring signal integrity and acceptable impedance levels, even at higher signal speeds and increased pin densities.
Implementation Method 1
Resilient portions are provided on either side of the substrate receiving slots. Contact surfaces extend into the substrate receiving slots. The resilient portions cause a normal force to be applied to the contact surfaces to maintain the contact surfaces in mechanical and electrical engagement with respective ground traces
Data Source
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AI summary
A shield member for use in a modular electrical connector. The shield member includes mounting sections and shielding sections. The mounting sections are for mounting to a substrate. The shielding sections have first sections and second sections. The second sections are positioned in a different plane than the first sections. Transition sections extend between the first sections and the second sections. Substrate receiving slots are provided in the first sections and the second sections. Resilient portions are provided on either side of the substrate receiving slots. Contact surfaces extend into the substrate receiving slots. The resilient portions cause a normal force to be applied to the contact surfaces to maintain the contact surfaces in mechanical and electrical engagement with respective ground traces of modules of the modular electrical connector.