Connector Shield Ground Path via Conductive Gasket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector systems face challenges in optimizing the positioning and size of ground vias on circuit boards for improved electrical performance, as they are often dictated by manufacturability constraints rather than performance requirements, affecting impedance and cross-talk.
Innovation Solution
The use of a conductive gasket positioned along the mounting end of a shield body in connector assemblies to create a ground path between the shield body and the circuit board's ground plane, allowing for strategic placement and sizing of ground vias independent of contact tail sizes, thereby enhancing electrical characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If ground contacts and ground vias are positioned according to manufacturability constraints (rows and columns), then ease of manufacture is improved, but electrical performance (impedance control and cross-talk reduction) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the ground via positioning function from the contact tail positioning function. Ground vias are no longer constrained to follow the row-column pattern of contact tails, allowing them to be strategically positioned around signal vias for optimal electrical performance while contact tails maintain their structured arrangement for manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements different positioning strategies for different elements: contact tails follow a regular row-column pattern for ease of manufacture, while ground vias are locally optimized to surround signal vias for optimal electrical performance. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between manufacturability and electrical performance.
2Ease of manufacture
If ground via diameter is controlled by contact tail size, then ease of manufacture is improved, but electrical characteristics (impedance and cross-talk) deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention decouples the ground via diameter specification from contact tail dimensions. Ground via size is now independently controlled based on electrical performance requirements rather than being dictated by mechanical contact tail constraints, allowing separate optimization of manufacturing and electrical characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the controlling parameter for ground via diameter from contact tail size (mechanical parameter) to electrical performance requirements (electrical parameter). This parameter change enables ground vias to be sized appropriately for impedance control and cross-talk reduction independent of contact tail dimensions.
3Reliability
If additional ground vias are positioned around signal vias, then electrical performance (impedance and cross-talk) is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates ground via placement logic from contact tail arrangement. Ground vias can be added around signal vias without requiring corresponding changes to the contact tail structure, reducing the complexity increase by decoupling the two functions.
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
This solution enables more flexible and optimal placement of ground vias, improving impedance control and reducing cross-talk, while reducing the number of pins needed, thus enhancing the overall electrical performance and efficiency of the connector system.
Implementation Method 1
The conductive gasket engages the web portions of the shield body and is configured to define a ground path between the shield body and a ground plane of the circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes contacts with contact tails and mating portions opposite the contact tails. The contact tails are configured to be terminated to a circuit board. The mating portions are configured to be terminated to corresponding mating contacts of a mating connector assembly. The connector assembly also includes a shield body holding the contacts. The shield body has a mounting end configured to be mounted to the circuit board. The mounting portions have web portions extending between selected contacts. The connector assembly includes a conductive gasket positioned along the mounting end of the shield body. The conductive gasket engages the web portions of the shield body and is configured to define a ground path between the shield body and a ground plane of the circuit board.