Connector Impedance Matching via Shield Case Integration

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connectors experience impedance mismatch between first and second terminals of differential pairs due to the absence of adjacent terminals, leading to increased complexity and cost when adding a ground terminal for impedance matching.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an impedance adjuster as part of the shield case adjacent to the second terminal on the opposite side of the first terminal, without adding a separate component, to match impedances between first and second terminals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a ground terminal is added next to the first and second terminals to equalize impedance characteristics, then impedance matching between terminals is improved, but the number of components and configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpedance matchingVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The impedance adjuster is merged with the shield case structure, forming an integrated component rather than a separate addition. The shield case's conductive surface is extended to create the impedance adjuster portion that contacts the second terminal, thereby achieving impedance matching without adding a separate ground terminal component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shield case serves dual functions: providing electromagnetic shielding and acting as an impedance adjuster for the second terminal. By making the shield case multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate impedance-matching components while maintaining both shielding and impedance control functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If a ground terminal is added next to the first and second terminals to equalize impedance characteristics, then impedance matching between terminals is improved, but the cost of the connector increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpedance matchingVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The impedance adjuster is merged with the shield case structure, forming an integrated component rather than a separate addition. The shield case's conductive surface is extended to create the impedance adjuster portion that contacts the second terminal, thereby achieving impedance matching without adding a separate ground terminal component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shield case serves dual functions: providing electromagnetic shielding and acting as an impedance adjuster for the second terminal. By making the shield case multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate impedance-matching components while maintaining both shielding and impedance control functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2393167A3Connector

Publication Date: 2013.03.20 HOSIDEN CORP

AI summary

The present invention provides a connector having terminals subject to impedance matching that are matched in impedance without increasing the number of components. The connector includes a body 100 having an insulating property, a terminal group 200 provided in the body 100, and a shield case 300 having electrical conductivity. The terminal group 200 includes a terminal 203 and a terminal 201 adjacent to the terminal 203, the terminal 201 having higher impedance than the terminal 203. The shield case 300 includes first and second outer shells 300a, 300b surrounding a peripheral surface of the body 100 and impedance adjusting plates 320a provided in the first outer shell 300a. The impedance adjusting plates 320a are located adjacent to an intermediate portion of the terminal 201 on the opposite side of the terminal 201 from the terminal 203.