Connector Shielding Grounding Bridge EMI Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector systems fail to effectively restrict the radiation of electromagnetic interference (EMI) from shields, which can interfere with nearby connectors and degrade signal quality due to the oscillation of EMI energy along overhanging portions and exposed sidewalls.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a conductive grounding bridge that electrically couples the protrusion of an electromagnetic shield with the shell, and an absorptive gasket between the header and mating connectors to absorb EMI, preventing oscillation and radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If shields with protrusions are used to electrically couple connectors, then EMI transfer between connectors is improved, but overhanging portions of shields act as antennas and radiate EMI
Solution Approach 1:
A conductive bridge is introduced as an intermediary element to connect the protrusion to the shield body. This bridge provides a controlled electrical path that eliminates the overhanging portion's antenna effect while maintaining the EMI shielding function between connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield structure is segmented into distinct components: the main shield body, the protrusion for connector coupling, and a separate conductive bridge to eliminate the overhanging portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without creating harmful radiation.
2Ease of manufacture
If sidewalls extend to exposed edges without coupling, then manufacturing is simplified, but EMI energy oscillates along sidewalls and causes radiation
Solution Approach 1:
Conductive bridges are used as intermediary elements to connect the exposed sidewall edges to the shield body or ground reference. This maintains the simple extended sidewall structure while eliminating the antenna effect through proper electrical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful antenna effect is extracted from the sidewall structure by separately addressing the exposed edges through conductive bridges, allowing the main sidewall structure to remain simple and easy to manufacture.
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 grounding bridge and absorptive gasket solutions effectively transfer EMI energy to a ground reference, preventing oscillation and radiation, thereby improving signal integrity by reducing electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
The grounding bridge is joined to one of the header connector and the mating connector and engages another of the header connector and the mating connector when the protrusion engages the shell. The protrusion is electrically coupled with the shell at the outer end of the protrusion and by the grounding bridge.
Implementation Method 2
an absorptive gasket between the header and mating connectors to absorb EMI, preventing oscillation and radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A connector system includes a header connector, a mating connector, and a conductive grounding bridge. The header connector includes a conductive shell that defines an interior chamber and a contact disposed in the interior chamber. The mating connector includes a conductive member and an electromagnetic shield joined to a housing. The shield has an elongated protrusion extending from the shield to an outer end. The header connector and the mating connector couple with each other such that the contact engages the conductive member and the protrusion engages the shell. The grounding bridge is joined to one of the header connector and the mating connector and engages another of the header connector and the mating connector when the protrusion engages the shell. The protrusion is electrically coupled with the shell at the outer end of the protrusion and by the grounding bridge.