Differential Connector Terminal Layout for Signal Delay Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors with differential signal terminals of different lengths suffer from time delay in signal transmission, which is exacerbated by the deformation of the shorter terminal into a snake-bending shape to equalize lengths, leading to increased forming difficulties and impaired signal coupling and impedance matching.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector design includes a first signal terminal with a longer length than the second signal terminal, where the first connecting portion has an exposing area at a widening portion to reduce capacitance and increase width, thereby shortening signal transmission time and balancing impedance characteristics, while the second connecting portion is completely wrapped in the insulating block to maintain impedance matching and reduce design complexities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the connecting portion of the shorter signal terminal is deformed into a snake-bending shape to equalize lengths, then the time delay phenomenon is improved, but the forming difficulties increase and the signal coupling and impedance matching are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating an exposing area at a specific location (the widening portion) of the first connecting portion, rather than uniformly modifying the entire structure. This localized exposure to air medium reduces capacitance only where needed, shortening signal transmission time for the longer terminal without requiring global deformation like snake-bending shapes, thus avoiding increased forming difficulties while still achieving time delay compensation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters by exposing part of the first connecting portion to the air medium, which alters the capacitance and impedance characteristics locally. This parameter change (capacitance reduction) compensates for the length difference between terminals, achieving time delay improvement without the need for complex snake-bending deformations that would increase manufacturing difficulty
2Loss of time
If the exposing area is provided at the widening portion to reduce capacitance and shorten signal transmission time, then the time delay is improved, but the impedance increases due to exposure in air medium
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry by providing the exposing area only on the first connecting portion (the longer terminal) and not on the second connecting portion. This asymmetric treatment creates a capacitance difference that compensates for the length difference between terminals. The widening portion geometry also introduces controlled asymmetry in the impedance characteristics, which is deliberately designed to balance the overall impedance matching between the differential pair
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the width of the widening portion to simultaneously achieve two opposing effects: reducing capacitance (to shorten transmission time) and managing impedance (to maintain matching). By adjusting the width parameter of the exposing area, the patent balances the trade-off between transmission time reduction and impedance matching preservation
3Speed
If the first connecting portion is exposed to reduce capacitance, then the signal transmission time is shortened, but the forming difficulties and signal coupling are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by limiting the exposing area to a specific widening portion of the first connecting portion, rather than exposing the entire connecting portion or using complex three-dimensional deformations. This localized approach reduces capacitance to improve signal transmission speed while maintaining simple, manufacturable geometries that do not significantly increase forming difficulties or disrupt signal coupling between the differential pair
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 design effectively reduces time delay in signal transmission between terminals of different lengths, balances impedance characteristics, and minimizes the impact on forming difficulties and signal coupling, while facilitating a miniaturized design of the electrical connector.
Implementation Method 1
the capacitance value around the first connecting portion is reduced by the exposing area, thus shortening the signal transmission time
Implementation Method 2
the exposing area is provided at the widening portion, which reduces the impedance by increasing the width thereof
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes at least one terminal assembly. The terminal assembly includes: a first signal terminal and a second signal terminal being narrow-edge coupled; and an insulating block fixing the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal. A length of the first signal terminal is greater than a length of the second signal terminal. A first connecting portion of the first signal terminal is provided with at least one exposing area, which is exposed to the insulating block and exposed in air medium. The first connecting portion has at least one widening portion and at least one narrow portion connected to each other along a length direction thereof. A width of the widening portion is greater than a width of the narrow portion. The exposing area is provided at the widening portion. A second connecting portion of the second signal terminal is completely wrapped in the insulating block.