Electrical Connector Terminal Layout for High-Frequency Impedance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors struggle to meet the impedance requirements for high-frequency transmissions, particularly at speeds exceeding 128 Gbps, due to the design of resilient sheets used in terminals.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector features specific arrangements of contacting and abutting portions in the terminals, including varying numbers and configurations of resilient and contacting portions, which improve impedance and enhance high-frequency signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If resilient sheets of uniform width are used for contacting and abutting portions, then manufacturing is simplified, but impedance control for high-frequency transmission deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the contacting portion and abutting portion have different widths. The contacting portion has a first width optimized for electrical contact and impedance control, while the abutting portion has a second width optimized for mechanical support. This local differentiation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and high-frequency impedance control.
2Reliability
If contacting portion and abutting portion have different widths, then high-frequency impedance control is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the terminal into distinct portions with different widths: the contacting portion with first width and the abutting portion with second width. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each portion's dimensions for its specific function, achieving better impedance control without requiring complete redesign of the entire terminal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the width parameter differently for different portions of the terminal. The contacting portion maintains a first width optimized for electrical performance, while the abutting portion uses a second width for mechanical stability. This parameter differentiation resolves the impedance control issue while keeping the overall structure relatively simple through controlled dimensional variation.
3Volume of moving object
If abutting portions are positioned closer to contacting portions, then terminal compactness is improved, but stress distribution and high-frequency performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning where the abutting portion is offset from the contacting portion in the vertical direction. This asymmetric arrangement creates optimal stress distribution pathways while maintaining adequate spacing for high-frequency signal integrity. The offset distance is specifically designed to balance compactness with performance requirements.
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 improved terminal design enhances high-frequency performance by reducing impedance and improving stress distribution, thereby supporting better signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
Each terminal has a main portion fixed in a corresponding terminal slot, an upper resilient portion, an upper contacting portion, an upper abutting portion, a lower resilient portion, a lower contacting portion, and a lower abutting portion. The upper resilient portion, the upper contacting portion, and the upper abutting portion extend upward sequentially from the main portion. The lower resilient portion, the lower contacting portion, and the lower abutting portion extend downward sequentially from the main portion. When the upper contacting portion and the lower contacting portion move toward the insulating housing, the upper abutting portion and the lower abutting portion abut each other.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes an insulating housing having terminal slots, and a terminals arranged respectively in the terminal slots. Each terminal has a main portion fixed in a corresponding terminal slot, an upper resilient portion, an upper contacting portion, an upper abutting portion, a lower resilient portion, a lower contacting portion, and a lower abutting portion. The upper resilient portion, the upper contacting portion, and the upper abutting portion extend sequentially from the main portion. The lower resilient portion, the lower contacting portion, and the lower abutting portion extend sequentially from the main portion. An amount of the upper contacting portion and an amount of the lower contacting portion are one or two. An amount of the upper abutting portion is different from the amount of the upper contacting portion, and an amount of the lower abutting portion is different from the amount of the lower contacting portion.