Electrical Contact Grid Array Shielding Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing socket connectors face challenges in providing adequate electrical shielding for signal contacts as the spacing and narrow shape of ground contacts limit the shielding effectiveness, especially as signal transmission speeds increase, leading to higher costs due to the need for closer placement of additional ground contacts.
Innovation Solution
The electrical contact grid array features a board with signal conductors and ground shield structures that provide enhanced shielding by having upper and lower annular shields surrounding the signal contacts, reducing the number of discrete ground contacts and allowing for more flexibility in layout, with the ground shield structures made of conductive polymer or lossy materials for improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional ground contacts are placed closer together to improve shielding effectiveness, then electrical shielding performance is improved, but device complexity and cost substantially increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ground shield structure is segmented into multiple discrete ground contacts arranged in a pattern around each signal contact. This segmentation allows the shielding function to be distributed across multiple smaller elements rather than requiring a single continuous shield, reducing overall complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple ground contacts are merged into a coordinated shielding pattern that works collectively to provide electromagnetic shielding. The ground contacts in adjacent rows and the same row are combined to form a comprehensive shield around signal contacts, achieving better protection than individual contacts could provide alone.
2Device complexity
If ground contacts are spaced farther apart to reduce complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but electrical shielding performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ground contact pattern is optimized locally around each signal contact rather than using uniform spacing throughout the entire array. Ground contacts are positioned to provide concentrated shielding where needed most, with varying spacing patterns that adapt to local shielding requirements while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding approach transitions from one-dimensional linear spacing to two-dimensional patterns involving ground contacts in both the same row and adjacent rows. This dimensional expansion allows for more efficient use of space and better shielding performance without requiring excessive ground contacts in any single direction.
3Reliability
If more ground contacts are used to surround each signal contact, then electrical shielding is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground contacts serve multiple functions: they provide electromagnetic shielding for signal contacts, establish electrical reference planes, and define mechanical alignment features. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and structures, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining shielding performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The design optimizes parameters such as ground contact size, spacing, and arrangement patterns to achieve effective shielding at lower cost. By carefully controlling these parameters, the patent achieves adequate shielding performance without requiring excessive ground contacts that would drive up manufacturing expenses.
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 configuration enhances electrical shielding by surrounding a greater portion of the signal contacts, reducing the number of discrete ground contacts and associated costs, while maintaining effective shielding performance, even at higher signal transmission speeds.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the ground shield structures includes at least one ground contact disposed above the top side of the board and defining an upper annular shield. The upper annular shield circumferentially surrounds at least one of the upper signal contacts.
Implementation Method 2
The ground shield structures are made of one or more of a conductive polymer material or an electrically lossy material.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical contact grid array includes a board having a top side and an opposite bottom side, a plurality of signal conductors mounted to the board, and a plurality of ground shield structures mounted to the board. Each of the signal conductors includes an upper signal contact extending beyond the top side of the board for electrically connecting with a corresponding mating contact of a mating circuit board. Each of the ground shield structures includes at least one ground contact disposed above the top side of the board that defines an upper annular shield. The upper annular shield circumferentially surrounds at least one of the upper signal contacts.