Contact Module Shielding for High-Speed Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed connector assemblies face issues with cross-talk and insertion loss due to geometrical gaps in shielding and electrical skew caused by contacts of different lengths, and existing solutions are costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A contact module design featuring a leadframe with signal contacts arranged in pairs, supported by a dielectric frame with windows exposing leads to air and secured by ground shields for improved electrical shielding, reducing cross-talk and insertion loss while compensating for varying contact lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plated plastic shells are used to provide 360° shielding for each contact module, then electrical shielding performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield structure is segmented into multiple ground shields positioned at different locations along the signal transmission path, rather than using a single continuous plated plastic shell. This segmentation allows for more cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining shielding effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the shielding function from the expensive plated plastic shell and implements it through separate ground shields that can be manufactured and assembled independently, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining electrical performance.
2Device complexity
If gaps or spaces are present in shielding through the connector assembly, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but connector performance deteriorates due to increased cross-talk and insertion loss
Solution Approach 1:
The ground shields are positioned to provide localized shielding at critical points along the signal transmission path, particularly at the ends of signal contacts and at locations where cross-talk is most likely to occur. This targeted approach maintains performance while reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield structure extends in multiple dimensions with ground shields positioned at both ends of the signal contacts and potentially at intermediate points, creating a three-dimensional shielding arrangement that effectively blocks cross-talk without requiring a simple linear continuous shield.
3Reliability
If contacts have different lengths to accommodate varying transmission line requirements, then signal integrity is improved, but electrical skew increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground shields are positioned in advance at specific locations relative to the signal contacts of different lengths, creating predetermined shielding zones that compensate for the varying contact lengths and help minimize electrical skew between differential pairs.
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 solution effectively reduces cross-talk, insertion loss, and skew, while being cost-effective by using a dielectric frame and ground shields to enhance electrical performance and maintain signal integrity at high data speeds.
Implementation Method 1
The contact module includes a shield structure having a first ground shield at the first side and a second ground shield at the second side. The first and second ground shields provide electrical shielding for the first signal contacts.
Implementation Method 2
The dielectric frame has windows extending through the dielectric frame between the first side and the second side. The windows exposing to air the sides, the inner edges and the outer edges of the corresponding first leads along a majority of lengths of the first leads.
Data Source
AI summary
A contact module includes a leadframe having signal contacts arranged in pairs. Each signal contact includes a lead having sides extending between inner and outer edges. The contact module includes a dielectric frame supporting the leadframe having a first side and a second side with windows extending through the dielectric frame between the first side and the second side. The windows exposing to air the sides, the inner edges and the outer edges of the corresponding leads along a majority of lengths of the leads. The contact module includes a shield structure having a first ground shield at the first side and a second ground shield at the second side to provide electrical shielding for the signal contacts.