Contact Module Ground Shielding via Skewer Interconnects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors lack sufficient electrical shielding above and below signal conductors, particularly at high speeds, and fail to effectively common ground contacts with ground shields along the length of contact modules, leading to inadequate protection against electromagnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
The contact module design incorporates a dielectric holder with first and second ground shields and ground skewers that extend through the holder to electrically connect the shields, providing comprehensive electrical shielding along the entire length of signal contacts, including transition portions, and includes guard traces for additional shielding between signal contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ground shields are provided only at the sides of signal conductors in known electrical connectors, then the structure is simple, but electrical shielding is insufficient at high speeds above and below signal conductors
Solution Approach 1:
The shield structure is segmented into multiple ground shields positioned at different locations (first ground shield above, second ground shield below, and side ground shields) along the signal conductor path. Each ground shield is a separate component that can be independently positioned and connected, allowing comprehensive shielding coverage while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding structure transitions from two-dimensional side-only grounding to three-dimensional multi-layer grounding by adding ground shields above and below the signal conductors in addition to the side ground shields. This dimensional expansion creates a complete shielding envelope around the signal path, blocking electromagnetic interference from all directions
2Reliability
If ground contacts are interspersed with signal contacts to provide shielding, then some shielding is provided, but insufficient electrical commoning exists between ground contacts and ground shields along the length of contact modules
Solution Approach 1:
The ground contacts, ground shields, and skewer structure are merged into a single electrically commoned system. The skewers extend through the dielectric holder and electrically connect the first and second ground shields to the ground contacts, creating a unified grounding network that maintains consistent electrical potential across all shielding components along the entire length of the contact module
Solution Approach 2:
The skewers serve as intermediary elements that bridge the electrical connection between the ground shields and ground contacts. These skewers penetrate the dielectric holder to establish direct electrical pathways, ensuring proper electrical commoning without requiring complex wiring or additional connection mechanisms
3Ease of manufacture
If large openings are formed in ground shields by stamping and bending, then manufacturing is simple, but shielding continuity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The ground shields incorporate openings that segment the shield structure into distinct regions, allowing the shields to be formed using simple stamping and bending operations. These segmented openings are strategically positioned to maintain electrical continuity through the skewer connections while enabling straightforward manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The skewers act as intermediary conductors that bridge the gaps created by openings in the ground shields. By extending through the dielectric holder and connecting opposing ground shields, the skewers maintain electrical continuity and shielding effectiveness despite the presence of openings that facilitate easy manufacturing
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 enhances electrical commoning of shield components, providing robust shielding against electromagnetic interference and ensuring reliable signal integrity across the entire length of signal contacts, from the mating end to the mounting end.
Implementation Method 1
ground skewers having posts extending from the first ground shield through the dielectric holder. The posts are electrically connected to the first ground shield and extend into corresponding skewer openings of the second ground shield to electrically connect the first ground shield to the second ground shield
Data Source
AI summary
A contact module includes a dielectric holder having first and second sides extending between a mating end and a mounting end. The contact module includes signal contacts held by the dielectric holder along a contact plane. The contact module includes a first ground shield coupled to the first side of the dielectric holder and providing electrical shielding for the signal contacts and a second ground shield coupled to the second side of the dielectric holder and providing electrical shielding for the signal contacts, the ground shield having skewer openings. The contact module includes ground skewers having posts extending from the first ground shield through the dielectric holder. The posts are electrically connected to the first ground shield and extend into corresponding skewer openings of the second ground shield to electrically connect the first ground shield to the second ground shield.