Coupler Connector With Flexible PCB For Crosstalk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupler connectors for twisted pair cables lack flexibility and efficiency in installation, fail to meet high-frequency signal transmission performance standards due to limited adjustability and increased complexity, and are not adaptable to varying cable lengths or angles.
Innovation Solution
A coupler connector design featuring a flexible printed circuit board with cross-talk reducing networks and modular plugs, allowing for adjustable cable alignment and improved signal transmission by using a compensating network with conductive traces and crossover configurations to minimize crosstalk and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed-angle connector design is used, then the connector structure is simple, but the installation flexibility and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a dynamic design where the housing and terminal assembly can be configured at different angles relative to each other, allowing the connector to adapt to various installation geometries. The first and second plug-receiving openings are positioned at adjustable angles, enabling flexible cable routing while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular housing design.
2Reliability
If conventional connector designs are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the signal transmission performance at high frequencies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector implements local quality optimization by positioning contact elements with specific geometries and orientations at different locations within the terminal assembly. The contact elements are arranged to minimize alien crosstalk in high-frequency signal paths, with each contact element's position and orientation optimized for its specific signal transmission role, thereby improving overall signal integrity without requiring complete redesign of the entire connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal assembly acts as an intermediary component between the two modular plugs, incorporating a controlled impedance transmission path that mediates signal transmission between different cable configurations. The terminal assembly's design includes impedance-matched traces and strategically positioned contact elements that reduce signal reflection and crosstalk, serving as a buffer that maintains signal quality despite variations in cable angle and length.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connector length is fixed, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the adaptability to different physical distances between cables is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with universal plug-receiving openings that can accommodate modular plugs at various distances apart. The housing structure incorporates adjustable mounting features and the terminal assembly can be configured with different trace lengths, allowing the same connector design to serve multiple cable distance requirements while maintaining standardized manufacturing processes for the core components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If prior art connector designs are used, then the cable termination process is straightforward, but the complexity of termination increases and functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional modules: a housing with plug-receiving openings, a terminal assembly with contact elements, and modular plugs. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the terminal assembly can be designed specifically for low-crosstalk signal transmission while the housing provides mechanical support and cable management features, thereby enhancing overall functionality without proportionally increasing termination complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler connector and cross talk reducing network for coupling a first cable and a second cable in electrically conducting relation to each other, the first cable and the second cable respectively terminated by a first modular plug and a second modular plug each comprising respectively a first plurality of contact terminals and a second plurality of contact terminals.