Differential Pin to RF Adaptor Shielding for Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal probing systems face issues with ambient electric fields causing common mode interference and uncontrolled impedance due to exposed leads/pins, leading to signal noise and bandwidth loss during differential signal measurements.
Innovation Solution
A differential pin to RF adaptor with a central contact, insulating sleeve, and reference/shield contact that completely shields the pins, maintaining controlled impedance and reducing interference, along with an optional attenuator to adjust signal gain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If exposed leads/pins are used to connect the test system to the DUT, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but common mode interference from ambient electric fields increases and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a differential adapter as an intermediary component between the exposed leads/pins and the test system. This adapter includes a differential connector that interfaces with the exposed pins and a shielded connector that interfaces with the test system, thereby mediating the connection and providing shielding against ambient electric fields while maintaining ease of connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a shielded environment around the differential signal path by using a coaxial structure with an outer shield that is connected to ground. This shielded environment acts as an inert atmosphere that isolates the differential signals from external electric fields, preventing common mode interference while allowing the simple exposed pin connection to remain effective.
2Device complexity
If exposed leads/pins are used for connection, then device complexity is reduced, but uncontrolled impedance variations occur leading to bandwidth loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection system into three distinct parts: the exposed differential pins/leads (simple connection), the differential adapter (impedance control element), and the shielded connector (signal transmission). This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The differential adapter serves as an intermediary that bridges the simple exposed pin connection and the shielded test system connection. It provides controlled impedance pathways for the differential signals while maintaining compatibility with both the simple pin interface and the shielded test equipment interface.
3Ease of operation
If exposed leads/pins are used, then ease of operation is improved, but signal noise from interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a shielded environment using a coaxial structure where the outer conductor is connected to ground. This shielded environment isolates the differential signals from ambient electric fields, creating an inert atmosphere that prevents common mode interference while allowing the connection to remain simple through the differential adapter interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The differential adapter acts as an intermediary that transitions signals from the unshielded exposed pins to the shielded coaxial connection. It provides a controlled environment for the differential signals during transmission, filtering out common mode interference while maintaining the simplicity of the original pin connection interface.
Data Source
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AI summary
A differential pin to RF adaptor includes a center conductor contact with an RF connector on one end and a signal contact on the other end. An insulating sleeve surrounds the central contact. A reference contact surrounds the insulating sleeve. The signal pin of the differential pair interfaces with the center conductor contact of the RF connector. The adaptor is structured to slide down over a pair of pins/leads so that the reference contact abuts a circuit board attached to the pins. The pins/leads are shielded all the way to the circuit board, which shields/isolates the pins from common mode and other types of interference. The adaptor maintains the shape of the signal pin and the reference pin during testing. The adaptor maintains a fixed impedance of the pins, which reduces or eliminates uncontrolled impedance and hence preserves system frequency response and reduces/eliminates erroneous ripple currents.