Direct-attach connector with removable support for signal integrity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-speed cable assemblies are costly and large due to the need for multiple connectors and high-speed cables, which degrade signal quality and increase insertion losses, while attempts to reduce size through smaller components often compromise performance.
Innovation Solution
A high-speed cable assembly with a contact ribbon that includes signal contacts and a ground plane, connected by a support member, which is removable after connection to the cable, allowing for a low-profile, reduced-component design that simplifies signal transmission and reduces costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional high-speed cable assemblies with multiple connectors are used, then signal transmission is achieved, but the assembly size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connector functions into a single integrated connector assembly that directly couples to the substrate. This merging eliminates the need for separate connectors at each end of the cable assembly, reducing the overall volume while maintaining signal transmission capability through direct wire connections to substrate contacts.
2Reliability
If conventional high-speed cable assemblies with multiple connectors are used, then signal transmission is achieved, but the assembly cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple connector functions into one integrated assembly, the patent reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured, procured, and assembled. This consolidation lowers material costs, reduces assembly labor, and simplifies the supply chain, thereby reducing overall assembly cost while maintaining signal transmission functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate connectors from the signal path, keeping only the essential connection points directly at the substrate. This removal of redundant components reduces material costs and simplifies manufacturing processes.
3Reliability
If multiple connectors and high-speed cables are used, then signal transmission is achieved, but signal quality degrades due to insertion losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes intermediate connectors and high-speed cables from the signal path, extracting only the essential direct wire connections to substrate contacts. This elimination of unnecessary signal transmission media reduces the number of interfaces and connection points where insertion losses occur, thereby improving signal quality.
4Volume of stationary object
If smaller connectors and cables are used to reduce assembly size, then volume is reduced, but performance and cost are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple connector functions into a single integrated assembly, the patent achieves compact size without relying on miniaturization of individual components. This merging allows the use of standard-sized, high-performance connection elements while reducing overall assembly volume through functional consolidation and direct substrate coupling.
5Volume of stationary object
If high-speed cable assembly is eliminated and signal is transmitted only on substrates, then assembly size is reduced, but signal integrity is degraded due to higher insertion losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the high-speed cable assembly from the system, relying instead on direct wire connections to substrate contacts. This removal of the cable assembly reduces volume while the direct substrate-to-substrate coupling minimizes insertion losses by eliminating intermediate transmission media and connection interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A contact ribbon configured to connect a cable to a substrate includes a plurality of signal contacts, a ground plane, and at least one ground contact extending from the ground plane. The plurality of signal contacts are connected by a support member, and the support member is removable after the plurality of signal contacts are connected to the cable.