Dual Card Pluggable Module Signal Integrity

Solution Overview

Problem

Communication systems face challenges with cross-talk and signal integrity due to the increasing density of contacts in card edge connectors and module circuit cards, which affects data throughput.

Innovation Solution

A pluggable module design with a dual circuit card configuration, featuring upper and lower module circuit cards with specific contact pad arrangements and a latch mechanism for secure connection, is introduced to enhance contact density and signal integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If contact density in card edge connector and module circuit card is increased, then data throughput is improved, but cross-talk and signal integrity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata throughputVSAvoidsignal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the contact structure have different properties. Specifically, the first and second contact portions are positioned at different locations relative to the circuit board, allowing each contact to have optimized electrical characteristics for its specific function and location, thereby maintaining signal integrity while achieving high density

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements nesting by placing the first and second contact portions in a nested or closely integrated arrangement within the card edge connector structure. This allows multiple contacts to be packed into a compact space, achieving high contact density while maintaining proper signal routing and isolation to prevent cross-talk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If contact density in card edge connector and module circuit card is increased, then data throughput is improved, but cross-talk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata throughputVSAvoidcross-talk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the contact structure have different properties. Specifically, the first and second contact portions are positioned at different locations relative to the circuit board, allowing each contact to have optimized electrical characteristics for its specific function and location, thereby maintaining signal integrity while achieving high density

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the circuit board as an intermediary structure that provides electrical isolation and signal routing between the first and second contact portions. This intermediary structure prevents direct electromagnetic coupling between adjacent contacts, thereby reducing cross-talk while enabling high contact density

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11456567B2Dual card pluggable module

Publication Date: 2022.09.27 TE CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS GMBH

AI summary

A pluggable module is provided and includes a pluggable body including a cavity. The pluggable body extends between a mating end and a cable end opposite the mating end. The mating end is configured to be plugged into a receptacle connector assembly. The pluggable body has a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall at a first side, and a second side wall at a second side. The pluggable module includes a cable assembly coupled to the pluggable body. The cable assembly includes an upper module circuit card, a lower module circuit card, upper cables terminated to the upper module circuit card and lower cables terminated to the lower module circuit card. The upper module circuit card includes upper contact pads proximate to an upper mating edge. The lower module circuit card includes lower contact pads proximate to a lower mating edge.