Dual-Row Cable Structure for Signal Integrity and Width Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing one-row flat cable structure in consumer electronics faces issues with increased width and space requirements, high processing complexity due to different wire structures and materials, signal interference, and electromagnetic interference (EMI)/radiofrequency interference (RFI) problems, which hinder the development of thin-and-light designs.
Innovation Solution
A dual-row cable structure is introduced, where high-speed and low-speed signal wires, along with power and ground wires, are arranged in two separate rows without intervening ground wires, and a metallic covering is applied to reduce width, simplify processing, and mitigate signal interference and EMI/RFI issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a one-row flat cable structure with thirty data wires is used to meet USB signal transmission requirements, then the electrical connection between circuit boards is achieved, but the cable width increases and more internal space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional one-row flat cable layout to a three-dimensional folded cable structure. The cable is folded back on itself to form multiple rows, allowing wires to be arranged vertically and horizontally rather than only in a single linear row. This dimensional change enables thirty data wires to be compactly arranged in a smaller width while maintaining all necessary electrical connections for USB signal transmission.
2Reliability
If signal wires and power wires are assembled as a one-row flat cable structure, then electrical connections are established, but different wire structures and materials require different cutting and pealing processes, increasing processing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cable into distinct functional sections: a first section containing power wires and a second section containing signal wires. This segmentation allows each section to be processed according to its specific requirements - power wires can be cut and peeled with one set of processes while signal wires use another set of processes. The folded structure naturally creates these segments, simplifying the overall manufacturing process by allowing parallel processing of different wire types.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If ground wires are arranged at two sides of each pair of high-speed differential signal wires in a flat cable structure, then signal shielding is provided, but the cable width increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the folded cable structure to arrange ground wires in multiple dimensions rather than only horizontally. Ground wires are positioned at different levels and orientations within the folded configuration, providing shielding for high-speed differential signal wires without requiring increased cable width. The three-dimensional arrangement allows ground wires to surround and protect signal wires from multiple directions while maintaining a compact overall footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-row cable structure is applied to a first circuit board and a second circuit board. A board-to-board connector is on the first circuit board, and the first circuit board includes a first group of contacts and a second group of contacts. An electrical connector is on the second circuit board. The second circuit board includes a third group of contacts and a fourth group of contacts. The dual-row cable structure includes a wire assembly including high-speed signal wires, low-speed signal wires, one or more power wires, and one or more ground wires. The high-speed signal wires are connected to the first group of contacts. The low-speed signal wires, the power wire, and the ground wire are respectively connected to the second group of contacts. The third group of contacts and the fourth group of contacts are respectively connected to the other end of the wire assembly.