Edge Card Connector With U-Shaped Shields For Crosstalk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge card connectors face challenges in minimizing crosstalk between adjacent signal pins without increasing the connector size, as methods like adding ground return pins or increasing pin distance lead to larger connector sizes and reduced density.
Innovation Solution
An edge card connector design featuring U-shaped shields surrounding three sides of center conductors, with contacts providing a normal force to bias the edge card, and a shield configuration allowing rotation and linear displacement to ensure contact with the edge card, effectively preventing crosstalk while maintaining connector size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If ground return pins are added between signal pins to reduce crosstalk, then crosstalk is reduced, but the connector size increases and signal pin density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement of ground pins between signal pins to a three-dimensional shield structure that surrounds the signal pin on multiple sides. The shield extends along the length of the signal pin and provides electromagnetic isolation in the vertical and lateral dimensions, achieving crosstalk reduction without increasing the connector's footprint area.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield is positioned within the connector housing and surrounds the signal pin, creating a nested configuration where the shield is contained within the overall connector structure. This allows the shielding function to be integrated into the existing connector volume without substantially increasing the external dimensions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If signal pin distance is increased to reduce crosstalk, then crosstalk is reduced, but signal pin density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the lateral distance between signal pins, the patent introduces shielding in the vertical and lateral dimensions around each signal pin. The shield creates electromagnetic isolation boundaries that prevent crosstalk without requiring increased spacing between adjacent signal pins, thereby maintaining high pin density.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If shield is added around each signal pin to reduce crosstalk, then crosstalk is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple shielding functions into a single integrated shield component for each signal pin. The shield simultaneously provides electromagnetic isolation, mechanical support, and structural definition, reducing the number of separate parts needed compared to traditional multi-component shielding approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield structure serves multiple functions: it provides electromagnetic shielding against crosstalk, acts as a mechanical support element, defines the signal pin positioning, and contributes to the overall connector housing structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
An edge card connector includes a connector housing; a plurality of center conductors disposed in the connector housing, spaced apart from one another, and arranged to make contact with a surface of an edge card when the edge card is inserted into the edge card connector; and a plurality of shields disposed in the connector housing, surrounding three sides of a corresponding one of the plurality of center conductors, and arranged to make contact with the surface of the edge card when the edge card is inserted into the edge card connector.