Dual-Row Edge Connector Layout for Safe Power Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current edge connectors with a single row of golden fingers have a limited communication rate and are prone to surge overshoot and current backflow, leading to a shortened lifespan.
Innovation Solution
An edge connector design featuring two rows of golden fingers, where the first row has non-aligned ends to prevent simultaneous power-on or power-off, and the second row has a grounded golden finger protruding to ensure secure power sequencing, reducing surface area and facilitating miniaturization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If double rows of golden fingers are used to increase communication rate, then the communication rate is improved, but surge overshoot and current backflow occur leading to shortened lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate rows of golden fingers (first row and second row), allowing independent control of power sequencing for each row. This segmentation enables staggered power-on and power-off operations, preventing simultaneous switching that causes surge overshoot and current backflow, thereby maintaining reliability while achieving high communication rate through dual-row configuration.
2Device complexity
If golden fingers are aligned in single row to simplify structure, then device complexity is reduced, but communication rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The design transitions from a single-row configuration to a two-row configuration, adding a spatial dimension to the golden finger arrangement. This dimensional change doubles the available channels for communication while maintaining the simple golden finger structure, thereby increasing communication rate without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If grounded golden finger protrudes to ensure power sequencing, then power control is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The grounded golden finger in each row is designed with an asymmetric protruding structure, extending beyond the alignment of other golden fingers in its row. This asymmetric design provides a clear mechanical reference for proper insertion sequencing, ensuring that the grounded contact engages first to establish safe power sequencing. The protrusion distance is controlled within manufacturing tolerances to achieve reliable power control without excessive precision requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An edge connector includes a first row of golden fingers and a second row of golden fingers. The first row of golden fingers is adjacent to a plugging end of the edge connector, and the second row of golden fingers is adjacent to the first row of golden fingers. In a plugging direction of the edge connector, each golden finger in the first row of golden fingers has a first end proximate to the plugging end and a second end opposite to the first end. A first end of a grounded golden finger in the first row of golden fingers is protruded from other golden fingers, and second ends of two or more than two golden fingers in the first row of golden fingers are not aligned with each other.