EMI Absorber in Electrical Connector Cable Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors with cable shields often experience inadequate electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, particularly at high signal speeds above 10 GHz, due to leakage at the interface between the housing shield and the cable shield, which can harm signal integrity and violate regulatory EMI emission standards.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electromagnetic interference (EMI) absorber within the cable channel of the electrical connector housing, which extends around the cable shield to absorb EMI emissions, thereby reducing leakage and enhancing shielding effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a housing shield and cable shield connection is used for EMI shielding, then shielding is provided for electrical contacts and cables, but EMI leakage occurs above certain signal speeds (above approximately 10 GHz) due to the interface between the cable braid and ferrule
Solution Approach 1:
An EMI absorber material is introduced as an intermediary component between the cable shield and housing shield. This absorber material absorbs electromagnetic interference that would otherwise leak through the shield interface, particularly at high frequencies above 10 GHz where traditional shield connections become ineffective
Solution Approach 2:
The solution employs composite shielding structure combining traditional conductive shielding materials with EMI absorber materials. The EMI absorber is integrated within the cable channel, creating a multi-material system that addresses both low-frequency and high-frequency EMI challenges
2Ease of manufacture
If the cable shield is dressed over a ferrule of the housing, then the cable is terminated to the connector, but EMI leakage is especially susceptible at the interface between the cable braid and ferrule due to the flare of the cable braid
Solution Approach 1:
The EMI absorber is positioned within the cable channel to intercept EMI at the critical interface region where the cable braid flares over the ferrule. This absorber material serves as a mediator that captures electromagnetic energy before it can radiate outward, addressing the specific geometric vulnerability created by the cable flare
Solution Approach 2:
The EMI absorber is strategically placed only in the cable channel region where EMI leakage is most problematic, rather than applying shielding throughout the entire connector. This localized approach addresses the specific interface problem between cable braid and ferrule without complicating the overall manufacturing process
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The EMI absorber effectively reduces EMI emissions, improving signal integrity and compliance with regulatory standards by absorbing EMI along the cable channel, especially at high signal speeds, thus enhancing the overall performance of the electrical connector.
Implementation Method 1
The EMI absorber is configured to absorb EMI emitted from the cable
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector is provided for terminating a cable having a cable shield. The electrical connector includes an electrical contact configured to be terminated to an end of a wire of the cable, and a housing having a body that extends from a mating end to a cable end. The housing includes a connector shield. The electrical contact is held by the housing. The cable end includes a cable channel that is configured to hold an end segment of the cable therein such that the cable shield is electrically engaged with the connector shield. An electromagnetic interference (EMI) absorber is held within the cable channel such that the EMI absorber is configured to extend around the cable shield along at least a portion of a length of the cable channel. The EMI absorber is configured to absorb EMI emitted from the cable.