Faraday Sleeve Cable Termination for Impedance Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed connectors face impedance discontinuities due to variability in the physical arrangement of twisted signal conductors and grounding shields during cable termination, leading to reduced signal strength and electrical performance issues.
Innovation Solution
A conductive carrier member that holds twin-axial wires in a preselected orientation and electrically interconnects their associated grounding shields, maintaining a constant geometry and impedance throughout the connector interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the twisted wires are untwisted and oriented to mate with the termination portions of the cable connector, then the cable can be connected to the connector, but the impedance increases and impedance discontinuities occur
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with pre-formed contact elements and grounding structures that maintain the twisted pair geometry in a controlled manner during termination. The contact members are pre-shaped to engage the twisted wires without requiring complete untwisting, preserving the impedance characteristics while enabling connection.
Solution Approach 2:
A transition structure or adapter is introduced between the twisted pair cable and the connector terminals. This intermediary component maintains the twisted geometry while providing the necessary electrical connection, acting as a buffer that prevents direct disruption of the impedance-controlled transmission line.
2Ease of operation
If the outer grounding shield is peeled back during termination, then the cable can be connected to the connector, but the signal wires and grounding shield move out of their original geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design allows the grounding shield to be nested within or integrated with the connector housing and contact structures. The shield is accommodated in a recess or channel that maintains its cylindrical geometry, while the signal conductors are accessed through openings or slots that preserve their twisted arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding shield is designed as a flexible braid or foil that can be gently separated from the insulator without rigid peeling. The flexible nature allows the shield to conform to the connector's grounding contact surfaces while maintaining its continuous protective geometry around the signal conductors.
3Ease of operation
If the signal conductors are untwisted and oriented for mating, then connection to the connector is achieved, but large impedance discontinuities are created
Solution Approach 1:
The connector contact elements are pre-formed with shapes that guide the twisted pair conductors into proper alignment without requiring complete untwisting. The contact members are pre-positioned to engage the conductors in a way that maintains the twisted geometry and associated impedance characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates gradual transitions in the physical parameters of the transmission line, such as contact spacing and grounding distance, to match the twisted pair geometry. This gradual parameter change minimizes abrupt impedance discontinuities while still achieving reliable electrical connection.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved termination assembly for a multi-wire cable is disclosed. The assembly includes a carrier member that includes wire nest portions spaced along a base portion. The wire nest portions are hollow enclosures that contact the exterior grounding shields of the cable wires so as to electrically interconnect all of the cable wires together through a common ground.