Feedthrough Capacitor Assembly with Uniform Parallel Capacitors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feedthrough capacitor assemblies face challenges in achieving optimal noise isolation and frequency response due to variations in capacitance and impedance, leading to inefficiencies in signal filtering across different frequency ranges.
Innovation Solution
A feedthrough capacitor assembly is designed with a plurality of capacitors arranged about a feedthrough terminal, all having the same capacitance, which are electrically coupled between conductive regions on a circuit board, reducing equivalent series inductance and resistance, and mounted on a support plate for enhanced mechanical stability and grounding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard foil-type capacitors are used in feedthrough capacitor assemblies, then the assembly provides basic noise isolation, but the capacitance variations and impedance inconsistencies lead to suboptimal filtering performance across different frequency ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete capacitors in parallel between the inner conductor and outer conductor to create a composite capacitive structure. This merging of multiple capacitive elements provides several benefits: (1) The total capacitance is the sum of individual capacitors, allowing precise control of total capacitance value; (2) Impedance is reduced because parallel capacitors present lower combined impedance; (3) Tolerance and variation are minimized through statistical averaging of multiple components; (4) Frequency response is improved across a broader range. This directly addresses the contradiction by achieving more consistent and reliable noise isolation while compensating for individual capacitor variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the capacitive parameters by using multiple capacitors with specific capacitance values, tolerances, and voltage ratings. By selecting capacitors with tight tolerance ranges (e.g., ±5% or ±10%) and appropriate voltage ratings, the overall capacitive structure achieves more consistent electrical characteristics. The total capacitance, equivalent series resistance (ESR), and equivalent series inductance (ESL) are optimized through the selection and arrangement of individual capacitor parameters, thereby improving filtering performance across frequency ranges.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple capacitors with different capacitances are used to cover different frequency ranges, then broader frequency coverage is achieved, but the complexity of the assembly increases and consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning capacitors at specific locations around the inner conductor in a radially distributed arrangement. This spatial distribution creates different local capacitive fields that interact to provide broad frequency coverage. The local capacitive effects at different radial positions contribute to overall filtering performance across multiple frequency ranges, achieving versatility without requiring complex series/parallel combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the capacitive function by using multiple discrete capacitors instead of a single large capacitor. This segmentation allows each capacitor to contribute to specific frequency ranges while the collective arrangement provides broad-spectrum filtering. The segmentation also simplifies the assembly process compared to designing a single complex capacitor structure, as standard discrete capacitors can be individually selected and positioned.
3Reliability
If a single large capacitor is used to provide high capacitance for low-frequency filtering, then low-frequency noise isolation is improved, but the equivalent series inductance increases reducing high-frequency performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple smaller capacitors in parallel to achieve the total capacitance needed for low-frequency filtering. This parallel combination provides the same or greater total capacitance as a single large capacitor but with significantly reduced equivalent series inductance. The inductance of parallel capacitors is approximately the individual inductance divided by the square of the number of capacitors, thereby maintaining high-frequency performance while achieving low-frequency filtering capability.
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
This configuration achieves improved damping performance and reduced ringing across a wide frequency range, outperforming standard foil-type capacitors by providing consistent and enhanced noise isolation and signal filtering.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of capacitors are electrically coupled between the first conductive region and the second conductive region. The plurality of capacitors are arranged about the feedthrough terminal with each capacitor having about the same capacitance as each of the other capacitors.
Implementation Method 2
This configuration achieves improved damping performance and reduced ringing across a wide frequency range, outperforming standard foil-type capacitors by providing consistent and enhanced noise isolation and signal filtering.
Implementation Method 3
The assembly includes a feedthrough terminal adapted for insertion through said opening for coupling a signal from a first side of the mount to a second side of the mount.
Data Source
AI summary
A feedthrough capacitor assembly for attachment to a mount having an opening is disclosed. The assembly includes a feedthrough terminal adapted for insertion through said opening for coupling a signal from a first side of the mount to a second side of the mount. The assembly includes a first conductive region extending about and electrically coupled to the feedthrough terminal and a second conductive region extending about the first conductive region. A plurality of capacitors are electrically coupled between the first conductive region and the second conductive region. The plurality of capacitors are arranged about the feedthrough terminal with each capacitor having about the same capacitance as each of the other capacitors.