Multi-Layer Flat Cable Shielding High-Frequency Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flat cables face challenges in efficiently transmitting high-frequency signals due to interference issues and high manufacturing costs, with existing solutions either offering poor shielding efficiency or being excessively expensive.
Innovation Solution
A flat cable design featuring conductors arranged in three layers, with signal conductors in the middle layer and wider shielding conductors in the outer layers, forming an overlapping and electrically-connected cyclic entity to reduce electromagnetic interference and minimize shielding conductor count, thereby enhancing transmission efficiency and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire signal wires are shielded with a shielding layer similar to a coaxial cable, then the shielding efficiency is very good and the division property is fine, but the cost is too expensive to manufacture in bulk
Solution Approach 1:
The cable structure is segmented into multiple layers with shielding conductors distributed across different layers (first layer, second layer, and third layer). Each layer provides localized shielding for specific signal conductors, replacing the need for a continuous shielding layer around all conductors. This segmentation maintains shielding effectiveness while reducing material usage and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding approach transitions from a two-dimensional continuous layer surrounding all conductors to a three-dimensional distributed arrangement where shielding conductors are positioned at specific locations across multiple layers. This dimensional change allows selective shielding where it is most needed, reducing overall material requirements while maintaining protection against interference.
2Device complexity
If cross arrangement of signal terminals and ground terminals is used to eliminate cross talk, then the structure is simpler, but the shielding efficiency is worse and interference problems persist in high frequency transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of signal transmission and shielding by integrating shielding conductors within the same cable structure. Rather than relying solely on terminal arrangement, the shielding conductors are combined with signal conductors in a multi-layer configuration, providing both signal pathways and electromagnetic interference protection within a unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding conductors act as intermediaries between the signal conductors and external electromagnetic interference. These intermediate shielding layers absorb or redirect electromagnetic fields before they can affect the signal conductors, providing a protective buffer that maintains signal integrity without requiring complex terminal arrangements.
3Ease of manufacture
If twisted pair cable is used, then the cost is much cheaper, but the frequency of signal transmission is lower and transmission speed is constrained due to lack of shielding
Solution Approach 1:
The cable implements local quality by providing shielding only where it is most needed - around specific signal conductors in critical layers - rather than uniformly shielding all conductors. This localized approach reduces material costs compared to full shielding while maintaining high-frequency transmission capability where required, achieving a balance between cost and performance.
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 design effectively transmits high-frequency signals with improved shielding efficiency and cost-effectiveness, making it suitable for bulk manufacturing while maintaining high signal quality.
Implementation Method 1
a flat cable includes an insulator and a plurality of conductors disposed in the insulator
Implementation Method 2
The shielding conductors disposed in the upper layer and the lower layer and the shielding conductors in the middle layer overlap each other and form an electrically-connected cyclic entity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a flat cable including an insulator and a plurality of connectors disposed in the insulator. The conductors in the insulator are arranged in at least three layers. The width of the conductors in the middle layer is less than or equal to that of the conductors in the middle layer. Comparing with the prior art, by disposing multi-layer conductors in the insulator, the flat cable of the invention can transmit high frequency signals, the cost is cheap, and the performance/price ratio is high to manufacture in bulk, which accords with the trend of fast development of the electronics industry in the information age.