Flexible Cable RF Signal Transmission in Pluggable Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical connector systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting high-frequency RF signals across rigid circuit boards, often requiring intermediate connections that limit signal integrity and increase design complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A circuit assembly comprising a flexible cable with an edge connection component inserted between a connector footprint region on a rigid circuit board and connector pins, allowing direct RF signal transmission without intermediate connections, thereby improving signal transitions and reducing design volume and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrical connector systems are used with intermediate connections on rigid circuit boards, then mechanical stability is maintained, but signal integrity deteriorates and design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the RF signal transmission path from the rigid circuit board by introducing a flexible cable that bypasses the intermediate connections on the rigid circuit board. The flexible cable is inserted between the connector footprint region and the connector pins, creating a direct transmission path that eliminates the need for intermediate connections, thereby improving signal integrity and reducing design complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cable acts as an intermediary component between the rigid circuit board and the connector pins. It provides a direct RF signal transmission path without requiring intermediate connections on the rigid circuit board, thus improving signal integrity while maintaining mechanical stability through its flexible connection.
2Reliability
If flexible cable is inserted between connector footprint region and connector pins, then signal transitions improve, but mechanical coupling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different connection types in different regions: the rigid circuit board provides stable mechanical coupling in the connector footprint region, while the flexible cable provides optimal RF signal transmission in the insertion region between the footprint and the pins. This localized approach allows each component to excel at its specific function.
3Speed
If direct RF signal transmission path is implemented, then operating data rates beyond 20 GHz are achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible cable that can dynamically adapt to mechanical tolerances through its flexibility. The flexible cable's ability to bend and conform allows it to accommodate variations in the connector footprint region and pin positions, thereby enabling direct RF signal transmission at high data rates without requiring extremely tight manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit assembly is disclosed. The circuit assembly includes an edge connector comprising a plurality of connector pins for electrical connection, a rigid circuit board comprising a connector footprint region, wherein the connector footprint region is mechanically coupled to the plurality of connector pins, and a flexible cable comprising a first edge connection component, wherein the flexible cable is inserted in-between the connector footprint region and at least a portion of the plurality of connector pins, wherein the first edge connection component is electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of connector pins.