Flippable Connector Step Structure Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flippable plug connectors require a MUX (or SS switch) for super speed signaling, which is costly and degrades signal quality.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle connector with a metallic shielding plate and a step structure around the mating tongue, along with plate contacts and a latch system, to enhance signal transmission and prevent mis-mating, while allowing flippable insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a MUX (or SS switch) is built into the silicon for super speed signaling, then signal transmission capability is improved, but cost increases and signal degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the MUX/SS switch from the silicon and relocates the signaling functionality to the connector structure itself. The receptacle connector is designed with specific geometric features (enlarged cross-section at root, step structure) that enable super speed signaling without requiring complex silicon-based switching components, thereby reducing cost and signal degradation while maintaining transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic MUX/SS switch with a mechanical/structural solution. The connector's physical geometry (mating tongue shape, step structure, contact arrangement) substitutes for the electronic switching mechanism, achieving super speed signaling through structural design rather than active electronic components
2Adaptability or versatility
If the plug connector is made flippable for versatile mating, then adaptability is improved, but ensuring proper signal transmission becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric design elements that work in both orientations. The receptacle connector features an enlarged cross-section at the root of the mating tongue with a step structure that creates distinct locking positions for both upright and inverted mating. This asymmetric yet bidirectional design ensures consistent signal transmission regardless of plug orientation while maintaining flippable versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design achieves universal mating capability through its step structure and enlarged root section, which provide reliable electrical contact and mechanical locking in both upright and inverted positions. The same structural features serve multiple functions: signal transmission, mechanical support, and orientation-independent locking
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle connector includes an insulative housing defining a base and a mating tongue extending from the base with a widen and thicken step structure formed around a root of the mating tongue near to the base, two rows of plate contacts disposed in the insulative housing with contacting sections exposed upon the mating tongue and in front of the step structure and categorized with signal contacts, power contacts and grounding contacts, and a metallic shielding plate disposed within a middle level of the mating tongue and occupying most portions of said mating tongue. The shielding plate defines a pair of immoveable and un-deflectable lateral edge sections in front of the step structure, each lateral edge section is configured to be adapted to be locked with a latch of a plug connector in a transverse direction.