Flippable Receptacle Connector Stacked Terminals Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flippable plug connectors for super speed signaling require costly MUX integration, leading to signal degradation and increased costs, particularly in proposed future USB applications.
Innovation Solution
A method for creating a receptacle connector using stacked upper and lower terminal modules with insulative fillers, forming a mating tongue for plug insertion, which allows for flippable and cost-effective signal handling without the need for costly MUX integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If MUX (super speed switch) is built into the silicon for handling super speed signaling, then the connector can support super speed signals, but the cost increases and signal degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the MUX function from the connector design by using separate signaling paths for different speed modes. The connector physically separates super speed signal paths from legacy USB 2.0 paths, eliminating the need for complex MUX integration in silicon while maintaining signal integrity through dedicated transmission paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into distinct signal path sections: super speed differential pairs are physically separated from USB 2.0 signals. This segmentation allows each signal type to have its own optimized pathway, avoiding the need for multiplexing while supporting both speed modes simultaneously through different physical routes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If MUX integration is used for flippable connector functionality, then the connector can be flipped and function the same top and bottom, but additional degradation in super speed signals occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs asymmetric contact pad arrangements where super speed signal pads are positioned to maintain consistent electrical characteristics regardless of insertion orientation. The physical layout is designed so that flipping the connector does not alter the signal path geometry, ensuring signal integrity is maintained in both orientations without requiring MUX switching.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional receptacle connector design is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but flippable functionality and cost-effectiveness for super speed signals are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle connector is designed with universal functionality to accept both super speed and legacy USB 2.0 connectors in the same orientation. The contact arrangement and housing design allow the same receptacle to mate with different connector types without requiring separate designs, achieving multi-functionality while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making a receptacle connector includes: Step 1: providing an upper terminal module making via a first inserting molded process; Step 2: providing an lower terminal module making via another first inserting molded process; Step 3: stacking the upper and lower terminal modules together in a vertical direction so as to provide a main basis; Step 4: applied an insulative filler on the main basis via a second insert molding process, wherein the insulative filler fills and completes the front tongues of the upper and lower terminal module thereby forming a mating tongue for inserting a plug connector.