FPC Cable Connector Contact Layout for Grounded Noise Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for flexible printed circuits (FPCs) and flexible flat cables (FFCs) are affected by external noise and generate electrical noise, leading to potential device malfunction, and require different contacts based on the presence of ground layers on one or both surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A cable connector design that includes first and second contacts capable of electrical connection regardless of the ground layer configuration on the FPC or FFC, with the first contacts connecting to the conductive layer and second contacts connecting to ground layers on one or both surfaces, ensuring reliable contact and noise isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different contacts are used depending on whether the ground layer is formed on one surface or both surfaces of the FPC or the like, then the electrical connection can be optimized for each configuration, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with a universal contact structure that can accommodate both single-sided and double-sided ground layer configurations on FPCs. The contact elements are positioned and configured to make reliable electrical connection regardless of whether the ground layer exists on one surface or both surfaces, eliminating the need for different connector variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact structure is divided into multiple contact elements arranged to interface with different possible ground layer configurations. This segmentation allows each contact element to independently establish reliable electrical connection while collectively providing universal compatibility with various FPC ground layer arrangements.
2Speed
If the signal transmission rate is increased to improve communication performance, then the data transmission capability is enhanced, but the susceptibility to external noise and electrical noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates ground layer contact elements that act as intermediary shielding structures. These contacts establish electrical connection with the ground layers on the FPC, creating a reference potential that shields signal transmission paths from external electromagnetic noise and prevents signal-generated electrical noise from affecting other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The design utilizes the ground layers on the FPC (which could potentially be sources of electrical noise if not properly managed) as beneficial shielding elements. By making reliable electrical contact with these ground layers, the connector converts potential noise sources into protective shields that enhance noise immunity and enable higher signal transmission rates.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A cable connector comprises: a first terminal; a second terminal; an insulator having an insertion groove into and from which a plate-shaped connection object is insertable and removable; and an actuator. The first terminal rotatably supports the actuator by an engaging portion that engages an engaged portion of the actuator. The second terminal includes: a first arm portion including a first contact portion configured to come into contact with one surface of the connection object by elastically deforming in a plate thickness direction of the connection object; and a second arm portion facing the first arm portion in the plate thickness direction, and including, at a tip thereof, a second contact portion configured to come into contact with an other surface of the connection object. The first contact portion is a part of an elastic piece that extends from an end of the first arm portion so as to be folded back, at the end, toward a side toward which the connection object is inserted. The second contact portion is located more to a side toward which the connection object is removed, than the first contact portion.