Frequency-Selective Communications Connector Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional communications connectors, such as RJ-45 plugs and jacks, experience significant crosstalk noise due to industry-standardized configurations, which limits their performance, especially at higher frequencies, and existing crosstalk compensation techniques are not effective in reducing noise across a wide frequency range.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of communications connectors with electrically parallel low frequency and high frequency conductive paths, where low pass filters are used for frequencies below 500 MHz and high pass filters for frequencies above 500 MHz, allowing for separate signal processing and reduced crosstalk levels, while maintaining compliance with industry standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional industry-standardized connector configurations are used, then compatibility and ease of manufacture are improved, but crosstalk noise increases and high frequency performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidcrosstalk noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive path is segmented into multiple frequency-dependent paths (first conductive path for lower frequencies, second conductive path for higher frequencies). Each path is optimized for its specific frequency range, allowing the connector to maintain compatibility while reducing crosstalk noise through frequency-selective routing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the connector are assigned different quality characteristics based on frequency. The first conductive path has characteristics optimized for lower frequencies (below crossover frequency), while the second conductive path has characteristics optimized for higher frequencies (above crossover frequency), with each path having different impedance, geometry, or shielding properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If single conductive path design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but frequency range coverage and performance are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconductive path structureVSAvoidfrequency range coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connector dynamically routes signals through different conductive paths based on signal frequency. A crossover network automatically directs lower frequency signals through the first conductive path and higher frequency signals through the second conductive path, enabling the single connector to adaptively handle a broad frequency range without requiring multiple specialized connectors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector achieves multi-functionality by incorporating both first and second conductive paths with different frequency characteristics within a single device. This allows the connector to function effectively across a broad frequency range (from low frequency to high frequency applications) while maintaining a unified structural design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach enhances crosstalk performance at higher frequencies while ensuring compliance with industry standards at lower frequencies, thereby supporting higher data rates and improved channel capacity across a broader frequency range.

Implementation Method 1

At least one of the first and second sets of conductive paths comprises frequency selective conductive paths that pass signals that are within a first range of frequencies while substantially attenuating signals that are within a second, different range of frequencies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFilter (electronic): Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

The first set of conductive paths may be designed to meet applicable industry standards for one or more of NEXT, FEXT, insertion loss, return loss, conversion loss and the like so that the communications connectors will comply with various industry standards. The second set of conductive paths may be designed to have reduced crosstalk along with acceptable insertion loss, return loss, conversion loss and the like for frequencies in the range of, for example, 500 MHz to 3000 MHz or more

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFilter (electronic): Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS9455765B2Communications connectors having frequency dependent communications paths and related methods

Publication Date: 2016.09.27 BISON PATENT LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Communications connectors are provided that include a plurality of inputs that are arranged as differential pairs of inputs and a plurality of outputs that are arranged as differential pairs of outputs. A plurality of low frequency conductive paths are provided, each of which electrically connects a respective one of the inputs to a respective one of the outputs. These low frequency conductive paths are configured to pass signals having frequencies in a first frequency band while substantially attenuating signals having frequencies in a second frequency band that includes higher frequencies than the first frequency band. A plurality of second conductive paths are also provided. Each of the plurality of second conductive paths is electrically in parallel with at least a portion of a respective one of the low frequency conductive paths.