Ground Bus Segmentation for Electrical Connector Resonance Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors experience resonance noise due to standing electromagnetic waves in ground contacts, which degrades signal performance, especially at higher data rates and frequencies, and increases crosstalk between signal pairs.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector incorporates a ground bus with multiple sets of projections that engage ground contacts at spaced-apart locations, creating a ground circuit and reducing the distance between grounding points, thereby reducing resonance noise and increasing resonating frequencies beyond the desired operating range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If ground contacts are used to isolate signal pairs, then crosstalk between signal pairs is minimized, but resonance noise increases due to standing electromagnetic waves along the ground contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The ground bus is segmented into multiple ground contacts arranged in series along its length. Each ground contact acts as a separate grounding point, dividing the continuous ground path into discrete segments. This segmentation prevents the formation of long continuous ground paths that support standing electromagnetic waves, thereby reducing resonance noise while maintaining signal pair isolation through the distributed ground contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground bus serves as an intermediary structure that connects multiple ground contacts to the circuit board ground plane. It provides a controlled impedance path for ground currents while preventing electromagnetic wave propagation between signal pairs. The ground bus mediates between the need for signal isolation and the need to minimize resonance by providing a structured ground distribution network.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the length of ground contacts between grounding locations is increased, then signal pair isolation is improved, but resonance noise increases due to longer ground paths
Solution Approach 1:
The ground bus provides different ground path characteristics at different locations along its length. Each ground contact is positioned to provide localized grounding where needed for signal pair isolation, while the overall structure maintains short ground paths to minimize resonance. The local quality of each ground contact segment is optimized for isolation, while the global structure is optimized for minimizing resonance noise.
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 configuration effectively minimizes resonance noise and improves signal performance by shortening the effective ground path length and increasing resonance frequencies above the operating frequency range, enhancing data transfer reliability at higher speeds.
Implementation Method 1
the length of the ground contacts between the mating interface at the mating circuit board and the mounting interface at the mounting circuit board leads to resonances or resonance noise. The resonance noise is due to standing electromagnetic waves created at the ends of the ground contacts that propagate along the ground contacts
Implementation Method 2
increasing the resonating frequencies of the electrical connector to values that are beyond desired operating frequency ranges, improving signal performance
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a housing having a front and a rear. The housing including a slot defined through the front that is configured to receive a mating connector therein. Signal contacts are held in the housing. The signal contacts are arranged within the slot to mate with the mating connector. Ground contacts are held in the housing and interspersed among the signal contacts. The ground contacts are arranged within the slot to mate with the mating connector. A ground bus includes a base and multiple sets of projections extending from the base. Each set including at least two projections that engage the same corresponding ground contact at spaced-apart locations. The sets of projections are connected via the base to create a ground circuit between the ground contacts that are engaged by the ground bus.