Ground Bus Shell for Cable-to-Card Shielding Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The interface between cables and circuit cards in electrical connectors experiences signal integrity and performance issues due to the lack of effective shielding, as the cable shield no longer protects the exposed signal conductors, leading to poor shielding effectiveness and performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
A ground bus system is introduced, comprising an inner and outer conductive bus member with a conductive gasket, forming pockets to receive cables and provide continuous shielding between the cables and the circuit card, ensuring electrical connectivity and shielding across the interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cable shield is removed at the cable end to expose signal conductors for connection, then the signal conductors can be mechanically and electrically coupled to the circuit card, but the shielding effectiveness is reduced and signal integrity is negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
A ground bus structure is introduced as an intermediary component between the cable shield and the circuit card ground plane. The ground bus includes a shell with inner and outer bus members that extend over the exposed signal conductors, providing continuous shielding. The inner bus member connects to the cable shield, while the outer bus member connects to the circuit card ground plane, creating a bridging shielding structure that maintains electromagnetic protection during the transition zone where the cable shield is removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding solution extends into a third dimension by using a shell structure with inner and outer bus members that wrap around and cover the exposed signal conductors. This dimensional approach creates a three-dimensional shielding enclosure rather than relying solely on the two-dimensional cable shield, providing comprehensive electromagnetic protection from multiple directions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a shield is provided to cover the ends of the cables, then shielding effectiveness may be improved, but the shield shape and gaps or openings in the shield reduce shielding effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The ground bus shell is segmented into an inner bus member and an outer bus member that are separate and discrete components. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while working together to provide comprehensive shielding. The inner bus member focuses on connecting to the cable shield, while the outer bus member focuses on connecting to the circuit card ground plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner bus member is positioned within the shell structure, and the outer bus member encompasses the inner bus member, creating a nested configuration. This nested arrangement provides layered shielding where the inner member protects against certain interference patterns while the outer member provides additional protection and structural support, similar to nested dolls providing multiple protective layers.
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
The ground bus system enhances signal integrity and electrical performance by maintaining shielding effectiveness, reducing cross-talk and improving impedance control, thereby improving the overall performance of the cable card assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The ground bus includes a conductive gasket between the inner bus member and the outer bus member. The conductive gasket is electrically connected to the inner bus member and is electrically connected to the outer bus member to provide shielding at the interface.
Implementation Method 2
The cables include signal conductors and cable shields surrounding the corresponding signal conductors to provide electrical shielding for the signal conductors. The ground bus is electrically connected to the cable shields of the cables.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable card assembly for an electrical connector includes a circuit card having circuit conductors on a surface of the circuit card and a ground plane. The cable card assembly includes cables terminated to the circuit card. The cables include signal conductors electrically connected to corresponding circuit conductors of the circuit card and cable shields providing electrical shielding for the signal conductors. The cable card assembly includes a ground bus coupled to the circuit card and electrically connected to the cable shields and the ground plane. The ground bus includes a shell forming pockets receiving the corresponding cables. The shell has an inner bus member mounted to the circuit card and an outer bus member coupled to the inner bus member. The shell includes a conductive gasket between the inner bus member and the outer bus member.