Ground Clip Shielding Structure for Contact Module EMI Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors lack sufficient shielding above and below signal conductors, particularly between pairs of signal contacts, leading to inadequate protection against electromagnetic interference and other forms of interference, and current solutions are costly due to the use of plated plastic or die cast shells.
Innovation Solution
A shielding structure is introduced for contact modules, featuring dielectric holders with first and second ground shields and a ground clip that provides electrical shielding along the entire length of signal contacts, including above and below the conductors, using stamped and formed metal components that are cost-effective and efficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If ground shields are provided only at the sides of signal conductors, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but electrical shielding above and below the signal conductors is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The ground shield is divided into multiple segments: side ground shields extending along the sides of the dielectric holder, and top/bottom ground shields extending above and below the signal conductors. This segmentation allows comprehensive shielding coverage while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground shielding is extended from a two-dimensional side-only configuration to a three-dimensional structure that covers top, bottom, and side surfaces of the signal conductors. This dimensional expansion provides complete electromagnetic shielding without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
2Reliability
If additional electrical shielding is provided above and below signal conductors, then electrical shielding effectiveness is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The top and bottom ground shields are electrically connected to the side ground shields through conductive pathways integrated into the dielectric holder. This merging creates a unified ground shield system that provides complete shielding coverage while reducing the number of separate components and assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric holder serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the signal conductors, electrical insulation between conductors, and integrated conductive pathways for grounding the top and bottom shields to the side shields. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If conductive shells are used to provide shielding between pairs of signal contacts, then electrical shielding is improved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The ground shields are positioned at specific locations (top, bottom, and sides of the dielectric holder) to provide localized shielding where electromagnetic interference is most problematic. This targeted approach provides effective shielding between signal contact pairs without the need for expensive complete conductive shells around each pair.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground shields are implemented as separate, replaceable components made from cost-effective materials rather than integrated expensive conductive shells. This allows for simpler manufacturing processes and lower material costs while maintaining shielding effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A contact module includes a dielectric holder holding signal contacts with mating portions and a shield structure providing electrical shielding for the signal contacts. The shield structure has first and second ground shields. The ground shields have mating portions extending forward of a mating end of the dielectric holder. The shield structure has a ground clip at least partially covering the mating end of the dielectric holder and extending between sides thereof to electrically connect the mating portions of the first ground shield and the mating portions of the second ground shield immediately forward of the mating end of dielectric holder.