Ground Shell Connector Structure for 64 Gbps Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors face challenges in supporting high-speed data transmission while maintaining mechanical compatibility with industry standards such as PCIe and SAS, especially at frequencies beyond GEN 6.
Innovation Solution
The development of high-speed electrical connectors featuring a housing with groups of signal conductors and ground conductors, where the signal conductors have mating, mounting ends, and intermediate portions, and the ground conductors provide multi-dimensional shielding by surrounding the signal conductors and extending from mating to mounting ends with appropriate openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional electrical connector designs are used, then mechanical compatibility with industry standards is maintained, but high-speed data transmission capability at frequencies beyond GEN 6 is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple independent components including a housing, multiple signal conductors with distinct mating ends and mounting ends, and multiple ground conductors. Each component can be independently designed and optimized for high-speed performance while maintaining standard compliance through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate portion for signal conductors that extends between mating and mounting ends, creating a three-dimensional conductor path. This dimensional approach allows optimization of signal integrity for high-speed transmission while maintaining compatibility with existing two-dimensional connector interfaces
2Productivity
If signal conductors are closely arranged to increase data transmission capacity, then crosstalk between adjacent conductors increases
Solution Approach 1:
Ground conductors are positioned between adjacent signal conductors to act as electromagnetic shields. These intermediary ground conductors block electromagnetic coupling between signal conductors, reducing crosstalk while allowing close spacing for high transmission capacity
Solution Approach 2:
Signal conductors are nested within a housing structure that provides additional shielding and positioning. The conductors are arranged in a compact configuration where each conductor is surrounded by protective and shielding elements, enabling high density without excessive crosstalk
3Reliability
If ground conductors provide comprehensive shielding around signal conductors, then signal integrity improves, but connector complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground conductors serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide electromagnetic shielding for signal integrity, act as reference planes for impedance control, and serve as mounting structures for securing the connector assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure is merged with ground conductor elements to create an integrated shielding system. The housing itself becomes part of the ground path, combining mechanical support and electromagnetic shielding functions into a single unified structure
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for use with high-speed signals. The connector may include a row of conductive elements comprising signal conductors and ground conductors. A signal conductor may include a mating end, a mounting end opposite the mating end, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween. A ground conductor may include a shell at least partially encircling intermediate portions of a group of signal conductors, with openings that expose contact surfaces of the signal conductors at the ends. The ground conductors may include contact members aligned with the mating contact surfaces of the signal conductors. Each shell may be coupled to a ground mounting location on each side of a respective group of signal conductors, with adjacent shells sharing a ground mounting location. Such a configuration may meet signal integrity requirements in connectors designed for 64 Gbps and beyond, while conforming to a standard that constrains mating and mounting interfaces.