Ground Shield Capacitor for Electrical Connector DC Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical components interconnected through connectors often suffer from unintended direct current (DC) coupling, which is problematic for high-speed signal transmission, as conventional discrete capacitors occupy space, reduce contact density, and introduce parasitic effects that slow down signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a capacitor within the electrical ground path of an electrical connector, either defined by conductive layers separated by a dielectric substance or as a capacitive structure embedded in the ground conductor, to reduce or eliminate DC coupling between interconnected components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If discrete capacitors are added to block DC coupling, then DC coupling is reduced, but component size increases and contact density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the DC blocking capacitor function with the ground shield structure by integrating the capacitor within the ground path between the mating interface and mounting interface. This merging eliminates the need for separate discrete capacitors, thereby blocking DC coupling while avoiding additional component size and preserving contact density.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground shield is given multiple functions: it provides electromagnetic shielding, establishes a ground path, and incorporates a capacitor for DC blocking. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to achieve DC coupling reduction without requiring additional space-consuming discrete components.
2Reliability
If discrete capacitors are added to block DC coupling, then DC coupling is reduced, but contact density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor is merged into the ground shield structure, allowing the DC blocking function to be achieved without adding separate components that would occupy space needed for contacts. This integration preserves contact density while maintaining DC coupling reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground shield structure serves multiple purposes including shielding, grounding, and DC blocking through the integrated capacitor, thereby achieving reliable DC coupling reduction without compromising the density of functional contacts.
3Reliability
If discrete capacitors are added to block DC coupling, then DC coupling is reduced, but signal transmission speed decreases due to parasitic effects
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the capacitor within the ground shield structure rather than using discrete capacitors, the patent minimizes parasitic inductance and resistance. This merging allows DC coupling to be blocked while maintaining high signal transmission speeds through reduced parasitic effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated ground shield with embedded capacitor provides DC blocking functionality while maintaining optimized signal path characteristics, thereby achieving reliable DC coupling reduction without the parasitic degradation of signal transmission speed that occurs with discrete capacitors.
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 solution effectively reduces or eliminates DC coupling, preserving signal transmission speed and density without increasing component size, by integrating the capacitor within the ground path of the electrical connector.
Implementation Method 1
The body includes two conductive layers separated by a dielectric substance such that a capacitor is provided within the electrical ground path
Data Source
AI summary
A ground shield is provided for an electrical connector mounted on a printed circuit. The ground shield includes a body extending from a mating interface to a mounting interface. An electrical ground path is defined through the body between the mating and mounting interfaces. The mating interface includes a mating contact configured to engage a mating connector. The mounting interface includes a mounting contact configured to engage the printed circuit. The body includes two conductive layers separated by a dielectric substance such that a capacitor is provided within the electrical ground path.