Grounded Connector Housing for Shorter Return Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed connectors face challenges in implementing full-link ground isolation and minimizing signal crosstalk, particularly at data transmission rates above 25 Gbps, where conventional designs struggle with efficient ground return paths and signal interference.
Innovation Solution
The connector design incorporates a ground conductive assembly with a conductive housing and first ground terminal, which shortens the ground return path by using the conductive housing as a reference ground, electrically connected to the shield layer, and includes features like support plates and elastic arms for stable grounding and reduced crosstalk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the shield layer is directly connected to the second ground terminal of the peer connector, then grounding is implemented, but the ground return path is long which affects transmission rate
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive housing serves as an intermediary component between the shield layer and the first ground terminal. The first ground terminal connects to the conductive housing, which is electrically connected to the shield layer, creating a mediated ground return path that is both electrically effective and spatially optimized for high-speed signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground return path is segmented into distinct functional sections: the first ground terminal, the conductive housing, and the shield layer. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively achieving a shorter and more efficient overall ground return path compared to direct shield-to-ground-terminal connections.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If full shielding is implemented in the high-speed connector, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but the ground return path optimization becomes the new bottleneck affecting transmission rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by specifically enhancing the ground return path characteristics in critical areas where high-speed signals traverse. The conductive housing and first ground terminal configuration provides localized ground quality improvement that directly supports maintaining high transmission rates while preserving the benefits of full shielding.
3Reliability
If the signal terminal is electrically connected to the conductive housing, then grounding is improved, but signal transmission is affected due to unwanted electrical connection
Solution Approach 1:
The signal terminal is extracted from direct electrical connection to the conductive housing, eliminating unwanted signal interference. The first ground terminal is separately provided and connected to the conductive housing, while the signal terminal remains electrically isolated from the housing, allowing independent optimization of grounding and signal transmission paths.
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 design enhances the ground return path and improves data transmission rates while significantly reducing signal crosstalk, addressing the limitations of conventional technologies by providing a more efficient and stable electrical connection.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive housing is electrically connected to the shield layer, so that the first ground terminal is electrically connected to the shield layer through the conductive housing
Implementation Method 2
The elastic arm is connected to one side of the support plate, and the elastic arm is configured to abut against a second ground terminal of the peer connector
Data Source
AI summary
A ground conductive assembly includes a conductive housing and a first ground terminal. The conductive housing is provided with a first cavity and a second cavity. The conductive housing includes a first end and a second end that are opposite to each other in a first direction. The first end of the conductive housing is configured to be connected to a peer connector. The first ground terminal is disposed at the first end of the conductive housing, extends into the second cavity, and is electrically connected to an inner wall of the second cavity. The lead frame is disposed at the second end of the conductive housing. The lead frame includes a plurality of signal terminal groups and shield layers arranged on two sides of the plurality of signal terminal groups. A ground return path of the connector is significantly shortened, and a transmission rate is improved.