Spring-Biased H-MTD Connector Alignment for Impedance Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-speed signal reflections and losses occur in H-MTD module connectors due to variations in differential mode impedance caused by mechanical requirements and the presence of metal, dielectric, and air elements, leading to signal distortion and amplitude loss.

Innovation Solution

A connector design with a housing and H-MTD module that includes a spring mechanism to maintain a defined axial position of electrical terminals, minimizing signal reflections by ensuring precise alignment and contact between male and female terminals, and utilizing springs that can be integrally formed or separate to apply axial forces for optimal positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical requirements are met to absorb vibration between separable contact spheres, then reliability is improved, but differential mode impedance varies from 100 Ohm causing signal reflections and losses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration absorptionVSAvoiddifferential mode impedance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A dielectric element is introduced as an intermediary component between the contact spheres to maintain consistent differential mode impedance (100 Ohm) while allowing mechanical vibration absorption. This mediator ensures that the mechanical requirements for vibration resistance do not compromise the electrical impedance matching, thereby preventing signal reflections and losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If more metal is used in the interconnection channel to reduce impedance, then electrical field strength is improved, but electromagnetic waves are reflected causing signal losses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical field strengthVSAvoidsignal reflection loss
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The impedance parameter of the interconnection channel is precisely controlled and adjusted to match the differential mode impedance of 100 Ohm. By optimizing the metal content and configuration in the channel, the solution achieves the required electrical field strength while minimizing electromagnetic wave reflections and associated signal losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If the position of electrical terminals varies, then ease of assembly is improved, but signal transfer precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidterminal position precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical terminals are pre-positioned and fixed in the H-MTD module with high precision before assembly. This preliminary action ensures that when the connector is assembled, the terminals maintain their defined relative positions, enabling precise high-speed signal transfer while still allowing ease of assembly through the modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution effectively minimizes signal reflections and losses by maintaining a consistent differential mode impedance, ensuring high-speed signal transfer with reduced signal distortion and amplitude loss, while also simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs through efficient spring design.

Implementation Method 1

at least one spring is provided that biases the H-MTD module in the axial direction... the spring exerts a force in the axial direction onto the H-MTD module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

An electrical signal travels as an electromagnetic field with a changing strength in time... through space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

the amount, position and type of dielectric material between the conductors... the electromagnetic wave will lose speed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric permittivity: Dielectric Permittivity

Data Source

PatentEP4386998A1connector
Publication Date: 2024.06.19 APTIV TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • EP4386998A1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP4386998A1 patent drawingFigure 5
  • EP4386998A1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A connector comprises a housing with at least one H-MTD module inserted in the housing in an axial direction. An electrical terminal is fixed in the H-MTD module and a cover is latched with the housing. A spring is provided to bias the H-MTD module in the axial direction.