High Bandwidth Connector Impedance Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed digital links require connectors that maintain constant impedance and protect against external electromagnetic disturbances without disturbing signal quality, especially when connecting shielded two-wire cables to electronics or other cables.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring two parallel pins, an insulating insert, a metal casing with a printed circuit that controls the geometry of the connection, and a ground plane to maintain impedance matching and facilitate soldered connections, along with a mechanical interlock for improved shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a shielded two-wire transmission line connector is designed to provide good protection against external electromagnetic disturbances, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but the complexity of the connector structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs nested shielding structures where an inner shield surrounds the transmission pins, and an outer shield encloses the entire assembly. These concentric shielding layers are integrated within the connector housing, providing electromagnetic protection through multiple nested barriers without requiring separate external shielding components.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding functions are merged with the structural components of the connector. The metal housing serves dual purposes as both mechanical protection and electromagnetic shield, while the printed circuit board integrates signal transmission and shielding reference planes. This consolidation reduces the number of separate shielding components needed.
2Reliability
If the connector is designed to maintain constant impedance connection, then signal quality is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design specifies precise geometric parameters for the transmission pins, including diameter, spacing, and positioning relative to the ground plane. By carefully controlling these dimensional parameters during manufacturing, the characteristic impedance is maintained at the target value (e.g., 50 ohms or 100 ohms) throughout the connection interface.
Solution Approach 2:
A ground plane is introduced as an intermediary reference structure between the signal pins and the external environment. This continuous conductive plane provides a stable reference potential that helps maintain consistent impedance characteristics and reduces sensitivity to minor manufacturing variations in pin positioning.
3Reliability
If the connector requires soldered connections for reliable assembly, then connection reliability is improved, but the ease of assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design includes self-aligning features such as keyed geometries and positioning ribs that guide the transmission line into correct alignment with the pins during assembly. The D-shaped sleeve provides mechanical keying that automatically orients the connector, reducing the skill level required for proper assembly while maintaining reliable soldered connections.
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention concerns a male or female connector having a pair of pins for high bandwidth connection. The connector comprises two parallel pins (25b), an insulating insert (26b), a metal housing (23a) and a connecting printed circuit (32).