Hybrid Card Edge Connector Layout for Signal-Power Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors require separate components for signal and power transmission, consuming more board area and increasing manufacturing and assembly complexity.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid card edge connector design that integrates signal and power conductors within a single housing, utilizing offset grooves and ribs to minimize interference and allow simultaneous mounting to a printed circuit board, with features for heat dissipation and mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate connectors are used for signal and power transmission, then signal integrity and power transmission are maintained, but board area consumption increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate signal connectors and power connectors into a single hybrid card edge connector assembly. The housing integrates multiple conductor types (signal conductors with first pitch and power conductors with second pitch) that previously required separate connectors, thereby reducing board area consumption while maintaining signal integrity through dedicated shielding and spacing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid card edge connector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits both signal and power, provides shielding for signal integrity, and accommodates different conductor pitches. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate connectors, reducing overall board area while maintaining reliable signal and power transmission.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate connectors are used for signal and power transmission, then functional requirements are met, but device complexity and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple connector functions into a single hybrid assembly where signal conductors and power conductors are integrated within one housing. This reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate signal and power connectors, thereby simplifying assembly operations while maintaining all necessary functional requirements for signal transmission and power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid connector assembly provides universal functionality by simultaneously handling signal transmission, power transmission, and shielding within a single component. This multi-functional design reduces assembly complexity as fewer components need to be installed and configured, while still meeting all functional requirements for different conductor types and pitches.
3Area of stationary object
If conductors are placed close together to reduce board area, then board space efficiency improves, but crosstalk and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different local qualities to different regions within the hybrid connector: signal conductors are provided with dedicated shielding structures and specific spacing from power conductors, while power conductors have different spacing requirements. This localized quality control allows conductors to be placed closer together overall, improving board space efficiency while preventing crosstalk through targeted shielding and spacing in critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing is segmented into different regions: a first region for signal conductors with first pitch and a second region for power conductors with second pitch. This segmentation physically separates conductors of different types, reducing electromagnetic interference and crosstalk while allowing efficient use of board space through optimized regional placement.
Data Source
AI summary
A card edge connector for transmitting signal and power simultaneously. The connector has two or more types of conductors held by a housing. First and second types of conductors are configured for transmitting signal and power, respectively. The housing has a slot for receiving a mating component. The housing has first and second types of grooves for holding the first and second types of conductors, respectively, such that the conductors can sustain a similar amount of force generated when mating with the mating component. The conductors have mating ends with contact portions curving into the slot and mounting ends opposite the mating ends and extending out of the housing. The mating and mounting ends of the first and second types of conductors are configured such that they can be deflected by the mating component simultaneously and mounted to a printed circuit board using a same process.