Hybrid Connector Assembly for High-Power ADAS Data Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current connectors, such as FAKR connectors with SMB housings, struggle to support the high power requirements and data transfer demands of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technologies, particularly in autonomous vehicles, where high-resolution sensors like LiDAR generate large data that need to be transferred quickly and efficiently with low latency.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid connector system with a metallic housing that combines RF signal connectors (operating up to 40 GHz) and power connectors, featuring a metallic plug and socket with latching mechanisms for secure engagement and independent environmental sealing of power and signal cables, providing EMI and RF isolation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If industry standard connectors (FAKR with SMB housing) are used, then cost and ease of manufacture are improved, but power delivery capability and EMI protection are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidpower delivery capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines power delivery and high-speed data transfer functions into a single hybrid connector assembly. The plug body houses both a power cable assembly with power pins and a signal cable assembly with RF connectors, allowing simultaneous power and data transmission through one integrated connection point rather than separate connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector employs a composite structure with a metallic plug body (providing EMI shielding and structural strength) combined with plastic housing elements (providing insulation and cost-effective manufacturing). The metal housing specifically addresses EMI protection while maintaining manufacturability through hybrid material construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If industry standard connectors (FAKR with SMB housing) are used, then cost and ease of manufacture are improved, but EMI and RF isolation are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidEMI and RF isolation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The metallic plug body acts as an intermediary shielding layer between external electromagnetic sources and the sensitive signal cables. The continuous metal housing creates a Faraday cage effect that intercepts and redirects EMI and RF interference away from the data transmission paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If power over coax connectors are used, then low power requirements are met, but high power voltage and amperage requirements for sensors cannot be supported

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidpower voltage and amperage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The connector separates power delivery and signal transmission into distinct cable assemblies within the same plug body. The power cable assembly with dedicated power pins handles high voltage and amperage requirements, while the signal cable assembly with RF connectors maintains low-power efficient data transmission, allowing each subsystem to be optimized independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If high-capacity data transfer is implemented, then bandwidth is improved, but latency increases which affects real-time processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer capacityVSAvoiddata transfer latency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The hybrid connector enables simultaneous high-bandwidth data transfer and power delivery through a single connection interface, reducing the number of connection points and potential signal path delays. The integrated design allows synchronized transmission of power and data signals, improving real-time processing coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 hybrid connector system effectively supports the power needs of ADAS sensors while ensuring low latency and high-capacity data transfer, enhancing the reliability and safety of autonomous systems by preventing accidental disengagement and offering improved electromagnetic interference protection.

Implementation Method 1

The hybrid connector system includes a metallic plug body and a metallic socket body... An advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein is that they provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) and RF isolation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

The latching shroud is configured for engaging with a corresponding hybrid socket... featuring a metallic plug and socket with latching mechanisms for secure engagement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical latching: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4366097A1Hybrid connector system

Publication Date: 2024.05.08 WINCHESTER ELECTRONICS CORP

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AI summary

A hybrid plug. The hybrid plug includes a metallic plug body and a latching shroud connected to the plug body. The latching shroud is configured for engaging with a corresponding hybrid socket. The plug body has a first cavity for receiving a power cable for delivering power, and further has a second cavity for receiving a signal cable for carrying a data signal.