Hybrid SPE Connector Layout for Compact PCB Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hybrid Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE) connector units require complex and space-consuming PCB layouts, limiting their space-saving potential and increasing design and connectivity costs.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid SPE connector unit with a housing featuring a male input connector and at least one female output connector, integrated circuit board, and electromagnetic shielding, allowing for reduced size and simplified PCB design by separating data and power transmission and integrating additional functionalities, thereby reducing overall connectivity costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If current hybrid SPE connector units are used, then data and power transmission functionality is provided, but PCB layout becomes complex and space-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata and power transmission functionalityVSAvoidPCB layout area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the male hybrid SPE input connector and female SPE output connector into a single integrated connector unit housing. This merging of multiple connector functions into one unit simplifies the PCB layout by reducing the number of separate connector components and their associated mounting requirements, thereby decreasing the overall space required on the PCB while maintaining full data and power transmission functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector unit is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both hybrid SPE input (data and power) and SPE output capabilities within a single housing. This universal design allows the same connector unit to handle multiple functions that would traditionally require separate components, reducing PCB complexity and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If current hybrid SPE connector units are used, then connectivity is established, but design and connectivity costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconnectivityVSAvoiddesign and connectivity costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple connector functions into a single integrated unit, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be sourced, mounted, and tested. This consolidation simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces assembly steps, and lowers both design and production costs while maintaining reliable connectivity through the integrated data and power transmission paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate data and power transmission components are used, then functionality is provided, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata and power transmissionVSAvoidconnector unit size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connector unit employs a nested structure where the female SPE output connector is positioned within or adjacent to the male hybrid SPE input connector housing. This nesting arrangement allows both data and power transmission functions to be accommodated in a compact configuration, minimizing the overall volume of the connector unit while providing complete functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20250007193A1Hybrid SPE Connector Unit

Publication Date: 2025.01.02 TE CONNECTIVITY NEDERLAND

AI summary

A hybrid SPE connector unit includes a housing, a male hybrid SPE input connector mounted on the housing, and at least one female SPE output connector mounted on the housing. The female SPE output connector is selected from a group of connectors including a female SPE only connector and a female hybrid SPE connector. The housing has a PCB side with a mechanical interface and an electrical interface for mounting and connecting the hybrid SPE connector unit to a PCB.