Impedance Equalisation Element in Electrical Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors face challenges in maintaining a stable impedance regardless of the presence or absence of shielding, which affects signal quality, especially in high-speed data transmission applications, and are often costly due to the need for additional shielding and adjustment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an electrically conductive, substantially planar impedance equalisation element within the contact carrier, which is permanently connected and adjusts impedance values by varying spacing, dominates the impedance behavior, ensuring stability even with or without shielding, and can perform additional functions like clamping and shielding retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If an impedance correction pin is arranged in a bore to adjust impedance, then the desired nominal impedance can be achieved, but the impedance becomes clearly dependent on whether the connector is surrounded by shielding
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into shielded and unshielded contact regions, with different impedance adjustment mechanisms for each region. The unshielded region uses a precision-machined bore for the impedance correction pin, while the shielded region uses a differently positioned bore, allowing each region to be optimized independently for its specific shielding condition
Solution Approach 2:
Different impedance adjustment configurations are applied to different spatial regions of the connector. The unshielded contacts have one specific bore position and configuration for impedance correction, while shielded contacts have a different bore position and configuration, ensuring that each local region has the optimal impedance characteristics for its shielding condition
2Reliability
If a metal shielding is added to ensure defined impedance, then impedance stability is improved, but production costs increase and the unshielded variant cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into regions that can be independently configured for shielding. The housing includes integrated shielding elements that can be selectively positioned or omitted for different contact groups, allowing customers to choose unshielded variants for cost-sensitive applications while maintaining defined impedance characteristics through the precision-bore impedance correction mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design allows the impedance to be self-corrected through the precision-machined bore and impedance correction pin arrangement, eliminating the need for external shielding structures. The geometric configuration of the bore and correction pin automatically provides the necessary impedance definition without requiring additional shielding components
3Adaptability or versatility
If a replaceable impedance tuner with metal casing is used to adjust impedance, then impedance flexibility is improved, but the device complexity and production cost increase due to the metal shell and replaceable mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The impedance adjustment function is merged into the permanent housing structure through precision-machined bores that are integral to the connector body. The impedance correction pins are permanently positioned within these bores, eliminating the need for separate replaceable tuners and metal casings. This integration maintains impedance adjustment capability while significantly reducing structural complexity and production cost
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrical connector having an electrically insulating contact carrier and at least one electrically conductive contact element which is provided with an impedance equalisation element. In particular, the present invention relates to an electrical connector which has defined impedance properties, both with and without shielding. In order to adjust the impedance of the connector (100) in at least a portion of the region in which the at least one contact element (104) is arranged, at least one impedance equalisation element (112) is provided on the contact carrier (102) and integrated therewith, wherein the impedance equalisation element (112) has an electrically conductive, substantially planar structure, which is arranged with respect to the at least one contact element (104) with a predetermined spacing which is dependent on the impedance value to be adjusted.