Interposer Connector Assembly for Dense High-Speed Module Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems with pluggable modules are limited by the density of the mating interface defined by card edge connectors and module circuit boards, leading to signal degradation at higher speeds due to trace lengths between connectors and integrated circuits.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector system with a circuit card assembly that includes a cage and an interposer frame, featuring compressible socket contacts with separable mating interfaces, allowing for high-density connections through a module loading direction parallel to the host circuit board and a contact mating direction perpendicular to it, enabling selective connection to either a board interposer or a cable interposer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If card edge connectors with two rows of contacts are used, then the mating interface is established, but the contact density is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar two-row contact arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked configuration with multiple contact rows vertically arranged. The interposer enables contacts to be positioned at different heights (first row at upper surface level, second row at lower surface level, and additional rows in between), effectively utilizing the vertical dimension to increase contact density without expanding the horizontal footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The interposer is inserted within the cage structure and receives both the socket connector and the interposer circuit board in a nested arrangement. The socket connector is received in a socket cavity of the interposer frame, while the interposer circuit board is received in an interposer cavity, creating a compact nested configuration that maximizes space utilization and contact density.
2Reliability
If longer traces are used to route signals from card edge connectors to integrated circuits, then connectivity is achieved, but signal degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interposer acts as an intermediary component between the card edge connector and the integrated circuit. It provides a intermediate connection point that allows signals to be routed through shorter traces on the interposer circuit board, thereby reducing the overall trace length and minimizing signal degradation while maintaining electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal path is segmented into multiple sections: from the card edge connector to the socket connector, then through the interposer circuit board traces, and finally to the integrated circuit. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized independently, with the interposer providing short-trace connections that reduce cumulative signal loss.
3Area of stationary object
If the module loading direction is parallel to the host circuit board, then space efficiency is improved, but the contact mating direction must be perpendicular
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric orientation where the module loading direction (horizontal, parallel to the host circuit board) is perpendicular to the contact mating direction (vertical). This asymmetric arrangement allows the module to be inserted horizontally for space efficiency while the contacts engage vertically, accommodating both spatial constraints and mechanical mating requirements through non-aligned directions.
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 system achieves high contact density and reduces signal degradation by optimizing the connection geometry, facilitating efficient high-speed data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The socket contacts are compressible. The socket contacts have first mating ends and second mating ends. The first mating ends have separable mating interfaces at a module mating zone defined directly above the socket cavity. The first mating ends configured to be mated with module contacts of a module circuit board of the pluggable module in a contact mating direction generally perpendicular to the module loading direction. The second mating ends have separable mating interfaces at an interposer mating zone defined directly below the socket cavity. The socket contacts are configured to be compressed between the module contacts of the pluggable module and the interposer contacts of the interposer circuit board when the module circuit board and the interposer circuit board are arranged in a circuit stack with the socket connector stacked between the pluggable module and the interposer.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector system includes a circuit card assembly having a cage mounted to a host circuit board and having shielding walls forming a module channel configured to receive a pluggable module in a module loading direction generally parallel to the host circuit board. The circuit card assembly includes an interposer frame received in the module channel having a socket cavity receiving a socket connector having compressible socket contacts having separable mating interfaces at a module mating zone configured to be mated with module contacts of a module circuit board of the pluggable module in a contact mating direction generally perpendicular to the module loading direction. The interposer frame selectively receives, in an interposer cavity, either a board interposer to electrically connect the socket connector to the host circuit board or a cable interposer to electrically connect the socket connector to a cable assembly.