Interposer Contact Structure With Parallel Conductive Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing interposers that provide multiple electrical connections between components with high signal integrity and mechanical reliability is challenging, especially when the components are separated by a large distance, as it requires tall and thin contacts with multiple parallel conductive paths without reducing contact density.
Innovation Solution
The interposer contacts are designed with an intermediate portion and compliant arms that include a rigid projection, allowing two parallel conductive paths by compressing the arms to touch the rigid projection, ensuring reliable mechanical connections and reduced inductance and resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If tall and thin contacts are used to connect components separated by large distance, then the electrical connection distance is increased, but the contact density is reduced and mechanical reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The contact is segmented into multiple functional portions: a first compliant arm for initial contact, a rigid projection for structural support and secondary contact path, and a second compliant arm for maintaining connection. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently - the compliant arms provide mechanical tolerance while the rigid projection ensures structural integrity and provides an alternative conduction path if one compliant arm fails.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the contact have different mechanical properties tailored to their specific functions. The compliant arms are designed with higher elasticity to absorb mechanical variations, while the rigid projection has lower elasticity to provide structural stability. This local differentiation of material properties allows the contact to simultaneously achieve mechanical tolerance and structural reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple parallel conductive paths are created by adding rigid projection, then the signal integrity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: electrical conduction, mechanical compliance, and structural support are all combined in one piece. The rigid projection serves dual purposes as both a mechanical support element and an additional electrical conduction path, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity while improving signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid projection performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support to maintain contact geometry, creates a second parallel electrical conduction path for improved signal integrity, and acts as a mechanical stop to limit compression. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components while achieving multiple performance goals.
3Reliability
If compliant arms are made more elastic for mechanical tolerance, then the mechanical reliability is improved, but the contact force control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The contact design incorporates dynamic elements through the compliant arms that can flex and adapt to mechanical variations in component positioning. The elastic compliant arms dynamically adjust to accommodate height variations and misalignments, providing mechanical tolerance while the rigid projection provides a stable reference point for force control.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the mechanical parameters of different contact portions - the compliant arms have higher elasticity to absorb mechanical variations, while the rigid projection has lower elasticity to provide stable force characteristics. This parameter differentiation allows the contact to simultaneously achieve mechanical tolerance and可控 contact force.
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
This design provides reliable electrical connections with high signal integrity and mechanical tolerance for varying component heights, reducing contact inductance and resistance while maintaining contact density.
Implementation Method 1
a first compliant arm extending from the intermediate portion in a first direction, the first compliant arm comprising a first contact region; and a projection extending from the intermediate portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
An interposer configured for connecting arrays of signal pads on parallel surfaces is described. Contacts of the interposer are configured to provide multiple conductive paths. A first conductive path extends through the body of the contact. A second conductive path is formed in parallel to the first conductive path when the contact is compressed between opposed substrates. The contact includes an intermediate portion, a rigid portion laterally extending from the intermediate portion, and a pair of compliant arms extending from the intermediate portion in opposite directions along the mating axis. When the contact is compressed, both arms touch and form an electrical connection with the rigid portion. The presence of the rigid portion allows for a reduction in the length of the beams in tall contacts.