Layered Differential Connector Layout for Signal Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing differential connectors are susceptible to interference from external signals due to the overlapping projections of differential pair contact elements, which affect signal integrity.

Innovation Solution

The differential connector design incorporates a layered arrangement of differential pairs with intersecting projections forming closed loops, utilizing a twisted-pair electromagnetic shielding principle to offset interference magnetic fields, thereby enhancing signal shielding without additional shielding boards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the differential pair contact elements are arranged with overlapping projections in a layered manner, then the connector achieves compact structure and high integration, but the differential pair becomes susceptible to external signal interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector sizeVSAvoidexternal signal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional planar arrangement to three-dimensional layered arrangement with intersecting projections. The differential pair contact elements in adjacent layers are positioned to intersect when viewed from the lateral direction, creating a twisted-pair like structure in 3D space. This dimensional change enables compact integration while achieving electromagnetic shielding through the intersecting geometry that cancels external interference fields.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of closely spaced layered structures (which create interference susceptibility) into a benefit by designing the intersecting projection arrangement. The intersecting geometry of differential pairs from adjacent layers creates opposing current loops that generate counteracting magnetic fields, thereby converting the compact layered structure from a source of interference vulnerability into an active shielding mechanism that benefits from the close spacing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If traditional shielding boards are added to protect against interference, then signal integrity improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal integrityVSAvoidshielding structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service shielding where the differential pair contact elements themselves provide the shielding function. The intersecting projections of differential pairs from adjacent layers create inherent electromagnetic shielding through their geometry, eliminating the need for separate shielding boards. The structure shields itself by generating opposing magnetic fields that cancel external interference, making the shielding function intrinsic to the signal transmission structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the signal transmission function and the electromagnetic shielding function into a single integrated structure. The differential pair contact elements serve dual purposes: transmitting differential signals and providing shielding against external interference through their intersecting arrangement. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate shielding components, reducing device complexity while maintaining signal integrity.

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 design effectively shields external interference signals by creating opposing magnetic fields within closed loops, improving signal integrity and reducing external interference.

Implementation Method 1

the first differential pair including two first differential pair contact elements arranged in a first layer, the second differential pair including two second differential pair contact elements arranged in a second layer, wherein, a projection of one of the two first differential pair contact elements have points of intersection with both of the two second differential pair contact elements in the direction perpendicular to the first layer and the second layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3447851B1Differential connector, differential pair arrangement structure thereof, and differential connector plug
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 CHINA AVIATION OPTICAL ELECTRICAL TECH CO LTD
  • EP3447851B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3447851B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3447851B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A differential connector and a differential pair arrangement structure thereof and a differential connector plug, and relates to the field of electric connectors. The differential connector plug includes: two or more signal modules (1) stacked up in a layered manner, wherein the signal modules are combined two by two to form signal module pairs, two signal modules of the same signal module pair respectively form a first signal module (14) and a second signal module (15), at least one differential pair of the first signal module and at least one differential pair of the second signal module are respectively a first differential pair and a second differential pair, differential pair contact elements of the first differential pair and the second differential pair are respectively a first differential pair contact element (141) and a second differential pair contact element (151), and projections, in the layered direction of the first signal module and the second signal module, of at least one of two first differential pair contact elements of at least one first differential pair and at least one of two second differential pair contact elements of at least one second differential pair have a point of intersection. The differential connector plug does not need to be additionally provided with a shielding plate, is simple in structure, and solves the problems of low assembly efficiency and high processing cost caused by complicated structure of existing differential connectors.