Low-Cross-Talk Electrical Connector via Differential Signal Pairing

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connectors face challenges in reducing cross-talk between signal contacts due to the space required for shields, which increases costs and decreases contact density, while also affecting impedance and robustness.

Innovation Solution

The design includes contact modules with ground and signal contacts arranged such that adjacent signal contacts form differential pairs with closer intermediate spacing than ground contacts, eliminating the need for shields by optimizing contact placement and configuration within the connector.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If shields are positioned between adjacent signal contacts to reduce cross-talk, then cross-talk reduction is achieved, but contact density decreases and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the shield component entirely from the connector design. Instead of adding shields between signal contacts, the invention uses a ground contact configuration where ground contacts are positioned to provide shielding functionality through their electrical connection to the signal contacts, thereby eliminating the need for separate shield structures and increasing contact density.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The ground contacts serve multiple functions: they provide electrical grounding and simultaneously act as shields to reduce cross-talk between adjacent signal contacts. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated shield components, resolving the contradiction between cross-talk reduction and contact density.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If shields are positioned between adjacent signal contacts to reduce cross-talk, then cross-talk reduction is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the shield component entirely from the connector design. Instead of adding shields between signal contacts, the invention uses a ground contact configuration where ground contacts are positioned to provide shielding functionality through their electrical connection to the signal contacts, thereby eliminating the need for separate shield structures and increasing contact density.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The shielding function is merged with the ground contact structure. The ground contacts are configured to provide both grounding and cross-talk reduction functionality, combining what were previously separate functions into a single component, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If shields are added to reduce cross-talk, then cross-talk reduction is achieved, but impedance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions ground contacts selectively adjacent to signal contacts to provide localized shielding where cross-talk occurs, rather than using continuous shields that would affect the entire signal path. This localized approach reduces cross-talk while maintaining proper impedance characteristics along the signal transmission path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 configuration effectively reduces cross-talk between signal contacts, allowing for higher contact density and improved signal integrity without the need for additional shielding, enabling connectors to operate at high speeds with minimal asynchronous cross-talk.

Implementation Method 1

the intermediate portions of the ground contacts are disposed in a first common plane and the intermediate portions of the signal contacts are disposed in a second common plane that is spaced from the first common plane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical field separation: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

two adjacent signal contacts of the first and second contact modules, respectively, define a differential signal pair such that the intermediate portions of the adjacent signal contacts are spaced more closely

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDifferential signaling:

Data Source

PatentUS8851926B2Low-cross-talk electrical connector

Publication Date: 2014.10.07

AI summary

An electrical connector includes a first contact module and a second contact module adjacent the first contact module. Each contact module has a plurality of ground and signal contacts. Each ground contact and signal contact includes a mating portion, a mounting portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the mating portion and the mounting portion. In each contact module, the intermediate portions of the ground contacts are disposed in a first common plane and the intermediate portions of the signal contacts are disposed in a second common plane that is spaced from the first common plane. The first contact modules and the second contact modules are arranged such that two adjacent signal contacts of the first and second contact modules, respectively, define a differential signal pair such that the intermediate portions of the adjacent signal contacts are spaced more closely than the intermediate portions of two adjacent ground contacts of the first and second contact modules, respectively.