Modular Electrical Connector with Opposed Support Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RJ-45 connectors are susceptible to signal crosstalk due to the close parallel arrangement of contacts, leading to signal degradation as frequency increases, and existing solutions only attempt to compensate for crosstalk rather than minimizing it.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector features a housing with a contact sub-assembly where contacts are arranged on opposed support walls with a gap, minimizing inductive coupling by positioning contacts as differential pairs on separate sides of the gap, thereby reducing internal crosstalk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If contacts are arranged in close parallel configuration to fit multiple signal paths in a compact connector body, then the connector achieves high signal capacity and compact size, but signal crosstalk increases due to inductive and capacitive coupling between adjacent contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional single-plane contact arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration where contacts are distributed across multiple planes and separated by dielectric members. This spatial redistribution in additional dimensions reduces electromagnetic coupling while maintaining high signal capacity through optimized contact positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact assembly is divided into multiple independent contact groups, each surrounded by individual dielectric members. This segmentation isolates electromagnetic fields between adjacent contacts, reducing crosstalk while allowing each segment to function independently for maintaining signal capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional RJ-45 connector designs with all four pairs of contacts extending closely parallel are used, then the connector meets industry standard specifications, but crosstalk amplitude increases especially at higher frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
Individual dielectric members are nested within the connector housing, with each dielectric member surrounding and isolating specific contact pairs. This nested configuration maintains the overall compact structure required for industry standard compatibility while providing frequency-dependent crosstalk reduction through localized electromagnetic shielding.
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 effectively minimizes signal crosstalk at the outset, enhancing signal integrity by reducing inductive coupling between contacts, thus maintaining signal quality as frequency increases.
Implementation Method 1
crosstalk occurs when signals conducted over a first signal path are partly transferred by inductive or capacitive coupling into a second signal path
Implementation Method 2
crosstalk occurs when signals conducted over a first signal path are partly transferred by inductive or capacitive coupling into a second signal path
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical connector comprising a housing having a cavity configured to receive a mating connector, and a contact sub-assembly (20) disposed within the cavity. The contact sub-assembly (20) includes a plurality of contacts (22) arranged on a contact support member (72, 74). The contact support member (72, 74) includes a pair of opposed support walls (102, 104) separated by a gap (110) and extending to a mating end (114). A first set (92) of the contacts (22) are provided on one of the support walls (102) and a second set (94) of the contacts (22) are provided on the other of the support walls (104). The first and second sets (92, 94) of contacts (22) are opposed to each other on respective opposite sides of the gap (110), and the opposed support walls (102, 104) are surrounded by the cavity at the mating end (114).