Modular Jack Moveable Reactance Unit Crosstalk Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current connector designs fail to effectively address crosstalk noise, especially at higher transmission frequencies, and often increase complexity and cost, while also being inflexible in accommodating varying plug designs and contact layouts.

Innovation Solution

A modular jack assembly with a moveable reactance unit, featuring a flexible printed circuit board supported by a resilient frame, which activates noise reduction by sliding into position relative to the noise source upon plug insertion, reducing electromagnetic interference without altering impedance characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional connector designs are used, then device complexity and cost are low, but crosstalk noise cannot be effectively addressed at higher transmission frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrosstalk noiseVSAvoidconnector complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reactance unit is designed to be moveable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position relative to the noise source. The unit can slide between an inactive position (when no plug is inserted) and an active position (when a plug is inserted), enabling noise reduction only when needed. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by introducing complexity only when required, rather than permanently increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state and position of the reactance unit based on operational conditions. By transitioning the unit between different positions (inactive/active), the system modifies its electrical characteristics and noise reduction capability dynamically, allowing effective crosstalk cancellation at high frequencies without permanently complicating the connector design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If noise reduction mechanisms are added to connectors, then crosstalk is reduced, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The noise reduction functionality is separated into a distinct, modular reactance unit that can be independently manufactured and then integrated into the connector. This segmentation allows the reactance unit to be produced using standard flexible printed circuit board techniques, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while adding the required noise reduction capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reactance unit employs a flexible printed circuit board design that is cost-effective to manufacture and replace. This approach uses inexpensive materials and standard manufacturing processes, ensuring that the noise reduction feature does not significantly increase overall manufacturing cost despite adding functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If fixed noise reduction structures are used, then crosstalk compensation is provided, but flexibility in accommodating varying plug designs is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenear-end crosstalkVSAvoidplug design accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The moveable reactance unit can adjust its position to accommodate different plug designs and contact layouts. When a plug is inserted, the unit slides into the active position to provide noise reduction; when different plug configurations are used, the unit can be repositioned or deactivated, maintaining versatility while still providing crosstalk compensation when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The reactance unit is designed to work with various plug designs and connector configurations through its moveable architecture. This universal design allows the same noise reduction mechanism to adapt to different applications, maintaining compatibility across varying plug designs while effectively reducing near-end crosstalk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution effectively reduces near-end crosstalk noise in a cost-effective and simple manner, maintaining reliable functionality over extended periods and accommodating various plug designs, thereby enhancing signal quality and system performance.

Implementation Method 1

reactance unit120 and the arrangement of elongated contact pins104-118 are configured and adapted to permit the same to be selectively caused to reciprocate relative to each other... reduce noise... counter the offending crosstalk

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interference cancellation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2486631B1Modular insert and jack including moveable reactance section
Publication Date: 2015.09.23 ORTRONICS INC
  • EP2486631B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2486631B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2486631B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Compensation schemes for a modular jack are provided according to the present disclosure The compensation schemes advantageously include a first coupling of compensating crosstalk between a first pair of conductors and a second pair of conductors and a second coupling of compensating crosstalk between only a first conductor of the first pair of conductors and only a first conductor of the second pair of conductors, wherein the first and second couplings of compensating crosstalk are of opposite polarities In exemplary embodiments, the first coupling of compensating crosstalk may be provided by a circuit board, such as a flexible circuit board including a plurality of interconnection elements, e g, capacitors, for providing the first coupling of compensating crosstalk Alternatively, the first coupling of compensating crosstalk may be provided by a plurality of plug interface contacts associated with the first and second pairs of conductors.