Modular PCB Connector With Cable Routing for Low-Loss Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interconnection systems face challenges in maintaining low loss signal transmission over long distances due to high signal loss through printed circuit board traces and increased circuit density, which can degrade signal integrity and require additional retention forces that occupy valuable board space.
Innovation Solution
A connector system comprising multiple types of connector units, including those for direct attachment to printed circuit boards and cables, with signal conductors configured to minimize impedance mismatch and inductance changes, using support members and modular construction to align conductors in parallel columns and reduce skew, and employing edge-to-edge cable attachment to control spacing and reduce impedance mismatch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If signals are routed through printed circuit board traces to achieve interconnection, then electrical connection is established, but signal loss increases over long distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cables as an intermediary medium for signal transmission between connector units. Instead of relying solely on PCB traces for long-distance connections, the cable serves as a dedicated low-loss transmission medium, allowing signals to travel longer distances with minimal attenuation while maintaining electrical integrity.
2Area of stationary object
If circuit density is increased to reduce board space, then area is reduced, but signal integrity degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the signal transmission function from the PCB trace infrastructure and relocates it to dedicated cable connections between connector units. This separation allows the PCB to maintain high-density routing for local connections while long-distance signals travel through optimized cable pathways, preserving signal integrity even as board density increases.
3Reliability
If additional retention forces are applied to secure connectors, then connection reliability improves, but board space occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the connector units themselves: signal transmission, mechanical retention, and alignment features are integrated into a single compact component. The support members provide structural reinforcement and retention forces without requiring separate mounting structures, thereby maintaining connection reliability while minimizing the space occupied on the board.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular electrical connector facilitates low loss connections to components on a printed circuit board. A portion is of the connector is formed of one or more first type units with conductive elements designed to be attached to a printed circuit board. Signals passing through those units may be routed to components on the printed circuit board through traces in the board. One or more second type units may be integrated with the connector. Those units may be designed for attachment to a cable, which may provide signal paths to a location on the printed circuit board near relatively distant components.