Modular Receptacle Connector Assembly for Serviceable Board Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges with serviceability, as removing board contacts from receptacle connectors requires disassembly of the entire system, potentially damaging components and making them non-reusable, and dual cable assemblies are expensive to manufacture and assemble.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle assembly with a modular design, featuring a receptacle cage, intermediate connector, and separable receptacle and plug modules, allowing for individual module removal and replacement without disassembling the entire system, using a separable mating interface between the receptacle module and intermediate connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If board contacts are press fit into plated vias of the host circuit board to communicate directly, then direct electrical connection is achieved, but removal requires disassembly of the entire system and may damage components making them non-reusable
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle connector is divided into separate modules: the intermediate connector remains permanently mounted to the host circuit board, while the cable receptacle connector is made separable and serviceable. This segmentation allows the cable receptacle connector to be removed and replaced without disassembling the entire system or damaging the host circuit board.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate connector acts as an intermediary component that provides a permanent, reliable connection to the host circuit board while enabling the cable receptacle connector to be serviceable. The intermediate connector's board contacts remain press-fit in the host circuit board, while its cable receptacle connector interface is made separable.
2Ease of repair
If dual cable assemblies with high speed and low speed cables are used for serviceable connectors, then remote mating capability is achieved, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single cable assembly is designed to carry both high-speed and low-speed signals through shared traces on the circuit board. The intermediate connector and cable receptacle connector are designed with universal interfaces that can mate with either high-speed or low-speed cable assemblies, eliminating the need for separate dual-cable assemblies.
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle assembly includes a receptacle cage surrounding an intermediate connector configured to be coupled to the host circuit board. The receptacle cage receives a plug module and a receptacle module mated with the plug module. The receptacle module includes a receptacle housing having a card slot and holding a receptacle contact assembly. The receptacle contacts include cable contacts terminated to cables and intermediate contacts terminated to the intermediate connector. The intermediate connector electrically connects the intermediate contacts with the host circuit board.