Molded Connector with Buried TVS Diode for ESD Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor devices are vulnerable to electrostatic discharge (ESD) due to their shrinking sizes, and existing methods like embedding diodes or using transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diodes to prevent ESD can compromise device performance or require additional space.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a protection device, such as a TVS diode, is integrated into the connector frame through a molding process, where the protection device is buried within the frame and electrically connected to exposed connection pins via connection wires, eliminating the need for separate mounting and allowing for efficient ESD protection without performance degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a TVS diode is used to prevent ESD, then ESD protection is provided, but additional space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The TVS diode is integrated into the connector housing structure, merging the protection device with the existing connector components. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting space for the TVS diode, as it is incorporated within the connector's existing form factor, thus providing ESD protection without requiring additional space.
Solution Approach 2:
The TVS diode is nested within the connector housing, placing the protection device inside the existing connector structure. This nesting approach allows the TVS diode to be housed within the connector's internal cavity, utilizing otherwise wasted space and avoiding any increase in the overall connector footprint.
2Reliability
If protection devices are separately mounted, then ESD protection is provided, but the manufacturing process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The protection device is merged with the connector housing in a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate mounting operations. The TVS diode is positioned and secured within the housing during the same manufacturing process used to produce the connector itself, simplifying assembly and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The TVS diode is pre-positioned within the connector housing during the molding or assembly process, before final connector assembly. This preliminary placement ensures the protection device is correctly positioned without requiring additional post-assembly mounting steps, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
3Reliability
If multiple protection devices are used, then ESD protection coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, electrical connection, and ESD protection. By integrating the TVS diode into the housing, the structure achieves multi-functionality without increasing complexity, as the same housing that provides mechanical and electrical functions also houses the protection device.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions (mechanical support, electrical connection, and ESD protection) are merged into a single integrated connector structure. The TVS diode is combined with the housing and connection pins to form a unified component that performs all necessary functions without requiring separate protection devices, thereby maintaining simplicity while improving protection coverage.
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 solution effectively protects against ESD without the need for additional space, simplifies the manufacturing process, and reduces production costs by integrating the protection device into the connector frame, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of semiconductor devices.
Implementation Method 1
a connector frame formed by a mold, and the module is buried in the mold
Data Source
AI summary
A connector and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The connector includes a module including at least one protection device and a connector frame formed by a mold, and the module is buried in the mold. The connector further includes a plurality of connection pins that are connected to the connector frame, and each of the plurality of connections pins has an exposed portion. Each of the plurality of connection pins is exposed, and at least a first set of the plurality of connection pins is electrically connected to the at least one protection device.