Multi-Form-Factor Connector for SFP-DD and DSFP Modules
Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of compatibility between SFP-DD and DSFP module connectors complicates PCB design and production, and causes confusion during installation and maintenance of network devices, as both types of connectors are often visually similar and cannot be used simultaneously on a printed circuit board.
Innovation Solution
A female data-connector device with a socket that can reversibly connect both SFP-DD and DSFP paddle cards, featuring a specific arrangement of contact pins and termination legs to accommodate different form factors, allowing for a single connector solution that reduces design complexity and installation confusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate connectors are used for SFP-DD and DSFP modules, then each connector can be optimized for its specific form factor, but the PCB design complexity increases and production costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is designed with a universal contact pin arrangement that can accommodate both SFP-DD and DSFP paddle cards. The socket includes contact pins arranged in multiple rows with specific patterns that match both connector types, allowing a single socket to perform multiple functions and support different form factors without requiring separate dedicated connectors for each module type.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate connectors are used for SFP-DD and DSFP modules, then each connector can be optimized for its specific contact pad arrangement, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is designed with a universal contact pin arrangement that can accommodate both SFP-DD and DSFP paddle cards. The socket includes contact pins arranged in multiple rows with specific patterns that match both connector types, allowing a single socket to perform multiple functions and support different form factors without requiring separate dedicated connectors for each module type.
3Reliability
If separate connectors are used for SFP-DD and DSFP modules, then each connector can be optimized for its specific contact pad configuration, but installation and maintenance confusion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is designed with a universal contact pin arrangement that can accommodate both SFP-DD and DSFP paddle cards. The socket includes contact pins arranged in multiple rows with specific patterns that match both connector types, allowing a single socket to perform multiple functions and support different form factors without requiring separate dedicated connectors for each module type.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a female data-connector device includes a housing having a socket to insert therein a first paddle-card having a first form-factor and a second paddle-card having a second form-factor, the socket includes an upper and lower surface, with N contact pins arranged in a first row and M contact pins arranged in a second row on the upper surface, P contact pins arranged in a first row and Q contact pins arranged in a second row on the lower surface, the M and Q and some of the N and P contact pins are arranged to make contact with contact pads of the first paddle-card, the N and P contact pins are arranged to make contact with contact pads of the second paddle-card, N is greater than M, and P is greater than Q, and termination legs to be connected to a printed circuit board.