PCB Cable Assembly Layout for Mixed-Pitch Terminal Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connectors face challenges in accommodating cables and terminals with varying pitches, making it difficult to establish reliable electrical connections due to differences in spacing along the Y axis.
Innovation Solution
The cable assembly design includes a printed circuit board (PCB) with cable and terminal contact pads positioned at different or the same locations along the Y axis, connected by traces, allowing for flexible and secure electrical communication, and is supported by frames and a ground plate for structural integrity and noise shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electrical connectors use fixed pitch spacing for contact pads, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but the connectors cannot accommodate cables and terminals with varying pitches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the contact pad positions variable rather than fixed. The PCB layout allows cable contact pads and terminal contact pads to be positioned at different locations along the Y-axis, enabling the connector to adapt to different pitch requirements of cables and terminals while maintaining electrical connection through conductive traces on the PCB
2Adaptability or versatility
If cable contact pads and terminal contact pads are positioned at the same locations on the PCB, then alignment is simplified, but the connector cannot accommodate varying pitches between cables and terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the positioning conflict by utilizing the Y-axis dimension independently for cable and terminal contact pads. Instead of being constrained to the same X-Y coordinates, cable contact pads can be positioned at different Y-axis locations than terminal contact pads, allowing pitch variation accommodation while maintaining precise electrical connections through PCB traces
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connector design accommodates varying pitches, then versatility is improved, but the structural integrity and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the Y-axis positions of contact pads to accommodate different pitch requirements. The PCB trace lengths and routing are adjusted accordingly to maintain stable electrical connections, while the mechanical housing provides structural support to ensure overall connector stability despite the variable pad positions
Data Source
AI summary
A cable assembly is disclosed and includes a plurality of cables, a plurality of terminals, a printed circuit board (PCB), a plurality of cable contact pads defined on the PCB, and a plurality of terminal contact pads defined on the PCB. A first terminal contact pad and a first cable contact pad are in electrical communication with one another and a second terminal contact pad and a second cable contact pad are in electrical communication. The first cable contact pad and the first terminal contact pad are disposed at different locations on the PCB, as measured along a Y axis, and the second cable contact pad and the second terminal contact pad are disposed at different locations on the PCB, as measured along the Y axis.