PCB Connector Conductive Cover for Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Angled connectors with metal bodies made using cut-and-roll technology face challenges in completely enveloping electrical insulators, leading to electromagnetic shielding issues and microwave impedance mismatches due to slot openings and material limitations.
Innovation Solution
A conductive cover is introduced to form a complete metal envelope over the electrical signal transmission line, with projecting portions that act as locking points within the connector's cavity to prevent signal leakage and maintain constant insulation, thereby addressing the impedance mismatch and shielding issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a metal body made using cut-and-roll technology is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the body cannot completely wrap the electrical insulator leading to electromagnetic shielding issues
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive body is divided into two separate components: the main body made by cut-and-roll technology and a additional conductive cover. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill specific functions - the main body provides mechanical support while the cover ensures complete electromagnetic shielding by closing the openings in the insulator.
Solution Approach 2:
The additional conductive cover is nested over the electrical insulator and the main conductive body, forming a complete shielded enclosure. This nested structure allows the cover to close the openings in the insulator without interfering with the main body's mechanical function.
2Ease of manufacture
If slots are created in the metal body to allow tool passage, then manufacturing is enabled, but signal leakage occurs leading to HF signal loss
Solution Approach 1:
The additional conductive cover acts as an intermediary element that bridges the gap created by the slots in the main body. It provides a continuous conductive path around the insulator, mediating between the manufacturing requirements (slots in main body) and the shielding requirements (continuous enclosure).
3Quantity of substance
If the metal body is made thinner to reduce material usage, then cost is reduced, but structural strength and retention are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The functional responsibilities are segmented between the main body (providing mechanical strength and retention) and the additional conductive cover (providing electromagnetic shielding). This allows the main body to be optimized for strength while the cover addresses the shielding requirement without adding significant material to the structural component.
4Reliability
If additional insulation is added to close the rear area, then shielding is improved, but impedance mismatch is introduced disrupting signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing the insulating properties (adding material), the solution changes the conductive parameter by adding a conductive cover. This maintains the existing insulation parameters and impedance characteristics while achieving the shielding goal through a different physical mechanism - creating a continuous conductive enclosure rather than adding insulating material.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
Connector for printed circuit board equipped with a conductive cover for closing the electrical signal transmission line. The invention relates to a connector (1), intended for connection to a printed circuit board, the connector (1) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) and comprising: - an electrically conductive body (2), - at least one contact (8) housed at least in part in the body (2) with an interposition of an electrical insulator (7) between them, - a housing (3) defining a housing (6) configured to receive all or part of the body, - an electrically conductive cover (10) made of at least one piece, inserted in the electrically conductive body (2), so that at least one of the main faces (100) covers the front of the electrical insulator (7), in the rear part of the housing of the latter inside the electrically conductive body which is without a wall.