Plug Connector Grounding Trace Mating Sequence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connectors for high-frequency applications do not achieve optimal signal transmitting speed due to limitations in design and structure.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector design featuring a printed circuit board with a grounding layer, conductive layer, and insulative layers, where grounding traces directly connect to the mating connector before signal traces, enhancing signal transmission efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If grounding traces are extended beyond signal traces in conventional designs, then grounding coverage is improved, but signal transmission speed deteriorates due to increased path length and attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding mating portions are positioned to make electrical contact with the mating connector before the signal mating portions during the mating process. This preliminary grounding action establishes a low-impedance ground reference before signal transmission begins, improving signal integrity without requiring longer grounding trace paths that would increase attenuation.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional trace layouts are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but high frequency performance deteriorates due to suboptimal signal path geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs different trace geometries for different functions: grounding traces feature extended mating portions for robust ground contact, while signal traces use optimized differential pair routing for minimal crosstalk and impedance control. This localized optimization of trace quality for specific functions achieves high-frequency performance without complicating the overall manufacturing process.
3Reliability
If grounding traces are made longer to ensure proper grounding, then grounding effectiveness is improved, but signal transmission performance worsens due to increased attenuation at high frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning grounding mating portions to contact first during mating, the invention establishes effective grounding through optimized contact geometry rather than extended trace length. This preliminary grounding action reduces the actual signal path length for ground references, thereby minimizing attenuation while maintaining grounding effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding improvement is achieved through spatial positioning in the mating dimension (contact sequence and orientation) rather than through extended trace length in the signal transmission dimension. This dimensional separation allows effective grounding without increasing the path length that causes high-frequency attenuation.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector (100) includes a shell (10) and a printed circuit board (20) received in the shell. The printed circuit board includes a grounding layer (22), a conductive layer (21) disposed at a first side of the grounding layer, and an insulative layer (23) disposed therebetween. The conductive layer includes a pair of grounding traces (210), and a signal channel disposed between and isolated with the grounding traces. The signal channel includes a signal mating portion (221) disposed at a front portion. Each of the grounding traces includes a grounding mating portion (211) disposed at a front portion. Each of the grounding mating portions has a front end extending beyond the signal mating portion. The printed circuit board includes a pair of connecting traces (214). Each of the front ends of the grounding mating portions directly connects with the grounding layer by corresponding one of the connecting traces.