Plug Connector EMI Shielding via Conductive Collar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connectors face challenges with electromagnetic interference (EMI) at high speeds, particularly in internal applications where cost and size constraints often lead to compromised EMI shielding, necessitating an inexpensive solution for effective external EMI shielding.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector design featuring a conductive shielding collar with spring arms and multiple contact points that extend around the housing and contact both the connector and an external shell, incorporating a conductive cable braid and foil for enhanced EMI protection, while maintaining a cost-effective approach.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding is added to the connector, then EMI protection is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding is divided into multiple segments: a conductive collar at the front, spring arms extending from the housing, and contact points distributed along the connector body. This segmentation allows EMI protection to be implemented in a modular fashion, reducing overall cost compared to complete shielding while maintaining effectiveness at high speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
Shielding is applied locally at critical areas rather than uniformly across the entire connector. The conductive collar and spring arms are positioned at the mating interface and along the body where EMI susceptibility is highest, providing targeted protection without the expense of comprehensive shielding throughout the entire connector structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a conductive exterior housing is used for shielding, then EMI protection is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complete conductive exterior housing, the shielding is segmented into discrete conductive elements: a collar, spring arms, and contact points. This approach achieves EMI protection through distributed conductive features rather than requiring an entirely conductive housing structure, significantly reducing material and manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding function is merged with existing connector components. The conductive collar integrates with the housing structure, spring arms are attached to the existing connector body, and contact points are positioned at natural interface locations. This merging allows EMI shielding to be achieved using modified versions of existing components rather than requiring a completely new conductive housing design.
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
The solution effectively extends EMI shielding along the body of the plug connector, providing multiple points of grounding contact and improved EMI protection without increasing costs, suitable for high-speed applications within electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
the collar including a plurality of spring arms that press against the plug connector housing as well as press outwardly against any shield of a shell into which the plug connector is inserted
Implementation Method 2
the braid being disposed on, or connected to a portion of the connector housing, and the plug connector including a conductive shielding collar that extends around a portion of the connector housing and which contacts the braid
Data Source
AI summary
A shielded cable connector takes the form of a plug connector that is terminated to a plurality of wires of a cable. The wires are terminated to an edge card and a premold portion is formed thereover. An exterior shielding braid of the cable is extended over the premold and is formed with the connector housing so that a portion of it is exposed on the exterior of the connector housing. This exposed portion contacts an exterior conductive collar that is supported on the connector housing. The sleeve has a plurality of spring contact arms so as to make electrical shielding contact between the cable braid exposed on the connector housing and an exterior metal guide into which the connector is inserted when mating to an opposing connector.