PSAS Connector Locking Structure for Short Stub High-Speed Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PSAS connectors face challenges in achieving higher data transmission rates and signal integrity due to the impact of stub lengths on signal integrity, which are contradictory with the need for a sufficient wipe distance for reliable contact.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a locking member that locks into a positioning slot on the PSAS plug connector, reducing the stub length to less than 1.7 mm, and integrating components that control the mated position of the connectors to improve signal integrity while maintaining reliable interconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stub length is reduced to improve signal integrity, then signal integrity is improved, but the wipe distance becomes insufficient for reliable contact
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: the stub portion (conductive element extending beyond the mating face), the wipe portion (contact region), and the locking portion. This segmentation allows the stub length to be minimized for signal integrity while the locking mechanism ensures proper positioning and sufficient effective contact distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed to engage the positioning slot before final contact is made, preliminarily establishing the correct mated position. This preliminary action ensures that when the connectors engage, the conductive elements are already positioned optimally, achieving both sufficient wipe distance and minimal stub length.
2Speed
If the stub length is reduced to less than 1.7 mm to improve signal integrity, then higher data transmission rates are achieved, but the connector design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member and positioning slot are integrated into the connector housing structure, merging the positioning function with the structural framework. The conductive elements are also integrated directly into the housing, eliminating separate mounting components and simplifying the overall design while maintaining the required stub length precision for high-speed data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The design specifies a precise parameter range for the stub length (less than 1.7 mm) to optimize signal integrity for high-speed data transmission. By controlling this critical dimension parameter, the connector achieves higher data transmission rates while the integrated structure keeps the overall design complexity manageable.
3Strength
If components are integrated to control mated position, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning slot is pre-formed in the housing with precise geometry to guide the locking member into the correct position during assembly. This preliminary positioning action ensures that the mated position is controlled accurately without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing of all components, as the positioning slot itself provides the reference and constraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning slot and locking member interface is designed with localized precision features (such as tapered surfaces, reference planes, and interlocking geometries) only at the critical mating interface, while other parts of the connector can be manufactured with standard tolerances. This local quality approach achieves strong, precise connections without requiring high precision throughout the entire component.
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
This configuration enhances signal integrity and connection strength, allowing for higher data transmission rates while maintaining compatibility with existing connector dimensions and manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
the locking member may be an elastic beam
Data Source
AI summary
Connectors for use with high-speed signals. Mating connectors may include interlocking components that control the mated position of the connectors such that wipe distance can be reduced. These components may be compact such that they can be integrated into connectors with standardized exterior dimensions. They may be integrated into mating guides of the mating connectors. For one of the mating connectors, such a component may be a locking member disposed in and curving out of its guide such that the locking member mates with a matching feature of a component in the guide of the other connector. As the connectors are secured by these components, the conductive elements may be shorter than the lengths required by standards, which reduces the stub and therefore increases signal integrity. Such a configuration provides higher signal integrity at higher speeds, while conforming to standards that constrain mating and mounting interfaces.