Receptacle Assembly Shielding for Midplane Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orthogonal midplane connector systems face limitations in contact density and signal integrity due to complex and costly signal routing, as well as degradation issues in differential pair applications.
Innovation Solution
The proposed receptacle assembly features a conductive holder with a frame assembly and ground shields, providing 360° shielding for differential pairs of signal contacts, which are arranged in orthogonal configurations to enhance contact density and signal integrity by directly connecting to header ground shields and a ground plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional orthogonal connectors are used with 90° rotation in the midplane assembly, then signal routing is achieved, but contact density is limited and signal degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by having the receptacle assembly provide the 90° rotation instead of the header connector. The receptacle signal contacts are oriented at 90° to the header signal contacts, with the receptacle housing and contact module configuration achieving the orthogonal connection while maintaining signal integrity through this reversed rotation strategy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by extending receptacle signal contacts in a direction perpendicular to the header signal contacts. The contact module is positioned and oriented within the receptacle housing to achieve orthogonal signal paths through vertical stacking and lateral offset, effectively using the third dimension to resolve the contradiction between contact density and signal integrity
2Quantity of substance
If contact density is increased in orthogonal connectors, then more signals can be routed, but signal degradation and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing differential pair-specific grounding beams that surround each differential pair of receptacle signal contacts. The grounding beams are positioned locally around each signal pair to provide targeted electromagnetic shielding, ensuring signal integrity for each differential pair while allowing high contact density across the entire connector assembly
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex signal routing is used to achieve 90° rotation, then orthogonal connection is achieved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the system by inverting which component performs the rotation function. Instead of requiring the header connector and midplane traces to provide 90° rotation, the receptacle assembly is designed to provide the orthogonal orientation directly through its contact module configuration, eliminating complex routing requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the orthogonal connection orientation, houses the contact module with high contact density, and incorporates grounding beams for signal shielding. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require separate components and complex routing arrangements
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 increases contact density and improves signal integrity by reducing signal degradation and complexity in midplane connector systems, while maintaining a cost-effective manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
a frame assembly received in the conductive holder and electrically shielded by the conductive holder
Implementation Method 2
The ground shields have grounding beams extending along the mating portions of the receptacle signal contacts. The grounding beams are configured to engage header ground shields of a header assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle assembly includes a contact module having a conductive holder and a frame assembly received in the conductive holder and electrically shielded by the conductive holder. The frame assembly has a plurality of receptacle signal contacts having mating portions extending from the conductive holder. The receptacle signal contacts are arranged in differential pairs carrying differential signals. Ground shields are received in the conductive holder between the frame assembly and the conductive holder. The ground shields have grounding beams extending along the mating portions of the receptacle signal contacts. The grounding beams are arranged on four sides of each differential pair of the receptacle signal contacts.