RF Connector Shroud with Absorbing Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-density Radio Frequency (RF) connector assemblies face challenges in maintaining high isolation and preventing RF energy leakage due to mechanical and manufacturing constraints, leading to interference and signal degradation.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly featuring a shroud with radiowave absorption material that absorbs RF energy, combined with conductive foil layers for shielding and ground continuity, effectively reducing leakage between adjacent RF connectors and increasing isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If miniaturisation is applied to create high-density RF connector assemblies, then the density and compactness are improved, but the isolation between adjacent connectors deteriorates due to RF energy leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies lossy materials (RAM - Radio Frequency Absorbing Material) that convert harmful RF energy leakage into heat through dielectric heating, effectively transforming the harmful electromagnetic radiation into thermal energy that dissipates harmlessly, thereby maintaining isolation in high-density connector assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and electrical parameters of the connector assembly by introducing materials with specific loss tangents and dielectric properties. The RAM material's electrical conductivity and dielectric constant are carefully selected to absorb RF energy at operating frequencies, fundamentally altering the electromagnetic field distribution to prevent leakage between adjacent connectors
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding arrangements are added to prevent RF energy leakage, then the isolation is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shielding function with the structural housing by integrating RAM material directly into the connector body or shroud structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate shielding components and assemblies, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective RF isolation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin films or layers of RAM material applied as coatings or laminates on the connector surfaces. These flexible thin-layer shielding solutions provide effective RF absorption without the bulk and rigidity of traditional metal shields, simplifying the overall device structure and manufacturing
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional labyrinthine joins are used to prevent RF leakage, then the shielding is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements become excessively strict
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical labyrinthine join structures with electromagnetic field-based absorption using RAM material. Instead of relying on precise mechanical interlocking and gaps to block RF energy, the lossy material absorbs electromagnetic energy regardless of small manufacturing variations, dramatically reducing precision requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures combining conventional connector materials with RAM materials having specific dielectric properties. This composite approach provides both structural integrity and RF absorption capabilities, eliminating the need for precision mechanical joins while maintaining effective shielding
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 achieves high isolation levels between RF connectors, allowing for miniaturization without signal degradation, with the ability to absorb RF energy across a broad frequency range and maintain ground continuity, thereby minimizing cross-talk and interference.
Implementation Method 1
the shroud comprising at least one piece of radiowave absorption material arranged to absorb radio frequency energy leaking or dispersing from the radio frequency connectors in use
Implementation Method 2
The radiowave absorption material attenuates RF energy, e.g. by converting it to heat
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present application describes a connector assembly, a circuit board assembly, a cable assembly and to a method of manufacturing a connector assembly. A connector assembly comprises a shroud; and a plurality of co-axial radio frequency connectors at least partially received in the shroud such that the shroud extends around each radio frequency connector and between adjacent radio frequency connectors. The shroud comprises at least one piece of radiowave absorption material arranged to absorb radio frequency energy leaking or dispersing from the radio frequency connectors in use. Another connector assembly comprises a body, a plurality of radio frequency connectors at least partially received in the body, and a conductive foil integrally formed with the body and partially extending beyond the body.