Self-Aligning Probe Connector for ESD Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
TDR measurement instruments are prone to electro-static discharge (ESD) damage due to their high sensitivity, particularly when connecting probes to devices-under-test, as they lack effective protection mechanisms against ESD, leading to user error and switch or relay failure in existing active switching systems.
Innovation Solution
A passive, in-line physical disconnect using a self-aligning connector set with a spring mechanism ensures that the signal path is disconnected when not in use and connects through an electro-static discharge resistor to ground before establishing the signal path, preventing ESD damage by discharging any charge on the device-under-test to ground before connecting to the instrument.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the TDR module input is made highly sensitive to accurately measure low amplitude reflected signals, then measurement precision is improved, but the instrument becomes prone to ESD damage
Solution Approach 1:
An electrostatic discharge resistor is introduced as an intermediary component between the probe tip and the TDR module input. This resistor provides a controlled path for ESD current to dissipate safely without damaging the sensitive measurement circuitry, while having minimal impact on normal measurement signals due to its high resistance value.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed so that the ground conductor makes contact before the signal conductor when the probe is connected to the DUT. This preliminary grounding action ensures that any ESD charge is discharged to ground before the sensitive measurement circuitry becomes connected, protecting the instrument from damage.
2Reliability
If an active switching system is used to protect against ESD, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and user error may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The passive protection system automatically provides ESD protection through its inherent design characteristics without requiring user intervention or active control. The ground-before-signal connector design and high-value discharge resistor work automatically to protect the instrument, eliminating the need for user-awareness of ESD risks or manual switching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces active electronic switching mechanisms with a passive mechanical connector design. The physical structure of the connector ensures ground contact before signal contact through its geometric arrangement, eliminating the need for electronic switches, relays, or active control circuits while providing reliable ESD protection.
3Ease of operation
If a passive in-line physical disconnect is used, then ease of operation is improved and user error is eliminated, but the signal path cannot be established until the probe is physically connected
Solution Approach 1:
The connector geometry is designed so that the ground conductor protrudes or aligns to make contact before the signal conductor when the probe is inserted. This preliminary grounding action occurs automatically as part of the connection process, ensuring ESD protection is established before the measurement signal path becomes active, without requiring separate user actions.
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 solution eliminates user error and switch/relay failure, providing reliable ESD protection by ensuring that any electro-static charge is safely discharged to ground before the signal path is established, thus preventing damage to the TDR instrument.
Implementation Method 1
A passive, in-line physical disconnect using a self-aligning connector set with a spring mechanism ensures that the signal path is disconnected when not in use
Implementation Method 2
preventing ESD damage by discharging any charge on the device-under-test to ground before connecting to the instrument
Implementation Method 3
discharge any potentially damaging electro-static charge that may be present at the DUT test point safely to ground through an electro-static discharge resistor
Implementation Method 4
the first connector, second connector, and adapter are structured so that their respective ground conductors become connected prior to their respective signal conductors becoming connected
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A probe includes a self-aligning connector set, a moveable probe tip, a cable, a housing, and a spring. When the probe tip is pressed to a test point on a device-under-test, the probe tip moves within the housing to cause a first connector and a second connector of the self-aligning connector set to be connected through an adapter of the self-aligning connector set, thereby establishing a signal path through the probe. The first connector, second connector, and adapter are structured so that their respective ground conductors become connected prior to their respective signal conductors becoming connected. Electro-static charge present at the test point is safely discharged through a resistor to ground before the signal path through the probe is established, thereby preventing damage to the probe and connected host instrument. When the probe tip is removed from the device-under-test, the spring forces a disconnection of the first and second connectors.