Self-Referencing Pin Crosstalk Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current semiconductor package designs face significant challenges in reducing crosstalk induced by socket pins, which hampers electrical performance and leads to increased package size and cost due to the need for numerous Vss pins for shielding high-speed signals.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of self-referencing socket pins with a dielectric insulator between pin portions reduces crosstalk by acting as separate signal and ground pins, allowing for a smaller package size and reduced Vss pins, thereby improving electrical performance and lowering manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If Vss pins are added to shield high-speed signals, then crosstalk is reduced, but package size and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecrosstalkVSAvoidpackage size
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the signal pin and ground pin into a single integrated structure where the ground pin is formed as an outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor signal pin. This merging eliminates the need for separate Vss shielding pins while maintaining crosstalk reduction, thereby reducing package size without compromising signal integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The socket pin structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: the inner conductor serves as the signal transmission path while the outer conductor provides both the return path and electromagnetic shielding. This multi-functionality replaces the traditional separate signal pin and Vss shielding pin configuration, reducing the total pin count and package size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If Vss pins are added to shield high-speed signals, then crosstalk is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecrosstalkVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the signal and ground functions into a single socket pin assembly with coaxial conductors, the patent eliminates the need for additional Vss pins and their associated mounting holes, plating layers, and assembly steps. This simplification directly reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining effective electromagnetic shielding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-functional socket pin that simultaneously provides signal transmission, return path, and shielding eliminates the need for separate dedicated ground pins. This reduction in component count and assembly operations directly lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining crosstalk protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If socket pin structure is simplified, then manufacturing cost decreases, but crosstalk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidcrosstalk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves both simplification and effectiveness by combining the ground shielding function with the signal transmission function in a single coaxial pin structure. This integrated design eliminates complex multi-pin configurations while maintaining superior electromagnetic shielding performance, thus reducing crosstalk without increasing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The socket pin employs a composite coaxial structure with inner conductor, dielectric insulation layer, and outer conductor, creating an integrated electromagnetic shield that provides superior crosstalk protection. This composite design achieves effective shielding in a single component, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining or improving electromagnetic compatibility performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 effectively minimizes crosstalk, enhances electrical performance for high-speed signals, and reduces package size and manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for additional Vss pins, while maintaining effective shielding of high-speed signals.

Implementation Method 1

a dielectric insulator between pin portions reduces crosstalk by acting as separate signal and ground pins

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP2619793B1Self referencing pin
Publication Date: 2016.05.25 INTEL CORP
  • EP2619793B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2619793B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2619793B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Methods and apparatus relating to self-referencing pins are described. In one embodiment, a pin electrically couples a first agent to a second agent. The pin includes two or more portions that are at least partially separated by an insulator, e.g., to improve crosstalk performance. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.