Serpentine Ground Shield for High-Speed Connector Crosstalk
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed connectors face challenges in reducing crosstalk between closely spaced signal terminals, which degrades signal integrity, and existing solutions like large metal shields increase cost and size while affecting impedance.
Innovation Solution
A high-speed connector design featuring individual ground shields for each differential signal pair, arranged in a 'triad' configuration with enlarged ground terminals acting as pseudo-shields, providing enhanced isolation and reducing crosstalk without the need for large metal shields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If large metal shields are positioned between adjacent sets of differential signal terminals to reduce crosstalk, then crosstalk is reduced, but the connector size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ground shielding function into multiple individual ground terminals instead of using single large metal shields. Each ground terminal is associated with specific differential signal pairs and positioned to provide localized shielding. This segmentation allows the connector to maintain crosstalk reduction while reducing overall size and eliminating the need for large metal shield structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements ground terminals with specific dimensional characteristics tailored to their local shielding requirements. Each ground terminal is configured with width and spacing optimized for its position between differential signal pairs, providing effective crosstalk reduction only where needed rather than using uniform large shields throughout the connector.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If large metal shields are positioned between adjacent sets of differential signal terminals to reduce crosstalk, then crosstalk is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive large metal shield components with multiple smaller ground terminals that can be manufactured using standard connector fabrication processes. This segmentation into smaller elements reduces material costs and manufacturing complexity while achieving the same crosstalk reduction function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses ground terminals made from the same materials and manufacturing processes as the signal terminals, eliminating the need for separate expensive metal shield components. The ground terminals are integrated into the connector structure using cost-effective materials and fabrication methods.
3Ease of manufacture
If ground terminals are made identical in shape and dimension to signal terminals, then manufacturing is simplified, but impedance matching becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent configures ground terminals with specific dimensional characteristics (width greater than signal terminals) optimized for their shielding function. This local differentiation in terminal dimensions provides the necessary impedance control and crosstalk reduction while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing processes for the majority of terminal features.
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 design effectively minimizes crosstalk and maintains impedance within acceptable ranges, supporting high-speed data transmission with reduced connector size and cost, while ensuring signal integrity and efficient data transfer.
Implementation Method 1
the electrical fields of signal terminals overlap each other and induce noise in surrounding terminals
Implementation Method 2
The shields may also increase the capacitive coupling of the signal terminals to ground and thereby lower the impedance of the connector system
Data Source
AI summary
A high speed connector with reduced crosstalk utilizes individual connector support frames that are assembled together to form a block of connector units. Each such unit supports a column of conductive terminals in two spaced-apart columns. The columns have differential signal terminal pairs separated from each other by larger intervening ground shields that serve as ground terminals. The ground shields are arranged in alternating fashion within the pair of columns and they are closely spaced together so as to define within the pair of columns, a serpentine pattern of ground shields that cooperate to act as a single “pseudo” shield within each pair of columns.