Shield Coupling with Multiple Current Paths for Crosstalk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-speed, high-density electrical connector designs face challenges in minimizing crosstalk, maximizing conductive metal content around the contact region, and reducing manufacturing costs, as they often rely on single current paths and materials that do not effectively utilize the shield plate or provide sufficient stiffness.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates multiple current paths between shields, including fingers and channels with connecting arms that provide additional current paths from contacts to fingers, and wafers with shield couplings and signal conductors adjacent to each other, maximizing the use of the shield plate for improved electromagnetic coupling and reduced crosstalk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single current path is used to connect the shield plate, then the manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the electromagnetic coupling effectiveness and crosstalk reduction are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The shield coupling structure is segmented into multiple connecting arms (first connecting arm and second connecting arm) that extend from the contact to different portions of the first finger. This segmentation creates multiple current paths between the shield plate and the contact, improving electromagnetic coupling effectiveness while distributing the structural complexity across separate, manageable components
Solution Approach 2:
The shield coupling transitions from a single-dimensional connection to a multi-dimensional structure by adding multiple connecting arms that extend in different directions and connect to different portions of the first finger. This dimensional expansion creates multiple current paths and enhances the shield's effectiveness without requiring a complete redesign of the entire connector assembly
2Reliability
If the shield plate is not fully utilized, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the crosstalk reduction effectiveness is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The shield plate is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the primary shielding surface, acts as a ground reference, and through the multiple connecting arms, creates multiple current paths for electromagnetic coupling. This multi-functionality maximizes the utilization of the shield plate without requiring additional separate components, thereby improving crosstalk reduction while maintaining manufacturing efficiency
3Object-affected harmful factors
If signal paths are spaced farther apart and nearer to the shield plate, then crosstalk is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple connecting arms act as intermediaries between the contact and the shield plate, creating additional current paths that enhance electromagnetic coupling. This intermediary structure allows signal paths to maintain their positioning while the shield coupling compensates for any variations, thereby reducing crosstalk without imposing stringent manufacturing precision requirements on the signal path positioning
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 enhances electromagnetic coupling, reduces crosstalk, and lowers manufacturing costs by utilizing the shield plate more effectively, providing robust and efficient high-speed data transmission between circuit boards.
Implementation Method 1
maximizing the use of the shield plate for improved electromagnetic coupling and reduced crosstalk
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector provides shielded signal pathways. The electrical connector includes a shield plate, a first finger that extends from an edge of the shield plate, and a second finger that extends from the edged of the shield and that is adjacent to the first finger. A channel is formed between the first finger and the second finger. A coupling is placed within the channel adjacent the first finger. The coupling includes a contact, a first connecting arm extending from a first end of the contact to a first portion of the first finger, and a second connecting arm extending from a second end of the contact to a second portion of the first finger. The first connecting arm and the second connecting arm provide at least two current paths from the contact to the first finger.