Shielded Backplane Connectors for 112 Gbps Crosstalk Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backplane connectors face significant challenges in minimizing electrical crosstalk for high-speed differential data signals, which affects the reliability of data transmission at rates above 112 Gbps.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an orthogonally positioned connector system with U-shaped shields forming an electromagnetic shielded terminal enclosure, where each shield has opposing sidewalls with protrusions that form an electrical ground path, and a support structure with multiple grounding wings to create a redundant grounding structure, reducing crosstalk by offsetting wafers and providing multiple electrical ground paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If existing backplane connectors are used for high-speed data transmission, then data transmission capability is achieved, but electrical crosstalk between adjacent differential signal pairs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into multiple independent shielded enclosures, each enclosing individual differential signal pairs. The shields are divided into first shields on one circuit board and second shields on the orthogonal circuit board, creating discrete isolation zones for each signal pair to prevent crosstalk while maintaining high-speed transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
Grounding wings serve as intermediary elements between the first shields and second shields, providing an electrical ground path that mediates the electromagnetic field between adjacent signal pairs. These grounding wings act as a buffer that absorbs and redirects electromagnetic energy, preventing it from coupling into neighboring signal pairs
2Reliability
If shielding structures are added to reduce crosstalk, then signal integrity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield structure merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the first shields and second shields combine to form complete enclosures, while the grounding wings simultaneously provide both shielding and grounding functions. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining signal integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The shields serve multiple functions: they provide electromagnetic shielding, structural support for the connector, and pathways for grounding. The grounding wings similarly provide both grounding and mechanical alignment functions, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability
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 effectively shields high-speed differential data signals from deleterious electromagnetic signals, reducing crosstalk and ensuring reliable high-speed data transmission by establishing a robust electrical ground path and maintaining signal integrity.
Implementation Method 1
each first shield configured as a first part of an electromagnetic shielded terminal enclosure to protect high-speed differential data signals from deleterious electromagnetic signals
Implementation Method 2
each opposing sidewall may comprise at least one first protrusion. Further, each first protrusion may be configured to slidably contact one or more second protrusions from one of the one or more second U-shaped shields to form the electromagnetic shielded terminal enclosure and to form an electrical ground path
Data Source
AI summary
Backplane connector systems include electromagnetic shielding terminal enclosures to protect high-speed, differential data signals from deleterious electromagnetic signals. Such terminal enclosures include connected, U-shaped shields that include protrusions that slidably contact one another to form a plurality of electrical ground paths. The plurality of paths direct such deleterious signals away from the high-speed, differential data signals.