Shielded Connector EMI Reduction via Nested Cage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shielded connectors face challenges in controlling electromagnetic interference (EMI) as signaling frequencies increase, leading to increased power requirements and sensitivity to external noise, with terminals acting as radiators emitting EMI.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a cage with a vertical wall and u-brace configuration that includes a center plug for improved electrical isolation, reducing EMI emission and external noise interference by creating a continuous enclosure and using folded sections to form a shield between ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If shielded connectors are used to control EMI, then electromagnetic interference protection is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional shielding structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the center plug inside the cage structure, with the center plug's sidewall nested within the cage's interior. The folded sections of the cage are nested around the center plug, creating concentric shielding layers that provide EMI protection while maintaining a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage is segmented into multiple functional sections: the main cage body, folded sections extending from the cage, and the center plug as a separate component. This segmentation allows each part to contribute specifically to EMI shielding - the cage provides outer shielding, the folded sections provide intermediate shielding, and the center plug provides inner shielding.
2Productivity
If higher signaling frequencies are used to increase data rate, then productivity is improved, but sensitivity to external noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shielded connector structure provides preliminary anti-action by establishing EMI shielding before high-frequency signals are transmitted. The cage, folded sections, and center plug create a pre-configured electromagnetic barrier that prevents external noise from coupling into the signal paths, thereby enabling reliable high-speed data transmission.
3Reliability
If terminals are designed to provide good electrical connection, then electrical conductivity is improved, but terminals act as radiators emitting EMI
Solution Approach 1:
The center plug acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the internal signal terminals. Its conductive sidewall provides a shielding barrier that intercepts electromagnetic fields before they can reach the signal terminals, thereby preventing the terminals from acting as radiators while maintaining their electrical connection functionality.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If additional shielding structures are added to reduce EMI, then EMI performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple shielding functions into a single integrated cage structure. The cage body, folded sections, and center plug are designed as coordinated components that work together as one shielding system, reducing the need for separate shielding elements and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining effective EMI protection.
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 shields against external signals and noise, minimizing EMI emission while maintaining good electrical connection, and can be implemented with minimal changes to existing cage designs, enhancing EMI performance.
Implementation Method 1
A connector includes a cage that extends around two three sides and a top... The design effectively shields against external signals and noise
Implementation Method 2
A center plug can be positioned between the two folded sections so as to provide good electrical isolation
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a multi-port shield configured to reduce EMI. A housing is positioned inside the shield and includes one or more projections extending from a first face, the projections aligned with each port. A vertical wall is provided on the first face of the housing. Apertures in the vertical wall are aligned with the projections. The vertical wall helps reduce the amount of EMI generated by the connector.