Shielded Electrical Connector Terminals Reduce Crosstalk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional right angle connectors face challenges with increasing signal speeds and densities, leading to signal noise and undesired signal propagation modes due to crosstalk between terminals and adjacent modules.
Innovation Solution
The use of a lead frame with terminals surrounded by a dielectric core, which is further shielded by an electrically conductive shell, helps minimize crosstalk and signal propagation issues by providing electrical shielding and controlling impedance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If signal speed and density are increased to meet digital multi-media demands, then data throughput is improved, but crosstalk between terminals increases
Solution Approach 1:
A dielectric material is introduced as an intermediary substance between adjacent terminals within the lead frame. This dielectric material acts as a mediator that electrically isolates the terminals, reducing capacitive coupling and crosstalk while allowing the terminals to maintain their high-speed signal transmission capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
A thin dielectric film or coating is applied between adjacent terminals on the lead frame. This thin film provides electrical insulation and reduces crosstalk while maintaining the compact geometry required for high-density configurations. The dielectric film can be applied as a coating or layered structure between terminal elements.
2Productivity
If signal density is increased within the connector, then data throughput is improved, but undesired signal propagation modes are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric material serves as a mediator that controls the electromagnetic field distribution between adjacent terminals. By providing controlled impedance and electrical isolation, the dielectric material prevents the formation of unwanted signal propagation modes such as differential mode conversion and common mode noise that can occur in high-density configurations.
3Area of stationary object
If terminals are placed closer together to increase density, then connector compactness is improved, but crosstalk between terminals increases
Solution Approach 1:
A thin dielectric film is applied between closely spaced terminals, providing electrical insulation in a space-efficient manner. This thin film allows the terminals to be placed closer together while maintaining adequate electrical isolation, enabling compact connector designs without sacrificing signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lead frame structure utilizes composite construction with dielectric materials integrated between conductive terminal elements. This composite approach allows for optimized electrical properties and physical dimensions, enabling compact terminal spacing while maintaining low crosstalk through the dielectric properties of the integrated 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 configuration reduces crosstalk and minimizes undesired signal propagation modes, enhancing the performance of connectors in high-speed, high-density digital communication applications.
Implementation Method 1
The dielectric core is metallized such that the core is at least partially surrounded by an electrically conductive shell
Implementation Method 2
Each terminal is at least partially surrounded by a separate dielectric core extending a length along at least a portion of the length of the corresponding terminal
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes a housing and a lead frame held by the housing. The lead frame includes a terminal extending along a length between a mating end portion and a mounting end portion. The terminal is at least partially surrounded by a dielectric core extending a length along at least a portion of the length of the terminal. The dielectric core is metallized such that the core is at least partially surrounded by an electrically conductive shell.