Shielded Coupler Isolating Differential Pairs for Crosstalk Reduction

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connectors, such as RJ-45 jacks, suffer from signal degradation due to crosstalk issues as frequency increases, necessitating improved interconnection solutions for preserving signal integrity across different types of network devices.

Innovation Solution

A coupler assembly with a contact sub-assembly and shielding members that isolate differential pairs of contacts, allowing for secure mating with both quad-type and standard RJ-45 connectors, thereby reducing crosstalk and enhancing signal integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If standard RJ-45 connectors are used for interconnection, then compatibility with existing network devices is maintained, but signal degradation and crosstalk increase at higher frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidsignal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into separate contact modules, each handling a differential pair independently. This segmentation allows each module to be shielded individually, reducing crosstalk between pairs while maintaining standard RJ-45 compatibility for interconnection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A coupler assembly acts as an intermediary device between standard RJ-45 connectors and shielded contact modules. The coupler provides the necessary shielding and isolation while maintaining compatibility with existing network infrastructure, resolving the conflict between compatibility and signal integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If shielding members are added to isolate differential pairs, then crosstalk is reduced and signal integrity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal integrityVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into separate contact modules, each handling a differential pair independently. This segmentation allows each module to be shielded individually, reducing crosstalk between pairs while maintaining standard RJ-45 compatibility for interconnection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The contact modules are nested within the coupler body, with each module containing its own differential pairs and being surrounded by shielding members. This nested structure provides effective isolation while keeping the overall connector compact and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If contact modules are used to hold differential pairs, then isolation between pairs is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrosstalk reductionVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into separate contact modules, each handling a differential pair independently. This segmentation allows each module to be shielded individually, reducing crosstalk between pairs while maintaining standard RJ-45 compatibility for interconnection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The contact modules are designed as universal components that can be used across different connector configurations. Each module serves multiple functions: holding differential pairs, providing isolation, and enabling standardized assembly, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the enhanced isolation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20090203264A1Coupler for interconnecting electrical connectors

Publication Date: 2009.08.13 BISON PATENT LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A coupler includes a coupler body having a first mating end defining a first mating interface configured for mating with a first mating connector and a second mating end defining a second mating interface configured for mating with a second mating connector. A contact sub-assembly is received within the coupler body, wherein the contact sub-assembly has first contacts grouped in differential pairs and presented at the first mating end and second contacts grouped in differential pairs and presented at the second mating end. At least one shielding member is located within the coupler body, wherein the at least one shielding member isolates each differential pair of first contacts from an adjacent differential pair of the first contacts.