Shielded EHF Connector Assemblies Signal Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed electronic systems face interference due to unwanted electromagnetic signal emissions from connector and backplane architectures, which can disrupt communication between integrated circuits and devices, especially in wireless communication links.
Innovation Solution
The development of shielded Extremely High Frequency (EHF) connector assemblies that include EHF communication units and signal controllers, which detect the presence of an EHF shield and align to form a continuous shield, reducing signal leakage by using materials like metal, plastic, and dispersive materials to inhibit electromagnetic emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If connector and backplane architectures are used for high-speed communication, then data transfer capability is improved, but electromagnetic signal emissions increase causing interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dispersive materials that convert harmful electromagnetic emissions into beneficial effects by scattering and redirecting the energy. The materials transform the problematic EM signals into controlled electromagnetic fields that maintain data transfer while reducing interference, effectively converting the harmful radiation into a useful shielding mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assemblies use composite materials combining metal, plastic, and dispersive materials to create a multi-functional structure. This composite approach allows the connector to maintain mechanical strength and electrical conductivity while simultaneously providing electromagnetic shielding, thus resolving the contradiction between high-speed data transfer and EM emission control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication links are used between circuits, then flexibility is improved, but electromagnetic emissions occur before and during interconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The shield detection circuitry performs preliminary detection to determine whether an EHF shield is present before enabling wireless communication. This preliminary action prevents electromagnetic emissions by ensuring the shield is in place before the communication units become active, thus maintaining flexibility while avoiding premature EM radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the shield detection circuitry to control the operation of EHF communication units. The controller receives detection signals and adjusts communication activity accordingly, enabling wireless communication only when shielding is confirmed, thus maintaining adaptability while preventing harmful emissions.
3Speed
If EHF communication units are activated for high-bandwidth communication, then data transfer speed is improved, but signal leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly acts as an intermediary structure between EHF communication units, providing physical and electromagnetic shielding. The metal and dispersive materials in the connector serve as a mediator that contains the high-speed signals, allowing fast data transfer while preventing signal leakage through the shielding structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electromagnetic parameters of the connector materials to optimize shielding effectiveness at EHF frequencies. By selecting materials with specific electrical and magnetic properties, the system maintains high data transfer speeds while altering the EM field distribution to minimize leakage.
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 solution effectively minimizes electromagnetic interference, ensuring secure and stable high-bandwidth communication by forming a continuous shield that complies with emission limits, allowing for reliable data transfer without exceeding regulatory emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a first EHF communication unit operative to contactlessly communicate EHF signals with a respective first EHF communication unit included in the second EHF shielded connector assembly
Implementation Method 2
several different material compositions that, in conjunction with the configuration of the connector, provides shielding to reduce EHF signal leakage
Implementation Method 3
several different material compositions that, in conjunction with the configuration of the connector, provides shielding to reduce EHF signal leakage
Data Source
AI summary
Shielded extremely high frequency (EHF) connector assemblies are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a first extremely high frequency (EHF) shielded connector assembly configured to be coupled with a second EHF shielded connector assembly. The first EHF connector assembly can include a first EHF communication unit operative to contactlessly communicate EHF signals with a second EHF communication unit included in the second EHF shielded connector assembly. The first connector can include a connector interface that includes a configuration to interface with a respective connector interface of the second EHF shield connector assembly, and several different material compositions that, in conjunction with the configuration, provide shielding to prevent or substantially reduce EHF signal leakage when the first EHF assembly connector is coupled to the second EHF assembly connector and the first EHF communication unit is contactlessly communicating EHF signals with the second EHF communication unit.