Shielded Communication Jack With Movable Front Sled Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Communication connectors face challenges in addressing signal degradation due to electromagnetic phenomena like near-end crosstalk (NEXT) and alien crosstalk, especially at higher operational frequencies, which are exacerbated in environments with multiple connectors in close proximity, such as data centers, necessitating improved designs for low-cost, robust, and high-speed connections.
Innovation Solution
The design of a communication jack with a housing and a front sled assembly featuring plug interface contacts (PICs) and grounding tabs, along with a shielded configuration that includes a conductive shell and EMI gaskets, to provide stable contact points and reduce electromagnetic interference, while allowing for over-travel and effective latching of plugs, thereby minimizing crosstalk and enhancing shielding effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If operational frequency is increased to achieve high-speed data transfer, then data transfer speed is improved, but signal degradation due to electromagnetic phenomena worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing NEXT cancellation circuitry that proactively generates counter-signals to neutralize near-end crosstalk before it degrades the data signal. The circuitry includes capacitors and resistors configured to create equal and opposite electromagnetic effects that cancel out the harmful crosstalk generated by adjacent wire pairs during high-speed data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful electromagnetic crosstalk into a beneficial effect by using the same electromagnetic principles that generate NEXT to create cancellation signals. The NEXT cancellation circuitry utilizes the crosstalk voltage itself, through capacitive coupling and resistive division, to generate counter-phased signals that actively neutralize the interference, turning the harmful electromagnetic phenomenon into a useful cancellation mechanism.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple connectors are placed in close proximity to increase density, then space utilization is improved, but alien crosstalk between neighboring channels worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful alien crosstalk from neighboring connectors into a beneficial cancellation effect. The AFEXT/ANEXT cancellation circuitry captures the crosstalk voltage from adjacent channels through capacitive coupling, processes it through resistive division and phase inversion, and reinjects it as a counter-signal that actively neutralizes the alien crosstalk, allowing high-density connector arrangements without signal degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary circuitry between the signal paths of adjacent connectors to manage electromagnetic interference. The cancellation circuitry acts as an intermediary that receives crosstalk voltages from neighboring channels, processes them through capacitors and resistors, and generates compensating signals that are injected back into the signal path, mediating the interaction between adjacent connectors and preventing alien crosstalk from degrading signal quality.
3Reliability
If contact points are made more robust to ensure reliable connection, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a movable front sled assembly that can translate along the insertion axis to accommodate variations in plug insertion depth and over-travel. The sled assembly includes spring-loaded contacts that dynamically adjust their position and contact force, ensuring reliable electrical connection between plug and jack contacts regardless of manufacturing tolerances or assembly variations, while the modular sled design keeps manufacturing complexity manageable through standardized components.
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 reduces signal degradation by stabilizing contact points and improving shielding, enhancing the performance of communication connectors in high-frequency environments and reducing alien crosstalk, thus meeting industry standards for NEXT and FEXT cancellation.
Implementation Method 1
a jack shield positioned at least partially over the jack housing, the jack shield having a plurality of grounding tabs
Implementation Method 2
shielded configuration that includes a conductive shell and EMI gaskets, to provide stable contact points and reduce electromagnetic interference
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of telecommunication, and more specifically, to communication connectors such as, for example, shielded plug and jack connectors. In an embodiment, the present invention is a communication jack that includes a housing and a front sled assembly having a plurality of plug interface contacts (PICs), the front sled assembly being moveable along a horizontal plane of the communication jack between a first position and a second position, the first position being different from the second position.