Shielded Signal Connector Cavity for Crosstalk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current signal connectors in communications systems face issues with signal crosstalk and poor signal integrity due to inadequate shielding structures, which are exacerbated by the need for increased ground pins to signal pins ratio, leading to complex assembly and potential coupling at the edges of shielding pieces.
Innovation Solution
A signal connector design featuring C-shaped, U-shaped, or L-shaped shielding pieces on both the backplane and subcard connection parts that form shielding cavities around signal terminal pairs, with protrusions for increased signal return paths and reduced crosstalk, and optional springs for enhanced contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate ground shielding module is designed to provide good return current and reduce insertion loss resonance, then signal integrity is improved, but the connector size doubles and assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ground shielding module with the signal transmission module into a single integrated connector structure. The ground shielding piece is disposed at the periphery of the signal transmission piece, forming an integrated unit that provides both signal transmission and shielding functions without requiring separate assembly of distinct modules, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining signal integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into functional regions within a single structure: the signal transmission piece contains signal terminals and the ground shielding piece provides shielding at the periphery. This segmentation allows different functions to be distributed within one integrated component rather than requiring multiple separate modules
2Reliability
If a separate ground shielding module is designed to provide good return current, then signal return path is improved, but the connector size doubles
Solution Approach 1:
The ground shielding module is merged with the signal transmission module in a compact integrated structure. The ground shielding piece is positioned at the periphery of the signal transmission piece, allowing both functions to coexist within the same footprint area rather than requiring separate space for each module
3Ease of manufacture
If only a metal shielding piece is used for shielding, then manufacturing is simple, but shielding effect is insufficient and signal crosstalk occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding structure uses composite material construction with a metal shielding piece combined with a plastic housing. The metal shielding piece provides electromagnetic shielding while the plastic housing provides structural support and insulation, creating a composite shielding system that enhances shielding effect while remaining manufacturable
Solution Approach 2:
The ground shielding piece is positioned specifically at the periphery of the signal transmission piece where shielding is most needed. This localized shielding approach provides effective shielding against external interference and reduces signal crosstalk between adjacent connectors without requiring complete enclosure
4Reliability
If the ground shielding module is designed as a separate piece, then return current is improved, but coupling occurs at the edge field outside the shielding piece edge
Solution Approach 1:
The ground shielding piece is merged with the signal transmission piece in an integrated structure where the shielding piece extends to the periphery. This integration ensures continuous shielding coverage at the edges where coupling problems occur, eliminating gaps that would allow edge field coupling between adjacent connectors
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 reduces signal crosstalk and improves signal integrity by creating a robust shielding structure that simplifies assembly and enhances signal return paths, thereby improving overall signal transmission quality.
Implementation Method 1
the first shielding piece and the second shielding piece form a shielding cavity when the subcard connection unit cooperates with the backplane connection part, to wrap the first signal terminal pair and the second signal terminal pair, so as to shield signals transmitted on the first signal terminal pair and the second signal terminal pair
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5(a)
AI summary
This application discloses a signal connector, and relates to the field of data transmission. The signal connector includes a backplane connection part and a subcard connection unit. A first signal terminal pair and a first shielding piece are disposed on the backplane connection part. A second signal terminal pair and a second shielding piece are disposed on the subcard connection unit. When the backplane connection part and the subcard connection unit cooperate with each other, the first signal terminal pair is combined with the second signal terminal pair in a one-to-one manner. The first shielding piece and the second shielding piece can form a shielding cavity in which the first signal terminal pair and the second signal terminal pair are wrapped. According to the signal connector provided in this application, a better shielding structure can be formed between transmitted signals, signal crosstalk can be reduced, and signal integrity can be improved.