Shielded Single-Twisted-Pair Connector for Low-Crosstalk Links
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for single twisted pairs of conductors lack a compact and efficient design suitable for data and power transmission in communications networks, particularly for IoT devices, as they often require a different configuration than standard Ethernet connectors.
Innovation Solution
A family of connectors, including free and fixed connectors, and an adapter, designed to accommodate a single twisted pair of conductors, featuring a metal frame with shielding and specific electrical contacts to minimize crosstalk and support various patch cord configurations, while adopting an LC fiber optic style with adjustable footprints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard Ethernet connectors with four pairs of conductors are used, then differential signaling with noise immunity is achieved, but device complexity and connector size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential functionality needed for the application - a single twisted pair of conductors - from the complete four-pair Ethernet connector configuration. This extraction maintains the noise immunity benefits of differential signaling while eliminating the complexity of accommodating and managing four pairs, resulting in a simplified connector design that includes only two contacts and a single twisted pair cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional zones: a single twisted pair cavity for the conductors, two dedicated contacts for differential signaling, and a grounding structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining the reliability benefits of differential signaling where needed.
2Device complexity
If a connector design different from standard Ethernet connectors is created for single twisted pair, then compactness and simplicity are improved, but adaptability to existing infrastructure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates universal features that enable multi-functionality: the grounding structure can interface with various shielding configurations, the single twisted pair cavity can accommodate different cable types (shielded or unshielded), and the compact form factor can be adapted to different mounting configurations. This universality allows the simplified connector to work across different infrastructure configurations while maintaining its compact design.
3Reliability
If shielding is added to reduce crosstalk and improve noise immunity, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding structure is merged with the connector body as an integrated component rather than a separate attachment. This merging provides effective shielding and crosstalk reduction while simplifying manufacturing, as the grounding features are formed during the same molding or fabrication process as the main connector body, eliminating additional assembly steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for exactly two conductors that includes a forward connector body, a rear connector body, a metal frame and exactly one pair of electrical contacts. The rear connector body interfaces with the forward connector body. The metal frame surrounds at least a portion of both the forward connector body and the rear connector body. The metal frame including a shielding interface, wherein the metal frame is secured to the forward connector body with at least two retaining features. The exactly one pair of electrical contacts comprises a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact that extend from the rear connector body into the forward connector body.