Single-Twisted-Pair Connector Shielding for Compact Ethernet Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Ethernet connectors are designed for four twisted pairs of conductors, limiting the potential for compact connectors and cables that can effectively transmit data and/or power using a single twisted pair.
Innovation Solution
Development of a family of connectors, including free and fixed connectors, adapted for a single twisted pair of conductors, with features such as tuning fork receptacle contacts and insulation displacement contacts to ensure secure and noise-resistant connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Ethernet connectors are designed for four twisted pairs of conductors, then noise resistance and signal stability are improved, but connector size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary single twisted pair of conductors from the traditional four-pair Ethernet configuration, removing unnecessary components while maintaining noise resistance through the preserved twisted pair structure and associated shielding elements
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into essential components only: a single twisted pair of conductors, individual contact elements for each conductor, and selective shielding elements, eliminating the complexity of accommodating all four pairs while preserving the noise-resistant twisted pair topology
2Reliability
If Ethernet connectors are designed for four twisted pairs of conductors, then signal stability is improved, but cable and connector compactness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential single twisted pair configuration, removing three unnecessary pairs of conductors and their associated contacts and shielding, thereby dramatically reducing connector and cable volume while maintaining signal stability through the preserved twisted pair geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The connector structure is segmented to include only the minimal necessary elements: one twisted pair of conductors, two contact elements, and selective shielding, enabling compact form factors while maintaining the signal stability provided by the twisted pair configuration
3Volume of moving object
If a single twisted pair of conductors is used, then connector compactness is improved, but noise resistance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary shielding elements (such as individual contact shields or selective pair shields) that mediate between the compact single-pair configuration and noise resistance requirements, providing localized electromagnetic interference protection without requiring full four-pair shielding complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding and noise protection features are applied locally only where necessary for the single twisted pair configuration, rather than uniformly across all four pairs, optimizing noise resistance for the specific compact configuration while minimizing additional volume
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a connector. The connector is suited to connectorizing exactly two conductors. The connector includes a forward connector body, a rear connector body, a metal frame and exactly two electrical contacts. The rear connector body interfaces with the forward connector body. Further, the metal frame, which includes a shielding interface, surrounds at least a portion of both the forward and rear connector bodies. The electrical contacts extend from the rear connector body into the forward connector body. A first of the electrical contacts is electrically coupled to a first conductor of a shielded cable and the second of the electrical contacts is electrically coupled to a second conductor of the shielded cable. The shield interface of the metal frame is electrically coupled to the shield of the shielded cable.