Single-Piece Backplane Connector for High-Speed Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-speed backplane connectors suffer from signal integrity issues due to mechanical and electrical fittings at the insertion point of male and female connectors, which affect signal path and impedance, and are not suitable for harsh environments like space-flight applications.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece connector design with a protective sliding cover and staggered body assembly that eliminates the insertion point, featuring twist-pin contacts and slide-fit termination technology, ensuring superior signal integrity and compatibility with ESCC specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional male-to-female connector configurations are used, then connector functionality is achieved, but signal integrity deteriorates due to insertion point fittings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the traditional male and female connector elements into a single integrated connector body. The connector includes a housing with a first set of signal contacts and a second set of signal contacts integrated within the same structure, eliminating the need for separate male and female connectors. This integration removes the insertion point interface between two separate connectors, thereby maintaining signal integrity while achieving the required connector functionality.
2Ease of operation
If multiple insertion and removal cycles are performed, then connector usability is improved, but plated holes become damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical insertion system that requires forceful mating of male and female connectors with a slide-fit mechanism. The connector elements slide into place within the housing without requiring traditional insertion forces, eliminating the mechanical stress that damages plated holes during repeated insertion and removal cycles. This allows for improved ease of operation while maintaining plated hole integrity.
3Strength
If traditional connector fittings are used, then connection is achieved, but mechanical stress on contacts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the connector system by implementing a slide-fit mechanism where connector elements slide into recesses within the housing rather than requiring traditional forced insertion. This parameter change in the insertion mechanism reduces the mechanical stress applied to the signal contacts during connection, while still achieving secure electrical and mechanical connection strength.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~3A
AI summary
This invention describes an improved backplane connector operating at speeds over 25 Gbps including a single-piece configuration that eliminates the insertion point present in 2-gender connectors. As a result, the signal path matches more closely the same path geometry that is found on the daughterboard and on the backplane permitting superior signal integrity and lower losses through the signal transmission line from source to destination. The single-piece backplane connector comprises a protective cover slidably attached over a staggered body assembly. The protective cover comprises a plurality of contact orifices to permit the path through of a corresponding plurality of pin contacts located in a front portion of the staggered body assembly, and at least two guide orifices to permit the path through of at least two corresponding guide pins located in the front portion of the staggered body assembly. The staggered body assembly comprises a plurality of alternating PCB layers and dielectric spacers, wherein the PCB layers include a plurality of traces, wherein each trace electrically connects each of the pin contacts on the front end with a corresponding pin contact on the bottom mating with the corresponding plurality of plated through holes in the daughterboard PCB. Finally, the protective cover further comprises a return spring mechanism to slide from an unpressed position to a pressed position, and the protective cover slides towards the staggered body assembly to permit the pin contacts to protrude through the orifices and to mate with the corresponding plurality of plated through holes in the backplane PCB.