Slide Connector With Conductive Liner For EMI Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Control systems, particularly those involving programmable logic controllers (PLCs), face challenges in reliably coupling circuit boards and reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI) in noisy electrical environments, which can corrupt data and affect system performance.
Innovation Solution
A slide connector is designed to electrically couple circuit boards with a conductive liner that provides shielding, creating a low impedance ground connection and reducing EMI by encompassing electrical conductors on three sides, while using pins for improved current flow and surface mount technology for manufacturing ease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional circuit board coupling methods are used, then electrical connection is achieved, but electromagnetic interference can corrupt data and affect system performance
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is nested within a conductive shield that encompasses it on three sides, creating a protective enclosure. The shield contains the connector and provides electromagnetic interference protection, similar to how nested dolls provide protective layers while maintaining access to inner components.
Solution Approach 2:
A conductive liner acts as an intermediary between the connector and the external environment, providing a low impedance ground connection that mediates electromagnetic interference before it can affect the electrical signals. The liner serves as a protective barrier that maintains electrical connection while blocking harmful electromagnetic fields.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If comprehensive electromagnetic shielding is implemented, then EMI protection is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing 360-degree shielding, the conductive shield is applied locally to only three sides of the connector. This localized approach provides sufficient EMI protection for the critical areas while avoiding the complexity and cost of complete encapsulation. The shielding is applied where electromagnetic interference would have the greatest impact on signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial shielding covering three sides of the connector rather than complete shielding. This partial action provides adequate EMI protection for the critical electrical connection areas while maintaining manufacturing simplicity and cost-effectiveness. The three-sided coverage exceeds the minimum necessary protection while avoiding excessive complexity.
3Reliability
If complex connector designs are used to improve electrical connection, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing ease deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector integrates multiple functions into a single component: electrical connection pins, conductive liner for EMI shielding, and mechanical coupling features are merged into one unified structure. This consolidation improves connection reliability through integrated design while simplifying manufacturing by reducing the number of separate components that need to be assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides electrical connection, electromagnetic shielding, and mechanical coupling. The single component performs multiple functions that would traditionally require separate elements, improving reliability through integrated design while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
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 provides a robust, low-cost interconnecting system with improved electrical noise immunity and RF emissions reduction, effectively shielding against electromagnetic interference and enhancing electrostatic discharge immunity.
Implementation Method 1
A slide connector is designed to electrically couple circuit boards with a conductive liner that provides shielding, creating a low impedance ground connection and reducing EMI by encompassing electrical conductors on three sides
Data Source
AI summary
Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a slide connector that can be adapted to electrically couple a first circuit board to a second circuit board. The first circuit board can comprise a first receptacle. The second circuit board can comprise a second receptacle. The slide connector can be adapted to be slideably releaseably coupled to each of the first receptacle and the second receptacle.