Socket Connector Spring Beam Compression for Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication systems face challenges in maintaining good electrical performance due to long circuit traces, which occupy board space and reduce signal output.
Innovation Solution
A socket connector assembly is designed with a socket connector and cable assembly that includes deflectable spring beams and a spring plate, allowing for a low-profile, separable mating interface that compresses the spring beams to reduce trace length and enhance electrical connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional circuit traces are used to connect electronic packages to electrical components, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the circuit traces occupy board space and reduce signal output quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar circuit traces on the board surface to three-dimensional vertical connections through socket contacts and spring beams. The electrical connection is achieved by pressing paddle card contacts into socket contacts vertically, eliminating the need for long horizontal circuit traces and thereby saving board space while maintaining electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the electrical connection function from the circuit board's internal traces and relocates it to external socket contacts and paddle card contacts. This separation allows the circuit board to eliminate long trace routing, reducing board space occupation and improving signal quality by removing trace-induced signal degradation.
2Reliability
If long circuit traces are used to maintain connectivity, then electrical paths are established, but signal output and electrical performance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces long horizontal circuit traces with short vertical connections through socket contacts and spring beams. The electrical path is redirected from the board plane into the vertical dimension, dramatically reducing trace length and eliminating signal degradation associated with long trace routing.
3Area of stationary object
If surface mount technology is used to increase component density, then space on the host circuit board is saved, but separable connections require additional socket contacts and mounting structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mounting function and electrical connection function into a single integrated socket contact structure. The spring beam serves both as the mechanical mounting element that secures the paddle card to the board and as the electrical conductor that transfers signals, thereby reducing the need for separate mounting hardware and simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket contact structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, enables separable connections, ensures electrical connectivity, and applies pre-load force through the spring beam. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, offsetting the added complexity of surface mount technology.
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 improves electrical performance by minimizing circuit trace length, allowing for higher component density and efficient signal transmission while maintaining a low profile on the host circuit board.
Implementation Method 1
The outer housing engages the pre-load latch to hold the cable assembly in a first position on the socket connector by a first holding force sufficient to pre-load the paddle card against the deflectable spring beams of the upper socket contacts
Implementation Method 2
The spring plate is configured to be secured to the host circuit board to press the cable assembly downward toward the host circuit board to compress the deflectable spring beams of the upper socket contacts
Data Source
AI summary
A socket connector assembly for a communication system includes a socket connector having a socket housing holding socket contacts having deflectable spring beams. The socket connector assembly includes a cable assembly coupled to the socket connector having an outer housing holding a paddle card with paddle card contacts interfacing with the separable mating interfaces of the socket contacts. The cable assembly includes cables terminated to the paddle card coupled to corresponding paddle card contacts. The socket connector assembly includes a spring plate coupled to the outer housing secured to the host circuit board to press the cable assembly downward toward the host circuit board to compress the deflectable spring beams of the socket contacts.