Socket Connector With Paddle Card Cable Assembly
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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, especially in surface mount technology where component density is high and electrical paths are defined through the host circuit board.
Innovation Solution
A socket connector assembly is introduced, comprising a socket connector mounted proximate to an electronic package on a host circuit board with a cable assembly that includes a paddle card with offset cable termination pads, allowing for shorter circuit traces and improved electrical connectivity through deflectable spring beams and a low-profile design that minimizes space usage and signal degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If circuit traces are routed through the host circuit board to connect electronic package and electrical components, then electrical connection is established, but board space is occupied and signal degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the electrical connection path into two segments: (1) short traces on the host circuit board connecting to a socket connector, and (2) cable assembly with paddle card providing the remaining connection. This segmentation eliminates the need for long traces through the board, reducing both space occupation and signal degradation while maintaining electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a planar two-dimensional routing approach to a three-dimensional vertical stacking approach. The socket connector and cable assembly are positioned vertically above the circuit board, allowing electrical connections without occupying additional board space, thus resolving the contradiction between connectivity and space utilization.
2Reliability
If circuit traces are made shorter to improve electrical performance, then signal degradation is reduced, but component density and space utilization may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the connection architecture into the third dimension with vertical stacking of the socket connector and cable assembly, the invention achieves short trace lengths for improved signal output without compromising board space or component density. The vertical arrangement allows high-density component placement on the board while maintaining optimal electrical connection lengths.
3Area of stationary object
If surface mount technology is used to increase component density, then space on host circuit board is saved, but electrical performance is reduced due to long circuit traces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the electrical connection function between the host circuit board (handling high-density component mounting with short traces) and the cable assembly (providing the remaining connection path). This allows surface mount technology to achieve its space-saving benefits while the socket connector interface maintains optimal electrical performance by eliminating long trace requirements.
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 enhances electrical performance by reducing signal degradation and optimizing space usage, enabling efficient high-speed data transmission while maintaining a compact design that allows for airflow and easy heat dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
Each upper socket contact includes a deflectable spring beam extending from the base to a separable mating interface
Data Source
AI summary
A socket connector assembly includes a socket connector and a cable assembly coupled to the socket connector. The socket connector includes a socket frame having a socket opening and a socket substrate received in the socket opening. The socket substrate includes lower socket conductors electrically connected to a host circuit board and upper socket contacts having deflectable spring beams. The cable assembly includes an outer housing and a paddle card received in a pocket having paddle card contacts at a mating end on a lower surface interfacing with the upper socket contacts. The cable assembly includes cables terminated to the paddle card communicatively coupled to corresponding paddle card contacts. The side walls of the outer housing engage an outer surface of the socket frame to locate the paddle card relative to the socket substrate.