Single Pair Ethernet Connector With Universal Contact Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RJ45 connectors do not support Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) cables, which are needed for emerging applications in IoT, industrial, and automotive sectors that require cost-effective, compact, and efficient data and power connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A connector system that supports various cable gauges and speeds, including 18 AWG to 26 AWG, with a reduced frontal area for increased cable density, featuring a common interface for both shielded and unshielded cables, and includes a latch or pull cord mechanism for secure attachment to a printed circuit board, enabling efficient data transmission and power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional RJ45 connectors are used, then data transmission over 4-pair cables is supported, but SPE cable compatibility is lost and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate both traditional 4-pair Ethernet cables and Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) cables. The receptacle features a common opening and contact structure that works with different cable types, allowing one connector design to serve multiple functions and cable standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential contact elements needed for SPE functionality from the traditional RJ45 connector structure. By removing unnecessary components and retaining only the critical contact points, the connector achieves SPE compatibility while reducing overall size and complexity.
2Productivity
If 4-pair cabling is used, then high bandwidth data transmission is achieved, but cost and device compactness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design allows for parameter changes in cable gauge support, accommodating both thinner SPE cables (e.g., 26 AWG) and traditional 4-pair cables. This flexibility enables manufacturers to optimize for cost-effectiveness by using SPE where high bandwidth is not critical, while maintaining the ability to support higher bandwidth applications when needed.
3Area of stationary object
If connector size is reduced for high density, then cable density increases, but support for different cable gauges becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connector achieves compactness in the frontal area dimension while maintaining cable gauge versatility through design features in other dimensions. The receptacle depth, contact arrangement, and cable entry angle are optimized to accommodate different cable gauges without increasing the footprint, effectively using additional spatial dimensions to resolve the contradiction.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a connector plug for attachment to a single pair Ethernet cable comprising a pair of conductors, and configured for being received in a connector receptacle. The connector plug includes a first end for receiving the single pair Ethernet cable and a second end having a pair of contacts, each of the contacts comprising a receptacle contact interface, a conductor interface, and an extension to provide an increased width between conductor gripping prongs at the conductor interface while maintaining a consistent spacing between the pair of contacts at the receptacle contact interface with connector plugs configured to mate with different gauge cables. The connector plug comprises a latch for secure attachment to the receptacle and a pull cord connected to the latch and accessible when the connector plug is inserted into the receptacle with other connector plugs for release of the connector plug.