Stacked Paddle-Card Cable Plug for High-Density High-Speed I/O
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Solution Overview
Problem
High speed I/O systems face signal loss and large form factor issues with conventional cables, necessitating a high density cable solution to support high speed I/O bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
A plug structure is developed comprising a paddle card and stacked add-on plugs to form a single plug with dual rows of gold fingers, reducing connector pin length and pitch, thereby enhancing electrical performance and density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional cable structures are used, then signal transmission is achieved, but the form factor is relatively large and wire density is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-row wire arrangement to a dual-row stacked configuration, utilizing the vertical dimension to double wire density within the same horizontal footprint. The paddle card structure supports wires on both sides, effectively adding a second dimension to the connector layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a stacked plug architecture where a first plug and second plug are nested vertically, with the second plug positioned above the first plug. This nesting approach allows multiple wire pairs to be contained within a compact vertical space, reducing the overall form factor while increasing capacity.
2Volume of moving object
If connector pin length is reduced for compactness, then form factor improves, but signal loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
By stacking plugs vertically rather than extending them horizontally, the patent reduces the lateral dimensions while maintaining adequate pin lengths for signal integrity. The vertical stacking allows compact form factor without sacrificing the electrical performance requirements of individual pins.
3Quantity of substance
If high density cable structure is implemented, then wire density increases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into modular components: a paddle card base structure and separate stacked plugs. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the high-density final configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The paddle card structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for wires, establishes electrical connections, and forms the base for stacked plugs. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing while achieving high wire density.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus relating to a high density cable structure and wire termination are described. In one embodiment, a plug structure includes a paddle card to couple two wires to two gold fingers and a first add-on plug to couple a first wire to a first gold finger. The paddle card and the first add-on plug are to be stacked to form a single plug structure having a first row of gold fingers and a second row of gold fingers. Other embodiments are also claimed and disclosed.