Stacked USB eSATA Connector Resolving PCI Slot and EMI Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional eSATA connectors require a PCI slot for installation, limiting peripheral device expansion and occupying valuable motherboard space, while also being prone to electro-magnetic interference (EMI) issues due to their layout restrictions.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring vertically stacked USB and eSATA ports with a first connecting terminal for external storage devices and a second connecting terminal electrically connected to a motherboard SATA socket via a transmission line, eliminating the need for a PCI slot and optimizing space utilization by reducing EMI interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the eSATA connector is mounted on a PCI card inserted into a PCI slot, then the eSATA interface can be provided, but the PCI slot is occupied and peripheral device expansion capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the eSATA connector with the USB connector into a single integrated connector unit. The eSATA connector and USB connector share the same physical housing and are electrically connected to the motherboard through a unified interface, allowing both eSATA and USB functions to be provided without occupying separate PCI slots, thereby resolving the contradiction between providing eSATA functionality and maintaining PCI slot availability for peripheral expansion
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the eSATA connector is disposed close to the motherboard to avoid EMI, then electro-magnetic interference is reduced, but the layout space is increased and space utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the eSATA connector with the USB connector into a single unified connector unit, the patent reduces the overall layout space required on the motherboard. The combined connector occupies less space than separate eSATA and USB connectors would require, while still maintaining the necessary distance from the motherboard to avoid electro-magnetic interference, thus resolving the contradiction between EMI protection and space utilization
3Area of stationary object
If the eSATA connector is integrated into the connector set, then space utilization is improved, but the connector design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated connector is designed as a modular assembly where the eSATA connector and USB connector are distinct but connected components within a unified housing. This segmentation allows each connector type to maintain its independent functionality and electrical connections while benefiting from the space-saving integration, thus resolving the contradiction between space utilization and design complexity by organizing the complex structure into manageable segments
Data Source
AI summary
A connector having USB and eSATA interfaces is used in an electronic device for connecting with an external storage device. The electronic device includes a SATA socket on a circuit board thereof. The connector includes one or more USB ports and an eSATA port. The eSATA port is stacked with the USB ports and includes a first connecting terminal and a second connecting terminal. The first connecting terminal is electrically connected to the external storage device. The second connecting terminal is electrically connected to the SATA socket through a transmission line, so that high-speed data transmission between the external storage device and the circuit board of the electronic device is rendered.