Staggered Electrical Connector ESD Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical connectors face issues with electrostatic discharge (ESD) due to the exposure of conductive terminals, which can damage semiconductor devices, especially when ambient humidity is low and human contact occurs, and existing ESD protection methods may not adequately address the problem at the signal contacts.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector design features an insulative housing with staggered first and second contacts, where the first contacts are inserted into a wafer and the second contacts are inserted into the base portion, with the wafer enclosing the first contacts at the front edge to prevent direct contact with the plug, and a metal shield surrounding the connector for grounding, creating a dual stacked system for effective ESD protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conductive terminals are exposed for engagement with mating connector, then electrical connection is achieved, but electrostatic discharge damage occurs to semiconductor devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary shielding structure positioned between the exposed conductive terminals and the external environment. This shield acts as a mediator that blocks electrostatic discharge pathways while allowing the terminals to remain exposed for electrical engagement, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining electrical connectivity and preventing ESD damage to semiconductor devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary protective measures by pre-positioning shielding elements and grounding structures before ESD events can occur. The shield is already in place to intercept and divert electrostatic charges away from vulnerable semiconductor devices, preventing harmful effects before they can manifest during connector engagement or human contact
2Reliability
If shield is added for ESD protection, then electrostatic discharge protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the shielding structure to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides ESD protection, maintains mechanical alignment between connectors, and supports the exposed terminals. By making the shield multi-functional, the patent improves ESD protection without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single structure accomplishes multiple protective and structural roles
3Reliability
If contact sections are staggered and enclosed, then ESD protection is enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary positioning features such as pre-formed recesses, guides, and alignment pins that ensure correct staggered arrangement of contact sections during assembly. These pre-prepared structural elements guide the manufacturing and assembly processes, maintaining high ESD protection through precise contact enclosure while reducing the actual manufacturing precision burden during final assembly
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
This design effectively prevents ESD by ensuring that the first contacts do not connect with the plug, reducing the risk of damage to semiconductor devices and providing comprehensive protection against electrostatic discharges, even in low humidity environments.
Implementation Method 1
the wafer encloses the first contacts at a front edge thereof to avoid the first contacts connecting with the plug
Implementation Method 2
a metal shield surrounding the connector for grounding, creating a dual stacked system for effective ESD protection
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector (100) for receiving a mating plug (200) having an insulative housing (10), a set of first contacts (21), and a set of second contacts (22). The insulative housing includes a base portion (13), a wafer (14), and a latch mechanism fastened the wafer to the base portion. The electrical contacts are attached to the insulative housing and each has a contact section (214, 222) connecting with the plug and a mounting section (213, 224) extending out of the insulative housing. The contact sections of the first contacts are staggered with the contact sections of the second contacts along a mating direction of the electrical connector, and wherein the contact sections of the first contacts are closed to a front edge of the wafer.