Triangular Signal Pair Arrangement for Crosstalk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Increasing density and signal rates on printed circuit boards (PCBs) and integrated circuit packages lead to significant crosstalk issues, making it difficult to prevent signal noise and interference among neighboring circuit elements.
Innovation Solution
Arranging signal pairs of connectors in triangular groupings with specific geometric configurations, such as equilateral triangles, and surrounding them with grounding pins to create a symmetrical and dense arrangement that reduces electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the density of connectors is increased to accommodate more I/O circuits, then the productivity and integration capability improve, but crosstalk and signal noise increase due to closer spacing of neighboring elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connector elements into triangular groupings of three signal pairs, where each grouping is isolated from others. This segmentation creates natural electromagnetic isolation between groups, reducing crosstalk while maintaining high overall density. The triangular configuration further segments the electromagnetic fields within each group, preventing field interference between adjacent connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual grounding planes as intermediary elements between triangular groups of signal pairs. These grounding planes act as electromagnetic shields, mediating the interaction between adjacent signal groups and preventing crosstalk. The grounding planes are strategically positioned to intercept and dissipate electromagnetic fields before they can interfere with neighboring connectors.
2Reliability
If physical separation or virtual grounding planes are used to limit crosstalk, then signal quality improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the signal pair arrangement with triangular geometric patterns, combining multiple signal pairs into compact triangular groups. This merging reduces the overall number of discrete elements compared to traditional linear or grid arrangements, simplifying the connector design while maintaining signal quality through the inherent electromagnetic isolation properties of the triangular configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of connector arrangement from conventional linear or grid patterns to triangular configurations with specific angular relationships (60 degrees between adjacent signal pairs). This parameter change optimizes the electromagnetic field distribution, naturally reducing crosstalk without requiring additional complex shielding structures or grounding planes.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If neighboring elements are isolated through physical separation, then crosstalk is reduced, but the area occupied by connectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional linear or grid arrangements to a three-dimensional triangular configuration, utilizing angular spatial relationships in multiple dimensions. By arranging signal pairs at 60-degree angles in a triangular pattern, the design achieves electromagnetic isolation equivalent to greater physical separation while occupying less planar area, effectively using dimensional geometry to overcome the area-crosstalk tradeoff.
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 configuration effectively reduces crosstalk by canceling out electromagnetic noise, achieving superior signal-to-noise ratios and allowing for higher connector densities while maintaining noise cancellation.
Implementation Method 1
As the density and signal rates of PCB, IC and IC Package elements increase, elements of the PCBs, ICs and IC Packages experience increased crosstalk. Generally, crosstalk can occur when signals being routed by neighboring circuit elements interfere with each other.
Implementation Method 2
This configuration significantly reduces crosstalk by natural electromagnetic noise rejection, achieving superior signal-to-noise ratios and allowing for higher connector densities while maintaining effective noise cancellation.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit board is provided which includes a plurality of signal pairs of connectors. The signal pairs of connectors are disposed in a triangular grouping of three signal pairs of connectors such that a first connector of each signal pair is located at a vertex of the triangular grouping. A second connector of each signal pair is located at a side of the triangular grouping adjacent to the vertex of the first connector. The signal pairs may be differential pairs.