Connector With Tuned Channel For High Data Rates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors are not designed to support higher data rates such as 16 Gbps or 25 Gbps, and existing solutions to enhance performance are either costly or have negative side effects like energy loss or increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A connector system with broad-side coupled terminals supported by wafers, configured as a tuned transmission channel, which can operate effectively at high data rates without the need for ground commoning, using a balanced ground, signal, signal, ground pattern and varying terminal dimensions to reduce crosstalk and resonance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If existing connector designs are used, then current 10 Gbps data rates are supported, but higher data rates of 16 Gbps or 25 Gbps cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical dimensions of terminal grooves and terminals to optimize signal transmission at higher data rates. Specifically, the groove width, groove depth, terminal width, and terminal length are adjusted to control impedance and reduce signal degradation, enabling reliable operation at 16 Gbps and 25 Gbps while maintaining signal integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating different groove and terminal configurations for different channels based on their specific length requirements. Shorter channels use one configuration while longer channels use another, allowing each channel to be optimized for its particular electrical length and achieving high data rates across varying channel lengths
2Speed
If existing techniques to enhance performance are applied, then data rate requirements may be met, but cost increases or negative side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connector into multiple wafers, each containing specific terminal and groove configurations. This modular wafer structure allows independent optimization of different channel groups and simplifies manufacturing while achieving the required performance for high data rates without increasing overall device complexity
3Speed
If existing techniques to enhance performance are applied, then data rate requirements may be met, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces energy loss through parameter changes in the groove and terminal dimensions that minimize signal reflection and attenuation. By optimizing the groove width, groove depth, and terminal dimensions, the design reduces impedance mismatches and resistive losses, enabling high data rate transmission with minimal signal energy loss
Data Source
AI summary
A connector is provided that includes a plurality of wafers. Each wafer supports a terminal and adjacent signal wafers are configured so as to provide broad-side coupled terminals. A pair of signal terminals can be surrounded on both sides by ground wafers that offer shielding so as to help isolate one signal pair from another signal pair. The geometry of the wafers can be adjusted so as to provide a tuned transmission channel. The resultant tuned transmission channel can be configured to provide desirable performance at high signaling frequencies of 12-16 GHz or even higher signaling frequencies such as 20 GHz.