Twin-Ax Cable Connector for High-Speed Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed data transmission systems face significant signal loss issues when using FR4 circuit boards for speeds above 6 Gbps, requiring additional components like amplifiers and equalizers, which increase costs and complexity, and custom materials are costly and lossy at higher frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A cable connector system using twin-ax cables directly connecting chip packages to external interfaces, eliminating the need for high-speed traces on circuit boards, with a conductive carrier and grounding collar to manage impedance and reduce signal loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If FR4 circuit board material is used for high-speed data transmission, then cost is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but signal loss increases significantly at data rates above 6 Gbps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the high-speed signal transmission function from the FR4 circuit board by introducing separate cable assemblies (twin-ax cables) that bypass the board's trace routing. This separates the low-speed routing function (handled by FR4) from the high-speed transmission function (handled by specialized cables), allowing each to operate in its optimal performance range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cable assemblies with specialized conductors and shielding as intermediary elements between the circuit board and external connectors. These cables act as mediators that handle the high-frequency signal transmission while the FR4 board handles only the low-speed control and power signals, thus avoiding the signal loss problem inherent in FR4 at high frequencies.
2Loss of energy
If custom circuit board materials are used to reduce signal loss, then signal transmission quality is improved, but cost increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs relatively inexpensive twin-ax cable assemblies that can be easily manufactured and replaced, rather than investing in expensive custom circuit board materials. The cables serve as a cost-effective solution for high-speed transmission, accepting that they may need periodic replacement while avoiding the substantial upfront cost of specialized board materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission medium from FR4 board traces to twin-ax cable construction, fundamentally altering the physical parameters of signal transmission. This includes changing the conductor geometry, dielectric material, and shielding characteristics to optimize for high-frequency performance at a lower cost than custom board materials.
3Ease of operation
If transmission line traces are routed on circuit boards, then connection between chip and external interfaces is established, but trace length exceeds threshold causing reflection and noise problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the high-speed signal path from the circuit board environment by using separate cable assemblies. This removes the signals from the board's trace routing, eliminating the reflection and noise problems associated with long trace lengths, multiple bends, and impedance discontinuities inherent in board-level routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous, uninterrupted signal transmission through direct cable routing from the chip package to external interfaces, avoiding the multiple turns and transitions required by board trace routing. This continuous path maintains consistent impedance and minimizes signal degradation throughout the transmission line.
4Loss of energy
If amplifiers and equalizers are added to correct signal losses, then signal transmission quality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of signal loss into a benefit by using cable assemblies with inherent shielding and controlled impedance characteristics that prevent signal degradation before it occurs. Rather than adding complex correction circuitry to fix lost signals, the design prevents loss through proper cable construction and routing, eliminating the need for amplifiers and equalizers.
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
The cable connector system effectively transmits high-speed data signals above 20 Gbps with reduced signal loss and cost, maintaining a low profile and minimizing airflow disruption, while avoiding the complexity and expense of traditional trace routing.
Implementation Method 1
A cable connector system using twin-ax cables directly connecting chip packages to external interfaces, eliminating the need for high-speed traces on circuit boards, with a conductive carrier and grounding collar to manage impedance and reduce signal loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connector for use in a bypass assembly is disclosed. Twin-ax cables are directly terminated to the cable connector. The cable connector includes a sub-connector that includes terminals that have termination portions extending outwardly and signal conductors from the bypass cables are aligned with the termination portions and welded together. A carrier and ground collar can help connect termination portions that are intended for ground terminals together to form commoned ground terminals.