USB Type-C Connector Grounding Contacts Reduce Crosstalk

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Solution Overview

Problem

The crosstalk issue due to higher resonant points affects the transmission speed in USB Type C connectors, necessitating a simple structure to overcome this shortcoming.

Innovation Solution

A receptacle connector design with a metallic shield and specific contact configurations, including bent sections and extensions, forms parallel circuit paths between grounding contacts to lower resonant points and crosstalk, enhancing signal transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If conventional USB Type C connector structure is used, then the connector can achieve basic mating functionality, but higher resonant points cause crosstalk that jeopardizes transmission speed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission speedVSAvoidcrosstalk

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces grounding contacts as intermediary elements between the upper and lower contact assemblies. These grounding contacts create parallel circuit paths that act as shields to block electromagnetic interference between differential pairs, thereby reducing crosstalk without compromising transmission speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is segmented into distinct upper and lower contact assemblies with separate grounding contacts for each differential pair. This segmentation allows independent optimization of signal paths and grounding paths, enabling the grounding contacts to effectively manage electromagnetic interference while maintaining signal integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If grounding contacts are configured to reduce crosstalk, then transmission performance improves, but the connector structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal integrityVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grounding contacts are merged with the existing contact assembly structure, where the grounding contacts form an integrated part of the upper and lower contact assemblies. This merging approach allows the grounding function to be added without requiring completely separate structural components, thus limiting the increase in overall complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The grounding contacts serve multiple functions: they provide electrical grounding, create parallel circuit paths for signal reference, and act as shields between differential pairs. This multi-functionality allows a single structural element to address multiple electromagnetic interference issues without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9484679B2Electrical connector with upper and lower terminals coupled with each other

Publication Date: 2016.11.01 FOXCONN INTERCONNECT TECHNOLOGY LTD

AI summary

An electrical connector for mounting to a printed circuit board for mating with a plug connector, includes an insulative housing and the upper and lower contacts on the housing, each contact including a contacting section, the contacts including grounding contacts each having a free end of the contacting section, and a mounting leg mounted to the corresponding grounding region of the printed circuit board wherein the free ends of the corresponding paired upper grounding contact and lower grounding contact either abut against each other or against a metallic shielding plate embedded within the mating tongue to form a parallel relation between the paired upper grounding contact and lower grounding contact.