USB-C Connector Grounding Structure for High-Frequency Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB TYPE-C connectors experience poor high-frequency signal transmission due to electromagnetic resonance and impedance mismatch, leading to increased insertion loss and return loss, particularly affecting crosstalk results.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector design includes specific structural features such as lacking grooves and grounding points to improve impedance and reduce resonance, featuring upper and lower terminal assemblies with grounding terminals, a center grounding plate, and an outer shell with elastic arms to enhance grounding loops, aligning grounding points vertically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional USB TYPE-C connector structure is used, then basic connectivity is achieved, but high-frequency signal transmission quality deteriorates due to electromagnetic resonance and impedance mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating asymmetric grounding structures with different grounding points at different locations. The first grounding point is formed by the contact between the first grounding terminal and the first grounding plate, while the second grounding point is formed by the contact between the second grounding terminal and the second grounding plate. This asymmetric grounding configuration locally modifies the electromagnetic field distribution to reduce resonance in specific frequency bands, thereby improving high-frequency signal transmission quality without compromising basic connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces grounding plates as intermediary elements between the grounding terminals and the connector housing. The first grounding plate and second grounding plate serve as mediators that provide dedicated grounding paths for the first and second grounding terminals respectively. These intermediary grounding plates help to isolate and control the electromagnetic fields, reducing impedance mismatch and resonance effects while maintaining reliable signal transmission.
2Reliability
If grounding structures are added to reduce resonance, then signal transmission quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the grounding function with the existing terminal assembly structure. The first grounding terminal and second grounding terminal are integrated into the terminal assembly alongside the signal terminals, sharing the same insulating housing and fastening mechanisms. The grounding plates are positioned within the existing connector structure, utilizing available space rather than adding separate external grounding components. This merging approach reduces device complexity while achieving improved high-frequency characteristics.
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 design achieves a 40 Gbps specification by improving high-frequency signal transmission, reducing resonance issues, and enhancing signal quality.
Implementation Method 1
Two opposite sides of a rear end of a top surface of the outer shell extend towards the insulating housing to form two elastic arms, respectively. The two elastic arms pass through the two first penetrating grooves and the two second penetrating grooves, and then the two elastic arms contact with the upper extending portions of the two outermost upper grounding terminals of the upper terminal assembly to define an upper grounding point.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector includes an insulating housing, an upper terminal assembly fastened in the insulating housing, a center grounding plate fastened in the insulating housing, and an outer shell disposed to a top surface of the insulating housing. A rear end of the insulating housing has two first penetrating grooves. The upper terminal assembly includes an upper base portion. A rear end of the upper base portion defines two second penetrating grooves. The two second penetrating grooves are aligned with the two first penetrating grooves. Two opposite sides of a rear end of a top surface of the outer shell extend towards the insulating housing to form two elastic arms, respectively. The two elastic arms pass through the two first penetrating grooves and the two second penetrating grooves, and then the two elastic arms contact with two outermost upper grounding terminals of the upper terminal assembly.