USB Connector Aperture Segmentation for EMI Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shielding solutions for electronic devices, such as consumer electronics, are inadequate in reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI) without increasing product costs, especially in high-frequency data transfer applications where openings for connectivity and ventilation allow EMI to penetrate.

Innovation Solution

A USB connector design featuring a shielding shell with a grounding structure that compartmentalizes apertures to reduce EMI, using a combination of external and internal shields made from low-impedance materials, and a grounding tab or peg to separate signal apertures, enhancing structural support and EMI suppression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If openings or breaks in shielding enclosure are added for connectivity and ventilation, then device functionality and cooling are improved, but electromagnetic interference penetration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity and ventilation functionalityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference penetration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The grounding structure segments the aperture into separate regions, creating multiple smaller openings rather than one large opening. This segmentation allows ventilation and connectivity while reducing EMI penetration, as smaller apertures are less effective at allowing electromagnetic interference to pass through.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The grounding structure acts as an intermediary element between the aperture regions, providing a reference potential that blocks electromagnetic interference while allowing signal and power connections to pass through. The grounding tab or peg serves as this intermediary, creating an EMI barrier without blocking functional connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional shielding solutions are implemented, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but product cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidproduct cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The grounding structure is merged with the connector housing or shielding shell, combining multiple functions into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate EMI suppression materials like ferrite beads or tapes, reducing part count and manufacturing cost while maintaining EMI protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The grounding structure provides EMI suppression as a self-service function through its inherent grounding capability. By providing a reference potential and creating aperture segmentation, the grounding structure automatically reduces EMI without requiring additional active components or expensive specialized materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If grounding structure is added to compartmentalize apertures, then EMI suppression is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEMI suppression effectivenessVSAvoidconnector structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grounding structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides EMI suppression by compartmentalizing apertures, establishes a reference potential for signal integrity, and can serve as a mounting feature. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the added grounding feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution effectively increases shielding effectiveness by over 8 dB, significantly reducing EMI while maintaining compatibility with high-speed data signals like USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, without the need for external shielding or costly EMI suppressing tapes.

Implementation Method 1

a grounding structure that extends from the electrically conductive shell... configured to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated from signals over the set of electrical connections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

an electrically conductive shell... made from low-impedance materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS9831612B1High speed electrical connector with improved EMI suppression and mechanical retention shield

Publication Date: 2017.11.28 WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

The embodiments of the present invention provide a shielded connector having improved shielding effectiveness to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI). Some of the various embodiments provide high-speed electrical connectors capable of carrying gigabyte data rate signals. The shielding may employ, among other things, one or more shielding structures to reduce the EMI associated with these and other signals. The shielding structures may be oriented to reduce or limit the apertures within the connector through which EMI can penetrate. For example, some embodiments for a universal serial bus (USB) connector may support both a USB 3.0 and USB 2.0. For these embodiments, a grounding tab or peg may be placed in the rear of the connector between the USB 3.0 and the USB 2.0 connections to divide the aperture for the port into a plurality of sections. The grounding tab or peg may also serve as a structural support for the connector.