Vehicle Network Connector Shielding for Crosstalk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network connectors for vehicles face challenges with increased crosstalk and reduced electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) at higher data rates, requiring separate connectors for 100 Mbit/s and 1 Gbit/s, which increases space requirements and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A network connector assembly with a header and shielding member that provides two-sided shielding for pin pairs, using conductive materials and a header shroud for mechanical stability, allowing data transmission at 100 Mbit/s and 1 Gbit/s with reduced crosstalk and improved EMC, while using a single connector type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the distance between connectors is increased to reduce crosstalk and improve EMC at 1 Gbit/s, then crosstalk and EMC properties are improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A shielding member is introduced as an intermediary element between adjacent pin pairs to block electromagnetic interference. The shielding member comprises conductive plates positioned between the pin pairs, creating a physical barrier that reduces crosstalk without requiring increased distance between connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
Shielding is applied locally at specific positions where crosstalk occurs between adjacent pin pairs, rather than requiring global increases in connector spacing. The shielding member is strategically placed only between vulnerable pin pairs, providing targeted protection while minimizing overall space consumption.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If different connector types are used for 100 Mbit/s and 1 Gbit/s networks, then crosstalk and EMC properties are improved for each data rate, but the number of parts and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single connector design is created that can handle both 100 Mbit/s and 1 Gbit/s data rates by incorporating shielding members. The shielding member can be selectively activated or configured based on the data rate requirement, allowing one connector type to serve multiple functions and eliminate the need for separate connector designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates adjustable parameters such as the configuration and positioning of shielding members that can be optimized for different data rates. By changing the shielding configuration rather than the entire connector design, the same physical connector can adapt to different performance requirements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding members are added to reduce crosstalk at high data rates, then crosstalk and EMC properties are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding member is segmented into multiple independent conductive plates rather than using a single complex shielding structure. Each plate can be independently positioned between specific pin pairs, allowing for modular assembly and simplified manufacturing while providing effective shielding where needed.
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 reduces crosstalk and maintains good EMC properties at high data rates, minimizing space requirements and manufacturing costs by using a single connector type for both data rates, enhancing the network connector's performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive shielding member, shielding the pin pair on at least two sides; and a header shroud, wherein the header shroud is provided with a shielding cavity for receiving the shielding member
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a network connector assembly (200; 300) for vehicles, wherein the network preferably communicates at data rates of 100 Mbit/s and/or 1 Gbit/s, and wherein the connector assembly (200; 300) comprises a header (240; 340), comprising at least two pins (232; 332), forming a pin pair (230; 330), wherein the pins (232; 332) extend in a mating direction (236; 336); an electrically conductive shielding member (220; 320), shielding the pin pair (230; 330) on at least two sides, wherein the shielding member (220; 320) has a front face (226; 326), that is oriented substantially normal to the mating direction (236; 336); and a header shroud (210; 310), wherein the header shroud (210; 310) is provided with a shielding cavity (314) for receiving the shielding member (220; 230), wherein the front face (226; 326) of the shielding member (220; 320) is at least partly covered by the header shroud (210; 310).