Configurable High-Bandwidth Connector with Vertical Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors have limited ability to propagate high-bandwidth signals without loss or interference, are inflexible regarding cable types and diameters, and require multiple connectors for different impedance profiles, leading to increased material and labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A configurable high-bandwidth connector with vertically mounted cables, an interposer for signal and ground routing, and an intermediate PCB for mechanical support, allowing for different contact pitches, cable numbers, and diameters, while minimizing signal path length and using a housing for mechanical security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If horizontal mounting is used, then cables and connectors can be oriented parallel to the PCB surface, but the path length of signals not transmitted through a cable increases and mounting space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional horizontal mounting approach by implementing vertical mounting where cables extend perpendicular to the PCB surface. This inversion allows cables to enter the connector from the top rather than the edge, significantly reducing the signal path length through the PCB and improving mounting space efficiency.
2Reliability
If known connectors are designed for specific impedance profiles, then optimal performance is achieved at that impedance, but multiple different connectors are required for different impedance profiles, increasing material and labor costs
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with universal adaptability to support multiple impedance profiles (50 ohm, 75 ohm, 100 ohm, and differential pairs) within a single connector housing. This is achieved through configurable contact assignments and the ability to terminate different cable types with various impedance characteristics, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector employs dynamic configurability where the electrical characteristics can be adjusted based on the specific cable and application requirements. The contact assignments and termination configurations can be customized to match different impedance profiles, allowing the same physical connector to adapt to various electrical requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If known connectors are used with fixed cable types, then manufacturing is simplified, but flexibility regarding the number, type, and diameter of cables is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates dynamic configurability to accommodate different cable types, diameters, and quantities within the same connector design. The contact assignments can be customized to match the specific cable configuration required, allowing a single connector type to serve multiple cable arrangements without requiring different connector housings.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into modular contact assignments that can be independently configured. Each contact can be assigned to different functions (signal, ground, power) and the connector can accommodate different numbers and types of cables by selectively activating or deactivating specific contact assignments, providing flexibility while maintaining a unified manufacturing process.
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 connector supports high-bandwidth operations with reduced signal path length, flexibility in cable configurations, and minimized material costs by accommodating various cable types and impedance profiles in a single design.
Implementation Method 1
an interposer that routes signals and ground connections between the at least one cable and the main PCB
Implementation Method 2
The electrical and mechanical connection between a contact and a pad is typically provided by a fusible material, such as solder
Data Source
AI summary
A connector mountable to a main printed circuit board (PCB) includes at least one carrier, at least one cable mounted to the at least one carrier, and an interposer that routes signals and ground connections between the at least one cable and the main PCB when the connector is mounted to the main PCB. The at least one cable is vertically mounted in the connector such that the at least one cable is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a mounting surface of the main PCB.