Patent Application
20070015410
The invention relates to telecommunications connectors and in particular relates to a telecommunications connector having a modular element that can implement a number of functions. Telecommunications connectors are used in a variety of applications to provide a connection point between devices. The connectors may be plugs, outlets, connecting blocks, patch panels, etc. and carry signals for numerous applications such as voice, data, video.
Prior art outlets are compromises between optimal electrical and optimal mechanical objectives. On the one hand, an outlet optimized for electrical function such as high-frequency transmission may have these drawbacks: multiple connections between components within outlet (e.g. cable termination block, PCB, plug receptacle) create multiple defect opportunities; plated through-holes on PCBs create unwanted electrical signal interferences that add to the amount of required electrical compensation; multiple components require higher production costs and create more defect opportunities; a PCB that is a load bearing structural member of the outlet assembly is limited in its degree of achievable electrical functionality—this pushes an undesired burden of electrical tuning to the plug receptacle and cable termination block, and compromises their mechanical integrity for function and producibility.
Common methods of electrically tuning an RJ45 outlet for adequate high frequency data transmission include the use of relatively complex patterns on printed circuit boards or in the shapes of the electrical contacts. Such compensation methods depend on the precise control of PCB trace width and locations, or on the shapes and locations of metal contacts, or a combination of the two. Both of these methods require a high degree of precision and capability control in their manufacturing processes. They incur significant development and potential scrap costs. These methods are also limited by the degree of electrical tuning that is practically achievable, and by the precision required to control the physical geometries to achieve the desired electrical and mechanical properties.
On the other hand, an outlet optimized for mechanical function and producibility has these drawbacks: the electrical functionality must be designed into the mechanical structure, thus limiting the degree of electrical design freedom and electrical performance; improvements to electrical performance are difficult to implement because it is locked into the tooling design of the mechanical elements. It is also difficult to control with adequate precision and consistency using manufacturing methods other than printed circuitry.
Thus, there is a need in the art for a telecommunications connector having electrical characteristics that are separable from the mechanical, structural components.
An embodiment of the invention is a telecommunications connector includes a housing and a plurality of contacts mounted in the housing, the contacts having a first connection end and a second connection end. A modular element having a plurality of leads in electrical contact with the plurality of contacts is removably mounted to the housing.
Embodiments of the invention provide a telecommunications connector having adjustable characteristics achieved through a modular element that provides functionality to the connector and may be altered and/or replaced with a different modular element to adjust characteristics of the connector. The modular element provides little or no mechanical, structural support for the connector.
Modular element 100 includes a number of leads 102 that make electrical contact with contacts 6 through a physical connection. Preferably, the modular element 100 is not soldered or otherwise securely fastened to the contacts 6 so that the modular element may be easily removed and replaced. As described in further detail herein, the modular element 100 may provide a number of functions such as compensating for crosstalk across connectors, etc. This allows the characteristics of the outlet 8 to be easily modified. The modular element 100 may include reactive elements (inductance, capacitance) to compensate for crosstalk across the contacts 6.
The modular element 100 may be used to tune the connector to certain performance characteristics. The modular element may include, for example, reactive elements (e.g., capacitances and inductances) that tune the frequency response to the connector so that certain performance levels can be achieved. One modular element 100 may tune the connector for category 5 performance and a more sophisticated modular element may tune the contactor for category 6 performance or beyond category 6. Thus, a standard set of contacts may be used and alternate modular elements 100 employed to achieve the desired level of performance.
The modular element 100 may also implement switching functions, either alone or in combination with frequency tuning. Switching functions include the ability for the outlet to provide alternate electrical paths as determined by the absence or presence of a plug, or through control by external software. For example, the switching function may direct a signal from a first contact to a second contact. An application of this may be in intelligent patching systems where an outlet's contacts may be selectively enabled.
Modular element 100 may be an integrated circuit (IC) chip or a printed circuit board. For high-frequency data transmission, electrical compensation elements (such as capacitances and inductances) may be distributed to the contacts used in the plug mating interface, to the contacts used for cable termination, and to the modular element 100.
The modular element 100 may be connected to the contacts in series, in parallel, or in a combination of both. The contacts may be manufactured using a number of methods, including stamping or wire-forming. The contacts may be held by various methods, including insert molding or by insertion into a contact holder. The plug-mating ends 10 and cable-terminating ends 12 of the contacts may both reside in one subassembly or in separate subassemblies. The outlet shown in
The modular element 100 may be an integrated circuit (IC) implementing logic for controlling functions of the connector. The IC may include a microprocessor executing code to perform certain functions, an ASIC, Boolean logic, etc. In exemplary embodiments, the modular element 100 monitors signal transmission characteristics such as SNR, bit-error rate, etc. and controls switching of transmission paths and/or adjustments of compensation based on the monitored performance.
In exemplary embodiments, the modular element 100 includes an RIFD tag. The RIFD tag in the outlet may be used to identify the outlet and for security purposes. For example, the outlet may be deactivated (i.e., in a non-conductive state) until activated by a RFID reader, also referred to as an interrogator.
Utilizing a modular element 100 separate from the mechanical constructs of the connector provides a number of advantages. Embodiments of the invention provide greater manufacturing consistency, higher electrical performance and potential cost savings versus conventional PCBs and lead frame contacts. The modular element allows for greater degrees of freedom in the electrical compensation design. By delegating the electrical compensation function to the modular tuning element, the mechanical design of the outlet can be optimized for manufacturing ease and mechanical reliability. The electrical function of the outlet can be configured later in the manufacturing process by the addition of the tuning element 100. It is well known that greater manufacturing efficiencies can be achieved by delaying product configuration until late in the process. An example is the production of computer printers, where one chassis can be configured into multiple models. Additionally, the functions of the outlet can be configured or re-configured on-site by the installer or customer by replacing the modular element 100 with a new modular element.
The modular element 100 may also be mounted on a printed circuit board. As shown in
Embodiments of the invention are not limited to use with outlets. The modular element 100 may be used in a variety of telecommunications connector including plugs, outlets, patch panels, connecting block, etc.
While this invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/698,439, filed Jul. 12, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60698439 | Jul 2005 | US |
