Contact Arrangement Optimization in Circular Connectors for Differential Signal Transmission

摘要

Industrial network applications require connectors characterized by good signal integrity properties, combined with an easy assembling process. Most network applications are equipped with a maximum of four twisted pairs. In line with the demands for easy assembly, it is a common practice to use cables without an individual shielding of the twisted pairs. This article describes in general and in detail for a given connector geometry the signal integrity properties such as return loss and crosstalk as influenced by the individual contact arrangements. The number of combinations for twisted pair arrangements in circular connectors are calculated, and the signal integrity condition are simulated by computerized methods generating a connector lumped element model by FEM (Finite Element Method) and simulating the connector behaviour of all twisted pair contact combination arrangements by an automatic batch process using SPICE. The simulation results of all contact arrangements of the optimised configuration are shown in various diagrams and discussed under the requirements of the international specification ISO/IEC 11 801.