(19) TZZ _____T

(11) EP 2 571 111 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Date of publication and mention (51) Int Cl.: of the grant of the patent: H01R 13/6471 (2011.01) H05K 1/02 (2006.01) 21.02.2018 Bulletin 2018/08

(21) Application number: 12250145.5

(22) Date of filing: 31.08.2012

(54) Connector Steckverbinder Connecteur

(84) Designated Contracting States: (72) Inventor: Kondo, Hayato AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB Yao-shi GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO Osaka 581-0071 (JP) PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR (74) Representative: Beresford, Keith Denis Lewis (30) Priority: 13.09.2011 JP 2011199753 Beresford Crump LLP 16 High Holborn (43) Date of publication of application: London WC1V 6BX (GB) 20.03.2013 Bulletin 2013/12 (56) References cited: (60) Divisional application: EP-A1- 1 239 552 EP-A2- 2 053 703 16020425.1 / 3 157 106 WO-A1-2010/092934 WO-A2-02/101883 US-A1- 2009 221 165 (73) Proprietors: • Hosiden Corporation Yao-shi, Osaka 581-0071 (JP) • Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Tokyo 107-0052 (JP)

Note: Within nine months of the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent in the European Patent Bulletin, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to that patent, in accordance with the Implementing Regulations. Notice of opposition shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). EP 2 571 111 B1

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR) 1 EP 2 571 111 B1 2

Description terminal for control signaling or for other low-speed sig- naling in the third connector, the third connector has a [0001] The invention relates to connectors having a reduced size in comparison with a case where a ground plurality of terminals. terminal is separately provided between the fourth and [0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5 fifth signal terminals. 2010-287560 discloses a connector including a group of [0009] The connector may further include a first ground terminals arranged in a line. The terminal group has a terminal disposed at the same height position as that of plurality of pairs of differential signal terminals and thefifth and sixth signal terminals inthe body to be located ground terminals. The ground terminals are located be- in the region. tween the pairs of the differential signal terminals to pre- 10 [0010] The connector may further include at least one vent crosstalk between the pairs of differential signal ter- ofa seventh signal terminaland a second ground terminal minals. disposed in the body at the same height position as that [0003] WO2010/092934A1 describes a connector of the fourth signal terminal to be located in the region. having two rows of contact terminals, and discloses re- A frequency of a signal transmitted by the seventh signal ducing noise from clock signal contacts by placing the 15 terminal may be about one tenth or lower of a frequency clock signal contacts adjacent to ground contacts. of each signal transmitted by the fourth and fifth signal [0004] WO02/101883A2 discloses a connector in terminals. which terminals are grouped in threes in a triangular pat- [0011] According tothis aspect of the invention, at least tern to reduce the impedance through the connector, with one of the seventh signal terminal and the second ground each group of three terminals comprising a pair of differ- 20 terminal in addition to the sixth signal terminal is disposed ential signal terminals and a ground reference terminal. in the region between the fourth and fifth signal terminals. [0005] Crosstalk tends to occur in the above conven- As a frequency of a signal transmitted by the seventh tional connector between the pairs of the differential sig- signal terminal is about one tenth or lower of the frequen- nal terminals due to narrow pitches between the termi- cy of each signal transmitted by the fourth and fifth signal nals and/or increased transmission speed of high-fre- 25 terminals, the seventh signal terminal functions like a quency signals in the differential signal terminals. One ground terminal to a lesser degree but still serves as a possible solution to prevent such crosstalk is to provide pseudo-ground terminal between the fourth and fifth sig- ground terminals between the pairs of differential signal nal terminals.Therefore, crosstalk can be further reduced terminals. Unfortunately, the increase in the number of between the fourth and fifth signal terminals. Further, as ground terminals will result in upsizing of the connector. 30 the seventh signal terminal can be used as a terminal for control signaling or for other low-speed signaling in the Solution to Problem third connector, the third connector has a reduced size in comparison with a case where a ground terminal is [0006] In view of the above problem, the invention pro- additionally provided in the region between the fourth and vides a method of reducing crosstalk between signals 35 fifth signal terminals. routed through a connector, as defined in claim 1. [0012] The connector may be provided with may be [0007] In an embodiment of the invention, a connector provided with a plurality of sixth signal terminals disposed includes a body of insulating material; a fourth signal ter- in the above region. According to this aspect of the in- minal provided in the body; and fifth and sixth signal ter- vention, the increased distance between the fourth and minals arranged in a line along a first direction in the40 fifth signal terminals contributes to further reduction of body, at a height position that is different from that of the crosstalk between the fourth and fifth signal terminals. fourth signal terminal. The sixth signal terminal may be [0013] The connector may further include a third located in a region between the fourth signal terminal and ground terminal or an eighth signal terminal disposed in the fifth signal terminal in the first direction. A frequency the body at the same height position as that of the fifth of a signal transmitted by the sixth signal terminal may 45 and sixth signal terminals. The third connector may be be about one tenth or lower of a frequency of a signal provided with a pair of fourth signal terminals arranged transmitted by the fourth signal terminals. adjacent to each other in the first direction. The third [0008] According to this aspect of the invention, the ground terminal or the eighth signal terminal may be lo- sixth signal terminal is located in a region between the cated between the pair of fourth signal terminals in plane fourth and fifth signal terminals. As the frequency of a 50 position. A frequency of a signal transmitted by the eighth signal transmitted by the sixth signal terminal is about signal terminal may be about one tenth or lower of a fre- one tenth or lower of the frequency of a signal transmitted quency of each signal transmitted by the fourth and fifth by the fourth signal terminal, the sixth signal terminal signal terminals. functions like a ground terminal to a lesser degree but [0014] According to this aspect of the invention, im- still serves as a pseudo-ground terminal between the 55 pedance adjustment between the pair of fourth signal fourth and fifth signal terminals. Therefore, crosstalk can terminals can be performed by locating the third ground be reduced between the fourth and fifth signal terminals. terminal or the eighth signal terminal between the pair of Further, as the sixth signal terminal can be used as a fourth signal terminals in plane position. As the frequency

2 3 EP 2 571 111 B1 4 of a signal transmitted by the eighth signal terminal is ground terminal or a ninth signal terminal disposed in the about one tenth or lower of the frequency of each signal body at the same height position as that the fourth signal transmitted by the fourth and fifth signal terminals, the terminals to be located on an opposite side of the portion eighth signal terminal functions like a ground terminal to of the body from the fifth signal terminal and aligned with a lesser degree but still serves as a pseudo-ground ter- 5 the fifth signal terminal in a second direction that is per- minal located between the fourth signal terminals in plane pendicular to the first direction. A frequency of a signal position. transmitted by the ninth signal terminal may be about one [0015] The connector may further include a fourth tenth or lower of a frequency of each signal transmitted ground terminal or a ninth signal terminal disposed in the by the fourth and fifth signal terminals. body at the same height position as that the fourth signal 10 [0021] According to this aspect of the invention, im- terminals. The third connector may be provided with a pedance adjustment of the fifth signal terminal can be pair of fifth signal terminals arranged adjacent to each performed by locating the fourth ground terminal or the other in the first direction. The fourth ground terminal or ninth signal terminal in alignment with the fifth signal ter- the ninth signal terminal may be located between the pair minal in the second direction, with the portion of the body of fifth signal terminals in plane position. A frequency of 15 interposed therebetween. As the frequency of a signal a signal transmitted by the ninth signal terminal may be transmitted by the ninth signal terminal is about one tenth about one tenth or lower of a frequency of each signal or less of the frequency of each signal transmitted by the transmitted by the fourth and fifth signal terminals. fourth and fifth signal terminals, the ninth signal terminal [0016] According to this aspect of the invention, im- functions like a ground terminal to a lesser degree but pedance adjustment between the pair of fifth signal ter- 20 still serves as a pseudo-ground terminal for the fifth signal minals can be performed by locating the fourth ground terminal. terminal or the ninth signal terminal between the fifth sig- [0022] The fourth signal terminal may include a pair of nal terminals in plane position. As the frequency of a sig- fourth signal terminals arranged adjacent to each other nal transmitted by the ninth signal terminal is about one in the first direction. The fifth signal terminal may include tenth or lower of the frequency of each signal transmitted 25 a pair of fifth signal terminals arranged adjacent to each by the fourth and fifth signal terminals, the ninth signal other in the first direction. The third ground terminal may terminal functions like a ground terminal to a lesser de- include a pair of third ground terminals or the eighth signal gree but still serves as a pseudo-ground terminal be- terminal may include a pair of eighth signal terminals. tween the fifth signal terminals in plane position. The third ground terminals or the eight signal terminals [0017] The connectormay further include a tenth signal 30 may be located on an opposite side of the portion of the terminal or a fifth ground terminal disposed in the body body from the pair of fourth signal terminals and aligned at the same height position as that of the fifth and sixth with the fourth signal terminals in a second direction that signal terminals to be located adjacently to the third is perpendicular to the first direction. The fourth ground ground terminal. terminal may include a pair of fourth ground terminals or [0018] The connector may further include a third35 the ninth signal terminal comprises a pair of ninth signal ground terminal or an eighth signal terminal disposed in terminals, the fourth ground terminals or the ninth signal the body at the same height position as that of the fifth terminals are located on an opposite side of the portion and sixth signal terminals to be located on an opposite of the body from the pair of fifth signal terminals and sideof a portion of thebody from thefourth signalterminal aligned with the fifth signal terminals in the second direc- and aligned with the fourth signal terminal in a second 40 tion. direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. A fre- [0023] The connector may further include a third quency of a signal transmitted by the eighth signal ter- ground terminal and an eighth signal terminal disposed minal may be about one tenth or lower of a frequency of in the body at the same height position as that of the fifth each signal transmitted by the fourth and fifth signal ter- and sixth signal terminals; and a fourth ground terminal minals. 45 and a ninth signal terminal disposed in the body at the [0019] According to this aspect of the invention, im- same height position as that of the fourth signal terminal pedance adjustment of the fourth signal terminal can be The fourth signal terminal may include a pair of fourth performed by locating the third ground terminal or the signal terminals arranged adjacent to each other in the eighth signal terminal in alignment with the fourth signal first direction. The fifth signal terminals may include a terminal in the second direction, with the portion of the 50 pair of fifth signal terminals arranged adjacent to each body interposed therebetween. As the frequency of a sig- other in the first direction. The third ground terminal may nal transmitted by the eighth signal terminals is about be located on an opposite side of a portion of the body one tenth or lower of the frequency of each signal trans- from one of the fourth signal terminals and aligned with mitted by the fourth and fifth signal terminals, the eighth the one of the fourth signal terminals in a second direction signal terminal functions like a ground terminal to a lesser 55 that is perpendicular to the first direction. The eighth sig- degree but still serves as a pseudo-ground terminal for nal terminal may be located on an opposite side of the the fourth signal terminal. portion of the body from the other fourth signal terminal [0020] The connector may further include a fourth and aligned with the other fourth signal terminal in the

3 5 EP 2 571 111 B1 6 second direction. The fourth ground terminal may be lo- crosstalk between the fourth signal terminal and the fifth cated on an opposite side of the portion of the body from signal terminal in the same terminal line as that of the one of the fifth signal terminals and aligned with the one sixth signal terminals. Further, as the sixth signal termi- of the fifth signal terminals in the second direction. The nals can be used as terminals for control signaling or for ninth signal terminal may be located on an opposite side 5 other low-speed signaling in the fourth connector, the of the portion of the body from the other fifth signal ter- fourth connector has a reduced size in comparison with minal and aligned with the other fifth signal terminal in a case where ground terminal are provided on both sides the second direction. A frequency of each signal trans- in plane position of the fourth signal terminal in the first mitted by the eighth and ninth signal terminals may be direction. about one tenth or lower of a frequency of each signal 10 [0027] The connector may be provided with a pair of transmitted by the fourth and fifth signal terminals. fifth signal terminals adjacent to each other in the first [0024] According to this aspect of the invention, the direction. third ground terminal is located in alignment with the one [0028] A connector of the invention may include a body of the fourth signal terminals in the second direction, with of insulating material; a fourth signal terminal provided the portion of the body interposed therebetween. The 15 in the body; and a fifth signal terminal, a sixth signal ter- eighth signal terminal is located one of the pair of fourth minal, and a ground terminal. The fifth and sixth signal signal terminals in alignment with the other fourth signal terminals and the ground terminal are arranged in a line terminal in the second direction, with the portion of the along a first direction in the body, at a height position that body interposed therebetween. The fourth ground termi- is different from that of the fourth signal terminal. The nal is located in alignment with the one of the fifth signal 20 sixth signal terminal and the ground terminal are adjacent terminals in the second direction, with the portion of the to each other in the first direction. The fourth signal ter- body interposed therebetween. The ninth signal terminal minal is located in plane position between the sixth signal is located in alignment with the other fifth signal terminal terminal and the ground terminal A frequency of a signal in the second direction, with the portion of the body in- transmitted by the sixth signal terminal is about one tenth terposed therebetween. This arrangement of the termi- 25 or lower of a frequency of a signal transmitted by the nals contributes to impedance adjustment of the pairs of fourth signal terminal. the fourth signal terminals and the pair of fifth signal ter- [0029] According to this aspect of the invention, the minals. As the frequency of each signal transmitted by sixth signal terminal and the ground terminal are adjacent the eighth and ninth signal terminals is about one tenth to each other in the first direction and the fourth signal or lower of the frequency of each signal transmitted by 30 terminal is located in plane position between the sixth the fourth and fifth signal terminals, the eighth and ninth signal terminal and the ground terminal. In other words, signal terminals function like ground terminals to lesser the sixth signal terminal and the ground terminal are lo- degrees but still serve as pseudo-ground terminals for cated on opposite sides in plane position of the fourth the fourth and fifth signal terminals, signal terminal in the first direction. The frequency of a [0025] A connector of the invention may include a body 35 signal transmitted by the sixth signal terminal is about of insulating material; a fourth signal terminal provided one tenth or lower of the frequency of a signal transmitted in the body; a fifth signal terminal and a plurality of sixth by the fourth signal terminal. Therefore, the sixth signal signal terminals arranged in a line along a first direction terminal functions like a ground terminal to a lesser de- in the body, at a height position that is different from that gree but still serves as a pseudo-ground terminal on a of the fourth signal terminal. At least two of the sixth signal 40 side in plane position of the fourth signal terminal in the terminals are adjacent to each other in the first direction. first direction. On the other side in plane position of the The fourth signal terminal is located in plane position be- fourth signal terminal in the first direction, there is a tween the two sixth signal terminals in the first direction. ground terminal. Therefore, crosstalk can be reduced be- A frequency of each signal transmitted by the sixth signal tween the fourth signal terminal and the fifth signal ter- terminals is about one tenth or lower of a frequency of a 45 minal in the same terminal line as that of the sixth signal signal transmitted by the fourth signal terminal. terminal and the ground terminal. Further, as the sixth [0026] According to this aspect of the invention, the signal terminal can be used as a terminal for control sig- fourth signal terminal is located in plane position between naling or for other low-speed signaling in the fifth con- two of the sixth signal terminals that are adjacent to each nector, the fifth connector has a reduced size in compar- other in the first direction. In other words, there is a sixth 50 ison with a case where ground terminals are provided on signal terminal on either side in plane position of the both sides in plane position of the fourth signal terminal fourth signal terminal in the first direction. As the frequen- in the first direction. cy of each signal transmitted by the sixth signal terminals [0030] The connector may be provided with a pair of is about one tenth or lower of the frequency of a signal fourth signal terminals arranged adjacent to each other transmitted by the fourth signal terminal, the sixth signal 55 in the first direction. The fifth connector may be provided terminals function like ground terminals to lesser degrees with at least two sixth signal terminals, or alternatively at but still serve as pseudo-ground terminals. Therefore, least two ground terminals, or alternatively at least two these sixth signal terminals contribute to reduction of sixth signal terminals and at least two ground terminals.

4 7 EP 2 571 111 B1 8

One of the fourth signal terminals may be located in plane fifth signal terminals adjacent to each other in the first position between the sixth signal terminal and the ground direction. The pair of fourth signal terminals may form a terminal that are adjacent to each other, and the other differential pair. The pair of fifth signal terminals may form fourth signal terminal may be located in plane position a differential pair. betweentwo of the sixth signal terminals thatare adjacent 5 to each other or two of the ground terminals that are ad- Brief Description of Drawings jacent to each other. [0031] A connector of the invention may include a body [0036] of insulating material; a fourth signal terminal provided in the body; and fifth and sixth signal terminals arranged 10 Fig. 1 is a schematic front, top and right side per- in a line along a first direction in the body, at a height spective view of a first comparative example of a position that is different from that of the fourth signal ter- connector; minal. The fourth signal terminal is located on an opposite Fig. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the connector side of a portion of the body from the sixth signal terminal taken along line 2A-2A in Fig. 1; and aligned with the sixth signal terminal in a second15 Fig. 2B a cross-sectional view of the connector taken direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. A fre- along line 2B-2B in Fig. 1; quency of a signal transmitted by the sixth signal terminal Fig. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the connector is about one tenth or lower of a frequency of a signal taken along line 2C-2C in Fig. 1; transmitted by the fourth signal terminal. Fig. 3 is an end view of terminals of the connector [0032] According to this aspect of the invention, the 20 taken along line 3-3 in Fig. 2A; fourth signal terminal is located in alignment with the sixth Fig. 4 is an end view of a terminal layout example of signal terminal in the second direction, with the portion a terminal group of a second comparative example of the body interposed therebetween. As the frequency of a connector; of a signal transmitted by the sixth signal terminal is about Fig. 5 is an end view of another terminal layout ex- one tenth or less of the frequency of a signal transmitted 25 ample of the terminal group of the connector; by the fourth signal terminal. Therefore, the sixth signal Fig. 6 is a schematic front view of the connector ac- terminal functions like a ground terminal to a lesser de- cording to Embodiment 1 of the invention; gree but still serves as a pseudo-ground terminal. As a Fig. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the connector result, crosstalk can be reduced between the fourth sig- taken along line 7A-7A in Fig. 6; nal terminal and the fifth signal terminal in the same ter- 30 Fig. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the connector minal line as that of the sixth signal terminal. Further, as taken along line 7B-7B in Fig. 6; the sixth signal terminal can be used as a terminal for Fig. 8A is an explanatory diagram of a terminal layout control signaling or for other low-speed signaling in the of a terminal group according to a first experiment sixth connector, the sixth connector has a reduced size example; in comparison with a case where a ground terminal is 35 Fig. 8B is an explanatory diagram of a terminal layout provided in alignment with the fourth signal terminal in of a terminal group of a second experiment example; the second direction, with the portion of the body inter- Fig. 9A is a graph illustrating noise characteristics of posed therebetween. the first experiment example; [0033] The connector may be provided with a pair of Fig. 9B is a graph illustrating noise characteristics of fourth signal terminals adjacent to each other in the first 40 the second experiment example; direction. The sixth connector may be provided with a Fig. 10 is a schematic front view of the connector pair of sixth signal terminals. The fourth signal terminals according to Embodiment 2 of the invention; may be located on an opposite side of the portion of the Fig. 11 is a schematic front view of the connector body from the sixth signal terminals and aligned with the according to Embodiment 3 of the invention; sixth signal terminals in the second direction. 45 Fig. 12A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a ter- [0034] The connector may further include a ground ter- minal layout in a first variant of the terminal group in minal disposed in the body at the same height position the connector of comparative example 2; as that that of the fifth and sixth signal terminals. The Fig. 12B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a ter- sixth connector may be provided with a pair of fourth sig- minal layout in a second variant of the terminal group nal terminals adjacent to each other in the first direction. 50 in the connector of comparative example 2; One of the fourth signal terminals may be located on an Fig. 13A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a ter- opposite side of the portion of the body from the sixth minal layout in the first variant of the terminal group signal terminal and aligned with the sixth signal terminal in the connector of comparative example 1; in the second direction. The other fourth signal terminal Fig. 13B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a ter- may be located on an opposite side of the portion of the 55 minal layout in a third variant of the terminal group body from the ground terminal and aligned with the in the connector of comparative example 2; ground terminal in the second direction. Fig. 13C is an explanatory diagram illustrating a ter- [0035] The connector may be provided with a pair of minal layout in a fourth variant of the terminal group

5 9 EP 2 571 111 B1 10

in the connector of comparative example 2; Comparative Example 1 Fig. 14A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a ter- minal layout in the first variant of a terminal group [0038] The connector according to comparative exam- T1 in the connector of Embodiment 1; ple 1 of the invention will be described with reference to Fig. 14B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a ter- 5 Figs. 1 to 3. The connector shown in Fig. 1 is a receptacle minal layout in the second variant of the terminal for mounting onto a circuit board (not shown) and receiv- group T1 in the connector of Embodiment 1; ing a plug (not shown). The connector includes a body Fig. 14C is an explanatory diagram illustrating a ter- 100, a shell 200, and a terminal group T. Each component minal layout in the third variant of the terminal group ofthe connectorwill be describedin detail below.It should T1 in the connector of Embodiment 1; 10 be noted that in Figs. 1 to 2C, "X" refers to a widthwise Fig. 14D is an explanatory diagram illustrating an direction of the connector and an arrangement direction terminal layout in the fourth variant of the terminal of terminals in the terminal group T (a first direction), "Y" group T1 in the connector of Embodiment 1; refers to a front-back direction of the connector, and "Z" Fig. 14E is an explanatory diagram illustrating a ter- refers toa heightwise direction of theconnector (asecond minal layout in a fifth variant of the terminal group 15 direction). The Y direction is orthogonal to the X direction, T1 in the connector of Embodiment 1; and the Z direction is orthogonal to the X and Y directions. Fig. 14F is an explanatory diagram illustrating a ter- [0039] The body 100 is an injection molded member minal layout in a sixth variant of the terminal group of insulating resin. The body 100 includes a main body T1 in the connector of Embodiment 1; 110 and a projection 120 as shown in Figs. 2A to 2C. Fig. 14G is an explanatory diagram illustrating a ter- 20 The main body 110 is of rectangular shape. The projec- minal layout in a seventh variant of the terminal group tion 120 is a rectangular plate provided centrally of a first T1 in the connector of Embodiment 1; face in the Y direction (front face) of the main body 110 Fig. 14H is an explanatory diagram illustrating a ter- and extends in the Y direction. A first face in the Z direc- minal layout in an eighth variant of the terminal group tion (upper face) of the projection 120 is provided with a T1 in the connector of Embodiment 1; 25 plurality of grooves 121 extending in the Y direction. The Fig. 15A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a ter- grooves121 arearrayed at intervals alongthe Xdirection. minal layout in a ninth variant of the terminal group [0040] The shell 200 is a square tube formed of an T1 in the connector of Embodiment 1; electrically conductive metal plate and surrounds the out- Fig. 15B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a ter- er circumference of the body 100. minal layout in a tenth variant of the terminal group 30 [0041] The terminal group T, as shown in Fig. 3, in- T1 in the connector of Embodiment 1; cludes a pair of first signal terminals 310S, a pair of sec- Fig. 15C is an explanatory diagram illustrating a ter- ond signal terminals 320S, and two pieces of third signal minal layout in an eleventh variant of the terminal terminals 330S. group T1 in the connector of Embodiment 1; [0042] The first signal terminals 310S are electrically Fig. 16A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a ter- 35 conductive metal plates extending in the Y direction as minal layout in the first variant of a terminal group shown in Fig. 2. The first signal terminals 310S each in- T3 in the connector of Embodiment 2; clude a middle portion 311S, a contact portion 312S, a Fig. 16B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a ter- hanging portion 313S, and a tail portion 314S. The middle minal layout in the second variant of the terminal portion 311S is a plate extending in the Y direction and group T3 in the connector of Embodiment 2; 40 is securely embedded in the main body 110 of the body Fig. 16C is an explanatory diagram illustrating a ter- 100. The middle portion 311S has first and second ends minal layout in the third variant of the terminal group in the Y direction. The contact portion 312S is a plate T3 in the connector of Embodiment 2; continuous with the first end of the middle portion 311S Fig. 16D is an explanatory diagram illustrating a ter- and extends in the Y direction. The contact portion 312S minal layout in the fourth variant of the terminal group 45 is received in a groove 121 in the projection 120 of the T3 in the connector of Embodiment 2; body 100. A tip of the contact portion 312S forms a bend Fig. 16E is an explanatory diagram illustrating a ter- of an upward-convex arc shape in the Z direction. The minal layout in the fifth variant of the terminal group bend is adapted to contact a signal contact of the plug. T3 in the connector of Embodiment 2; and [0043] The hanging portion 313S is a generally L- Fig. 16F is an explanatory diagram illustrating a ter- 50 shaped plate continuous with the second end of the mid- minal layout in the sixth variant of the terminal group dle portion 311S and is bent at a right angle to the middle T3 in the connector of Embodiment 2. portion 311S to extend in the Z direction along a second face in the Y direction (rear face) of the main body 110. Description of Embodiments The tail portion 314S is a plate continuous with a lower 55 end in the Z direction of the hanging portion 313S and is [0037] Connectors according to comparative exam- bent at a right angle to the hanging portion 313S to extend ples 1 and 2, and embodiments Embodiments 1 and 2 in the Y direction. The tail portion 314S is connectable of the invention will be described below. to a signal line of the circuit board.

6 11 EP 2 571 111 B1 12

[0044] The second signal terminals 320S are electri- [0048] The connector configured as described above cally conductive metal plates extending in the Y direction may be manufactured in the following steps. The first as shown in Fig. 2C and are of the same shape as that step is to prepare an electrically conductive metal plate. of the first signal terminals 310S. The second signal ter- The metal plate is press-formed using a die into the first, minals 320S each include a middle portion 321S, a con- 5 second, and third signal terminals 310S, 320S and 330S. tact portion 322S, a hanging portion 323S, and a tail por- [0049] The next step is to injection-mold an insulating tion 324S. As these portions of the second signal terminal resin to form the body 100. In the injection-molding, the 320S are of the same configurations as those of the first middle portions 311S of the first signal terminals 310S, signal terminal 310S, no further description will be given. the middle portions 321S of the second signal terminal [0045] The third signal terminals 330S are electrically 10 320S and the middle portions 331S of the third signal conductive metal plates extending in the Y direction as terminals 330S are insert-molded in the main body 110. shown in Fig. 2C and are of the same shape as that of As a result, the first, second, and third signal terminals the first signal terminal 310S. The third signal terminals are arranged in a line along the X direction in the body 330S each include a middle portion 331S, a contact por- 100, in the order of 310S, 310S, 330S, 330S, 320S and tion 332S, a hanging portion 333S, and a tail portion15 320S. 334S. As these portions of the third signal terminal 330S [0050] Thereafter, the body 100 is inserted into the are of the same configurations as those of the first signal shell 200. The connector is now assembled and is ready terminal 310S, no further description will be given. to mount onto the circuit board. When mounting the con- [0046] As shown in Fig. 3, the terminal group T is ar- nector, the tail portions 314S, 324S and 334S are sol- ranged in a line at intervals along the X direction in the 20 dered to the signal lines of the circuit board. body 100, particularly in the order of 310S, 310S, 330S, [0051] The above-described connector has many ad- 330S, 320S and 320S (i.e., the terminals of the terminal vantageous features. Particularly, the two pieces of third group T are arranged in a line along the X direction in signal terminals 330S are arranged at an interval be- the body 100). The pair of first signal terminals 310S is tween the first signal terminal 310S and the second signal adjacent to each other in the X direction and forms a25 terminals 320S. As the frequency of each signal trans- differential pair for high-speed differential signaling. The mitted by the third signal terminals 330S is about one pair of second signal terminals 320S is adjacent to each hundredth or lower of the frequency of each high-speed other in the X direction and forms a differential pair for differential signal transmitted by the first and second sig- high-speed differential signaling. The two pieces of third nal terminals 310S and 320S, the third signal terminals signal terminals 330S are arranged at an interval along 30 330Sserve as pseudo-ground terminals between the pair the X direction to be located between one of the pair of of first signal terminals 310S and the pair of second signal first signal terminals 310S and one of the pair of second terminals 320S in signal transmission. Therefore, it is signal terminals 320S as shown in Fig. 3. possible to reduce crosstalk between differential signals [0047] It should be noted that a frequency of a signal transmitted by the pair of first signal terminals 310S and transmitted by the third signal terminals 330S is about 35 differential signals transmitted by the pair of second sig- one hundredth or lower of a frequency of a high-speed nal terminals 320S. Also, the third signal terminals 330S differential signal transmitted by the first and second sig- can be used as terminals for control signaling or for other nal terminals 310S and 320S. For example, the pair of low-speed signaling in the connector. Therefore, the con- first signal terminals 310S may transmit high-speed dif- nector has a reduced X-direction dimension, i.e. a re- ferential signals at a frequency of several gigahertz40 duced size in comparison with a case where ground ter- (GHz), the pair of second signal terminals 320S may minals are separately provided between the first and sec- transmit high-speed differential signals also at a frequen- ond signal terminals 310S and 320S. cy of several GHz, and the third signal terminals 330S may transmit high-speed differential signals at a frequen- Comparative Example 2 cy of several megahertz (MHz). Alternatively, the pair of 45 first signal terminals 310S may transmit high-speed dif- [0052] A connector according to comparative example ferential signals at a frequency of several GHz, the pair 2 of the invention will be described below with reference of second signal terminals 320S may transmit high-speed to Fig. 4 or Fig. 5. The connector shown in Fig. 4 or Fig. differential signals also at a frequency of several GHz, 5 is configured almost the same as the connector of the and the third signal terminals 330S may transmit high- 50 comparative example 1 except a terminal group T’ of dif- speed differential signals at a frequency of tens of MHz. ferent configuration from the terminal group T. Therefore, Thisconfiguration makes itpossible to use thethird signal the terminal group T’ will be described in detail and the terminals 330S as pseudo-ground terminals between the descriptions of the other components of connector over- pair of first signal terminals 310S and the pair of second lapping with the comparative example 1 will be omitted. signal terminals. 320S in signal transmission. It should 55 The terminal group of the connector of the Embodiment also be noted that the third signal terminals 330S exert 2 will be referred to with a symbol _’_ for the sake of a signal shielding function (crosstalk reducing function) distinction from the terminal group T of the Embodiment to lesser degrees than genuine ground terminals. 1.

7 13 EP 2 571 111 B1 14

[0053] The terminal group T’ includes a pair of first sig- 310S and the second signal terminal 320S. As the fre- nal terminals 310S, a pair of second signal terminals quency of each signal transmitted by the third signal ter- 320S, two pieces of third signal terminals 330S, and two minals 330S is about one tenth or lower of the frequency ground terminals 340G. The first, second, and third signal of each high-speed differential signal transmitted by the terminals 310S, 320S and 330S are the same ones as 5 first and second signal terminals 310S and 320S, the those of comparative example 1. The ground terminals third signal terminals 330S serve as pseudo-ground ter- 340G are conductive metal plates extending in the Y di- minals between the pair of first signal terminals 310S and rection and have the same configuration as that of the the pair of second signal terminals 320S in signal trans- first signal terminal 310S. More particularly, the ground mission. Therefore, it is possible to reduce crosstalk be- terminals 340G each have a middle portion, a contact 10 tween differential signals transmitted by the pair of first portion, a hanging portion, and a tail portion. The tail por- signal terminals 310S and differential signals transmitted tions of the ground terminals 340G are connectable to a by the pair of second signal terminals 320S. Also, the ground line of the circuit board. The respective portions third signal terminals 330S can be used as terminals for of the ground terminals 340G will not be described further control signaling or for other low-speed signaling in the to avoid the redundancies with the first signal terminals 15 connector. Therefore, the connector has a reduced X- 310S. direction dimension, i.e. a reduced size in comparison [0054] The terminal group T’ is arranged in a line at with a case where ground terminals are separately pro- intervals alongthe Xdirection in thebody 100, particularly vided between the first and second signal terminals 310S in the order of 310S, 310S, 340G, 330S, 330S, 340G, and 320S. 320S and 320S as shown in Fig.4, or in the order of the 20 terminals 310S, 310S, 330S, 340G, 340G, 330S, 320S Embodiment 1 and 320S as shown in Fig. 5. In either terminal layout, the two ground terminals 340G and the two third signal [0057] A connector according to Embodiment 1 of the terminals 330S are arranged in a line at intervals along invention will be described below with reference to Figs. the X direction between one of the pair of first signal ter- 25 6 to 7B. The connector shown in Fig. 6 is a receptacle minals 310S and one of the pair of second signal termi- for mounting onto a circuit board (not shown) and receiv- nals 320S. In the layout as shown in Fig. 4, one of the ing a plug (not shown). The connector includes a body groundterminals 340G is locatedbetween thethird signal 400, a shell 500, and terminal groups T1 and T2. Each terminals 330S and the first signal terminals 310S in the component of the connector will be described in detail X direction, and the other ground terminals 340G is lo- 30 below. It should be noted that in Figs. 6 to 7B, "X" refers cated between the third signal terminal 330S and the to a widthwise direction of the connector and an arrange- second signal terminal 320S in the X direction. In the ment direction of terminal groups T1 and T2 (the first layout as shown in Fig. 5, one of the third signal terminals direction), "Y" refers to a front-back direction of the con- 330S is located between the ground terminals 340G and nector, and "Z" refers to a heightwise direction of the the first signal terminals 310S in the X direction, and the 35 connector (a second direction). The Y direction is orthog- other third signal terminal 330S is located between the onal to the X direction, and the Z direction is orthogonal ground terminals 340G and the second signal terminals to the X and Y directions. 320S in the X direction. [0058] The body 400 is an injection molded member [0055] A frequency of each signal transmitted by the of insulating resin. The body 400 includes a main body third signal terminals 330S is about one tenth or lower of 40 410 and a projection 420 as shown in Figs. 7A and Fig. a frequency of each high-speed differential signal trans- 7B. The main body 410 is of a rectangular shape. The mitted by the first and second signal terminals 310S and projection 420 is a rectangular plate provided centrally 320S. For example, the pair of first signal terminals 310S of a first face in the Y direction (front face) of the main may transmit high-speed differential signals at a frequen- body 410 and extends in the Y direction. A first face in cy of several GHz to ten-odd GHz, the pair of second 45 the Z direction (upper face) of the projection 420 is pro- signal terminals 320S may transmit high-speed differen- vided with a plurality of grooves 421 extending in the Y tial signals also at a frequency of several GHz to ten-odd direction. The grooves 421 are arrayed at intervals along GHz, and the third signal terminals 330S may transmit the X direction. A second face in the Z direction (lower signals at a frequency of a few hundred MHz to about face) of the projection 420 is provided with a plurality of one GHz. This configuration makes it possible to use the 50 grooves 422 extending in the Y direction. The grooves third signal terminals 330S as pseudo-ground terminals 422 are arrayed at intervals along the X direction. The between the pair of first signal terminals 310S and the grooves 421 and 422 form a zigzag layout along the X pair of second signal terminals 320S in signal transmis- direction. sion. [0059] The shell 500 is a square tube including a con- [0056] The above-described connector has many ad- 55 ductive metal plate and surrounds the outer circumfer- vantageous features. Particularly, the two pieces of third ence of the body 400. signal terminals 330S and the two ground terminals 340G [0060] The terminal groups T1 and T2 are compliant are arranged at intervals between the first signal terminal with different standards. For example, the terminal

8 15 EP 2 571 111 B1 16 groups T1 and T2 may be compliant with any of High- body portion 410 of the body 400. The middle portion Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) standard, Univer- 631S has first and second ends in the Y direction. The sal Serial Bus (USB) 3.0 standard and DisplayPort stand- contact portion 632S is a plate continuous with the first ard. The terminal groups T1 and T2 of the Embodiment end of the middle portion 631S and extends in the Y di- 3 will be described below without specifying which stand- 5 rection. The contact portion 632S is received in a groove ards they are compliant with. 421 of the projection 420 in the body 400 and is contacta- [0061] As shown in Fig. 6, the terminal group T1 in- ble with an associated signal contact of the plug. cludes a plurality of fourth signal terminals 610S, a plu- [0066] The hanging portion 633S is a generally L- rality of fifth signal terminals 620S, a plurality of sixth shaped plate continuous with the second end of the mid- signal terminals 630S, a ground terminal 640G (third10 dle portion 631S and is bent at a right angle to the middle ground terminal), a plurality of seventh signal terminals, portion 631S. The hanging portion 633S extends in the 650S, a ground terminal 660G (fourth ground terminals), Z direction along a second face in the Y direction (rear and a tenth signal terminal 670S. face) of the main body portion 410. The hanging portion [0062] The fourth signal terminals 610S are electrically 633S has a larger dimension in the Z direction than a conductive metal plates extending in the Y direction as 15 dimension in the Z direction of the hanging portion 613S. shown in Fig. 7A. The fourth signal terminals 610S each The tail portion 634S is a plate continuous with a lower include a middle portion 611S, a contact portion 612S, a end in the Z direction of the hanging portion 633S and is hanging portion 613S, and a tail portion 614S. The middle bent at a right angle to the hanging portion 633S to extend portion 611S is a plate extending in the Y direction and in the Y direction. The tail portion 634S is connectable securely embedded in the main body 410 of the body 20 to an associated signal line of the circuit board. 400. The middle portion 611S has first and second ends [0067] The fifth signal terminals 620S, the ground ter- in the Y direction. The contact portion 612S is a plate minals 640G and the tenth signal terminal 670S are elec- continuous with the first end of the middle portion 611S trically conductive metal plates extending in the Y direc- and extends in the Y direction. The contact portion 612S tion and have the same shape as the sixth signal termi- is received in a groove 422 of the projection 420 of the 25 nals 630S. The fifth signal terminals 620S, the ground body 400 and is adapted to contact a signal contact of terminal 640G and the tenth signal terminal 670S each the plug. include a middle portion, a contact portion, a hanging [0063] The hanging portion 613S is a generally L- portion, and a tail portion. The tail portions of the fifth shaped plate continuous with the second end of the mid- signal terminals 620S and the tenth signal terminal 670S dle portion 611S and is bent at a right angle to the middle 30 are connectable to associated signal lines of the circuit portion 611S to extend in the Z direction. The tail portion board. The tail portion of the ground terminal 640G is 614S is a plate continuous with a lower end of the hanging connectable to the ground line of the circuit board. The portion 613S in the Z direction and is bent at a right angle respective portions of the respective fifth signal terminals to the hanging portion 613S to extend in the Y direction. 620S, the ground terminal 640G and the tenth signal ter- The tail portion 614S is connectable to a signal line of 35 minal 670S will not be described because they have the the circuit board. same configurations as those of the sixth signal terminals [0064] The seventh signal terminals 650S and the 630S. ground terminal 660G are electrically conductive metal [0068] The terminals of the terminal group T1 are ar- plates extending in the Y direction and have the same ranged in two lines to form a zigzag layout as shown in shape as that of the fourth signal terminals 610S. The 40 Fig. 6. More particularly, the terminals in the first line (up- seventh signal terminals 650S and the ground terminal per row) are arranged at intervals along the X direction 660G each include a middle portion, a contact portion, a in the body 400, in the order of 620S, 620S, 630S, 630S, hanging portion, and a tail portion. The tail portions of 640G, and 670S, while the terminals in the second line the seventh signal terminals 650S are connectable to (lower row) are arranged at intervals along the X direction associatedsignal lines ofthe circuit board.The tail portion 45 in the body 400, in the order of 660G, 650S, 650S, 610S, of the ground terminal 660G is connectable to a ground and 610S. The pair of fourth signal terminals 610S is line of the circuit board. The respective portions of the adjacent to each other in the X direction and forms a seventh signal terminals 650S and the ground terminal differential pair for high-speed differential signaling. The 660G will not be described because they have the same pair of fifth signal terminals 620S is adjacent to each other configurations as those of the fourth signal terminals50 in the X direction and forms a differential pair for high- 610S. speed differential signaling. The sixth signal terminals [0065] The sixth signal terminals 630S are electrically 630S and the seventh signal terminals 650S are ar- conductive metal plates extending in the Y direction as ranged at intervals along the X direction to be located in shown in Fig. 7B. The sixth signal terminals 630S each a region α between the fourth signal terminals 610S and include a middle portion 631S, a contact portion 632S, a 55 the fifth signal terminals 620S in the X direction. hanging portion 633S, and a tail portion 634S. The middle [0069] The ground terminal 640G is located between portion 631S is a plate extending in the Y direction to be the pair of fourth signal terminals 610S in plane position. securely pressed into a through hole 411 in the main The ground terminal 660G is located between the pair of

9 17 EP 2 571 111 B1 18 fifth signal terminals 620S in plane position. The tenth nals of each pair are adjacent to each other in the X di- signal terminal 670S is located at the very end of the rection. The signal terminals 720S form a differential pair terminal group T1 and adjacent to the ground terminal for high-speed differential signaling and adjacent to each 640G. other in the X direction. The ground terminal 730G is [0070] It should be noted that a frequency of each sig- 5 located between the pairs of signal terminals 720S in nal transmitted by the sixth, seventh and tenth signal ter- plane position. The ground terminals 740G are each lo- minals 630S,650S and 670S are aboutone tenth or lower cated between the terminals of each pair of signal termi- of a frequency of each high-speed differential signal nals 710S in plane position. transmitted by the fourth and fifth signal terminals 610S [0075] The above-described connector has many ad- and 620S. For example, the pair of fourth signal terminals 10 vantageous features. Particularly, in the terminal group 610S may transmit high-speed differential signals at a T1, the sixth and seventh signal terminals 630S and 650S frequency of several GHz to ten-odd GHz, the pair of fifth are located in the region α between the fourth signal ter- signal terminals 620S may transmit high-speed differen- minals 610S and the fifth signal terminals 620S in the X tial signals also at a frequency of several GHz to ten-odd direction. The frequency of each signal transmitted by GHz, and the sixth, seventh and tenth signal terminals 15 the sixth and seventh signal terminals 630S and 650S 630S, 650S and 670S may transmit signals at a frequen- are about one tenth or lower of the frequency of each cy of a few hundred MHz to about one GHz. This config- high-speed differential signal transmitted by the fourth uration makes it possible to use the sixth signal terminals and fifth signal terminals 610S and 620S. This configu- 630S and the seventh signal terminals 650S as pseudo- ration makes it possible to use the sixth and seventh sig- ground terminals in the region αbetween the fourth signal 20 nal terminals 630S and 650S as pseudo-ground termi- terminals 610S and the fifth signal terminals 620S in sig- nals in the region α in signal transmission. Therefore, it nal transmission. It should also be noted that the sixth is possible to reduce crosstalk between the differential and seventh signal terminals 630S and 650S exert a sig- signals transmitted by the pair of fourth signal terminals nal shielding function (crosstalk reducing function) to 610S and the differential signals transmitted by the pair lesser degrees than genuine ground terminals. 25 of fifth signal terminals 620S. Also, the sixth and seventh [0071] The terminal group T2 includes a plurality of sig- signal terminals 630S and 650S can be used as terminals nal terminals 710S, a plurality of signal terminals 720S, for control signaling or for other low-speed signaling in and a plurality of ground terminals 730G and 740G. The the connector. Therefore, the connector has a reduced terminals of the terminal group T2 are arranged in two X-direction dimension, i.e. a reduced size in comparison lines along the X direction to form a zigzag layout. More 30 with a case where ground terminals are separately pro- particularly, the terminals in the first line (upper row) are vided in the region α. arranged at intervals along the X direction in the body [0076] Further advantageously, the ground terminal 400, in the order of 740G, 720S, 720S and 740G. The 640G is located between the pair of fourth signal termi- terminals in the second line (lower row) are arranged at nals 610S in plane position. This arrangement makes it intervals along the X direction in the body 400, in the35 possible to adjust impedance between the pair of fourth order of 710S, 710S, 730G, 710S and 710S. signal terminals 610S, improving transmission charac- [0072] The signal terminals 720S and the ground ter- teristics of the differential signals transmitted by the fourth minals 740G are electrically conductive metal plates ex- signal terminals 610S. Similarly, the ground terminal tending in the Y direction and each have the same shape 660G is located between the pair of fifth signal terminals as that of the sixth signal terminals 630S. The signal ter- 40 620S in plane position. This arrangement makes it pos- minals 720S and the ground terminals 740G each include sible to adjust impedance between the pair of fifth signal a middle portion, a contact portion, a hanging portion, terminals 620S, improving transmission characteristics and a tail portion. The respective portions of the signal of the differential signals transmitted by the fifth signal terminals 720S and the ground terminals 740G will not terminals 620S. be described because they have the same configurations 45 [0077] We conducted Experiments 1 and 2. Experi- as those of the sixth signal terminals 630S. ment 1 was conducted on terminals in the first line in the [0073] The signal terminals 710S and the ground ter- order of G, G, G, G, S1, S1, S3, G, S3, and S3 and ter- minal 730G are electrically conductive metal plates ex- minals in the second line in the order of G, G, G, G, G, tending in the Y direction and each have the same shape G, S4, S2, S2, and S4 as shown in Fig. 8A. The terminals as that of the fourth signal terminals 610S. The signal 50 S1 and S1 form a differential pair for high-speed differ- terminal 710S and the ground terminal 730G each in- ential signaling. The terminals S2 and S2 also form a clude a middle portion, a contact portion, a hanging por- differential pair for high-speed differential signaling. The tion, and a tail portion. The respective portions of the terminal G is a ground terminal. The terminals S3 and signal terminal 710S and the ground terminal 730G will S4 are low-speed signal terminals. not be described because they have the same configu- 55 [0078] In Experiment 1, we measured noise of the sig- rations as those of the fourth signal terminals 610S. nal terminals S2, with no signals transmitted on the ter- [0074] The signal terminals 710S form two differential minals S3 and S4 and with sweep signals at frequencies pairs for high-speed differential signaling, and the termi- of 0 to 10 GHz transmitted on the signal terminals S1.

10 19 EP 2 571 111 B1 20

The result is shown in the graph of Fig. 9A. terminals 610S’, the seventh signal terminals 650S’ and [0079] Experiment 2 was conducted on terminals in the ground terminals 660G’ each include a middle por- the first line in the order of G, G, G, G, S1, S1, G, S", S3, tion, a contact portion, a hanging portion, and a tail por- and S3 and terminals in the second line in the order of tion. The respective portions of the terminals 610S’, G, G, G, G, G, G, S4, S4, S2, and S2 as shown in Fig. 5 650S’, and 660G’ will not be described to avoid redun- 8B. The terminals S1 and S1 form a differential pair for dancy with the description of the fourth signal terminals high-speed differential signaling. The terminals S2 and 610S. S2 also form a differential pair for high-speed differential [0086] The fifth signal terminals 620S’, the sixth signal signaling. The terminal G is a ground terminal. The ter- terminal 630S’ and the ground terminals 640G’ are elec- minals S3, S4 and S" are low-speed signal terminals. 10 trically conductive metal plates extending in the Y direc- The terminals S4 may be replaced with ground terminals. tion and have the same shape as the sixth signal termi- [0080] In Experiment 2, we measured noise of the ter- nals 630S of Embodiment 1. The fifth signal terminals minals S2 with no signals transmitted on the terminals 620S’, the sixth signal terminal 630S’ and the ground S3 and S4, with sweep signals at frequencies of 0 to 10 terminals 640G’ each include a middle portion, a contact GHz transmitted on the signal terminals S1, and with sig- 15 portion, a hanging portion, and a tail portion. The respec- nals at a frequency of 240 MHz transmitted on the signal tive portions of the terminals 620S’, 630S’, and 640G’ terminal S". The result is shown in the graph of Fig. 9B. will not be described to avoid redundancy with the de- [0081] Comparing the graphs of Experiments 1 and 2, scription of the sixth signal terminals 630S. it is found that there is reduction of noise in Experiment [0087] The terminals of the terminal group T3 are ar- 2 in comparison with Experiment 1. The two terminals 20 ranged in two lines to form a zigzag layout. More partic- S4 are present in the region between the terminals S1 ularly, the terminals in the first line (upper row) are ar- and S2 in Experiment 2, increasing the distance between ranged at intervals along the X direction in the body 400, the terminals S1 and S2 in the X direction. As a result, in the order of 620S’, 620S’, 640G’, 630S’, 640G’, 620S’, crosstalk is less likely to occur between the terminals S1 620S’, and 640G’, while the terminals in the second line and S2, and the presence of the terminal S" also contrib- 25 (lower row) are arranged at intervals along the X direction utes to the reduction of crosstalk between the terminals in the body 400, in the order of 660G’, 650S’, 660G’, S1 and S2. 610S’, 610S’, 660G’, 650S’, and 660G’. The pair of fourth signal terminals 610S’ is adjacent to each other in the X Embodiment 2 direction and forms a differential pair for high-speed dif- 30 ferential signaling. One of the ground terminals 640G’ [0082] A connector according to Embodiment 2 of the and the sixth signal terminal 630S’ are adjacent to each invention will be described below with reference Fig. 10. other in the X direction. The other ground terminal 640G’ The connector shown in Fig. 10 is a receptacle for mount- and the sixth signal terminal 630S’ are adjacent to each ing onto a circuit board (not shown) and receiving a plug other in the X direction. One of the pair of fourth signal (not shown). The connector generally has the same con- 35 terminals 610S’ is located in plane position between the stitution as that of the connector in the Embodiment 1, one of the ground terminals 640G’ and the sixth signal except that terminal groups T3 and T4 are provided in terminal 630S’. In other words, the one of the ground place of the terminal groups T1 and T2. Only the differ- terminals 640G’ and the sixth signal terminal 630S’ are ences from Embodiment 1 will be described in detail be- located on opposite sides of the one of fourth signal ter- low, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted. 40 minals 610S’ in the X direction in plane position. The [0083] The terminal groups T3 and T4 are compliant other fourth signal terminal 610S’ is located between the with different standards. For example, the terminal sixth signal terminal 630S’ and the other ground terminal groups T3 and T4 may be compliant with any of HDMI 640G’. In other words, the sixth signal terminal 630S’ and standard, USB 3.0 standard and DisplayPort standard. the other ground terminal 640G’ are located on opposite The terminal groups T3 and T4 of the Embodiment 1 will 45 sides of the other fourth signal terminal 610S’ in the X be described below without specifying which standards direction in plane position. they are compliant with. [0088] The fifth signal terminals 620S’ form two differ- [0084] As shown in Fig. 10, the terminal group T3 in- ential pairs for high-speed differential signaling, and the cludes a plurality of fourth signal terminals 610S’, a plu- terminals of each pair are adjacent to each other in the rality of fifth signal terminals 620S’, a sixth signal terminal 50 X direction. In each pair, one of the fifth signal terminals 630S’, a plurality of ground terminals 640G’, a plurality 620S’ is located, in plane position, between one of ground of seventh signal terminals 650S’, and a plurality of terminals 660G’ and the seventh signal terminal 650S’ ground terminals 660G’. that are adjacent to each other in the X direction. In other [0085] The fourth signal terminals 610S’, the seventh words, the one of the ground terminals 660G’ and the signal terminals 650S’ and the ground terminals 660G’ 55 seventh signal terminal 650S’ are located on opposite are electrically conductive metal plates extending in the sides of the one of fifth signal terminals 620S’ in the X Y direction and have the same shape as that of the fourth direction in plane position. The other fifth signal terminals signal terminals 610S of Embodiment 3. The fourth signal 620S’ is located in plane position between the seventh

11 21 EP 2 571 111 B1 22 signal terminal 650S’ and the other ground terminal terminals 710S’ and 730G’ will not be described to avoid 660G’ that are adjacent to each other in the X direction. redundancy with the description of the fourth signal ter- In other words, the seventh signal terminal 650S’ and the minals 610S. other ground terminal 660G’ are located on opposite [0093] The signal terminals 710S’ form two differential sides of the other fifth signal terminal 620S’ in the X di- 5 pairs for high-speed differential signaling, and the termi- rection in plane position. nals of each pair are adjacent to each other in the X di- [0089] A frequency of each signal transmitted by the rection. The signal terminals 720S’ form two differential sixth and seventh signal terminals 630S’ and 6508’ is pairs for high-speed differential signaling, and the termi- about one tenth or lower of a frequency of each high- nals of each pair are adjacent to each other in the X di- speed differential signal transmitted by the fourth and 10 rection. Two of the ground terminals 730G’ are each lo- fifth signal terminals 610S’ and 620S’. For example, the cated, in plane position, between adjacent two of the sig- pair of the fourth signal terminals 610S’ may transmit nal terminals 720S’. Two of the ground terminals 740G’ high-speed differential signals at a frequency of several are each located, in plane position, between adjacent GHz to ten-odd GHz, the pairs of fifth signal terminals two of signal terminals 710S’. 620S’ may transmit high-speed differential signals also 15 [0094] The above-described connector has many ad- at a frequency of several GHz to ten-odd GHz, and the vantageous features. Particularly, in the terminal group sixth and seventh signal terminals 630S’ and 650S’ may T3, one of ground terminals 640G’ and the sixth signal transmit signals at a frequency of a few hundred MHz to terminal 630S’ are located on opposite sides of one of about one GHz. This configuration makes it possible to thefourth signal terminals 610S’ inthe Xdirection inplane use the sixth signal terminal 630S’ as a pseudo-ground 20 position, and the sixth signal terminal 630S’ and the other terminal in plane position between the pair of fourth signal ground terminal 640G’ are located on opposite sides of terminals 610S’, and to use the seventh signal terminal the other fourth signal terminal 610S’ in the X direction 650S’ as a pseudo-ground terminal in plane position be- in plane position. Further, one of the ground terminals tween the pair of fifth signal terminals 620S’ in signal 660G’ and one of the seventh signal terminal 650S’ are transmission. It should also be noted that the sixth and 25 located on opposite sides of one of each pair of the fifth seventh signal terminals 630S’ and 650S’ exert a signal signal terminals 620S’ in the X direction in plane position, shielding function (crosstalk reducing function) to lesser and the seventh signal terminal 650S’ and another one degrees than genuine ground terminals. of the ground terminal 660G’ are located on opposite [0090] The terminal group T4 includes a plurality of sig- sides of the other one of each pair of the fifth signal ter- nal terminals 710S’, a plurality of signal terminals 720S’, 30 minal 620S’ in the X direction in plane position. A fre- a plurality of ground terminals 730G’ and 740G’, and oth- quency of each signal transmitted by the sixth and sev- er terminals. The terminals of the terminal group T4 are enth signal terminals 630S’ and 650S’ is about one tenth arranged in two lines to form a zigzag layout. More par- or lower of frequency of each high-speed differential sig- ticularly, the terminals in the first line (upper row) are nal transmitted by the fourth and fifth signal terminals arranged at intervals along the X direction in the body 35 610S’ and 620S’. This configuration makes it possible to 400, in the order of 740G’, 720S’, 720S’, 740G’, 720S’, use the sixth signal terminal 630S’ as a pseudo-ground 720S’, 740G’, and the other terminals, while the terminals terminal between the pair of fourth signal terminals 610S’ in the second line (lower row) are arranged at intervals in plane position, and the seventh signal terminal 650S’ along the X direction in the body 400, in the order of the as a pseudo-ground terminal between the pair of fifth other terminals 730G’, 710S’, 710S’, 730G’, 710S’,40 signal terminals 620S’ in plane position in signal trans- 710S’, and 730G’. mission. It is therefore possible to reduce crosstalk be- [0091] The signal terminals 720S’ and the ground ter- tween differential signals transmitted by the pair of fourth minals 740G’ are electrically conductive metal plates ex- signal terminals 610S’ and the differential signals trans- tending in the Y direction and have the same shape as mitted by the pair of fifth signal terminals 620S’. Also, the that of the sixth signal terminals 630S. The signal termi- 45 sixth and seventh signal terminals 630S’ and 650S’ can nals 720S’ and the ground terminals 740G’ each include be used as terminals for control signaling or for other low- a middle portion, a contact portion, a hanging portion, speed signaling in the connector. Therefore, the connec- and a tail portion. The respective portions of the terminals tor has a reduced X-direction dimension, i.e. a reduced 720S’ and 740G’ will not be described to avoid redun- size in comparison with a case where ground terminals dancy with the description of the sixth signal terminals 50 are separately provided between the fourth signal termi- 630S. nals 610S’ in plane position and/or between the fifth sig- [0092] The signal terminals 710S’ and the ground ter- nal terminals 620S’ in plane position. minals 730G’ are electrically conductive metal plates ex- tending in the Y direction and have the same shape as Embodiment 5 that of the fourth signal terminals 610S. The signal ter- 55 minals 710S’ and the ground terminals 730G’ each in- [0095] A connector according to Embodiment 3 of the clude a middle portion, a contact portion, a hanging por- invention will be described below with reference to Fig. tion, and a tail portion. The respective portions of the 11. The connector shown in Fig. 11 is a receptacle for

12 23 EP 2 571 111 B1 24 mounting onto a circuit board (not shown) and receiving signals at a frequency of a few hundred MHz to about a plug (not shown). The connector generally has the one GHz. This configuration makes it possible to use the same constitution as the connector of the Embodiment sixth signal terminals 630S’ as pseudo-ground terminals 4, except that the terminal group T4 is not provided and for the fourth signal terminals 610S’, and the seventh that the terminal layout of the terminal group T3’ is dif- 5 signal terminals 650S’ as pseudo-ground terminals for ferent from that of the terminal group T3 of Embodiment the fifth signal terminals 620S’ in signal transmission. It 2. Only the differences from Embodiment 2 will be de- should also be noted that the sixth and seventh signal scribed in detail below, and overlapping descriptions will terminals 630S’ and 650S’ exert a signal shielding func- be omitted. The terminal group of this embodiment is tion (crosstalk reducing function) to lesser degrees than referred to as T3’ for the sake of distinction from the ter- 10 genuine ground terminals. minal group T3 of Embodiment 2. [0100] The above-described connector has many ad- [0096] The body 400 and the shell 500 have the same vantageous features. Particularly, in the terminal group constitutions as the body 400 and the shell 500 of the T3’, the pair of fourth signal terminals 610S’ and the pair Embodiment 2, except the smaller dimensions in the X of sixth signal terminals 630S’ are located on the opposite direction than those of the body 400 and the shell 500 of 15 sides in the Z direction of a portion of the body 400, and Embodiment 2. the pair of fifth signal terminals 620S’ and the pair of [0097] The terminal group T3’ is different from the ter- seventh signal terminals 650S’ are located on the oppo- minal group T3 in that the terminals are not arranged in site sides in the Z direction of the portion of the body 400. two lines to form a zigzag layout. More specifically, the A frequency of each signal transmitted by the sixth and terminals of terminal group T3’ are arranged in two lines 20 seventh signal terminals 630S’ and 650S’ is about one as shown in Fig. 11. As illustrated, the terminals in the tenth or lower of a frequency of each high-speed differ- first line (upper row) are arranged in the body 400 at ential signal transmitted by the fourth and fifth signal ter- intervals in the X direction, in the order of 620S’, 620S’, minals 610S’ and 620S’. This configuration makes it pos- 640G’, 630S’, 630S’ 620S’, 620S’, and 640G’. The ter- sible to use the pair of sixth signal terminals 630S’ as a minals in the second line (lower row) are arranged in the 25 pseudo-ground terminal for the pair of fourth signal ter- body 400 at intervals in the X direction, in the order of minals 610S’, and the pair of seventh signal terminals 650S’, 650S’, 660G’, 610S’, 610S’, 650S’, 650S’, and 650S’ as pseudo-ground terminals for the pairs of fifth 660G’. The terminals in the first and second lines are of signal terminals 620S’ in signal transmission. It is there- the same shape as the terminals in the first and second fore possible to reduce crosstalk between differential sig- lines of Embodiment 4. 30 nals transmitted by the pair of fourth signal terminals [0098] The pair of fourth signal terminals 610S’ is lo- 610S’ and the differential signals transmitted by the pair cated on the opposite side in the Z direction of a portion of fifth signal terminals 620S’. Also, the sixth and seventh of the body 400 (a portion of the main body 410 and the signal terminals 630S’ and 650S’ can be used as termi- projection 420 of the body 400) from the pair of sixth nals for control signaling or for other low-speed signaling signal terminals 630S’. The fourth signal terminals 610S’ 35 in the connector. Therefore, the connector has a reduced are aligned with the sixth signal terminals 630S’ in the Z X-direction dimension, i.e. a reduced size in comparison direction. The pair of fifth signal terminals 620S’ is located with a case where ground terminals are separately pro- on the opposite side in the Z direction of the portion of vided on the opposite side of the body 400 from the fourth the body 400 (the portion of the main body 410 and the signal terminals 610S’ and/or on the opposite side of the projection 420) from the pair of seventh signal terminals 40 body 400 from the fifth signal terminals 620S’. 650S’. The fifth signal terminals 620S’ are aligned with [0101] The connectors of the invention are not limited the seventh signal terminals 650S’ in the Z direction. The to ones according to the above Embodiments and may ground terminals 640G’ are located on the opposite side be modified within the scope of claims. Variants will be in the Z direction of the portion of the body 400 (the portion described in detail below with reference to Figs. 12A to of the main body 410 and the projection 420) from the 45 16F. ground terminals 660G’. The ground terminals 640G’ are [0102] The connector of comparative example 1 in- aligned with the ground terminals 660G’ in the Z direction. cludes the pair of first signal terminals 310S, the pair of [0099] A frequency of each signal transmitted by the second signal terminals 320S, and the two pieces of third sixth and seventh signal terminals 630S’ and 650S’ is signal terminals 330S, the third signal terminals being about one tenth or lower of a frequency of each high- 50 arranged at intervals between one of the pair of first signal speed differential signal transmitted by the fourth and terminals 310S and one of the pair of second signal ter- fifth signal terminals 610S’ and 620S. For example, the minals 320S in the X direction. However, this first exam- pair of fourth signal terminals 610S’ may transmit high- ple connector may be modified as long as it includes first, speed differential signals at a frequency of several GHz second, and third signal terminals arranged in one line to ten-odd GHz, the pairs of fifth signal terminals 620S’ 55 along the first direction in the body, and the third signal may transmit high-speed differential signals also at a fre- terminal is located between the first and second signal quency of several GHz to ten-odd GHz, and the sixth and terminals, and a frequency of a signal transmitted by the seventh signal terminals 630S’ and 650S’ may transmit third signal terminal is about one hundredth or lower of

13 25 EP 2 571 111 B1 26 a frequency of each signal transmitted by the first and modified to include a plurality of terminals arranged in second signal terminals. For example, there may be one, the body in a plurality of lines along the Z direction (the three, or more of third signal terminals provided between second direction). In this case, one of the lines includes the first and second signal terminals. Further, the first the first, second, and third signal terminals and the connector may include terminals arranged in the body in 5 ground terminal arranged in the above described layout, a plurality of lines along the Z direction (the second di- and the remaining terminals may be of any kind and ar- rection orthogonal to the first direction). In this case, one ranged in any manner. of the lines includes the first, second, and third signal [0106] In the first and second example connectors, the terminals arranged in the above described layout, and third signal terminal/terminals 330S may be located be- the remaining terminals may be of any kind and arranged 10 tween one of the first signal terminals 310S and one of in any manner. the second signal terminals 320S as described above [0103] The connector of comparative example 2 in- and also at other locations. Particularly, as shown in Figs. cludes the pair of first signal terminals 310S, the pair of 13A, 13B and 13C, the third signal terminals 330S may second signal terminals 320S, the two ground terminals be arranged adjacently to the other first signal terminal 340G, and the two third signal terminals 330S, and the 15 310S and the other second signal terminal 320S in the ground terminals 340G and the third signal terminals X direction (i.e. adjacently to the endmost ones of the 330S are arranged at intervals along the X direction be- first and second signal terminals in the terminal group tween one of the first signal terminals 310S and one of along the X direction). Further, in place of the third signal the second signal terminals 320S. This second example terminals 330S, ground terminals may be provided ad- connector may be modified as long as it includes first, 20 jacently to the other first signal terminal 310S and the second, and third signal terminals and a ground terminal other second signal terminal 320S in the X direction. By arranged in a line in the body in the first direction, the providing the third signal terminals 330S or the ground third signal terminal and the ground terminal are located terminals adjacently to the endmost ones of the first and between the first and second signal terminals, and a fre- second signal terminals in the terminal group along the quency of a signal transmitted by the third signal terminal 25 X direction, impedances can be adjusted between the is about one tenth or lower of a frequency of each signal pair of first signal terminals 310S and between the pair transmitted by the first and second signal terminals. For of second signal terminals 320S positioned at ends of example, there may be one ground terminal and one third the terminal group along the X direction. signal terminal provided between the first and second [0107] In comparative examples 1 and 2, the pair of signal terminals. 30 first signal terminals 310S and the pair of second signal [0104] The second example connector may be modi- terminals 320S form differential pairs. However, the first fied as shown in Fig. 12A. Particularly, there may be two and second signal terminals may be terminals for single ground terminals 340G and one piece of third signal ter- ended-signaling. Alternatively, there may be a pair of first minal 330S arranged at intervals in the X direction to be signal terminals for differential signaling and a second located between one of the pair of first signal terminals 35 signal terminal for single ended signaling, or vice versa. 310S and one of the pair of second signal terminals 320S The first, second, and third signal terminals 310S, 320S in the X direction. The two ground terminals 340G and and 330S and the ground terminal 340G may each in- the one piece of third signal terminal 330S may be ar- clude a middle portion, a contact portion, a hanging por- ranged in the order of 340G, 330S, 340G. as shown in tion, and a tail portion and may each have a different Fig. 12A. Alternatively, the two ground terminals 340G 40 configuration. For example, the tail portions of the first, and the one piece of third signal terminal 330S may be second, and third signal terminals and the ground termi- arranged between the first and second signal terminals nal may extend straight down in the Z direction so as to in the order of 340G, 340G, and 330G or in the order of be received in though holes of the circuit board. The first, 330S, 340G, and 340G. Further alternatively, the second second, and third signal terminals and the ground termi- connector may be modified as shown in Fig. 12B. Par- 45 nal may be straight plates extending in the Y direction. ticularly, there may be one ground terminal 340G and The first, second, and third signal terminals and the two pieces of third signal terminals 330S arranged at in- ground terminal may have the same shape or may have tervals in the X direction to be located between one of different shapes from each other. the pair of first signal terminals 310S and one of the pair [0108] The connector of Embodiment 1 includes the of second signal terminals 320S. The one ground termi- 50 first-line terminals, which are arranged in the body 400 nal 340G and the two pieces of third signal terminal 330S in the order of 620S, 620S, 630S, 630S, 640G, and 670S, may be arranged in the order of 330S, 340G, 330S as and the second-line terminals, which are arranged in the shown in Fig. 12B. Alternatively, the one ground terminal body 400 in the order of 660G, 650S, 650S, 610S, and 340G and the two pieces of third signal terminals 330S 610S. However, this connector may be modified as long may be arranged between the first and second signal 55 as it includes a fourth signal terminal provided in the body; terminals in the order of 340G, 330S, and 330S or in the andfifth and sixth signal terminals arrangedin a linealong order of 330S, 330S, and 340G. a first direction in the body, at a height position that is [0105] The second example connector may also be different from that of the fourth signal terminal, wherein

14 27 EP 2 571 111 B1 28 the sixth signal terminal is disposed in a region located replaced with a eighth signal terminal, and at least one between the fourth signal terminal and the fifth signal of the pair of ground terminals 660G may be replaced terminal in the first direction, and a frequency of a signal with a ninth signal terminal. In this case, a frequency of transmitted by the sixth signal terminal is about one tenth each signal transmitted by the eighth and ninth signal or lower of a frequency of a signal transmitted by the 5 terminals is about one tenth or lower of a frequency of fourth signal terminal. each signal transmitted by the fourth and fifth signal ter- [0109] A possible variant of the connector is that one minals. or not less than three pieces of sixth signal terminals [0111] The pair of fourth signal terminals 610S and the 630S and/or one or not less than three pieces of seventh pair of fifth signal terminals 620S may form differential signal terminals 650S are provided in the regionα be- 10 pairs. However, at least one fourth signal terminal and tween the fourth signal terminal 610S and the fifth signal atleast onefifth signal terminal will suffice. In other words, terminal 620S in the X direction. Other variants are shown the fourth and fifth signal terminals may be terminals for in Figs. 14A to 14D. Particularly, a sixth signal terminal single-ended signaling. Alternatively, there may be a pair 630S, a seventh signal terminal 650S, a ground terminal of fourth signal terminals for differential signaling and a 680G (first ground terminal), and a ground terminal 690G 15 fifth signal terminal for single-ended signaling, or vice (second ground terminal) are disposed in the region α. versa. In either case, the terminals may have similar lay- Other variants are shown in Figs. 14E to 14H. Particu- out to ones as shown in Figs. 15A to 15C, where the larly, in place of the sixth signal terminal 630S, another fourth signal terminal/terminals 610S may be disposed ground terminal 680G may be disposed in the region α. on the opposite side of the portion of the body from a The variants shown in Figs. 14E to 14H may be further 20 ground terminal/terminals 640G, and the fifth signal ter- modified to dispose one or not less than three pieces of minal/terminals 620S may be disposed on the opposite ground terminals 680G in the region α. The connectors side of the portion of the body from a ground terminal/ter- of Embodiment 1 and its variants may also be modified minals 660G. The fourth signal terminal/terminals 610S such that the tenth signal terminal 670S is replaced with may be aligned with the ground terminal/terminals 640G a ground terminal (fifth ground terminal). The ground ter- 25 in the Z direction (the second direction). Similarly, the minals 640G and 660G may be replaced with eighth and fifth signal terminal/terminals 620S may be aligned with ninth signal terminals. In this case, a frequency of each the ground terminal/terminals 660G in the Z direction (the signal transmitted by the eighth and ninth signal terminals second direction). Also in these cases, at least one of is about one tenth or lower of a frequency of each signal the ground terminals 640G may be replaced with a eighth transmitted by the fourth and fifth signal terminals. The 30 signal terminal, and at least one of the ground terminals seventh signal terminal 650S, the ground terminals 640G 660G may be replaced with a ninth signal terminal, and and 660G, and the tenth signal terminal 670S may be a frequency of each signal transmitted by the eighth and omitted. The terminal group T2 may be omitted. ninth signal terminals may be about one tenth or lower [0110] The terminal group T1 of Embodiment 1 may or of a frequency of each signal transmitted by the fourth may not include terminals arranged in two lines into a 35 and fifth signal terminals. zigzag layout. A variant of the terminal group T1 is shown [0112] The fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and tenth signal in Fig. 15A. Particularly, a pair of fourth signal terminals terminals 610S, 620S, 630S, 650S, 670S and the ground 610S is disposed on the opposite side of a portion of a terminals 640G and 660G may or may not each include body (not shown) from a pair of ground terminals 640G, a middle portion, a contact portion, a hanging portion, and a pair of fifth signal terminals 620S is disposed on 40 and a tail portion. These terminals may be modified in the opposite side of the portion of the body from a pair shape. For example, the tail portions of the fourth, fifth, of ground terminals 660G. The fourth signal terminals sixth, seventh and/or tenth signal terminals and/or the 610S are aligned with the ground terminals 640G in the ground terminals may extend straight down in the Z di- Z direction (the second direction). Similarly, the fifth sig- rection so as to be received in through holes of the circuit nal terminals 620S are aligned with the ground terminals 45 board. The fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and/or tenth signal 660G in the Z direction (the second direction). In a region terminals and/or the ground terminals may be straight α of this variant, a pair of sixth signal terminals 630S is plates extending in the Y direction. The fourth, fifth, sixth, disposed on the opposite side of the portion of the body seventh and tenth signal terminals and the ground ter- from a pair of seventh signal terminals 650S. The sixth minals do not have to have the same shapes and may signal terminals 630S are aligned with the seventh signal 50 have different shapes from each other. The fourth signal terminals 650S in the Z direction (the second direction). terminals may be located in the first line, and the fifth and Further variants are shown in Figs. 15B and 15C. In either sixth signal terminals may be located in the second line. of these variants, one of the pair of sixth signal terminals [0113] The connector may include terminals arranged 630S is replaced with a ground terminal 680G, and one in three or more lines along the Z direction (the second of the pair of seventh signal terminals 650S is replaced 55 direction) in the body. In this case, the fourth signal ter- with a ground terminal 690G in the regionα . In any of minals may be located in any of the lines of terminals, the variants as shown in Figs. 15A, 15B, and 15C, at and the fifth and sixth signal terminals may be located in least one of the pair of ground terminals 640G may be any other line. The remaining terminals may be of any

15 29 EP 2 571 111 B1 30 kind and arranged in any manner. tion between the ground terminal 660G’ and the other [0114] The connector of Embodiment 2 includes the seventh signal terminal 650S’ adjacent to each other in first-line terminals arranged in the body 400 in the order the X direction. of 620S’, 620S’, 640G’, 630S’, 640G’, 620S’, 620S’, and [0116] In the variant as shown in Fig. 16C, one of the 640G’, and the second-line terminals arranged in the 5 fourth signal terminals 610S’ forming a differential pair is body 400 in the order of 660G’, 650S’, 660G’, 610S’, located in plane position between the sixth signal termi- 610S’, 660G’, 650S’, and 660G’. However, the arrange- nals 630S’ adjacent to each other in the X direction, and ment of the terminals may be modified. A connector of the other fourth signal terminal 610S’ is located in plane this embodiment of the invention may include a fourth position between the sixth signal terminal 630S’ and the signal terminal provided in the body; and a fifth signal 10 ground terminal 640G’ that are adjacent to each other in terminal and a plurality of sixth signal terminals arranged the X direction. In each differential pair, one of the fifth in a line along a first direction in the body, at a height signal terminals 620S’ is located in plane position be- position that is different from that of the fourth signal ter- tween the seventh signal terminals 650S’ adjacent to minal, wherein at least two of the sixth signal terminals each other in the X direction, and the other fifth signal are adjacent to each other in the first direction, the fourth 15 terminal 620S’ is located in plane position between the signal terminal is located in plane position between the seventh signal terminal 650S’ and the ground terminal two sixth signal terminals in the first direction, and a fre- 660G’ that are adjacent to each other in the X direction. quency of each signal transmitted by the sixth signal ter- In the variant as shown in Fig. 16D, one of the fourth minals is about one tenth or lower of a frequency of a signal terminals 610S’ forming a differential pair is locat- signal transmitted by the fourth signal terminal. A further 20 ed in plane position between the ground terminal 640G’ connector of the invention may include a fourth signal and the sixth signal terminal 630S’ that are adjacent to terminal provided in the body; and a fifth signal terminal, each other in the X direction, and the other fourth signal a sixth signal terminal, and a ground terminal arranged terminal 610S’ is located in plane position between the in a line along a first direction in the body, at a height sixth signal terminals 630S’ adjacent to each other in the position that is different from that of the fourth signal ter- 25 X direction. In each differential pair, one of the fifth signal minal, wherein the sixth signal terminal and the ground terminal 620S’ is located in plane position between the terminal are adjacent to each other in the first direction, ground terminal 660G’ and the seventh signal terminal the fourth signal terminal is arranged in plane position 650S’ that are adjacent to each other in the X direction, between the sixth signal terminal and the ground termi- and the other fifth signal terminal 620S’ is located in plane nal, and a frequency of a signal transmitted by the sixth 30 position between the seventh signal terminals 650S’ ad- signal terminal is about one tenth or lower of a frequency jacent to each other in the X direction. of a signal transmitted by the fourth signal terminal. [0117] In the variant as shown in Fig. 16E, one of fourth [0115] Specific variants of Embodiment 2 are shown signal terminals 610S’ forming a differential pair is locat- in Figs. 16A to 16F. In the variant as shown in Fig. 16A, ed in plane position between the ground terminals 640G’ one of the fourth signal terminals 610S’ forming a differ- 35 adjacent to each other in the X direction, and the other entialpair is located inplane position between sixth signal fourth signal terminal 610S’ is located in plane position terminals 630S’ adjacent to each other in the X direction, between the ground terminal 640G’ and the sixth signal and the other fourth signal terminal 610S’ is located in terminal 630S’ adjacent to each other in the X direction. plane position between the sixth signal terminals 630S’ In each differential pair, one of the fifth signal terminals adjacent to each other in the X direction. In each differ- 40 620S’ is located in plane position between the seventh entialpair, one of thefifth signalterminals 620S’ is located signal terminal 650S’ and the ground terminal 660G’ that in plane position between seventh signal terminals 650S’ are adjacent to each other in the X direction, and the adjacent to each other in the X direction, and the other other fifth signal terminal 620S’ is located in plane posi- fifth signal terminal 620S’ is located in plane position be- tion between the ground terminals 660G’ adjacent to tween the seventh signal terminals 650S’ adjacent to 45 each other in the X direction. In the variant as shown in each other in the X direction. In the variant as shown in Fig. 16F, one of the signal terminals 610S’ forming a dif- Fig. 16B, one of the fourth signal terminals 610S’ forming ferential pair is located in plane position between the sixth a differential pair is located in plane position between a signal terminal 630S’ and the ground terminals 640G’ sixth signal terminal 630S’ and a ground terminal 640G’ that are adjacent to each other in the X direction, and the adjacent to each other in the X direction, and the other 50 other fourth signal terminal 610S’ is located in plane po- fourth signal terminal 610S’ is located in plane position sition between the ground terminals 640G’ adjacent to between the ground terminal 640G’ and the other sixth each other in the X direction. In each differential pair, one signal terminal 630S’ adjacent to each other in the X di- of the fifth signal terminal 620S’ is located in plane posi- rection. In each differential pair, one of the fifth signal tion between two ground terminals 660G’ adjacent to terminals 620S’ is located in plane position between the 55 each other in the X direction, and the other fifth signal seventh signal terminal 650S’ and a ground terminal terminal 620S’ is located in plane position between the 660G’ adjacent to each other in the X direction, and the ground terminal 660G’ and the seventh signal terminal other fifth signal terminal 620S’ is located in plane posi- 650S’ that are adjacent to each other in the X direction.

16 31 EP 2 571 111 B1 32

In any connector of Embodiment 4 and its variants as 610S’ may be located on the opposite side of the portion shown in Figs. 16A to 16F, the seventh signal terminals of the body from the sixth signal terminal 630S’, and the 650S’, the ground terminals 640G’, and/or and the other fourth signal terminal 610S’ may be located on the ground terminals 660G’ may be omitted. Further, the ter- opposite side of the portion of the body from the ground minal group T4 may also be omitted. 5 terminal. The one of the fourth signal terminals 610S’ [0118] In Embodiment 2 and its variants as described may be aligned with the sixth signal terminal 630S’ in the above, the pair of fourth signal terminals 610S’ and the Z direction (the second direction), and the other fourth pairs of fifth signal terminals 620S’ form differential pairs. signal terminals 610S’ may be aligned with the ground However, at least one fourth signal terminal and at least terminal in the Z direction (the second direction). Simi- one fifth signal terminal will suffice. In other words, the 10 larly, one of each pair of seventh signal terminals 650S’ fourth and fifth signal terminals may be terminals for sin- may be replaced with a ground terminal. In this case, one gle-ended signaling. Alternatively, there may be a pair of of the fifth signal terminals 620S’ may be located on the fourth signal terminals for differential signaling and a fifth opposite side of the portion of the body from a seventh signal terminal for single ended signaling, and vice versa. signal terminal 650S’, and the other of the pair is on the When the fourth signal terminal is a terminal for single- 15 opposite side of the portion of the body from a ground ended signaling, it may be located in plane position be- terminal. The one of the fifth signal terminals 620S’ may tween the sixth signal terminals adjacent to each other be aligned with the seventh signal terminal 650S’ in the in the first direction or between the sixth signal terminal Z direction (the second direction), and the other fifth sig- and a ground terminal adjacent to each other in the first nal terminals 620S’ may be aligned with the ground ter- direction. 20 minal in the Z direction (the second direction). [0119] The connectors of embodiments 2 and 3 may [0122] In the Embodiment 3 and its variants as de- include terminals arranged in three or more lines along scribed above, the pair of fourth signal terminals 610S’ the Z direction (the second direction) in the body. When and the pairs of fifth signal terminals 620S’ form differ- the connector of embodiment 2 takes this arrangement ential pairs. However, at least one fourth signal terminal of terminals, the fourth signal terminal may be located in 25 and at least one fifth signal terminal will suffice. In other any one of the lines of terminals, and the fifth and sixth words, the fourth and fifth signal terminals may be termi- signal terminals may be located in any other line as de- nals for single-ended signaling. Alternatively, there may scribed above. The remaining terminals may be of any be a pair of fourth signal terminals for differential signaling kind and arranged in any manner. When the connector and a fifth signal terminal for single ended signaling, and of embodiment 3 takes this arrangement of terminals, 30 vice versa. When the fourth signal terminal is a terminal the fourth signal terminal may be located in any one of for single-ended signaling, it may be located on the op- the lines of terminals, and the fifth and sixth signal termi- posite side of a portion of the body from a sixth signal nals and the ground terminal may be located in any other terminal, and the fourth signal terminal may be aligned line as described above. The remaining terminals may with the sixth signal terminal in the Z direction (the second be of any kind and arranged in any manner. Embodiment 35 direction). 2 and its variants as described above may be modified [0123] The fourth,fifth and sixth signalterminals 610S’, to include terminals arranged in three or more lines. 620S’, 650S’ and the ground terminals 640G’, 660G’ may [0120] The connector of Embodiment 3 includes the or may not each include a middle portion, a contact por- first-line terminals arranged in the body 400 in the order tion, a hanging portion, and a tail portion. These terminals of 620S’, 620S’, 640G’, 630S’, 630S’, 620S’, 620S’, and 40 may be modified in shape. For example, the tail portions 640G’ and the second-line terminals arranged in the body of the fourth, fifth and/or sixth signal terminals and/or the 400 in the order of 650S’, 650S’, 660G’, 610S’, 610S’, ground terminals may extend straight down in the Z di- 650S’, 650S’, and 660G’. However, this connector may rection so as to be received in through holes of the circuit be modified as long as it includes a fourth signal terminal board. Further, the fourth, fifth and/or sixth signal termi- provided in the body; and fifth and sixth signal terminals 45 nals and/or the ground terminals may be straight plates arranged in a line along a first direction in the body, at a extending in the Y direction. The fourth, fifth and sixth height position that is different from that of the fourth sig- signal terminals and the ground terminals do not have to nal terminal. In this case, the fourth signal terminal is have the same shapes, and may have different shapes located on the opposite side of the portion of the body from each other. The fourth signal terminals may be lo- from the sixth signal terminal and aligned with the sixth 50 cated in the first line, and the fifth and sixth signal termi- signal terminal in the Z direction (the second direction), nals may be located in the second line. and a frequency of a signal transmitted by the sixth signal [0124] The connector of embodiment 3 may include terminal is about one tenth or lower of a frequency of a terminals arranged in three or more lines along the Z signal transmitted by the fourth signal terminal (sixth con- direction (the second direction) in the body. In this case, nector). 55 the fourth signal terminals may be located in any of the [0121] A possible modification is to replace one of the lines of terminals, and the fifth and sixth signal terminals pair of sixth signal terminals 630S’ with a ground terminal. may be located in any other line as described above. The In this case, one of the pair of fourth signal terminals remaining terminals may be of any kind and arranged in

17 33 EP 2 571 111 B1 34 any manner. T2 terminal group [0125] In Embodiments 1 to 3, the body includes the 710S signal terminal main body and the projection. However, the body may 720S signal terminal be of any configuration adapted to hold the above-de- 730G ground terminal scribed terminals. Specifically, the terminals may be par- 5 740G ground terminal tially embedded in the body by insert molding or may be press-fitted in holes or grooves of the body. T3, T3’ terminal group [0126] Lastly, the material, shapes, sizes, numbers, 610S’ fourth signal terminal and arrangements constituting the respective compo- 620S’ fifth signal terminal nents of the connector according to Embodiments 1 to 3 10 630S’ sixth signal terminal and their modifications have been described by way of 640G’ ground terminal example only and may be modified in any manner if they 650S’ seventh signal terminal perform the same functions. The connectors of the in- 660G’ ground terminal vention may be receptacles or plugs. A plug connector T4 terminal group of the invention may include of the above-described sig- 15 710S’ signal terminal nal terminals with their tails portions connected directly 720S’ signal terminal to core wires of a cable, or indirectly connected to them, 730G’ ground terminal i.e. the tail portions may be connected to a circuit board 740G’ ground terminal that is connected to a cable. X X direction (first direction) 20 Z Z direction (second direction) Reference Signs List

[0127] Claims

100 body 25 1. A method for reducing crosstalk between signals 110 main body routed through a connector having two spaced par- 120 convex portion allel rows of signal terminals in a body (400) of insu- lating material, the rows extending in a first direction, 200 shell wherein fifth (620S) and sixth (630S) signal terminals 30 are arranged in one row of the signal terminals, and T terminal group a fourth signal terminal (610S) is arranged in the oth- 310S first signal terminal er row of signal terminals, 320S second signal terminal wherein the sixth signal terminal is located in a region 330S third signal terminal (α) between the fourth signal terminal (610S) and 35 the fifth signal terminal (620S) in the first direction, T’ terminal group characterised in that the method comprises: 310S first signal terminal 320S second signal terminal routing signals through the fourth (610S) and 330S third signal terminal the fifth (620S) signal terminals, and 340G ground terminal 40 routing a signal through the sixth signal terminal (630S), the frequency of the signal routed 400 body through the sixth signal terminal (630S) being 410 main body at most one tenth of the frequency of the signal 420 convex portion routed through the fourth signal terminal (610S) 45 soas to reduce crosstalk between signals routed 500 shell through the fourth (610S) and the fifth (620S) signal terminals. T1 terminal group 610S fourth signal terminal 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein a first 620S fifth signal terminal 50 ground terminal (680G) is disposed in the one row 630S sixth signal terminal of signal terminals to be located in the regionα )( 640G ground terminal (third ground terminal) between the fourth signal terminal (610S) and the 650S seventh signal terminal fifth signal terminal (620S). 660G ground terminal (fourth ground terminal) 670S tenth signal terminal 55 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at 680G ground terminals (first ground terminal) least one of a seventh signal terminal (650S) and a 690G ground terminal (second ground terminal) second ground terminal is disposed in the other row of signal terminals to be located in the regionα )(

18 35 EP 2 571 111 B1 36

between the fourth signal terminal (610S) and the 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein fifth signal terminal (620S), a fourth ground terminal (660G) or a ninth signal ter- a frequency of a signal routed through the seventh minal is disposed in the other row of signal terminals signal terminal (650S) is at most one tenth of a fre- to be located on an opposite side of the portion of quency of each signal routed through the fourth5 the body from the fifth signal terminal and aligned (610S) and fifth (620S) signal terminals. with the fifth signal terminal in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, and 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a frequency of a signal routed through the ninth sig- wherein the sixth signal terminal (630S) comprises nal terminal is at most one tenth of a frequency of a plurality of sixth signal terminals disposed in the 10 each signal routed through the fourth (610S) and fifth region (α) between the fourth signal terminal (610S) (620S) signal terminals. and the fifth signal terminal (620S). 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the fourth signal terminal (610S) comprises a pair of wherein 15 fourth signal terminals arranged adjacent to each the fourth signal terminal (610S) comprises a pair of other in the first direction, fourth signal terminals arranged adjacent to each the fifth signal terminal (620S) comprises a pair of other in the first direction, fifth signal terminals arranged adjacent to each other a third ground terminal (640G) or an eighth signal in the first direction, terminal isdisposed in the one rowof signal terminals 20 the third ground terminal (640G) comprises a pair of to be located between the fourth signal terminals third ground terminals or the eighth signal terminal (610S), and comprises a pair of eighth signal terminals, the third a frequency of a signal routed through the eighth ground terminals or the eight signal terminals being signal terminal is at most one tenth of a frequency located on an opposite side of the portion of the body of each signal routed through the fourth (610S) and 25 from the pair of fourth signal terminals and aligned fifth (620S) signal terminals. with the fourth signal terminals in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, and 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the fourth ground terminal (660G) comprises a pair the fifth signal terminal (620S) comprises a pair of of fourth ground terminals or the ninth signal terminal fifth signal terminals arranged adjacent to each other 30 comprises a pair of ninth signal terminals, the fourth in the first direction, ground terminals or the ninth signal terminals are a fourth ground terminal (660G) or a ninth signal ter- located on an opposite side of the portion of the body minal is disposed in the other row of signal terminals from the pair of fifth signal terminals and aligned with to be located between the fifth signal terminals the fifth signal terminals in the second direction. (620S), and 35 a frequency of a signal routed through the ninth sig- 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, nal terminal is at most one tenth of a frequency of wherein each signal routed through the fourth (610S) and fifth a third ground terminal (640G) and an eighth signal (620S) signal terminals. terminal are disposed in the one row of signal termi- 40 nals; and 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein a tenth a fourth ground terminal (660G) and a ninth signal signal terminal (670S) or a fifth ground terminal is terminal are disposed in the other row of signal ter- disposed in the one row of signal terminals to be minals, located adjacently to the third ground terminal the fourth signal terminal (610S) comprises a pair of (640G). 45 fourth signal terminals arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction, 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the fifth signal terminal (620S) comprises a pair of wherein a third ground terminal (640G) or an eighth fifth signal terminals arranged adjacent to each other signal terminal is disposed in the one row of signal in the first direction, terminals to be located on an opposite side of a por- 50 the third ground terminal is located on an opposite tion of the body from the fourth signal terminal and side of a portion of the body from one of the fourth aligned with the fourth signal terminal in a second signal terminals and aligned with the one of the fourth direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, signal terminals in a second direction that is perpen- and dicular to the first direction, a frequency of a signal routed through the eighth 55 the eighth signal terminal is located on an opposite signal terminal is at most one tenth of a frequency side of the portion of the body from the other fourth of each signal routed through the fourth (610S) and signal terminal and aligned with the other fourth sig- fifth (620S) signal terminals. nal terminal in the second direction,

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the fourth ground terminal (660G) is located on an zwei Reihen in einer ersten Richtung verlaufen, ein opposite side of the portion of the body from one of fünfter (620S) und ein sechster (630S) Signalan- the fifth signal terminals and aligned with the one of schluss in einer Reihe von Signalanschlüssen an- the fifth signal terminals in the second direction, geordnet sind, und ein vierter Signalanschluss the ninth signal terminal is located on an opposite 5 (610S) in der anderen Reihe von Signalanschlüssen side of the portion of the body from the other fifth angeordnet ist, signal terminal and aligned with the other fifth signal wobei der sechste Signalanschluss in einer Region terminal in the second direction, (α) zwischen dem vierten Signalanschluss (610S) a frequency of each signal routed through the eighth und dem fünften Signalanschluss (620S) in der ers- and ninth signal terminals is at most one tenth of a 10 ten Richtung positioniert ist, frequency of each signal routed through the fourth dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in dem Verfahren and fifth signal terminals. Signale durch den vierten (610S) und den fünften (620S) Signalanschluss geleitet werden, und 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the fourth ein Signal durch den sechsten Signalanschluss signal terminal (610S) comprises a pair of fourth sig- 15 (630S) geleitet wird, wobei die Frequenz des durch nal terminals arranged adjacent to each other in the den sechsten Signalanschluss (630S) geleiteten Si- first direction, and gnals höchstens ein Zehntel der Frequenz des durch the routing of a signal through the fourth signal ter- den vierten Signalanschluss (610S) geleiteten Sig- minal includes grouting high-speed differential sig- nals beträgt, um Übersprechen zwischen Signalen nals through the fourth signal terminals. 20 zu reduzieren, die durch den vierten (610S) und den fünften (620S) Signalanschluss geleitet werden. 13. The method according to claim 12 wherein the fifth signal terminal (620S) comprises a pair of fifth signal 2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei ein erster Er- terminals arranged adjacent to each other in the first dungsanschluss (680G) in der einen Reihe von Si- direction, 25 gnalanschlüssen angebracht ist, die in der Region the routing of a signal through the fifth signal terminal (α) zwischen dem vierten Signalanschluss (610S) includes routing high-speed differential signals und dem fünften Signalanschluss (620S) zu positi- through the fifth signal terminals, and onieren ist. the frequency of a signal routed through the sixth signal terminal (630S) is at most one tenth of the 30 3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei ein siebter frequency of differential signals routed through the Signalanschluss (650S) und/oder ein zweiter Er- fourth signal terminals (610S) and at most one tenth dungsanschluss in der anderen Reihe von Signal- of the frequency of differential signals routed through anschlüssen angebracht ist, die in der Region α() the fifth signal terminals (630S). zwischen dem vierten Signalanschluss (610S) und 35 dem fünften Signalanschluss (620S) zu positionie- 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein ren ist, und the routing of signals through the fourth (610S) and eine Frequenz eines durch den siebten Signalan- fifth (620S) signal terminals includes routing high- schluss (650S) geleiteten Signals höchstens ein frequency signals through the fourth and fifth signal Zehntel einer Frequenz jedes Signals beträgt, das terminals, 40 durch den vierten (610S) und den fünften (620S) Si- the routing of a signal through the sixth signal termi- gnalanschluss geleitet wird. nal (630S) includes routing a low-frequency signal through the sixth signal terminal so as to reduce 4. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei crosstalk between high-frequency signals rooted dersechste Signalanschluss(630S) mehrere sechs- through the fourth (610S) and the fifth (620S) signal 45 te Signalanschlüsse umfasst, die in der Region (α) terminals, and zwischen dem vierten Signalanschluss (610S) und the frequency of the low-frequency signal is at most dem fünften Signalanschluss (620S) angebracht one tenth of the frequency of the high-frequency sig- sind. nals. 50 5. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wobei der vierte Signalanschluss (610S) ein Paar vierter Patentansprüche Signalanschlüsse umfasst, die nebeneinander in der ersten Richtung angeordnet sind, 1. Verfahren zum Reduzieren von Übersprechen zwi- ein dritter Erdungsanschluss (640G) oder ein achter schen Signalen, die durch eine Verbindungseinheit 55 Signalanschluss in der einen Reihe von Signalan- mit zwei parallel in Abstand voneinander angeord- schlüssen angebracht ist, die zwischen den vierten neten Reihen von Signalanschlüssen in einem Iso- Signalanschlüssen (610S) zu positionieren ist, und liermaterialkörper (400) geleitet werden, wobei die eine Frequenz eines durch den achten Signalan-

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schluss geleiteten Signals höchstens ein Zehntel ei- Signalanschlüsse umfasst, die nebeneinander in der ner Frequenz jedes Signals beträgt, das durch den ersten Richtung angeordnet sind, vierten (610S) und den fünften (620S) Signalan- der fünfte Signalanschluss (620S) ein Paar fünfter schluss geleitet wird. Signalanschlüsse umfasst, die nebeneinander in der 5 ersten Richtung angeordnet sind, 6. Verfahren nach Anspruch 5, wobei der dritte Erdungsanschluss (640G) ein Paar dritter der fünfte Signalanschluss (620S) ein Paar fünfter Erdungsanschlüsse umfasst oder der achte Signal- Signalanschlüsse umfasst,die nebeneinanderin der anschluss ein Paar achter Signalanschlüsse um- ersten Richtung angeordnet sind, fasst, wobei die dritten Erdungsanschlüsse oder die ein vierter Erdungsanschluss (660G) oder ein neun- 10 achten Signalanschlüsse auf einer entgegengesetz- ter Signalanschluss in der anderen Reihe von Sig- ten Seite des Körperabschnitts von dem Paar vierter nalanschlüssen angebracht ist, die zwischen den Signalanschlüsse positioniert sind und mit den vier- fünften Signalanschlüssen (620S) zu positionieren ten Signalanschlüssen in einer zweiten Richtung ist, und ausgerichtet sind, die senkrecht zu der ersten Rich- eine Frequenz eines durch den neunten Signalan- 15 tung steht, und schluss geleiteten Signals höchstens ein Zehntel ei- der vierte Erdungsanschluss (660G) ein Paar vierter ner Frequenz jedes Signals beträgt, das durch den Erdungsanschlüsse umfasst oder der neunte Sig- vierten (610S) und den fünften (620S) Signalan- nalanschluss ein Paar neunter Signalanschlüsse schluss geleitet wird. umfasst, wobei die vierten Erdungsanschlüsse oder 20 die neunten Signalanschlüsse auf einer entgegen- 7. Verfahren nach Anspruch 6, wobei ein zehnter Sig- gesetzten Seite des Körperabschnitts von dem Paar nalanschluss (670S) oder ein fünfter Erdungsan- fünfter Signalanschlüsse positioniert sind und mit schluss in der einen Reihe von Signalanschlüssen den fünften Signalanschlüssen in der zweiten Rich- angebracht ist, die neben dem dritten Erdungsan- tung ausgerichtet sind. schluss (640G) zu positionieren ist. 25 11. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wobei 8. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wobei ein dritter Erdungsanschluss (640G) und ein achter ein dritter Erdungsanschluss (640G) oder ein achter Signalanschluss in der einen Reihe von Signalan- Signalanschluss in der einen Reihe von Signalan- schlüssen angebracht sind, und schlüssen angebracht ist, die auf einer entgegenge- 30 ein vierter Erdungsanschluss (660G) und ein neun- setzten Seite eines Körperabschnitts von dem vier- ter Signalanschluss in der anderen Reihe von Sig- ten Signalanschluss zu positionieren ist und mit dem nalanschlüssen angebracht sind, vierten Signalanschluss in einer zweiten Richtung der vierte Signalanschluss (610S) ein Paar vierter ausgerichtet ist, die senkrecht zu der ersten Rich- Signalanschlüsse umfasst, die nebeneinander in der tung steht, und 35 ersten Richtung angeordnet sind, eine Frequenz eines durch den achten Signalan- der fünfte Signalanschluss (620S) ein Paar fünfter schluss geleiteten Signals höchstens ein Zehntel ei- Signalanschlüsse umfasst, die nebeneinander in der ner Frequenz jedes Signals beträgt, das durch den ersten Richtung angeordnet sind, vierten (610S) und den fünften (620S) Signalan- der dritte Erdungsanschluss auf einer entgegenge- schluss geleitet wird. 40 setzten Seite eines Körperabschnitts von einem der vierten Signalanschlüsse positioniert ist und mit dem 9. Verfahren nach Anspruch 8, wobei einen der vierten Signalanschlüsse in einer zweiten ein vierter Erdungsanschluss (660G) oder ein neun- Richtung ausgerichtet ist, die senkrecht zu der ers- ter Signalanschluss in der anderen Reihe von Sig- ten Richtung steht, nalanschlüssen angebracht ist, die auf einer entge- 45 der achte Signalanschluss auf einer entgegenge- gengesetzten Seite des Körperabschnitts von dem setzten Seite des Körperabschnitts von dem ande- fünften Signalanschluss zu positionieren ist, und mit ren vierten Signalanschluss positioniert und mit dem dem fünften Signalanschluss in einer zweiten Rich- anderen vierten Signalanschluss in der zweiten tung ausgerichtet ist, die senkrecht zu der ersten Richtung ausgerichtet ist, Richtung steht, und 50 der vierte Erdungsanschluss (660G) auf einer ent- eine Frequenz eines durch den neunten Signalan- gegengesetzten Seite des Körperabschnitts von ei- schluss geleiteten Signals höchstens ein Zehntel ei- nem der fünften Signalanschlüsse positioniert und ner Frequenz jedes Signals beträgt, das durch den mit dem einen der fünften Signalanschlüsse in der vierten (610S) und den fünften (620S) Signalan- zweiten Richtung ausgerichtet ist, schluss geleitet wird. 55 der neunte Signalanschluss auf einer entgegenge- setzten Seite des Körperabschnitts von dem ande- 10. Verfahren nach Anspruch 9, wobei ren fünften Signalanschluss positioniert und mit dem der vierte Signalanschluss (610S) ein Paar vierter anderen fünften Signalanschluss in der zweiten

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Richtung ausgerichtet ist, gnaux, et une quatrième borne de signaux (610S) eine Frequenz jedes durch den achten und den étant disposée dans l’autre rangée de bornes de si- neunten Signalanschluss geleiteten Signals höchs- gnaux, tens ein Zehntel einer Frequenz jedes Signals be- la sixième borne de signaux étant située dans une trägt, das durch den vierten und den fünften Signal- 5 zone ( α) entre la quatrième borne de signaux (610S) anschluss geleitet wird. et la cinquième borne de signaux (620S) dans la première direction, 12. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei der vierte Signal- caractérisé en ce que le procédé comprend : anschluss (610S) ein Paar vierter Signalanschlüsse umfasst, die nebeneinander in der ersten Richtung 10 l’acheminement de signaux par les quatrièmes angeordnet sind, und (610S) et les cinquièmes (620S) bornes de si- das Leiten eines Signals durch den vierten Signal- gnaux, et anschluss das Leiten von Hochgeschwindigkeitsdif- l’acheminement d’un signal par la sixième borne ferenzsignalen durch die vierten Signalanschlüsse de signaux (630S), la fréquence du signal ache- umfasst. 15 miné par la sixième borne de signaux (630S) étant égale au maximum à un dixième de la fré- 13. Verfahren nach Anspruch 12, wobei der fünfte Sig- quence du signal acheminé par la quatrième nalanschluss (620S) ein Paar fünfter Signalan- borne de signaux (610S) de manière à réduire schlüsse umfasst, die nebeneinander in der ersten la diaphonie entre les signaux acheminés par Richtung angeordnet sind, 20 les quatrièmes (610S) et les cinquièmes (620S) das Leiten eines Signals durch den fünften Signal- bornes de signaux. anschluss das Leiten von Hochgeschwindigkeitsdif- ferenzsignalen durch die fünften Signalanschlüsse 2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, selon lequel une umfasst, und première borne de terre (680G) est disposée dans die Frequenz eines durch den sechsten Signalan- 25 une rangée de bornes de signaux à placer dans la schluss (630S) geleiteten Signals höchstens ein zone ( α) entre la quatrième borne de signaux (610S) Zehntel der Frequenz von durch die vierten Signal- et la cinquième borne de signaux (620S). anschlüsse (610S) geleiteten Differenzsignalen und höchstens ein Zehntel der Frequenz von durch die 3. Procédé selon la revendication 1 ou 2, selon lequel fünften Signalanschlüsse (630S) geleiteten Diffe- 30 une septième borne de signaux (650S) et/ou une renzsignalen beträgt. deuxième borne de terre sont disposées dans l’autre rangée de bornes de signaux à placer dans la zone 14. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei (α) entre la quatrième borne de signaux (610S) et la das Leiten von Signalen durch den vierten (610S) cinquième borne de signaux (620S), und den fünften (620S) Signalanschluss das Leiten 35 une fréquence d’un signal acheminé par la septième von Hochfrequenzsignalen durch die vierten und die borne de signaux (650S) étant égale au maximum fünften Signalanschlüsse umfasst, à un dixième d’une fréquence de chaque signal das Leiten eines Signals durch den sechsten Sig- acheminé par les quatrièmes (610S) et les cinquiè- nalanschluss (630S) das Leiten eines Niederfre- mes (620S) bornes de signaux. quenzsignals durch den sechsten Signalanschluss 40 umfasst, um so Übersprechen zwischen Hochfre- 4. Procédé selon l’une quelconque des revendications quenzsignalen zu reduzieren, die durch den vierten 1 à 3, selon lequel la sixième borne de signaux (610S) und den fünften (620S) Signalanschluss ge- (630S) comprend plusieurs sixièmes bornes de si- leitet werden, und gnaux disposées dans la zone ( α) entre la quatrième die Frequenz des Niederfrequenzsignals höchstens 45 borne de signaux (610S) et la cinquième borne de ein Zehntel der Frequenz der Hochfrequenzsignale signaux (620S). beträgt. 5. Procédé selon l’une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, selon lequel Revendications 50 la quatrième borne de signaux (610S) comprend une paire de quatrièmes bornes de signaux disposées 1. Procédé pour réduire la diaphonie entre des signaux côte à côte dans la première direction, acheminés par un connecteur présentant deux ran- une troisième borne de terre (640G) ou une huitième gées parallèles et espacées de bornes de signaux borne de signaux est disposée dans une rangée de dans un corps (400) en matériau isolant, les rangées 55 bornes de signaux à placer entre les quatrièmes bor- s’étendant dans une première direction, des cinquiè- nes de signaux (610S), et mes (620S) et sixièmes (630S) bornes de signaux une fréquence d’un signal acheminé par la huitième étant disposées dans une rangée de bornes de si- borne de signaux est égale au maximum à un dixiè-

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me d’une fréquence de chaque signal acheminé par lacinquième bornede signaux(620S) comprendune les quatrièmes (610S) et les cinquièmes (620S) bor- paire de cinquièmes bornes de signaux disposées nes de signaux. côte à côte dans la première direction, la troisième borne de terre (640G) comprend une 6. Procédé selon la revendication 5, selon lequel 5 paire de troisièmes bornes de terre, ou la huitième lacinquième borne de signaux (620S)comprend une borne de signaux comprend une paire de huitièmes paire de cinquièmes bornes de signaux disposées bornes de signaux, les troisièmes bornes de terre côte à côte dans la première direction, ou les huitièmes bornes de signaux étant placées une quatrième borne de terre (660G) ou une neu- sur un côté opposé de la partie du corps par rapport vième borne de signaux est disposée dans l’autre 10 à la paire de quatrièmes bornes de signaux, et dans rangée de bornes de signaux à placer entre les cin- l’alignement desdites quatrièmes bornes de signaux quièmes bornes de signaux (620S), et dans une deuxième direction qui est perpendiculaire une fréquence d’un signal acheminé par la neuvième à la première direction, et borne de signaux est égale au maximum à un dixiè- la quatrième borne de terre (660G) comprend une me d’une fréquence de chaque signal acheminé par 15 paire de quatrièmes bornes de terre, ou la neuvième les quatrièmes (610S) et les cinquièmes (620S) bor- borne de signaux comprend une paire de neuvièmes nes de signaux. bornes de signaux, les quatrièmes bornes de terre ou les neuvièmes bornes de signaux étant placées 7. Procédé selon la revendication 6, selon lequel une sur un côté opposé de la partie du corps par rapport dixième borne de signaux (670S) ou une cinquième 20 à la paire de cinquièmes bornes de signaux, et dans borne de terre est disposée dans la première rangée l’alignement desdites cinquièmes bornes de signaux de bornes de signaux à placer près de la troisième dans la deuxième direction. borne de terre (640G). 11. Procédé selon l’une quelconque des revendications 8. Procédé selon l’une quelconque des revendications 25 1 à 4, selon lequel 1 à 4, selon lequel une troisième borne de terre une troisième borne de terre (640G) et une huitième (640G) ou une huitième borne de signaux est dispo- borne de signaux sont disposées dans la première sée dans la première rangée de bornes de signaux rangée de bornes de signaux ; et à placer sur un côté opposé d’une partie du corps une quatrième borne de terre (660G) et une neuviè- par rapport à la quatrième borne de signaux, et dans 30 me borne de signaux sont disposées dans l’autre l’alignement de ladite quatrième borne de signaux rangée de bornes de signaux, dans une deuxième direction qui est perpendiculaire la quatrième borne de signaux (610S) comprend une à la première direction, et paire de quatrièmes bornes de signaux disposées une fréquence d’un signal acheminé par la huitième côte à côte dans la première direction, borne de signaux est égale au maximum à un dixiè- 35 lacinquième bornede signaux(620S) comprendune me d’une fréquence de chaque signal acheminé par paire de cinquièmes bornes de signaux disposées les quatrièmes (610S) et les cinquièmes (620S) bor- côte à côte dans la première direction, nes de signaux. la troisième borne de terre est placée sur un côté opposé d’une partie du corps par rapport à l’une des 9. Procédé selon la revendication 1, selon lequel 40 quatrièmes bornes de signaux, et dans l’alignement une quatrième borne de terre (660G) ou une neu- de celle-ci dans une deuxième direction qui est per- vième borne de signaux est disposée dans l’autre pendiculaire à la première direction, rangée de bornes de signaux à placer sur un côté la huitième borne de signaux est placée sur un côté opposé de la partie du corps par rapport à la cinquiè- opposé de la partie du corps par rapport à l’autre me borne de signaux, et dans l’alignement de ladite 45 quatrième borne de signaux, et dans l’alignement de cinquième borne de signaux dans une deuxième di- celle-ci dans la deuxième direction, rection qui est perpendiculaire à la première direc- la quatrième borne de terre (660G) est placée sur tion, et un côté opposé de la partie du corps par rapport à une fréquence d’un signal acheminé par la neuvième l’une des cinquièmes bornes de signaux, et dans borne de signaux est égale au maximum à un dixiè- 50 l’alignement de celle-ci dans la deuxième direction, me d’une fréquence de chaque signal acheminé par la neuvième borne de signaux est placée sur un côté les quatrièmes (610S) et les cinquièmes (620S) bor- opposé de la partie du corps par rapport à l’autre nes de signaux. cinquième borne de signaux, et dans l’alignement de celle-ci dans la deuxième direction, 10. Procédé selon la revendication 9, selon lequel 55 une fréquence de chaque signal acheminé par les la quatrième borne de signaux (610S) comprend une huitièmes et neuvièmes bornes de signaux étant paire de quatrièmes bornes de signaux disposées égale au maximum à un dixième d’une fréquence de côte à côte dans la première direction, chaque signal acheminé par les quatrièmes et les

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cinquièmes bornes de signaux.

12. Procédé selon la revendication 1, selon lequel la quatrième borne de signaux (610S) comprend une paire de quatrièmes bornes de signaux disposées 5 côte à côte dans la première direction, et l’acheminement d’un signal par la quatrième borne de signaux comprend l’acheminement des signaux différentiels àgrande vitesse par lesditesquatrièmes bornes de signaux. 10

13. Procédé selon la revendication 12, selon lequel la cinquième borne de signaux (620S) comprend une paire de cinquièmes bornes de signaux disposées côte à côte dans la première direction, 15 l’acheminement d’un signal par la cinquième borne de signaux comprend l’acheminement de signaux différentiels à grande vitesse par les cinquièmes bor- nes de signaux, et la fréquence d’un signal acheminé par la sixième 20 borne de signaux (630S) est égale au maximum à un dixième de la fréquence de signaux acheminés par les quatrièmes bornes de signaux (610S) et au maximum à un dixième de la fréquence de signaux acheminés par les cinquièmes bornes de signaux 25 (630S).

14. Procédé selon la revendication 1, selon lequel l’acheminement de signaux par les quatrièmes (610S) et cinquièmes (620S) bornes de signaux30 comprend l’acheminement de signaux haute fré- quence par lesdites quatrièmes et cinquièmes bor- nes de signaux, l’acheminement de signaux par la sixième borne de signaux (630S) comprend l’acheminement d’un si- 35 gnal basse fréquence par ladite sixième borne de signaux de manière à réduire la diaphonie entre les signaux haute fréquence acheminés par les quatriè- mes (610S) et les cinquièmes (620S) bornes de si- gnaux, et 40 la fréquence du signal basse fréquence est égale au maximum à un dixième de la fréquence des signaux haute fréquence.

45

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REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description

• JP 2010287560 A [0002] • WO 02101883 A2 [0004] • WO 2010092934 A1 [0003]

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