Next Generation Panel Connectors from I-PEX
The I-PEX CABLINE®-VS Micro-Coaxial Cable Connector, a VESA® standard connector for LED backlight flat panel displays, has been widely used in the notebook PC industry for a decade. As technology advances, the need for new solutions with improved features will arise. I-PEX has several new solutions to address these needs, both today and in the future.
Contents :
Why Are New Solutions Needed?
1) EMI Issues
2) Higher Data Rate Requirements on Panel Interface
3) Higher Data Rate Implementation on Other Connections
Advanced Design Concept of Micro-Coaxial Cable Connectors
Features and Benefits of CABLINE-VS II and CABLINE-CA II
New Solution for Motherboard Side
Features and Benefits of CABLINE-UM
Why Are New Solutions Needed?
Because of the limited TCON PCB size due to narrower frames around the panel, all necessary functions (TCON, RF antenna and camera) are gathered into a PCB (Fig. 1). As a result, an electrical signal interference occurs (Fig. 2). EMI shielding is required on connectors to avoid EMI issues.
2. Higher Data Rate Requirements on Panel Interface
Number of pixels (2K->4K->5K->8K) and refresh rates (30 Hz->60 Hz->120 Hz) are increasing, as well as eDP specifications. As a result, connectors must support advanced high data transfer rates.
eDP specifications :
- RBR (1.62 Gbps/lane)
- HBR (2.70 Gbps/lane)
- HBR2 (5.40 Gbps/lane)
- HBR3 (8.10 Gbps/lane)
- UHBR20 DP Next Gen (20 Gbps/lane)
3. Higher Data Rate Implementation on Other Connections
It is a general trend that all major standard interface specifications are advancing as shown in Fig. 3. Starting with a popular I/O standard, USB, followed by Thunderbolt™ and DP which is now looking at 20 Gbps/lane.
Advanced Design Concept of CABLINE®-VS II and CABLINE®-CA II Micro-Coaxial Cable Connectors
CABLINE-VS II and CABLINE-CA II are both micro-coaxial cable connectors with fully-shielded locking covers, and are horizontally mated. The major differences specifications are two points, the contact pitch, 0.5 mm (VS II) and 0.4 mm (CA II), the mating height, 1.2 mm max. (VS II) and 1.1 mm max. (CA II).
- For larger gauge cable (micro-coax 45Ω AWG #36, discrete AWG# 32), CABLINE-VS II is recommended.
- For smaller PCB footprint, CABLINE-CA II is recommended.
- For high pin count where there is limited PCB space, CABLINE-CA II is recommended.
- High-data-rate transfer, perfect for USB4, Thunderbolt™ 3, DP2.0 (20 Gbps/lane) applications (Fig. 4)
Excellent signal integrity technology with multiple grounding points. - Prevent EMI leakage with 360-degree EMI shielding cover (Fig. 2)
Avoid EMI issues within limited PCB space. - Physical locking cover stops back-out/un-mating (Fig. 4)
Secure intermating with mechanical lock bar. - CABLINE®-VS receptacle can be mounted on the same PCB layout of VS II, and CABLINE-CA receptacle can be mounted on the same PCB layout of CA II (Fig. 5).
Both CABLINE-VS and CABLINE-VS II or CABLINE-CA and CA II solutions can be tested on same PCB footprint side-by-side to choose the right connector for your application.
New Solution for Motherboard Side
We haven’t forgotten about the other side of the panel connection to address the emerging needs described above. Right angle plug to a vertical mate receptacle is the preferred solution for the motherboard side to have placement freedom on PCB. The I-PEX FPL 0.5 mm pitch micro-coaxial cable connector series are widely used for such applications. Now, we have a new solution that addresses the above concerns with a right angle vertical mate style.
CABLINE®-UM is a 0.4 mm pitch, right angle vertical mating type micro-coaxial cable connector with a mating height of 2.20 +/- 0.15 mm, full-shielding and mechanical lock option (Fig. 6).
- High-data-rate transfer, perfect for USB4, Thunderbolt™ 3, DP2.0 (20 Gbps/lane) applications
Excellent signal integrity technology with multiple grounding points. - Prevent EMI leakage with 360-degree EMI shielding (Fig. 6)
Avoid EMI issues within limited PCB space. - High mating retention force with mechanical locking cover
