Pogo-Pins for High Speed Signaling

• US 20150280343A1
• Filed: 03/27/2014
• Published: 10/01/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 03/27/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Intel Corporation
• Original Assignee: Intel Corporation
• Inventors: Hsu, Hao-Han, Ling, Yun, Li, Xiang
• Granted Patent: US 9,812,804 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 12/724 containing contact members forming a right angle
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/2421 using coil springs
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/4538 Covers sliding or withdrawing in the direction of engagement
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6583 with separate conductive resilient members between mating shield members
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/06 for computer periphery
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49222 forming array of contacts or terminals

Abstract

In accordance with some embodiments, a high speed connection may be implemented using pogo-pins. The use of pogo-pins may be advantageous because accurate alignment is not required, connection force is generally lower than with other connections and appearance is often highly advantageous. Through the use of a moveable metal shield, an advantageous high speed connection for high speed signaling may be implemented between the two devices.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a stationary housing;

a pogo-pin mounted in said housing; and

an open, moveable electromagnetic shield completely surrounding said pogo-pin and mounted on said housing for reciprocation towards and away from said housing.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 including a pair of pogo-pins mounted on said housing, each pogo-pin connected to a different one of two signals of a differential pair.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said pogo-pins are coupled to said housing by a pair of spring contacts.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said shield is coupled to ground.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said shield is coupled to ground at two different places.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said shield is coupled to said housing by spring contacts.

7. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said pogo-pin including a sleeve and a conductive pin mounted on a spring, said pin reciprocateable within said sleeve for telescoping motion.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said sleeve is coupled to receive one signal of a differential pair.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 said pogo-pin to make contact with another device through an open end.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus is a docking station.

19. The method of claim 1, including providing pogo pins that make contact with another device through an open end.

11. A method comprising:

providing a conductive shield around a differential pair of pogo pins, said shield completely surrounding said pogo pin pair; and

mounting said shield for reciprocation towards and away from a stationary housing.

12. The method of claim 11 including connecting each one of said pogo pin pair to a different one of two differential signals.

13. The method of claim 12 including coupling said pogo pins to said housing by a pair of spring contacts.

14. The method of claim 11 including coupling said shield to ground.

15. The method of claim 14 including coupling said shield to ground at two different places.

16. The method of claim 14 including coupling said shield to said housing by spring contacts.

17. The method of claim 12 including providing said pogo pins with a sleeve and a conductive pin mounted on a spring, said pin reciprocal within said sleeve for telescoping motion.

18. The method of claim 17 including coupling said sleeve to receive one signal of a differential signal pair.

20. An apparatus comprising;

a plurality of pogo pins;

a conductive shield surrounding said pogo pins;

openings in said shield for the passage of said pogo pins through said shield; and

a depression in said shield, said pins passing through said depression so that said shield covers said pins wherein they pass out of said shield on two opposed sides of said pins.

21. The apparatus of claim 20 including a spring contact on said housing.

22. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said apparatus is a docking station.

23. The apparatus of claim 22 including a receptacle in contact with said pogo pins.

24. The apparatus of claim 23 including a tablet, said receptacle being part of said tablet.

25. The apparatus of claim 23 including a second conductive shield over said receptacle, said second conductive shield having openings to receive said pins.

26. A method comprising:

surrounding a plurality of pogo pins with a first conductive shield; and

providing a recess in an end of said shield, said end having at least one opening for the passage of said pogo pins.

27. The method of claim 26 including providing a second conductive shield around a receptacle that contacts said pogo pins.

28. The method of claim 27 including connecting said pogo pins to a docking station and connecting said docking station to a tablet through said pogo pins.

29. The method of claim 28 including providing a receptacle on said tablet to contact said pogo pins and covering said receptacle with said second conductive shield.

30. The method of claim 29 including electrically connecting said conductive shields.