This invention describes an improved
backplane connector operating at speeds over 25 Gbps including a single-piece configuration that eliminates the
insertion point present in 2-gender connectors. As a result, the
signal path matches more closely the same path geometry that is found on the
daughterboard and on the
backplane permitting superior
signal integrity and lower losses through the
signal transmission line from source to destination. The single-piece
backplane connector comprises a protective cover slidably attached over a staggered body
assembly. The protective cover comprises a plurality of contact orifices to permit the path through of a corresponding plurality of pin contacts located in a front portion of the staggered body
assembly, and at least two guide orifices to permit the path through of at least two corresponding guide pins located in the front portion of the staggered body
assembly. The staggered body assembly comprises a plurality of alternating PCB
layers and
dielectric spacers, wherein the PCB
layers include a plurality of traces, wherein each trace electrically connects each of the pin contacts on the front end with a corresponding pin contact on the bottom
mating with the corresponding plurality of plated through holes in the
daughterboard PCB. Finally, the protective cover further comprises a return spring mechanism to slide from an unpressed position to a pressed position, and the protective cover slides towards the staggered body assembly to permit the pin contacts to protrude through the orifices and to mate with the corresponding plurality of plated through holes in the backplane PCB.