Connectors with plug-in contacts on top and bottom

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a connector having plug-in contacts on top and bottom. The connector includes a housing, and first, second, third, and fourth rows of electrical contacts disposed in the housing. To help maintain and improve signal integrity, the connector housing may include one or more of the following: asymmetric keying features, asymmetric alignment features, and alternating plug-in electrical contacts.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application filed on July 5, 2019, with application number 201910602689.8 and the invention name being “Connector with plug-in contacts at top and bottom”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 694,832, filed on July 6, 2018, U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 704,031, filed on November 5, 2018, and U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 704,038, filed on December 17, 2018. The entire contents of each of the above applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates to electrical connectors. Background Art

[0005] Connectors are used to connect electrical devices to each other. A connector includes contacts and a housing that supports the contacts, with the contacts transmitting signals to the electrical device or another connector. The connector contacts may each include a raised portion to help secure and position the contacts within the housing. Additionally, solder may be attached to the contacts. Solder is used to form an electrical and mechanical connection between the contacts and contact pads on a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0006] Figure 1 is an end view of a known contact 20, and Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a side view of a known contact 20 . Figure 1 The contact 20 is shown without the fusible element 40, and Figure 2 A contact 20 with a fusible element 40 is shown. The contact 20 includes a head 21 and a tail 22 at the end opposite the head 21. The head 21 includes a contact beam 23. The middle portion of the contact 20 includes a wing 24, a wedge 25, a lead-in 26, and a bump 27. The wing 24 engages the bottom of the connector housing cavity to maintain a consistent distance between the tail 22 of the contact 20 and the housing. The wedge 25 engages the sidewalls of the cavity to secure the position of the contact 20 and retain it within the housing cavity. The wedge 25 secures the contact 20 within the cavity along the width of the housing, protecting it from stress applied along the length of the housing, thereby preventing coplanarity issues that could lead to an unreliable connection. The lead-in 26 is formed with coined edges that facilitate insertion of the contact or terminal 20 into the housing cavity. The bump 27 positions and stabilizes the contact 20 in the desired position and orientation relative to the housing.

[0007] like Figure 3As shown in , known connectors may have an array of contacts arranged in rows. Figure 3 The contact 30 shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The contact members 20 shown in FIG. are different. Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the contact 30 includes a head 31 and a tail 32, with the tail 32 being at opposite ends of the head 31. The head 31 includes a contact beam 33. The middle portion of the contact 30 includes a wedge portion 35 and a lead-in portion 36, while the tail 42 includes a fusible element 39. However, Figure 3 The contact 30 shown in FIG does not include Figure 1 and Figure 2 The wings 24 or bumps 27 of the contact 20 are shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The contact member 20 shown in FIG. Figure 3 The connector shown in is also feasible. Because the wedge 25 and the lead-in 26 (and Figure 1 and Figure 2 The contacts 20 are designed to be stitched or inserted from the bottom of the housing, as shown in the orientation of the wing plates 24 used for the contacts 20. The contacts 20 are typically part of a contact tape that is included on a reel. The contacts 20 are stitched or loaded from the bottom, one row at a time. Within a single row, the contacts 20 can be loaded sequentially or simultaneously.

[0008] In small connectors, contacts with wider beams offer better electrical performance. However, wider beams limit the contact pitch. As the contact beam becomes wider, less housing material is available to engage the contact, making finer pitches increasingly difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To overcome the above-mentioned problems, embodiments of the present invention provide connectors and methods for manufacturing connectors, each of which can achieve improved impedance and return loss, smaller spacing, and contacts with wider beams. One solution is to alternately insert two different types of contacts along a common row from the top and bottom of the connector. The contacts along the common linear array are inserted into the housing from two directions. The first contact and the third contact are inserted into corresponding first cavities in the housing along a first direction, while the second contact located between the first and third contacts is inserted into corresponding second cavities in the housing along a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction or 180 degrees relative to the first direction. The first contact and the third contact can each define a first fastening structure, and the second contact can each define a second fastening structure. The wings, wedges, protrusions, lead-ins, and bumps defined by the first fastening structure can extend in a direction opposite to the wings, wedges, protrusions, lead-ins, and bumps defined by the second fastening structure.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a connector includes a housing including a linear array, column, or row of at least three contacts. The at least three contacts include at least one first contact having a first fastening structure and at least one second contact having a second fastening structure; the first fastening structure and the second fastening structure engage the housing at different heights; and the first fastening structure and the second fastening structure are identical.

[0011] Instead of the first and second fastening structures being identical, the first and second fastening structures may be different. The first and second fastening structures may each include at least one of the following: a wing, a wedge, a protrusion, a lead-in, or a bump. The connector further includes a fusible element attached to at least one or each of the at least three contacts. The housing may include a first cavity and a second cavity; at least one first contact may be included in the first cavity; at least one second contact may be included in the second cavity; and the first and second cavities may have different shapes.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a connector includes providing a housing having a row of cavities and inserting at least three contacts into the row of cavities. At least one first contact is inserted from the top of the housing, and at least one second contact is inserted from the bottom of the housing.

[0013] The at least one first contact and the at least one second contact may be inserted alternately, or all first contacts of the at least one first contact may be inserted first, and then all second contacts of the at least one second contact may be inserted subsequently. The at least one first contact and the at least one second contact may be the same or different.

[0014] At least one first contact may include a first fastening structure, and at least one second contact may include a second fastening structure. The first fastening structure and the second fastening structure may engage the housing at different heights. The first fastening structure and the second fastening structure may be the same or different. The first fastening structure and the second fastening structure may each include at least one of the following: a wing, a wedge, a protrusion, a lead-in, or a ridge.

[0015] The connector manufactured by the method may further include a fusible element attached to each of the at least three contacts. The housing may include a first cavity and a second cavity; at least one first contact may be included in the first cavity; at least one second contact may be included in the second cavity; and the first cavity and the second cavity may have different shapes.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a connector includes a connector housing, which includes a first standoff, a second standoff, a third standoff, and a fourth standoff; a first contact row, a second contact row, a third contact row, and a fourth contact row, wherein the first contact row, the second contact row, the third contact row, and the fourth contact row each include one hundred contacts; and a first alignment pin and a second alignment pin extending from the bottom of the connector housing. The contact spacing between adjacent contacts in each of the first, second, third and fourth contact rows is approximately 0.63 mm; the first and fourth contact rows are outer contact rows, while the second and third contact rows are inner contact rows; a first row spacing between the first and second contact rows is approximately 2.2 mm, a second row spacing between the second and third contact rows is approximately 2.4 mm, and a third row spacing between the third and fourth contact rows is approximately 2.2 mm; each of the first, second, third and fourth contact rows has a length of approximately 62.8 mm measured from the tip of the contact; the first alignment pin The distance between the bottom and the bottom of the first spacer, the distance between the bottom of the first alignment pin and the bottom of the second spacer, the distance between the bottom of the second alignment pin and the bottom of the third spacer, and the distance between the bottom of the second alignment pin and the bottom of the fourth spacer are all approximately 0.74 mm; the distance between the first alignment pin and the second alignment pin is approximately 67.1 mm; at least one of the first distance and the second distance is approximately 1.2 mm to approximately 1.3 mm, wherein the first distance is the spacing between the first alignment pin and the centerline along the length of the connector, and the second distance is the spacing between the second alignment pin and the centerline along the length of the connector; the first alignment pin has a circular shape with a diameter of approximately 0.8 mm; and the second alignment pin has an elliptical shape with diameters of approximately 0.6 mm and approximately 0.8 mm.

[0017] The connector may be a socket connector; the shortest distance between the ends of the contacts in the first contact row and the second contact row and the shortest distance between the ends of the contacts in the third contact row and the fourth contact row may each be approximately 1.8 mm; the connector housing may include a cavity having a width of approximately 7.1 mm and a length of approximately 65.7 mm; and the height of the connector housing may be approximately 3.7 mm, the length may be approximately 68.6 mm, and the width may be approximately 9.0 mm.

[0018] The connector can be a plug connector; the connector housing can include: a first rib and a second rib, the first rib and the second rib each having a width of approximately 2.3 mm and a length of approximately 65.5 mm; a first key structure and a second key structure, the first key structure and the second key structure can each extend approximately 0.7 mm from the connector housing; a beveled surface of the first key structure and a first beveled surface of the connector housing, the beveled surface of the first key structure and the first beveled surface of the connector housing can face opposite directions, and a beveled surface of the second key structure and a second beveled surface of the connector housing, the beveled surface of the second key structure and the second beveled surface of the connector housing can face opposite directions; and the height of the connector housing can be approximately 8.4 mm, the length can be approximately 68.6 mm, and the width can be approximately 8.7 mm.

[0019] The second distance may be about 1.2 mm to about 1.3 mm, and the first distance may be about 0 mm.

[0020] An electrical connector may include a connector housing and first, second, third, and fourth rows of electrical contacts arranged parallel to each other within the connector housing. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth rows of electrical contacts may include one hundred electrical contacts. The first row of electrical contacts may be spaced approximately 2.1 mm to approximately 2.3 mm from the second row of electrical contacts. The third row of electrical contacts may be spaced approximately 2.35 mm to approximately 2.5 mm from the second row of electrical contacts. The fourth row of electrical contacts may be spaced approximately 2.1 mm to approximately 2.3 mm from the third row of electrical contacts.

[0021] The connector housing extends along a longitudinal centerline and may further include two mounting interface posts and two key structures. One of the two key structures and the two mounting interface posts may be positioned on one side of the longitudinal centerline, while the other of the two key structures may be positioned on an opposite side of the longitudinal centerline. The connector housing may further define a first beveled surface and a first key structure. The first key structure may define a second beveled surface, and the second beveled surface of the first key structure and the first beveled surface of the connector housing may face in opposite directions.

[0022] The electrical contacts in the first row of electrical contacts are spaced approximately 0.63 ± 0.05 mm apart on the centerline. The electrical contacts can be alternately inserted into the top and bottom of the electrical connector housing. The first row of electrical contacts can be spaced approximately 2.2 mm from the second row of electrical contacts, the third row of electrical contacts can be spaced approximately 2.4 mm from the second row of electrical contacts, and the fourth row of electrical contacts can be spaced approximately 2.2 mm from the third row of electrical contacts.

[0023] One embodiment of the present invention provides a printed circuit board and a printed circuit board footprint arrangement that matches the mounting footprint of a plug connector or a receptacle connector. The printed circuit board may include a first row of fusible element contact pads, a second row of fusible element contact pads, a third row of fusible element contact pads, and a fourth row of fusible element contact pads disposed parallel to each other on the printed circuit board, each row of the first row of fusible element contact pads, the second row of fusible element contact pads, the third row of fusible element contact pads, and the fourth row of fusible element contact pads, each row of the first row of fusible element contact pads, the second row of fusible element contact pads, the third row of fusible element contact pads, and the fourth row of fusible element contact pads, wherein each row of the first row of fusible element contact pads, the second row of fusible element contact pads, the third row of fusible element contact pads, and the fourth row of fusible element contact pads each include one hundred fusible element contact pads. The first row of fusible element contact pads may be spaced apart from the second row of fusible element contact pads by approximately 2.1 mm to approximately 2.3 mm. The third row of fusible element contact pads may be spaced apart from the second row of fusible element contact pads by approximately 2.35 mm to approximately 2.5 mm. The fourth row of fusible element contact pads may be spaced apart from the third row of fusible element contact pads by approximately 2.1 mm to approximately 2.3 mm.

[0024] The first fusible element contact pad row may be spaced approximately 2.2 mm from the second fusible element contact pad row, the third fusible element contact pad row may be spaced approximately 2.4 mm from the second fusible element contact pad row, and the fourth fusible element contact pad row may be spaced approximately 2.2 mm from the third fusible element contact pad row.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrical connector includes a connector body comprising two parallel, spaced-apart longitudinal walls; two parallel, spaced-apart end walls, wherein a centerline extends through the two parallel, spaced-apart end walls; a mating interface; a first keying structure located at the mating interface and on one side of the centerline; a second keying structure located at the mating interface and on a side of the centerline opposite the first keying structure and adjacent to the centerline; a mounting interface; a first alignment pin; and a second alignment pin; and first, second, third, and fourth rows of electrical contacts, each of which may include one hundred electrical contacts, included in the connector body. The centerline passes through the first alignment pin but does not intersect the second alignment pin. The second alignment pin is positioned at least partially beneath the first keying structure. The first alignment pin is positioned at least partially beneath the second keying structure. The first row of electrical contacts is spaced approximately 2.1 mm to approximately 2.3 mm from the second row of electrical contacts. The third row of electrical contacts is spaced approximately 2.35 mm to approximately 2.5 mm from the second row of electrical contacts. The fourth row of electrical contacts is spaced approximately 2.1 mm to approximately 2.3 mm from the third row of electrical contacts. The first row of electrical contacts, the second row of electrical contacts, one of the third row of electrical contacts, and the fourth row of electrical contacts, and the second alignment pin are all positioned along a common centerline that is parallel to and spaced apart from the centerline, such that the common centerline passes through the first row of electrical contacts, the second row of electrical contacts, one of the third row of electrical contacts, and the fourth row of electrical contacts, and the second alignment pin.

[0026] Each of the first and second keying structures may be a recess having a perimeter with five sides, the five sides including a first set of parallel sidewalls, a second set of parallel sidewalls, and an oblique sidewall connecting a first sidewall of the first set of parallel sidewalls with a first sidewall of the second set of parallel sidewalls. The second set of parallel sidewalls may form a right angle with each of the second sidewalls of the first set of parallel sidewalls; the first sidewall of the first set of parallel sidewalls may form a right angle with the second sidewall of the second set of parallel sidewalls. The first sidewall of the first set of parallel sidewalls may abut the centerline. The second sidewall of the first set of parallel sidewalls may abut the centerline.

[0027] Each of the first and second key structures may be a protrusion having a perimeter with five sides, the five sides including: a first set of parallel sidewalls, a second set of parallel sidewalls, and an oblique sidewall connecting the first sidewalls of the first and second sets of parallel sidewalls; the second set of parallel sidewalls may form a right angle with each of the second sidewalls of the first set of parallel sidewalls; the first sidewall of the first set of parallel sidewalls may form a right angle with the second sidewall of the second set of parallel sidewalls; the first sidewall of the first set of parallel sidewalls may abut the centerline; and the second sidewall of the first set of parallel sidewalls may abut the centerline.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electrical connector includes a connector body comprising two parallel, spaced-apart longitudinal walls; two parallel, spaced-apart end walls, wherein a centerline extends through the two parallel, spaced-apart end walls and is parallel to the two parallel, spaced-apart longitudinal walls; a docking interface; a first keying structure located on the centerline such that the first keying structure is asymmetric about the centerline; a second keying structure located on an opposite side of the centerline from the first keying structure; and first, second, third, and fourth rows of electrical contacts included in the connector housing and parallel to each other, each of the first, second, third, and fourth rows of electrical contacts comprising one hundred electrical contacts. The second keying structure is asymmetric about the centerline. The first and second keying structures are offset relative to each other. The first and second rows of electrical contacts are spaced apart by approximately 2.1 mm to approximately 2.3 mm. The third row of electrical contacts is spaced apart by approximately 2.35 mm to approximately 2.5 mm from the second row of electrical contacts. The fourth row of electrical contacts is spaced approximately 2.1 mm to approximately 2.3 mm apart from the third row of electrical contacts. The first key structure includes a first pair of parallel sidewalls, a second pair of parallel sidewalls, and an oblique sidewall connecting the first sidewall of the first pair of parallel sidewalls and the first sidewall of the second pair of parallel sidewalls. The second key structure is defined by the first pair of parallel sidewalls, the second pair of parallel sidewalls, and an oblique sidewall connecting the first sidewall of the first pair of parallel sidewalls and the first sidewall of the second pair of parallel sidewalls. The first parallel wall pairs of the first key structure are each equally spaced from the centerline. The first parallel wall pairs of the second key structure are each unevenly spaced from the centerline. The centerline passes through the intersection of a corresponding sidewall of the second pair of parallel sidewalls and only the oblique sidewall of the second key structure.

[0029] The mounting interface of the connector body may include a first alignment pin and a second alignment pin; a centerline may pass through a center point of the first alignment pin; and the second alignment pin may be positioned on either side of the centerline such that the centerline does not intersect the second alignment pin. The second alignment pin may be positioned at least partially below a perimeter defined by the first set of parallel sidewalls, the second set of parallel sidewalls, and the diagonal sidewalls of the first key structure. No portion of the first alignment pin is located below a perimeter defined by the first set of parallel sidewalls, the second set of parallel sidewalls, and the diagonal sidewalls of the first key structure.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrical connector includes a connector housing, the connector housing extending along a longitudinal centerline and having a median centerline, the median centerline being perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline, the connector housing including a first end wall and a second end wall opposite the first end wall; a first row of electrical contacts, a second row of electrical contacts, a third row of electrical contacts, and a fourth row of electrical contacts that are parallel and spaced apart, each of the first row of electrical contacts, the second row of electrical contacts, the third row of electrical contacts, and the fourth row of electrical contacts extending parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline; the first row of electrical contacts The connector includes a first row spacing from the second row of electrical contacts; a third row of electrical contacts is spaced apart from the second row of electrical contacts by a second row spacing, the second row spacing being greater than the first row spacing; a fourth row of electrical contacts is spaced apart from the third row of electrical contacts by the first row spacing; a first key structure is positioned adjacent to a first end wall of the connector housing and adjacent to a mating side of the connector housing; and a second key structure is positioned adjacent to a second end wall of the connector housing and adjacent to a mating side of the connector housing; the first key structure and the second key structure are positioned asymmetrically about both the longitudinal centerline and the median centerline. A ratio of the first row spacing to the second row spacing can be approximately 0.9 mm or 2.2 mm to 2.4 mm.

[0031] The electrical connector further includes a first alignment pin positioned adjacent to a first end wall of the connector housing and adjacent to a mounting side of the connector housing; and a second alignment pin positioned adjacent to a second end wall of the connector housing and adjacent to a mounting side of the connector housing; wherein both the first alignment pin and the second alignment pin are positioned asymmetrically about the longitudinal centerline and the median centerline.

[0032] The connector housing further includes an internal rib extending along the longitudinal centerline and carrying the second row of electrical contacts and the third row of electrical contacts, the internal rib can define at least one air gap, the at least one air gap also extending along the longitudinal centerline, and the air gap can be positioned between the mating ends of the electrical contacts in the third row of electrical contacts and the mating ends of the electrical contacts in the fourth row of electrical contacts.

[0033] The connector housing may further include an internal rib that carries the second row of electrical contacts and the third row of electrical contacts, the internal rib may define at least one air gap, and the air gap may be positioned between the mounting ends of the electrical contacts in the third row of electrical contacts and the mounting ends of the electrical contacts in the fourth row of electrical contacts.

[0034] The connector housing may further include a first plug rib extending parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline and carrying a first row of electrical contacts and a second row of electrical contacts, the first plug rib may define at least one air gap, the at least one air gap extending parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline, and the air gap may be positioned between the mating ends of the electrical contacts in the first row of electrical contacts and the mating ends of the electrical contacts in the second row of electrical contacts.

[0035] The connector housing further includes a second plug rib extending parallel to or substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline and carrying a third row of electrical contacts and a fourth row of electrical contacts, the second plug rib can define at least one air gap, the at least one air gap extending parallel to or substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline, and the air gap can be positioned between the mating ends of the electrical contacts in the third row of electrical contacts and the mating ends of the electrical contacts in the fourth row of electrical contacts.

[0036] The electrical connector may not have a shield and power contact between the first electrical contact row and the second electrical contact row. The electrical connector may not have a shield and power contact between the second electrical contact row and the third electrical contact row.

[0037] The first key structure and the second key structure are offset mirror images about the median centerline. The air gap can be multiple air gaps. The first key structure can be a first recess. The first recess can be bounded by at least four sides. The first recess can be bounded by at least five sides. The second key structure can be a second recess. The second recess can be bounded by at least four sides. The second recess can be bounded by at least five sides. The first key structure can be a first protrusion. The first protrusion can be bounded by at least four sides. The first protrusion can be bounded by at least five sides. The second key structure can be a second protrusion. The second protrusion can be bounded by at least four sides. The second protrusion can be bounded by at least five sides. The first key structure can be positioned entirely on a first side of the longitudinal centerline, while the second key structure can be positioned entirely on a second side of the longitudinal centerline, the second side opposite the first side. The first key structure can abut the longitudinal centerline. The second key structure can abut the longitudinal centerline. The longitudinal centerline can pass through a portion of the first key structure. The longitudinal centerline can pass through a portion of the second key structure.

[0038] Each of the first, second, third, and fourth rows of electrical contacts may include at least one hundred electrical contacts, each of the at least one hundred electrical contacts terminated in a fusible element. The first row spacing may be 2.2±0.1 mm or 2.2±0.05 mm, and the second row spacing may be 2.4±0.1 mm or 2.4±0.05 mm.

[0039] The electrical connector may have a data rate of at least 32 Gbits / second with an insertion loss between 0 dB and –1.5 dB. The electrical connector may have an aggregate data rate of at least 4,096 Gbits / second with an insertion loss between 0 dB and –1.5 dB. The electrical connector may have a data rate density of at least 2,088 Gbits per square inch or 13,467 Gbits per square centimeter with an insertion loss between 0 dB and –1.5 dB.

[0040] The electrical contacts in the first row of electrical contacts are alternately inserted into the top and bottom of the electrical housing. Each of the first row of electrical contacts, the second row of electrical contacts, the third row of electrical contacts, and the fourth row of electrical contacts may include at least one hundred electrical contacts, each of which terminates in a press-fit pin.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrical connector includes a shell, which defines at least four consecutive adjacent cavities located on a common line; a first electrical contact, which defines a first retaining shape and is positioned in the first cavity of the four consecutive adjacent cavities; a second electrical contact, which defines a second retaining shape and is positioned in the second cavity of the four consecutive adjacent cavities, and is positioned adjacent to the first electrical contact; a third electrical contact, which defines a first retaining shape and is positioned in the third cavity of the four consecutive adjacent cavities, and is positioned adjacent to the second electrical contact; and a fourth electrical contact, which defines a second retaining shape and is positioned in the fourth cavity of the four consecutive adjacent cavities, and is positioned adjacent to the third electrical contact. The first electrical contact and the third electrical contact are inserted into the housing along a first direction, the second electrical contact and the fourth electrical contact are inserted into the housing along a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the first electrical contact, the second electrical contact, the third electrical contact and the fourth electrical contact are all located on a common center line.

[0042] The second retaining shape of the second electrical contact can be fully inserted into the second cavity of four consecutive adjacent cavities. The electrical connector can be a mezzanine connector that docks with another mezzanine connector. The electrical connector can further include a fusible element attached to the first electrical contact before reflow. The electrical connector can be an open pin area connector. The electrical connector can lack crosstalk shielding. The first electrical contact, the second electrical contact, the third electrical contact, and the fourth electrical contact can all be terminated with press-fit pins.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrical connector includes a housing, the housing including a linear array, column or row of at least three contacts, wherein the at least three contacts include at least one first contact having a first fastening structure and at least one second contact having a second fastening structure, the first fastening structure and the second fastening structure are engaged with the housing at different heights of the housing, and the first fastening structure is identical to the second fastening structure.

[0044] The first and second fastening structures may each include at least one wing, wedge, protrusion, lead-in, or protuberance. The connector may further include a fusible element attached to each of the at least three contacts. The housing may include a first cavity and a second cavity; at least one first contact may be included within the first cavity; at least one second contact may be included within the second cavity; and the first and second cavities may have different or identical shapes.

[0045] An electrical connector according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a connector housing, the connector housing extending along a longitudinal centerline and having a median centerline, the median centerline being perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline, the connector housing including a first end wall and a second end wall opposite the first end wall; a first row of electrical contacts, a second row of electrical contacts, a third row of electrical contacts, and a fourth row of electrical contacts that are parallel and spaced apart, each of the first row of electrical contacts, the second row of electrical contacts, the third row of electrical contacts, and the fourth row of electrical contacts extending parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline; the first row of electrical contacts being spaced apart from the second row of electrical contacts by 2.2±0.1 mm or 2.2±0.05 mm. spacing; the third row of electrical contacts is spaced apart from the second row of electrical contacts by a second row spacing of 2.4±0.1 mm or 2.4±0.05 mm; the fourth row of electrical contacts is spaced apart from the third row of electrical contacts by a first row spacing of 2.2±0.1 mm or 2.2±0.05 mm; a first key structure, the first key structure is positioned adjacent to the first end wall of the connector housing and adjacent to the mating side of the connector housing; the second key structure, the second key structure is positioned adjacent to the second end wall of the connector housing and adjacent to the mating side of the connector housing; the first key structure and the second key structure are positioned asymmetrically about both the longitudinal centerline and the median centerline; and the first key structure and the second key structure are mirror images about the median centerline.

[0046] The electrical connector may further include a first alignment pin positioned adjacent to a first end wall of the connector housing and adjacent to a mounting side of the connector housing; and a second alignment pin positioned adjacent to a second end wall of the connector housing and adjacent to a mounting side of the connector housing; wherein both the first alignment pin and the second alignment pin are positioned asymmetrically about the longitudinal centerline and the median centerline.

[0047] The first alignment pin may have a diameter of 0.8 ± 0.05 mm, while the second alignment pin may have dimensions of 0.8 ± 0.05 mm and 0.6 ± 0.05 mm. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth rows of electrical contacts may terminate with a corresponding press-fit pin. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth rows of electrical contacts may terminate with a corresponding fusible element.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a printed circuit board includes a first contact pad row having at least one hundred contact pads; a second contact pad row having at least one hundred contact pads; a third contact pad row having at least one hundred contact pads; a fourth contact pad row having at least one hundred contact pads; a first contact pad row spacing separating the first contact pad row and the second contact pad row of 2.2±0.1 mm or 2.2±0.05 mm; a second contact pad row spacing separating the third contact pad row and the second contact pad row of 2.4±0.1 mm or 2.4±0.05 mm; a first contact pad row spacing separating the fourth contact pad row and the third contact pad row of 2.2±0.1 mm or 2.2±0.05 mm; a first alignment hole; and a second alignment hole. The first alignment hole has a diameter of 0.8±0.05 mm and is positioned along the same line as the third contact pad row; the second alignment hole has dimensions of 0.8±0.05 mm and 0.6±0.05 mm and is positioned on a center line that is parallel or substantially parallel to the second contact pad row and the third contact pad row and is equidistant from the second contact pad row and the third contact pad row, and the second alignment hole is positioned adjacent to the first contact pad in the second contact pad row.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a printed circuit board includes a first contact pad row having at least one hundred contact pads; a second contact pad row having at least one hundred contact pads; a third contact pad row having at least one hundred contact pads; a fourth contact pad row having at least one hundred contact pads; a first contact pad row spacing separating the first contact pad row and the second contact pad row of 2.2±0.1 mm or 2.2±0.05 mm; a second contact pad row spacing separating the third contact pad row and the second contact pad row of 2.4±0.1 mm or 2.4±0.05 mm; a first contact pad row spacing separating the fourth contact pad row and the third contact pad row of 2.2±0.1 mm or 2.2±0.05 mm; a first alignment hole; and a second alignment hole. The first alignment hole has a diameter of 0.8±0.05 mm and is positioned on a centerline that is parallel or substantially parallel to and equidistant from the second contact pad row and the third contact pad row, and the first alignment hole is positioned adjacent to the last contact pad in the second contact pad row; and the second alignment hole is positioned along the same line as the second contact pad row and has dimensions of 0.8±0.05 mm and 0.6±0.05 mm.

[0050] The above and other characteristics, elements, features, steps and advantages of the present invention will become more easily understood through the following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A known electrical contact is shown inserted into a connector housing from one orientation.

[0052] Figure 3 is a close-up cross-sectional view of a known connector housing having electrical contacts inserted from one direction.

[0053] Figure 4 is a close-up cross-sectional view of a connector housing with electrical contacts inserted from two different directions.

[0054] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The electrical contacts are shown as being insertable from the top of the connector housing.

[0055] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Another electrical contact is shown that can be inserted from the bottom of the connector housing.

[0056] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a mating pair of mezzanine connectors according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 10 and Figure 11is a perspective view of a receptacle connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 and Figure 11 A partial cross-sectional view of the receptacle connector shown in FIG.

[0059] Figure 13 yes Figures 10 to 12 A top view of the receptacle connector is shown in FIG.

[0060] Figure 14 yes Figures 10 to 13 Bottom view of the receptacle connector shown in .

[0061] Figure 15 yes Figures 10 to 14 Side view of the receptacle connector shown in .

[0062] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 Bottom perspective view of the plug connector shown in .

[0064] Figure 18 yes Figure 16 and Figure 17 Top view of the plug connector shown in .

[0065] Figure 19 yes Figures 16 to 18 Cross-sectional view of the plug connector shown in .

[0066] Figure 20 yes Figures 16 to 19 Side view of the plug connector shown in .

[0067] Figure 21 FIG. 1 is a top view of a socket connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 Bottom view of the receptacle connector shown in .

[0069] Figure 23 yes Figures 21 to 22 A top perspective view of the receptacle connector is shown in .

[0070] Figure 24 FIG. 1 is a top view of a plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 25 yes Figure 24 Bottom view of the plug connector shown in .

[0072] Figure 26yes Figures 24 to 26 Bottom perspective view of the plug connector shown in .

[0073] Figure 27 A top view of a socket connector according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0074] Figure 28 Show Figure 27 Bottom view of the receptacle connector shown in .

[0075] Figure 29 A top view of a plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0076] Figure 30 yes Figure 29 Bottom view of the plug connector shown in .

[0077] Figures 31 to 35 Various substrate footprint patterns are shown according to various embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] Embodiments of the present invention may include, but are not limited to: alternating stitched electrical contacts that are continuously arranged along a common row of cavities within a connector housing to increase electrical contact density without degrading signal integrity to commercially unusable levels; optimized row-to-row spacing and corresponding substrate footprint within an electrical connector to reduce crosstalk, allowing for more ground vias in a substrate such as a printed circuit board to maintain electrical conductor density, facilitate alternating stitching of electrical contacts, and facilitate differential signal routing within the printed circuit board; and air gap arrangements within ribs to improve single-ended or differential impedance and reduce near-end crosstalk between adjacent rows of electrical contacts by reducing coupling between adjacent rows of electrical contacts at speeds greater than or equal to approximately 32 Gbits / second. The row-to-row spacing described herein also allows electrical contacts in adjacent rows to carry more power, current, or voltage at a 30 degree Celsius rise time.

[0079] First, the alternatingly inserted electrical contacts 110 , 120 will be discussed. Figure 4A portion of a row of contacts in the housing 102 of the socket connector 100 is shown. As shown, the socket connector 100 can include a recess 104 defined by ribs 106. Each rib 106 extends beyond the contact mating end 116 of the electrical contacts 110, 120. The ribs 106 can be located between two adjacent electrical contacts 110, 120 along a row. The electrical contacts 110 can each be inserted into the housing 102 from the top or mating side 108 of the housing 102 in a first direction, where the first direction is toward the bottom or mounting side 112 of the housing 102; the electrical contacts 120 can be inserted from the bottom or mounting side 112 of the housing 102 in a second direction, where the second direction is toward the top or mating side 108 of the housing 102. Each row of electrical contacts 110, 120 can include any number of electrical contacts 110, 120, including three or more electrical contacts. The first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other.

[0080] Each of the electrical contacts 110 and 120 may include a securing structure. The securing structure may include a structure that engages with the cavity 118 of the housing 102 to prevent the electrical contacts 110 and 120 from being removed from the cavity 118 and / or a structure that positions the electrical contacts 110 and 120 within the cavity 118. Such structures may include, for example, wings, wedges, protrusions, lead-ins, and ridges. The electrical contacts 110 and 120 may be retained within the housing 102 by an interference fit.

[0081] The electrical contact 110 may include a fastening structure oriented to allow the electrical contact 110 to be inserted into the cavity 118 of the housing 102 from the docking side 108. Figure 4 As shown, the electrical contact 110 may include a wing 114 that engages the housing 102 to secure the electrical contact 110 in the housing 102. The electrical contact 120 may include a fastening structure oriented to allow the electrical contact 110 to be inserted into the cavity 118 of the housing 102 from the mounting side 112. Figure 4 As shown, the electrical contact 120 may include a wedge-shaped portion 125 that engages the housing 102 to secure the electrical contact 120 within the housing 102 .

[0082] Figure 5 and Figure 6 An example electrical contact 110 is shown. Figure 5 and Figure 6 An electrical contact 110 is shown including a mating end 116 and a wing 54 . Figure 5The retaining portion 56 of the electrical contact 110 is shown to define a first width W1, a second width W2, a third width W3, and a fourth width W4. The first width W1 can be wider than any of the second width W2, the third width W3, and the fourth width W4. The second width W2 can be wider than any of the third width W3 and the fourth width W4. The third width W3 can be wider than the fourth width W4. The mounting end 58 of the electrical contact 110 can have a fifth width W5 that is narrower than any of the first width W1, the second width W2, the third width W3, and the fourth width W4. Alternatively, the second width W2 and the third width W3 can have the same or similar lengths.

[0083] Figure 7 and Figure 8 An example electrical contact 120 is shown. Figure 7 and 8 An electrical contact 120 is shown including a butt end 116 and one or more wedge-shaped portions 75, each of which protrudes in the same direction from the material thickness MT of the electrical contact 120. The wedge-shaped portions 75 can each include a portion 78 having a portion width PW that is shorter than the material thickness MT of the electrical contact 120.

[0084] The electrical contacts 110, 120 may include other fastening structures. For example, although not in Figure 4 , but the electrical contacts 110, 120 may include protrusions that position the contacts within the cavity 118 of the housing 102. Figure 4 In the embodiment, the electrical contacts 110 and 120 include different fastening structures, namely, the wing plate 114 and the wedge-shaped portion 125, but the electrical contacts 110 and 120 may also include the same fastening structure, for example, both include the wing plate 114 or both include the wedge-shaped portion 125. Figure 4 As shown, the cavity 118 in the housing 102 can be shaped to receive the electrical contacts 110, 120. Thus, the cavity 118 receiving the electrical contact 110 can be shaped differently than the cavity 118 receiving the electrical contact 120. Regardless of the shape or width of the differently shaped retaining portions 56, 56A of the electrical contacts 110, 120, the intermediate portions 60 of two immediately adjacent electrical contacts 110, 120 can have the same sixth width W6. The same applies to two or more, or three or more, adjacent recesses 104, each of which can define approximately the same seventh width W7. The electrical contacts 110, 120 can define differently shaped retaining portions 56, 56A, but define the same shaped intermediate portion 60 and the same shaped butt end 116.

[0085] The fusible elements 130, 140 may be attached to the mounting ends 58 of the electrical contacts 110, 120 in any suitable manner. The fusible elements 130, 140 may include solder or any other suitable material for forming an electrical and mechanical connection with another device, such as a substrate, a PCB, a flexible circuit board, or a cable.

[0086] By inserting the electrical contacts 110, 120 from both the mating side 108 and the mounting side 112 of the housing 102, the electrical contacts 110, 120 are brought closer together than allowed by the prior art, thereby reducing the spacing between the electrical contacts 110, 120, even though the electrical contacts 110, 120 with the intermediate portion 60 or the mating end 116 are wider than electrical contacts inserted in only one direction. The ratio of the sixth width W6 to the contact spacing may be 50-75% of the contact spacing. Figure 4 As shown, the top and bottom packaging allows the electrical contacts 110, 120 to include fastening structures or retaining portions 56, 56A that engage into the cavity at different heights so that the retaining portions 56, 56A of adjacent electrical contacts 110, 120 do not interfere with each other. Figure 4 The middle wing plate 114 engages the top of the cavity portion 118, and the wedge portion 125 engages the middle of the cavity portion 118, which allows the cavity portions 118 to be arranged closer to each other, thereby reducing the spacing of the socket connector 100 without sacrificing signal integrity at data transmission rates greater than or equal to 32 Mbits / second.

[0087] For a fixed spacing, electrical contacts 110, 120 having a wider width W6, a middle portion 60, and a mating end 116 can provide improved electrical performance, including improved impedance / improved return loss. For example, if a differential signal is transmitted (i.e., transmitted and / or received) through the electrical contacts 110, 120, the time domain impedance can be between about 85 ohms and about 100 ohms at 17 picoseconds (10%-90%) or between about 86 ohms and about 99 ohms at 17 picoseconds (10%-90%). Simulated insertion loss ranges from 0 dB to -1.5 dB at 17 GHz (approximately 34 Gbits / second or twice the frequency) and from 0 dB to -3 dB at 23 GHz (approximately 46 Gbits / second). Simulated differential return loss ranges from -10 dB to -60 dB at 23 GHz. Simulated differential vector sum crosstalk is between -40 dB and -100 dB through 19 GHz (with frequency shift), between -30 dB and -100 dB through 34 GHz, and between -20 dB and -100 dB through 50 GHz. At at least 32 Gbits / second and with the usable impedance, insertion loss, differential return loss, vector sum, and crosstalk values ​​listed above, the data rate per channel is approximately 32 Gbits / second, the aggregate data rate is approximately 4096 Gbits / second, and the data rate density can be approximately 2088 Gbits / second per square inch. Because the electrical connector can be free of metal, metal crosstalk shields, power contacts, and lossy crosstalk shields, the electrical connector can have an open pin field. The electrical contacts 110 , 120 may be arranged in a signal-ground-signal arrangement (SGS), SSGSS, SSGGSS according to electrical properties, or may be electrically carried or designated as power electrical connectors, reference electrical connectors, or ground electrical contacts 110 , 120 .

[0088] Different insertion processes can be used within a row. For example, all electrical contacts 110 or 120 can be inserted, and then all remaining electrical contacts 110 or 120 can be inserted. That is, if contact 110 is inserted first, the remaining contacts 120 can be inserted from the opposite side of the housing; if contact 120 is inserted first, the remaining contacts 110 can be inserted from the opposite side of the housing. Alternatively, the electrical contacts 110 and 120 can be inserted alternately in sequence: one electrical contact 110 or 120 is inserted, followed by another electrical contact 120 or 110, and so on, until the entire row is inserted.

[0089] After the electrical contacts 110 , 120 are inserted into the receptacle connector 100 , the fusible elements 130 , 140 may be attached to the electrical contacts 110 , 120 .

[0090] The receptacle connector 100 may be any suitable connector, including, for example, a mezzanine connector that can be used to connect two substrates, such as printed circuit boards, in parallel or substantially parallel within manufacturing tolerances. The receptacle connector 100 may be a hermaphroditic connector that connects to a connector having contacts that can be inserted in only one direction.

[0091] Figure 9 An example of such a mezzanine connector is shown, where the receptacle connector 200 has electrical contacts that can be inserted from two directions, while the plug connector 300 has electrical contacts that can be inserted from only one side. Alternatively, the connectors can be right-angle connectors. The plug connector 300 can have electrical contacts that can be inserted, while the receptacle connector 200 can have electrical contacts that can be inserted from only one side (such as the mounting side 212 of the receptacle housing 202).

[0092] Figure 9 1 and 2. The receptacle connector 200 and the plug connector 300 are shown, which are mounted on respective substrates 400. Figure 9 As shown in the bottom portion, the socket connector 200 may include four parallel, spaced-apart receptacle rows 204, 210, 220, 206 of electrical contacts 110, 120. The first receptacle row 204 of electrical contacts 110, 120 and the fourth receptacle row 206 of electrical contacts 110, 120 extend along the inside of the outer side of the socket housing 202. The second receptacle row 210 of electrical contacts 110, 120 and the third receptacle row of electrical contacts 110, 120 are back-to-back and extend along an inner rib 250 that extends from one end to the other along the longitudinal centerline CL along the middle of the socket connector 200. Although Figure 9 The socket connector in FIG. 1 is shown as four parallel, spaced-apart, unshielded rows, but any number of rows of electrical contacts 110, 120 may be used. The electrical contacts 110, 120 of the socket connector 200 may be arranged from the reference Figures 4 to 8 The socket connector 200 may be mated in both directions. The socket connector 200 may be free of any crosstalk shielding and magnetic absorption loss material, or may include any amount of crosstalk shielding or conductive or non-conductive magnetic absorption loss material. Fusible elements 230 and 240, such as solder balls, may be connected to corresponding contacts of the electrical contacts 110 and 120.

[0093] Figure 9The top portion of the plug connector 300 may include a plug housing 302, four parallel and spaced-apart plug rows 304, 310, 320, 306 of electrical plug contacts 308. The first plug row 304 of electrical plug contacts 308 and the second plug row 310 of electrical plug contacts 308 each extend along a respective plug rib 350 that extends from one end to the other of the plug connector 300. The third plug row 320 of electrical plug contacts 308 and the fourth plug row 306 of electrical plug contacts 308 each extend along a respective plug rib 350 that extends from one end to the other of the plug connector 300.

[0094] Although Figure 9 The plug connector 300 shown in FIG has four parallel rows of spaced-apart, unshielded plug electrical contacts 308, but any number of rows may be used. The electrical plug contacts 308 of the plug connector 300 may be arranged as shown in FIG. Figures 4 to 8 The plug connector 300 can be inserted from two directions. It can be devoid of any crosstalk shielding and magnetic absorption loss material, or it can include any amount of crosstalk shielding or conductive or non-conductive magnetic absorption loss material. Fusible elements 330, 340, such as solder balls, can be attached to each respective electrical plug contact 308. Typically, the number of rows and electrical plug contacts 308 in the plug connector 300 and the receptacle connector 200 is the same.

[0095] like Figure 9 As shown, the fusible elements 230, 240, 330, 340 are used to attach the electrical plug contacts 308 to the substrate 400. The electrical plug contacts 308 carried by the plug connector 300 may be installed from one side of the plug housing 302 or only from the mounting side 312.

[0096] Figure 10 and Figure 11 1. The socket connector 200A of the embodiment of the present invention is shown, and the socket connector 200A includes a first socket row 204A, a second socket row 210A, a third socket row 220A, and a fourth socket row 206A of plugged electrical contacts such as electrical contacts 110, 120. Figure 11As shown, the first row of sockets 204A and the second row of sockets 210A may be separated by a first row pitch RP1. The second row of sockets 210A and the third row of sockets 220A may be separated by a second row pitch RP2, which is greater than the first row pitch RP1. The third row of sockets 220A and the fourth row of sockets 206A may be separated by a third row pitch RP3, which is equal to or approximately equal to the first row pitch RP1. The first row pitch may be 2.2 ± 0.05 mm, 2.2 ± 0.1 mm, or another value approximately equal to 2.2 mm, such as 2.2 ± 0.05 mm or 2.2 ± 0.005 mm. The second row pitch may be 2.4 ± 0.005 mm, 2.4 ± 0.05 mm, 2.4 ± 0.1 mm, or another value approximately equal to 2.4 mm. The third row pitch can be the same as the first row pitch, such as 2.2 ± 0.005 mm, 2.2 ± 0.05 mm, 2.2 ± 0.1 mm, or another value approximately equal to 2.2 mm. Varying the row pitches within the electrical connector and the corresponding substrate footprint helps reduce crosstalk within the electrical connector and substrate footprint, allows for more ground vias within a substrate such as a printed circuit board, maintains electrical conductor density, and simplifies differential signal paths within the printed circuit board, thereby maintaining data rates of at least 32 Gbits / second with acceptable impedance, insertion loss, differential return loss, or crosstalk levels.

[0097] Figure 10 The top perspective view of FIG. 2 shows that the receptacle connector 200A includes a first receptacle row 204A and a fourth receptacle row 206A, each extending along the inside of the outside side of the receptacle housing 202A. The second receptacle row 204A and the third receptacle row 206A of electrical contacts 110, 120 are positioned to extend back-to-back along an inner rib 250A that extends from one end to the other along the longitudinal centerline CL along the middle of the receptacle connector 200A.

[0098] exist Figure 10 and Figure 11 In FIG, the receptacle connector 200A or receptacle housing 202 includes four rows of electrical contacts 110, 120, but any number of rows may be used. Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the embodiment, each row of electrical contacts 110, 120 may include at least 100 evenly spaced contacts positioned at a contact pitch P1 of 0.63±0.1 mm or 0.065±0.05 mm, but any number of electrical contacts may be used in each row.

[0099] like Figure 10As shown, the mating ends 116A of the three adjacent electrical contacts 110 and 120 can be arranged at the same pitch, but two of the three electrical contacts, such as the electrical contact 110, can be inserted into the receptacle housing 202A from the mating side 108A of the receptacle housing 202A along a first direction, while the third of the three electrical contacts, such as the electrical contact 120, can be inserted into the receptacle housing 202A from a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0100] The receptacle housing 202A can be defined by two parallel, spaced-apart longitudinal walls, such as a first longitudinal wall 260A and a second longitudinal wall 260B, and two parallel, spaced-apart end walls, such as a first end wall 262A and a second end wall 262B. The lengths of the two parallel, spaced-apart end walls 262A and 262B are shorter than the lengths of the two parallel, spaced-apart first longitudinal walls 260A and second longitudinal walls 260B. A centerline CL extends through the two parallel, spaced-apart end walls 262A and 262B, parallel to the two parallel, spaced-apart first longitudinal walls 260A and second longitudinal walls 260B. The receptacle mating side 208A of the receptacle housing 202A can include a first keying structure 270A and a second keying structure 270B. The first keying structure 270A is located on one side of the centerline CL and can abut the centerline CL or pass through the centerline CL, such that the centerline CL passes through at least a portion of the first keying structure 270A but does not bisect the entire bounded area of ​​the first keying structure 270A. The second key structure 270B can be positioned at the socket mating side 208A of the socket housing 202A on the opposite side of the centerline compared to the first key structure 270 and can abut the centerline CL or pass through the centerline CL so that the centerline CL passes through at least a portion of the second key structure 270B but does not bisect the total bounded area of ​​the second key structure 270B.

[0101] Each of the first and second keying structures 270A, 270B can be a first recess 272A, 272B, respectively, with at least three sides or surfaces defined by corresponding portions of the receptacle housing 202A and two parallel, spaced-apart first and second end walls 262A, 262B. Each of the at least three-sided first and second recesses 272A, 272B can be defined by a first sidewall, line, or surface 274; a second sidewall, line, or surface 276 that can intersect the first sidewall 274 perpendicularly; and a sidewall, line, or surface 278 that intersects the second sidewall 276 at an angle. Each of the first and second keying structures 270A, 270B, which can be recessed, is configured to receive a corresponding first or second keying structure of a mating plug connector, which can be a post. The first and second keying structures 270A, 270B can be positioned asymmetrically about the longitudinal centerline CL and asymmetrically about the median centerline. One benefit of the offset is to position the plastic and air present in the first and second key structures 270A, 270B and the mating devices to which they mate, in locations that contribute to signal integrity.

[0102] On the side of the receptacle housing 202A adjacent the first end wall 262A, the oblique sidewall 278 can abut, be spaced apart from, or cross the centerline CL. On the opposite side of the receptacle housing 202A adjacent the second end wall 262B, the first sidewall 274 can abut, coincide with, be parallel to, or be positioned adjacent to but spaced apart from the centerline CL. The first and second key structures 270A, 270B can be identical in shape and can be mirror images or offset mirror images about a centerline perpendicular to the centerline CL and spanning the receptacle rows 204, 210, 220, 206.

[0103] Figure 11 for Figure 10 The bottom perspective view of the socket connector 200A is shown in FIG. The fusible elements 230, 240 may be attached to the electrical contacts 110, 120 in any suitable manner. The socket connector 200A may include one or more standoffs 201. Figure 11As shown, the spacers 201 can be located at one or more of the four corners of the receptacle housing 202A. Any number of spacers 201 and any position thereof can be used. When the fusible elements 230, 240 are reflowed to connect the receptacle connector 200A to the substrate, the spacers 201 ensure that the receptacle connector 200A maintains a fixed distance from the substrate. The receptacle connector 200A can include alignment pins 280A, 280B that can be inserted into corresponding alignment holes in the substrate to self-align the receptacle housing 202A on the substrate and generally align the fusible elements 230, 240 relative to the solder contact pads on the substrate. Figure 11 A first alignment pin 280A and a second alignment pin 280B are shown, but any number of alignment pins may be used. The first alignment pin 280A and the second alignment pin 280B may have any suitable shape, including, for example, a circular, oval, square, etc. The shapes of the first alignment pin 280A and the second alignment pin 280B may be the same or different. Portions of one or more of the first alignment pin 280A and the second alignment pin 280B may intersect the centerline CL, or both the first alignment pin 280A and the second alignment pin 280B may be spaced apart from the centerline CL. Although four receptacle rows 204A, 210A, 220A, 206A of the electrical contacts 110, 120 are shown, one or more receptacle rows may be used.

[0104] Figure 12 The socket housing 202A of the socket connector 200A is shown carrying four electrical contacts 110A, 120A. The socket housing 202 may include a cavity 118A into which the electrical contacts 110A, 120A may be inserted. The electrical contact 110A may include a mating end 116A and may be inserted from the mating side 108A of the socket housing 202A, while the electrical contact 120A may be inserted from the mounting side 212A of the socket housing 202 as described above.

[0105] Figure 13-15 1. A socket connector 200B is shown that includes four socket rows 204B, 210B, 220B, 206B of electrical contacts 110, 110A, 120, 120A. Figure 13As shown, the contact pitch P1 between adjacent electrical contacts 110, 110A, 120, 120A in any receptacle row can be approximately 0.62 ± 0.1 mm, for example, 0.635 mm. The longitudinal length L1 of the receptacle housing 202B supporting four receptacle rows, each with one hundred electrical contacts 110, 110A, 120, 120A, can be between approximately 67.6 ± 2 mm. The receptacle cavity length at the mating interface can be between approximately 64.7 ± 2 mm. The receptacle cavity depth at the mating interface is approximately 7.0 ± 2 mm. The contact area distance CD between two facing mating ends 116B is approximately 1.7 ± 0.1 mm. The depth or width DW of the receptacle housing 202B is approximately 8.5 ± 0.5 mm. The receptacle connector 200B can be unshielded, without power contacts, can have a metal crosstalk shield, can be conductive over non-conductive magnetically absorptive material, or can be devoid of magnetically absorptive material.

[0106] The receptacle connector 200B may include a receptacle housing 202. The receptacle housing 202 may define two parallel, spaced-apart longitudinal walls, such as a first longitudinal wall 260C and a second longitudinal wall 260D, and two parallel, spaced-apart end walls, such as a first end wall 262C and a second end wall 262D. Each of the two parallel, spaced-apart end walls 262C and 262D may have a width less than the width of the two parallel, spaced-apart first longitudinal walls 260C and second longitudinal walls 260D. A centerline CL extends through the two parallel, spaced-apart end walls 262C and 262D, parallel to the two parallel, spaced-apart first longitudinal walls 260C and second longitudinal walls 260D. A median centerline ML bisects the longitudinal length of the receptacle connector 200B, intersects the centerline CL at a 90-degree angle, and extends across the first, second, third, and fourth receptacle rows 204, 210, 220, and 206. The docking interface of the receptacle connector 200B may include a first key structure 270C and a second key structure 270D. The first key structure 270C may be located on one side of a centerline CL. The first key structure 270C may abut or intersect the centerline CL, such that the centerline CL passes through at least a portion of the first key structure 270C but does not bisect the total bounded area of ​​the first key structure 270C. The second key structure 270D may be positioned at the docking interface or docking side 214 of the receptacle connector 200B on an opposite side of the centerline than the first key structure 270C. The second key structure 270D may abut or intersect the centerline CL, such that the centerline CL passes through at least a portion of the second key structure 270D but does not bisect the total bounded area of ​​the second key structure 270D.

[0107] The receptacle housing 202, also referred to as a connector housing, defines a first end wall 262A, an opposing second end wall 262C extending along a longitudinal centerline CL, and has a median centerline ML perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline CL. The receptacle housing 202 can carry a first, second, third, and fourth receptacle rows 204, 210, 220, and 206 of electrical contacts, respectively, spaced apart and parallel to each other. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth receptacle rows 204, 210, 220, and 206 of electrical contacts 110, 120, respectively, extends parallel to the longitudinal centerline CL. The first receptacle row 204, or first row of electrical contacts 110, 120, is spaced apart from the second receptacle row 210, or second row of electrical contacts 110, 120, by a first row pitch RP1. The third receptacle row 204, or the third row of electrical contacts 110, 120, is spaced from the second receptacle row 210 of electrical contacts 110, 120 by a second row pitch RP2, which is greater than the first row pitch RP1. The fourth receptacle row 206, or the fourth row of electrical contacts 110, 120, is spaced from the third receptacle row 220 of electrical contacts 110, 120 by a third row pitch RP3, which is equal to the first row pitch RP1 or within a manufacturing tolerance of the first row pitch RP1. The first keying structure 270A is positioned adjacent to the first end wall 262A of the receptacle housing 202, adjacent to the mating side 214 of the receptacle housing 202. The second keying structure 270B is positioned adjacent to the second end wall 262B of the receptacle housing 202, adjacent to the mating side 214 of the receptacle housing 202. The first and second keying structures 270A, 270B may be positioned asymmetrically about the longitudinal centerline CL and asymmetrically about the median centerline ML. The first key structure 270A and the second key structure 270B may be offset relative to each other along the median centerline ML.

[0108] Each of the first and second key structures 270C, 270D can be a first recess 272C, 272D, respectively, having at least three sides or surfaces defined by respective portions of the receptacle connector 200B and two parallel, spaced-apart first and second end walls 262C, 262D. Each of the at least three-sided first and second recesses 272C, 272D can be defined by or include a first sidewall, line, or surface 274A, a second sidewall, line, or surface 276A that can intersect the first sidewall 274A at right angles, and an angled sidewall, line, or surface 278A that intersects the second sidewall 276A. A fourth sidewall, line, or surface 282 can intersect the angled sidewall, line, or surface 278A. Fifth sidewall, line, or surface 284 may intersect first sidewall, line, or surface 274A and fourth sidewall, line, or surface 282. Each of first key structure 270C and second key structure 270D, which may be recessed portions, is configured to receive a corresponding first key structure or second key structure, which may be a post, of a mating plug connector.

[0109] At one end of the receptacle housing 202B adjacent to the second end wall 262D, the skewed sidewall 278A can abut, be spaced apart from, or cross the centerline CL. On the opposite side of the receptacle housing 202B adjacent to the first end wall 262C, the first sidewall 274A can abut, coincide with, be parallel to, or be positioned adjacent to but spaced apart from the centerline CL. The first and second key structures 270C, 270D can each be identically shaped and can be mirror images or offset mirror images about a centerline perpendicular to the centerline CL and spanning the receptacle rows 204B, 210B, 220B, 206B.

[0110] like Figure 14As shown, the contact mounting area MF has a width of approximately 6.8 ± 1 mm and can have a contact area length MFL of approximately 62.8 ± 1 mm, providing an approximate total contact area between approximately 427.04 square millimeters and approximately 440.22 square millimeters. The contact mounting area includes the contact area and any area therebetween. 400 individual electrical contacts can be mounted within these areas. The first row pitch RP1, second row pitch RP2, and third row pitch RP3 of the receptacle connector 200B can be approximately 2.1 to 2.3 mm, approximately 2.3 to 2.5 mm, and approximately 2.1 to 2.3 mm, respectively. For example, the first row pitch RP1, second row pitch RP2, and third row pitch RP3 can be 2.2 ± 0.05 mm, 2.4 ± 0.05 mm, and 2.2 ± 0.05 mm, respectively. The first row pitch RP1 is the distance between the centerline of the first receptacle row 204A and the centerline of the second receptacle row 210A. The second row pitch RP2 is the distance between the centerline of the second socket row 210A and the centerline of the third socket row 220A. The third row pitch RP3 is the distance between the third socket row 220A and the fourth socket row 206A. The distance between the centerline CL of each of the first alignment pin 280A and the second alignment pin 280B along the length of the socket connector 200B is approximately 1.2 ± 0.1 mm. The diameter of the circular alignment pin and the major diameter of the oval alignment pin are approximately 0.6 ± 0.1 mm to 0.8 ± 0.1 mm. The minor diameter of the oval second alignment pin 280B is approximately 0.5 ± 0.1 mm to 0.7 ± 0.1 mm.

[0111] like Figure 15 As shown, the socket height RH of the socket connector 200B, measured from the socket mating side 208B of the socket housing 202B to the bottom surface of the fusible element 230 (such as a solder ball), can be between approximately 3.7 ± 0.1 mm. The spacer distance SD between the bottom of the connector spacer and the bottom of the adjacent alignment pin can be approximately 0.74 ± 0.05 mm.

[0112] Figure 16 and Figure 17 An exemplary plug connector 300A according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Figure 16As shown, the plug connector 300A can have a plug housing 302A or connector housing, which defines two parallel, spaced-apart longitudinal walls and two parallel, spaced-apart end walls, the longitudinal walls being such as a first longitudinal wall 360A and a second longitudinal wall 360B, and the end walls being such as a first end wall 362A and a second end wall 362B. The lengths of the two parallel, spaced-apart first end walls 362A and the second end wall 362B are less than the lengths of the two parallel, spaced-apart first longitudinal walls 360A and the second longitudinal walls 360B. A centerline CL extends through the two parallel, spaced-apart end walls 362A and 362B, parallel to the two parallel, spaced-apart first longitudinal walls 360A and the second longitudinal walls 360B. The plug connector 300A can include a first plug row 304A, a second plug row 310A, a third plug row 320A, and a fourth plug row 306A of electrical plug contacts 308A, which are configured to Figures 13 to 15 The receptacle connector 200B is shown mated. Figure 16 Plug connector 300A is shown to include a first plug row 304A and a second plug row 310A of electrical plug contacts 308A positioned back-to-back, with the electrical plug contacts 308A supported by a plug rib 350A adjacent to the mating interface of plug housing 302A. Plug connector 300A may also include a third plug row 320A and a fourth plug row 306A of electrical plug contacts 308A positioned back-to-back, with the electrical plug contacts 308 supported by a plug rib 350A adjacent to the mating interface of plug housing 302A. First plug row 304A of electrical plug contacts 308A may be positioned adjacent to second plug row 310A of electrical plug contacts 308A. Third plug row 320A of electrical plug contacts 308A is positioned adjacent to second plug row 310A of electrical plug contacts 308A. Fourth plug row 306A of electrical plug contacts 308A is positioned adjacent to third plug row 320A of electrical plug contacts 308A.

[0113] The plug ribs 350A may be spaced apart, positioned parallel to one another, and extend in a direction from the first plug end wall 362A to the second plug end wall 362B. Figure 16 Also shown are plug ribs 350A and mating end 116C that protrude from plug housing 302A so that they extend to the Figures 13 to 15 The receptacle connector 200B shown in FIG. 1 is positioned within a recess defined by the receptacle connector 200B and docks within the recess.

[0114] The mating interface 314 of the plug connector 300A may include at least two key structures, such as a first plug key structure 370A and a second plug key structure. The first plug key structure 370A may be located on one side of a centerline CL, may abut the centerline CL, or may pass through the centerline CL, such that the centerline CL passes through at least a portion of the first key structure but does not bisect the total bounded area of ​​the first key structure. The second key structure 370B may be located at the mating interface of the plug connector 300A on the opposite side of the centerline CL from the first key structure 370A, and may abut the centerline CL or pass through the centerline CL, such that the centerline CL passes through at least a portion of the second key structure 370B but does not bisect the total bounded area of ​​the second key structure 370B. One of the first plug key structure 370A and the second plug key structure 370B may be partially aligned with the third plug row 320A of the electrical plug contacts 308A, but not aligned with the first plug row 304A, the second plug row 310A, and the third plug row 320A of the electrical plug contacts 308A. One of the remaining first and second plug key structures 370A, 370B may be partially aligned with second plug row 310A of electrical contacts but not with first, third, and fourth plug rows 304A, 320A, and 306A of electrical contacts.

[0115] Each of the first and second key structures 370A, 370B can be a protrusion defined by or adjacent to the plug housing 302A. Each of the first and second key structures can define three or more sides and can include a first plug sidewall, line, or surface 374, a second plug sidewall, line, or surface 376 that can intersect the first plug sidewall 374 perpendicularly, a diagonal sidewall, line, or surface 378 that intersects the second plug sidewall 376, and a fourth plug sidewall, line, or surface 380 that can intersect the diagonal sidewall, line, or surface 378 and the first plug sidewall, line, or surface 374. Each of the first and second key structures 370A, 370B is configured to receive a corresponding first key structure 270A, 270C or second key structure 270B, 270D, which may be a recess or cavity of the mating receptacle connector 200, 200A, 200B. The fifth plug sidewall, line, or surface 382 may be positioned between the oblique plug sidewall, line, or surface 378 and the fourth plug sidewall, line, or surface 380.

[0116] On a side of the plug connector 300A adjacent to the first end wall 362A, the skewed sidewall 378 can abut, be spaced apart from, or cross the centerline CL. On an opposite side of the plug connector 300A adjacent to the second end wall 362B, the first sidewall 374 can abut, coincide with, be parallel to, or be positioned adjacent to but spaced apart from the centerline CL. As shown, the first and second key structures 370A, 370B can each be identically shaped and can be mirror images or offset mirror images about a centerline perpendicular to the centerline CL and spanning the first, second, third, and fourth receptacle rows 304A, 310A, 320A, and 306A.

[0117] Figure 17 is a bottom perspective view of the plug connector 300A. Figure 17 8A. The plug connector 300A may include plug spacers 301. The plug spacers 301 may be located at the four corners of the plug housing 302A. Any number and any location of the plug spacers 301 may be used. When the fusible element (not shown) is reflowed to connect the plug connector 300A to the substrate, the plug spacers 301 help ensure that the plug connector 300A is spaced a fixed distance from the mounting surface of the substrate. The plug connector 300A may include a first plug alignment pin 384A and a second plug alignment pin 384B that are configured to be received in pre-drilled alignment holes to approximately align the fusible element of the plug connector 300A with corresponding solder contact pads on the mounting surface of the substrate. Figure 17Two plug alignment pins are shown, but any number of plug alignment pins 384A, 384B may be used. The first and second plug alignment pins 384A, 384B may have any suitable shape, including, for example, circular, oval, square, etc. The shapes of the first and second plug alignment pins 384A, 384B may be the same or different. All first and second plug alignment pins 384A, 384B may be positioned on the same side of the centerline CL, such that all first and second plug alignment pins 384A, 384B and one of the first and second plug key structures 370A, 370B are located on the same side of the centerline CL. At least two alignment pins may be aligned with the second plug row 310A of the electrical plug contacts 308A and one of the third plug rows 320A of the electrical plug contacts 308A. The mating height of the receptacle connectors 200, 200A, 200B and the plug connectors 300, 300A may be approximately 10 ± 1 mm. Both the plug connector 300 , 300A and the receptacle connector 200 , 200A, 200B may include open pin field contacts.

[0118] Figure 18 An exemplary plug connector 300B is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 19 The plug connector 300B shown in FIG is similar to Figure 16 and 17 The plug connector 300A shown in FIG. One difference is that Figure 19 The first plug key structure 370C shown in FIG is located on the same straight line as the third plug row 320B, and Figure 16 The first plug key structure 370A is shown to be in the same straight line as the third plug row 320A. Another difference is that Figure 19 The second plug key structure 370D shown in FIG is located on the same straight line as the third plug row 320B, and Figure 16 The second plug key structure 370B is shown in FIG. 3 and is located in a straight line with the second plug row 310A.

[0119] Figure 19Two first electrical plug contacts 308B and two second electrical plug contacts 308C are shown, along with any of the plug connectors 300, 300A, or 300B. The plug housing 302 or 302A includes a core 118C and a recess 104A. The first and second electrical plug contacts 308B and 308C can be inserted into the recess 104A from a mounting side 386 of the plug housing 302 or 302A. Plug fastening structures 388 and 390 can engage the plug housing 302 or 302A at different heights. Furthermore, the first electrical plug contact 308B can include recesses 392 and 394 that oppose the plug fastening structure 388 of the adjacent first electrical plug contact 308B or the plug fastening structure 390 of the adjacent second electrical plug contact 308C. The fusible elements 330 , 340 may be attached to the mounting end of the first electrical plug contact 308B or the mounting end of the second electrical plug contact 308C.

[0120] like Figure 20 As shown, the plug height PH of the plug connector 300, 300A, 300B (measured from the top surface of the plug connector 300, 300A, 300B to the bottom surface of the fusible element 330), such as a solder ball, may be between approximately 8.4 ± 0.5 mm.

[0121] like Figure 21 As shown, the receptacle connector 405 may include a receptacle housing 406 that defines two parallel, spaced-apart longitudinal walls, such as first and second longitudinal walls 407A, 407B, and two parallel, spaced-apart end walls, such as first and second end walls 409A, 409B. The lengths of the two parallel, spaced-apart end walls 409A, 409B are shorter than the lengths of the two parallel, spaced-apart first and second longitudinal walls 407A, 407B. A centerline CL extends through the two parallel, spaced-apart first and second end walls 409A, 409B, and is parallel to the two parallel, spaced-apart first and second longitudinal walls 407A, 407B. The docking interface of the receptacle connector 405 or receptacle housing 406 may include first and second key structures 410A, 410B. The first key structure 410A may be located on one side of the centerline CL and may abut the centerline CL or pass through the centerline CL such that the centerline CL passes through at least a portion of the first key structure 410A but does not bisect the total bounded area or perimeter of the first key structure 410A. The second key structure 410B may be located at the docking interface of the receptacle housing 406 on an opposite side of the centerline CL as compared to the first key structure 410A and may abut the centerline CL or pass through the centerline CL such that the centerline CL passes through at least a portion of the second key structure 410B but does not bisect the total bounded area or perimeter of the second key structure 410B.

[0122] Each of the first and second key structures 410A, 410B can be a first recess 408A, 408B, respectively, having at least three wall sides or surfaces and four or five total sides or surfaces defined by respective portions of the receptacle housing 406 and two parallel, spaced-apart first and second end walls 409A, 409B. Each of the first and second recesses 408A, 408B can have a bounded area or perimeter defined by: a first side wall, line, or surface 412A; a second side wall, line, or surface 414B; a skewed side wall, line, or surface; a fourth side wall, line, or surface 412B; and a fifth side wall, line, or surface 414A. It should be understood that, with respect to the first and second key structures 410A, 410B, "walls" can also include lines, surfaces, or partial walls. The first and fourth side walls 412A, 412B can be parallel to each other. The second side wall 414B and the fifth side wall 414A may be parallel to each other. The first side wall 412A and the second side wall 414B may intersect to form a right angle. The oblique side wall 416 may intersect with the second side wall 414B. The fourth side wall 412B may be parallel to the first side wall 412A and may intersect with the oblique side wall 416. The fifth side wall 414A may be parallel to the second side wall 414B and may intersect with the first side wall 412A and the fourth side wall 412B. The length of the second side wall 414B may be shorter than the length of the first side wall 412A and the fifth side wall 414A. The fourth side wall 412B may be the side wall with the shortest length. Each of the first key structure 410A and the second key structure 410B, which may be a recessed portion, is configured to accommodate Figure 24 , the first plug key structure 510A or the second plug key structure 510B can be a post or a first protrusion 508A or a second protrusion 508B defined by or positioned adjacent to the plug housing 505. For example, the first key structure 410A of the receptacle connector 405 can receive the second plug key structure 510B of the plug housing 505, while the second key structure 410B of the receptacle housing 406 can receive the first plug key structure 510A of the plug housing 505.

[0123] The receptacle connector 405 or receptacle housing 406 may include four parallel, spaced-apart receptacle rows 420, 422, 424, 426 of the electrical contacts 110, 110A, 120. The first receptacle row 420 of the electrical contacts 110, 110A, 120 and the fourth receptacle row 426 of the electrical contacts 110, 110A, 120 extend along the inside of the first longitudinal wall 407A and the second longitudinal wall 407B, respectively, of the receptacle housing 406. The second receptacle row 422 of the electrical contacts 110, 110A, 120 and the third receptacle row 424 of the electrical contacts 110, 110A, 120 extend back-to-back along an inner rib 428 that extends downwardly along the middle of the plug connector 405 or receptacle housing 406 from one end to the other. Although the socket connector 405 is shown as having four parallel, spaced-apart, unshielded rows, any number of electrical contacts 110, 110A, 120 may be used. The electrical contacts 110, 110A, 120 of the socket connector 405 may be as shown. Figures 4 to 8 The receptacle connector 405 can be inserted from two directions. The receptacle connector 405 can be free of any crosstalk shielding and magnetic absorption loss material, or can include any number of crosstalk shielding or conductive or non-conductive magnetic absorption loss materials. A fusible element, such as a solder ball, can be attached to the corresponding electrical contact of the electrical contacts 110, 110A, 120. The electrical contacts 110, 110A, 120 can also be terminated with press-fit pins, eye-of-the-needles pins, J-shaped pins, or other configurations.

[0124] On the side of the receptacle connector 405 or receptacle housing 406 adjacent to the first end wall 409A, the fourth side wall 412B may abut, coincide with, or be positioned adjacent to but spaced apart from the centerline CL. The first side wall 412A may be positioned parallel to and spaced apart from the centerline CL. On the opposite side of the receptacle connector 405 or receptacle housing 406 adjacent to the second end wall 409B, the first side wall 412A may abut, coincide with, or be positioned adjacent to but spaced apart from the centerline CL. The fourth side wall 412B may be positioned parallel to and spaced apart from the centerline CL. The first key structure 410A and the second key structure 410B may have the same shape. The second key structure 410B may be a mirror image of the first key structure 410A about a median centerline ML that is perpendicular to the centerline CL.

[0125] like Figure 22As shown, the mounting interface of the receptacle connector 405 may include a first alignment pin 401 and a second alignment pin 402. A centerline CL may pass through the first alignment pin 401, and the first alignment pin 401 may have a center point CP through which the centerline CL passes. The second alignment pin 402 may be positioned on either side of the centerline CL such that the centerline CL does not intersect the second alignment pin 402. In one embodiment, the second alignment pin 402 may be positioned completely or partially below the first key structure 410A. The first alignment pin 401 may be positioned completely or partially below the second key structure 410B. The second alignment pins 402 and the second receptacle row 422 of the electrical contacts 110, 110A, 120 may be arranged along a centerline CL2 that is parallel to and spaced apart from the centerline CL, such that the centerline CL2 passes through the second receptacle row 422 and the second alignment pins 402 of the electrical contacts 110, 110A, 120. The first alignment pin 401 can have a circular shape with a diameter of approximately 0.8 ± 0.05 mm, while the second alignment pin 402 can have an elliptical shape with a major diameter of approximately 0.8 ± 0.05 mm and a minor diameter of approximately 0.6 ± 0.05 mm. The first alignment pin 401 can be positioned adjacent to the first end wall 409A of the receptacle housing 406 or connector housing and adjacent to the mounting interface 430 of the receptacle housing 406. The second alignment pin 402 can be positioned adjacent to the second end wall 409B of the receptacle housing 406 and adjacent to the mounting interface 430 of the receptacle housing 406. The first and second alignment pins 401, 402 can be positioned asymmetrically about both the longitudinal centerline CL and the median centerline ML. The first row spacing RP1 between the centers of the individual electrical contacts of the first and second receptacle rows 420, 422 can be approximately 2.2 ± 0.005 mm, 2.2 ± 0.1 mm, or 2.2 ± 0.05 mm. A second row pitch RP2 between the centers of the electrical contacts of the second and third rows 422 and 424 can be approximately 2.4±0.005 mm, 2.4±0.1 mm, or 2.4±0.05 mm. A third row pitch RP3 between the centers of the electrical contacts of the third and fourth rows 424 and 426 can be approximately 2.2±0.005 mm, 2.2±0.1 mm, or 2.2±0.05 mm.

[0126] Figure 23 yes Figure 21 and Figure 22 . Proximally adjacent electrical contacts 110, 110A, 120 may be spaced 0.65 ± 0.05 apart on the centerline. The socket connector 405 may carry four hundred electrical contacts 110, 110A, 120 in four rows of one hundred electrical contacts each.

[0127] Figure 24 — Figure 26An exemplary plug connector 500 is shown. Figure 24 As shown, the plug housing 505 or connector housing can be defined by two parallel, spaced-apart longitudinal walls, such as first and second longitudinal plug walls 507A and 507B, and two parallel, spaced-apart end walls, such as first and second longitudinal plug walls 509A and 509B. The lengths of the first and second plug end walls 509A and 509B are shorter than the lengths of both the first and second longitudinal plug walls 507A and 507B. A longitudinal centerline CL3 extends through the first and second plug end walls 509A and 509B, and is parallel to the first and second longitudinal plug walls 507A and 507B. The mating interface of the plug connector 500 or plug housing 505 can include first and second plug key structures 510A and 510B. The first plug key structure 510A can be on one side of the longitudinal centerline CL3 and can be spaced apart from the longitudinal centerline CL3, can abut the longitudinal centerline CL3, or can cross the longitudinal centerline CL3 such that the longitudinal centerline CL3 passes through at least a portion of the first plug key structure 510A but does not bisect the total bounded area or perimeter of the first plug key structure 510A. The second plug key structure 510B can be positioned at the mating interface of the plug connector 500 or plug housing 505 on the opposite side of the longitudinal centerline CL3 from the first plug key structure 510A and can be spaced apart from the longitudinal centerline CL3, can abut the longitudinal centerline CL3, or can cross the longitudinal centerline CL3 such that the longitudinal centerline CL3 passes through at least a portion of the second plug key structure 510B but does not bisect the total bounded area or perimeter of the second plug key structure 510B.

[0128] The plug connector 500 may include a first plug row 520 of electrical plug contacts 308, 308A, 308B, 308C, a second plug row 522 of electrical plug contacts 308, 308A, 308B, 308C, a third plug row 524 of electrical plug contacts 308, 308A, 308B, 308C, and a fourth plug row 526 of electrical plug contacts 308, 308A, 308B, 308C. The plug connector 500 may include the first plug row 520 and the second plug row 522 of electrical plug contacts 308, 308A, 308B, 308C back-to-back supported by a plug rib 528 adjacent to the mating interface of the plug housing 505. The plug connector 500 may also include a third plug row 524 and a fourth plug row 526 of electrical plug contacts 308, 308A, 308B, 308C carried back-to-back by a plug rib 528 adjacent to the mating interface of the plug housing 505. The first plug row 520 of electrical plug contacts 308, 308A, 308B, 308C may be positioned proximate to the second plug row 522 of electrical plug contacts 308, 308A, 308B, 308C. The third plug row 524 of electrical plug contacts 308, 308A, 308B, 308C may be positioned adjacent to the second plug row 522 of electrical plug contacts 308, 308A, 308B, 308C. The fourth plug row 526 of the electrical plug contacts 308 , 308A, 308B, 308C may be positioned adjacent to the third plug row 524 of the electrical plug contacts 308 , 308A, 308B, 308C.

[0129] The plug ribs 528 may be spaced apart, may be positioned parallel to one another, and may extend in a direction from the first plug end wall 509A to the second plug end wall 509B. Figure 26 As shown, the plug rib 528 and the docking end 116C at the docking interface 518 may protrude above a step defined by the plug housing 505 such that the plug rib 528 and the docking end 116C extend into and mate with a recess defined by the docking receptacle connector.

[0130] See again Figure 24The mating interface 518 of the plug connector 500 may include at least two key structures, such as a first plug key structure 510A and a second plug key structure 510B. The first plug key structure 510A may be located on one side of the longitudinal centerline CL3, may abut the longitudinal centerline CL3, or may cross the longitudinal centerline CL3 such that the longitudinal centerline CL3 passes through at least a portion of the first plug key structure 510A but does not bisect the total bounded area of ​​the first plug key structure 510A. The second plug key structure 510B may be located at the mating interface 518 of the plug connector 500 on the opposite side of the longitudinal centerline CL3 from the first plug key structure 510A and may abut the longitudinal centerline CL3 or cross the longitudinal centerline CL3 such that the longitudinal centerline CL3 passes through at least a portion of the second plug key structure 510B but does not bisect the total bounded area of ​​the second plug key structure 510B. The first plug key structure 510A may be partially located on the same straight line as the third plug row 524 of the electrical plug contacts 308, 308A, 308B, 308C, but not on the straight line of the first plug row 520, the second plug row 522, and the fourth plug row 526 of the electrical plug contacts 308, 308A, 308B, 308C. The second plug key structure 510B may be partially located on the same straight line as the second plug row 522 of the electrical plug contacts 308, 308A, 308B, 308C, but not on the straight line of the first plug row 520, the third plug row 524, and the fourth plug row 526 of the electrical contact contacts 308, 308A, 308B, 308C.

[0131] Each of the first and second plug key structures 510A, 510B can be a first protrusion 508A or a second protrusion 508B, respectively, defined by the plug housing 505, or positioned adjacent to the plug housing 505. Each of the first and second plug key structures 510A, 510B can define three or more sides and can include: a first plug sidewall, line, or surface 512A; a second plug sidewall, line, or surface 514B that can intersect the first plug sidewall 512A perpendicularly; an oblique plug sidewall, line, or surface 516 that intersects the second plug sidewall 514B; a fourth plug sidewall, line, or surface 512B; and a fifth plug sidewall 514A. The fourth plug sidewall, line, or surface 512B can intersect the oblique plug sidewall, line, or surface 516 and the fifth plug sidewall, line, or surface 514A. The fifth plug side wall, line, or surface 514A may intersect the fourth plug side wall, line, or surface 512B and the first plug side wall, line, or surface 512A.

[0132] Each of the first and second plug key structures 510A, 510B is configured to receive a corresponding first key structure 270A, 270C or second key structure 270B, 270D of the mating receptacle connector 200 , 200A, 200B.

[0133] On the side of the plug connector 500 or plug housing 505 adjacent to the first plug end wall 509A, the first plug sidewall 512A may abut the longitudinal centerline CL3, may be spaced apart from the longitudinal centerline CL3, or may cross the longitudinal centerline CL3. On the opposite side of the plug connector 500 or plug housing 505 adjacent to the second plug end wall 509B, the fourth plug sidewall 512B may abut, coincide with, be parallel to, or be positioned adjacent to but spaced apart from the longitudinal centerline CL3. The first and second plug key structures 510A, 510B may each be identical in shape and may be positioned as mirror images about a centerline ASF that is perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline CL3 and spans the first, second, third, and fourth plug rows 520, 522, 524, and 526, or may be positioned as offset mirror images about the centerline ASF, as shown.

[0134] Figure 25 is a bottom view of plug connector 500A. The fusible element, not shown, can be attached to the electrical plug contacts 308, 308A, 308B, 308C in any suitable manner. Alternatively, the electrical plug contacts 308, 308A, 308B, 308C can be terminated with J-pins, press-fit pins, eye-of-the-needle pins, or other configurations. Plug connector 500 may include plug spacers 530. The plug spacers 530 can be located at the four corners of plug housing 505. Any number and location of plug spacers 530 can be used. When the fusible element (not shown) is reflowed to connect plug connector 500A to a substrate, the plug spacers 530 help ensure that plug connector 500A is spaced a fixed distance from the mounting surface of the substrate. The plug connector 500 may include a first plug alignment pin 532 and a second plug alignment pin 534, which are configured to be received in pre-drilled alignment holes to approximately align the fusible element of the plug connector 500 with the corresponding solder contact pads on the mounting surface of the substrate.

[0135] Figure 25A first plug alignment pin 532 and a second plug alignment pin 534 are shown, but any number of plug alignment pins may be used. The first and second plug alignment pins 532, 534 may have any suitable shape, including, for example, circular, oval, square, etc. The shapes of the first and second plug alignment pins 532, 534 may be the same or different. All of the first and second plug alignment pins 532, 534 may be positioned on the same side of the longitudinal centerline CL3, such that all of the first and second plug alignment pins 532, 534 and one of the first and second plug key structures 510A, 510B are located on the same side of the longitudinal centerline CL3. The first alignment pin 532, which may be positioned adjacent to the first plug end wall 509A, may be aligned with the third plug row 524 of the electrical plug contacts 308, 308A-C.

[0136] Longitudinal centerline CL3 may pass through second plug alignment pin 534, and second plug alignment pin 534 may have a center point CP2 through which longitudinal centerline CL3 passes. First plug alignment pin 532 may be positioned on either side of longitudinal centerline CL3 such that longitudinal centerline CL3 does not intersect first plug alignment pin 532. In one embodiment, first plug alignment pin 532 may be positioned completely or partially below the perimeter of first plug key structure 510A. Second plug alignment pin 534 may be positioned completely or partially below the perimeter of second plug key structure 510B. First plug alignment pin 532 and the third plug row of electrical plug contacts may be arranged along centerline CL4, which is parallel to and spaced apart from longitudinal centerline CL3.

[0137] The second plug alignment pin 534 can be aligned with the longitudinal centerline CL3 of the plug connector 500, while the first plug alignment pin 532 can be located at a distance between approximately 1.2 ± 0.05 mm and approximately 1.3 ± 0.05 mm from the longitudinal centerline CL3 of the plug connector 500. The first plug alignment pin 532 can have a circular shape with a diameter of approximately 0.8 ± 0.05 mm, while the second plug alignment pin 534 can have an elliptical shape with a diameter of approximately 0.8 ± 0.05 mm and 0.6 ± 0.05 mm. The first row pitch RP1 between the centers of the electrical contacts of the first and second plug rows 520, 522 can be approximately 2.2 ± 0.1 mm, 2.2 ± 0.05 mm, or 2.2 ± 0.005 mm. The second row pitch RP2 between the centers of the electrical contacts of the second and third plug rows 522, 524 can be approximately 2.4 ± 0.1 mm, 2.4 ± 0.05 mm, or 2.4 ± 0.005 mm. A third row pitch RP3 between centers of electrical contacts of the third plug row 524 and the fourth plug row 526 may be approximately 2.2±0.1 mm, 2.2±0.05 mm, or 2.2±0.005 mm.

[0138] Reference Figure 27 Receptacle connector 600 may include a receptacle housing 605, which may be defined by two parallel, spaced-apart first and second longitudinal walls 607A, 607B and two parallel, spaced-apart first and second end walls 609A, 609B. The lengths of the two parallel, spaced-apart first and second end walls 609A, 609B may be shorter than the lengths of the two parallel, spaced-apart first and second longitudinal walls 607A, 607B. A longitudinal centerline CL5 extends through the two parallel, spaced-apart first and second end walls 609A, 609B, and is parallel to the two parallel, spaced-apart first and second longitudinal walls 607A, 607B. The docking interface 604 of receptacle housing 605 may include a first receptacle key structure 610A and a second receptacle key structure 610B. The first receptacle key structure 610A is located on longitudinal centerline CL5, such that the first receptacle key structure 610A is asymmetrical about centerline CL5. The second key structure 610B can be positioned on the opposite side of the longitudinal centerline CL5 of the docking interface 604 of the receptacle housing 605 from the first receptacle key structure 610A and can be located on the longitudinal centerline CL5 such that the second longitudinal key structure 610B is asymmetric about the longitudinal centerline CL5 and asymmetric about the median centerline ML5. The first and second receptacle key structures 610A, 610B can be offset relative to each other and the median centerline CL5. The first and second receptacle key structures 610A, 610B can be offset mirror images of each other.

[0139] Each of the first and second socket key structures 610A and 610B can be a first recess 608A and a second recess 608B, respectively, each having four or five sides or surfaces defined by respective portions of the socket housing 605 and two parallel, spaced-apart first and second end walls 609A and 609B. Each of the five-sided first and second recesses 608A and 608B can have a perimeter defined by a first side wall, line, or surface 612A, a second side wall, line, or surface 614B, a diagonal side wall, line, or surface 616, a fourth side wall, line, or surface 612B, and a fifth side wall, line, or surface 614A. It should be understood that, with respect to the first and second key structures 610A and 610B, the term "wall" can also include lines or surfaces. The fifth and second side walls 614A and 614B can each form a right angle with the first side wall 612A. The fourth side wall 612B can form a right angle with the fifth side wall 614A. The length of the fourth side wall 612B is shorter than the length of any other side wall 612A, 614B, 616, 614A. Each of the first and second socket key structures 610A, 610B, which may be recessed portions, is configured to receive a socket such as Figure 29 As shown, the corresponding first plug key structure 710A or second plug key structure 710B is a post or protrusion of the plug housing 705.

[0140] On the side of the receptacle housing 605 adjacent to the first end wall 609A, the first sidewall 612A and the fourth sidewall 612B may be evenly spaced from the longitudinal centerline CL5. On the opposite end of the receptacle housing 605 adjacent to the second end wall 609B, the longitudinal centerline CL5 may intersect the second sidewall 614B and the diagonal sidewall 616 at an intersection I. The first sidewall 612A and the fourth sidewall 612B may be unequally spaced or inconsistently spaced from the longitudinal centerline CL5. The first key structure 610A and the second key structure 610B may have the same shape or the same perimeter shape. The first key structure 610B may be offset from the second key structure 610A relative to the longitudinal centerline CL, offset relative to the median centerline ML5, or offset relative to both the longitudinal centerline CL and the median centerline ML5. The first receptacle key structure 610A may be a mirror image of the second key structure 610B relative to the median centerline ML5, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline CL5.

[0141] like Figure 28As shown, the mounting side or interface 620 of the receptacle housing 605 may include a first alignment pin 601 and a second alignment pin 602. The longitudinal centerline CL5 may pass through the first alignment pin 601, and the first alignment pin 601 may have a center point CP3 through which the longitudinal centerline CL5 passes. The second alignment pin 602 may be positioned on either side of the longitudinal centerline CL5 such that the longitudinal centerline CL5 does not intersect the second alignment pin 602. In one embodiment, the second alignment pin 602 may be positioned completely or partially between the longitudinal centerline CL5 and the second alignment pin 602. Figure 27 The first alignment pin 601 may be positioned completely or at least partially below the perimeter defined by the first socket key structure 610A shown in FIG. Figure 27 The second alignment pin 602 may be positioned below the perimeter defined by the second socket key structure 610B. The second alignment pin 602 may also be positioned such that the second alignment pin 602 is not even partially positioned below the first socket key structure 610A. The first alignment pin 601 may have a circular shape with dimensions of approximately 0.8±0.05 mm, and the second alignment pin 602 may have an elliptical shape with dimensions of approximately 0.8±0.05 mm and 0.6±0.05 mm.

[0142] like Figure 29As shown, a plug connector 700 having a plug housing 705 can be defined by two parallel, spaced-apart, opposing first and second longitudinal plug walls 707A, 707B and two parallel, spaced-apart, first and second plug end walls 709A, 709B. The length of the two parallel, spaced-apart, opposing first and second longitudinal plug walls 709A, 709B can be shorter than the length of the two parallel, spaced-apart, first and second longitudinal plug walls 707A, 707B. A longitudinal centerline CL6 extends through the two parallel, spaced-apart first and second longitudinal plug end walls 709A, 709B, and is parallel to the two parallel, spaced-apart first and second longitudinal plug walls 707A, 707B. The docking interface 704 of the plug housing 705 can include a first plug key structure 710A and a second plug key structure 710B. The first plug key structure 710A can be located on the longitudinal centerline CL6 such that the first plug key structure 710A is asymmetrical about the longitudinal centerline CL6. The second plug key structure 710B can be positioned at the docking interface 704 on an opposite side of the longitudinal centerline CL6 of the plug housing 705 from the first plug key structure 710A and can be located on the longitudinal centerline CL6 such that the second plug key structure 710B is asymmetric about the longitudinal centerline CL6. The first plug key structure 710A and the second plug key structure 710B can be offset relative to each other about the longitudinal centerline CL6. Each of the first and second plug key structures 710A, 710B can each define a respective four-sided or five-sided first and second protrusions 708A, 708B, each extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline CL6 and perpendicular to the first, second, third, and fourth plug rows 730, 740, 750, and 760 plugs. The first plug row of electrical contacts 308, 308A, 308B can be spaced apart from the second plug row by a first row pitch RP1. The second plug row of electrical contacts 308, 308A, 308B can be separated from the third plug row of electrical contacts 308, 308A, 308B by a second row pitch RP2. The third plug row of electrical contacts 308, 308A, 308B can be separated from the fourth plug row of electrical contacts 308, 308A, 308B by a third row pitch RP3. As described above, the first row pitch RP1 and the third row pitch RP3 can be the same. The second row pitch RP1 is numerically greater than either the first row pitch RP1 or the third row pitch RP3.

[0143] Each of the first plug key structure 710A and the second plug key structure 710B is configured to receive Figure 27 and 286. The first and second protrusions 708A and 708B of the plug housing 705 are configured to fit into the corresponding first and second recesses 608A and 608B of the receptacle connector 600. For example, the first receptacle key structure 610A of the receptacle housing 605 can receive the second plug key structure 710B of the plug connector 700, and the second receptacle key structure 610B of the receptacle housing 605 or the receptacle connector 600 can accommodate the first plug key structure 710A of the plug connector 700.

[0144] Each of the first and second plug key structures 710A, 710B may have a four-sided or five-sided perimeter or other geometric shape, including a first plug sidewall, line, or surface 712A, a second plug sidewall, line, or surface 714B, a skewed plug sidewall, line, or surface 716, a fourth plug sidewall, line, or surface 712B, and a fifth plug sidewall, line, or surface 714A. The fifth plug sidewall 714A and the second plug sidewall 714B may form a right angle with the first plug sidewall 712A. The fourth plug sidewall 712B may form a right angle with the fifth plug sidewall 714A. The fourth plug sidewall 712B may have a smaller width or thickness than any of the other plug sidewalls 712A, 714A, 714B, or 716. Each of the first receptacle key structure 610A and the second receptacle key structure 610B of the receptacle housing 605 can be, as previously described, a first recess 608A and a second recess 608B, each of the first receptacle key structure 610A and the second receptacle key structure 610B of the receptacle housing 605 being configured to receive a corresponding first plug key structure 710A or second plug key structure 710B. The first plug key structure 710A and the second plug key structure 710B can each be a post or a first protrusion 708A and a second protrusion 708B defined by or positioned near the plug housing 705.

[0145] On the side of the plug housing 705 adjacent to the first plug end wall 709A, the longitudinal centerline CL6 may intersect the first protrusion 708A at the intersection I of the second plug sidewall 714B and the skewed plug sidewall 716. The first and fourth plug sidewalls 712A, 712B may not be equally spaced apart, or may be inconsistently spaced apart from the longitudinal centerline CL6. On the opposite end of the plug housing 705 adjacent to the plug end wall 709B, the first and fourth plug sidewalls 712A, 712B may be equally spaced apart from the longitudinal centerline CL6. The first and second plug key structures 710A, 710B may have the same shape. The first plug key structure 710B may be a mirror image of the second plug key structure 710B about the median centerline ML6, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline CL6 and perpendicular to the first and second plug rows 730, 740. The first plug key structure 710A and the second plug key structure 710B can be offset relative to each other about centerline CL6, offset relative to each other about median centerline ML6, or offset relative to each other about both centerline CL6 and median centerline ML6. The first plug key structure 710A can be a mirror image of the second plug key structure 710B about median centerline ML6 that is perpendicular to longitudinal centerline CL6.

[0146] like Figure 30 As shown, the mounting side 720 interface of the plug connector 700 or the plug housing 705 may include a first plug alignment pin 701 and a second plug alignment pin 702. The longitudinal centerline CL6 may pass through the first plug alignment pin 701, and the first plug alignment pin 701 may have a center point CP4 through which the longitudinal centerline CL6 passes. The second plug alignment pin 702 may be positioned on either side of the longitudinal centerline CL6 such that the longitudinal centerline CL6 does not intersect the second plug alignment pin 702. In one embodiment, the first plug alignment pin 701 may be completely or partially positioned on the longitudinal centerline CL6. Figure 29 The second plug alignment pin 702 may be positioned at least partially or not below the perimeter defined by the first plug key structure 710A or the second plug key structure 710B. Figure 29 The first plug alignment pin 701 may define an elliptical shape with a major diameter of approximately 0.8 ± 0.05 mm and a minor diameter of approximately 0.6 ± 0.05 mm. The second plug alignment pin 702 may have a circular shape with a diameter of approximately 0.8 ± 0.05 mm. The first and second plug alignment pins may be reversed such that the first plug alignment pin 701 defines an elliptical shape and the second plug alignment pin 702 defines a circular shape. The first and second plug alignment pins 701, 702 may be positioned asymmetrically about longitudinal centerline CL6, asymmetrically about median centerline ML6, or asymmetrically about both longitudinal centerline CL6 and median centerline ML6.

[0147] Figure 31 An example of a layout of a substrate 800, such as a printed circuit board, daughter card, or backplane substrate, is shown. The substrate 800 includes contact pads 802 that can be used to electrically connect a fusible element of a receptacle connector or a fusible element of a plug connector as described herein. A first contact pad row pitch (PRP1), measured between the centers of the contact pads in the first contact pad row 804 and the centers of the contact pads in the second contact pad row 806, can be 2.2 ± 0.2 mm, or any other pitch corresponding to an installed receptacle or plug row. A second contact pad row pitch (PRP2), measured between the centers of the contact pads in the second contact pad row 806 and the centers of the contact pads in the third contact pad row 808, can be 2.4 ± 0.2 mm, or any other pitch corresponding to an installed receptacle or plug row. A third contact pad row pitch (PRP3), measured between the centers of the contact pads in the third contact pad row 808 and the centers of the contact pads in the fourth contact pad row 810, can be 2.2 ± 0.2 mm, or any other pitch corresponding to an installed receptacle or plug row.

[0148] First contact pad row 804 may include at least one hundred contact pads 802. Second contact pad row 806 may include at least one hundred contact pads 802. Third contact pad row 808 may include at least one hundred contact pads 802. Fourth contact pad row 810 may include at least one hundred contact pads. The number of contact pads 802 in each contact pad row may be any number greater than sixty, at least one hundred, at least one hundred and fifty, or any integer greater than sixty and less than one hundred and fifty. First alignment hole 812 may be 0.8 ± 0.05 mm by 0.6 ± 0.05 mm and may be positioned along the same line as second contact pad row 806 of contact pads 802 or coincident with second contact pad row 806 of contact pads 802. The diameter of the second alignment hole 814 can be 0.8±0.05 mm, and can be positioned on the center line CL, which is parallel to the second contact pad row 806 and the third contact pad row 808 and is positioned to be equidistant from the second contact pad row 806 and the third contact pad row 808, and the second alignment hole 814 can be positioned near the first contact pad 816 in the second contact pad row.

[0149] Figure 32An example of a footprint layout for a substrate 800A, such as a printed circuit board, daughter card, or backplane substrate, is shown. The substrate 800A includes contact pads 802A that can be used to electrically connect a fusible element of a receptacle connector or a fusible element of a plug connector as described herein. A first contact pad row pitch, PRP1, measured between respective centers of contact pads in a first contact pad row 804A and respective centers of contact pads in a second contact pad row 806A can be 2.2 ± 0.2 mm, or any other pitch corresponding to an installed receptacle row or plug row. A second contact pad row pitch, PRP2, measured between respective centers of contact pads in a second contact pad row 806A and respective centers of contact pads in a third contact pad row 808A can be 2.4 ± 0.2 mm, or any other pitch corresponding to an installed receptacle row or plug row. A third contact pad row pitch PRP3 measured between respective centers of contact pads in third contact pad row 808A and respective centers of contact pads in fourth contact pad row 810A may be 2.2±0.2 mm, or any other pitch corresponding to the installed row of receptacles or plugs.

[0150] First alignment hole 812A may be aligned with third contact pad row 808A of contact pads 802A. Second alignment hole 814A may be positioned between second and third contact pad rows 806A, 808A, adjacent first contact pad 816A in third and second contact pad rows 808A, 806A.

[0151] First contact pad row 804A may include at least one hundred contact pads 802A. Second contact pad row 806A may include at least one hundred contact pads 802A. Third contact pad row 808A may include at least one hundred contact pads 802A. Fourth contact pad row 810A may include at least one hundred contact pads. First alignment hole 812A may have a diameter of 0.8 ± 0.05 mm and may be aligned with, or coincide with, third contact pad row 808A of contact pads 802A. Second alignment hole 814A may have a diameter of 0.8 ± 0.05 mm by 0.6 ± 0.05 mm and may be positioned on centerline CL, where centerline CL is parallel to and equidistant from second contact pad row 806A and third contact pad row 808A. Second alignment hole 814A may be positioned adjacent to first contact pad 816A in second contact pad row 806A.

[0152] Figure 33An example of a layout of a substrate 800B is shown. The substrate 800B can be, for example, a printed circuit board, a daughter card, or a backplane. The substrate 800B includes contact pads 802B that can be used to electrically connect a fusible element of a receptacle connector or a fusible element of a plug connector as described herein. A first contact pad row pitch PRP1, measured between respective centers of contact pads in a first contact pad row 804B and respective centers of contact pads in a second contact pad row 806B, can be 2.2 ± 0.2 mm, or any other pitch corresponding to an installed receptacle row or plug row. A second contact pad row pitch PRP2, measured between respective centers of contact pads in a second contact pad row 806B and respective centers of contact pads in a third contact pad row 808B, can be 2.4 ± 0.2 mm, or any other pitch corresponding to an installed receptacle row or plug row. A third contact pad row pitch PRP3 measured between respective centers of contact pads of third contact pad row 808B and respective centers of contact pads of fourth contact pad row 810B may be 2.2±0.2 mm, or any other pitch corresponding to the installed receptacle or plug row.

[0153] First alignment hole 812B may be positioned between second contact pad row 806B and third contact pad row 808B, adjacent to third contact pad row 808B and last contact pad 818 in second contact pad row 806B. Second alignment hole 814B may be aligned with second contact pad row 806B of contact pad 802A.

[0154] Figure 34 An example of a layout of a substrate 800C is shown. The substrate 800C can be, for example, a printed circuit board, a daughter card, or a backplane. The substrate 800C includes contact pads 802C that can be used to electrically connect a fusible element of a receptacle connector or a fusible element of a plug connector as described herein. A first contact pad row pitch PRP1, measured between respective centers of contact pads in a first contact pad row 804C and respective centers of contact pads in a second contact pad row 806C, can be 2.2 ± 0.2 mm, or any other pitch corresponding to an installed receptacle row or plug row. A second contact pad row pitch PRP2, measured between respective centers of contact pads in a second contact pad row 806C and respective centers of contact pads in a third contact pad row 808C, can be 2.4 ± 0.2 mm, or any other pitch corresponding to an installed receptacle row or plug row. A third contact pad row pitch PRP3 measured between respective centers of contact pads of third contact pad row 808C and respective centers of contact pads of fourth contact pad row 810C may be 2.2±0.2 mm, or any other pitch corresponding to the installed receptacle or plug row.

[0155] First alignment hole 812C may be positioned between second contact pad row 806C and third contact pad row 808C, adjacent to third contact pad row 808C and the last contact pad 818C in second contact pad row 806C. Second alignment hole 814C may be aligned with third contact pad row 808C of contact pad 802C.

[0156] Figure 35 An example of a layout of a substrate 800D is shown. The substrate 800D can be, for example, a printed circuit board, a daughter card, or a backplane. The substrate 800D includes contact pads 802D that can be used to electrically connect a fusible element of a receptacle connector or a fusible element of a plug connector as described herein. A first contact pad row pitch (PRP1) measured between respective centers of contact pads in a first contact pad row 804D and respective centers of contact pads in a second contact pad row 806D can be 2.2 ± 0.2 mm, or any other pitch corresponding to an installed receptacle row or plug row. A second contact pad row pitch (PRP2) measured between respective centers of contact pads in a second contact pad row 806D and respective centers of contact pads in a third contact pad row 808D can be 2.4 ± 0.2 mm, or any other pitch corresponding to an installed receptacle row or plug row. A third contact pad row pitch PRP3 measured between respective centers of contact pads of third contact pad row 808D and respective centers of contact pads of fourth contact pad row 810D may be 2.2±0.2 mm, or any other pitch corresponding to the installed receptacle or plug row.

[0157] The first alignment hole 812D may be aligned with the second row of the second contact pad row 806D. The second alignment hole 814D may be aligned with the third contact pad row 808D of the contact pad 802D and the first alignment hole 812D.

[0158] It should be understood that the foregoing description is merely an illustrative illustration of the present invention. Various alternatives and modifications may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is intended to encompass all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims. Any description of any embodiment may be combined with any other embodiment disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An electrical connector, characterized in that: include: a connector housing extending along a longitudinal centerline and having a median centerline that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline, the connector housing including a first end wall and a second end wall opposite the first end wall; a first, a second, a third, and a fourth row of parallel and spaced-apart electrical contacts, each of the first, second, third, and fourth rows of electrical contacts extending parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline; The first row of electrical contacts is spaced apart from the second row of electrical contacts by a first row spacing; the third row of electrical contacts being spaced apart from the second row of electrical contacts by a second row spacing, the second row spacing being greater than the first row spacing; The fourth row of electrical contacts is spaced apart from the third row of electrical contacts by a first row spacing; a first key structure positioned adjacent a first end wall of the connector housing and adjacent a docking side of the connector housing; as well as a second key structure positioned adjacent a second end wall of the connector housing and adjacent a docking side of the connector housing; in The first key structure and the second key structure are both positioned asymmetrically about the longitudinal centerline and asymmetrically about the median centerline; The first row spacing is 2.2±0.05 mm, and the second row spacing is 2.4±0.05 mm; The electrical connector has a data rate of at least 32 gigabits per second; The crosstalk of the electrical connector is between -40 decibels and -100 decibels in the frequency range of 1 GHz to 19 GHz; and The electrical connector has no crosstalk shielding.

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The electrical connector is an open pin field connector.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 2, wherein: The electrical connector is a mezzanine connector that interfaces with another mezzanine connector.

4. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: Further including: a first alignment pin positioned adjacent a first end wall of the connector housing and adjacent a mounting side of the connector housing; as well as a second alignment pin positioned adjacent a second end wall of the connector housing and adjacent a mounting side of the connector housing; in The first alignment pin and the second alignment pin are both positioned asymmetrically about the longitudinal centerline and asymmetrically about the median centerline.

5. The electrical connector according to claim 4, wherein: The first key structure includes an inclined sidewall passing through a longitudinal centerline.

6. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The connector housing further includes an internal rib extending along the longitudinal centerline and carrying the second row of electrical contacts and the third row of electrical contacts, the internal rib defining at least one air gap, the at least one air gap also extending along the longitudinal centerline, and the at least one air gap being positioned between the mating ends of the electrical contacts in the third row of electrical contacts and the mating ends of the electrical contacts in the fourth row of electrical contacts.

7. The electrical connector according to claim 6, wherein: The at least one air gap includes a plurality of air gaps.

8. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The connector housing further includes an internal rib that carries the second row of electrical contacts and the third row of electrical contacts, the internal rib defining at least one air gap, and the at least one air gap being positioned between the mounting ends of the electrical contacts in the third row of electrical contacts and the mounting ends of the electrical contacts in the fourth row of electrical contacts.

9. The electrical connector according to claim 8, wherein: The at least one air gap includes a plurality of air gaps.

10. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The connector housing further includes a plug rib extending parallel to or substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline and carrying the first row of electrical contacts and the second row of electrical contacts, the plug rib defining at least one air gap extending parallel to or substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline, and the at least one air gap being positioned between the mating ends of the electrical contacts in the first row of electrical contacts and the mating ends of the electrical contacts in the second row of electrical contacts.

11. The electrical connector according to claim 10, wherein: The at least one air gap includes a plurality of air gaps.

12. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The connector housing further includes a plug rib extending parallel to or substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline and carrying the third row of electrical contacts and the fourth row of electrical contacts, the plug rib defining at least one air gap extending parallel to or substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline, and the at least one air gap being positioned between the mating ends of the electrical contacts in the third row of electrical contacts and the mating ends of the electrical contacts in the fourth row of electrical contacts.

13. The electrical connector according to claim 12, wherein: The at least one air gap includes a plurality of air gaps.

14. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The electrical connector is free of shield and power contacts between the first row of electrical contacts and the second row of electrical contacts.

15. The electrical connector according to claim 14, wherein: The electrical connector is free of shield and power contacts between the second row of electrical contacts and the third row of electrical contacts.

16. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The first key structure and the second key structure are offset mirror images about the median centerline.

17. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The first key structure is a first recess.

18. The electrical connector according to claim 17, wherein: The first recess is defined by at least four sides.

19. The electrical connector according to claim 17, wherein: The first recess is defined by at least five sides.

20. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The second key structure is a second recess.

21. The electrical connector according to claim 20, wherein: The second recess is defined by at least four sides.

22. The electrical connector according to claim 20, wherein: The second recess is defined by at least five sides.

23. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The first key structure is a first protrusion.

24. The electrical connector according to claim 23, wherein: The first protrusion is defined by at least four sides.

25. The electrical connector according to claim 23, wherein: The first protrusion is defined by at least five sides.

26. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The second key structure is a second protrusion.

27. The electrical connector according to claim 26, wherein: The second protrusion is defined by at least four sides.

28. The electrical connector according to claim 26, wherein: The second protrusion is defined by at least five sides.

29. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first key structure is positioned completely on a first side of the longitudinal centerline, and the second key structure is positioned completely on a second side of the longitudinal centerline, the second side being opposite the first side.

30. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first key structure is adjacent the longitudinal centerline.

31. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The second key structure is adjacent the longitudinal centerline.

32. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The longitudinal centerline passes through a portion of the first key structure.

33. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The longitudinal centerline passes through a portion of the second key structure.

34. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: Each of the first, second, third, and fourth rows of electrical contacts includes at least one hundred electrical contacts, each of the at least one hundred electrical contacts terminated in a respective fusible element.

35. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The insertion loss of the electrical connector is between 0 decibel and -1.5 decibel.

36. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The electrical connector has an aggregate data rate of at least 4096 gigabits per second and an insertion loss between 0 decibels and -1.5 decibels.

37. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The electrical connector has a data rate density of at least 2088 gigabits per square inch or at least 13467 gigabits per square centimeter and an insertion loss between 0 decibels and -1.5 decibels.

38. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The electrical contacts in the first row of electrical contacts are alternately inserted into the top portion of the connector housing and the bottom portion of the connector housing.

39. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: Each of the first, second, third, and fourth rows of electrical contacts each includes at least one hundred electrical contacts, each of the at least one hundred electrical contacts terminating in a respective press-fit pin.

40. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: the connector housing defining at least four consecutively adjacent chambers positioned on a common line, the common line being along the first row of electrical contacts; a first electrical contact defining a first retention shape and positioned within a first cavity of the at least four consecutively adjacent cavities; a second electrical contact defining a second retention shape and positioned within a second cavity of the at least four consecutively adjacent cavities, the second electrical contact being positioned proximate to the first electrical contact; a third electrical contact defining a first retention shape and positioned within a third cavity of the at least four consecutive immediately adjacent cavities, the third electrical contact being positioned immediately adjacent to the second electrical contact; as well as a fourth electrical contact defining a second retention shape and positioned within a fourth cavity of the at least four consecutively adjacent cavities, the fourth electrical contact being positioned immediately adjacent to the third electrical contact, The first electrical contact and the third electrical contact are inserted into the housing in a first direction, and the second electrical contact and the fourth electrical contact are inserted into the housing in a second direction, the second direction is opposite to the first direction, and the first electrical contact, the second electrical contact, the third electrical contact and the fourth electrical contact are all located on a common center line.

41. The electrical connector according to claim 40, wherein: The second retaining shape of the second electrical contact is fully inserted into a second cavity of the at least four consecutive adjacent cavities.

42. The electrical connector according to claim 40, wherein: The first electrical contact defines a first fastening structure and the second contact defines a second fastening structure, the first fastening structure and the second fastening structure engage the connector housing at different heights of the connector housing, and the first fastening structure and the second fastening structure are identical.

43. The electrical connector according to claim 42, wherein: The first fastening structure and the second fastening structure each include at least one of a wing, a wedge, a protrusion, a lead-in, or a bump.

44. The electrical connector according to claim 40, wherein: The first cavity portion and the second cavity portion in the at least four consecutive adjacent cavity portions have different shapes.

45. The electrical connector according to claim 40, wherein: The first cavity portion and the second cavity portion in the at least four consecutively adjacent cavity portions have the same shape.

46. ​​The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The first key structure and the second key structure are mirror images about the median centerline.

47. The electrical connector according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The first alignment pin has a diameter of 0.8±0.05 mm, and the second alignment pin has dimensions of 0.8±0.05 mm and 0.6±0.05 mm.

48. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first key structure includes an inclined sidewall adjacent to the longitudinal centerline.

49. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The second key structure includes a first sidewall parallel to the longitudinal centerline.

50. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The second key structure includes a first sidewall located adjacent to but spaced from the longitudinal centerline.

51. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first key structure includes a skewed plug sidewall spaced from the longitudinal centerline.

52. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The second key structure includes a first plug sidewall parallel to the longitudinal centerline.

53. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The second key structure includes a first plug sidewall located adjacent to but spaced from the longitudinal centerline.

54. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: Also includes: a first contact pad row having at least one hundred contact pads; a second contact pad row having at least one hundred contact pads; a third contact pad row having at least one hundred contact pads; a fourth contact pad row having at least one hundred contact pads; a first alignment hole; as well as The second alignment hole, wherein The first contact pad row is separated from the second contact pad row by a first contact pad row spacing of 2.2 ± 0.05 mm; The third contact pad row is separated from the second contact pad row by a second contact pad row spacing of 2.4 ± 0.05 mm; The fourth contact pad row is separated from the third contact pad row by a first contact pad row spacing of 2.2 ± 0.05 mm; The first alignment hole has a diameter of 0.8±0.05 mm and is positioned along the same line as the third contact pad row; as well as The second alignment hole has dimensions of 0.8±0.05 mm and 0.6±0.05 mm and is positioned on a center line that is equidistant from the second contact pad row and the third contact pad row and is parallel or substantially parallel to the second contact pad row and the third contact pad row, and the second alignment hole is positioned adjacent to a first contact pad in the second contact pad row.

Images