Input / output connector for reduced impedance and crosstalk

Abstract

Connector designs for reduced impedance and crosstalk, improved alignment and structural integrity, and other benefits are described herein. An example connector includes a first wafer assembly and a second wafer assembly. The first wafer assembly includes a first wafer body, a first row of terminals, and a first locking projection extending downward. The second wafer assembly includes a second wafer body, a second row of terminals, and a second locking projection extending upward. The first locking projection and the second locking projection are sized and positioned to couple to one another and form an interference connection. The locking projections can help to align the wafer assemblies and the rows of terminals with respect to each other, maintain better positional tolerance in the connector, and achieve other benefits.