Dual heat transfer components for socket assembly

Abstract

A dual heat transfer assembly (200) includes an upper heat transfer element and a lower heat transfer element (202, 204) received in a separator channel (150) of a port separator (142) of a socket cage (110). The upper heat transfer element includes an upper thermal interface (214) that extends into the upper module channel (116) to interface with the upper pluggable module (106). The lower heat transfer element includes a lower thermal interface (234) that extends into the lower module channel (118) of the socket cage to interface with the lower pluggable module (106). The heat transfer element includes an inner end located in the separator channel. The heat transfer element includes a biasing member that engages the heat transfer element and biases the heat transfer element into thermal engagement with the pluggable module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter herein relates generally to socket assemblies. Background Art

[0002] Some communication systems utilize receptacle assemblies with communication connectors to interconnect various components of the system for data communication. The receptacle assembly includes a receptacle cage that receives a pluggable module (e.g., an I / O module) electrically connected to the communication connector. The receptacle cage provides electrical shielding, such as EMI shielding, for the pluggable module. The receptacle cage is typically positioned at an interface with another component, such as through an opening in a panel or frame.

[0003] Plugable modules generate heat during use. However, dissipating heat from these modules is challenging, particularly for modules in the lower module channel of a socket cage. Conventional socket cages typically include a heat sink attached to the top of the socket cage to transfer heat from the pluggable modules to the upper module channel. However, this heat sink increases the height of the assembly. Furthermore, the heat sink in the top of the socket cage is only used to transfer heat from the upper pluggable module and does not interface with the lower pluggable module.

[0004] A need remains for a receptacle assembly that can provide heat dissipation to a pluggable module received in a receptacle cage of the receptacle assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to the present invention, a dual heat transfer assembly is provided. The dual heat transfer assembly includes an upper heat transfer element received in a separator channel of a port separator of a socket cage. The upper heat transfer element includes an upper thermal interface configured to extend into the upper module channel of the socket cage and thermally communicate with an upper pluggable module. The upper heat transfer element includes a bottom portion located in the separator channel of the port separator. The upper heat transfer element includes an upper biasing member that engages the upper heat transfer element and biases the upper heat transfer element upward to thermally engage the upper pluggable module. The dual heat transfer assembly includes a lower heat transfer element received in the separator channel of the port separator of the socket cage. The lower heat transfer element includes a lower thermal interface configured to extend into the lower module channel of the socket cage and thermally communicate with the lower pluggable module. The lower heat transfer element includes a top portion located in the separator channel of the port separator. The top portion faces the bottom portion of the upper heat transfer element. The lower heat transfer element includes a lower biasing member that engages the lower heat transfer element and biases the lower heat transfer element downwardly into thermal engagement with the lower pluggable module.

[0006] According to the present invention, a receptacle assembly is provided. The receptacle assembly includes a receptacle cage having cage walls defining a cavity. The receptacle cage includes a front portion having an upper port for accessing an upper module channel and a lower port for accessing a lower module channel. The receptacle cage includes a port separator received in the cavity. The port separator includes an upper wall and a lower wall defining a separator channel therebetween. The port separator divides the cavity into an upper module channel above the upper wall configured to receive an upper pluggable module and a lower module channel below the lower wall configured to receive a lower pluggable module. A communication connector is received in the cavity and has an upper mating interface for mating with the upper pluggable module and a lower mating interface for mating with the lower pluggable module. The receptacle assembly includes a dual heat transfer assembly. The heat transfer assembly includes an upper heat transfer element and a lower heat transfer element. The upper heat transfer element is received in the separator channel. The upper heat transfer element includes an upper thermal interface that extends into the upper module channel to interface with the upper pluggable module. The upper heat transfer element includes a bottom portion positioned within the separator channel. The lower heat transfer element is received within the separator channel. The lower heat transfer element includes a lower thermal interface extending into the lower module channel to interface with the lower pluggable module. The lower heat transfer element includes a top portion positioned within the separator channel, facing the bottom portion of the upper heat transfer element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a side perspective view of a communication system including a receptacle assembly formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 is a side view of a receptacle assembly of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 is a front perspective view of a pluggable module of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 is a side perspective view of a dual heat transfer assembly of a socket assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a receptacle assembly of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 7 is a rear perspective, partially cut-away view of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Figure 1 is a side perspective view of a communication system 100 formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Figure 21 is a side view of a communication system 100 formed according to an exemplary embodiment. The communication system 100 includes a main circuit board 102 and a socket assembly 104 mounted to the circuit board 102. A pluggable module 106 ( Figure 2 ) is configured to be electrically connected to the socket assembly 104. The pluggable module 106 is electrically connected to the circuit board 102 through the socket assembly 104.

[0015] In the exemplary embodiment, the receptacle assembly 104 includes a receptacle cage 110 and a communication connector 112 (shown in phantom) adjacent to the receptacle cage 110. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the communication connector 112 is received within the receptacle cage 110. In various other embodiments, the communication connector 112 may be located behind the receptacle cage 110. In various embodiments, the receptacle cage 110 is enclosed and provides electrical shielding for the communication connector 112. The pluggable modules 106 are loaded into the receptacle cage 110 and at least partially surrounded by the receptacle cage 110. The receptacle cage 110 includes a plurality of cage walls 114 that define one or more module channels for receiving corresponding pluggable modules 106. The cage walls 114 may be defined by a solid sheet, a perforated wall to allow airflow therethrough, a wall having cutouts (e.g., for passing a heat sink or heat sink therethrough), or a wall defined by a rail or beam with a relatively large opening (e.g., for passing airflow therethrough). In the exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 is a shielded, stamped and formed cage member in which the cage wall 114 is a shielded wall.

[0016] In the embodiment shown, the receptacle cage 110 is constructed with an upper module channel 116 ( Figure 1 ) and the stacked cage members of the lower module channel 118 ( Figure 1 The receptacle assembly 104 is configured to mate with the pluggable module 106 in two stacked module channels 116, 118. The receptacle cage 110 has module ports 117, 119 ( Figure 1 ), which receive corresponding upper and lower pluggable modules 106. Any number of module channels may be provided in various embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 includes upper module channels 116 and lower module channels 118 arranged in a single column, however, in alternative embodiments, the receptacle cage 110 may include multiple columns of grouped module channels 116, 118 (e.g., 2x2, 3x2, 4x2, 4x3, etc.). Optionally, multiple communication connectors 112 may be arranged within the receptacle cage 110, for example, when multiple columns of module channels 116 and / or 118 are provided.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the cage walls 114 of the receptacle cage 110 include a top wall 130, a bottom wall 132, side walls 134, and a rear wall 136. The bottom wall 132 may rest on the main circuit board 102. However, in alternative embodiments, the receptacle cage 110 may not include the bottom wall 132. The receptacle cage 110 extends between a front end 138 and a rear end 139. The module ports 117, 119 are located at the front end 138 and receive the pluggable modules 106 through the front end 138. The cage walls 114 define a cavity 140. For example, the cavity 140 may be defined by the top wall 130, the bottom wall 132, the side walls 134, 136, and the rear wall 136. Other cage walls 114 may separate or partition the cavity 140 into individual module channels 116, 118. For example, the cage wall 114 may include a port separator 142 between the upper module channel 116 and the lower module channel 118. The port separators 142 create a space between the upper module channels 116 and the lower module channels 118, e.g., for airflow to cool the pluggable modules 106. In various other embodiments, the cage walls 114 may include vertical divider panels (not shown), e.g., parallel to the side walls 134, between groups of module channels 116 and / or 118.

[0018] The receptacle assembly 104 includes a dual heat transfer assembly 200 for dissipating heat from the pluggable modules 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the dual heat transfer assembly 200 includes an upper heat transfer element 202 and a lower heat transfer element 204. The upper heat transfer element 202 is configured to thermally engage an upper pluggable module 106 received in the upper module channel 116. The lower heat transfer element 204 is configured to thermally engage a lower pluggable module 106 received in the lower module channel 118. In various embodiments, the heat transfer elements 202, 204 are finned heat sinks. In other various embodiments, the heat transfer elements 202, 204 may include or be thermally coupled to another heat transfer member, such as a heat sink, a cold plate, a heat pipe with liquid cooling channels or passages, or the like. The lower heat transfer element 204 may define a heat transfer member for the upper heat transfer element 202 and / or the upper heat transfer element 202 may define a heat transfer member for the lower heat transfer element 204. The heat transfer elements 202, 204 are received in the port separator 142 between the upper module channel 116 and the lower module channel 118. The heat transfer elements 202, 204 can extend through openings in the port separator 142 to directly engage the pluggable modules 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 includes airflow openings 144 in the sidewalls 134 and / or at the front end 138 to facilitate airflow through the port separator 142 to dissipate heat from the heat transfer elements 202, 204.

[0019] The communication connector 112 is coupled to the circuit board 102. The receptacle cage 110 is mounted to the circuit board 102 above the communication connector 112. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication connector 112 is received in the cavity 140, for example, near the rear wall 136. However, in alternative embodiments, the communication connector 112 may be located behind the rear wall 136 on the exterior of the receptacle cage 110 and extend into the cavity 140 to interface with the pluggable module(s) 106. For example, the rear wall 136 may include an opening to receive a component therethrough. In an exemplary embodiment, a single communication connector 112 is used to electrically connect to a pair of stacked pluggable modules 106 in the upper module channel 116 and the lower module channel 118. In alternative embodiments, the communication system 100 may include separate, stacked communication connectors 112 (e.g., an upper communication connector and a lower communication connector) for mating with corresponding pluggable modules 106.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable module 106 is loaded into the receptacle cage 110 through the front end 138 to mate with the communication connector 112. The shielding cage walls 114 of the receptacle cage 110 provide electrical shielding around the communication connector 112 and the pluggable module 106, e.g., around the mating interface between the communication connector 112 and the pluggable module 106.

[0021] Figure 3 1 is a front perspective view of a pluggable module 106 according to an exemplary embodiment. The pluggable module 106 has a pluggable body 180, which can be defined by one or more housings. The pluggable body 180 includes sides, a top, and a bottom. The pluggable body 180 can be thermally conductive and / or can be electrically conductive to provide EMI shielding for the pluggable module 106. The pluggable body 180 includes a mating end 182 and an opposing front end 184. The front end 184 can be a cable end having a cable extending therefrom to another component within the system. The mating end 182 is configured to be inserted into a corresponding module channel 116 or 118 (e.g., Figure 1 ).

[0022] The pluggable module 106 includes a module circuit board 188 that is configured to be communicatively coupled to the communication connector 112 (eg, Figure 1 ). A module circuit board 188 is accessible at the mating end 182. The module circuit board 188 may include components, circuitry, etc., for operating and / or using the pluggable module 106. For example, the module circuit board 188 may have conductors, traces, pads, electronics, sensors, controllers, switches, inputs, outputs, etc. associated with the module circuit board 188, which may be mounted to the module circuit board 188 to form various circuits.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable body 180 provides heat transfer to the module circuit board 188, such as to the electronic components on the module circuit board 188. For example, the module circuit board 188 is in thermal communication with the pluggable body 180, and the pluggable body 180 transfers heat from the module circuit board 188. In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable body 180 includes a thermal interface 186 that is configured to engage a corresponding heat transfer element 202, 204 (e.g., Figure 1 ). The thermal interface 186 can be along the top, such as when the pluggable module 106 is received in the lower module channel 118. The thermal interface 186 can be along the bottom, such as when the pluggable module 106 is received in the upper module channel 116. The pluggable body 180 can include heat transfer fins that transfer heat away from the main housing of the pluggable body 180.

[0024] Figure 4 2 is a side perspective view of a dual heat transfer assembly 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. The dual heat transfer assembly 200 includes an upper heat transfer element 202 and a lower heat transfer element 204. The upper heat transfer element 202 is movable relative to the lower heat transfer element 204.

[0025] The upper heat transfer element 202 includes an upper base 210 and upper heat dissipation fins 212 extending from the upper base 210. In an exemplary embodiment, the base 210 is a heat conductive block, such as a metal block. The base 210 includes an upper thermal interface 214, which is configured to interface with the upper pluggable module 106 (e.g., Figure 1 ) and dissipate heat from the upper pluggable module 106. The heat sink fins 212 are located at an inner end 216 (eg, bottom) of the upper heat transfer element 202, opposite the upper thermal interface 214.

[0026] The upper heat sink fins 212 are separated by upper fin channels 218. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat sink fins 212 and fin channels 218 extend side-by-side across the lateral width of the upper heat transfer element 202. In alternative embodiments, the heat sink fins 212 and fin channels 218 extend end-to-end along the longitudinal length of the upper heat transfer element 202. In various embodiments, the heat sink fins 212 may be separate and discrete from the base 210. For example, the heat sink fins 212 may be a stamped and formed plate coupled to the base 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat sink fins 212 are L-shaped plates having a base portion extending along the base 210 and end portions extending downward from the base 210. Optionally, each of the heat sink fins 212 is separate and discrete. Alternatively, the heat sink fins 212 may be integral with one another, for example, stamped and formed from a single sheet of metal. In various embodiments, the heat sink fins 212 may be welded to the base 210. In various other embodiments, the heat sink fins 212 can be bonded to the base 210 using, for example, a thermally conductive epoxy. Alternatively, the heat sink fins 212 can be integral with the base 210, such as being extruded therewith or sliced therefrom.

[0027] The dual heat transfer assembly 200 includes one or more upper biasing members 220 that engage the upper heat transfer element 202. The upper biasing members 220 are configured to preload or bias the upper heat transfer element 202 upward into thermal engagement with the upper pluggable module 106. The upper biasing members 220 are configured to couple to the receptacle cage 110 and support the upper heat transfer element 202 relative to the receptacle cage 110. In various embodiments, the upper biasing members 220 are stamped and formed clips made of a metal material. In various other embodiments, the upper biasing members 220 may be plastic clips. In alternative embodiments, the upper biasing members 220 may be another type of biasing element.

[0028] The upper biasing member 220 includes a mounting arm 222 configured to couple to the receptacle cage 110 and a biasing arm 224 extending from the mounting arm 222. The biasing arm 224 engages the upper heat transfer element 202. The biasing arm 224 is spring-biased against the upper heat transfer element 202 to urge the upper heat transfer element 202 in an upward direction (e.g., into thermal engagement with the upper pluggable module 106). When the upper pluggable module 106 engages the upper thermal interface 214 of the upper heat transfer element 202, it pushes the upper heat transfer element 202 downward against the biasing arm 224 and compresses the upper biasing member 220, thereby loading the upper biasing member 220 against the upper heat transfer element 202. The upper biasing member 220 presses the upper thermal interface 214 into thermal engagement with the upper pluggable module 106.

[0029] Optionally, an upper biasing member 220 can be provided at each end of the upper heat transfer element 202. In an alternative embodiment, a single upper biasing member 220 is provided having a mounting arm 222 and a biasing arm 224. In various embodiments, a biasing arm 224 can be provided at each end of the upper heat transfer element 202. In various embodiments, in addition to or in lieu of engaging the upper heat transfer element 202, the upper biasing member(s) 220 can engage the side(s) of the upper heat transfer element 202.

[0030] The lower heat transfer element 204 includes a lower base 230 and lower heat dissipation fins 232 extending from the lower base 230. In an exemplary embodiment, the base 230 is a heat conductive block, such as a metal block. The base 230 includes a lower thermal interface 234 that is configured to interface with the lower pluggable module 106 (e.g., Figure 1 ) and dissipate heat from the lower pluggable module 106. The heat dissipation fins 232 are located at an inner end 236 (eg, top) of the lower heat transfer element 202, opposite the lower thermal interface 234.

[0031] The lower heat sink fins 232 are separated by lower fin channels 238. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat sink fins 232 and fin channels 238 extend side-by-side across the lateral width of the lower heat transfer element 202. In alternative embodiments, the heat sink fins 232 and fin channels 238 extend end-to-end along the longitudinal length of the lower heat transfer element 202. In various embodiments, the heat sink fins 232 may be separate and discrete from the base 230. For example, the heat sink fins 232 may be a stamped plate coupled to the base 230. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat sink fins 232 are L-shaped plates having a base portion extending along the base 230 and end portions extending downward from the base 230. Optionally, each of the heat sink fins 232 is separate and discrete. Alternatively, the heat sink fins 232 may be integral with one another, for example, stamped from a single sheet of metal. In various embodiments, the heat sink fins 232 may be welded to the base 230. In various other embodiments, the heat sink fins 232 can be bonded to the base 230 using, for example, a thermally conductive epoxy. Alternatively, the heat sink fins 232 can be integral with the base 230, such as being extruded therewith or sliced therefrom.

[0032] The dual heat transfer assembly 200 includes a lower biasing member 240 that engages the lower heat transfer element 204. The lower biasing member 240 is configured to preload or bias the lower heat transfer element 204 downwardly into thermal engagement with the lower pluggable module 106. The lower biasing member 240 is configured to couple to the receptacle cage 110 and support the lower heat transfer element 204 relative to the receptacle cage 110. In various embodiments, the lower biasing member 240 is a stamped and formed clip made of a metal material. In other various embodiments, the lower biasing member 240 may be a plastic clip.

[0033] The lower biasing member 240 includes a mounting arm 242 configured to couple to the receptacle cage 110 and a biasing arm 244 extending from the mounting arm 242. The biasing arm 244 engages the lower heat transfer element 204. The biasing arm 244 is spring-biased against the lower heat transfer element 204 to urge the lower heat transfer element 204 in a downward direction (e.g., into thermal engagement with the lower pluggable module 106). When the lower pluggable module 106 engages the lower thermal interface 234 of the lower heat transfer element 204, it pushes the upper heat transfer element 204 upward against the biasing arm 244 and compresses the lower biasing member 240, thereby loading the lower biasing member 240 against the lower heat transfer element 204. The lower biasing member 240 presses the lower thermal interface 234 into thermal engagement with the lower pluggable module 106.

[0034] Optionally, a lower biasing member 240 can be provided at each end of the lower heat transfer element 202. In an alternative embodiment, a single lower biasing member 240 is provided having a mounting arm 242 and a biasing arm 244. In various embodiments, a biasing arm 244 can be provided at each end of the lower heat transfer element 202. In various embodiments, in addition to or in lieu of engaging the lower heat transfer element 202, the lower biasing member(s) 240 can engage the side(s) of the lower heat transfer element 202. In various embodiments, the lower biasing member(s) 240 can be integral with the upper biasing member(s) 220, such as being stamped and formed together with the upper biasing member(s) 220.

[0035] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5 The communication connector 112 and the dual heat transfer assembly 200 are shown received in the receptacle cage 110. The communication connector 112 is located at the rear end of the receptacle cage 110, behind the upper module channel 116 and the lower module channel 118. Figure 5 The upper and lower pluggable modules 106 are shown loaded into corresponding upper and lower module channels 116, 118, connected to the communication connectors 112. Dual heat transfer assemblies 200 are thermally coupled to the upper and lower pluggable modules 106. An upper heat transfer element 202 is thermally coupled to the bottom of the upper pluggable module 106, and a lower heat transfer element 204 is thermally coupled to the top of the lower pluggable module 106.

[0036] The dual heat transfer assembly 200 is received in the separator channel 150 of the port separator 142. The port separator 142 includes an upper wall 152 and a lower wall 154 and a front wall 156 between the upper wall 152 and the lower wall 154. The separator channel 150 is located between the upper wall 152 and the lower wall 154, behind the front wall 156.

[0037] The upper heat transfer element 202 is coupled to the upper wall 152. The upper thermal interface 214 of the base 210 extends into the upper module channel 116 of the receptacle cage 110 to interface with and dissipate heat from the upper pluggable module 106. The bottom or inner end 216 of the upper heat transfer element 202 is positioned within the separator channel 150 of the port separator 142. The heat dissipation fins 212 are positioned within the separator channel 150 and face the lower heat transfer element 204.

[0038] The lower heat transfer element 204 is coupled to the lower wall 154. The lower thermal interface 234 of the base 230 extends into the lower module channel 118 of the receptacle cage 110 to interface with and dissipate heat from the lower pluggable module 106. The top or inner end 236 of the lower heat transfer element 204 is positioned within the separator channel 150 of the port separator 142. The lower heat transfer fins 232 are positioned within the separator channel 150 and face the lower heat transfer element 204. In an exemplary embodiment, the lower heat transfer fins 232 are nested with the upper heat transfer fins 212. For example, the upper heat transfer fins 212 are received within the lower fin channel 238 and the lower heat transfer fins 232 are received within the upper fin channel 218.

[0039] In the exemplary embodiment, the heat transfer elements 202, 204 are movable within the separator channel 150 relative to the upper wall 152 and the lower wall 154. The upper heat transfer element 202 is movable relative to the lower heat transfer element 204. For example, the upper heat dissipating fins 212 are movable within the lower fin channel 238 (e.g., move up and down within the lower fin channel 238) and the lower heat dissipating fins 232 are movable within the upper fin channel 218 (e.g., move up and down within the upper fin channel 218).

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, air can flow through the splitter channel 150, for example, side-to-side. For example, the sidewalls 134 of the receptacle cage 110 may include openings to allow airflow through the splitter channel 150. Air flows through the fin channels 218, 238 to cool the heat sink fins 212, 232. Heat is dissipated from the upper and lower pluggable modules 106 by the dual heat transfer assembly 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the dual heat transfer assembly 200 has a low profile fit within the port splitter 142 so as not to increase the overall height of the receptacle cage 110.

[0041] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7 is a rear perspective, partially cut-away view of the communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 and Figure 7The receptacle assembly 104 is shown including the dual heat transfer assemblies 200 and further including an upper heat transfer assembly 300 coupled to the top wall 130 of the receptacle cage 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper heat transfer assembly 300 is a riding heat sink that extends into the upper module channel 116 to engage the top of the upper pluggable module 106. The upper heat transfer assembly 300 provides further cooling for the upper pluggable module 106.

Claims

1. A dual heat transfer assembly (200), comprising: an upper heat transfer element (202) received in a separator channel (150) of a port separator (142) of a socket cage (110), the upper heat transfer element comprising an upper thermal interface (214) configured to extend into an upper module channel (116) of the socket cage to interface with and be in thermal communication with an upper pluggable module, the upper heat transfer element comprising a bottom (216) positioned in the separator channel of the port separator, the upper heat transfer element comprising an upper biasing member (220) engaging the upper heat transfer element and biasing the upper heat transfer element upwardly to thermally engage the upper pluggable module, wherein the upper heat transfer element (202) comprises an upper heat sink having upper heat sink fins (212) positioned in the separator channel (150); and a lower heat transfer element (204) received in the separator channel of the port separator of the socket cage, the lower heat transfer element including a lower thermal interface (234) configured to extend into the lower module channel (118) of the socket cage to interface with and thermally communicate with a lower pluggable module, the lower heat transfer element including a top (236) located in the separator channel of the port separator, the top facing the bottom of the upper heat transfer element, the lower heat transfer element including a lower biasing member (240) engaging the lower heat transfer element and biasing the lower heat transfer element downwardly to thermally communicate with the lower pluggable module, the lower heat transfer element (204) including a lower heat sink having lower heat dissipation fins (232), the lower heat dissipation fins located in the separator channel; wherein the upper biasing member (220) is configured to couple to the receptacle cage (110) and support the upper heat transfer element (202) relative to the receptacle cage, and wherein the lower biasing member (240) is configured to connect to the receptacle cage and support the lower heat transfer element (204) relative to the receptacle cage.

2. The dual heat transfer assembly (200) of claim 1, wherein the upper heat transfer element (202) is movable within the separator channel (150) and the lower heat transfer element (204) is movable within the separator channel.

3. The dual heat transfer assembly (200) of claim 1, wherein the upper heat transfer element (202) is movable relative to the lower heat transfer element (204).

4. The dual heat transfer assembly (200) of claim 1, wherein the upper biasing member (220) comprises: a mounting arm (222) configured to couple to the receptacle cage (110), and a biasing arm (224) engaging the upper heat transfer element (202) and being spring biased against the upper heat transfer element to urge the upper heat transfer element in an upward direction, and wherein the lower biasing member (240) comprises: a mounting arm (242) configured to couple to the receptacle cage, and a biasing arm (244) engaging the lower heat transfer element (204) and being spring biased against the lower heat transfer element to urge the lower heat transfer element in a downward direction.

5. The dual heat transfer assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein the upper heat dissipation fins (212) and the lower heat dissipation fins (232) are nested with each other.

6. The dual heat transfer assembly (200) of claim 1, wherein the upper heat dissipating fins (212) are separated by upper fin channels (218), the lower heat dissipating fins (232) are separated by lower fin channels (238), the upper heat dissipating fins are received in the lower fin channels, and the lower heat dissipating fins are received in the upper fin channels.

7. The dual heat transfer assembly (200) of claim 1, wherein the upper heat transfer element (202) comprises an upper heat sink located in the separator channel (150) and in thermal communication with a heat transfer member, and wherein the lower heat transfer element (204) comprises a lower heat sink located in the separator channel and in thermal communication with a heat transfer member.

8. A socket assembly (104), comprising: A socket cage (110) having a cage wall (114) defining a cavity (140), the socket cage including a front portion having an upper port for accessing an upper module channel (116) and a lower port for accessing a lower module channel (118), the socket cage including a port separator (142) received in the cavity, the port separator including an upper wall (152) and a lower wall (154), a separator channel (150) defined between the upper wall and the lower wall, the port separator dividing the cavity configuration into the upper module channel above the upper wall configured to receive an upper pluggable module and the lower module channel below the lower wall configured to receive a lower pluggable module; a communication connector (112) received in the cavity (140) having an upper mating interface for mating with the upper pluggable module and a lower mating interface for mating with the lower pluggable module; as well as A dual heat transfer assembly (200) includes an upper heat transfer element (202) and a lower heat transfer element (204), wherein the upper heat transfer element is received in the separator channel (150), the upper heat transfer element includes an upper thermal interface (214) extending into the upper module channel (116) to interface with the upper pluggable module, the upper heat transfer element includes a bottom located in the separator channel, the lower heat transfer element is received in the separator channel (150), and the lower heat transfer element includes a lower thermal interface (234). It extends into the lower module channel (118) to dock with the lower pluggable module, the lower heat transfer element includes a top located in the separator channel, the top facing the bottom of the upper heat transfer element, wherein the upper heat transfer element (202) includes an upper heat sink with upper heat dissipation fins (212), the upper heat dissipation fins are located in the separator channel (150), and the lower heat transfer element (204) includes a lower heat sink with lower heat dissipation fins (232), the lower heat dissipation fins are located in the separator channel; wherein an upper biasing member (220) is coupled to the receptacle cage (110) and supports the upper heat transfer element (202) relative to the receptacle cage, and wherein a lower biasing member (240) is coupled to the receptacle cage (110) and supports the lower heat transfer element relative to the receptacle cage.

9. The receptacle assembly (104) of claim 8, wherein the upper heat transfer element (202) is movable within the separator channel (150) and the lower heat transfer element (204) is movable within the separator channel, the upper heat transfer element being movable relative to the lower heat transfer element.

10. The socket assembly (104) of claim 8, wherein the upper heat sink fins (212) and the lower heat sink fins (232) are nested with each other.

11. The socket assembly (104) of claim 8, wherein the upper heat sink fins (212) are separated by upper fin channels, the lower heat sink fins (232) are separated by lower fin channels (238), the upper heat sink fins (212) are received in the lower fin channels, and the lower heat sink fins (232) are received in the upper fin channels.

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