Lossy Materials for Improving Signal Integrity

Abstract

An electrical contact of an electrical connector includes a contact body and a lossy material located on the contact body. The electrical connector includes a contact having a lossy material located on the contact body. A method of applying a lossy material to a contact of an electrical connector includes providing a contact and applying the lossy material to the contact.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application serial number 62 / 697,022 filed on July 12, 2018, U.S. patent application serial number 62 / 724,347 filed on August 29, 2018, and U.S. patent application serial number 62 / 839,130 ​​filed on April 26, 2019, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. background

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to connectors, connector assemblies and cable assemblies. More particularly, the present invention relates to controlling the resonant characteristics of connectors and connector assemblies.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] An electrical connector typically includes an electrically insulating connector housing and a plurality of electrical contacts supported by the connector housing. The electrical contacts typically define a mounting end and a docking end opposite the mounting end. The mounting end is typically configured to be mounted to a first complementary electrical device such as a printed circuit board (PCB), a cable, or the like. The docking end can be configured to dock with a second complementary electrical device, such as a complementary electrical connector. Typically, the docking end defines an interface that is separable from the complementary electrical contacts of the complementary electrical connector. In some configurations, the electrical contacts may be configured as power contacts that are configured to transmit power between a first electrical device and a second electrical device. In other configurations, some electrical contacts may be pre-assigned as electrical contacts, while other electrical contacts may be pre-assigned as ground contacts. Therefore, during operation, the electrical connector may transmit electrical signals along the electrical signal contacts between the first complementary electrical device and the second complementary electrical device.

[0006] When designing an electrical connector, an important consideration is the ability of the electrical connector to transmit signals at the desired operating frequency while maintaining the integrity of the electrical signal that can be degraded during operation. In some applications, the operating frequency is expected to be as high as possible, while the signal degradation that tends to be aggravated at high operating frequencies is mitigated. In other applications, the desired operating frequency is within a range that has a speed suitable for its application and is intended to minimize signal degradation. It is known that the degradation of electrical signals can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including: crosstalk, such as near-end crosstalk (NEXT), far-end crosstalk (FEXT), insertion loss, skew, common mode problems, stubs on connector contacts and in PCBs, half-wavelength horizontal propagation or resonance, and quarter-wavelength horizontal propagation or resonance; cavity resonance between ground planes on two PCBs, and impedance mismatches in the electrical connector, between the electrical connector and the PCB, and in the breakout region near the connector.

[0007] Figure 1 The insertion loss of a conventional connector is shown as a function of operating frequency. The insertion loss of the connector increases with the resonant frequency of the connector. This is a typical resonant characteristic of some connectors. Insertion loss resonance has many causes, including impedance mismatches within the connector, between the connector and the printed circuit board (PCB), and in the shunt area near the connector; offset / common mode issues; stubs on the connector contacts and in the PCB; crosstalk; half-wavelength and quarter-wavelength horizontal propagation or resonance; and cavity resonance between ground planes on two PCBs. The effort to design electrical connectors never stops.

[0008] US Patent No. 8,083,553 describes an electrically lossy insert disposed in a wafer for an electrical connector and located near a mating interface of the electrical connector. The electrically lossy insert is electrically connected to a shield in the wafer. The lossy insert is not connected to an electrical contact of the electrical connector.

[0009] US Patent No. 8,007,316 describes a contact assembly that uses a dielectric material between an electrical conductor and a conductive layer such that the dielectric material, the electrical conductor, and the conductive layer form a capacitive element. US Patent No. 8,007,316 does not disclose lossy materials in the contact assembly.

[0010] It is also known to incorporate ceramic ferrites in electrical connectors to control unwanted electromagnetic interference (EMI) and unwanted resonances. However, ceramic ferrites are difficult to process and have imprecise mechanical tolerances, so their use in connectors and cable assemblies is generally immature. Summary of the invention

[0011] To overcome the above problems, preferred embodiments of the present invention use lossy materials to change the resonant characteristics of an electrical connector, connector assembly, or cable assembly.

[0012] In one example, an electrical contact for an electrical connector may include a contact body and a lossy material on the contact body.

[0013] The lossy material may be conductive or non-conductive. In one example, the lossy material is non-conductive. In addition, the lossy material may be magnetically absorptive. In one example, the lossy material may include a carbon microcoil. In one example, the lossy material may be configured to absorb electromagnetic interference that is substantially within ±5 GHz of a first predetermined operating frequency. The lossy material may be electrically lossy or magnetically lossy. The lossy material may be disposed on the tip of the contact body. Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material may be disposed on the base of the contact body. The base may extend from a first end of the middle portion of the contact body to the mounting end of the electrical contact. In some examples, the base may be at least partially defined by the mounting end or completely defined by the mounting end. The tip may be disposed so that the middle portion is disposed between the tip and the mounting end. The butt end may extend from a second end of the middle portion opposite the first end, and the tip may define the distal end of the electrical contact. In some examples, the tip may be at least partially defined by the butt end or completely defined by the butt end. The electrical contact may be configured as an electrical ground contact, which may be configured for connection to ground, a reference, or a power source. Alternatively, the electrical contact may be configured as a signal contact for conveying an electrical signal. The lossy material may be tuned to reduce electrical interference at a predetermined operating frequency. In some examples, the lossy material may be located on only one side of the contact body.

[0014] Thus, an electrical connector may include electrical contacts according to the examples described herein.

[0015] For example, a first electrical contact of an electrical connector may include a lossy material substantially tuned to a first frequency, and a second electrical contact of an electrical connector may include a lossy material substantially tuned to a second frequency different from the first frequency. In one example, the lossy material may be included at the respective butt ends of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact. The lossy material may be disposed on the tip of the contact body. Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material may be disposed on the base of the contact body. In one example, the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact may be configured as electrical signal contacts. In this regard, in one example, the lossy material may be disposed only on the electrical signal contacts of the electrical connector. Alternatively, the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact may be configured as electrical ground contacts. In this regard, in one example, the lossy material may be disposed only on the ground contacts of the electrical connector. In other examples, the electrical contacts may not be assigned as signal contacts or ground contacts.

[0016] In other examples, an electrical contact roll may include electrical contacts according to various examples disclosed herein.

[0017] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method of applying a lossy material to a contact of an electrical connector includes providing a contact and applying the lossy material to the contact.

[0018] The lossy material may be conductive or non-conductive. The lossy material may be non-conductive and may be substantially magnetically absorptive at a first frequency ±5 GHz. The lossy material may include a carbon microcoil. The lossy material may be electrically lossy or magnetically lossy. The lossy material may be applied to the tip of the electrical contact. Alternatively, the lossy material may be applied to the base of the electrical contact. In one example, the lossy material is applied to only one side of the contact, such as the side opposite the wiped surface of the electrical contact at the butt end of the electrical contact.

[0019] Providing an electrical contact may include the step of stamping an electrical contact from a sheet of metal. The contact may be included in a roll of contacts. The contact may be connected to ground, or may transmit an electrical signal. Applying a lossy material may include cutting a sheet of lossy material, and moving the electrical contact so that it physically contacts the cut sheet, thereby causing the lossy material to adhere to the electrical contact. The lossy material may be applied to the electrical contact at the butt end of the electrical contact. The lossy material may be substantially tuned to a specific frequency. The lossy material applied to the first electrical contact may be substantially tuned to a first frequency, and the lossy material applied to the second electrical contact may be substantially tuned to a second frequency different from the first frequency. In one example, the lossy material may be applied only to an electrical contact that transmits an electrical signal. Alternatively, the lossy material may be applied only to an electrical ground contact that is connected to ground or is configured to be connected to ground.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electrical connector includes a connector housing and an electrical contact. In one example, the electrical contact can be directly supported by the connector housing. In another example, the electrical contact can be indirectly supported by the connector housing. For example, the electrical contact can be supported by a corresponding lead frame housing, which in turn is supported by the connector housing. In one example, the connector housing can include a lossy material adjacent to at least one electrical contact.

[0021] The lossy material may be located at or near the tip of at least one electrical contact. In one example, the lossy material may be located at the tip of at least one electrical contact. Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material may be located on the base of at least one electrical contact. The lossy material may be conductive or non-conductive. In one example, the lossy material may be non-conductive. In addition, the lossy material may be configured to be magnetically absorptive substantially at a first frequency ±5 GHz. In one example, the lossy material may include a carbon microcoil. The lossy material may be electrically lossy or magnetically lossy. When transmitting electrical signals substantially at a specific predetermined operating frequency ±5 GHz, the lossy material may be tuned to reduce signal degradation. For example, when transmitting electrical signals substantially at a specific predetermined operating frequency ±5 GHz, the lossy material may be tuned to reduce the maximum amount of signal degradation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The foregoing summary and the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments of the present application will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of example of the present disclosure, illustrative embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the application is not limited to the precise arrangements and means shown.

[0024] In the attached picture:

[0025] Figure 1 is a graph plotting the insertion loss of a conventional electrical connector as a function of operating frequency;

[0026] Figure 2 is a graph plotting the dielectric constant and permeability of an electrical connector including lossy material as a function of operating frequency;

[0027] Figure 3 is a graph plotting insertion loss as a function of operating frequency with and without a lossy material according to the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4 is a graph plotting insertion loss as a function of operating frequency with and without a lossy material according to another aspect of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connector with lossy material oriented vertically in one example;

[0030] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the electrical connector shown in , but showing the lossy material oriented horizontally in another example;

[0031] Figure 7is a perspective view of an electrical connector in one example, the electrical connector including a lossy material disposed along a mounting interface of a connector housing of the electrical connector;

[0032] Fig. 8A is a side cross-sectional view of an electrical connector including lossy material according to another example;

[0033] Figure 8B is a perspective view of a data communications assembly including a portion of a Fig. 8A The electrical connector shown in , and the electrical connector is shown to be installed to a first electrical device and to be docked with a second electrical device;

[0034] Figure 8C yes Figure 8B Another perspective view of a portion of the data communications assembly shown in;

[0035] Fig.9A yes Fig. 8A A perspective view of a lead frame assembly of an electrical connector shown in;

[0036] Fig. 9B yes Fig.9A a perspective view of a leadframe housing of a leadframe assembly in FIG. 1 , the leadframe housing defining a void configured to receive a lossy material;

[0037] Fig. 9C yes Fig.9A A side cross-sectional view of a lead frame assembly is shown in FIG. Fig. 9B Lossy material in the void shown in ;

[0038] Fig.9D yes Fig.9A Another perspective view of the lead frame assembly shown in;

[0039] Fig.9E yes Fig.9A A top view of the electrical connector shown in ;

[0040] Fig.9F yes Fig.9A A side view of an electrical connector as shown in , wherein the electrical contact is shown in a relaxed position and, when mated with a complementary electrical contact, in a deflected position;

[0041] Fig.10 is a perspective view of an electrical connector housing in one example, the electrical connector housing including a housing body and a lossy material disposed on the housing body;

[0042] Fig.11Ashowing first and second electrical contacts of respective first and second electrical connectors aligned to mate with each other, wherein the electrical contacts include lossy material disposed on respective tips of the electrical contacts according to one example;

[0043] Fig. 11B Shows Fig.11A The first electrical contact and the second electrical contact shown in the figure are connected to each other;

[0044] Fig. 12A is a perspective view of a lead frame assembly including a lead frame housing and electrical contacts supported by the lead frame housing, wherein the lead frame assembly is free of lossy material;

[0045] Fig. 12B yes Fig. 12A A perspective view of a lead frame assembly as shown in , but including lossy material according to one example;

[0046] Fig.13A is a perspective view of a plurality of lead frame assemblies of an electrical connector, which in one example include lossy material;

[0047] Fig. 13B yes Fig.13A an end view of a lead frame assembly shown in;

[0048] Fig.14A An edge card connector in one example includes a connector housing and a plurality of electrical contacts supported by the connector housing, and a lossy material disposed on the ground contacts;

[0049] Fig. 14B yes Fig.14A A perspective view of a lead frame assembly of an edge card connector shown in;

[0050] Fig. 14C yes Fig. 14B Another perspective view of the lead frame assembly shown in;

[0051] Fig.14D yes Fig.16A A perspective view of a ground contact shown in FIG.

[0052] Fig.15 is a perspective view of an edge card connector in another example in which a lossy material is disposed on the connector housing;

[0053] Fig.16A yes Fig.15 A perspective view of a portion of an edge card connector as shown in , but with lossy material disposed elsewhere;

[0054] Fig. 16B yes Fig.16AAnother perspective view of the edge card connector shown in ;

[0055] Fig. 16C yes Fig.16A A perspective view of a selected portion of an edge card connector shown in;

[0056] Fig.17 is a perspective view of a portion of a data communications assembly showing a cable termination with lossy material according to one example;

[0057] Fig.18 yes Fig.17 A perspective view of a portion of the data communications assembly shown in , but showing a cable termination with lossy material according to another example;

[0058] Fig.19A is a perspective view of a cable connector including a lossy material that provides strain relief according to one example;

[0059] Fig.19B Yes Fig.19A A top view of a data communications assembly of a cable connector shown in , showing a cable mounted to a substrate;

[0060] Fig. 20A is an end view of a cable connector according to one example, the cable connector including a cover encapsulating a cable, the housing including a lossy material;

[0061] Fig. 20B yes Fig. 20A A perspective view of the cover shown in ;

[0062] Fig.21A is a perspective view of an electrical connector assembly, the electrical connector assembly comprising a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector mated with each other and mounted to a cable and a substrate, respectively, the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector comprising a first electrical shield and a second electrical shield, respectively;

[0063] Fig.21B yes Fig.21A An exploded perspective view of the electrical connector assembly shown in;

[0064] Fig. 22 yes Fig.21A A perspective view of a first electrical connector shown in ;

[0065] Fig.23A yes Fig.21A A side cross-sectional view of the electrical connector assembly shown in ;

[0066] Fig. 23B yes Fig.21A a side cross-sectional view of a first electrical shield shown in ;

[0067] Fig.23C yes Fig.21A a side cross-sectional view of a second electrical shield shown in ;

[0068] Fig.24 yes Fig.21A A schematic side cross-sectional view of the electrical connector assembly shown in , but constructed according to another example; and

[0069] Fig.25 is a perspective view of a conductive cage having a lossy material disposed around an opening to an interior of the cage according to one example.

[0070] Specific description

[0071] Lossy materials can be used to change the resonant characteristics of a connector, a connector assembly, a cable assembly, or a data communication assembly that includes any one or more of the above. In general, the electrical and magnetic properties of a material can be defined by the dielectric constant ε and the magnetic permeability μ, both of which are frequency-dependent. The dielectric constant ε and the magnetic permeability μ are complex numbers:

[0072] ε=ε'-ε"

[0073] μ=μ'-μ"

[0074] Where the real part (') is related to energy storage, and the imaginary part (") is related to energy loss. The lossy material can be selected to have a specific dielectric constant ε and permeability μ. Dopants can be added to the base material to change the dielectric constant ε and permeability μ. The dopant can change the magnitude of the dielectric constant ε and permeability μ of the lossy material, and thus can selectively increase or decrease the damping effect of the lossy material at a given operating frequency of the electrical signal. Therefore, the dopant can change the frequency dependence of the lossy material, and can shift or tune the frequency at which the lossy material is configured to provide electrical shielding. For example, the lossy material can be configured to absorb electromagnetic interference (EMI) during operation of the electrical connector. By tuning the frequency dependence of the lossy material, the lossy material can best function to provide electrical shielding or absorption at a predetermined specific frequency or frequency range, while allowing energy of different frequencies to pass through.

[0075] The lossy material can be electrically lossy. Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material can be magnetically lossy. Electrically lossy materials can have good broadband performance over a wide frequency range, electrically lossy materials are typically conductive (e.g., can be made of carbon), electrically lossy materials can be easy to simulate, and can be used as ready-made moldable materials that can be used for electrostatic control and electroplating. Magnetic lossy materials can have tunable frequency performance. In addition, magnetic lossy materials can have higher volumetric efficiency than electrical lossy materials. Therefore, a reduced amount of magnetic lossy material can provide similar effects as electrical lossy materials compared to electrical lossy materials. In addition, magnetic lossy materials can be conductive or non-conductive. Conventional magnetic lossy materials can be used as rough molded parts and are more complex to simulate. Figure 2 is a graph that plots the dielectric constant and permeability of a typical lossy material as a function of frequency. Of course, different lossy materials will have different graphs.

[0076] The lossy material can be obtained in a variety of forms. The lossy material can be injection molded. For example, the lossy material can be included in an injection moldable resin that acts as an adhesive for the lossy material. The resin with the lossy material can then be injection molded. The lossy material can also be dispensable, such as epoxy resins and urethanes. If the lossy material is dispensable, the lossy material can be applied to the connector after the connector housing is formed, which is usually formed by injection molding. The lossy material can be applied when the injection molded housing is dry, which is usually during the time when additional manufacturing steps cannot be performed before the housing reaches a certain degree of dryness. Ultraviolet (UV) light or heating can be used to dry the connector housing. A two-stage injection molding process can also be used, in which the first stage uses an injection molding material without lossy material and the second stage uses an injection molding material with lossy material. For example, the first stage can use a material without lossy material to form a housing by injection molding, and in the second stage, a material with lossy material can be injection molded to the housing.

[0077] As an example, the lossy material may include a carbon microcoil (CMC). The CMC may include various sizes and shapes, and different types of CMC may be used together. For example, the CMC may include a spiral shape, wherein the coil diameter is in the micron range, the fiber diameter is about 0.01 μm to about 1.0 μm, the coil spacing is about 0.1 μm to about 5.0 μm, and the total length is about 10 μm to about 10 mm. The spiral may be left-handed and / or right-handed. The CMC may have a single helix structure or a double helix structure. The fibers of the coil may have a flat shape or a circular shape. The coil of the CMC may be three-dimensional. Alternatively, the coil of the CMC may be two-dimensional and therefore defined within a single plane. The CMC may be made by any suitable method, including using different catalyst particles to grow the coil.

[0078] In some examples, the lossy material may include a CMC embedded in a dielectric material. For example, the CMC may be included in a silicone rubber structure. The silicone rubber structure may be configured as a sheet. However, it should be understood that other dielectric materials, such as LCP (liquid crystal polymer) or glass reinforced LCP, may be used. When the CMC is mixed with the dielectric material, the CMC may form an LCR circuit network, where "L" represents an inductor, "C" represents a capacitor, and "R" represents a resistor. The CMC and the dielectric material may be used to absorb a portion of the magnetic field generated during operation of the electrical connector. The characteristics of the CMC in the dielectric material, such as at least one or more of the concentration, size, shape, and geometry of the CMC in the dielectric material, up to all of the characteristics, may be changed to adjust the magnetic absorption characteristics of the lossy material, including the wavelength (frequency) at which the lossy material is configured to absorb the magnetic field. For example, changing the coil diameter or the coil length may tune the frequency at which the lossy material absorbs the magnetic field. Alternatively or additionally, changing the dielectric constant (DK) of the dielectric material of the lossy material may change the frequency at which the lossy material absorbs the magnetic field.

[0079] Some electrical connectors include conductive shields to provide electrical shielding between adjacent signal contacts or between differential signal pairs. However, such conductive shields typically work by containing electric fields and directing currents. Therefore, such conductive shields are generally ineffective against magnetic fields, such conductive shields can become a source of resonance at some frequencies, and such conductive shields typically work best when grounded. Lossy materials can be conductive or non-conductive. In addition, lossy materials work by containing or absorbing fields and by internal reflection and / or dissipating energy. Therefore, lossy materials can provide shielding against magnetic fields. For example, lossy materials can be configured to absorb magnetic fields. In addition, in some examples, lossy materials can be grounded. In other examples, lossy materials may not be grounded.

[0080] Lossy materials can be applied to different parts or locations of an electrical connector to change the resonant characteristics of the electrical connector. For example, adding lossy materials can change the resonant frequency and / or can reduce the resonant peak, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in Figure 3 In the case of a hot melt with a narrow frequency band, a lossy material is used (in Figure 3 identified as “materials” in Figure 4 In the case of a rubber sheet with a wide bandwidth, a lossy material is used (in Figure 4 Lossy materials can shift the resonant frequency to frequencies outside the desired operating frequency range of the electrical connector.

[0081] In some examples, and in all examples described herein, the lossy material can be an epoxy. For example, the epoxy can be a conductive epoxy. In addition, the lossy material can be applied to different locations of the electrical connector. In some examples, the lossy material can be distributed using computer numerical control (CNC). Thus, the application of the lossy material can be easily and quickly customized, so that the epoxy is applied at a predetermined location of the electrical connector or at a predetermined location of a component configured to be included in the electrical connector, the component including one or more of the connector housing, one or more electrical contacts, and the lead frame housing.

[0082] Reference now Figure 5 , the electrical connector 20 may include an electrically insulating connector housing 22 and a plurality of electrical contacts 24 supported by the connector housing 22. In one example, the electrical contacts 24 may be press-fitted or otherwise mechanically attached to the connector housing 22. Alternatively, the electrical contacts 24 may be insert molded into the connector housing 22. Each electrical contact 24 may include a contact body that defines a butt end 26 and a mounting end 28 opposite the butt end 26. Each contact body may also include an intermediate portion 27 extending from the butt end 26 to the mounting end 28, and thus the electrical contacts 24 may also include an intermediate portion 27 extending from the butt end 26 to the mounting end 28. Thus, the mounting end 28 may extend from a first end of the intermediate portion 27, and the butt end 26 may extend from a second end of the intermediate portion 27 opposite the first end. The contact body may further define a tip 29, and thus the electrical contacts 24 may further define a tip 29 that defines a distal end of the contact body. The tip 29 can extend outwardly from the butt end 26 so that the butt end 26 is disposed between the middle portion of the contact and the tip 29. The mounting end 28 can be configured to be mounted to a first electrical device, which can be configured as a substrate. In some examples, the substrate can be configured as a printed circuit board. Therefore, the connector housing 22 can define a mounting interface 23, which is configured to face the lower substrate when the electrical connector 20 is mounted to the lower substrate.

[0083] When the electrical connector 20 is docked with the second electrical connector, the docking end 26 can be configured to dock with the corresponding electrical contact of the second electrical connector. Specifically, the electrical connector 20 can dock with the second electrical connector along a docking direction. The docking end 26 can define an interface that is separable from the corresponding electrical contact of the second electrical connector. Therefore, the electrical connector 20 can be undocked from the second electrical connector along an undocking direction opposite to the docking direction. Both the docking direction and the undocking direction can be oriented along the longitudinal L direction.

[0084] The electrical contacts 24 may be arranged along a row 32, and the row 32 may be oriented in a lateral direction A perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The connector housing 22 may include a partition wall 30 disposed between the butt ends 26 of adjacent pairs of electrical contacts 24. In one example, the paired electrical contacts 24 may define a differential signal pair. Alternatively, the electrical signal contacts may be single-ended. In this regard, the partition wall 30 may be disposed between adjacent electrical contacts 24 as desired, or between any number of adjacent electrical contacts 24. Therefore, it can be said that the partition wall 30 may be disposed between at least the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact 24 of the electrical connector 20. The electrical contacts 24 may be configured as signal contacts. Alternatively, one or more electrical contacts 24 may be configured as ground contacts. Alternatively, the electrical connector 20 may not have a ground contact. The connector housing 22 may further extend in a lateral direction T, which is perpendicular to each of the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction A. In some examples, the electrical contacts 24 can be arranged in a plurality of rows 32 that are spaced apart from one another along a transverse direction T that is perpendicular with respect to each of the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction A.

[0085] The connector housing 22 can define a docking interface 25, which is generally received in the second electrical connector or received by a complementary docking interface of the second electrical connector when the electrical connector 20 is docked with the second electrical connector. In this regard, the electrical connector assembly can include the electrical connector 20 and the second electrical connector, and the electrical connector 20 can be referred to as the first electrical connector. The electrical connector 20 can be mounted to the lower substrate to define the data communication assembly. When the electrical connector is mounted to the lower substrate and docked with the second electrical connector, the electrical connector 20 can enable the substrate and the second electrical connector to communicate data with each other. Therefore, the electrical contact 24 can transmit signals between the substrate and the second electrical connector at the operating frequency.

[0086] The butt end 26 and the mounting end 28 can be disposed opposite each other and oriented in the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the electrical contact 24 can be referred to as a vertical contact, and the electrical connector 20 can be referred to as a vertical electrical connector. Alternatively, the butt end 26 and the mounting end 28 can be oriented perpendicularly to each other so that the electrical contact 24 defines a right-angle contact, and the electrical connector 20 can be referred to as a right-angle electrical connector, as described below with respect to FIG. 8A to FIG. 9F Described in more detail.

[0087] like Figure 5 As shown in , the electrical connector 20 may include a lossy material 64 that is tuned to absorb a magnetic field substantially at the operating frequency of the electrical connector 20. The term "substantially" with respect to frequency includes the frequency and frequencies within plus or minus five GHz of the frequency (+ / -5 GHz). In one example, the connector housing 22 may include the lossy material 64. Specifically, the connector housing 22 may include a housing body 31 and a lossy material 64 carried by the housing body 31. Specifically, the lossy material 64 may be embedded in the housing body 31. Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material 64 may be disposed on an outer surface of the housing body 31. The lossy material 64 may be magnetically absorbent. In one example, the lossy material 64 may be conductive. For example, the lossy material 64 may have a conductivity greater than 1 Siemens per meter up to a conductivity of about 6.1×10^7 Siemens per meter. Alternatively, the lossy material 64 may be non-conductive. For example, the lossy material 64 may have a conductivity from 1 Siemens per meter to about 1×10^-17 Siemens per meter.

[0088] The housing body 31 of the connector 22 can be electrically insulating, can support the electrical contacts 24, and can define the mounting interface 23 and the docking interface 25. The housing body 31 can directly support the electrical contacts, and thus the connector housing 22 can directly support the electrical contacts. Alternatively, as will be described in more detail below, the housing body 31 can indirectly support the electrical contacts, and thus the connector housing 22 can indirectly support the electrical contacts. For example, the housing body 31 can support at least one lead frame assembly, which in turn includes at least some or all of the electrical contacts 24.

[0089] For example, Figure 5As shown in , the lossy material 64 can be disposed on at least one partition wall, the at least one partition wall including a plurality of up to all partition walls 30. In one example, the lossy material 64 can be embedded in at least one partition wall 30. Thus, the lossy material 64 can be disposed between adjacent pairs of electrical contacts 24 in the above manner. In one example, the lossy material 64 can be configured as an insert or a coating. Alternatively, the lossy material 64 can be insert molded into the partition wall 30. The lossy material 64 can be oriented in the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T. The lossy material 64 can have a maximum dimension in the longitudinal direction L. The longitudinal direction L can be oriented perpendicular to the mounting interface 23 of the connector housing 22. Of course, it should be understood that the lossy material 64 can be sized and shaped in any suitable alternative manner as desired. Alternatively, the connector housing 22 can have at least one void defined therein, and the lossy material 64 can be inserted into the at least one void. The at least one void can be a single void or a plurality of voids as desired. Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material 64 may be applied to one or both outer surfaces of the partition wall 30 that face the respective electrical contacts 24 .

[0090] The lossy material 64 can be aligned with at least a portion of the electrical contact 24 along the lateral direction A. Thus, a straight line passing through at least a portion of the electrical contact 24 also passes through the lossy material 64. The at least a portion of the electrical contact 24 can include the butt end 26. Alternatively or additionally, the at least a portion of the electrical contact 24 can include a tip 29. Thus, the lossy material 64 can be disposed at the tip 29. In one example, the lossy material 64 can be disposed only at the tip 29. Alternatively or additionally, the at least a portion of the electrical contact 24 can include at least a portion of the middle portion 27, such as the entirety of the middle portion 27. The lossy material 64 can be disposed at the tip of the signal contact. Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material 64 can be disposed at the tip of the ground contact. The lossy material can span most of the height of the partition wall 30 along the longitudinal direction L. The lossy materials at each partition wall 30 can be aligned with each other along the lateral direction A.

[0091] Reference now Figure 6, the lossy material 64 may be applied to the connector housing 22 at other locations of the connector housing, alternatively or additionally. For example, the lossy material 64 may be disposed on one or both of the mounting interface 23 and the docking interface 25. Specifically, the lossy material 64 may have a longest dimension parallel to the mounting interface 23. Therefore, when the electrical connector 20 is mounted to the lower substrate, the lossy material 64 may have a longest dimension parallel to the lower substrate, the mounting interface 23. The lossy material 64 may be configured as a plate oriented along the lateral direction A and the transverse direction T. In one example, the lossy material 64 may be embedded in one or both of the mounting interface 23 and the docking interface 23. For example, the lossy material 64 may be insert molded in one or both of the mounting interface 23 and the docking interface 25. Alternatively, the lossy material 64 may be molded to define the connector housing 22. Therefore, the entirety of the connector housing 22 may include the lossy material 64. Alternatively, the lossy material 64 may be applied to the outer surface of one or both of the mounting interface 23 and the docking interface 25.

[0092] For example, now refer to Figure 7 , the lossy material 64 can be disposed on the mounting interface 23 of the connector housing 22. Specifically, the lossy material 64 can be applied to the outer surface of the connector housing 22 at the mounting interface 23. Therefore, the lossy material 64 can be on a surface of the connector housing 22, and when the electrical connector 20 is mounted to the underlying substrate, the surface is configured to face the underlying substrate. Therefore, when the electrical connector 20 is mounted to the substrate, the lossy material 64 can face the substrate. For example, as described above, the electrical contacts 24 can be arranged in a first row and a second row 32, each oriented in a lateral direction A and spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction T. The lossy material 64 can be disposed on the outer surface of the connector housing at a position between the rows 32. In one example, the lossy material 64 can be disposed equidistantly between the rows 32. In addition, the lossy material 64 can be disposed equidistantly between the mounting ends 28 of the electrical contacts 24.

[0093] Now the overall reference FIG. 8A to FIG. 9F , the electrical connector 20 can be configured as a right-angle connector. Specifically, the butt end 26 and the mounting end 28 can be oriented substantially perpendicular to each other. In one example, the butt end 26 can be oriented along the longitudinal direction L, and the mounting end 28 can be oriented along the transverse direction T. For example, the butt end 26 can extend outwardly from the connector housing 22 along the longitudinal direction L, and the mounting end 28 can extend outwardly from the connector housing 22 along the transverse direction T.

[0094] The electrical contacts 24 may be indirectly supported by the connector housing 22. Specifically, the electrical connector 20 may include at least one lead frame assembly 50, the lead frame assembly 50 including a lead frame housing 52 and a corresponding plurality of electrical contacts 24 supported by the lead frame housing 52. At least one lead frame housing 52 may be supported by the connector housing 22, and thus at least one lead frame assembly 50 may be supported by the connector housing 22. In one example, the electrical connector 20 may include a first lead frame assembly 50a and a second lead frame assembly 50b. Each of the first lead frame assembly 50a and the second lead frame assembly 50b may include a corresponding first plurality of electrical contacts and a second plurality of electrical contacts 24 supported by the corresponding lead frame housing 52. The electrical contacts 24 of each lead frame assembly 50 may be aligned along a corresponding row 32, and the corresponding row 32 is oriented along the lateral direction A as described above.

[0095] The lead frame assembly 50a and the lead frame assembly 50b can be spaced apart from each other along the transverse direction T. Therefore, the first lead frame housing and the second lead frame housing 52 of the first lead frame assembly 50a and the second lead frame assembly 50b can be spaced apart from each other along the transverse direction T, respectively. Each lead frame housing 52 can define an inner surface 53 and an outer surface 55 opposite to the inner surface 53 along the transverse direction T, and the inner surface 53 faces the other lead frame housing. In addition, the rows 32 can be spaced apart from each other along the transverse direction T. In one example, the electrical contact 24 can be insert molded in the corresponding lead frame housing 52. Alternatively, the electrical contact 24 can be inserted into the corresponding lead frame housing. Although the electrical connector 20 is shown as including the first lead frame assembly 50a and the second lead frame assembly 50b, it should be understood that the electrical connector can include any number of lead frame assemblies as needed.

[0096] The electrical contacts 24 may include a plurality of electrical signal contacts 54 and a plurality of ground contacts 56. For example, adjacent electrical signal contacts 54 along a row 32 may define a differential signal pair. The electrical contacts 24 may further include a plurality of electrical ground contacts 56. The electrical ground contacts 56 may be disposed between adjacent differential signal pairs along a row 32. Thus, in one example, each lead frame assembly 50 may include a plurality of signal contacts 54 and a plurality of ground contacts 56. It should be understood that the electrical signal contacts 54 may alternatively be single-ended. In addition, the electrical ground contacts 56 may be disposed in any alternative suitable position as desired.

[0097] Now also refer to FIG. 8B to FIG. 8C, the rows 32 can be arranged so that the mounting ends 28 of the electrical contacts 52 are configured to be mounted to the first electrical device 58. The first electrical device 58 can be a first substrate 60, which can be configured as a first printed circuit board. When the first substrate 60 is received between the docking ends of each row 32, the docking ends 26 can establish an electrical connection with the opposite surface of the first substrate 60. The first substrate 60 can belong to an electrical connector, such as a QSFP connector in one example. Therefore, the first electrical device 58 can be configured as a QSFP connector. Of course, it should be understood that the first electrical device 58 can be configured in any suitable manner as needed.

[0098] Now also refer to FIG. 8B to FIG. 8C , the row 32 can be arranged so that the mounting end 28 of the electrical contact 52 is configured to be mounted to the first electrical device 58. The first electrical device 58 can be a first substrate 60, which can be configured as a first printed circuit board. Therefore, the mounting end 28 is configured to establish an electrical connection with the first substrate 60. The first substrate 60 can belong to an electrical connector, such as a QSFP connector in one example. Therefore, the first electrical device 58 can be configured as a QSFP connector. Of course, it should be understood that the first electrical device 58 can be configured in any suitable manner as desired.

[0099] Now also refer to FIG. 8B to FIG. 8C , the rows 32 can be arranged so that the butt ends 26 of the electrical contacts 52 of the rows 32 are spaced apart from each other so as to receive a second electrical device 62. The second electrical device 62 can be a second substrate 63, which can be configured as a second printed circuit board. When the second substrate 63 is received between the butt ends 26 of each row 32, the butt ends 26 can establish an electrical connection with the opposite surface of the second substrate 63. The second substrate 63 can belong to an electrical connector, such as a QSFP connector in one example. Therefore, the second electrical device 62 can be configured as a QSFP connector. Of course, it should be understood that the second electrical device 62 can be configured in any suitable manner as desired.

[0100] The data communication assembly 66 may include the electrical connector 20 as described above and the first and second electrical devices 58, 62. Thus, when the electrical connector is mounted to the first electrical device 58 and docked to the second electrical device 62, the first and second electrical devices 58 may be in electrical communication with each other.

[0101] In one example, FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C The electrical connector 20 shown in FIG. 5 may be configured as a UEC5-2 electrical connector commercially available from Samtec, a company having a place of business in New Albany, Indiana, USA However, the electrical connector 20 may further include a lossy material 64, as will now be described.

[0102] Reference now 9A to 9E , one or both of the lead frame housings 52 of the electrical connector, or even all of the lead frame housings of the electrical connector may include lossy material 64. For example, one or both of the lead frame housings 52 may define at least one void 68 that is configured to receive lossy material 64. The at least one void 68 may define a single void or multiple voids as desired. The void 68 may extend into any suitable surface of the lead frame housing 52 as desired.

[0103] For example, the void 68 can extend into the outer surface 55 toward the inner surface 53. In one example, the void 68 can terminate in the lead frame housing 52 without extending through the inner surface 53 in the lateral direction. In addition, the void 68 can terminate in the lateral direction A without extending through one of the lateral sidewalls of the lead frame housing 52, which are opposite to each other along the lateral direction A. Therefore, in one example, the void can be configured as a recess. For example, in one example, the recess can be open only to the outer surface 55. Alternatively, the void 68 can extend through the inner surface 53 along the lateral direction T. Therefore, it should be understood that the void 68 can alternatively define a through hole that is open to more than one different surface of the lead frame housing 52. For example, the through hole can be open to both the inner surface 53 of the lead frame housing 52 and the outer surface 55. Alternatively or additionally, the void 68 can extend through one or both lateral sidewalls of the lead frame housing 52. Still alternatively, the void 68 may terminate without extending through the front or rear walls of the leadframe housing 52 , where the front or rear walls are opposite each other along the longitudinal direction L. Alternatively, the void 68 may extend through one or both of the front and rear walls of the leadframe housing 52 .

[0104] The lossy material 64 can be disposed in the void 68. Thus, the lossy material 64 can be disposed between the butt end 26 and the mounting end 28 relative to the longitudinal direction L. The void 68 can be defined by a base 70, which is defined by the lead frame housing 52. The base 70 can define a plurality of raised areas 72. In one example, the electrical contacts 52 can extend through the raised areas. The lossy material can be substantially flush with at least one surface of the lead frame housing 52 that defines an opening to the void 68. For example, in one example, the lossy material can be substantially flush with the outer surface 55 of the lead frame housing 52. When used to describe size, shape, spatial relationship, distance, direction and other similar parameters, the term "substantially" and its derivatives and words of similar meaning include the parameter and within plus or minus 10%, including within plus or minus 5%, including within plus or minus 3%, including within plus or minus 1% of the parameter. However, with respect to the term "substantially" in relation to the frequencies, the term "substantially" and its derivatives and words of similar meaning include the frequencies and frequencies within a range of plus or minus 5 GHz of the frequencies.

[0105] Continue to refer FIG. 8A to FIG. 9F , the lead frame housing 52 may include an insert 57, which protrudes forward in the mating direction and is configured to be disposed between the electrical signal conductors of each differential pair. Specifically, the insert 57 may contact each electrical signal contact at a position adjacent to the recess and protrusion of the electrical contact. In one example, the insert 57 may include a web extending forward and a button at the distal end of the web. The button and the web may be disposed between adjacent electrical contacts 24, and the button may be adjacent to adjacent electrical contacts 24. Since the insert may be part of the lead frame housing 52, the insert may be an electrically insulating material that is integrally insert-molded with the rest of the lead frame housing 52. The insert 57 may control the impedance of the differential signal pair based on its dielectric constant. Therefore, the dielectric constant of the lead frame housing 52 may be selected to provide a desired impedance, and the dielectric constant of the insert 57 may be selected to provide a desired impedance. In one example, the insert 57 may further include a lossy material disposed on the insert or in a gap within the insert. As Fig.9F As shown in , the electrical contacts 24 can be deflected when mated with a complementary electrical connector. The insert 57 can be held between each adjacent electrical contact 24 and abut each adjacent electrical contact 24 as the electrical contacts 24 deflect.

[0106] like Fig.10 As shown in , it can be appreciated that instead of or in addition to providing lossy material to one or more portions of the electrical connector 20, the connector housing 22 can be made of lossy material 64. Thus, the entirety of the connector housing 22 can include the lossy material 64. Although certain examples of electrical connectors including the lossy material 64 have been described, it can be appreciated that any suitable alternative electrical connectors.

[0107] Although the lossy material 64 may be disposed on the housing body 31 as described above, it should be understood that the electrical connector may include the lossy material 64 at other locations. FIG. 11A to FIG. 11B, at least one electrical contact 24 of the electrical connector may include a lossy material 64 disposed on the contact body. For example, multiple electrical contacts 24 of the electrical connector up to all electrical contacts 24 may include lossy material. In one example, the at least one electrical contact 24 may be configured as a ground contact of the electrical connector. Therefore, the at least one electrical contact 24 may include multiple ground contacts of the electrical connector up to all ground contacts. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one electrical contact 24 may be configured as a signal contact of the electrical connector. Therefore, the at least one electrical contact 24 may include multiple signal contacts of the electrical connector up to all signal contacts. In one example, the lossy material 64 may be disposed on the mating end 26 of the contact body. Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material 64 may be disposed on the tip 29 of the contact body. As FIG. 11A to FIG. 11B As shown in FIG. 1 , the lossy material 64 can be disposed on a corresponding tip 29 of at least one electrical contact 24 of the electrical connector and on a corresponding tip 29 of a complementary electrical contact 24' of the complementary electrical connector. When the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are mated with each other at their respective mating ends 26, the electrical contact 24 can mate with the complementary electrical contact 24'.

[0108] Specifically, the mating ends 26 of the electrical contact 24 and the complementary electrical contact 24' may define respective wiping surfaces 34 that are configured to wipe each other when the electrical contact 24 and the electrical contact 24' are mated with each other. Fig.11A As shown in FIG. 1 , when the electrical connectors are aligned to mate with each other along the mating direction, the wiping surfaces 34 may be aligned with each other along the longitudinal direction L. Next, as shown in FIG. Fig. 11B As shown in the figure, the electrical contact 24 and the electrical contact 24' can be directed toward each other in their respective mating directions, so that the wiping surfaces 34 can ride along each other while abutting each other. The wiping surfaces 34 ride along each other until the electrical contact 24 and the electrical contact 24' are butted against each other. The butted ends of the electrical contact 24 and the electrical contact 24' can deviate from each other when they are butted. Specifically, the electrical contact 24 and the electrical contact 24' can be elastically resilient. Therefore, when the curved wiping surfaces 34 ride along each other, the abutment of the wiping surfaces 34 can cause the butted ends 26 of the electrical contact 24 and the electrical contact 24' to deviate from each other in the transverse direction T.

[0109] The tip 29 may be configured to flare outward from the wiping surface 34 as it extends in a direction away from its corresponding intermediate portion 27. For example, the tip 29 may extend away from the corresponding portion of the electrical contact 24 that defines the wiping surface 34. Therefore, when the electrical contact 24 and the electrical contact 24' are aligned to abut against each other, the tips 29 of the electrical contacts 24 and 24' may be offset from each other along the transverse direction T. Therefore, the tips 29 of the electrical contacts 24 and 24' may move past each other without contacting each other. The lossy material 64 may be disposed on the first surface 36 of each of the electrical contacts 24 and 24', the first surface 36 being opposite to the wiping surface 34. Specifically, the lossy material 64 may be disposed on the first surface 36 at the abutting end 26. In addition, the lossy material 64 may be disposed on the first surface 36 at the abutting end 26 instead of the second surface 38. Similarly, the lossy material 64 may be disposed on the first surface 36 at the tip 29. In one example, the lossy material 64 may be disposed on the first surface 36 at the tip 29 instead of on the second surface 38. Alternatively, as described below with respect to Fig.14D Describing in more detail, the lossy material 64 can be disposed on the first surface 36 and on the second surface 38 at the tip 29. In addition, the lossy material can be disposed on an edge 42 extending between the first surface 36 and the second surface 38, and the edge 42 can define a broadside 40 of the electrical contact 24. In one example, the first surface 36 and the second surface 38 can be opposite to each other along the transverse direction T. The broadside 40 of the electrical contact 24 extends between and to the edge 42 along a plane perpendicular to the orientation of the electrical contact. It can also be said that the plane extends along the transverse direction T and the lateral direction A. The edges 42 can be opposite to each other along the lateral direction A. The broadside 40 can define a length within the plane that is greater than the length of the edge 42. In another example, the broadsides 40 can be opposite to each other along the lateral direction A, and the edges 42 can be opposite to each other along the transverse direction T.

[0110] Continue to refer FIG. 11A to FIG. 11B, the first surface 36 may define a recess 44, and the second surface 38 may define a protrusion 46 opposite and aligned with the recess 44. When the electrical connector 24 and the electrical connector 24' are mated with each other, the protrusions 46 of the electrical contacts 24 and 24' may travel along each other. Therefore, at least a portion of the protrusion 46 of each electrical contact may define at least a portion of the wiping surface 36. The recess 44 and the protrusion 46 of each electrical contact may be opposite to each other in the direction in which the first contact 36 and the second contact 38 are opposite to each other. Therefore, when the first surface 36 and the second surface 38 are opposite to each other in the transverse direction T, the recess 44 and the protrusion 46 may be opposite to each other and aligned with each other in the transverse direction T. When the first surface 36 and the second surface 38 are opposite to each other in the lateral direction A, the recess 44 and the protrusion 46 may be opposite to each other and aligned with each other in the lateral direction A. In one example, the lossy material 64 may extend along the first surface 36 between the recess 44 and the farthest end 48 of the electrical contact. Additionally, lossy material 64 may extend along a portion of recess 44 that is smaller than the entire recess 44, as shown at electrical contact 24. Alternatively, lossy material 64 may be disposed only at a distal end of recess 44, as shown at electrical contact 24'.

[0111] It has been discovered that the lossy material 64 disposed at the tip 29 of the electrical contact can reduce a phenomenon known as the stump effect. Specifically, the tip 29 can act as a quarter-wave resonator during operation. The lossy material 64 disposed at the tip 29 can absorb at least a portion of the resulting magnetic field emitted from the tip 29. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the convex portions 46 of adjacent electrical contacts 24 defining a differential signal pair can face each other. Therefore, the concave portions 44 of the electrical contacts 24 of adjacent differential pairs can face each other. Therefore, because the lossy material 64 is disposed on the concave portions 44, the lossy material 64 can be disposed between adjacent differential signal pairs.

[0112] It should be understood that in one example, the lossy material 64 may be disposed only at the tip 29. Alternatively, the lossy material 64 may be disposed at other locations on the first surface 36 of the electrical contact. For example, the lossy material 64 may alternatively or additionally be disposed at the butt end 26 as described above. Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material 64 may also be disposed at the base 35 of the electrical contact 24, as described below with reference to FIG. 14A to FIG. 14D described.

[0113] Now roughly refer to Figures 5 to 11B, the lossy material can be tuned to attenuate the resonant frequency of the tip 29 or any other suitable frequency. The lossy material 64 of the electrical contacts of the differential signal pair can be tuned to absorb magnetic fields at first and second different frequencies. Specifically, first and second different types of lossy materials tuned to absorb magnetic fields at first and second different frequencies, respectively, can be disposed at the first signal contact and the second signal contact, respectively, or at the differential signal pair. For example, a first type of lossy material configured to absorb approximately 10 GHz frequencies can be disposed on the first electrical contact 24 of the differential signal pair. A second type of lossy material capable of absorbing approximately 15 GHz frequencies can be disposed on the second electrical contact 24 of the differential signal pair. Although in one example the first frequency can be 10 GHz and the second frequency can be 15 GHz, it should be appreciated that the first frequency and the second frequency can be selected as needed to reduce unwanted resonant frequencies.

[0114] The lossy material 64 can define any suitable volume, size and shape as needed. In addition, the lossy material 64 can be set at any suitable position of the electrical contact 24. The volume, size, shape and position of the lossy material 64 can be determined by testing or computer simulation. In some cases, the volume, size, shape and position can lead to manufacturing tradeoffs. Contact with lossy materials can be included in any suitable electrical connector. The lossy material can be applied to the signal contact of the electrical connector that transmits electrical signals, that is, the signal contact that sends and / or receives electrical signals. In some electrical connectors, the lossy material can be applied only to the signal contact.

[0115] In one example, the lossy material 64 can be a dispensed material, such as an epoxy. Alternatively, the lossy material 64 can be a stamped material. With a dispensed material, the lossy material can be applied after the electrical contact 24 or housing body 31 is formed by stamping a metal sheet. For example, an uncured epoxy sheet can be die cut and applied to the contact by pick and place or other automated process, and then cured after initial attachment to the electrical contact 24 or housing 31. When the lossy material 64 is attached to the electrical contact 24, the lossy material 64 can be applied to the electrical contact 24 in the contact roll and roll-to-roll stage. Of course, it should be understood that any suitable alternative manufacturing method can be used to manufacture the lossy material 64.

[0116] Thus, it will be appreciated that the lossy material 64 may be disposed on or within the housing body 31, may be defined by the connector housing 22, may be included in the lead frame assembly, may be carried by the electrical contacts, or a combination of one or more of the above. Additionally, while the lead frame assembly may define differential signal pairs along corresponding rows as described above, it will be further appreciated that the lead frame assembly may define differential signal pairs along columns oriented perpendicular to the rows.

[0117] For example, refer to FIG. 12A to FIG. 12B , the electrical connector may include a connector housing that supports a plurality of lead frame assemblies 74 constructed according to another example. For example, the lead frame assembly may include a lead frame housing 76 and a corresponding plurality of electrical contacts 24 supported by the lead frame housing 76. The electrical contacts 24 may be right-angle contacts, so that the butt ends 26 are oriented in the longitudinal direction L and the mounting ends 28 are oriented in the transverse direction T. The butt ends 26 of the electrical contacts 24 of each lead frame assembly 74 may be aligned along corresponding columns, and thus the butt ends 26 are perpendicular to the rows, wherein the corresponding columns are oriented in the transverse direction T. The mounting ends 28 of the electrical contacts of each lead frame assembly 74 may be aligned in the longitudinal direction L or in the butt direction. Adjacent signal contacts of each lead frame assembly 74 define corresponding differential signal pairs. The lead frame assembly 74 may further include a plurality of ground contacts, so that at least one ground contact is disposed between adjacent differential signal pairs. Alternatively, the lead frame assembly 74 may be free of ground contacts. A plurality of lead frame assemblies 74 may be supported by the connector housing such that the lead frame assemblies 74 are arranged in rows, wherein the rows are oriented in the lateral direction A. As shown in FIG.

[0118] Each lead frame housing 76 may define opposing side surfaces 73 and 75 that are opposite to each other along a lateral direction A. FIG. 12A to FIG. 12B As shown in , the lead frame assembly 74 may include a plurality of voids 78 configured to receive the lossy material 64. For example, the voids 78 may extend in at least one or both of the side surface 73 and the side surface 75. The voids 78 may terminate in the lead frame housing 76 without extending to the electrical contacts 24 supported by the lead frame housing 76. Thus, the voids 78 may be configured as pockets. In addition, at least a portion of the voids 78 may be aligned with corresponding electrical contacts 24 supported by the lead frame housing 76. For example, the voids 78 may define a plurality of front voids 78a that are aligned in a lateral direction with a portion of at least some of the electrical contacts oriented in the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the front plurality of voids 78a may be elongated in the longitudinal direction L and aligned with corresponding electrical contacts 52 supported by the lead frame housing 76. The front voids 78a may also be aligned with each other in a transverse direction T. As shown Fig. 12B As shown in FIG. , the lossy material 64 may be disposed in the front void 78 a and thereby aligned in the lateral direction A with the corresponding electrical contact.

[0119] The gaps 78 may also include rear gaps 78b. Respective portions of the rear gaps 78b may be aligned along the lateral direction A with the curved portions of at least some of the corresponding electrical contacts 24, and when the corresponding electrical contacts 24 extend between the butt end 26 and the mounting end 28, the curved portions of at least some of the corresponding electrical contacts 24 are bent. Oriented along the longitudinal direction L. Therefore, the rear gaps 78b may be elongated along the longitudinal direction L. The rear gaps 78b may further be aligned with each other along the transverse direction T. Some rear gaps 78b may have different lengths along the longitudinal direction L, and in some examples, the lengths are different from other rear gaps 78b.

[0120] As described above, the gap 78 can be configured to receive Fig. 12B . Specifically, as with the other voids described herein, void 78 can be substantially filled with lossy material 64. In addition, lossy material 64 can be substantially flush with at least one of side surface 73 and side surface 75 of lead frame housing 76 that define an opening to the void. In this regard, it should be understood that lossy material 64 can be disposed between columns of electrical contacts along a row, whereby the electrical contacts define differential signal pairs along a direction perpendicular to the row. It can be appreciated that lossy material 64 disposed in front void 78a can be tuned to substantially attenuate a first frequency, and lossy material, and lossy material 64 in rear void 78b can be configured to substantially attenuate a second frequency different from the first frequency. The first frequency can be higher than the second frequency. Alternatively, the second frequency can be higher than the first frequency. Alternatively, the first frequency and the second frequency can be substantially equal to each other.

[0121] Reference now FIG. 13A to FIG. 13B , the first lead frame assembly 74a and the second lead frame assembly 74b can be positioned adjacent to each other in the connector housing. FIG. 12A to FIG. 12B In terms of the gap, FIG. 13A to FIG. 13B The middle gap 78 is positioned at different positions to illustrate that the gap 78 can be set at any suitable position as needed. For example, the lead frame housing 76 may include a lower gap 78c that is set near the mounting interface, and the front gap 78a can be set near the docking interface. Therefore, the lower gap 78c can be elongated along the lateral direction T. In addition, the lower gap 78c can be aligned along the lateral direction A with a portion of the corresponding electrical contact 24 supported by the lead frame housing 76, which is oriented along the lateral direction T. The first side surface 73 of the lead frame housing 76 of the first lead frame assembly 74a can face the second side surface 75 of the lead frame housing 76 of the second lead frame assembly 74b along the lateral direction A.

[0122] In one example, the void 78 in the first side surface 73 of the first lead frame assembly 74a can be aligned with the void 78 in the second side surface 75 of the second lead frame assembly 74b along the lateral direction A. Therefore, when the lossy material 64 is disposed in the void 78, the lossy material 64 carried by the lead frame housing 76 of the first lead frame assembly 74a can face the lossy material 64 carried by the lead frame housing 76 of the second lead frame assembly 74b. In some examples, the lossy material 64 carried by the lead frame housing 76 of the first lead frame assembly 74a can be generally aligned with the lossy material 64 carried by the lead frame housing 76 of the second lead frame assembly 74b. For example, the lossy material 64 carried by the lead frame housing 76 of the first lead frame assembly 74a can abut the lossy material 64 carried by the lead frame housing 76 of the second lead frame assembly 74b. Alternatively, the lossy material 64 carried by the leadframe housing 76 of the first leadframe assembly 74a may be spaced apart in the lateral direction A from the lossy material 64 carried by the leadframe housing 76 of the second leadframe assembly 74b.

[0123] Now roughly refer to FIG. 14A to FIG. 16C , the electrical connector in another example can be configured as an edge card connector 80. In this regard, it should be understood that any appropriately constructed electrical connector can include the lossy material 64 in any manner described herein. In addition, unless otherwise noted, the placement of the lossy material 80 described according to any example herein can be incorporated into any other example.

[0124] Reference now FIG. 14A to FIG. 14D Specifically, the edge card connector 80 may include an electrically insulating connector housing 82 and thus a connector housing 82, the electrically insulating connector housing 82 including a housing body 83 and a plurality of electrical contacts 84 supported by the housing body 83. The electrical contacts 84 may include electrical signal contacts 86. The electrical contacts 84 may further include electrical ground contacts 88. In one example, the edge card connector 80 may include a plurality of lead frame assemblies 112, each lead frame assembly 112 including a lead frame housing 114 and a corresponding electrical contact 84 supported by the lead frame housing 114. Thus, the electrical contacts 84 may be supported by the corresponding lead frame housing 114, which in turn is supported by the housing body 83, and thus by the connector housing 82. In this regard, it can be said that the electrical contacts 84 are indirectly supported by the housing body 83, and thus indirectly supported by the connector housing 82. Alternatively, the edge card connector 80 may be free of the lead frame assembly 112, so that the electrical contacts 84 may be directly supported by the connector housing 82.

[0125] The electrical contacts 84 can define respective mounting ends 28, the mounting ends 28 being configured to be mounted to a first complementary electrical component in the manner described above. The electrical contacts 84 can also include docking ends 26, the docking ends 26 being configured to dock with a second complementary electrical device in the manner described above. The connector housing can define mounting interfaces 100 and docking interfaces 102 of the types described above. The edge card connector 80 can be configured as a vertical connector, whereby the mounting ends 28 and the docking ends are oriented substantially parallel to each other. Alternatively, the edge card connector 80 can be configured as a right-angle connector, whereby the mounting ends 28 and the docking ends are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other. As described above with respect to the electrical contacts 24 of the electrical connector 20, the electrical contacts 84 can each define a wiping surface 34, defining a first surface 36 and a second surface 38 of a wide side 40, and the electrical contacts 84 can define respective edges 42, recesses 44, protrusions 46, and tips 29.

[0126] In one example, the electrical contacts 84 can be spaced apart from one another along at least one row 97, which can be oriented along the longitudinal direction L. The mounting end 28 and the mating end can be opposite one another along the longitudinal direction L. Although the edge card connector 80 is shown as including one row of electrical contacts 84, it should be understood that the edge card connector 80 can include multiple rows of electrical contacts spaced apart from one another along the transverse direction T.

[0127] The mounting end 28 can be configured to be mounted to a first electrical device, such as a first substrate as described above. The docking end 26 can be configured to dock with a second electrical device, such that the edge card connector 80 is in electrical communication with the second electrical device, such as a card that can be received by the docking end 26. Thus, the edge card connector 80 can place the first electrical device and the second electrical device in electrical communication with each other in the manner described above. Although FIG. 14A to FIG. 16C An example of an edge card connector 80 and portions thereof is shown, but it will be appreciated that any suitable electrical connector may be used.

[0128] In one example, the housing body 83, and thus the connector housing 82, may include a base 104 and a wall 106 extending outwardly from the base 104 in a longitudinal direction L. The wall 106 may define the docking interface 102 of the edge card connector 80. The housing body 83 may also include a plurality of partition walls 108 defining respective cavities 110. The cavity 110, in turn, may receive the docking end 26 of at least one electrical contact 84. The partition walls 108 may be spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction A and may extend from the wall 106 in a transverse direction T. The wall 106, and thus the connector housing 82, may further include laterally outer sidewalls 109 that are opposite to each other and may cooperate with the laterally outermost partition walls 108 to define a laterally outermost cavity 110. The cavity 110 may include a ground cavity and a signal cavity. The ground cavity may receive at least one ground contact 88. In one example, the laterally outermost cavity may be a ground cavity. The signal cavity may receive at least one signal contact 86. For example, the signal cavity can receive each pair of signal contacts 86 defining a differential signal pair. The ground cavity can be disposed between adjacent signal cavities so that the ground contacts 88 received therein can be disposed between adjacent differential signal pairs along a row. As described above, the signal contacts 86 and the ground contacts 88 can be aligned with each other along the lateral direction A.

[0129] The electrical connector may include at least one lead frame assembly 112 supported by the connector housing 82. For example, the at least one lead frame assembly 112 may be supported by the base 104. In one example, the edge card connector 80 includes a first lead frame assembly and a second lead frame assembly 112, but it should be understood that the electrical connector 80 may include any number of lead frame assemblies as desired. Each lead frame assembly 112 may include a lead frame housing 114 and a corresponding electrical contact 84 of a plurality of electrical contacts 84 supported by the lead frame housing 114 in the manner described above. The electrical contacts 84 may be insert molded into the lead frame housing 114, or may be inserted into the lead frame housing 114 as desired. When the lead frame assemblies 112 are supported by the connector housing 80, the corresponding electrical contacts 84 may be spaced apart from each other and aligned with each other along the lateral direction A. In addition, the lead frame assemblies 112 may be disposed adjacent to each other along the lateral direction A. Thus, the electrical contacts 84 of the first leadframe assembly 112 may be aligned along the lateral direction A with the electrical contacts 84 of the second leadframe assembly 112 .

[0130] Each lead frame assembly 112 may include at least one pair of signal contacts 86 disposed adjacent to each other. Adjacent signal contacts 86 may define differential signal pairs. Alternatively, the signal contacts 86 may be single-ended. Each lead frame assembly 112 may further include at least one ground contact 88 positioned adjacent to the differential signal pairs. For example, each lead frame assembly 112 may include a pair of ground contacts 88 that are disposed such that the differential signal pairs are disposed between the ground contacts 88 in a lateral direction. Thus, when the lead frame assemblies 112 are positioned adjacent to each other, the card edge connector 80 may include a pair of ground contacts (SSGGSS, where "G" represents a ground contact and S represents a ground contact) disposed between adjacent differential signal pairs in a lateral direction. It should be understood that the electrical contacts of all electrical connectors described herein may define a contact pattern as described or any alternative contact pattern. For example, the contact pattern may include GSGS or SSGSS. Alternatively, if desired, the edge card connector 80 may be without a ground contact. The edge card connector 80 may include the electrical contacts described above with respect to FIG. 8A to FIG. 9F An insert 57 of the type described.

[0131] Now refer to FIG. 14A to FIG. 16C To describe, the edge card connector 80 can include lossy material 64 in one or more of several suitable locations. For example, as with the electrical connector 20 described above, the lossy material 64 can be carried by at least one or more of the housing body, one or more signal contacts, one or more ground contacts, and the lead frame housing, or even all of them. In one example, the lossy material 84 can be magnetically absorbent and non-conductive in the manner described above.

[0132] Reference now FIG. 14A to FIG. 14D, specifically, the lossy material 64 can be disposed on the tip 29 of at least one of the electrical contacts 84. For example, the lossy material 64 can be configured as a cap 113, which is disposed on the corresponding tip 29 of at least one of the electrical contacts 84. In one example, the lossy material 64 can be molded onto the electrical contact. Alternatively, the tip 29 can be press-fit into an opening of the cap defined by the lossy material. Alternatively, the lossy material 64 can be adhesively attached to the electrical contact 24. Alternatively, the lossy material 64 can be sprayed onto the electrical contact 24. Alternatively, the electrical contact 24 can be immersed in a liquid bath of the lossy material 64. The lossy material 64 can be disposed on a first surface 36 opposite to the wiping surface 34. The lossy material 64 can further be disposed on a second surface 38 defining the wiping surface 34. Specifically, the lossy material 64 can be disposed at the distal end of the wiping surface 34. Thus, the lossy material can be disposed on the broadside 40 of the at least one electrical contact 84. Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material 64 can further be disposed on one or both edges 42. In one example, the lossy material 64 can be disposed on the farthest surface of the at least one electrical contact 84.

[0133] The lossy material 64 can surround at least a portion of the tip 29 along a plane that is perpendicular to the tip orientation up to at least three sides of the entirety. The plane can alternatively be oriented along the lateral direction A and the transverse direction T. The three sides can be bounded by one or both of the wide sides 40 and the edge 38. The wide sides 40 and the edge 38 can similarly be bounded along a plane that is oriented along the lateral direction A and the transverse direction T. Alternatively, the lossy material 64 can surround all four sides of at least one electrical contact 84, including two wide sides 40 and two edges 38. However, other arrangements are also possible. For example, the lossy material 64 can be positioned along one side, two sides, three sides, or four sides of at least one electrical contact 84. In addition, the lossy material 64 can encapsulate the tip 29 because it can be disposed on the entirety of the farthest surface of the contact 84. By placing the lossy material 64 at the tip 29 distal to the wiping surface 34 of the at least one electrical contact 84, in addition to reducing the stub effect discussed above, the lossy material 64 does not mechanically interfere with the docking of the at least one electrical contact 84 to a complementary electrical contact.

[0134] Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material 64 may be disposed on the base 35 of at least one electrical contact 84. The base 35 of the electrical contact may be supported by, aligned with, or disposed in the lead frame housing 114. The base 35 may be included in a middle portion of the electrical contact. The mounting end 28 may extend from the base 35 in a lateral direction toward the complementary first electrical device. In one example, the lossy material 64 may extend along both the broadside 40 and the edge 42 of at least a portion of the base 35. In this regard, the lossy material 64 is configured as a collar 115 that may at least partially or completely surround the electrical contact at the base 35 or any suitable alternative location. Thus, the lossy material 64 may surround the base 35 in a plane oriented perpendicular to the base 35. The lossy material 64 disposed on the base 35 may be confined only to the base 35 and thus not extend in a lateral direction to a location that is not disposed in the lead frame housing 114. Alternatively, the lossy material 64 disposed on the base 35 may extend further to the exterior of the lead frame housing 114. However, it should be understood that the lossy material 64 may be disposed at any suitable location of the at least one electrical contact 84 as desired, up to the entirety of the at least one electrical contact 84. When the electrical contact 24 is directly supported by the connector housing, the lossy material 64 at the base 35 may be confined to a location and therefore not extend to a location outside the connector housing. Alternatively, the lossy material 64 disposed on the base 35 may extend further to the exterior of the connector housing.

[0135] In one example, at least one electrical contact 84 including a lossy material 64 can be bounded by at least one ground contact 88. For example, at least one electrical contact 84 can be bounded by a plurality of ground contacts 88. Specifically, at least one electrical contact 84 can be bounded by all of the ground contacts 88. By placing the lossy material 64 on the ground contacts 84 rather than on the signal contacts 86, the desired signal frequencies are attenuated less. Alternatively or additionally, at least one electrical contact 84 can be bounded by at least one signal contact 86. For example, at least one electrical contact 84 can be bounded by a plurality of signal contacts 86. Specifically, the electrical contact 84 can be bounded by all of the signal contacts 86. Placing the lossy material at the base 35 of the ground or signal contacts can help absorb unwanted frequencies near the mounting interface 100, as it is recognized that the substrate footprint can be electrically noisy.

[0136] The lossy material 64 can have attenuation characteristics that can be tuned in the manner described above to attenuate frequencies within a range of plus or minus 5 GHz of a selected frequency. For example, the lossy material 64 can be configured to attenuate the resonant frequency of the electrical connector and all connectors disclosed herein without attenuating frequencies substantially outside the resonant frequency (e.g., frequencies outside of plus or minus 5 GHz of the resonant frequency). Of course, it should be understood that the lossy material 64 can be configured to attenuate other frequencies as needed. The lossy material 64 can be further tuned to attenuate frequency bands wider than 10 GHz. The wider frequency band range can be up to about 50 GHz, such as about 40 GHz, for example about 30 GHz, and in one example about 20 GHz. In addition, the lossy material 64 can be disposed at different locations of the electrical connector and all connectors disclosed herein, for example FIG. 14A to FIG. 16C As shown. Therefore, the lossy material can be tuned to attenuate different frequencies at different locations of the electrical connector and all electrical connectors disclosed herein. The different attenuation frequencies can be any frequency disclosed herein.

[0137] Reference now Fig.15 , the connector housing 82 may include the lossy material 64. For example, the connector housing 82 may define at least one void 68 that extends at least into or through the housing body 83, the at least one void 68 containing the lossy material 64. The at least one void may include a plurality of voids 68. Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material 64 may be disposed on an outer surface of the housing body 83. The void 68 may be aligned with the tip 29 of the ground contact 88 along the lateral direction A. In this regard, it should be understood that the tip 29 of the signal contact 86 may be offset relative to the tip 29 of the ground contact 88 along the mating direction. Therefore, the void 68 and the lossy material 64 may be offset from the tip 29 of the signal contact 86 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, a straight line oriented along the lateral direction A that passes through the void 68 and, therefore, the lossy material 64 may also pass through the tip 29 of the ground contact 88, but not through the tip 29 of the signal contact 86. Alternatively, the tip 29 of the signal contact 86 may be aligned with the tip 29 of the ground contact 88 in the lateral direction A. The gap 68 may extend through at least one or more up to all of the partition walls 108 and the outer side walls 109 .

[0138] Reference now FIG. 16A to FIG. 16C, the electrical connector may include an attenuation wall 116 that may be made of the lossy material 64, or may define a recess that includes the lossy material 64. The attenuation wall 116 may be aligned with the tip 29 of one or both of the electrical signal contact 86 and the electrical ground contact 88 in the lateral direction T. For example, the attenuation wall 116 may face the first surface 36 of the ground contact 88 that is opposite the wiping surface 34 of the ground contact 88. Because the butt ends of some signal contacts 86 may be mirror images of other signal contacts 86, the attenuation wall 116 may face the first surface 36 of some signal contacts 86 and the second surface 38 of other signal contacts 86. In one example, the attenuation wall 116 may be partial, and thus in this example, the attenuation wall 116 does not extend past the recess 44 and the protrusion 46 of the electrical contact 84 toward the mounting end 28. The attenuation walls 116 may include the rear wall 107, and the dividing walls 108 and lateral outer side walls 109 of the type described above with respect to the connector housing 82, extending from the rear wall 107 to define the corresponding cavities 110. At least one or more up to all of the dividing walls 108 and lateral outer side walls 109 may be aligned with the tips 29 of the signal contacts 86 and the tips 29 of the ground contacts 88 in the lateral direction A. Thus, a portion of the attenuation walls 116 may further be aligned with the tips 29 of the signal contacts 86 and the tips 29 of the ground contacts 88 in the lateral direction A. The attenuation walls 116 may be separate from the housing body 83, or may be supported by the housing body 83 as desired.

[0139] Reference now Figure 17 to Figure 18 In one example, the data communication component can be configured as a cable assembly 120. The cable assembly 120 may include at least one cable 122, such as a plurality of cables 122, and a complementary electrical device 124. The cable 122 may be mounted to corresponding electrical contacts, which may be configured as electrical contact pads of the electrical device 124. In one example, the electrical device 124 may be defined by a substrate 125, which may be configured as a printed circuit board. However, it will be understood from the following description that the electrical device 124 may alternatively be configured as any suitable electrical device. For example, the electrical device may be configured as an electrical connector.

[0140] The cable 122 may be a twinaxial cable including a first electrical signal conductor and a second electrical signal conductor 128 surrounded by a common outer electrically insulating jacket 130. The first electrical signal conductor and the second electrical signal conductor 128 may be disposed in respective inner electrical insulators and thus electrically insulated from each other within the outer electrically insulating jacket 130. Furthermore, in one example, the first electrical signal conductor and the second electrical signal conductor 128 may define a differential signal pair. The twinaxial cable may further define an electrical shield 129 disposed between the inner electrical insulator 127 and the outer electrically insulating jacket 130. Alternatively, the cable 122 may be configured as a coaxial cable including a single electrical conductor surrounded by an outer electrically insulating jacket. An exposed portion of the electrical shield 129 may extend outwardly from the outer electrically insulating jacket 130 in a longitudinal direction L and may terminate at a respective ground contact pad 131 of the substrate 125. The exposed portions of the electrical signal conductors 128 may extend outwardly in the longitudinal direction L relative to the electrical shield 129 and may be mounted to corresponding electrical contact pads 133 of the substrate 125. The exposed signal conductors 128 may be aligned in the lateral direction A with respect to each other.

[0141] The cable assembly 120 may include a lossy material 64. For example, Fig.17 As shown in , the non-conductive lossy material 64 can cover one or more up to all exposed portions of the electrical signal conductors 128. Therefore, the non-conductive lossy material 64 can be disposed on the substrate 125 and can cover at least a portion of the electrical contact pads 93 and the exposed portions of the corresponding electrical signal conductors 128 up to substantially all. Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material 64 can be disposed between adjacent pairs of first and second electrical signal conductors. The lossy material 64 can be separated from the exposed portions of the electrical signal conductors 128 and the corresponding contact pads 123, and can therefore be conductive or non-conductive. Alternatively, the lossy material 64 can contact one or more exposed portions of the electrical conductors 88 and / or the electrical contact pads 123, in which case it can be desirable for the lossy material 64 to be non-conductive. In one example, the lossy material 64 can be arranged in strips, and the strips are disposed between each pair of first and second electrical signal conductors 128 along the lateral direction A. In addition, the strips can be aligned with the exposed portions of the electrical signal conductors 128 in the lateral direction.

[0142] The cable 122 can be configured as at least one cable strap 89 mounted on at least one surface of the substrate 125. Specifically, the substrate 125 can define a first opposing surface 134a and a second opposing surface 134b that are opposite to each other along the transverse direction T. The first cable strap 129 can be mounted to the first surface 134a, and the second cable strap 129 can be mounted to the second surface 134a. Fig.18As shown in , the lossy material 64 can alternatively or additionally be disposed on one or both of the first surface 134a and the second surface 134b so as to be positioned between the substrate 125 and the cable tape 129, which is mounted to one or both of the corresponding first surface 134a and the second surface 134b. For example, the lossy material 64 can be elongated along the lateral direction A and can span at least a portion of the width of the corresponding at least one cable tape 129 along the lateral direction A up to the entire width. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that Figure 17 to Figure 18 The lossy materials shown in can reduce crosstalk during operation of the cable assembly 120.

[0143] Reference now FIG. 19A to FIG. 20B , and as described above, in one example, the cable assembly 120 can include at least one cable 122, such as a plurality of cables 122, and a complementary electrical device 124. The complementary electrical device 124 can be configured as an electrical connector 140, which can also be referred to as a cable connector.

[0144] The electrical connector 140 can include an electrically insulating connector housing 142 and a plurality of electrical contacts 144 supported by the connector housing 142. In one example, the electrical contacts 144 can be press-fitted or otherwise mechanically attached to the connector housing 142. Alternatively, the electrical contacts 144 can be insert molded into the connector housing 142. Still alternatively, the electrical contacts 144 can be supported by at least one lead frame housing of a corresponding lead frame assembly, which in turn is supported by the connector housing 142 in the manner described above. Each electrical contact 144 can define a butt end 146 and a mounting end 148 opposite the butt end 146. The mounting end 148 can be configured to be mounted to a first electrical device, which can be configured as at least one cable, such as the plurality of cables 122.

[0145] The electrical contacts 144 may include electrical signal contacts 167 and ground contacts 168. Adjacent electrical signal contacts 167 along corresponding rows 152 may define differential signal pairs. The electrical contacts 144 may include at least one or more ground contacts 168 between the differential signal pairs along rows 152. When the electrical connector 140 is mated with a second electrical connector, the mating end 146 of the electrical contact 144 may be configured to mate with a corresponding electrical contact of the second electrical connector.

[0146] When the electrical connector 140 is docked with the second electrical connector, the docking end 146 can be configured to dock with the corresponding electrical contact of the second electrical connector. Specifically, the electrical connector 140 can dock with the second electrical connector along a docking direction. The docking end 146 can define an interface that is separable from the corresponding electrical contact of the second electrical connector. Therefore, the electrical connector 140 can be undocked from the second electrical connector along an undocking direction opposite to the docking direction. Both the docking direction and the undocking direction can be oriented along the longitudinal direction L. The mounting end 148 can be configured to be mounted to a first electrical device, and the first electrical device can be configured as at least one cable 122, such as a plurality of cables 122.

[0147] The cable 122 can be mounted to the electrical connector 140 at a cable termination interface. In one example, the mounting end 148 of the signal contact 167 can be configured to be mounted to the corresponding first and second signal conductors 128 of the cable 122. The mounting end 148 of the ground contact 168 can be configured to be mounted to a corresponding electrical shield of the cable 122, or to a drain wire, if present. In one example, the lossy material 64 can be disposed adjacent to the cable termination interface. FIG. 9A to FIG. 9B In the example shown, the lossy material 64 can be configured as a strain relief that is configured to provide strain relief to the signal conductors 128 of the cable 122. The lossy material 64 can cover at least a portion of the total length of the exposed portion of the electrical shield 129 and at least a portion of the ground contact 168 to which the exposed portion of the electrical shield is mounted. In this regard, the lossy material can secure the outer insulating jacket 130 to the connector housing. Thus, the lossy material can provide strain relief for at least one electrical contact. Therefore, if a pulling force is applied to one or more cables 122, the pulling force will be absorbed by the lossy material 64 instead of by the connection between the electrical signal conductors 128 and the electrical signal contacts 167. In one example, the lossy material 64 can be molded onto the exposed portion of the electrical shield 129 and at least a portion of the ground contact 168 to which the exposed portion of the electrical shield is mounted. If desired, the lossy material 64 may alternatively or additionally be as described above with respect to Figure 17 to Figure 18 Configured as described.

[0148] Reference now FIG. 20A to FIG. 20B, the lossy material 64 can surround one or both of the outer insulating jacket 130, the exposed portion of the electrical shield, and the exposed portion of the electrical signal conductor 128 as desired. Specifically, the lossy material 64 can be configured as a protective cover 154, which is configured to be mounted on the electrical connector. The protective cover 154 can have an upper wall 155 and a pair of opposing side walls 156, and when the cover 154 is mounted to the electrical connector 140, the pair of opposing side walls 156 extend downward from the upper wall 155 toward the electrical connector 140. The side walls 156 can be opposite to each other along the lateral direction A. The cover 154 can further include a partition wall 157, which extends downward from the upper wall 155 between the side walls 156. For example, the partition wall 157 can be equidistantly spaced from the side wall 156 relative to the lateral direction A. The partition wall 157 can extend along a portion of the total length of the cover 154 until the entire cover 154 extends along the longitudinal direction L. The cover 154 may define at least one pair of cavities 158 extending from the partition wall 177 to the opposing side walls 156 , respectively.

[0149] During operation, the electrical connector 140 can include a cover 154 mounted thereon so that the cover 154 cooperates with a portion of the electrical connector to surround one or more up to all of the following: a portion of the outer electrically insulating jacket 130, an exposed portion of the electrical shield, and at least a portion up to all of the exposed portions of the electrical signal conductors 128 of one or more electrical cables 122. For example, one or more up to all of the following can be disposed within the first cavity 158: a portion of the outer electrically insulating jacket 130, an exposed portion of the electrical shield, and at least a portion up to all of the exposed portions of the electrical signal conductors 128 of the first cable 122; and one or more up to all of the following can be disposed within the second cavity 158: a portion of the outer electrically insulating jacket 130, an exposed portion of the electrical shield, and at least a portion up to all of the exposed portions of the electrical signal conductors 128 of the second cable 122. A partition wall 177 can be disposed between adjacent cables 122 mounted to the electrical connector. The cover 154 may be mechanically rigid and, therefore, configured to provide a mechanical barrier that protects the cable termination interface.

[0150] Now the overall reference FIG. 21A to FIG. 24It is further recognized that near-end crosstalk (NEXT) can be reduced by applying lossy materials to one or more surfaces of an ungrounded conductive substrate of an electrical shield disposed between adjacent rows of signal contacts. For example, the lossy material can be configured to absorb electromagnetic interference generated during operation of the electrical connector. It has been found that when the conductive substrate is not grounded, and therefore when the electrical shield is not grounded (meaning that any part of the electrical shield including the conductive substrate is not in contact with any electrical ground of the electrical connector, or is not in contact with any grounded conductive structure docked or mounted to the electrical connector), NEXT can be reduced. In addition, it has been found that when the conductive substrate is not mechanically connected to any other conductive structure of the electrical connector, and therefore when the electrical shield is not mechanically connected to any other conductive structure of the electrical connector, NEXT can be reduced. Of course, it is understood that the conductive substrate can also be grounded alternatively if desired. However, the ability to reduce NEXT with an ungrounded electrical shield is a surprising result because an ungrounded electrical shield in an electrical connector typically acts as an antenna, which tends to degrade signal integrity including crosstalk at data frequencies greater than 5 GHz.

[0151] Reference now FIG. 21A to FIG. 21B , the electrical connector assembly 220 may include a first electrical connector 222 and a second electrical connector 224, the second electrical connector 224 being configured to dock to the first electrical connector 222 along a longitudinal direction L, wherein the longitudinal direction L may define a docking direction. The first electrical connector 222 and the second electrical connector 224 may be configured to be mounted to the corresponding first electrical device and the second electrical device. For example, the first electrical connector 222 may be mounted to at least one cable 226 so that the first electrical connector 222 is in electrical communication with at least one cable 226. In this regard, the first electrical connector 222 may be referred to as a cable connector. The second electrical connector 224 may be configured to be mounted to a lower substrate 228, which may be configured as a printed circuit board (PCB). When the first electrical connector 222 and the second electrical connector 224 are mounted to at least one cable 226 and the substrate 228, respectively, the first electrical connector 222 and the second electrical connector 224 place at least one cable 226 and the substrate 228 in electrical communication with each other. Therefore, the electrical connector assembly 220 may further include at least one cable 226 and a substrate 228.

[0152] Also refer to Fig. 22, the first electrical connector 222 may include a first electrically insulating connector housing 230 and a plurality of first electrical contacts 232 supported by the connector housing 230. The electrical contacts 32 may be arranged in a first plurality of rows 234. The rows 234 may be oriented along a lateral direction A that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and may also be referred to as a row direction. In addition, adjacent rows 234 may be spaced apart from each other along a lateral direction T that is perpendicular to the lateral direction A and the longitudinal direction L.

[0153] Each electrical contact 232 may define a docking end 236 and a mounting end 238 opposite the docking end. The mounting end 238 may be configured to be mounted to a first electrical device. When the first electrical connector 222 and the second electrical connector 224 are docked with each other, the docking end 236 may be configured to dock with a corresponding electrical contact 240 of the second electrical connector 224. The docking end 236 and the mounting end 238 may be arranged relative to each other along the longitudinal direction L and oriented along the longitudinal direction L. Therefore, the electrical contact 232 may be referred to as a vertical contact, and the first electrical connector 222 may be referred to as a vertical electrical connector. Alternatively, the docking end 236 and the mounting end 238 may be oriented perpendicularly to each other so that the electrical contact 232 defines a right-angle contact, and the first electrical connector 222 may be referred to as a right-angle electrical connector.

[0154] As described above, the first electrical connector 222 can be mounted to a plurality of cables 226 to define a cable connector. The cables 226 can each include at least one electrical signal conductor 242, and an electrical insulator 244 surrounding the signal conductor 242. The cables 226 can each further include an electrical grounding member. In one example, the electrical grounding member can be configured as an electrical shielding member that at least partially or completely surrounds the electrical insulator 244, and thus at least partially or completely surrounds at least one signal conductor 242. Therefore, it can be said that at least one signal conductor 242 can be electrically shielded, and thus the cables 226 can be electrically shielded. In one example, the cables 226 can be configured as twinaxial cables, each of which includes a pair of signal conductors 242 surrounded by an electrical insulator 244. The pair of signal conductors 242 of each cable 226 can be arranged along a common row 234, or arranged along a lateral direction A. Alternatively, the cables 226 can be configured as coaxial cables, whereby at least one electrical signal conductor 242 only defines a single electrical signal conductor. Adjacent electrical signal conductors 242 along a respective row 234 may define a differential signal pair. Alternatively, the electrical signal conductors 242 may be single ended. Multiple cables may be disposed adjacent to each other along each row 234 as desired.

[0155] The electrical contacts 232 may include electrical signal contacts 247 and electrical ground contacts 248. Alternatively, the electrical contacts 232 may define an open pin area and may not be assigned as ground contacts or signal contacts before use. The mounting ends 238 of the electrical ground contacts 248 may be configured to contact the electrical grounding members of the cable 226 individually. In addition, the electrical ground contacts 248 may be electrically shared with each other. That is, the electrical ground contacts 248 may all be electrically connected to each other. In one example, the electrical ground contacts 248 of each row may be defined by a single integral conductive structure. The conductive structure may be metallic. The mounting ends 238 of the electrical signal contacts 247 may be configured to contact the corresponding electrical signal conductors 242 of the cable 226. The docking ends 236 of the electrical ground contacts 248 may be disposed between adjacent docking ends 236 of the electrical signal contacts 247. For example, at least one butt end 236 of the electrical ground contact 248 can be disposed between adjacent pairs of butt ends 236 of the electrical signal contact 247 along each corresponding row 234. In one example, a pair of butt ends 236 of the electrical ground contact 248 can be disposed between adjacent pairs of butt ends 236 of the electrical signal contact 247 along each corresponding row 234. Thus, the electrical contacts 232 can be arranged in a repeating SSGG configuration along the corresponding rows, where "S" represents one or more of the butt ends 236, the mounting ends 238, and the body of the electrical signal contact 247, and "G" represents one or more of the butt ends 236, the mounting ends 238, and the body of the electrical ground contact 248. The bodies of the electrical signal contact 247 and the electrical ground contact 248 can extend from their respective butt ends 236 to their respective mounting ends 238, respectively. Alternatively, the electrical contacts 232 can be arranged in a repeating SSG configuration along the corresponding rows. In this regard, it should of course be understood that the electrical contacts 232 can be arranged in any suitable alternative configuration of signal contacts and ground contacts as desired. In addition, the butt ends 236 of the electrical ground contacts 248 can be aligned with the butt ends 236 of the electrical signal contacts 247 along the corresponding rows 234. Similarly, the mounting ends 238 of the electrical ground contacts 248 can be aligned with the mounting ends of the electrical signal contacts 247 along the corresponding rows 234.

[0156] The second electrical connector 224 includes a second electrically insulating connector housing 250 and a plurality of second electrical contacts 240 supported by the second connector housing 250. The electrical contacts 232 of the first electrical connector 222 may be insert-molded in the first connector housing 230. Alternatively, the electrical contacts 232 of the first electrical connector 222 may be inserted into the first connector housing 230. Similarly, the electrical contacts 240 of the second electrical connector 224 may be insert-molded in the second connector housing 250. Alternatively, the electrical contacts 240 of the second electrical connector 224 may be inserted into the second connector housing 250.

[0157] The electrical contacts 240 can be arranged in a second plurality of rows 252. The rows 252 can be oriented along the lateral direction A. Furthermore, adjacent rows 252 can be spaced apart from one another along the transverse direction T. Thus, the rows 234 and the rows 252 can be oriented parallel to one another.

[0158] Each electrical contact 240 of the second electrical connector 224 may define a butt end 254 and a mounting end 256 opposite the butt end. The mounting end 256 may be configured to be mounted to the substrate 228 so that the second electrical connector 224 is in electrical communication with the substrate 228. When the first electrical connector 222 and the second electrical connector 224 are butted against each other, the butt end 254 may be configured to butt against the butt end 236 of the corresponding electrical contact 232 of the first electrical connector 222. The butt end 254 and the mounting end 256 may be disposed relative to each other along the longitudinal direction L and oriented along the longitudinal direction L. Therefore, the electrical contact 240 may be referred to as a vertical contact, and the second electrical connector 224 may be referred to as a vertical electrical connector. Alternatively, the butt end 254 and the mounting end 256 may be oriented perpendicularly to each other so that the electrical contact 240 defines a right-angle contact, and the second electrical connector 224 may be referred to as a right-angle electrical connector.

[0159] Reference now FIG. 21A to FIG. 23C , the first electrical connector 222 may include at least one first electrical shield 258, and the at least one first electrical shield 258 is configured to reduce near-end crosstalk in the first electrical connector 222. In addition, the electrical shield 258 can be configured to reduce near-end crosstalk in the first electrical connector assembly 220. Similarly, the second electrical connector may include at least one first electrical shield 258, and the at least one first electrical shield 258 is configured to reduce near-end crosstalk in the second electrical connector 224. In addition, the second electrical shield 260 can be configured to reduce near-end crosstalk in the electrical connector assembly 220. The first electrical shield 258 will now be described, and then the second electrical shield 260 will be described.

[0160] The first electrical shield 258 may include a conductive substrate 262 supported by the connector housing 230. In one example, the conductive substrate 262 may be configured as a plate. In another example, the conductive substrate 262 may define a net. For example, the conductive substrate 262 may include a plurality of conductive fibers. The fibers may be woven to define a net. It should be understood that the net may define a plurality of openings. The openings may be defined by gaps between the fibers. Alternatively, it may be appreciated that an opening extending through the substrate 262 may be defined alternatively. For example, a plurality of openings may be defined in a non-woven substrate or a plate. In one example, the conductive substrate 262 may be metallic. Therefore, the plate or fiber may be metallic. For example, the conductive substrate 262 may be made of copper, which may be pure copper or a copper alloy. Of course, it should be understood that the conductive substrate 262 may be made of and include any suitable alternative material as desired. The electrical shield 260 may be disposed between the first signal contact and the second signal contact 247 to provide electrical shielding therebetween, and therefore the conductive substrate 262 may be disposed between the first signal contact and the second signal contact 247 to provide electrical shielding therebetween. For example, the electrical shield 260 , and thus the conductive substrate 262 , may be disposed between adjacent first and second rows of the plurality of rows 234 of electrical contacts and provide electrical shielding between the signal contacts 247 of the first row and the signal contacts 247 of the second row.

[0161] In one example, the conductive substrate 262 may not be grounded, and therefore the electrical shield 258 may not be grounded. Therefore, the electrical shield 258, and therefore the conductive substrate 262, does not contact any conductive structure, which in turn contacts any ground contact 248. In addition, in one example, the electrical connector 222 can be configured so that any portion of the electrical shield 258, and therefore the conductive substrate 262, does not contact any grounded conductive structure of the electrical connector 222 and does not contact any grounded conductive structure of any conductive structure docked or mounted to the electrical connector 222. Alternatively, in some examples, the conductive substrate 262 can be electrically connected to the electrical ground contact 248 if desired. The conductive substrate 262 can be flat along a plane defined by the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. In addition, the conductive substrate 262 can be positioned equidistantly between the first and second rows 234 relative to the transverse direction T. Of course, it should be understood that the conductive substrate can define any suitable shape as desired. Although the electrical shield 258 is depicted between the first row and the second row, it should be appreciated that the electrical connector 222 may include multiple electrical shields disposed between various adjacent rows in the plurality of rows 234 .

[0162] The electrical shield 258 may also include a lossy material 64 disposed on at least a portion to the entirety of the conductive substrate 262. For example, as described in more detail below, the lossy material 64 may be disposed on a majority of the conductive substrate 262. In one example, the lossy material 64 may be disposed on the entire conductive substrate 262. In one example, the lossy material 64 may be conductive. In another example, the lossy material 64 may be non-conductive. In one example, the lossy material 64 may be disposed on a conductive substrate 262 having a place of business in Houston, Texas. For example, the lossy material 64 may be GDS. Alternatively, the lossy material 64 may be LS-30. In another example, the lossy material can be HM2000 commercially available from Arc Technologies, Inc., with a place of business in Massachusetts. In one example, the lossy material 64 can be a broadband lossy material. Therefore, the lossy material 64 of the first electrical connector 222 of the electrical connector assembly 220 can be free of a CMC that can be configured to tune the absorption frequency of the lossy material 64 as described above.

[0163] The conductive substrate 262 may define a first side 263a and a second side 263b opposite to the first side 263a along the transverse direction T. The first side 263a may face the first row 234, and the second side 263b may face the second row 234. The conductive substrate 262 may further define at least one edge extending from the first side 263a to the second side 263b. For example, the conductive substrate 262 may define a first edge 265a and a second edge 265b opposite to the first edge 265a along the longitudinal direction L. For example, the first edge 265a may be spaced apart from the second edge 265b in the docking direction. Therefore, the first edge 265a may be disposed adjacent to the docking interface of the first electrical connector 222. In addition, the first edge 265a may face the second electrical connector 224. The second edge 265b may be disposed adjacent to the mounting interface of the first electrical connector 222. When the first electrical connector is configured as a vertical connector, the mounting interface of the first electrical connector 222 may face away from the second electrical connector. The conductive substrate 262 may define side edges 265c that are opposite to each other along the lateral direction A and extend from the first edge 265a to the second edge 265b and from the first side 263a to the second side 263b.

[0164] In one example, the lossy material 64 may be disposed on at least one of the first side 263a, the second side 263b, and at least one edge of the conductive substrate 262. For example, the lossy material 64 may be disposed on at least one of the first side 263a and the second side 263b. For example, the lossy material 64 may be disposed on the corresponding entirety of at least one of the first side 263a and the second side 263b. In one example, the lossy material 64 may be disposed on each of the first side 263a and the second side 263b. The lossy material 64 may extend from the first edge 265a to the second edge 265b and between the opposing side edges 265c. Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material 64 may be impregnated in the conductive substrate 262 in the manner described above.

[0165] Thus, the lossy material 64 can extend continuously between the plurality of electrical contacts 232 in the first row and the plurality of electrical contacts 232 in the second row. In one example, the lossy material 64 can extend continuously between all of the signal contacts 247 in the first row 234 and all of the signal contacts 247 in the second row 234. For example, the lossy material 64 can extend continuously between all of the electrical contacts 232 in the first row 234 and all of the electrical contacts 232 in the second row 234. Thus, it will be appreciated that the electrical shield 258, including the substrate 262 and the lossy material 64, can extend to a position that is aligned with the mounting ends 238 of the electrical signal contacts 247 in each of the first row and the second row in the lateral direction T. The mounting position can be referred to as a position where the mounting ends 238 of the signal contacts 247 contact or mount to the signal conductors 242 of the cable 226. Additionally, the electrical shield 258 including the substrate 262 and the lossy material 64 can extend to a position that is aligned with the mating position of the electrical signal contacts 247 in each of the first and second rows along the lateral direction T. The mating position can be referred to as a position where the mating end 236 of the signal contact 247 in the first electrical connector 222 contacts or mates with the signal contact of the second electrical connector 224.

[0166] The conductive substrate 262 may have a thickness from the first side 263a to the second side 263b along the lateral direction T. The lossy material 64 disposed on the first side 263a may also have a thickness along the lateral direction. The thickness of the lossy material 64 disposed on the first side 263a may be greater than, less than, or substantially equal to the thickness of the conductive substrate 262. In one example, the thickness of the lossy material 64 disposed on the first side 263a may be substantially within 50% of the thickness of the conductive substrate 262. Similarly, the lossy material 64 disposed on the second side 263b may also have a thickness along the lateral direction. The thickness of the lossy material 64 disposed on the second side 263b may be greater than, less than, or substantially equal to the thickness of the conductive substrate 262. In one example, the thickness of the lossy material 64 disposed on the second side 263b may be substantially within 50% of the thickness of the conductive substrate 262.

[0167] In one example, the thickness of the electric shield 258 can be in the range of about 5 microns to about 1000 microns, such as from about 5 microns to about 500 microns. For example, the thickness of the electric shield 258 can be in the range of about 10 microns to about 500 microns, such as from about 50 microns to about 300 microns. The thickness of the conductive substrate 262 can be in the range of about 5 microns to about 1000 microns, such as from about 5 microns to about 500 microns. For example, the thickness of the substrate 262 can be in the range of about 10 microns to about 500 microns, such as from about 50 microns to about 300 microns. Of course, it should be understood that the thickness of the conductive substrate 262 and the thickness of the lossy material disposed on each of the first side 263a and the second side 263b can vary as needed.

[0168] In some examples, lossy material 64 may be disposed on one or both of edge 265a and edge 265b. Alternatively or additionally, lossy material 64 may be disposed on one or both of side edges 265c. Thus, it will be appreciated that conductive substrate 262 may be encapsulated by lossy material 64 as desired.

[0169] It should be understood that a method may include the step of supporting the electrical shield 258 by the first connector housing 230. For example, in one example, the lossy material 64 may be applied to the conductive substrate 262 in any suitable manner as desired. For example, the lossy material 64 may be applied to the conductive substrate in any manner described above with respect to the electrical contacts, connector housings, and lead frame housings. Thus, the lossy material may define a coating on the outer surface of the substrate 262. Alternatively, for example, the first substrate 262 defines a plurality of openings passing therethrough, such as when the first substrate 262 is a mesh, the first substrate 262 may be impregnated with the lossy material 64. Thus, the thickness of the electrical shield 258 may be less than the sum of the individual thickness of the lossy material and the individual thickness of the substrate 26. Next, the electrical shield 258 may be insert molded in the first connector housing 230. Alternatively, the electrical shield 258 may be fastened to the connector housing 230 in any manner as desired. Alternatively, the conductive substrate 262 may first be supported by the first connector housing 230. For example, the conductive substrate 262 may be insert molded in the first connector housing. Alternatively, the conductive substrate 262 may be secured to the connector housing 230 in any manner as desired. Next, the lossy material 64 may be applied to the exposed portions of the conductive substrate 262 as described above.

[0170] A portion of the electrical shield 258 may be cantilevered in the mating direction. For example, the connector housing 230 may define a cantilever portion 231, and a portion of the electrical shield 258 may be supported by the cantilever portion. For example, a first portion of the cantilever portion 231 may contact a lossy material 64 disposed on a first side 263a of the conductive substrate 262, and a second portion of the cantilever portion 231 may contact a lossy material 64 disposed on a second side 263b of the conductive substrate 262. The cantilever portion 231 may define a plug that is received in a corresponding socket 251 defined by a second connector housing 250 of the second electrical connector 224, so that the first electrical connector 222 and the second electrical connector 224 are mated with each other. Alternatively, the second electrical connector 224 may define a plug, and the first electrical connector 222 may define a socket.

[0171] Continue to refer FIG. 21A to FIG. 23C, the second electrical shield 260 may include a second conductive substrate 266, which is supported by the second connector housing 250. Therefore, the conductive substrate 262 may be referred to as a first conductive substrate. The second conductive substrate 266 may be constructed as described above with respect to the conductive substrate 262. Therefore, for example, the substrate 266 may be configured as a plate. Alternatively, the substrate 266 may have an opening. For example, the substrate 266 may be configured as a mesh. The electrical shield 260, and therefore the conductive substrate 266, may be disposed between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact 240 to provide electrical shielding therebetween. For example, the second electrical shield 260, and therefore the conductive substrate 266, may be disposed between adjacent rows of the plurality of second rows 252 of the electrical contacts 240. The electrical contacts 240 may include an electrical signal contact 268 and an electrical ground contact 270. The docking end 254 of the electrical signal contact 268 may be configured to dock with the corresponding docking end 236 of the electrical signal contact 247 of the first electrical connector 222. The mounting end 256 of the electrical ground contact 270 can be mounted to the substrate 228. Similarly, the mating end 254 of the electrical ground contact 270 can be configured to mate with the corresponding mating end 236 of the electrical ground contact 270 of the first electrical connector 222. The mounting end 256 of the electrical ground contact 270 can be mounted to the substrate 228.

[0172] The second electrical shield 260 can provide electrical shielding between the signal contacts 268 in the first row and the signal contacts 268 in the second row. In one example, the conductive substrate 266 is metal. For example, the conductive substrate 266 can be made of copper, which can be pure copper or a copper alloy. Of course, it should be understood that the conductive substrate 266 can be made of any suitable alternative material as desired.

[0173] In one example, the second conductive substrate 266 may not be grounded, and therefore the second electrical shield 260 may not be grounded. Therefore, the second electrical shield 260, and therefore the conductive substrate 266, does not contact any conductive structure, which in turn contacts any ground contact 270. In addition, in one example, the electrical connector 224 can be configured so that any portion of the second electrical shield 260, and therefore the conductive substrate 266, does not contact any grounded conductive structure of the electrical connector 224 and any grounded conductive structure of any conductive structure docked or mounted to the electrical connector 224. Alternatively, in some examples, the conductive substrate 266 can be electrically connected to the electrical ground contact 270 if desired. The conductive substrate 266 can be flat along a plane defined by the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. In addition, the conductive substrate 266 can be positioned equidistantly between the first row and the second row 252 relative to the transverse direction T. Of course, it should be understood that the conductive substrate 266 can define any suitable shape as desired. Although the second electrical shield 260 is described as being disposed between the first and second rows 252 , it should be appreciated that the electrical connector 222 may include a plurality of electrical shields disposed between respective different adjacent rows of the plurality of rows 252 .

[0174] The second electrical shield 260 can further include a lossy material 272 disposed on at least a portion of the conductive substrate 266. The lossy material 272 can be as described above with respect to the lossy material 64. Thus, given that the lossy material 272 is included in the second electrical shield 260, the lossy material 272 can be referred to as a second lossy material, but the lossy material 272 can be the same as the lossy material 64, which can be referred to as a first lossy material given that the lossy material 64 is included in the first electrical shield 258. The lossy material 272 can be disposed on a majority of the conductive substrate 266, for example, as described in more detail below. In one example, the lossy material 272 can be disposed on the entire conductive substrate 266. In one example, the lossy material 272 can be conductive. In another example, the lossy material 272 can be non-conductive. In one example, the lossy material 272 can be provided by a company having a place of business in Houston, Texas. In this regard, the lossy material 272 may be the same material as the lossy material 64 of the first electrical shield 258 .

[0175] The second conductive substrate 266 can define a first side 267a and a second side 267b opposite to the first side 267a along the transverse direction T. The first side 267a can face the first row 252, and the second side 267b can face the second row 252. The second conductive substrate 266 can further define at least one edge extending from the first side 267a to the second side 267b. For example, the conductive substrate 266 can define a first edge 269a and a second edge 269b opposite to the first edge 269a along the longitudinal direction L. For example, the first edge 269a can be spaced apart from the second edge 269b in the docking direction. Therefore, the first edge 269a can be disposed adjacent to the docking interface of the first electrical connector 222. In addition, the first edge 269a can face the first electrical connector 222. The second edge 269b can be disposed adjacent to the mounting interface of the second electrical connector 224. Therefore, the second edge 269b can face the substrate 228. The second conductive substrate 266 may define side edges that are opposite to each other along the lateral direction A and extend from the first edge 269a to the second edge 269b and from the first side 267a to the second side 267b.

[0176] In one example, the lossy material 272 may be disposed on at least one of the first side 267a, the second side 267b, and at least one edge of the conductive substrate 266. For example, the lossy material 272 may be disposed on at least one of the first side 267a and the second side 267b. For example, the lossy material 272 may be disposed on the corresponding entirety of at least one of the first side 267a and the second side 267b. In one example, the lossy material 272 may be disposed on each of the first side 267a and the second side 267b. The lossy material 272 may extend from the first edge 269a to the second edge 269b, and extend from between the opposing side edges. Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material 272 may be impregnated in the second conductive substrate 266 in the manner described above.

[0177] Thus, the lossy material 272 can extend continuously between the plurality of electrical contacts 240 in the first row 252 and the plurality of electrical contacts 240 in the second row 252. In one example, the lossy material 272 can extend continuously between all of the signal contacts 268 in the first row 262 and all of the signal contacts 268 in the second row 262. For example, the lossy material 272 can extend continuously between all of the electrical contacts 240 in the first row 262 and all of the electrical contacts 240 in the second row 252. Thus, it can be appreciated that the second electrical shield 260, including the substrate 266 and the lossy material 272, can extend to a position that is aligned with the mounting ends 256 of the electrical signal contacts 268 in each of the first row and the second row 252 along the lateral direction T. The mounting position can be referred to as a position where the mounting ends 256 of the signal contacts 268 contact or mount to a solder ball, which in turn is mounted to the substrate 228. The second electrical shield 260 can extend outward from the mounting end of the connector housing 250 toward the substrate 228 to a position spaced apart from the substrate 228 along the longitudinal direction L, thereby defining a gap extending from the second electrical shield 260 to the substrate 228. For example, the gap can extend from the second edge 269b to the substrate 28. In one example, the gap can be less than about 0.5mm. For example, the gap can be less than about 0.3mm. In one example, the gap can be about 0.1mm. When the second electrical connector 224 is mounted to the substrate 228, the mounting end of the connector housing 250 can face the substrate 228. It can be desirable to minimize this gap and all gaps disclosed herein to enhance the effective shielding of the electrical shield 258 and the electrical shield 260. It can be further desirable to remove this gap.

[0178] In addition, the second electrical shield 260 including the substrate 266 and the lossy material 272 can extend to a position that is aligned with the mating position of the electrical signal contacts 268 in each of the first row and the second row along the lateral direction T. The mating position can be referred to as a position where the mating end 254 of the signal contact 268 in the second electrical connector 24 contacts the signal contact 247 of the first electrical connector 222 or mates with the signal contact 247 of the first electrical connector 222.

[0179] The conductive substrate 266 may have a thickness from the first side 267a to the second side 267b along the lateral direction T. The lossy material 272 disposed on the first side 267a may also have a thickness along the lateral direction. The thickness of the lossy material 272 disposed on the first side 267a may be greater than, less than, or substantially equal to the thickness of the conductive substrate 266. In one example, the thickness of the lossy material 272 disposed on the first side 267a may be substantially within 50% of the thickness of the conductive substrate 266. Similarly, the lossy material 272 disposed on the second side 267b may also have a thickness along the lateral direction. The thickness of the lossy material 272 disposed on the second side 267b may be greater than, less than, or substantially equal to the thickness of the conductive substrate 266. In one example, the thickness of the lossy material 272 disposed on the second side 267b may be substantially within 50% of the thickness of the conductive substrate 266.

[0180] In one example, in one example, the thickness of the second electrical shield 260 can be in the range of about 5 microns to about 1000 microns, such as from about 5 microns to about 500 microns. For example, the thickness of the second electrical shield 260 can be in the range of about 10 microns to about 500 microns, such as about 50 microns to about 300 microns. Therefore, it should be understood that the second electrical shield 260 can have the same thickness as the first electrical shield 258. In addition, the lossy material 272 can have the same thickness as the lossy material 64. The thickness of the second conductive substrate 266 can be in the range of about 5 microns to about 1000 microns, such as from about 5 microns to about 500 microns. For example, the thickness of the substrate 266 can be in the range of about 10 microns to about 500 microns, such as about 50 microns to about 300 microns. Of course, it should be understood that the thickness of the conductive substrate 266 and the thickness of the lossy material 272 disposed on each of the first side 267a and the second side 267b can vary as needed.

[0181] In some examples, lossy material 272 can be disposed on one or both of edge 267a and edge 267b. Alternatively or additionally, lossy material 272 can be disposed on one or both side edges. Thus, it will be appreciated that conductive substrate 262 can be encapsulated with lossy material 272 as desired.

[0182] It should be understood that a method may include the step of supporting the second electrical shield 260 by the second connector housing 250. For example, in one example, the lossy material 272 may be applied to the conductive substrate 266 as described above with respect to applying the lossy material 64 to the conductive substrate 262. Next, the second electrical shield 260 may be insert molded into the second connector housing 250. Alternatively, the second electrical shield 260 may be secured to the connector housing 250 in any manner as desired. Alternatively, the conductive substrate 266 may first be supported by the second connector housing 250. For example, the conductive substrate 266 may be insert molded into the second connector housing 250. Alternatively, the conductive substrate 266 may be secured to the connector housing 250 in any manner as desired. Next, the lossy material 272 may be applied to the exposed portion of the conductive substrate 266 as described above.

[0183] Reference now Fig.21B and FIG. 23A to FIG. 23C , and as described above, the first electrical connector 222 and the second electrical connector 224 are configured to dock with each other. In addition, in one example, the first electrical shield 258 and the second electrical shield 260 can be aligned with each other along the longitudinal direction L. In addition, the electrical connector assembly 220 can define a space extending from the first electrical shield 258 to the second electrical shield 260 along the longitudinal direction L. Specifically, the first electrical shield 258 can extend to the mounting end of the connector housing 230 along the longitudinal direction L. When the first electrical connector 222 and the second electrical connector 224 dock with each other, the mounting end of the connector housing 230 can face the second electrical connector 224. Alternatively, the first electrical shield 258 can be recessed inwardly along the longitudinal direction L relative to the mounting end of the connector housing 30. The mounting end of the connector housing 230 can be aligned with the first electrical shield 258, especially with the first edge 265a, along the longitudinal direction L. In addition, the second electrical shield 260 can extend to the docking end of the second connector housing 250, especially at the area of ​​the docking end aligned with the second electrical shield 260 along the longitudinal direction L.

[0184] When the first electrical connector 222 and the second electrical connector 224 are mated with each other, the mating ends of the corresponding first connector housing 230 and the second connector housing 250 can be adjacent to each other. Because the first electrical shield 258 can be recessed from the mating end of the first housing 30, and the second electrical shield 260 extends to the mating end of the second housing 250, the electrical connector assembly 220 can define a gap extending from the first electrical shield 258 to the second electrical shield 258 in the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, the first electrical shield 258 can extend to the mating end of the first housing 230, and the second electrical shield 260 can be recessed from the mating end of the second housing 250. Alternatively, each of the first electrical shield 258 and the second electrical shield 260 can be recessed from the mating end of the first housing 230 and the mating end of the second housing 250, respectively. In one example, the gap can be less than about 0.5 mm. For example, the gap can be less than about 0.3 mm.

[0185] In one example, each of the first electrical connector 222 and the second electrical connector 224 can be configured to transmit signals along the corresponding electrical signal contacts at a data transmission speed of 256 gigabits per second, wherein the worst case asynchronous multi-source crosstalk does not exceed 4% at a rise time of about 5 picoseconds to about 240 picoseconds. For example, each of the first electrical connector 222 and the second electrical connector 224 can be configured to transmit signals along the corresponding electrical signal contacts at a data transmission speed of 256 gigabits per second, wherein the worst case asynchronous multi-source crosstalk does not exceed 5% at a rise time of about 5 picoseconds to about 240 picoseconds. In another example, each of the first electrical connector 222 and the second electrical connector 224 can be configured to transmit signals along the corresponding electrical signal contacts at a data transmission speed of 256 gigabits per second, wherein the worst case asynchronous multi-source crosstalk does not exceed 5% at a rise time of about 5 picoseconds to about 240 picoseconds.

[0186] In one example, the first electrical shield 258 and the second electrical shield 260 may be aligned with each other along the longitudinal direction. For example, the first electrical shield 258 and the second electrical shield 260 may be coplanar with each other along a plane defined by the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. Therefore, the first conductive substrate 262 and the second conductive substrate 266 may be aligned with each other along the longitudinal direction L. In addition, the first electrical shield 258 and the second electrical shield 260 may be coplanar with each other along a plane defined by the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. In addition, the lossy material 64 disposed on the first side 263a of the first conductive substrate 262 may be aligned with the lossy material 272 disposed on the first side 267a of the second conductive substrate 266. For example, the lossy material 64 disposed on the first side 263a of the first conductive substrate 262 may be coplanar with the lossy material 272 disposed on the first side 267a along a plane defined by the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. Furthermore, the lossy material 64 disposed on the second side 263b of the first conductive substrate 262 can be aligned with the lossy material 272 disposed on the second side 267b of the second conductive substrate 266. For example, the lossy material 64 disposed on the second side 263b of the first conductive substrate 262 can be coplanar with the lossy material 272 disposed on the second side 267b along a plane defined by the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A.

[0187] Reference now Fig.24 In another example, at least corresponding portions of the first shield 258 and the second shield 260 may overlap each other along the lateral direction T. Specifically, the first conductive substrate 262 and the second conductive substrate 266 may be offset relative to each other along the lateral direction T. In addition, the first conductive substrate 262 may extend outwardly from the connector housing 230 toward the second electrical connector 224. In addition, a portion of the first substrate 262 may be received by the second connector housing 250. Alternatively or additionally, the second conductive substrate 266 may extend outwardly from the connector housing 250 toward the first electrical connector 222. In addition, a portion of the second substrate 266 may be received by the first connector housing 220.

[0188] Thus, a portion of the first substrate 262 may overlap a portion of the second substrate 266 so that a straight line oriented along the transverse direction T may pass through each of the first substrate 262 and the second substrate 266. In one example, a portion of the first side 263a of the first substrate 262 and a portion of the second side 267b of the second substrate 266 may face each other along the transverse direction T. The first substrate 262 and the second substrate 266 may overlap each other along the longitudinal direction L by any suitable distance as desired. For example, in one example, the first substrate 262 and the second substrate 266 may overlap each other along the longitudinal direction L by up to about 2.5 mm. For example, the first substrate 262 and the second substrate 266 may overlap each other along the longitudinal direction L by up to about 1 mm. In another example, the first substrate 262 and the second substrate 266 may overlap each other along the longitudinal direction L by about 0.5 mm.

[0189] Further, the first conductive substrate 262 may overlap with the lossy material 272 disposed at a first overlap region on one or both of the first side 267a and the second side 267b of the second conductive substrate 266. In addition, the first side 263a of the first conductive substrate 262 may abut the lossy material 272 disposed on the second side 267b of the second conductive substrate 266. Thus, the lossy material disposed on the second side 267b of the second conductive substrate 266 may be disposed between the first conductive substrate 262 and the second conductive substrate 266 at the first overlap region.

[0190] Similarly, the second conductive substrate 266 may overlap with the lossy material 64, which is disposed on one or both of the first side 263a and the second side 263b of the first conductive substrate 262 at the second overlap region. In addition, the second side 267b of the second conductive substrate 266 may abut the lossy material 64 disposed on the first side 263a of the first conductive substrate 262. Therefore, the lossy material 64 disposed on the first side 263a of the first conductive substrate 262 may be disposed between the first conductive substrate 262 and the second conductive substrate 266 at the second overlap region. In one example, the first overlap region and the second overlap region may have a substantially equal distance along the longitudinal direction L. The distance may range from greater than 0 mm to about 1.5 mm. For example, the distance may range from greater than 0 mm to about 1 mm. Specifically, the distance may range from greater than 0 mm to about 0.5 mm. In a specific example, the distance may be about 0.25 mm.

[0191] In addition, the lossy material 64 disposed on the first side 263a of the first conductive substrate 262 may be aligned with the lossy material 272 disposed on the second side 267b of the second conductive substrate 266 along the longitudinal direction L. In addition, the lossy material 64 disposed on the first side 263a of the first conductive substrate 262 may be adjacent to the lossy material 272 disposed on the second side 267b of the second conductive substrate 266. Alternatively, the gap may extend from the lossy material 64 disposed on the first side 263a of the first conductive substrate 262 to the lossy material 272 disposed on the second side 267b of the second conductive substrate 266 along the longitudinal direction L. Unless otherwise specified, the lossy material 64 disposed on the side 263a of the first substrate 262 and the lossy material 272 disposed on the side 267b of the second substrate 266, respectively, are aligned with each other along the butting direction, wherein the side 263a and the side 267b face each other.

[0192] Alternatively, the electrical shield of one of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector can extend outwardly a sufficient distance from the butt end of the corresponding electrical contact so that the electrical shield is disposed between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact of the other of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector. The first electrical contact and the second electrical contact can be configured as signal contacts. In one example, the electrical shield of one of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector can extend outwardly a sufficient distance from the butt end of the corresponding electrical contact so that the electrical shield is the only electrical shield disposed between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact of the other of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector. For example, the electrical shield of one of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector can extend outwardly a sufficient distance from the butt end of the corresponding electrical contact so that the electrical shield is disposed between the first row of electrical contacts and the second row of electrical contacts of the other of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector. In one example, an electrical shield of one of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector can extend outwardly a sufficient distance from the mating end of the corresponding electrical contact so that the electrical shield is the only electrical shield disposed between the first row of electrical contacts and the second row of electrical contacts of the other of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector.

[0193] Although the lossy material 64 may be supported by the electrical connector assembly or by a component thereof as described above, it will be appreciated that the lossy material may alternatively be disposed on other components of the data communication assembly. Fig.25, a lossy material may be applied around an opening 180 of an electric cage 182, which is configured to receive a transceiver through the opening 180. The cage 182 may be metallic. In one example, the lossy material may be configured as a collar that surrounds all sides of the cage 182 in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the opening 180. Alternatively, the lossy material may surround at least one or more up to all sides of the cage 182 in a plane. The lossy material may be disposed on an outer surface of the cage 182, the outer surface of the cage 182 being opposite to an inner surface of the cage 182, which in turn defines the opening 180.

[0194] It should be understood that the above description is only an illustration of the present invention. Various substitutions and modifications can be envisioned by those skilled in the art without departing from the present invention. In addition, it should be understood that, unless otherwise noted, all features of all examples disclosed herein can be incorporated into all other examples. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, lossy materials according to one example of an electrical contact, lead frame assembly, electrical connector, cable assembly, or data communication assembly can be incorporated into any other example disclosed herein. Therefore, the present invention is intended to cover all such substitutions, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electrical contact of an electrical connector, comprising a contact body and a lossy material located on a first surface of a mating end of the contact body, wherein the first surface is opposite to a wiping surface of the mating end, the lossy material is not disposed on the wiping surface, and wherein the electrical contact is assigned as a signal contact or a ground contact.

2. The electrical contact of claim 1, wherein the lossy material is conductive.

3. The electrical contact of claim 2, wherein the lossy material has an electrical conductivity of greater than 1 Siemens per meter up to 6.1 x 10^7 Siemens per meter.

4. The electrical contact of claim 1, wherein the lossy material is non-conductive and absorbs electromagnetic interference within a first frequency, ±5 GHz.

5. The electrical contact of claim 4, wherein the lossy material has an electrical conductivity ranging from 1 Siemens per meter to 1 x 10^-17 Siemens per meter.

6. The electrical contact of claim 1, wherein the lossy material comprises a carbon microcoil.

7. An electrical contact according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lossy material is electrically lossy.

8. An electrical contact according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lossy material is magnetically lossy.

9. The electrical contact of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lossy material is further disposed on a base of the contact body. 10 . The electrical contact of claim 9 , wherein the base of the contact body is configured to be supported by and disposed in an electrically insulating housing.

11. The electrical contact of claim 10, wherein the contact body defines a mounting end extending from the base.

12. An electrical contact as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lossy material is on a tip of the contact body.

13. The electrical contact of claim 12, wherein the lossy material encapsulates the tip.

14. The electrical contact of claim 12, wherein the tip extends from a portion of a contact body that engages a corresponding structure to form an electrical connection.

15. The electrical contact according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the contact: connected to ground, reference, or power; or Transmit electrical signals.

16. An electrical contact as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lossy material is tuned to a frequency.

17. The electrical contact of claim 1 wherein said lossy material is located on only one side of said contact body.

18. An electrical connector comprising an electrically insulating connector housing and a plurality of electrical contacts supported by the connector housing, at least one electrical contact of the plurality of electrical contacts being configured as an electrical contact according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

19. The electrical connector of claim 18, wherein the at least one electrical contact is a ground contact.

20. The electrical connector of claim 19, wherein the ground contacts are disposed between adjacent differential signal pairs.

21. The electrical connector of claim 18, wherein the plurality of electrical contacts includes all ground contacts of the electrical connector.

22. The electrical connector of claim 18, wherein the at least one electrical contact is a signal contact.

23. The electrical connector of claim 18, wherein the plurality of electrical contacts includes all signal contacts of the electrical connector.

24. The electrical connector of claim 18, wherein a first one of the electrical contacts comprises a lossy material tuned to a first frequency and a second one of the electrical contacts comprises a lossy material tuned to a second frequency different from the first frequency.

25. The electrical connector of claim 18, wherein the lossy material is only on a signal contact of the electrical contact or only on a ground contact of the electrical contact.

26. An electrical contact roll comprising electrical contacts, each of the electrical contacts being configured as an electrical contact according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

27. A method for applying a lossy material to an electrical contact of an electrical connector, the method comprising the step of applying the lossy material to the tip of the contact body of the electrical contact, whereby the lossy material encapsulates the tip, wherein the tip flares outward from a wiping surface of the electrical contact, the electrical contact engages with a corresponding structure to form an electrical connection, wherein the electrical contact is assigned as a signal contact or a ground contact.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the applying step includes the step of molding the lossy material onto the electrical contact.

29. A method according to any one of claims 27 to 28, wherein the lossy material is electrically conductive.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the lossy material has an electrical conductivity of greater than 1 Siemens per meter up to 6.1 x 10^7 Siemens per meter.

31. The method of any one of claims 27 to 28, wherein the lossy material is non-conductive.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the lossy material has an electrical conductivity ranging from 1 Siemens per meter to 1 x 10^-17 Siemens per meter.

33. The method of claim 31 , wherein the lossy material absorbs electromagnetic interference at a first frequency of ±5 GHz.

34. The method of claim 27, wherein the lossy material comprises a carbon microcoil.

35. The method of claim 29, wherein the lossy material is electrically lossy.

36. The method of any one of claims 27 to 28, wherein the lossy material is magnetically lossy.

37. The method of any one of claims 27 to 28, wherein the lossy material is applied to a base of the electrical contact.

38. The method of any one of claims 27 to 28, wherein providing the electrical contact comprises stamping the electrical contact from a metal sheet.

39. The method of any one of claims 27 to 28, wherein the electrical contact is included in an electrical contact roll.

40. The method of any one of claims 27 to 28, wherein the electrical contact is connected to ground or carries an electrical signal.

41. The method of any one of claims 27 to 28, wherein applying the lossy material comprises: Provide lossy material sheets; cutting the sheet; as well as The electrical contact is moved to physically contact the severed slices such that the lossy material adheres to the electrical contact.

42. A method according to any one of claims 27 to 28, wherein the lossy material is tuned to a predetermined frequency.

43. The method of any one of claims 27 to 28, wherein the lossy material applied to the first electrical contact is substantially tuned to a first frequency, and the lossy material applied to the second electrical contact is substantially tuned to a second frequency different from the first frequency.

44. A method according to any one of claims 27 to 28, wherein the lossy material is applied only to electrical contacts that carry electrical signals, or only to electrical contacts that are connected to ground.

45. An electrical connector, comprising: an electrically insulating connector housing; a plurality of electrical contacts supported by the connector housing, wherein the electrical contacts are arranged along a plurality of rows; as well as An electrical shield includes an ungrounded conductive substrate supported by the connector housing and disposed between adjacent rows, wherein the electrical shield further includes a lossy material configured to absorb electromagnetic interference.

46. ​​The electrical connector of claim 45, wherein the substrate comprises a board.

47. The electrical connector of claim 45, wherein the substrate is nonwoven.

48. The electrical connector of claim 45, wherein the substrate is woven.

49. The electrical connector of claim 48, wherein the substrate comprises a mesh.

50. An electrical connector as claimed in any one of claims 45 to 49, wherein the conductive substrate is not in mechanical contact with any grounded metal structure.

51. An electrical connector according to claim 45, wherein 1) the conductive substrate defines: i) a first side, the first side facing a first row of adjacent rows; ii) a second side, the second side opposite the first side and facing a second row of the adjacent rows, and iii) at least one edge extending from the first side to the second side, and 2) the electrical shield further includes a lossy material disposed on at least one of the first side, the second side and the at least one edge.

52. The electrical connector of claim 51 , wherein the electrical shield has a thickness ranging from 5 microns to 500 microns.

53. The electrical connector of claim 51, wherein the lossy material is non-conductive.

54. The electrical connector of claim 53, wherein the lossy material has an electrical conductivity ranging from 1 Siemens per meter to 1 x 10^-17 Siemens per meter.

55. The electrical connector of claim 51, wherein the lossy material is electrically conductive.

56. The electrical connector of claim 55, wherein the lossy material has an electrical conductivity of greater than 1 Siemens per meter up to 6.1 x 10^7 Siemens per meter.

57. The electrical connector of claim 51, wherein the lossy material is disposed on the entirety of at least one of the first side and the second side.

58. The electrical connector of claim 51, wherein the lossy material is disposed on each of the first side and the second side.

59. The electrical connector of claim 58, wherein the lossy material extends continuously between the first row of plurality of electrical contacts and the second row of plurality of electrical contacts.

60. The electrical connector of claim 58, wherein the lossy material extends continuously between all of the electrical contacts in the first row and all of the electrical contacts in the second row.

61. The electrical connector of claim 58, wherein the lossy material is disposed on a respective entirety of each of the first side and the second side.

62. An electrical connector according to claim 51, wherein the electrical shielding member has a thickness along a direction separating the first row and the second row from each other, the lossy material disposed on the first side has a corresponding thickness along the direction within 50% of the thickness of the conductive substrate, and the lossy material disposed on the second side has a corresponding thickness along the direction within 50% of the thickness of the conductive substrate.

63. The electrical connector of claim 62, wherein the respective thicknesses of the lossy material disposed on the first side and the lossy material disposed on the second side are substantially equal to the thickness of the conductive substrate.

64. An electrical connector according to any one of claims 62 to 63, wherein the thickness of the electrical shield is in the range of 5 microns to 1000 microns.

65. An electrical connector according to any one of claims 62 to 63, wherein the thickness of the electrical shield is in the range of 5 microns to 500 microns.

66. An electrical connector according to any one of claims 62 to 63, wherein the electrical shield has a thickness in the range of 10 microns to 300 microns.

67. The electrical connector of claim 51, wherein the lossy material is disposed on the at least one edge.

68. The electrical connector of claim 51, wherein the conductive substrate is encapsulated by the lossy material.

69. The electrical connector of claim 51, wherein the electrical contacts are arranged in a repeating SSGG pattern.

70. The electrical connector of claim 51 , wherein the electrical connector is a cable connector and the electrical contacts are mounted to corresponding cables.

71. The electrical connector of claim 70, wherein the electrical contacts include electrical ground contacts mounted to a corresponding ground of the electrical cable.

72. The electrical connector of claim 71, wherein each of the rows of ground contacts defines a respective single unitary structure.

73. An electrical connector as claimed in any one of claims 71 to 72, wherein the electrical contacts include signal contacts mounted to corresponding signal conductors of at least one of the cables.

74. The electrical connector of claim 73, wherein the signal conductors are shielded by shields of corresponding cables.

75. An electrical connector as claimed in claim 74, wherein the shielding of the corresponding cable defines a ground for the cable.

76. The electrical connector of claim 73, wherein the electrical cable is a twinaxial cable such that adjacent signal conductors are mounted to corresponding signal conductors of a common twinaxial cable.

77. The electrical connector of claim 51, further comprising a plurality of said electrical shields, each of said electrical shields being disposed between different adjacent rows.

78. The electrical connector of claim 51, wherein the conductive substrate is metallic.

79. The electrical connector of claim 51, wherein the conductive substrate comprises copper.

80. The electrical connector of claim 51, wherein the conductive substrate is flat.

81. The electrical connector of claim 51 , wherein the electrical shield extends to a mounting end of the connector housing.

82. The electrical connector of claim 51, wherein the electrical shield is recessed relative to a mating end of the connector housing.

83. An electrical connector assembly, comprising: The electrical connector of claim 51, wherein the electrical connector is a first electrical connector, wherein the electrically insulating connector housing is an electrically insulating first connector housing, the plurality of electrical contacts is a first plurality of electrical contacts, the electrical shield is a first electrical shield, the conductive substrate is a first conductive substrate, and the plurality of rows is a first plurality of rows; as well as A second electrical connector, the second electrical connector comprising: i) an electrically insulating second connector housing; ii) a plurality of second electrical contacts supported by the second connector housing, wherein The second electrical contacts are arranged along a second plurality of rows; and iii) a second electrical shield comprising an ungrounded second conductive substrate supported by the second connector housing and disposed between second adjacent rows of the second plurality of rows of electrical contacts, The first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are configured to mate with each other along a mating direction so that the first electrical contact mates with a corresponding second electrical contact of the second electrical contact.

84. The electrical connector assembly of claim 83, wherein the second conductive substrate is not in mechanical contact with any grounded metal structure.

85. An electrical connector assembly according to claim 83, wherein 1) the second conductive substrate defines i) a first side, the first side facing the first row of the second adjacent rows, ii) a second side, the second side is opposite to the first side and faces the second row of the second adjacent rows, and iii) at least one edge, the at least one edge extending from the first side to the second side, and 2) the electrical shield further includes a lossy material disposed on at least one of the first side, the second side and the at least one edge.

86. The electrical connector assembly of claim 85, wherein the lossy material is non-conductive.

87. The electrical connector assembly of claim 86, wherein the lossy material has an electrical conductivity ranging from 1 Siemens per meter to 1 x 10^-17 Siemens per meter.

88. The electrical connector assembly of claim 85, wherein the lossy material is electrically conductive.

89. The electrical connector assembly of claim 88, wherein the lossy material has an electrical conductivity of greater than 1 Siemens per meter up to 6.1 x 10^7 Siemens per meter.

90. The electrical connector assembly of any one of claims 85 to 89, wherein the lossy material is disposed on the entirety of at least one of the first side, the second side, and the at least one edge of the second conductive substrate.

91. The electrical connector assembly of any one of claims 85 to 89, wherein the lossy material is disposed on each of the first side and the second side.

92. The electrical connector assembly of claim 91, wherein the lossy material extends continuously between the first row of plurality of electrical contacts and the second row of plurality of electrical contacts.

93. The electrical connector assembly of claim 91, wherein the lossy material extends continuously between all of the electrical contacts in the first row and all of the electrical contacts in the second row.

94. The electrical connector assembly of claim 91, wherein the lossy material is disposed on a respective entirety of each of the first side and the second side of the second conductive substrate.

95. An electrical connector assembly according to any one of claims 85 to 89, wherein the second electrical shielding member has a thickness along a direction separating the first row and the second row of the second adjacent rows from each other, the lossy material disposed on the first side has a corresponding thickness along the direction within 50% of the thickness of the second conductive substrate, and the lossy material disposed on the second side has a corresponding thickness along the direction within 50% of the thickness of the second conductive substrate.

96. The electrical connector assembly of claim 95, wherein the respective thicknesses of the lossy material disposed on the first side and the lossy material disposed on the second side are substantially equal to the thickness of the second conductive substrate.

97. The electrical connector assembly of claim 95, wherein the second electrical shield has a thickness in the range of 5 microns to 1000 microns.

98. The electrical connector assembly of claim 97, wherein the electrical shield has a thickness in the range of 5 microns to 500 microns.

99. The electrical connector assembly of claim 98, wherein the electrical shield has a thickness in the range of 10 microns to 300 microns.

100. The electrical connector assembly of claim 99, wherein the second conductive substrate has a thickness in the range of 5 microns to 500 microns.

101. The electrical connector assembly of claim 95, wherein the lossy material is disposed on the at least one edge of the second conductive substrate.

102. The electrical connector assembly of claim 95, wherein the second conductive substrate is encapsulated by the lossy material.

103. The electrical connector assembly of claim 83, wherein the second electrical connector further comprises a plurality of the second electrical shields, each of the second electrical shields being disposed between different adjacent rows.

104. The electrical connector assembly of claim 83, wherein the second conductive substrate is metallic.

105. The electrical connector assembly of claim 83, wherein the second conductive substrate comprises copper.

106. The electrical connector assembly of claim 83, wherein the second conductive substrate is flat.

107. The electrical connector assembly of claim 83, wherein the second electrical shield extends to a mating end of the second connector housing.

108. The electrical connector assembly of claim 83, wherein each of the second electrical shields extends outwardly from a mounting end of the second connector housing.

109. The electrical connector assembly of claim 83, wherein the second electrical connector is configured to be mounted to an underlying substrate.

110. The electrical connector assembly of claim 109, wherein the lower substrate comprises a printed circuit board.

111. The electrical connector assembly of claim 109, wherein when the second electrical connector is mounted to the lower substrate, the second electrical shield extends outwardly from the second connector housing toward the lower substrate to define a space extending from the second electrical shield to the lower substrate.

112. The electrical connector assembly of claim 111, wherein the spacing is less than 0.3 mm.

113. The electrical connector assembly of claim 111, wherein the spacing is 0.1 mm.

114. The electrical connector assembly of any one of claims 109 to 113, further comprising the lower substrate.

115. The electrical connector assembly of claim 83, wherein the first electrical shield and the second electrical shield are each flat along the mating direction and the row direction.

116. An electrical connector assembly according to claim 83, wherein the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are docked with each other at respective docking positions, and one of the first electrical shield and the second electrical shield is aligned with the docking position along a lateral direction perpendicular to the docking direction.

117. The electrical connector assembly of claim 83, wherein the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact mate with each other at respective mating positions, and the first electrical shield is aligned with the mating position along a lateral direction perpendicular to the mating direction.

118. The electrical connector assembly of claim 83, wherein the first electrical shield and the second electrical shield are coplanar with each other.

119. The electrical connector assembly of claim 83, wherein the first electrical shield and the second electrical shield are aligned with each other along the mating direction.

120. The electrical connector assembly of claim 83, wherein the first electrical shield and the second electrical shield are spaced apart from each other along the mating direction so as to define a space therebetween when the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are mated with each other.

121. An electrical connector assembly as described in claim 120, wherein the spacing is less than 0.3 mm.

122. The electrical connector assembly of claim 121, wherein the spacing is 0.1 mm.

123. The electrical connector assembly of claim 83, wherein when the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are mated with each other, the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate are offset relative to each other in a lateral direction perpendicular to the mating direction.

124. An electrical connector assembly as described in claim 123, wherein the direction is also perpendicular to the direction of the rows.

125. The electrical connector assembly of claim 124, wherein when the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are mated with each other, at least corresponding portions of the first electrical shield and the second electrical shield overlap each other along the lateral direction.

126. The electrical connector assembly of claim 125, wherein the first conductive substrate overlaps the lossy material of the second electrical shield along the lateral direction.

127. The electrical connector assembly of any one of claims 125 to 126, wherein the second conductive substrate overlaps the lossy material of the first electrical shield along the lateral direction.

128. An electrical connector assembly according to claim 123, wherein the lossy materials arranged on the surface of the first conductive substrate and the surface of the second conductive substrate are aligned with each other along the mating direction, wherein the surface of the first conductive substrate and the surface of the second conductive substrate face each other.

129. A method for reducing NEXT in an electrical connector, the method comprising the steps of: An electrical shielding member for an electrical connector according to any one of claims 45 to 49 is produced.

130. A method for reducing NEXT in an electrical connector, the method comprising the steps of: An electric shield of the electric connector according to any one of claims 48 to 49 is supported in a connector housing of the electric connector according to any one of claims 45 to 49.

131. The method of claim 130, wherein the supporting step comprises insert molding the electrical shield in the connector housing.

132. The method of claim 130, wherein the supporting step is performed prior to applying the lossy material to the conductive substrate.

133. The method of claim 130, wherein the supporting step is performed after applying the lossy material to the conductive substrate.

134. A method of reducing NEXT in an electrical connector, the method comprising the step of producing a second electrical shield of an electrical connector assembly according to any one of claims 83 to 89.

135. A method for reducing NEXT in an electrical connector, the method comprising the steps of: A second electrical shield of the electrical connector assembly according to any one of claims 83 to 89 is supported in a second connector housing of the electrical connector assembly according to any one of claims 83 to 89.

136. The method of claim 135, wherein the supporting step includes insert molding the second electrical shield in the second connector housing.

137. The method of any one of claims 135 to 136, wherein the supporting step is performed before applying the lossy material to the second conductive substrate.

138. The method of any one of claims 135 to 136, wherein the supporting step is performed after applying the lossy material to the second conductive substrate.

139. The method according to any one of claims 135 to 136, further comprising the step of docking the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector with each other.

140. A method of reducing NEXT in an electrical connector assembly, the method comprising the step of docking the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector of the electrical connector assembly according to any one of claims 83 to 89.

141. An electrical contact, comprising: a contact body, a mounting end, and a docking end, the contact body defining a middle portion, the mounting end extending outwardly from the middle portion and configured to be mounted to a first complementary electrical device, the docking end extending outwardly from the middle portion and opposite the mounting end, wherein the docking end is configured to dock with a second complementary electrical device at a separable interface, wherein the docking end defines a wiping surface, the wiping surface is configured to wipe an electrical contact of the second complementary electrical device to form an electrical connection, and wherein the contact body terminates at a distal tip; as well as a non-conductive and magnetically absorptive lossy material disposed on a first surface of the contact body at the tip, wherein the first surface is opposite a second surface, the second surface defines the wiping surface, and the tip flares outwardly from the wiping surface, Therein, the electrical contacts are assigned as signal contacts or ground contacts.

142. An electrical contact as described in claim 141, wherein the first surface defines a recess at the butt end.

143. An electrical contact as described in claim 142, wherein the second surface defines a protrusion at a butt end opposite the recess.

144. The electrical contact of claim 143, wherein the lossy material is also disposed on the second surface.

145. The electrical contact of claim 144, wherein the first surface and the second surface define a broadside.

146. The electrical contact of claim 145 further comprising opposing edges connected between said broad sides.

147. An electrical contact as described in claim 146, wherein the lossy material surrounds the broadside and the edge.

148. An electrical contact as claimed in any one of claims 141 to 147, wherein the electrical contact terminates at a distal-most surface and the lossy material encapsulates the distal-most surface.

149. The electrical contact of any one of claims 141 to 147, further comprising a lossy material on at least one of the first surface and the second surface at a base of the electrical contact insert molded within the lead frame housing.

150. The electrical contact of claim 149, wherein the lossy material at the tip and the lossy material at the base are tuned to attenuate different frequencies.

151. An electrical contact as claimed in any one of claims 141 to 144, wherein the lossy material comprises a carbon microcoil.

152. An electrical contact as claimed in any one of claims 141 to 144, wherein the lossy material is electrically lossy.

153. An electrical contact as claimed in any one of claims 141 to 144, wherein the lossy material is magnetically lossy.

154. An electrical contact according to any one of claims 141 to 144, wherein the electrical contact is a ground contact.

155. An electrical contact as claimed in any one of claims 141 to 144, wherein the electrical contact is a signal contact.

156. An electrical connector, comprising: an electrically insulating connector housing; A plurality of electrical contacts are supported by the housing, at least one of the plurality of electrical contacts comprising an electrical contact according to any one of claims 141 to 147.

157. An electrical connector as described in claim 156, wherein the electrical contact is directly supported by the connector housing.

158. The electrical connector of claim 156, further comprising a lead frame assembly, the lead frame assembly comprising a lead frame housing supported by the electrical connector, wherein the electrical contact is supported by the lead frame housing.

159. An electrical connector as described in claim 158, wherein the electrical contact is insert molded in the lead frame housing.

160. The electrical connector of claim 156, wherein the electrical contacts comprise differential signal pairs separated by ground contacts, and the ground contacts comprise electrical contacts according to any one of claims 141 to 147.

161. A cable assembly comprising: an electrical device having at least one signal contact and at least one ground contact; an electrical cable having at least one electrical conductor surrounded by an inner electrical insulator, an outer electrical insulating jacket, and an electrical shield disposed between the inner electrical insulator and the outer electrical insulating jacket, wherein the electrical shield has an exposed portion extending outwardly from the outer electrical insulating jacket and mounted to the ground contact, and the electrical conductor has an exposed portion extending outwardly from the electrical shield and mounted to a corresponding mounting end of the signal contact; a strain relief comprising a lossy material, wherein the strain relief covers at least a portion of the total length of the exposed portion of the electrical shield and at least a portion of the ground contact, the electrical shield being mounted to at least a portion of the ground contact to provide strain relief for at least one of the cables, such that tension applied to the cable is absorbed by the lossy material rather than by the connection between the electrical signal conductors and the electrical signal contacts.

162. The cable assembly of claim 161, wherein the entirety of the strain relief comprises the lossy material.

163. The cable assembly of any one of claims 161 to 162, wherein the lossy material is substantially tuned to a predetermined frequency.

164. The cable assembly of any one of claims 161 to 162, wherein the electrical device comprises a printed circuit board.

165. The cable assembly of any one of claims 161 to 162, wherein the electrical device comprises a cable connector.

166. The cable assembly of any one of claims 161 to 162, wherein the lossy material is magnetically absorptive.

167. A cable assembly comprising: an electrical device having at least one signal contact and at least one ground contact; at least one electrical cable having at least one electrical conductor surrounded by an inner electrical insulator, an outer electrical insulating jacket, and an electrical shield disposed between the inner electrical insulator and the outer electrical insulating jacket, wherein the electrical shield has an exposed portion extending outwardly from the outer electrical insulating jacket and mounted to the ground contact, and the electrical conductor has an exposed portion extending outwardly from the electrical shield and mounted to a corresponding mounting end of the signal contact; a protective cover configured to mate with a portion of the electrical connector so as to surround one or more up to all of: a portion of the outer electrically insulating jacket of one or more of the electrical cables, an exposed portion of the electrical shield, and at least a portion of the exposed portion of the electrical signal conductors, wherein the protective cover comprises a magnetically absorptive lossy material, and The protective cover has an upper wall and a pair of opposing side walls, and when the cover is installed to the electrical connector, the pair of opposing side walls extend downwardly from the upper wall toward the electrical connector, so that the lossy material surrounds one or more of the outer electrically insulating sheaths, the exposed portions of the electrical shield, and the exposed portions of the electrical signal conductors.

168. A cable assembly according to claim 167, wherein the at least one cable includes a first cable and a second cable, wherein the protective cover includes at least one pair of cavities, and one or more of the outer electrically insulating sheath, the exposed portion of the electrical shield, and at least a portion of the exposed portion of the electrical signal conductor of the first cable are all disposed in the first cavity, and one or more of a portion of the outer electrically insulating sheath, the exposed portion of the electrical shield, and at least a portion of the exposed portion of the electrical signal conductor of the second cable are all disposed in the second cavity.

169. The cable assembly of claim 168, wherein the protective cover further comprises a partition wall separating the first cavity and the second cavity from each other.

170. The cable assembly of claim 169, wherein the partition wall is disposed between the first cable and the second cable.

171. The cable assembly of any one of claims 167 to 170, wherein the entirety of the protective cover comprises the lossy material.

172. The cable assembly of any one of claims 167 to 170, wherein the protective cover is non-conductive.

173. The cable assembly of any one of claims 167 to 170, wherein the protective cover is conductive.

174. An electrical connector, comprising: an electrically insulating connector housing; as well as an electrical shield configured to reduce near-end crosstalk, the electrical shield comprising an ungrounded conductive substrate supported by the connector housing, wherein the electrical shield further comprises a lossy material; a plurality of electrical contacts supported by the connector housing; wherein the electric shield is configured to absorb adjustable electromagnetic interference frequencies within ±5 GHz; The lossy material is configured to absorb electromagnetic interference.

175. An electrical connector as described in claim 174, wherein the substrate comprises a plate.

176. An electrical connector according to claim 174, wherein the substrate is non-woven.

177. An electrical connector according to claim 174, wherein the substrate is woven.

178. An electrical connector as described in claim 177, wherein the substrate includes a mesh.

179. An electrical connector according to claim 174, wherein the conductive substrate is not in mechanical contact with any grounded metal structure.

180. The electrical connector of claim 174, further comprising a lossy material disposed on a tip of at least one electrical contact.

181. An electrical connector according to claim 174, wherein the electrical contacts are arranged along a plurality of rows and the conductive substrate is disposed between adjacent rows.

182. An electrical connector as claimed in any one of claims 174 to 179, wherein the electrical shield has a thickness ranging from 5 microns to 500 microns.

183. An electrical connector as claimed in any one of claims 174 to 179, wherein the lossy material is non-conductive.

184. An electrical connector as described in claim 183, wherein the lossy material has an electrical conductivity ranging from 1 Siemens per meter to 1×10^-17 Siemens per meter.

185. An electrical connector as claimed in any one of claims 174 to 179, wherein the lossy material is conductive.

186. An electrical connector as described in claim 185, wherein the lossy material has an electrical conductivity greater than 1 Siemens per meter up to 6.1×10^7 Siemens per meter.

187. An electrical connector according to any one of claims 174 to 179, wherein the conductive substrate is encapsulated by the lossy material.

188. An electrical connector according to any one of claims 174 to 179, wherein the electrical connector is a cable connector and the electrical contacts are mounted to corresponding cables.

189. An electrical connector according to claim 188, wherein the cable is a twin-axial cable.

190. An electrical connector according to any one of claims 174 to 179, wherein the conductive substrate is metallic.

191. An electrical connector as described in any one of claims 174 to 179, wherein the conductive substrate comprises copper.

192. An electrical connector according to any one of claims 174 to 179, wherein the conductive substrate is flat.

193. An electrical connector as claimed in any one of claims 174 to 179, wherein the electrical shield extends to a mounting end of the connector housing.

194. An electrical connector as claimed in any one of claims 174 to 179, wherein the electrical shield is recessed relative to the mating end of the connector housing.

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