Socket connectors and cable assemblies for communication systems

Abstract

A receptacle connector assembly (102) includes a receptacle connector (106) and a cable assembly (108) coupled to the receptacle connector. The receptacle connector includes a receptacle frame (120) having a receptacle opening (130) and a receptacle base plate (122) received in the receptacle opening. The receptacle base plate includes a lower receptacle conductor (164) electrically connected to a main circuit board (110) and an upper receptacle contact (124) having a deflectable spring beam (172). The cable assembly includes an outer housing (206) and a paddle clip (200) received in a recess, the paddle clip having a paddle clip contact (214) on its lower surface at a mating end (216) that engages with the upper receptacle contact. The cable assembly includes a cable (202) terminated at the paddle clip, the cable being communicatively coupled to a corresponding paddle clip contact. A sidewall of the outer housing engages an outer surface (152) of the receptacle frame to position the paddle clip relative to the receptacle base plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The main topic of this article is communication systems. Background Technology

[0002] The ongoing trend towards smaller, lighter, and higher-performance electrical components and higher-density circuitry has led to the development of surface mount technology (SMT) in printed circuit board (PCB) and electronic packaging designs. SMT allows electronic packages (such as integrated circuits or computer processors) to be decoupled from pads on the surface of a circuit board, rather than through contacts or pins soldered into plated vias running through the board. SMT technology allows for increased component density on the main circuit board, thus saving space. Conventional architectures include electrical paths defined through the main circuit board to electrical components mounted on it, away from the electronic package. These electrical paths are defined by circuit traces routed between the electronic package and the electrical component. The routing of circuitry between the electronic package and the electrical component occupies board space on the main circuit board. Additionally, longer circuit traces can degrade the electrical performance of communication systems. Conventional systems must maintain good electrical performance while satisfying signal output requirements.

[0003] A communication system with improved electrical performance is still needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to the present invention, a receptacle connector assembly for a communication system is provided, the receptacle connector assembly including a receptacle connector configured to be mounted to a main circuit board near an electronic package, and a cable assembly coupled to the receptacle connector. The receptacle connector includes a receptacle frame having an inner surface defining a receptacle opening and an outer surface defining a perimeter of the receptacle frame. The bottom of the receptacle frame is configured to be mounted to the main circuit board. The receptacle connector includes a receptacle substrate received in the receptacle opening and disposed therein via an inner surface. The receptacle substrate includes a lower receptacle conductor at a lower receptacle substrate surface for electrical connection to the main circuit board. The receptacle substrate includes upper receptacle contacts at an upper receptacle substrate surface. Each upper receptacle contact includes a portion configured to terminate at a base of the receptacle substrate. Each upper receptacle contact includes a deflectable spring beam extending from the base to a separable mating interface. The cable assembly includes an outer housing having a paddle recess open at the bottom of the outer housing. The outer housing has a first sidewall at a first side of the paddle recess and a second sidewall at a second side of the paddle recess. The cable assembly includes a paddle received in a paddle recess. The paddle extends between a mating end and a cable end. The paddle has an upper paddle surface and a lower paddle surface. At the mating end, the paddle includes a paddle contact on the lower paddle surface that engages with a separable mating interface of the upper receptacle contact when the cable assembly is coupled to a receptacle connector. The cable assembly includes a cable that terminates at the cable end of the paddle. The cable is communicatively coupled to a corresponding paddle contact. First and second sidewalls engage the outer surface of a receptacle frame to position the paddle relative to a receptacle substrate. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1 A communication system formed according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0006] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a socket connector assembly.

[0007] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a socket connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0008] Figure 4 This is a bottom perspective view of the socket connector of the socket connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] Figure 5 This is a top perspective view of a socket connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a socket connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 7This is a bottom perspective view of the cable assembly of the socket connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 8 This is a bottom perspective view of a cable assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 9 This is a rear view of a cable assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 10 This is a top perspective view of a portion of a receptacle connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a cable assembly ready to be connected to the receptacle connector.

[0015] Figure 11 This is a bottom perspective view of a receptacle connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a cable assembly ready to be connected to the receptacle connector.

[0016] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the socket connector assembly mounted on the main circuit board.

[0017] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the socket connector assembly mounted to the main circuit board. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Figure 1 A communication system 100 formed according to an exemplary embodiment is illustrated. The communication system 100 includes one or more receptacle connector assemblies 102 electrically connected to an electronic package 104, such as an integrated circuit. Each receptacle connector assembly 102 includes a receptacle connector 106 (shown in some receptacle connector assemblies 102) and a cable assembly 108 coupled to the receptacle connector 106 (shown in other receptacle connector assemblies 102). The electronic package 104 and the receptacle connector 106 are coupled to a main circuit board 110, such as a motherboard. The receptacle connector 106 is electrically connected to the electronic package 104 via the main circuit board 110. The receptacle connector 106 electrically connects the electronic package 104 to the cable assembly 108. In various embodiments, the electronic package 104 may be directly coupled to the main circuit board 110, for example, by soldering the electronic package 104 using a ball grid array of solder balls. In other various embodiments, the electronic package 104 may be coupled to the main circuit board 110 using a receptacle connector.

[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, electronic package 104 is coupled to the top of main circuit board 110 at primary mating region 112, and receptacle connector assembly 102 is coupled to the top of main circuit board 110 at secondary mating region 114. Electronic package 104 can transmit high-speed data, low-speed data, and / or power through the interface between electronic package 104 and main circuit board 110. Receptacle connector 106 can transmit high-speed data, low-speed data, and / or power through the interface between receptacle connector 106 and main circuit board 110. In an exemplary embodiment, high-speed data signals can be transmitted between receptacle connector assembly 102 and electronic package 104. Secondary mating region 114 is very close to primary mating region 112, for example, adjacent to primary mating region 112. Therefore, receptacle connector assembly 102 is positioned close to electronic package 104, for example, adjacent to electronic package 104. Therefore, the circuit traces of main circuit board 110 connecting receptacle connector assembly 102 and electronic package 104 are relatively short. The circuit traces along the shorter circuit traces between the electronic package 104 and the receptacle connector assembly 102 exhibit minimal signal attenuation. The receptacle connector assembly 102 can be arranged in multiple rows. In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle connector assemblies 102 are arranged on two opposite sides of the electronic package 104 (e.g., in an east / west orientation), while the other two sides (e.g., north / south) are open for airflow through the communication system 100. In alternative embodiments, other arrangements are possible. Other components may be coupled to the main circuit board 110 at a third mating area.

[0020] Electronic package 104 can be any type of component, such as a data communication device. For example, electronic package 104 can be an integrated circuit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a chip, a microprocessor, etc. In various other embodiments, electronic package 104 can be an electrical connector, such as a high-speed differential pair socket connector, a plug connector, a card edge connector, etc. The electrical connector can define an interface for connection with another mating connector, such as a cable connector, a paddle card connector, or other type of mating connector.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a part of the communication system 100, showing an electronic package 104 connected to a main circuit board 110, and a set of socket connector assemblies 102 connected to the main circuit board 110. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a receptacle connector assembly 102 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing one of the receptacle connectors 106 mounted to a main circuit board 110, and a cable assembly 108 prepared to be connected to the receptacle connector 106 and the main circuit board 110. Figure 2 Three receptacle connectors 106 connected to the main circuit board 110 are shown, with the cable assembly 108 removed to show the receptacle connectors 106. Figure 2 One of the receptacle connector assemblies 102 is shown, wherein the cable assembly 108 is connected to the corresponding receptacle connector 106 and the main circuit board 110.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the cable assembly 108 is coupled to a receptacle connector 106 at a detachable interface. For example, each receptacle connector 106 includes an array of receptacle contacts with detachable mating interfaces. The receptacle contacts may define a compressible interface, for example, including a deflectable spring beam that is compressed when the cable assembly 108 is coupled to the receptacle connector 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable assembly 108 is mounted to a main circuit board 110 using mounting hardware 116. The mounting hardware 116 may be a threaded fastener. The mounting hardware 116 may be used to compress the mating interface using the receptacle connector 106. In various embodiments, the mounting hardware 116 includes a spring 118 for downwardly spring-biasing the cable assembly 108 against the receptacle connector 106.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector assembly 102 has a low profile or height above the main circuit board 110. For example, this height may be similar to the height of the electronic package 104. The low profile allows heat sinks or other components to be attached to the top of the electronic package, thereby dissipating heat from the chip in the electronic package 104. Cables of the cable assembly 108 extend outward from the side within the low profile of the receptacle connector assembly 102.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a bottom perspective view of the socket connector 106 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5 This is a top perspective view of the socket connector 106 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the socket connector 106 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector 106 includes a receptacle frame 120 and a receptacle substrate 122 held within the receptacle frame 120. The receptacle substrate 122 may be a printed circuit board. The receptacle substrate 122 includes conductors, such as traces, vias, pads, etc. The conductors may have solder balls, solder pads, or deflectable spring beams at the bottom of the receptacle substrate 122 for electrical connection to a main circuit board 110. The receptacle substrate 122 includes receptacle contacts 124 coupled to corresponding conductors of the receptacle substrate 122. The receptacle contacts 124 are configured for electrical connection to a cable assembly 108 (e.g., Figure 3 (As shown). The socket contacts 124 can be arranged as an array defining a planar grid array (LGA) interface.

[0026] The receptacle frame 120 holds and supports the receptacle substrate 122. The receptacle frame 120 may have positioning features for positioning the receptacle substrate 122 relative to the receptacle frame 120. The receptacle frame 120 includes a frame wall 128 surrounding a receptacle opening 130 that receives the receptacle substrate 122. The frame wall 128 may be oriented and aligned with the receptacle substrate 122 in one or more directions. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle frame 120 may limit or stop compression of the compressible interface to prevent damage to various components.

[0027] The receptacle frame 120 includes a first sidewall 132, a second sidewall 134 opposite to the first sidewall 132, a first endwall 136, and a second endwall 138 opposite to the first endwall 136. In the illustrated embodiment, the second endwall 138 has a reduced height compared to the sidewalls 132, 134, and the first endwall 136, thereby allowing the cable assembly 108 to mate with and / or extend from the receptacle base 122. The sidewalls 132, 134, and the first endwall 136 form a recess 140 configured to receive a portion of the cable assembly 108. The open second endwall 138 allows access to the recess 140 from a second end of the receptacle frame 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the recess 140 opens at the top 142 of the receptacle frame 120 to receive a portion of the cable assembly 108. The bottom 144 of the receptacle frame 120 opposite to the top 142 is configured to be mounted to a main circuit board 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle frame 120 includes mounting posts 146 extending from the bottom 144 for positioning the receptacle frame 120 relative to the main circuit board 110, thereby positioning the receptacle substrate 122.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the socket frame 120 includes an inner surface 150 defining a socket opening 130 and an outer surface 152 opposite to the inner surface 150. The outer surface defines the perimeter of the socket frame 120. Each of the sidewalls 132, 134 and each of the endwalls 136, 138 includes a corresponding inner surface 150 and a corresponding outer surface 152. The socket frame 120 may include a positioning feature 154. Figure 4 The socket frame 120 extends from the inner surface 150 into the socket opening 130 for positioning the socket base 122 in the socket opening 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the socket frame 120 includes an alignment protrusion 156. Figure 5 The alignment protrusion 156 extends from the socket frame 120 at the top 142, for example, from the first sidewall 132 and the second sidewall 134. The alignment protrusion 156 is used to align the cable assembly 108 with the socket connector 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment protrusion is an elongated protrusion that is generally aligned with the sidewalls 132, 134. The top of the alignment protrusion 156 may be beveled or chamfered to guide mating. In alternative embodiments, other types of alignment protrusions 156 may be provided.

[0029] A receptacle substrate 122 extends between an upper receptacle substrate surface 160 and a lower receptacle substrate surface 162. A receptacle contact 124 is coupled to the receptacle substrate 122 at the upper receptacle substrate surface 160. The receptacle contact 124 has a separable, compressible mating interface at the top of the receptacle substrate 122. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle substrate 122 includes a lower receptacle conductor 164 at the lower receptacle substrate surface 162. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower receptacle conductor 164 includes solder balls soldered to pads at the lower receptacle substrate surface 162. In alternative embodiments, other types of conductors may be provided at the bottom. For example, in various embodiments, the receptacle contact 124 may be provided at the lower receptacle substrate surface 162 to provide a separable, compressible mating interface at the bottom of the receptacle substrate 122.

[0030] The receptacle contacts 124 are arranged in an array of rows and columns. The receptacle contacts 124 are disposed in recesses 140 for mating with cable assemblies 108. Each receptacle contact 124 includes a base 170 and a deflectable spring beam 172 extending from the base 170. The spring beam 172 extends to a separable mating interface 174 opposite the base 170. The spring beam 172 can be bent at the mating interface 174. The base 170 is mounted to a receptacle substrate 122. The base 170 can be soldered to the receptacle substrate 122 at an upper receptacle substrate surface 162, for example, to a pad. In various embodiments, the receptacle contact 124 may include a tail, such as a solder tail or a press-fit tail received in a plated through-hole in the receptacle panel 122.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a bottom perspective view of the cable assembly 108 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 8 This is a bottom perspective view of the cable assembly 108 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 9 This is a rear view of the cable assembly 108 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Cable assembly 108 includes a paddle clip 200, a cable 202 extending from the paddle clip 200, an inner housing 204, and an outer housing 206. The paddle clip 200 extends between an upper paddle clip surface 210 and a lower paddle clip surface 212. The paddle clip 200 includes a paddle clip contact 214 at the lower paddle clip surface 212. The paddle clip 200 extends between a mating end 216 and a cable end 218. The paddle clip contact 214 is disposed at the mating end 216 for contact with a socket connector 106. Figure 4 (As shown in the diagram) mates. In an exemplary embodiment, the paddle contacts 214 are arranged in an array in rows and columns. The array of paddle contacts 214 mates with the array of socket contacts 124 (as shown in the diagram). Figure 5 (As shown in the figure) corresponds to the socket contact 124.

[0033] Cable 202 is coupled to propeller card 200 near cable end 218. For example, cable termination pad 220 may be located at cable end 218 on upper propeller card surface 210 and / or lower propeller card surface 212. In an exemplary embodiment, cable termination pad 220 is a circuit trace. In alternative embodiments, other types of contacts may be provided to electrically connect cable 202 to propeller card 200. In various other embodiments, cable 202 may be an optical fiber cable connected to propeller card 200 at an optical connector. In an exemplary embodiment, cable termination pads 220 are arranged in an array such that cable termination pads 220 are offset in the X, Y, and Z directions (X and Y axes are offset in the X, Y, and Z directions respectively). Figure 8 As shown in the figure, the X and Z directions are in Figure 9 (As shown in the diagram). The staggering of the cable termination pads 220 allows for a denser array of cable termination pads 220. A greater number of cable termination pads 220 can be provided within a given footprint (e.g., in one or more directions). For example, staggering the cable termination pads 220 in the Y direction allows for a larger spacing of the contact pads 220 in the X direction, and / or allows for grounding contacts or shielding between signal contacts. Staggering the cable termination pads 220 in the Z direction (e.g., providing cable termination pads 220 on the upper paddle plate surface 210 and the lower paddle plate surface 212) allows for a larger spacing of the contact pads 220.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, cable 202 may be a biaxial cable having a first conductor 222 and a second conductor 224 arranged in pairs, and may include a cable shield (not shown) providing electrical shielding for the conductor pairs 222, 224. The cable shield may be electrically connected to the paddle clamp 200, for example, via an end grounding pad on the paddle clamp 200. Cable 202 includes a cable sheath 226 surrounding the cable shield and the conductors 222, 224. In alternative embodiments, other types of cables may be provided. Ends 228 of cable 202 terminate in the paddle clamp 200. Ends 228 of cable 202 may be arranged in two rows for connection to two staggered rows of cable termination pads 220. | Cable 202 is embedded in the space between other cables to more tightly encapsulate cable 202.

[0035] The inner housing 204 is coupled to the propeller clamp 200, for example, to the upper propeller clamp surface 210 and the lower propeller clamp surface 212. The inner housing 204 may be coupled to the cable 202 to provide stress relief. In various embodiments, the inner housing 204 may be molded in place on the propeller clamp 200 and the cable 202. For example, the inner housing 204 may be an overmolded body. The inner housing 204 may be made of a dielectric material, such as plastic.

[0036] The outer housing 206 receives the inner housing 204, the propeller clip 200, and a portion of the cable 202. The cable 202 extends rearward from the outer housing 206. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer housing 206 includes an upper wall 230, a first side wall 232 at a first side 233, a second side wall 234 at a second side 235, and an end wall 236 between the side walls 232 and 234, which form a propeller clip recess 238. The propeller clip recess 238 opens at a bottom 240 of the outer housing 206. The propeller clip recess 238 receives the propeller clip 200.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the outer housing 206 includes a positioning wall 242 that engages the paddle clip 200 and positions the paddle clip 200 within a paddle clip recess 238. The positioning wall 242 may engage an edge of the paddle clip 200 to position the paddle clip 200 within the paddle clip recess 238. The paddle clip 200 may be held in the paddle clip recess 238 by an interference fit. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer housing 206 includes a positioning recess 244, for example in sidewalls 232, 234, which receives a positioning protrusion 246 of the paddle clip 200 to position the paddle clip 200 within the outer housing 206. In alternative embodiments, other types of positioning features may be used to position the paddle clip 200 within the outer housing 206. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer housing 206 includes alignment channels 248, for example in sidewalls 232, 234, to align the paddle clip 200 relative to the receptacle connector 106. For example, alignment channel 248 can receive alignment protrusion 156 (e.g. Figure 5 (As shown).

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the outer housing 206 includes a mounting protrusion 250 extending therefrom (e.g., extending from sidewalls 232, 234). The mounting protrusion 250 retains mounting hardware 116. For example, the mounting hardware 116 may be a shouldered screw received in an opening of the mounting protrusion 250. A spring 118 is caught between the mounting hardware 116 and the mounting protrusion 250.

[0039] Figure 10 This is a top perspective view of a portion of a receptacle connector assembly 102 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a cable assembly 108 ready to be coupled to a receptacle connector 106. Figure 11 This is a bottom perspective view of a receptacle connector assembly 102 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a cable assembly 108 ready to be connected to a receptacle connector 106. Figure 10 A socket connector assembly 102 without an outer housing 206 is shown to show an inner housing 204, a cable 202, and a paddle 200. Figure 11 A socket connector assembly 102 is shown, wherein an inner housing 204, a cable 202, and a paddle 200 are received in a paddle recess 238 of an outer housing 206.

[0040] Cable 202 extends from cable end 218 of paddle clamp 200. Inner housing 204 connects to paddle clamp 200 and cable 202 at cable end 218. Inner housing 204 provides stress relief for cable 202. Mating end 216 of paddle clamp 200 is configured to connect to receptacle connector 106. Paddle clamp contact 214 is located at mating end 216 on lower paddle clamp surface 212 for mating with receptacle contact 124.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, a recess 140 of the receptacle frame 120 is configured to receive a mating end 216 of a paddle clip 200. For example, the paddle clip 200 is received between sidewalls 132, 134. The inner surfaces 150 of the sidewalls 132, 134 may engage the paddle clip 200 to retain the paddle clip 200 within the receptacle frame 120. A first endwall 136 may engage the paddle clip 200 to position the paddle clip 200 within the receptacle frame 120. An alignment protrusion 156 may be used to guide the paddle clip 200 into the recess 140. The paddle clip 200 is loaded into the recess 140 from above in a downward mating direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the alignment protrusion 156 is configured to engage an outer housing 206 to position a cable assembly 108 relative to a receptacle connector 106. The alignment protrusion 156 may be received in an alignment channel 248 to engage a side edge of the paddle clip 200.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, the outer housing 206 is configured to surround the receptacle connector 106. For example, the receptacle connector 106 is configured to be received in the paddle recess 238. The outer housing 206 can provide electrical shielding for the receptacle connector 106 and the paddle 200. When mated, a first sidewall 232 extends along the outer surface 152 of the first sidewall 132 of the receptacle frame 120, and a second sidewall 234 extends along the outer surface 152 of the second sidewall 134. An end wall 236 extends along the outer surface 152 of the first end wall 236. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector 106 is completely enclosed within the outer housing 206 of the cable connector 108. For example, the bottom 240 of the outer housing 206 is configured to align with the bottom 144 of the receptacle frame 120.

[0043] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the socket connector assembly 102 mounted on the main circuit board 110. Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the socket connector assembly 102 mounted to the main circuit board 110. Figure 12 A cable assembly 108 is shown, ready to mate with a socket connector 106. Figure 13 A cable assembly 108 connected to a socket connector 106 is shown.

[0044] During mating, the cable assembly 108 is mounted from above to the receptacle connector 106. The cable assembly 108 is aligned with the receptacle connector 106, for example, using mounting hardware 116. The receptacle frame 120 is aligned with the paddle recess 238. Alignment protrusion 156 is configured to engage first sidewall 232 and second sidewall 234 to align the outer housing 206 with the receptacle frame 120. Mounting hardware 116 can provide path alignment, and alignment protrusion 156 can precisely align the outer housing 206 with the receptacle frame 120. Sidewalls 232, 234 are configured to engage the outer surface 152 of the receptacle frame 120 to surround the receptacle connector 106. When the cable assembly 108 is mated to the receptacle connector 106 (e.g., when the threaded end of the mounting hardware is rotated to pull the cable assembly 108 down), the receptacle connector 106 is received in the paddle recess 238. The paddle 200 moves downward toward the receptacle connector 106, for example toward the receptacle contact 124.

[0045] The paddle clip 200 is held within the housing 206 and is positioned in the paddle clip recess 238 by means of the walls of the housing 206 and / or positioning features of the housing 206. The outer housing 206 controls the position of the paddle clip 200 such that the array of paddle clip contacts 214 is aligned with the array of receptacle contacts 124. When the cable assembly 108 is lowered in the mating direction, the paddle clip 200 is received in the receptacle opening 130. In various embodiments, the edge of the paddle clip 200 may engage the inner surface 150 of the wall of the receptacle frame 120 to position the paddle clip 200 relative to the receptacle frame 120, and thus relative to the array of receptacle contacts 124. The paddle clip contacts 214 are pressed downward into the receptacle contacts 124. The spring beam 172 is compressed downward such that the mating interface 174 is forced outward against the paddle clip contacts 214. In an alternative embodiment, the paddle clip 200 may include receptacle contacts with deflectable spring beams, and the receptacle base plate 122 may include contact pads.

Claims

1. A socket connector assembly (102) for a communication system (100), comprising: A receptacle connector (106) configured to be mounted close to an electronic package (104) to a main circuit board (110), the receptacle connector including a receptacle frame (120) having an inner surface (150) defining a receptacle opening (130) and an outer surface (152) defining a perimeter of the receptacle frame, the bottom (144) of the receptacle frame being configured to be mounted to the main circuit board, the receptacle connector including a receptacle substrate (122) received in the receptacle opening and through the inner surface Positioned within the socket opening, the socket substrate includes a lower socket conductor (164) on the lower socket substrate surface (162) for electrical connection to the main circuit board, and an upper socket contact (124) on the upper socket substrate surface (160). Each upper socket contact includes a deflectable spring beam (172) configured to terminate at a base (170) of the socket substrate; and each upper socket contact includes a deflectable spring beam (172) extending from the base to a separable mating interface (174). A cable assembly (108) connected to the socket connector includes an outer housing (206) having a paddle clip recess (238) open at the bottom (240) of the outer housing, the outer housing having a first sidewall (232) on a first side (233) of the paddle clip recess and a second sidewall (234) on a second side (235) of the paddle clip recess, the cable assembly including a paddle clip (200) received in the paddle clip recess, the paddle clip extending between a mating end (216) and a cable end (218), the paddle clip... The device has an upper paddle plate surface (210) and a lower paddle plate surface (212). The paddle plate includes a paddle plate contact (214) on the lower paddle plate surface at the mating end. When the cable assembly is connected to the receptacle connector, the paddle plate contact engages with a separable mating interface of the upper receptacle contact. The cable assembly includes a cable (202) terminated at the cable end of the paddle plate. The cable is communicatively connected to a corresponding paddle plate contact. The first sidewall and the second sidewall engage the outer surface of the receptacle frame to position the paddle plate relative to the receptacle substrate.

2. The socket connector assembly (102) of claim 1, wherein the socket frame (120) includes an alignment protrusion (156) extending from the top (142) of the socket frame.

3. The socket connector assembly (102) of claim 2, wherein the alignment protrusion (156) engages the outer housing (206) to align the paddle (200) with the socket substrate (122).

4. The socket connector assembly (102) of claim 2, wherein the paddle (200) includes an alignment channel (248) at the edge of the paddle, and the alignment protrusion (156) is received in the alignment channel between the paddle and the outer housing (206) to align the paddle with the socket substrate (122).

5. The socket connector assembly (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the cable assembly (108) is connected to the socket contact (124), the spring beam (172) is deflected by the paddle (200).

6. The socket connector assembly (102) of claim 1, wherein the outer housing (206) includes mounting hardware (116) coupled to the main circuit board (110) to secure the cable assembly (108) to the main circuit board independently of the socket connector (106).

7. The socket connector assembly (102) of claim 6, wherein the mounting hardware (116) is spring-loaded to compress the spring beam (172).

8. The socket connector assembly (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cable (202) is terminated to the upper paddle plate surface (210) and terminated to the lower paddle plate surface (212).

9. The socket connector assembly (102) of claim 1, wherein the paddle clip (200) includes a cable termination pad (220) offset from the cable end (218) of the paddle clip by a different distance.

10. The socket connector assembly (102) of claim 1, wherein the paddle (200) includes a cable termination pad (220) at the cable end (218), the cable termination pads being arranged in an array such that the cable termination pads are offset in the X, Y and Z directions, the cable (202) having a cable end (228) terminating at the cable end of the paddle at the cable end of the paddle, the cable end being offset in the X, Y and Z directions.

11. The socket connector assembly (102) of claim 1, wherein the outer housing (206) includes an end wall between the first sidewall (232) and the second sidewall (234), the end wall defining the paddle recess (238), the end wall, the first sidewall and the second sidewall surrounding the socket frame.

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