Socket assembly with cable socket connector

Abstract

A cable receptacle connector (112) includes a receptacle housing (160) and a cable assembly (150) received within the receptacle housing. The cable assembly includes a support frame (200) supporting first and second mating contacts (304, 306) having mating ends (320, 340) for electrical connection to a pluggable module (106). The cable assembly includes a cable (148) having a conductor (190) electrically connected to the first mating contact. The cable assembly includes a cross contact (154) coupled to the support frame electrically connected to a second mating contact. The cross contact includes a mounting end (260) mounted to a main circuit board (140). A first electrical path is defined between the pluggable module and a remote electrical component (102) via the first mating contact and the cable conductor. A second electrical path is defined between the pluggable module and the main circuit board via the second mating contact and the cross contact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The main topic of this article is communication systems and socket components used in communication systems. Background Technology

[0002] Communication systems are known to have receptacle assemblies mounted on a main circuit board. These systems typically include board-mounted receptacle connectors that are directly mounted to the main circuit board within a receptacle cage. The receptacle connector has contacts, including mating ends and terminating ends. The mating ends define a mating interface for mating with a pluggable module, and the terminating ends terminate directly to the main circuit board. A signal path is defined from the pluggable module to the main circuit board through the signal contacts of the receptacle connector. However, such receptacle assemblies are not without drawbacks. For example, the electrical signal path routed through the main circuit board to another electrical component can be relatively long, leading to signal loss along the path. Therefore, some known communication systems utilize receptacle connectors with cables terminating at the signal contacts, instead of terminating the signal contacts directly to the main circuit board. The cables transmit signals from the pluggable module to remote electrical components. However, cables increase system costs. Furthermore, cable management can become a problem when a large number of cables are installed.

[0003] There is still a need for cost-effective and reliable socket components for communication systems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to the present invention, a cable receptacle connector for a receptacle assembly is provided. The cable receptacle connector includes a receptacle housing having a cavity extending between a front portion and a rear portion of the receptacle housing. The receptacle housing has a mating groove at the front portion configured to receive a pluggable module removably received in a receptacle cage of the receptacle assembly. The cable receptacle connector includes a cable assembly received in the cavity at the rear portion of the receptacle housing. The cable assembly includes a support frame having a platform supporting a first mating contact and a second mating contact. The first mating contact has a first mating end extending into the mating groove for electrical connection with the pluggable module. The second mating contact has a second mating end extending into the mating groove for electrical connection with the pluggable module. The cable assembly includes a cable coupled to the platform. The cable has a conductor electrically connected to a first termination end of the first mating contact. The cable extends from the cable receptacle connector. The cable assembly includes a cross contact coupled to the support frame. The cross contact is electrically connected to the second mating contact. The cross contact includes a mounting end configured to be mounted to a main circuit board. A first electrical path is defined between the pluggable module and electrical components located away from the socket housing via a first mating contact and a cable conductor. A second electrical path is defined between the pluggable module and the main circuit board via a second mating contact and a cross contact. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1 This is an exploded diagram of a communication system formed according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0006] Figure 2 This is a rear perspective view of a communication system in an assembled state according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0007] Figure 3 This is a top perspective view of a communication system, showing a cable receptacle connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0008] Figure 4 This is a front perspective view of a portion of a cable receptacle connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

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

[0010] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of a cable socket connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

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

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

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

[0014] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a cable socket connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a cable socket connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Figure 12 This is a rear top perspective view of a portion of a cable receptacle connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Figure 13 This is a rear bottom perspective view of a portion of a cable receptacle connector according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The various embodiments described herein include receptacle cages for receptacle assemblies in communication systems, such as receptacle cages for input / output (I / O) modules. The receptacle cage can be configured for quad small form factor pluggable (QSFP), small form factor pluggable (SFP), octal small form factor pluggable (OSFP), etc. In various embodiments, the receptacle cage includes an opening located at the rear of the receptacle cage to allow a directly attached cable receptacle connector to be mounted therein at the rear, and the receptacle cage includes an opening located at the front of the receptacle cage to receive a pluggable module for mating with a corresponding cable receptacle connector. The cable receptacle connector is mounted directly to the receptacle cage. The cable receptacle connector in the receptacle cage is configured to connect directly to another component via cable, rather than terminating to a main board as in conventional receptacle assemblies. This improves signal loss and reduces skew by transmitting signals via cable compared to standard board-mounted receptacle connectors. In exemplary embodiments, high-speed signals are transmitted via cable, while low-speed sideband signals are electrically connected to the main board. Routing sideband signals via the main board instead of cable reduces the number of signal lines in the cable, thereby reducing cable size and cost.

[0019] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a communication system 100 formed according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 This is a rear perspective view of a communication system 100 in an assembled state. The communication system 100 includes an electrical component 102 and a receptacle assembly 104 electrically connected to the electrical component 102. The electrical component 102 may be positioned remotely from the receptacle assembly 104, for example, behind the receptacle assembly 104. The receptacle assembly 104 is electrically connected to the electrical component 102 via a cable. A pluggable module 106 is configured to be electrically connected to the receptacle assembly 104. The pluggable module 106 is electrically connected to the electrical component 102 through the receptacle assembly 104. For example, signals (e.g., tell signals) from the pluggable module 106 may be electrically connected to the electrical component 102 via a cable rather than through conductive traces on a circuit board. In various embodiments, the receptacle assembly 104 may mate with multiple pluggable modules 106 instead of a single pluggable module 106.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle assembly 104 includes a receptacle cage 110 and a cable receptacle connector 112 received within the receptacle cage 110 to mate with a corresponding pluggable module 106. Optionally, a portion of the cable receptacle connector 112 may extend from or be located behind the receptacle cage 110. In various embodiments, the receptacle assembly 104 may include multiple cable receptacle connectors 112 within the receptacle cage 110, rather than a single cable receptacle connector 112. The cable receptacle connectors 112 may be stacked or arranged side-by-side in a suitable receptacle cage 110.

[0021] In various embodiments, the receptacle cage 110 is enclosed and provides electrical shielding for the cable receptacle connector 112. A pluggable module 106 is mounted to the front of the receptacle cage 110 and is at least partially surrounded by it. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 includes a shielded, stamped cage member comprising a plurality of shielding walls 114 defining a module channel 116 that receives the pluggable module 106 and the cable receptacle connector 112. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 includes a guide 118 at its rear for positioning and / or securing the cable receptacle connector 112 within the receptacle cage 110. In various embodiments, the guide 118 is separate from and independent of the shielding walls 114 that define and are coupled to the receptacle cage 110, for example, at the rear of the receptacle cage 110. In various other embodiments, the guide 118 may be integrated with the socket cage 110, for example defined by a shielding wall 114, such that the cable socket connector 112 directly engages with the shielding wall 114 of the socket cage 110.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the pluggable module 106 has a pluggable body 120, which may be defined by one or more housing portions. The pluggable body 120 may be thermally conductive and / or electrically conductive to provide EMI shielding for the pluggable module 106. The pluggable body 120 includes a mating end 122 and an opposing front end 124. The mating end 122 is configured to be inserted into a module channel 116. The front end 124 may be a cable end having a cable extending therefrom into another component within the system.

[0023] The pluggable module 106 includes a module circuit board 128 configured to communicatively connect to a cable receptacle connector 112. The module circuit board 128 is accessible at a mating end 122. The module circuit board 128 may include components, circuitry, etc., for operating and / or using the pluggable module 106. For example, the module circuit board 128 may have conductors, traces, pads, electronics, sensors, controllers, switches, inputs, outputs, etc., associated with it, which can be mounted to the module circuit board 128 to form various circuits.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the wall 114 of the socket cage 110 includes a top wall 130, a bottom wall 132, a first side wall 134, and a second side wall 135. The first side wall 134 and the second side wall 135 extend from the top wall 130 to the bottom wall 132. The wall 114 extends between a front portion 136 and a rear portion 138 of the socket cage 110. In various embodiments, the socket cage 110 is configured to be mounted to a component such as a rack, substrate, or circuit board. For example, the bottom of the socket cage 110 may be mounted to a component. In the illustrated embodiment, the component is a main circuit board 140. The socket cage 110 may be electrically connected to the main circuit board 140, for example, by press-fitting into a plated via of the main circuit board 140. For example, the side walls 134, 135 may include mounting features 142, such as compliant pins, for mounting the socket cage 110 to the main circuit board 140.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 may include one or more washers at its front portion 136. The washers may be configured to electrically connect the pluggable module 106 to the receptacle cage 110 and / or electrically connect the receptacle cage 110 to a panel or base. For example, the receptacle cage 110 may be received in a baffle opening of a baffle, and the washers may be electrically connected to the baffle within the baffle opening. In various other embodiments, the pluggable body 120 of the pluggable module 106 may include one or more washers surrounding the outer periphery of the pluggable module 106, for example, near the front end 124 and / or the mating end 122.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle assembly 104 may include one or more heat sinks (not shown) for dissipating heat from the pluggable module 106. For example, the heat sink may be coupled to the top wall 130 to engage the pluggable module 106. The heat sink may extend through an opening in the top wall 130 to directly engage the pluggable module 106. In alternative embodiments, other types of heat sinks may be provided.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, a cable receptacle connector 112 is received in a receptacle cage 110, for example at the rear portion 138 of the receptacle cage 110. The rear portion 138 is open to receive the cable receptacle connector 112. The cable receptacle connector 112 is positioned in a module channel 116 to mate with a pluggable module 106 when loaded therein. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable receptacle connector 112 is received in a receptacle cage 110. The pluggable module 106 is loaded via a front portion 136 to mate with the cable receptacle connector 112. A shielding wall 114 of the receptacle cage 110 provides electrical shielding around the cable receptacle connector 112 and the pluggable module 106, for example, around the mating interface between the cable receptacle connector 112 and the pluggable module 106. The cable receptacle connector 112 is electrically connected to an electrical component 102 via one or more cables 148, for example, in a cable bundle arranged within a common cable sheath. The cables 148 extend rearward from the cable receptacle connector 112. Cable 148 is routed to electrical component 102, such as the electrical component behind socket cage 110.

[0028] Cable receptacle connector 112 includes cable assembly 150, cable assembly 150 including mating contacts 152 terminating the cable 148 (e.g., Figure 4 (As shown). The cable receptacle connector 112 includes a receptacle housing 160 for receiving a cable assembly 150. The cable receptacle connector 112 includes a latch 170 coupled to the receptacle housing 160.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a top perspective view of a portion of a communication system 100, showing a cable receptacle connector 112 prepared for mating with a receptacle cage 110. The receptacle cage 110 is mounted to a main circuit board 140 at a mounting area 144. The main circuit board 140 includes board contacts 146 within the mounting area 144. The board contacts 146 may be arranged in multiple rows, such as a first row and a second row. The cable receptacle connector 112 is configured to be electrically connected to the board contacts 146 when the cable receptacle connector 112 is inserted into the rear portion 138 of the receptacle cage 110. In an exemplary embodiment, a low-speed sideband signal is configured to be electrically connected to the board contacts 146 such that the low-speed sideband signal is transmitted directly to the main circuit board 140, rather than along the cable 148. The cable receptacle connector 112 includes contacts configured to abut against the board contacts 146 at a separable mating interface and configured to be electrically connected to a pluggable module 106.

[0030] Figure 4This is a front perspective view of a portion of a cable receptacle connector 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. The cable receptacle connector 112 includes a receptacle housing 160. The receptacle housing 160 extends between a mating end 162 and a cable end 164. Optionally, the receptacle housing 160 may be a multi-piece housing, for example, including a front housing 163 located at the mating end 162 coupled to a main housing body 165. In an alternative embodiment, the receptacle housing 160 may be a single-piece housing. The receptacle housing 160 has a cavity extending between the mating end 162 and the cable end 164. The cavity receives a cable assembly 150. The housing 160 retains mating contacts 152 of the cable assembly 150. In an exemplary embodiment, the cavity may extend to a slot or mating groove 168 at the front of the housing 160, the slot or mating groove 168 being configured to receive a pluggable module 106 ( Figure 1 Part of, such as module circuit board 128 ( Figure 1 The mating contact 152 is configured to be positioned in the mating groove 168 to mate with the module circuit board 128. In an exemplary embodiment, the mating contact 152 is arranged in an upper contact array for mating with the upper surface of the module circuit board 128 and a lower contact array for mating with the lower surface of the module circuit board 128.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the cable receptacle connector 112 includes a cross contact 154 extending from the receptacle housing 160 for contacting the main circuit board 140. Figure 3 (As shown) Electrical connection. The cross contact 154 is configured to be electrically connected to the corresponding plate contact 146 ( Figure 3 (As shown). For example, a cross contact 154 extends from the bottom of the socket housing 160 to mate with a board contact 146 at a separable mating interface 156. The cross contact 154 can be spring-biased against the board contact 146 of the main circuit board 140 to maintain electrical connection with the board contact 146. The cross contact 154 is electrically connected to a corresponding mating contact 152 for electrical connection with the module circuit board 128. The cross contact 154 is configured to transmit sideband signals between the main circuit board 140 and the module circuit board 128.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a bottom perspective view of the cable socket connector 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5 A cross contact 154 extending from the bottom of the receptacle housing 160 is shown for mating with a plate contact 146 at a separable mating interface 156. The receptacle housing 160 may include a contact groove 169 at the bottom that receives the corresponding cross contact 154.

[0033] Figure 6This is an exploded view of a cable receptacle connector 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. The cable receptacle connector 112 includes a main housing body 165, a front housing 163, a cable assembly 150, and a latch 170. The front housing 163 is disposed at the front portion 180 of the receptacle housing 160. The main housing body 165 is disposed at the rear portion 182 of the receptacle housing 160. The receptacle housing 160 extends between a top 184 and a bottom 186. The receptacle housing 160 includes a sidewall 188 extending between the top 184 and the bottom 186. The sidewall 188 may be defined by the main housing body 165 and / or the front housing 163. A cavity 166 is defined by the sidewall 188, the top 184, and the bottom 186.

[0034] Cable assembly 150 is configured to be received in cavity 166 such that cable 148 extends rearward from rear portion 182 of receptacle housing 160. Mating contact 152 of cable assembly 150 is configured to be received in front housing 163, for example, in mating groove 168 at front portion 180 of receptacle housing 160. Cross contact 154 is configured to extend through main housing body 165 and / or front housing 163 to engage with main circuit board 140, for example, at bottom 186. Figure 3 (As shown) docking.

[0035] Cable 148 is electrically connected to a corresponding mating contact 152. Optionally, the mating contact 152 may be arranged in an upper contact array and a lower contact array, and cable 148 is configured to terminate to a corresponding mating contact 152 in the upper and lower contact arrays. The mating contact 152 may include a high-speed contact, a low-speed contact, a side-strip contact, and a ground contact. In various embodiments, the mating contact 152 may include a power contact. Optionally, cable assembly 150 may include a ground plane 172 for electrically connecting to or sharing a common ground contact. Ground plane 172 may electrically connect cable 148 to an electrical common shield of cable 148.

[0036] Cable 148 includes conductors 190 terminated to mating contacts 152. In various embodiments, conductors 190 may be soldered to mating contacts 152; however, in alternative embodiments, conductors 190 may be terminated by other means or processes, such as crimping, insulation displacement joining, or other processes. In an exemplary embodiment, cable 148 is a biaxial cable, each axial cable having a pair of conductors 190 that may be electrically connected to corresponding differential pairs of mating contacts 152. Cable 148 may be unshielded or may be shielded, for example by forming an outer braided layer around cable shield 192 surrounding insulator 194. Cable 148 may have a cable sheath 196 surrounding cable shield 192 and conductors(s)190.

[0037] Cable assembly 150 includes a support frame 200 supporting mating contact 152 and cable 148. The support frame 200 may be a dielectric frame, for example, made of a plastic material. The support frame 200 may be a molded portion. The mating contact 152 extends forward from the support frame 200. The cable 148 extends rearward from the support frame 200. The support frame 200 may position the mating contact 152 and / or conductor 190 for termination between them. For example, the support frame 200 may hold conductor 190 and allow the mating contact 152 to be positioned relative to conductor 190 for soldering therebetween. The support frame 200 may include features for positioning conductor 190 and / or cable sheath 196 and / or mating contact 152. In an exemplary embodiment, the support frame 200 supports a cross contact 154 for electrical connection to the mating contact 152. The support frame 200 may include guide features 202 to guide the cable assembly 150 into the front housing 163 and / or the main housing body 165. For example, the guide features 202 may include rails, grooves, posts, tabs, recesses, etc., configured to mate with complementary guide features 204 of the front housing 163 and / or the main housing body 165.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a top perspective view of a portion of a cable assembly 150 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a support frame 200 and a cross contact head 154. Figure 8 This is a bottom perspective view of a portion of a cable assembly 150 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a support frame 200 and a cross contact head 154. The support frame 200 includes a platform 210 having an upper surface 212 and a lower surface 214. The platform 210 extends between a front edge 216 and a rear edge 218. Guide features 202 are provided along the sides 220, 222 of the support frame 200.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the support frame 200 includes a cable wall 224 that defines a cable channel 226 configured to receive a corresponding cable 148. Figure 6 (As shown). Cable walls 224 can be used to position cables 148 relative to each other and relative to the support frame 200. Cable walls 224 can separate adjacent cables 148 from each other and control the spacing between cables 148. Cable channels 226 can be provided along both the upper surface 212 and the lower surface 214 to receive cables 148 above and below the platform 210. In an exemplary embodiment, cable channels 226 are located in designated cable portions 228 near the first side 220 and near the second side 222, separated by a central portion 230. The central portion 230 holds across the contact head 154. In alternative embodiments, other arrangements for positioning across the contact head 154 and cable channels 226 are also possible.

[0040] The support frame 200 includes an upper shelf 232 on an upper surface 212 and a lower shelf 234 on a lower surface 214. Shelves 232 and 234 are located in front of the cable channel 226. Shelves 232 and 234 are used to support conductors 190 and / or mating contacts 152. In an exemplary embodiment, shelves 232 and 234 include a groove 236 for receiving conductors 190 and / or mating contacts 152. The groove 236 is used to control the position of conductors 190 and / or mating contacts 152 relative to other conductors 190 and / or mating contacts 152. In the illustrated embodiment, the groove 236 is rounded or curved to receive conductors 190. In alternative embodiments, the groove 236 may have other shapes.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the support frame 200 includes a support plate 172 (such as...). Figure 6 The grounding plate support 240 (shown) extends from the upper surface 212 and the lower surface 214 to hold the grounding plate 172 in an elevated position. The grounding plate support 240 may be located on the side and / or center of the support frame 200. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the support frame 200 includes a central grounding plate support, a right grounding plate support, and a left grounding plate support.

[0042] The support frame 200 includes a cross-contact channel 250 for receiving corresponding cross-contacts 154. The cross-contacts 154 can be loaded (e.g., stitched) into the cross-contact channel 250. In an alternative embodiment, the support frame 200 can be molded around the cross-contacts 154. The cross-contacts 154 extend from the support frame 200, for example, from the lower surface 214, to interact with the main circuit board 140. Figure 3 (As shown) Electrical connection. The contact 154 is exposed along the platform 210 to terminate to the mating contact 152.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the cross contacts 154 are arranged in groups, such as an upper group 252 and a lower group 254 of cross contacts 154. The cross contacts 154 of the upper group 252 extend to an upper surface 212, and the cross contacts 154 of the lower group 254 extend to a lower surface 214. Each cross contact 154 extends between a bridging mounting end 260 and a bridging terminal 262. The bridging terminal 262 is disposed at the platform 210 (e.g., at the upper surface 212 or the lower surface 214) for mating with a corresponding mating contact 152. In an exemplary embodiment, the bridging terminal 262 of the first group of cross contacts 154 is positioned along the upper surface 212 of the platform 210, and the bridging terminal 262 of the second group of cross contacts 154 is positioned along the lower surface 214 of the platform 210. The bridging terminal 262 can be located at shelves 232, 234, for example, when held in slot 236 to terminate to mating contact 152, and is substantially coplanar with conductor 190. For example, the upper edge of the upper bridging contact 154 can be exposed at or above the upper shelf 232, while the lower edge of the lower bridging contact 154 can be exposed at or above the lower shelf 234.

[0044] A bridging end 260 extends from the bottom of the support frame 200 to a separable mating interface 156. The bridging end 260 is configured to terminate at a corresponding plate contact 146 on the main circuit board 140. The bridging end 260 of the bridging contact 154 may include a beam 264 cantilevered from the support frame 200. The beam 264 may be bent or curved below the platform 210, for example, in a forward direction (however, the beam 264 may be bent in other directions, and individual beams 264 may be bent in different directions). The beam 264 is deflectable. For example, the beam 264 may elastically deform during mating with the plate contact 146, such that the bridging contact 154 is spring-biased against the plate contact 146. Optionally, the bridging contact 154 may include a finger 266 at the distal end 268 of the beam 264. The finger 266 extends downward and defines the separable mating interface 156. The bridging mounting ends 260 of the first group of bridging contacts 154 are arranged in the first row, and the bridging mounting ends 260 of the second group of bridging contacts 154 are arranged in the second row, which is offset from the first row.

[0045] Figure 9 This is a top perspective view of the cable assembly 150 according to an exemplary embodiment. Cable 148 is connected to support frame 200 at cable channel 226. Mating contact 152 is connected to support frame 200 at upper shelf 232 and lower shelf 234. Ground plate 172 is connected to support frame 200 at ground plate support 240.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, mating contacts 152 are arranged in the upper array 300 and the lower array 400. The mating contacts 152 in the upper array 300 are generally referred to hereinafter as upper mating contacts 302, and the mating contacts 152 in the lower array 400 are generally referred to hereinafter as lower mating contacts 402. The upper mating contacts 302 are configured to engage with the module circuit board 128 (…). Figure 1 The contact pads on the upper surface of the circuit board 128 (as shown) engage with each other, while the lower contact 402 is configured to engage with the contact pads on the lower surface of the circuit board 128.

[0047] The upper mating contact 302 may include multiple types or groups of contacts. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the upper mating contact 302 includes a high-speed contact 304, a side-band contact 306, and a ground contact 308. In various embodiments, the mating contact 152 may include a power contact. The high-speed contact 304 defines a first mating contact and may be referred to hereinafter as the first mating contact 304. The side-band contact 306 defines a second mating contact and may be referred to hereinafter as the second mating contact 306. The ground contact 308 defines a third mating contact and may be referred to hereinafter as the third mating contact 308. In the illustrated embodiment, the first mating contact 304 (high-speed contact 304) is disposed on a first side 220 and a second side 222, and the second mating contact 306 (side-band contact 306) is disposed on a central portion 230. The first mating contacts 304 may be arranged in pairs. The third mating contact 308 (ground contact 308) provides shielding between signal contacts, such as between pairs of first mating contacts 304. A ground plane 172 is coupled to the third mating contact 308. For example, a ground finger 174 extends from the ground plane 172 to be electrically connected to the third mating contact 308. In various embodiments, the ground finger 174 may be soldered to the third mating contact 308. In an exemplary embodiment, the ground plane 172 is electrically connected to a cable shield 192. For example, the cable shield 192 may be exposed, and the ground plane 172 may be pressed against the cable shield 192 so that the ground plane 172 is electrically shared with each cable shield 192.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, the cable assembly 150 includes an upper contact retainer 310 that holds an upper mating contact 302. The upper contact retainer 310 may be overmolded onto the upper mating contact 302. The upper contact retainer 310 holds the relative position of the upper mating contacts 302. The upper contact retainer 310 defines the contact spacing between the upper mating contacts 302. The upper contact retainer 310 is configured to be coupled to a support frame 200. The upper contact retainer 310 can control the horizontal and vertical positions of the upper mating contacts 302.

[0049] The first mating contact 304 may be a stamped contact. Each first mating contact 304 includes a first mating end 320 and a first terminating end 322. The first mating end 320 extends cantileveredly from the upper contact holder 310 and forward. The first mating end 320 is deflectable, for example, when mating with the module circuit board 128. The first terminating end 322 extends rearward of the upper contact holder 310. The first mating end 320 includes an arm 324 and a finger 326 extending from the arm 324 to the distal end of the first mating end 320. The finger 326 may bend inward (e.g., downward) to define a mating interface 328.

[0050] The first termination end 322 includes a termination surface 330, such as the lower surface of the first termination end 322. The conductor 190 of the cable 148 is configured to terminate at the first termination end 322 to a first mating contact 304. For example, the conductor 190 may be soldered to the first termination end 322. The first mating contact 304 may be held by an upper contact retainer 310 such that the first termination end 322 is coplanar.

[0051] The second mating contact 306 may be a stamped contact. Each second mating contact 306 includes a second mating end 340 and a second terminating end 342. In various embodiments, the mating contacts 304, 306 are identical, having a second mating end 340 identical to the first mating end 320 and a second terminating end 342 identical to the first terminating end 322. The second mating end 340 extends cantilevered from the upper contact holder 310 and forward. The second mating end 340 is deflectable, for example, when mating with the module circuit board 128. The second terminating end 342 extends rearward of the upper contact holder 310. The second mating end 340 includes an arm 344 and a finger 346 extending from the arm 344 to the distal end of the second mating end 340. The finger 346 may bend inward (e.g., downward) to define a mating interface 348.

[0052] The second termination end 342 includes a termination surface 350, such as the lower surface of the second termination end 342. The second termination end 342 is configured to connect at the second termination surface 350 to a corresponding cross contact 154. For example, the cross contact 154 has a cross termination end 262 ( Figure 7 (As shown) can be soldered to the second termination surface 350 of the second termination end 342. In an exemplary embodiment, the cross contact 154 is separated from and independent of the second mating contact 306. The second mating contact 306 can be held by the upper contact retainer 310 such that the second termination end 342 is coplanar and can be coplanar with the first termination end 322.

[0053] The third mating contact 306 may be a stamped contact. Each third mating contact 306 includes a third mating end 360 and a third terminating end 362. In various embodiments, mating contacts 304, 308 are identical, having the same third mating end 360 as the first mating end 320 and the same third terminating end 362 as the first terminating end 322. The third mating end 360 extends cantilevered from the upper contact holder 310 and forward. The third mating end 360 is deflectable, for example, when mating with the module circuit board 128. The third terminating end 362 extends rearward of the upper contact holder 310. The third mating end 360 includes an arm 364 and a finger 366 extending from the arm 364 to the distal end of the third mating end 360. The finger 366 may bend inward (e.g., downward) to define a mating interface 368.

[0054] The third termination end 362 includes a termination surface 370, such as the upper surface of the third termination end 362. The third termination end 362 is configured to connect to a corresponding grounding finger 174 at the third termination surface 370. For example, the grounding finger 174 may be soldered to the third termination surface 370 of the third termination end 362. The third mating contact 306 may be held by the upper contact retainer 310 such that the third termination end 362 is coplanar and may be coplanar with the first termination end 322.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the lower array 400 of the lower mating contact 402 may be the same as the upper array 300 of the upper mating contact 302. For example, the lower mating contact 402 may include multiple types or groups of contacts. The lower mating contact 402 includes high-speed contacts, side-band contacts, and ground contacts, and may include power contacts. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable assembly 150 includes a lower contact retainer 410 that holds the lower mating contact 402. The lower contact retainer 410 may be overmolded onto the lower mating contact 402. The lower contact retainer 410 holds the relative position of the lower mating contacts 402.

[0056] During assembly, mating contact 152 defines a mating interface for mating with module circuit board 128. Mating contact 152 is configured to connect to the upper and lower surfaces of module circuit board 128. First mating contact 304 terminates at conductor 190 of cable 148 to form a first electrical path between pluggable module 106 and electrical component 102. High-speed signals are transmitted along the first electrical path through first mating contact 304 and conductor 190. In an exemplary embodiment, the first electrical path transmits all high-speed signals between pluggable module 106 and electrical component 102. Second mating contact 306 terminates at cross contact 154 to form a second electrical path between pluggable module 106 and main circuit board 140. Sideband signals are transmitted along the second electrical path through second mating contact 306 and cross contact 154. In an exemplary embodiment, the second electrical path transmits all sideband signals between pluggable module 106 and main circuit board 140. The cross contact 154 extends from the second mating contact 306 to the bottom of the cable receptacle connector 112 for directional connection with the main circuit board 140. The cross contact 154 is configured to terminate directly to the main circuit board 140 within the footprint of the receptacle housing 160.

[0057] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the cable socket connector 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 10 A cable assembly 150 is shown mounted in a front housing 163. A support frame 200 supports a cable 148, a cross contact 154, and mating contacts 152. The cable 148 is configured to connect to corresponding mating contacts 152 of the upper array 300 and the lower array 400. The cross contact 154 is configured to connect to corresponding mating contacts 152 of the upper array 300 and the lower array 400. Figure 10 The bridging contact 154 is illustrated as separate and independent from the mating contact 152. The bridging terminal 262 is connected to the terminating terminal 342 of the mating contact 152. For example, the bridging terminal 262 is soldered to the terminating terminal 342.

[0058] The bridging end 260 extends to the bottom of the cable socket connector 112. Both the upper and lower bridging contacts 154 extend to the bottom. The bridging ends 260 are arranged in two rows; however, in alternative embodiments, the bridging ends 260 may be arranged in more or fewer rows.

[0059] Figure 11This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a cable receptacle connector 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. A support frame 200 supports a cable 148, a crossover contact 154, and a mating contact 152. The cable 148 is configured to connect to corresponding mating contacts 152 of the upper array 300 and the lower array 400. The crossover contact 154 is electrically connected to corresponding mating contacts 152 of the upper array 300 and the lower array 400. In the illustrated embodiment, the crossover contact 154 is integral with the mating contact 152. A mating end 340 is located at one end of the mating contact 152, while the crossover contact 154 is located at the opposite end of the mating contact 152. The crossover contact 154 and the mating end 340 of the mating contact 152 are stamped and formed together. This allows sideband signals to be transmitted from the mating end 340 to the bridging mounting end 260 without going through an interface.

[0060] Figure 12 This is a rear top perspective view of a portion of a cable receptacle connector 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 13 This is a rear bottom perspective view of a portion of a cable receptacle connector 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. A support frame 200 supports a cable 148, a cross contact 154, and mating contacts 152. The cable 148 is configured to connect to corresponding mating contacts 152 of the upper array 300 and the lower array 400. The cross contact 154 is electrically connected to the corresponding mating contacts 152 of the upper array 300 and the lower array 400.

Claims

1. A cable socket connector (112) for a socket assembly (104), comprising: The socket housing (160) has a cavity (166) extending between a front portion (136) and a rear portion (138) of the socket housing, the socket housing having a mating groove (168) at the front portion, the mating groove being configured to receive a pluggable module (106) removably received in a socket cage (110) of the socket assembly. and A cable assembly (150) is received in the cavity at the rear of the receptacle housing. The cable assembly includes a support frame (200) having a platform (210) supporting a first mating contact (304) and a second mating contact (306). The first mating contact has a first mating end (320) extending into the mating groove (168) for electrical connection with the pluggable module. The second mating contact has a second mating end extending into the mating groove for electrical connection with the pluggable module. The cable assembly (150) includes a cable (148) coupled to the platform. The cable has a conductor (190) electrically connected to a first termination end (322) of the first mating contact. The cable extends from the cable receptacle connector. The cable assembly includes a cross contact (154) coupled to the support frame, electrically connected to the second mating contact. The cross contact includes a mounting end (260) configured to be mounted to a main circuit board (140). The first electrical path is defined between the pluggable module and the electrical components remote from the socket housing via the first mating contact and the cable conductor, and the second electrical path is defined between the pluggable module and the main circuit board via the second mating contact and the cross contact.

2. The cable socket connector (112) according to claim 1, wherein, The socket housing (160) has a bottom (186) and the mounting end (260) of the cross contact (154) is located outside the socket housing for mating with the main circuit board (140).

3. The cable socket connector (112) according to claim 1, wherein, The mounting end (260) of the cross contact (154) defines a separable interface from the main circuit board (140).

4. The cable socket connector (112) according to claim 1, wherein, The cross contact (154) and the second mating contact (306) are integrated.

5. The cable socket connector (112) according to claim 1, wherein, The cross contact (154) is separated from and independent of the second mating contact (306), the second mating contact including a second end (342) connected to the cross end (262) of the cross contact.

6. The cable socket connector (112) according to claim 1, wherein, The bridging contact (154) includes a bridging end (262), and the second mating contact (306) has a second termination end (342), the bridging end being coplanar with the conductor (190), and the second termination end being coplanar with the first termination end (322) for terminating to the bridging end and the conductor, respectively.

7. The cable socket connector (112) according to claim 1, wherein, The cross contact (154) includes a cross contact end (262), the cross contact includes a first set of cross contact and a second set of cross contact, the cross contact end of the first set of cross contact is positioned along the upper surface (212) of the platform (210), and the cross contact end of the second set of cross contact is positioned along the lower surface (214) of the platform.

8. The cable socket connector (112) according to claim 1, wherein, The cross contact (154) includes a first set of cross contact heads and a second set of cross contact heads, with the mounting end (260) of the first set of cross contact heads arranged in a first row and the mounting end of the second set of cross contact heads arranged in a second row offset from the first row.

9. The cable socket connector (112) according to claim 1, wherein, The support frame (200) includes an upper surface (212) and a lower surface (214). The upper array (300) of the first mating contact (304) and the upper array (300) of the second mating contact (306) are disposed on the upper surface. The lower array (400) of the first mating contact and the lower array (400) of the second mating contact are disposed on the lower surface. The first mating end (320) of the upper array of the first mating contact is positioned above the mating groove (168). The second mating end (340) of the upper array of the second mating contact is positioned above the mating groove. The first mating end of the lower array of the first mating contact is positioned below the mating groove. The second mating end of the lower array of the second mating contact is positioned below the mating groove.

10. The cable socket connector (112) according to claim 1, wherein, The first mating contact (304) defines a high-speed contact for the cable assembly (150), and the second mating contact (306) defines a side strip contact for the cable assembly.

11. The cable socket connector (112) according to claim 1, wherein, The cable receptacle connector is configured to transmit high-speed data signals and sideband signals. The first electrical path transmits all high-speed signals between the pluggable module (106) and electrical components remote from the receptacle housing (160), and the second electrical path transmits all sideband signals between the pluggable module and the main circuit board (140).

12. The cable socket connector (112) according to claim 1, wherein, The cross contact (154) is directly terminated to the main circuit board (140) within the footprint of the socket housing (160).

13. The cable socket connector (112) according to claim 1. It also includes a contact retainer (310) connected to the first mating contact (304) and the second mating contact (306), the contact retainer holding the relative position of each of the first mating contact and the second mating contact.

14. The cable socket connector (112) according to claim 1. It also includes a grounding contact (308) connected to the platform (210), the grounding contact having a grounding mating end extending into the mating groove (168) for electrical connection with the pluggable module (106), the cable socket connector also includes a grounding plate (172) having grounding fingers (174) extending therefrom, the grounding fingers being electrically connected to corresponding grounding contacts, the grounding plate enabling grounding contacts connected to the grounding fingers to be electrically shared.

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