Receptacle connector and cable assembly for a communication system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a jack connector and cable assembly for a communication system. A jack connector assembly for a communication system includes a jack connector having a jack housing holding jack contacts having deflectable spring beams. The jack connector assembly includes a cable assembly coupled to the jack connector having an outer housing holding a paddle card having paddle card contacts interfacing with separable mating interfaces of the jack contacts. The cable assembly includes a cable terminated to the paddle card coupled to corresponding paddle card contacts. The jack connector assembly includes a spring plate coupled to the outer housing secured to a host circuit board to press the cable assembly downward toward the host circuit board to compress the deflectable spring beams of the jack contacts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The main topic of this article relates to a communication system. Background Technology

[0002] The ongoing trend toward smaller, lighter, and higher-performance electrical components and higher-density circuitry has led to the development of surface mount technology in the design of printed circuit boards and electronic packages. Surface mountable packages allow for separable connections between electronic packages (such as integrated circuits or computer processors) and pads on the surface of a circuit board, rather than separable connections via contacts or pins soldered into plated holes that pass through the board. Surface mount technology allows for increased component density on the host circuit board, thereby saving space on the host board. Conventional architectures involve defining electrical paths through the host circuit board to electrical components mounted remotely from the electronic packages. These electrical paths are defined by circuit traces routed between the electronic packages and the electrical components. The routing of circuitry between the electronic packages and the electrical components occupies board space on the host circuit board. Furthermore, the electrical performance of communication systems is degraded due to the length of these circuit traces. Conventional systems strive to meet signal output requirements while maintaining good electrical performance throughout the system.

[0003] There is still a need for communication systems with improved electrical performance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment, a receptacle connector assembly for a communication system is provided. The receptacle connector assembly includes a receptacle connector configured to be mounted to a host circuit board. The receptacle connector includes a receptacle housing having a receptacle opening. The bottom of the receptacle housing is configured to be mounted to the host circuit board. The receptacle housing retains receptacle contacts, each of which includes a deflectable spring beam having a separable mating interface. The receptacle connector assembly includes a cable assembly coupled to the receptacle connector. The cable assembly includes a housing having a paddle card recess open at the bottom of the housing. The cable assembly includes a paddle card received in the paddle card recess. The paddle card extends between a mating end and a cable end. The paddle card has an upper paddle card surface and a lower paddle card surface. The paddle card includes a paddle card contact at the mating end on the lower paddle card surface, which abuts against the separable mating interface of the upper receptacle contact when the cable assembly is coupled to the receptacle connector. The cable assembly includes a cable terminated at the cable end of the paddle card. The cable is communicatively connected to the corresponding paddle contact. The receptacle connector assembly includes a spring plate attached to the housing. The spring plate is configured to be secured to the main circuit board to press the cable assembly downward toward the main circuit board, thereby compressing the deflectable spring beam of the upper receptacle contact.

[0005] In another embodiment, a receptacle connector assembly for a communication system is provided. The receptacle connector assembly includes a receptacle connector configured to be mounted to a host circuit board. The receptacle connector includes a receptacle housing having a receptacle opening. The bottom of the receptacle housing is configured to be mounted to the host circuit board. The receptacle housing holds receptacle contacts, each of which includes a deflectable spring beam having a separable mating interface. The receptacle connector assembly includes a cable assembly coupled to the receptacle connector. The cable assembly includes a housing having a paddle clip recess open at the bottom of the housing. The cable assembly includes a paddle clip received in the paddle clip recess. The paddle clip extends between a mating end and a cable end. The paddle clip has an upper paddle clip surface and a lower paddle clip surface. The paddle clip includes a paddle clip contact at the mating end on the lower paddle clip surface, which abuts against the separable mating interface of the upper receptacle contact when the cable assembly is coupled to the receptacle connector. The cable assembly includes a cable terminated at the cable end of the paddle clip. The cable is communicatively coupled to a corresponding paddle clip contact. The housing engages a preload latch to hold the cable assembly in a first position on the receptacle connector by a first retaining force sufficient to preload the paddle clip against the deflectable spring beam of the upper receptacle contact and / or cable tension (e.g., tension exerted by the cable). The receptacle connector assembly includes a spring plate coupled to the housing after the preload latch has held the cable assembly in the first position. The spring plate is configured to be secured to the host circuit board to press the cable assembly downward toward the host circuit board to a second position. The deflectable spring beam of the upper receptacle contact is further compressed from the first position to the second position.

[0006] In another embodiment, a receptacle connector assembly for a communication system is provided. The receptacle connector assembly includes a receptacle connector configured to be mounted to a host circuit board. The receptacle connector includes a receptacle housing having a receptacle opening. The receptacle housing includes a positioning feature extending from the top of the receptacle housing. The bottom of the receptacle housing is configured to be mounted to the host circuit board. The receptacle housing retains receptacle contacts, each of which includes a deflectable spring beam having a separable mating interface. The receptacle connector assembly includes a cable assembly coupled to the receptacle connector. The cable assembly includes a housing having a paddle clip recess open at the bottom of the housing. The cable assembly includes a paddle clip received in the paddle clip recess. The paddle clip extends between a mating end and a cable end. The paddle clip has an upper paddle clip surface and a lower paddle clip surface. The paddle clip includes a paddle clip contact at the mating end on the lower paddle clip surface, which abuts against the separable mating interface of the upper receptacle contact when the cable assembly is coupled to the receptacle connector. The cable assembly includes a cable terminated at the cable end of the paddle clip. The cable is communicatively connected to the corresponding paddle contact. The cable assembly engages positioning features to position the cable assembly relative to the receptacle connector. The receptacle connector assembly includes a spring plate attached to the housing. The spring plate is configured to be secured to the main circuit board to press the cable assembly downward toward the main circuit board to compress the deflectable spring beam of the upper receptacle contact. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a communication system formed according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment shows a socket connector assembly.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a top perspective view of a socket connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a bottom perspective view of a socket connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 An exploded view of a portion of a receptacle connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment shows a receptacle connector mounted to a host circuit board.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a top perspective view of a portion of a receptacle connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a receptacle connector mounted to a host circuit board.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a top perspective view of a cable assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a bottom perspective view of a cable assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 9 This is a top perspective view of a portion of a socket connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a cable assembly ready for connection to a socket connector.

[0016] Figure 10 This is a top perspective view of a receptacle connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a cable assembly connected to the receptacle connector.

[0017] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a socket connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the cable assembly at a first location.

[0018] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a socket connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the cable assembly at a second location. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Figure 1 The illustration shows a communication system 100 formed according to an exemplary embodiment. 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. Figure 2 The electronic package 104 and the cable assembly 108 are connected to the receptacle connector 106. The electronic package 104 and the receptacle connector(s) 106 are connected to a host circuit board 110, such as a motherboard. The receptacle connector 106 is electrically connected to the electronic package 104 via the host 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 host circuit board 110, such as 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 host circuit board 110 using a receptacle connector.

[0020] Electronic package 104 can transmit high-speed data, low-speed data, and / or power through the interface between electronic package 104 and host 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 host circuit board 110. In an exemplary embodiment, high-speed data signals can be transmitted between receptacle connector assembly 102 and electronic package 104. Receptacle connector 106 may be positioned close to electronic package 104, such as adjacent to electronic package 104. Accordingly, the circuit traces of host circuit board 110 connecting receptacle connector assembly 102 and electronic package 104 are relatively short. Along the short circuit traces between electronic package 104 and receptacle connector assembly 102, the circuit traces have minimal signal attenuation.

[0021] The electronic package 104 can be any type of component, such as a data communication device. For example, the electronic package 104 can be an integrated circuit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a chip, a microprocessor, etc. In many other embodiments, the electronic package 104 can be an electrical connector, such as a high-speed differential mating connector, a header connector, a card edge connector, etc. The electrical connector can define an interface for mating with another mating connector, such as a cable connector, a paddle card connector, or another type of mating connector.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the cable assembly 108 is mounted to the host circuit board 110 using mounting hardware 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting hardware 112 includes a spring plate 114, which is secured to a backing plate 116 using threaded fasteners 118. The spring plate 114 is used to compress the cable assembly 108 against a receptacle connector 106 to compress the deflectable spring beam of the receptacle connector 106 to form a reliable and separable mating interface.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector assembly 102 has a low profile or height above the host circuit board 110. For example, the 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 to dissipate heat from the chip in the electronic package 104. Cables of the cable assembly 108 extend outward from one or more sides of the cable assembly within the low profile of the receptacle connector assembly 102.

[0024] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment shows a socket connector assembly 102. Figure 2 The diagram shows a socket connector 106 connected to the host circuit board 110. Figure 2The diagram illustrates a cable assembly 108 connected to a receptacle connector 106 at a detachable interface. For example, the receptacle connector 106 includes an array of receptacle contacts with detachable mating interfaces. The receptacle contacts may define a compressible interface, such as including a deflectable spring beam that is compressed when the cable assembly 108 is connected to the receptacle connector 106.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector 106 includes a receptacle housing 120 that holds receptacle contacts 124. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle housing 120 includes a receptacle frame 121 and a receptacle base 122 held within the receptacle frame 121. The receptacle base 122 may be a printed circuit board. The receptacle base 122 includes conductors such as traces, vias, pads, etc. The conductors may have solder balls, pads, or deflectable spring beams at the bottom of the receptacle base 122 for electrical connection to a host circuit board 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle base 122 holds the receptacle contacts 124. For example, the receptacle contacts 124 may be soldered to a corresponding conductor of the receptacle base 122. In various other embodiments, the receptacle contacts 124 may be inserted into the receptacle base 122, such as being pressed into a channel in the receptacle base 122. The receptacle contacts 124 are configured for electrical connection to a cable assembly 108. The receptacle contacts 124 may be arranged to define an array defining a connection disk grid array (LGA) interface. For example, the receptacle contact 124 may include a spring beam defining a compressible interface, which is compressed when the cable assembly 108 is coupled to the receptacle connector 106. While the embodiment of the receptacle housing 120 illustrated herein includes a receptacle frame 121 and a receptacle base 122, in alternative embodiments, the receptacle housing 120 may be a single-piece housing. For example, components of the receptacle frame 121 and / or the receptacle base 122 may be included as components of the receptacle housing 120. In various embodiments, the receptacle housing 120 may be a molded part having contact channels for receiving and retaining the receptacle contact 124.

[0026] The receptacle frame 121 holds and supports the receptacle base 122. The receptacle frame 121 may have positioning features for positioning the receptacle base 122 relative to the receptacle frame 121. The receptacle frame 121 includes a frame wall 128 that surrounds a receptacle opening 130 for receiving the receptacle base 122. The frame wall 128 may orient and align the receptacle base 122 in one or more directions. The receptacle frame 121 may include positioning features for positioning the cable assembly 108 relative to the receptacle connector 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle frame 121 may limit or stop compression of the compressible interface to prevent damage to various components.

[0027] Cable assembly 108 is coupled to the top of receptacle connector 106 to form an electrical connection between receptacle connector 106 and cable assembly 108. In an exemplary embodiment, cable assembly 108 includes a paddle clip 200, a cable 202 extending from paddle clip 200, an inner housing 204 retaining paddle clip 200 and / or cable 202, and a housing 206. Spring plate 114 is coupled to housing 206 to mount cable assembly 108 to host circuit board 110. Cable 202 terminates in paddle clip 200. Paddle clip 200 is retained in housing 206. When cable assembly 108 is coupled to host circuit board 110, paddle clip 200 is coupled to receptacle connector 106.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a top perspective view of the socket connector 106 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 This is a bottom perspective view of a receptacle connector 106 according to an exemplary embodiment. The receptacle connector 106 includes a receptacle frame 121 and a receptacle base 122 held in the receptacle frame 121. The receptacle frame 121 holds and supports the receptacle base 122 in a receptacle opening 130.

[0029] The receptacle frame 121 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. The receptacle frame 121 extends between a top 142 and a bottom 144. The bottom 144 of the receptacle frame 121 is configured to be mounted to a host circuit board 110. In various embodiments, the receptacle frame 121 is generally rectangular in shape. However, in alternative embodiments, the receptacle frame 121 may have other shapes. The sidewalls 132, 134 and the endwalls 136, 138 form a recess 140 configured to receive a receptacle base 122. The recess 140 is located at the bottom 144 of the receptacle frame 121 to receive the receptacle base 122 through the bottom 144. The receptacle base 122 is aligned with a receptacle opening 130 for mating with a cable assembly 108. Figure 2 (as shown in the image).

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector 106 includes preload latches 146 coupled to sidewalls 132, 134. Each preload latch 146 includes a mounting feature 147 (such as a solder tab) configured to be coupled to a host circuit board 110. For example, the mounting feature 147 may be soldered to the host circuit board 110 to mechanically secure the receptacle frame 121 to the host circuit board 110. The mounting feature 147 increases the solder peel strength of the receptacle connector 106 to prevent damage to the solder interface between the receptacle contacts 1245 and the host circuit board 110. The preload latches 146 include latch beams 148 configured to be latchably secured to the cable assembly 108. The latch beams 148 are deflectable to allow the cable assembly 108 to mate and demate with the receptacle connector 106. The preload latches 146 are used to temporarily engage the cable assembly 108 to the receptacle connector 106 (e.g., until the spring plate 114 secures the cable assembly 108 to the receptacle connector 106). Preload latch 146 prevents cable assembly 108 from floating relative to receptacle connector 106 for attaching spring plate 114 to host circuit board 110. Preload latch 146 is used to preload receptacle contact 124 (e.g., to partially deflect receptacle contact 124) and / or to prevent cable tension from increasing the cable assembly until spring plate 114 can be installed and receptacle contact 124 is more fully compressed.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle frame 121 includes a positioning feature 150 for positioning a receptacle base 122 relative to the receptacle frame 121. For example, the positioning feature 150 may extend into a recess 140 to engage and position the receptacle base 122 within the recess 140. The positioning feature 150 may orient and align the receptacle base 122 in one or more directions. The positioning feature 150 may include a wall or surface configured to engage an outer edge of the receptacle base 122. The positioning feature 150 may include a post or pin received in an opening in the receptacle base 122. The receptacle base 122 may be secured to the receptacle frame 121, such as by heat fusion, adhesion, or other means.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle frame 121 includes a positioning feature 152 for positioning the cable assembly 108 relative to the receptacle connector 106. For example, the positioning feature 152 may extend from the top 142 of the receptacle frame 121. In an exemplary embodiment, the positioning feature 152 includes a housing post 154 configured to engage the housing 206 (…). Figure 2 And positions the housing 206 relative to the socket frame 121. In an exemplary embodiment, positioning feature 152 includes a blade retaining post 156 configured to engage the blade clip 200. Figure 2The paddle clip 200 is positioned relative to the socket frame 121. A paddle clip post 156 extends from the top 142 of the socket frame 121. The paddle clip post 156 may be positioned close to the first end wall 136; however, in alternative embodiments, the paddle clip post 156 may be located at other locations. The paddle clip post 156 may be a cylindrical post, a square post, or may have other shapes.

[0033] The housing post 154 has a chamfered distal end to guide the mating of the cable assembly 108 with the receptacle connector 106. The housing post 154 can be positioned at a first sidewall 132 and / or a second sidewall 134. The housing post 154 can be positioned at a first endwall 136 and / or a second endwall 138. In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle frame 121 includes four housing posts 154 at its four corners. By placing the housing posts 154 at the corners of the receptacle frame 121, each housing post 154 can position the housing 206 in two different directions (e.g., front-back and left-right).

[0034] A receptacle base 122 extends between an upper receptacle base surface 160 and a lower receptacle base surface 162. A receptacle contact 124 is coupled to the receptacle base 122 and may extend from the upper receptacle base surface 160 and / or the lower receptacle base surface 162. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle contact 124 is a stitched contact that is loaded into a channel or opening in the receptacle base 122. Alternatively, the receptacle contact 124 may be a surface mount contact that is surface mounted (e.g., soldered) to traces or pads of the receptacle base 122. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle contact 124 provides a separable, compressible mating interface at the top of the receptacle base 122. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle base 122 includes a lower receptacle conductor 164 at the lower receptacle base surface 162. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower receptacle conductor 164 includes solder balls soldered to the bottom end of the receptacle contact 124 or soldered to traces or pads of the receptacle base 122 at the lower receptacle base surface 162. In alternative embodiments, other types of conductors may be located at the bottom. For example, in various embodiments, the receptacle contact 124 may be located at the lower receptacle base surface 162 to provide a separable, compressible mating interface at the bottom of the receptacle base 122.

[0035] The receptacle contacts 124 are arranged in rows and columns in an array. The receptacle contacts 124 are disposed in a receptacle opening 130 for mating with a cable assembly 108. Each receptacle contact 124 includes a base 170 and a deflectable spring beam 172 extending from the base 170. The base 170 is coupled to a receptacle base 122, such as being received in a channel or opening in the receptacle base 122, or soldered to the receptacle base 122. The spring beam 172 extends to a separable mating interface 174 opposite to the base 170. The spring beam 172 may be bent at the mating interface 174. In various embodiments, the receptacle contact 124 may include a tail at the bottom of the receptacle contact 124 that receives a lower receptacle conductor 164 (e.g., a solder ball).

[0036] Figure 5 An exploded view of a portion of the receptacle connector assembly 102 shows the receptacle connector 106 mounted to the host circuit board 110. Figure 6 A top perspective view of a portion of the receptacle connector assembly 102, showing the receptacle connector 106 mounted to the host circuit board 110. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The diagram shows a backing plate 116. The backing plate 116 provides a rigid mounting structure to secure the spring plate 114 to the main circuit board 110. The backing plate 116 can be used to prevent warping of the main circuit board 110 in the mounting area.

[0037] The backing plate 116 is mounted to the bottom of the host circuit board 110 using mounting hardware 180. For example, mounting hardware 180 includes push rivets received in opening 182 for securing the backing plate 116 to the host circuit board 110. The push rivets hold the backing plate 116 in place on the host circuit board 110 to allow mounting hardware 112 ( Figure 1 ) is received in opening 184 to receive spring plate 114 ( Figure 1 The spring plate 114 is secured to the host circuit board 110. Push rivets withstand applied pressing loads to secure the spring plate 114 to the backing plate 116. The opening 184 may be a threaded opening configured to receive a threaded fastener of the mounting hardware 112. In alternative embodiments, other types of mounting hardware 180 (such as threaded fasteners) may be used. In various embodiments, the mounting hardware 180 may have a threaded hole configured to receive the mounting hardware 112, rather than separating the mounting hardware 112 connected to the backing plate 116 from the mounting hardware 180.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a top perspective view of the cable assembly 108 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 8This is a bottom perspective view of a cable assembly 108 according to an exemplary embodiment. The cable assembly 108 includes a housing 206, an inner housing 204 held by the housing 206, and a blade clip 200 held by the housing 206. The inner housing 204 is coupled to a cable 202 and is coupled to the blade clip 200. A spring plate 114 is coupled to the housing 206, such as to the outside of the housing 206.

[0039] A 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. In various embodiments, the cable end 218 may be opposite to the mating end 216. The paddle clip contact 214 is located at the mating end 216 for connection with the socket connector 106 (in...). Figure 4 (As shown in the diagram) mates. In an exemplary embodiment, the paddle card contacts 214 are arranged in rows and columns as an array. The array of paddle card contacts 214 mates with the socket contacts 124 (in... Figure 5 The array shown in the figure corresponds to the socket contact 124 for mating.

[0040] Cable 202 is connected to blade card 200 near cable end 218. For example, cable termination pads 220 may be located at cable end 218 on upper blade card surface 210 and / or lower blade card surface 212. In an exemplary embodiment, cable termination pads 220 are circuit traces. In alternative embodiments, other types of contacts may be provided to electrically connect cable 202 to blade card 200. In many other embodiments, cable 202 may be an optical fiber cable connected to blade card 200 at an optical connector. In an exemplary embodiment, cable termination pads 220 are arranged in an array (such as in one or more rows). The staggering of cable termination pads 220 allows for a denser array of cable termination pads 220.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the propeller holder 200 includes a positioning opening 222 configured to receive the propeller holder post 156. Figure 3 The positioning opening 222 is used to position the paddle clip 200 relative to the socket connector 106. The positioning opening 222 may be circular. However, in alternative embodiments, the positioning opening 222 may have other shapes, such as elliptical. The positioning opening 222 may be positioned close to the mating end 216; however, in alternative embodiments, other positions are possible.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, cable 202 may be a biaxial cable having a first conductor 224 and a second conductor 226 arranged as a pair, and cable 202 may include a cable shield (not shown) providing electrical shielding for the paired conductors 224, 226. The cable shield may be electrically connected to the blade plate 200, for example, via a grounding terminal pad on the blade plate 200. Cable 202 includes a cable sheath 228 surrounding the cable shield and the conductors 224, 226. In alternative embodiments, other types of cables may be provided.

[0043] The inner housing 204 is coupled to the blade clip 200, such as to the upper blade clip surface 210 and the lower blade clip surface 212. The inner housing 204 may be coupled to the cable 202 to provide strain relief for the cable 202. In various embodiments, the inner housing 204 may be molded in place on the blade clip 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 a plastic material.

[0044] The housing 206 receives portions of the inner housing 204, the blade clip 200, and the cable 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable 202 extends rearward from the housing 206. However, in alternative embodiments, the cable 202 may extend in other directions, such as from a first or second side of the housing 206. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 206 includes an upper wall 230, a first sidewall 232 at a first sidewall 233, a second sidewall 234 at a second sidewall 235, a first end wall 236 between sidewalls 232 and 234, and a second end wall 238 between sidewalls 232 and 234. The wall forms a blade clip recess 240. In an exemplary embodiment, the blade clip recess 240 opens at a bottom 242 of the housing 206. The blade clip recess 240 receives the blade clip 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the second end wall 238 includes an opening 244 for receiving the inner housing 204. Cable 202 is led out through opening 244. In an alternative embodiment, opening 244 may be provided at the first sidewall 232 or the second sidewall 234 for the side of cable 202 to be led out.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 206 includes a positioning feature 246 that engages the blade clip 200 and positions the blade clip 200 within a blade clip recess 240. In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning feature 246 is a post or pin extending from the upper wall 230 into the blade clip recess 240. Optionally, the opening in the blade clip 200 may be excessively large relative to the post to allow movement of the blade clip 200 within the blade clip recess 240, such as for positioning the blade clip 200 for mating with the receptacle connector 106. The positioning feature 246 may include a wall or surface that engages an edge of the blade clip 200 to position the blade clip 200 within the blade clip recess 240. In various embodiments, the blade clip 200 may be held in the blade clip recess 240 by an interference fit.

[0046] The housing 206 includes a latching feature 248 extending into the paddle clip recess 240. The latching feature 248 is configured to engage with the preloaded latch 146 of the receptacle connector 106. Figure 3 The cable assembly 108 is mated to secure it to the receptacle connector 106. In the illustrated embodiment, latching features 248 are provided on the first sidewall 232 and the second sidewall 234. In alternative embodiments, other locations are possible. Each latching feature 248 may be a latch having a latching surface configured to receive a preloaded latch 146. In alternative embodiments, other types of latching features 248 may be used. For example, the latching feature 248 may be a deflectable latch.

[0047] The housing 206 includes a spring plate recess 250 at the upper wall 230, which receives a spring plate 114. The spring plate recess 250 allows the spring plate 114 to be recessed in the upper wall 230 to maintain a low profile of the cable assembly 108. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 206 includes a retainer 252 extending into the spring plate recess 250 to hold the spring plate 114 in the spring plate recess 250.

[0048] Spring plate 114 includes a base 260, a first spring arm 262 extending from the base 260 to a first side portion, and a second spring arm 264 extending from the base 260 to a second side portion. The base 260 is received in a spring plate recess 250 and is coupled to an upper wall 230 by a retainer 252. In various embodiments, the base 260 may be planar and extend along the top of the housing 206. Spring arms 264, 266 may be flexed upward relative to the base 260. Spring arms 264, 266 may be movable relative to the base 260, such as for mounting to a host circuit board 110. In the illustrated embodiment, spring arm 264 is M-shaped. However, in alternative embodiments, spring arm 264 may have other shapes. The first spring arm 262 extends to a first side wall 232 and is positioned at the first side wall 232 by a positioning tab 266. The second spring arm 264 extends to the second sidewall 234 and is positioned at the second sidewall 234 by a positioning tab (not shown). Spring arms 262 and 264 each include mounting tabs 272 and 274, configured to be mounted to the host circuit board 110. For example, mounting hardware 112 ( Figure 1 It extends through the openings in the mounting tabs 272, 274 for attachment to the backing plate 116.

[0049] Figure 9 The top perspective view of a portion of the receptacle connector assembly 102 according to an exemplary embodiment shows a cable assembly 108 ready for coupling to a receptacle connector 106. Figure 10 The top perspective view of the receptacle connector assembly 102 according to an exemplary embodiment shows the cable assembly 108 connected to the receptacle connector 106. Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a socket connector assembly 102 according to an exemplary embodiment shows a cable assembly 108 at a first location. Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the socket connector assembly 102 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the cable assembly 108 at a second location. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 244 for the cable 202 (not shown) is located in the first sidewall 232 instead of the second endwall 238. In alternative embodiments, other locations are possible.

[0050] During assembly, cable assembly 108 is aligned with receptacle connector 106 (e.g., above receptacle connector 106). Cable assembly 108 mates with receptacle connector 106 by pressing cable assembly 108 down onto receptacle connector 106. Housing post 154 initially engages housing 206 to position housing 206 relative to receptacle frame 121. Paddle clip post 156 is configured to engage paddle clip 200 to position paddle clip 200 relative to receptacle connector 106 (e.g., relative to mating interface of receptacle contact 124). Cable assembly 108 is coupled to receptacle connector 106 to engage housing 206 with preload latch 146.

[0051] During assembly, the preloaded latch 146 engages the housing 206 and temporarily holds the housing 206 onto the receptacle connector 106. The preloaded latch 146 is configured to engage latch feature 248. Figure 11 The housing 206 is held in place on the receptacle frame 121. A preload latch 146 holds the cable assembly 108 in a first position on the receptacle connector 106. The cable assembly 108 is configured to move from the first position toward the host circuit board 110 to compress the spring beam 182 of the receptacle contacts 124. The preload latch 146 holds the cable assembly 108 with a first holding force sufficient to preload the paddle clip 200 against the deflectable spring beam 182 and / or from cable tension from lifting the cable assembly. The spring beam 182 can be partially compressed to preload the spring beam 182.

[0052] Once the cable assembly 108 uses the preload latch 146 ( Figure 11 Initially secured to the receptacle connector 106, the spring plate 114 can then be used to further connect the cable assembly 108 to the host circuit board 110. Spring arms 262, 264 of the spring plate 114 are connected to the host circuit board 110. For example, mounting hardware 112 is connected to the backing plate 116. Mounting hardware 112 passes through openings in mounting tabs 272, 274 and through openings in the host circuit board for connection to the backing plate 116. The mounting hardware can be threaded onto the backing plate 116. The spring plate 114 presses the cable assembly 108 downward toward the host circuit board 110 to a second position. Figure 12 In the first position, the bottom 242 of the housing 206 rests on the main circuit board 110. The deflectable spring beam 182 of the socket contact 124 is further compressed in the second position compared to the first position.

[0053] It will be understood that the description above is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) described above may be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention. The dimensions, types of materials, orientations of various components, and numbers and positions of various components described herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments and are by no means restrictive, but merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the description above. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the full scope of the appended claims together with their equivalents. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as common English equivalents of the corresponding terms “comprising” and “wherein”. Furthermore, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used only as designations and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Furthermore, the limitations of the following claims are not drafted in the form of means plus function and are not intended to be interpreted on the basis of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless and until such a claim limitation expressly uses the phrase “means for…” followed by a functional statement without any other structure.

Claims

1. A socket connector assembly for a communication system, comprising: A receptacle connector configured to be mounted to a host circuit board, the receptacle connector including a receptacle housing having a receptacle opening, the bottom of the receptacle housing being configured to be mounted to the host circuit board, the receptacle housing holding receptacle contacts, each receptacle contact including a deflectable spring beam having a separable mating interface; A cable assembly connected to the receptacle connector, the cable assembly including a housing having a paddle clip recess open at the bottom of the housing, the cable assembly including a paddle clip received in the paddle clip recess, the paddle clip extending between a mating end and a cable end, the paddle clip having an upper paddle clip surface and a lower paddle clip surface, the paddle clip including a paddle clip contact at the mating end on the lower paddle clip surface, the paddle clip contact abutting with the separable mating interface of the receptacle contact when the cable assembly is connected to the receptacle connector, the cable assembly including a cable terminated at the cable end of the paddle clip, the cable communicatively connected to a corresponding paddle clip contact; as well as A spring plate, which is attached to the housing, is configured to be secured to the host circuit board using at least one fastener to press the cable assembly downward toward the host circuit board to compress the deflectable spring beam of the receptacle contacts.

2. The socket connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spring plate is aligned with the paddle clip.

3. The socket connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spring plate includes a base, a first spring arm extending from the base to a first side of the housing, and a second spring arm extending from the base to a second side of the housing. The base is fixed to the top of the housing. The first arm is fixed to the main circuit board at the first side of the housing, and the second arm is fixed to the main circuit board at the second side of the housing. The first spring arm and the second spring arm spring-bias the base downward to press the base against the top of the housing.

4. The socket connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spring plate is secured to the backing plate below the main circuit board using at least one fastener.

5. The socket connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receptacle connector includes a preload latch extending into the receptacle opening. The housing engages the preload latch to hold the cable assembly in a first position on the receptacle connector by a first retaining force to preload the paddle clip. After the preload latch holds the cable assembly in the first position, a spring plate is coupled to the host circuit board and presses the cable assembly downward toward the host circuit board to a second position. As the paddle clip moves from the first position to the second position, the deflectable spring beam of the receptacle contact is compressed.

6. The socket connector assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The preload latch is connected to the socket housing and is fixed to the host circuit board independently of the socket housing and the lower socket contacts.

7. The socket connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receptacle housing includes a positioning feature extending from the top of the receptacle housing, the positioning feature engaging the cable assembly to position the cable assembly relative to the receptacle connector.

8. The socket connector assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The positioning feature includes an outer housing post extending from the top of the socket housing, the outer housing post engaging the outer housing to position the outer housing relative to the socket housing.

9. The socket connector assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The positioning feature includes a blade retainer extending from the top of the socket housing, the blade retainer receiving in an opening in the blade holder to position the blade holder relative to the socket housing.

10. A socket connector assembly for a communication system, comprising: A receptacle connector configured to be mounted to a host circuit board, the receptacle connector including a receptacle housing having a receptacle opening, the bottom of the receptacle housing being configured to be mounted to the host circuit board, the receptacle connector including a preloaded latch extending into the receptacle opening, the receptacle housing holding receptacle contacts, each receptacle contact including a deflectable spring beam having a separable mating interface; A cable assembly connected to the receptacle connector, the cable assembly including a housing having a paddle clip recess open at the bottom of the housing, the cable assembly including a paddle clip received in the paddle clip recess, the paddle clip extending between a mating end and a cable end, the paddle clip having an upper paddle clip surface and a lower paddle clip surface, the paddle clip including a paddle clip contact at the mating end on the lower paddle clip surface, the paddle clip contact abutting the separable mating interface of the receptacle contact when the cable assembly is connected to the receptacle connector, the cable assembly including a cable terminated at the cable end of the paddle clip, the cable communicatively connected to a corresponding paddle clip contact, wherein the housing engages a preload latch to hold the cable assembly in a first position on the receptacle connector by a first retaining force to preload the paddle clip; as well as A spring plate, which is attached to the housing after the preloaded latch holds the cable assembly in the first position, is configured to be secured to the host circuit board using at least one fastener to press the cable assembly downward toward the host circuit board to a second position, wherein the deflectable spring beam of the receptacle contact is further compressed from the first position to the second position.

11. The socket connector assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, The spring plate is aligned with the paddle clip.

12. The socket connector assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, The spring plate includes a base, a first spring arm extending from the base to a first side of the housing, and a second spring arm extending from the base to a second side of the housing. The base is fixed to the top of the housing. The first arm is fixed to the main circuit board at the first side of the housing, and the second arm is fixed to the main circuit board at the second side of the housing. The first spring arm and the second spring arm spring-bias the base downward to press the base against the top of the housing.

13. The socket connector assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, The preload latch is connected to the socket housing, and the preload latch is fixed to the host circuit board independently of the socket housing.

14. The socket connector assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, The receptacle housing includes a positioning feature extending from the top of the receptacle housing, the positioning feature engaging the cable assembly to position the cable assembly relative to the receptacle connector.

15. The socket connector assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, The positioning feature includes an outer housing post extending from the top of the socket housing, the outer housing post engaging the outer housing to position the outer housing relative to the socket housing.

16. The socket connector assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, The positioning feature includes a blade retainer extending from the top of the socket housing, the blade retainer receiving in an opening in the blade holder to position the blade holder relative to the socket housing.

17. A socket connector assembly for a communication system, comprising: A receptacle connector configured to be mounted to a host circuit board, the receptacle connector including a receptacle housing having a receptacle opening, the receptacle housing including a positioning feature extending from the top of the receptacle housing, the bottom of the receptacle housing configured to be mounted to the host circuit board, the receptacle housing holding receptacle contacts, each receptacle contact including a deflectable spring beam having a separable mating interface; A cable assembly connected to the receptacle connector, the cable assembly including a housing having a paddle clip recess open at the bottom of the housing, the cable assembly including a paddle clip received in the paddle clip recess, the paddle clip extending between a mating end and a cable end, the paddle clip having an upper paddle clip surface and a lower paddle clip surface, the paddle clip including a paddle clip contact at the mating end on the lower paddle clip surface, the paddle clip contact abutting the separable mating interface of the receptacle contact when the cable assembly is connected to the receptacle connector, the cable assembly including a cable terminated at the cable end of the paddle clip, the cable communicatively connected to a corresponding paddle clip contact, wherein the cable assembly engages the positioning feature to position the cable assembly relative to the receptacle connector; as well as A spring plate, which is attached to the housing, is configured to be secured to the host circuit board using at least one fastener to press the cable assembly downward toward the host circuit board to compress the deflectable spring beam of the receptacle contacts.

18. The socket connector assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that, The receptacle connector includes a preload latch extending into the receptacle opening. The housing engages the preload latch to hold the cable assembly in a first position on the receptacle connector by a first retaining force to preload the paddle clip. After the preload latch holds the cable assembly in the first position, a spring plate is coupled to the host circuit board. The spring plate presses the cable assembly downward toward the host circuit board to a second position, in which the deflectable spring beam of the receptacle contact is further compressed compared to the first position.

19. The socket connector assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that, The positioning feature includes an outer housing post extending from the top of the socket housing, the outer housing post engaging the outer housing to position the outer housing relative to the socket housing.

20. The socket connector assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that, The positioning feature includes a blade retainer extending from the top of the socket housing, the blade retainer receiving in an opening in the blade holder to position the blade holder relative to the socket housing.

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