Emi shielding of a socket cage

Abstract

A socket cage (110) includes a cage wall (114) forming a module passage (116) configured to receive a pluggable module (106). The cage wall extends between a front end (140) and a rear end (142) of the socket cage. At least one of the cage walls is a latching wall (134) including a latching feature (150) configured to engage a latch (190) of the pluggable module (106) to retain the pluggable module in the module passage. The socket cage includes a first slider pressure tab (160). The first slider pressure tab extends from the latching wall into the module passage. The first slider pressure tab is configured to engage a slider arm (192) of the latch to press the slider arm inward toward a pluggable module body (180) of the pluggable module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The main topic of this article is socket cages. Background Technology

[0002] Some communication systems utilize receptacle assemblies with communication connectors to interconnect various components of the system for data communication. The receptacle assembly includes a receptacle cage that receives a pluggable module (e.g., an I / O module) electrically connected to the communication connector. The receptacle cage provides electrical shielding, such as EMI shielding, for the pluggable module. Conventional receptacle cages have gaskets at the interface with the pluggable module. However, conventional communication systems suffer from performance issues, particularly at high data rates. For example, EMI leakage can occur between the pluggable module and the receptacle cage, such as at the interface between the pluggable module and the communication connector, or along the slider arm of the latch used to hold the pluggable module in the receptacle cage.

[0003] There is still a need for a socket cage with improved electrical shielding. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to the present invention, a receptacle cage is provided, comprising a cage wall forming a module channel configured to receive a pluggable module. The cage wall extends between a front end and a rear end of the receptacle cage. At least one of the cage walls is a latch wall including a latch feature configured to engage a latch of the pluggable module to retain the pluggable module in the module channel. The receptacle cage includes a first slider pressure protrusion. The first slider pressure protrusion extends from the latch wall into the module channel. The first slider pressure protrusion is configured to engage a slider arm of the latch to press the slider arm inward against the pluggable module body of the pluggable module. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1 This is a top perspective view of a communication system formed according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0006] Figure 2 This is a front perspective view of a part of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0007] Figure 3 This is a rear perspective view of a pluggable module according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0008] Figure 4 This is a side view of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a socket cage.

[0009] Figure 5 This is a top view of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the socket cage.

[0010] Figure 6 This is a side view of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a socket cage.

[0011] Figure 7 This is an enlarged side view of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the socket cage.

[0012] Figure 8 This is an assembly side view of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the socket cage. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Figure 1 This is a top perspective view of a communication system 100 formed according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 This is a front perspective view of a portion of a communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The communication system 100 includes a circuit board 102 ( Figure 1 ) and a socket connector assembly 104 mounted to circuit board 102. Pluggable module 106 ( Figure 1 The pluggable module 106 is electrically connected to the receptacle connector assembly 104. The pluggable module 106 is electrically connected to the circuit board 102 via the receptacle connector assembly 104.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector assembly 104 includes a receptacle cage assembly 108 and a communication connector 112 (shown in dashed lines) adjacent to the receptacle cage assembly 108. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the communication connector 112 is received within the receptacle cage assembly 108. In various other embodiments, the communication connector 112 may be located behind the receptacle cage assembly 108.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage assembly 108 includes a receptacle cage 110 and a gasket assembly 200, the gasket assembly 200 being electrically connected to the receptacle cage 110 to provide EMI shielding for the receptacle cage 110. The gasket assembly 200 includes a front gasket 202 and a rear gasket 204 (in... Figure 1 (Seen in dashed lines), a shielding chamber 206 is formed therebetween to provide EMI shielding within the receptacle cage 110 along the pluggable module 106. In an alternative embodiment, the gasket assembly 200 may not include a rear gasket 204. The front gasket 202 and rear gasket 204 may include separate and discrete components that are welded or clipped to the receptacle cage 110 to electrically connect the gasket assembly 200 to the receptacle cage 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the front gasket 202 and rear gasket 204 may be stamped gaskets. The front gasket 202 includes gasket fingers 210 that provide EMI shielding around the receptacle cage 110, and the rear gasket 204 includes gasket fingers 220 that provide EMI shielding around the receptacle cage 110. In alternative embodiments, other types of gaskets may be used, such as compressible gaskets, mesh gaskets, or another type of gasket.

[0016] In various embodiments, the receptacle cage 110 is enclosed and provides electrical shielding for the communication connector 112. The receptacle cage 110 is configured to surround at least a portion of the pluggable module 106 and provide shielding for the pluggable module 106. The receptacle cage 110 includes a plurality of cage walls 114 defining one or more module channels 116 for receiving corresponding pluggable modules 106. The cage walls 114 may be walls defined by solid sheets, perforated walls allowing airflow through them, walls with cutouts (e.g., for allowing heat sinks or radiators to pass through them), or walls defined by rails or beams with relatively large openings (e.g., for allowing airflow through them). In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 is a shielded, stamped cage member, wherein the cage walls 114 are shielding walls.

[0017] In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 includes a single module channel 116 for receiving a single pluggable module 106. The receptacle cage 110 has a port that opens at the front of the receptacle cage 110 to receive the pluggable module 106. In various embodiments, any number of module channels 116 can be provided. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 can be configured as a stacked cage member having upper and lower module channels 116 to receive a plurality of stacked pluggable modules 106. The upper and lower module channels 118 can be arranged in a single row; however, in an alternative embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 can include multiple rows of grouped module channels 118 (e.g., 2x2, 3x2, 4x2, 4x3, etc.). In various other embodiments, instead of a stacked cage member, the receptacle cage 110 can include a single row of grouped module channels 116 (e.g., 1x2, 1x4, etc.). Alternatively, multiple communication connectors 112 may be arranged within the socket cage 110, for example when multiple columns or rows of module channels 116 are provided.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the cage walls 114 of the receptacle cage 110 include a top wall 130, a bottom wall 132, a first side wall 134, a second side wall 136, and a rear wall 138. At least one of the cage walls 114 defines a latch wall having a latching feature configured to engage with a latch of the pluggable module 106 to retain the pluggable module 106 in the module channel 118. For example, the first side wall 134 may be a latch wall 134; the second side wall 136 may be a latch wall 136; the top wall 130 may be a latch wall 130; and / or the bottom wall 132 may be a latch wall 132. The bottom wall 132 may rest on the circuit board 102. However, in an alternative embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 may not have a bottom wall 132. The receptacle cage 110 extends between a front end 140 and a rear end 142. A plurality of ports are provided at the front end 140 to receive the pluggable module 106 through the front end 140. Cage wall 114 defines a cavity. For example, the cavity may be defined by a top wall 130, a bottom wall 132, side walls 134, 136, and a rear wall 138. The cavity defines a module channel 116 for receiving a pluggable module 106. The cavity receives a communication connector 112. Other cage walls 114 may divide or partition the cavity into multiple module channels 116, such as stacked or grouped module channels. For example, cage wall 114 includes a separator (not shown). The separator may be a horizontal separator (e.g., a partition plate) located between the upper and lower module channels 116. In various other embodiments, the separator may define a vertical partition plate (not shown), for example, parallel to the side walls 134, 136.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector assembly 104 may include one or more heat sinks 144 (not shown) for dissipating heat from the pluggable module 106. For example, the heat sink may be coupled to the top wall 130 for engaging the upper pluggable module 106 received in the upper module channel 116. The heat sink may extend through an opening in the top wall 130 to directly engage the pluggable module 106. Other types of heat sinks may be provided in alternative embodiments.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the communication connector 112 is received within a cavity of the receptacle cage 110, for example, near the rear wall 138. However, in an alternative embodiment, the communication connector 112 may be located behind the rear wall 138 outside the receptacle cage 110 and extend into the cavity to mate with the pluggable module(s) 106. For example, the rear wall 138 may include an opening for receiving a component therethrough.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable module 106 is loaded into the receptacle cage 110 via a front end 140 to mate with the communication connector 112. The shielding cage wall 114 of the receptacle cage 110 provides electrical shielding around the communication connector 112 and the pluggable module 106, for example, around the mating interface between the communication connector 112 and the pluggable module 106. A gasket assembly 200 abuts against the pluggable module 106 to electrically connect the receptacle cage 110 to the pluggable module 106 and seals any gaps between the pluggable module 106 and the receptacle cage 110 to prevent EMI leakage through these gaps. The communication connector 112 is coupled to a circuit board 102. The receptacle cage 110 is mounted to the circuit board 102 above the communication connector 112.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, a front washer 202 is disposed at a front end 140 for electrical connection to a panel (not shown) to electrically connect the receptacle cage 110 to the panel. For example, the front end 140 of the receptacle cage 110 extends through a panel opening in the panel, such that the front end 140 is in front of the panel, while the rear end 142 is behind the panel. The front washer 202 prevents EMI leakage through the panel opening.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 includes one or more latching features 150 configured to engage a latch of the pluggable module 106. The latching features 150 extend from one or more walls defining a latch wall. In various embodiments, the latching features 150 include a retainer protrusion, and may be referred to hereinafter as retainer protrusion 150. In an exemplary embodiment, the retainer protrusion 150 extends from sidewalls 134, 136 into a module channel 116. The retainer protrusion 150 is used to retain the pluggable module 106 in the module channel 116. For example, the retainer protrusion 150 abuts against a latch 190 of the pluggable module 106. The retainer protrusion 150 is deflectable and configured to move from a latched position to an unlocked position to allow removal of the pluggable module 106. In an exemplary embodiment, each retainer protrusion 150 extends between a proximal end 152 and a distal end 154. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal end 154 is located behind the proximal end 152; however, in alternative embodiments, the retainer protrusion 150 may have other orientations. The retainer protrusion 150 is deflectable relative to the sidewalls 134, 136 at the proximal end 152. The proximal end 152 is fixed at the sidewalls 134, 136. The retainer protrusion 150 bends inward into the module channel 116 such that the distal end 154 is located in the module channel 116 to engage the pluggable module 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the retainer protrusion has an edge 156 at the distal end 154 that engages the latch 190.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 includes a slider pressure protrusion 160 extending from sidewalls 134, 136 into the module channel 116. The slider pressure protrusion 160 is deflectable and configured to press against a slider arm 192 of the latch 190 to press the slider arm 192 inward, for example, engaging with the body of the pluggable module 106, to form an electrical connection between the slider arm 192 and the body of the pluggable module 106, thereby reducing EMI leakage along the pluggable module 106. The slider pressure protrusion 160 forms an electrical connection between the latch 190 and the receptacle cage 110 for grounding and / or shielding.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, each slider pressure protrusion 160 extends between a proximal end 162 and a distal end 164. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal end 164 is located behind the proximal end 162; however, in an alternative embodiment, the slider pressure protrusion 160 may have other orientations. The slider pressure protrusion 160 is deflectable relative to the sidewalls 134, 136 at the proximal end 162. The proximal end 162 is fixed at the sidewalls 134, 136. The slider pressure protrusion 160 bends inward into the module channel 116 such that the distal end 164 is located in the module channel 116 to engage the pluggable module 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the slider pressure protrusion 160 has an edge 166 at the distal end 164 that engages the slider arm 192.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a rear perspective view of a pluggable module 106 according to an exemplary embodiment. The pluggable module 106 has a pluggable body 180, which may be defined by one or more housings. The pluggable body 180 may be thermally conductive and / or electrically conductive to provide EMI shielding for the pluggable module 106. The pluggable body 180 includes a mating end 182 and an opposing front end 184. The front end 184 may be a cable end having a cable extending therefrom to another component within the system. The mating end 182 is configured to insert into a corresponding module channel 116 (e.g., Figure 1 (as shown in the example). In an exemplary embodiment, the outer surface of the pluggable body 180, such as the side, top, and bottom, can be engaged by the washer assembly 200 (as shown in the example). Figure 1 and Figure 2 (As shown). The pluggable body 180 includes a latch recess 186 on its side (should be located on the front side of 198) which receives the slider arm 192 of the latch 190. The retaining protrusion 150 of the socket cage 110 (as shown) Figure 1 and Figure 2 (As shown) The latch 190 is received in the latch recess 186 to engage the latch 190. The latch 190 can move in the latch recess 186, for example, by sliding backward to release the retaining protrusion 150.

[0027] Pluggable module 106 includes module circuit board 188 configured to be communicatively connected to communication connector 112 (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown in the diagram). Module circuit board 188 can be accessed at mating end 182. Module circuit board 188 may include components, circuitry, etc., for operating and / or using the pluggable module 106. For example, module circuit board 188 may have conductors, traces, pads, electronics, sensors, controllers, switches, inputs, outputs, etc. associated with module circuit board 188, which can be mounted to module circuit board 188 to form various circuits.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable body 180 provides heat transfer to a module circuit board 188, such as electronic components on the module circuit board 188. For example, the module circuit board 188 is in thermal communication with the pluggable body 180, which transfers heat from the module circuit board 188. In various embodiments, the pluggable body 180 may include a plurality of heat-transfer fins (not shown) along at least a portion of the pluggable module 106 to transfer heat away from the main housing of the pluggable body 180, and thus away from the module circuit board 188 and associated components. In the illustrated embodiment, the fins are longitudinally extending parallel plates; however, in alternative embodiments, the fins may have other shapes, such as cylindrical or other shaped pillars.

[0029] The pluggable module 106 includes a latch 190. The latch 190 includes a pull protrusion 194 extending between slider arms 192 and a chain 196 extending rearward from the pull protrusion 194. The pull protrusion 194 is configured to be pulled rearward to release the latch 190 and allow removal of the pluggable module 106 from the receptacle cage 110. The latch 190 includes a latch release protrusion 198 at the distal end of the slider arms 192. The latch release protrusion 198 is configured to engage a retainer protrusion 150 to release the retainer protrusion 150 and allow removal of the pluggable module 106 from the receptacle cage 110. In various embodiments, a leakage path is formed between the slider arms 192 and the pluggable body 180 when the slider arms 192 are separated or spaced apart from the pluggable body 180. A slider pressure protrusion 160 (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 2 The slider pressure protrusion 160 (as shown) is configured to engage the slider arm 192 and press the slider arm 192 inward toward the pluggable body 180 to reduce or eliminate the size of the gap or space between the slider arm 192 and the pluggable body 180. As a result, the slider pressure protrusion 160 reduces EMI leakage along the pluggable module 106.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a side view of a communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a socket cage 110. Figure 5 This is a top view of a communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the socket cage 100. Figure 4 and Figure 5A retainer protrusion 150 and a slider pressure protrusion 160 configured to engage with a pluggable module 106 are shown. Figure 4 and Figure 5 A pluggable module 106 connected to a communication connector 112 (shown in dashed lines) is shown.

[0031] The retainer protrusion 150 is integral with the socket cage 110, for example, by being stamped and bent inward by sidewalls 134, 136. A retainer protrusion gap 158 surrounds the retainer protrusion 150. The retainer protrusion gap 158 is formed during the stamping of the sidewalls 134, 136 to form the retainer protrusion 150. The retainer protrusion 150 extends into the module channel 116 to engage and retain the pluggable module 106 within the module channel 116. An edge 156 at the distal end 154 is configured to engage the pluggable module 106, such as a latch 190 and / or a latch recess 186 of the pluggable body 180. A latch release protrusion 198 is configured to engage and release the retainer protrusion 150, for example, when the latch 190 is actuated (e.g., pulled in the forward direction).

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 includes a single slider pressure protrusion 160 on each sidewall 134, 136. The slider pressure protrusion 160 is located between the retainer protrusion 150 and the front end 140 of the receptacle cage 110. The slider pressure protrusion 160 may be located near the front washer 202 to mate with the latch 190 near the front end 140. The slider pressure protrusion 160 is integral with the receptacle cage 110, for example, by being stamped and bent inward by the sidewalls 134, 136. A slider pressure protrusion gap 168 surrounds the slider pressure protrusion 160. The slider pressure protrusion gap 168 is formed during the stamping of the sidewalls 134, 136 to form the slider pressure protrusion 160. The edge 166 at the distal end 164 of the slider pressure protrusion 160 is configured to engage a pluggable module 106, such as the slider arm 192 of the latch 190. The slider pressure protrusion 160 presses the slider arm 192 inward against the pluggable body 180 with a pressing force. The normal force generated by the slider pressure protrusion 160 engages the slider arm 192 with the pluggable body 180 to reduce or eliminate EMI leakage along the pluggable body 180, for example, between the pluggable body 180 and the slider arm 192.

[0033] A front washer 202 is located at the front end 140 of the receptacle cage 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the front washer 202 includes washer fingers 210 along the outside and inside of the receptacle cage 110. The inner washer fingers 210 are configured to engage the pluggable module 106. The washer fingers 210 can engage the top, bottom, and sides of the pluggable module 106.

[0034] The rear washer 204 is located near the communication connector 112 at the rear end 142 of the socket cage 110. The washer fingers 220 of the rear washer 204 are configured to engage the mating ends 182 of the pluggable module 106. The washer fingers 220 can engage the top, bottom, and sides of the pluggable module 106.

[0035] The retainer protrusion 150 and the slider pressure protrusion 160 are located in the shielding chamber 206 between the rear washer finger 220 and the front washer finger 210. The slider pressure protrusion 160 extends into the shielding chamber 206 to engage the slider arm 192 of the latch 190. The slider pressure protrusion 160 reduces EMI leakage along the pluggable module 106 within the shielding chamber 206 between the pluggable body 180 and the slider arm 192.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a side view of a communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a socket cage 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the socket cage 110 includes a pair of slider pressure protrusions 160 on each sidewall 134, 136, including a forward slider pressure protrusion 160a and a rearward slider pressure protrusion 160b. The slider pressure protrusions 160 are located between the retainer protrusion 150 and the front end 140 of the socket cage 110. The slider pressure protrusions 160a, 160b extend along each slider arm 192 (e.g., ...). Figure 3 (As shown) at multiple contact points with latch 190 (e.g.) Figure 3 (As shown) mating. The slider pressure protrusion 160 is integral with the socket cage 110, for example, stamped and bent inward by sidewalls 134, 136. The slider pressure protrusion 160 engages the slider arm 192 at different positions along the slider arm 192 to press the slider arm 192 inward to engage the pluggable body 180 and reduce EMI leakage along the pluggable body 180, for example, between the pluggable body 180 and the slider arm 192.

[0037] Figure 7 This is an exploded side view of a communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a socket cage 110. Figure 8 This is an assembled side view of a communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a socket cage 110. In the exemplary embodiment, sidewalls 134, 136 include an opening 170 between the retainer protrusion 150 and the front washer finger 210. The opening 170 provides access to the module channel 116.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 includes a cover 300 configured to engage with sidewalls 134, 136. The cover 300 is used to at least partially cover the corresponding opening 170. The cover 300 may be used to cover a retainer protrusion gap 158 surrounding the retainer protrusion 150 to prevent EMI leakage through the retainer protrusion gap 158. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover 300 includes a slider pressure protrusion 160. Specifically, the slider pressure protrusion 160 is integrally formed with the cover 300, stamped by the cover 300 and bent inward. The slider pressure protrusion 160 is received in the opening 170 and the module channel 116. The slider pressure protrusion 160 extends through the opening 170 into the module channel 116 to engage the pluggable module 106. The cover 300 may be made of a thicker sheet of metal than the receptacle cage, making the slider pressure protrusion 160 more rigid to generate a greater normal force when pressed against the slider arm 192. In alternative embodiments, the slider pressure protrusion 160 may be part of the sidewalls 134, 136, rather than part of the cover 300. In various embodiments, the cover 300 is used to cover the slider pressure protrusion gap 168 surrounding the slider pressure protrusion 160 (e.g., Figure 3 (as shown) and retainer gap 158 to reduce EMI leakage through slider pressure protrusion gap 168 and retainer gap 158.

Claims

1. A socket cage assembly (110), comprising: A cage wall (114) forms a module channel (116) configured to receive a pluggable module (106), the cage wall extending between a front end (140) and a rear end (142) of the socket cage, at least one of the cage walls being a latch wall (134) including a latch feature configured to engage a latch (190) of the pluggable module to hold the pluggable module in the module channel; as well as A first slider pressure protrusion extends from the latch wall into the module channel, the first slider pressure protrusion being configured to engage the slider arm (192) of the latch to press the slider arm inward against the pluggable module body (180) of the pluggable module. The first slider pressure protrusion is integral with the latch wall (134), and the first slider pressure protrusion is punched from the latch wall and bent inward into the module channel (116).

2. The socket cage assembly (110) of claim 1, wherein the first slider pressure protrusion applies a normal force on the slider arm (192) to push the slider arm toward the pluggable module body (180).

3. The socket cage assembly (110) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The latching feature includes a first retainer protrusion (150) and a first slider pressure protrusion located between the first retainer protrusion (150) and the front end (140) of the cage wall.

4. The socket cage assembly (110) of claim 1 further includes a second slider pressure protrusion extending from the latch wall into the module channel (116), the second slider pressure protrusion being configured to engage a slider arm (192) of the latch (190) to press the slider arm inward toward the pluggable module body (180).

5. The socket cage assembly (110) of claim 1 further includes a second slider pressure protrusion extending from the second latch wall (136) into the module channel (116), the second slider pressure protrusion being configured to engage a second slider arm (192) of the latch (190) to press the second slider arm inward toward the pluggable module body (180).

6. The socket cage assembly (110) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The latching feature includes a first retainer protrusion (150) having a proximal end (152) and a distal end (154) behind the proximal end, the first retainer protrusion being deflectable relative to the latch wall (134) at the proximal end of the first retainer protrusion, and a first slider pressure protrusion having a proximal end (162) and a distal end (164), the first slider pressure protrusion being deflectable relative to the latch wall at the proximal end of the first slider pressure protrusion.

7. The socket cage assembly (110) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The latch feature includes a first retainer protrusion (150), and the socket cage assembly (110) further includes a cover (300) coupled to the latch wall (134), the cover covering the first retainer protrusion (150) and the first slider pressure protrusion.

8. The socket cage assembly (110) of claim 1 further includes a cover (300) coupled to the latch wall (134), the first slider pressure protrusion being integral with the cover and being punched from the cover and bent inward, the latch wall including an opening (170) for receiving the first slider pressure protrusion such that the first slider pressure protrusion extends from the cover through the opening into the module channel (116).

9. The socket cage assembly (110) of claim 1, further comprising a front washer (202) at the front end (140) of the cage wall, the front washer extending into the module channel (116) to engage the pluggable module (106), the first slider pressure protrusion being located near the front washer.

10. The socket cage assembly (110) of claim 9 further includes a rear washer (204) coupled to the cage wall (114), the rear washer being located directly in front of the communication module and extending into the module channel (116) to engage the mating end of the pluggable module (106).

11. The socket cage assembly (110) as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The latch features include a first retainer protrusion (150), a shielding chamber (206) defined between the front washer (202) and the rear washer (204), the first retainer protrusion (150) extending into the shielding chamber, and a first slider pressure protrusion extending into the shielding chamber.

Images