Electrical connector with ground bus

Abstract

A contact assembly (202) for an electrical connector includes a contact retainer (230) having a contact support wall (236) that holds an array of contacts (266). The array of contacts includes signal contacts (246) and ground contacts (248) interspersed with the signal contacts. The signal contacts include mating ends (254) configured to mate with a mating electrical connector and mounting ends (258) configured to be terminated to a host circuit board (102). The signal contacts include transition portions (250) between the mating ends and the mounting ends. The ground contacts include mating ends, mounting ends, and transition portions between the mating ends and the mounting ends. The contact assembly includes a ground bus (300) that extends laterally across the array of contacts. The ground bus is electrically connected to each of the ground contacts. The ground bus is electrically isolated from each of the signal contacts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The main topic of this article concerns electrical connectors for communication systems. Background Technology

[0002] Some communication systems utilize communication connectors (such as card edge connectors) to interconnect various components of the system for data communication. Some known communication systems use pluggable modules, such as I / O modules or circuit cards, which are electrically connected to the card edge connectors. Pluggable modules have module circuit cards, which have card edges that mate with the card edge connectors during mating operation. Each card edge connector typically has upward and downward contacts for mating with a corresponding circuit board. Communication systems require electrical connectors and circuit boards with higher contact density and / or data throughput. However, with increased contact density and data throughput, electrical performance is negatively impacted. For example, signal lines suffer from crosstalk.

[0003] Known electrical connectors include a grounding shield to provide electrical shielding for signal lines. For example, a grounding shield can be attached to a grounding contact to provide electrical shielding. Such grounding shields are typically soldered or welded to the grounding contact. Grounding shields are often stamped parts, which increases the manufacturing and assembly costs of the electrical connector.

[0004] A reliable electrical connector is still needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to the present invention, a contact assembly for an electrical connector is provided. The contact assembly includes a contact positioner having a contact support wall. The contact assembly includes a contact array comprising signal contacts and ground contacts distributed among the signal contacts. The signal contacts and ground contacts are held by the support wall of the contact positioner. The signal contact includes a mating end configured to mate with a mating electrical connector and a mounting end configured to terminate to a main circuit board. The signal contact includes a transition portion between the mating end and the mounting end. The ground contact includes a mating end configured to mate with a mating electrical connector and a mounting end configured to terminate to a main circuit board. The ground contact includes a transition portion between the mating end and the mounting end. The contact assembly includes a ground busbar extending laterally across the contact array. The ground busbar is electrically connected to each ground contact. The ground busbar is electrically isolated from each signal contact. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of a communication system formed according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 This is a rear perspective view of a pluggable module according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0008] Figure 3 This is a front perspective view of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] Figure 4 This is a front perspective view of the card edge connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a front perspective view of a portion of a contact assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the upper contact array.

[0011] Figure 6 This is a rear perspective view of a portion of a contact assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 7 This is an enlarged view of a portion of a contact assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a contact assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a grounding busbar extending across the signal contact.

[0014] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a contact assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a grounding busbar extending across the grounding contact.

[0015] Figure 10 This is a rear perspective view of a portion of the contact assembly 202 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Figure 11 This is a rear perspective view of a portion of an electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of a communication system 100 formed according to an exemplary embodiment. The communication system includes a main circuit board 102 and a receptacle connector assembly 104 mounted to the main circuit board 102. A mating electrical connector 106 is configured to be electrically connected to the receptacle connector assembly 104. The mating electrical connector 106 is configured to be electrically connected to the main circuit board 102 via the receptacle connector assembly 104. In various embodiments, the mating electrical connector 106 may be a pluggable module, such as a transceiver module or an I / O module, and may be referred to hereinafter as pluggable module 106. Pluggable module 106 in Figure 2 As shown in the figure; however, other types of electrical connectors may be used in alternative embodiments.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector assembly 104 includes a receptacle cage 110 and an electrical connector 112 (shown in dashed lines) adjacent to the receptacle cage 110. A mating electrical connector 106 is configured to mate with the electrical connector 112. In various embodiments, the electrical connector 112 may be a snap-edge connector and may be referred to hereinafter as snap-edge connector 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the snap-edge connector 112 is received within the receptacle cage 110. In other various embodiments, the snap-edge connector 112 may be located rearward of the receptacle cage 110. In various embodiments, the receptacle cage 110 is closed and provides electrical shielding for the snap-edge connector 112. A pluggable module 106 is loaded into the receptacle cage 110 and is at least partially surrounded by the receptacle cage 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 is a shielded, stamped cage member that includes a plurality of shielding walls 114 defining one or more module channels for receiving corresponding pluggable modules 106. The shielding wall 114 of the socket cage 110 provides electrical shielding around the edge connector 112 and the pluggable module 106, for example, around the mating interface between the edge connector 112 and the pluggable module 106. In other embodiments, the socket cage 110 may be opened between frame members to provide cooling airflow for the pluggable module 106, wherein the frame members of the socket cage 110 define guide rails for guiding the pluggable module 106 into loading within the socket cage 110.

[0019] In various other embodiments, the receptacle connector assembly 104 may omit the receptacle cage 110 and instead include only the electrical connector 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the edge connector 112 is oriented for a horizontal fit (e.g., parallel to the main circuit board 102). In various other embodiments, the edge connector 112 is oriented for a vertical fit (e.g., perpendicular to the main circuit board 102).

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 is a single-port receptacle cage configured to receive a single pluggable module 106. In various other embodiments, the receptacle cage 110 may be a group of cage members having multiple ports grouped together in a single row and / or stacked cage members having multiple ports stacked as upper and lower ports. The receptacle cage 110 includes a module channel 116 having a module port 118 leading to the module channel 116. The module channel 116 receives the pluggable module 106 through the module port 118. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 extends between a front end 120 and a rear end 122. The module port 118 is located at the front end 120. Any number of module channels 116 (e.g., 2x2, 3x2, 4x2, 4x3, 4x1, 2x1, etc.) may be provided in various embodiments arranged in a single or multiple rows. Alternatively, multiple card edge connectors 112 may be arranged within the socket cage 110, for example when multiple rows and / or columns of module channels 116 are provided.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the wall 114 of the receptacle cage 110 includes a top wall 130, a bottom wall 132, a first side wall 134 extending from the top wall 130, and a second side wall 136. The bottom wall 132 may rest on the main circuit board 102. In various other embodiments, the receptacle cage 110 may be provided without the bottom wall 132. Optionally, the wall 114 of the receptacle cage 110 may include a rear wall 138 at a rear end 122. The wall 114 defines a cavity 140. For example, the cavity 140 may be defined by the top wall 130, the bottom wall 132, the side walls 134, 136, and the rear wall 138. The cavity 140 includes a module channel 116. In various embodiments, the cavity 140 receives a card edge connector 112, for example at the rear end 122. Other walls 114 may separate or divide the cavity 140 into additional module channels 116, for example, in embodiments using grouped and / or stacked receptacle cages. For example, wall 114 may include one or more vertical partition walls between the group of module channels 116. In various embodiments, wall 114 may include a partition panel between stacked upper and lower module channels 116. The partition panel may include an upper panel and a lower panel that form a space between the upper and lower module channels 116, for example, for airflow, for heat sinks, for routing light tubes, or for other purposes.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 may include one or more washers 142 at its front end 120 for providing electrical shielding for the module channel 116. For example, the washers 142 may be disposed at a port 118 for electrical connection to a pluggable module 106 received in the module channel 116. Alternatively, the pluggable module 106 may include a washer engaging the receptacle cage 110, rather than a receptacle cage 110 having washers engaging the pluggable module 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the washers 142 may be disposed around the exterior of the receptacle cage 110 for mating with a panel 144, for example, when the front end 120 of the receptacle cage 110 extends through a cutout in the panel. The washers 142 may include spring fingers or other deflectable features configured to spring-bias against the panel to form an electrical connection with the panel.

[0023] Optionally, the receptacle connector 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 for engaging the pluggable module 106 received in the 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.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the edge connector 112 is received in the cavity 140, for example, near the rear wall 138. However, in an alternative embodiment, the edge connector 112 may be located behind the rear wall 138 outside the receptacle cage 110 and extend into the cavity 140 to mate with the pluggable module(s) 106. In an exemplary embodiment, a single edge connector 112 is provided. In an alternative embodiment, the communication system 100 may include multiple edge connectors 112 (e.g., for stacked and / or grouped receptacle cages) for mating with corresponding pluggable modules 106.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a rear perspective view of a pluggable module 106 according to an exemplary embodiment. The pluggable module 106 has a pluggable body 170, which may be defined by one or more housings. The pluggable body 170 may be thermally conductive and / or electrically conductive to provide EMI shielding for the pluggable module 106. The pluggable body 170 includes a mating end 172 and an opposing front end 174. The mating end 172 is configured to insert into a corresponding module channel 116 (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown in the diagram). The front end 174 may be a cable end having a cable extending from it to another component within the system.

[0026] The pluggable module 106 includes a module circuit card 176 configured to be communicatively connected to the card edge connector 112 (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown in the diagram). Module circuit card 176 is receptable at mating end 172. Module circuit card 176 has a card edge 178 extending between a first or upper surface and a second or lower surface at the mating end of module circuit card 176. Module circuit card 176 includes card contacts 179, such as pads or circuitry, at card edge 178, configured to mate with card edge connector 112. In an exemplary embodiment, card contacts 179 are disposed on the upper and lower surfaces. Module circuit card 176 may include components, circuitry, etc., for operating and / or using pluggable module 106. For example, module circuit card 176 may have conductors, traces, pads, electronics, sensors, controllers, switches, inputs, outputs, etc., associated with module circuit board 176, which can be mounted to module circuit card 176 to form various circuits.

[0027] The pluggable module 106 includes an outer periphery defining the exterior of a pluggable body 170. For example, the outer periphery may be defined by a top 180, a bottom 182, a first side 184, and a second side 186. In alternative embodiments, the pluggable body 170 may have other shapes. In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable body 170 provides heat transfer for a module circuit card 176, such as for electronic components on the module circuit card 176. For example, the module circuit card 176 is in thermal communication with the pluggable body 170, which transfers heat from the module circuit card 176. Optionally, the pluggable body 170 may include a plurality of heat-transfer fins 188 along at least a portion of the outer periphery (e.g., the top 180) of the pluggable module 106 for heat dissipation from the pluggable body 170.

[0028] In various other embodiments, the pluggable module 106 may be a circuit card instead of an I / O module. For example, the pluggable module 106 may include a module circuit card 176 without a pluggable body 170 surrounding the module circuit card 176.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a front perspective view of a communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. A receptacle connector assembly 104 is shown as an electrical connector 112, such as a snap-edge connector, mounted to a main circuit board 102 (without a receptacle cage). In various embodiments, the snap-edge connector 112 can be mounted horizontally or vertically. In various embodiments, the snap-edge connector 112 can be mounted to the circuit board 102 to receive a pluggable module 106 in a direction perpendicular to the circuit board 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle connector assembly 104 is a through connector having mating ends and mounting ends of the housing that are parallel to each other rather than perpendicular to each other, such that the contacts pass directly through the housing rather than at right angles. In an alternative embodiment, the snap-edge connector 112 can be a right-angle snap-edge connector mounted to the circuit board 102 to receive a pluggable module 106 in a direction parallel to the circuit board 102.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the pluggable module 106 includes a module circuit card 176, without retaining an external pluggable body (such as...) for the module circuit card 176. Figure 2 (As shown). The module circuit card 176 has a card edge 178 at its mating end between a first or upper surface and a second or lower surface. The module circuit card 176 includes card contacts 179 at the card edge 178, for example at the upper and lower surfaces, which are configured to mate with the contacts of the card edge connector 112.

[0031] Figure 4This is a front perspective view of a card edge connector 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. The card edge connector 112 includes a housing 200 and a contact assembly 202 received in a cavity 204 of the housing 200. The housing 200 extends between a front portion 206 and a rear portion 208. The housing 200 extends between a top portion 210 and a bottom portion 212. The housing 200 extends between opposite sides 218. In various embodiments, the housing 200 may be generally box-shaped. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom portion 212 defines a mounting end configured to be mounted to a main circuit board 102 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 As shown), and the front part 206 defines a configuration end, which is configured to connect to the pluggable module 106 (as shown). Figure 1 (As shown) mating. In alternative embodiments, other orientations are possible (e.g., at the mating end of top 210).

[0032] The housing 200 includes a top wall 220 at a top 210 and a bottom wall 222 at a bottom 212. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 200 includes a shield 214 at a front 206 configured to mate with a pluggable module 106. The shield 214 is configured to be received within the pluggable module 106. The housing 200 includes a housing slot 216 at the front 206. For example, the housing slot 216 may be located within the shield 214 and open at the front of the shield 214. The housing slot 216 receives a module circuit card 176 (e.g., Figure 2 Card edge 178 (as shown) Figure 2 (As shown).

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the contact assembly 202 is a dual-sided contact assembly. The contact assembly 202 includes upper contacts 240 arranged in an upper contact array 242 and lower contacts 260 arranged in a lower contact array 242. The upper contacts 240 and lower contacts 260 are on opposite sides of the slot 216. The upper contacts 240 are arranged in an upward row, and the lower contacts 260 are arranged in a downward row. The upper contacts 240 may be arranged in multiple rows and / or the lower contacts 260 may be arranged in multiple rows. The card edge connector 112 has high density and significant data throughput.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a front perspective view of a portion of the contact assembly 202, showing the upper contact array 242. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact assembly 202 includes one or more grounding buses 300 extending laterally across the upper contact array 242. The grounding buses 300 are configured to be electrically connected to each grounding contact of the upper contact array 242 to electrically connect to the grounding contacts. The grounding buses 300 are configured to be electrically isolated from the signal contacts of the upper contact array 242.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the upper contact array 242 is formed from a lead frame, for example, by stamping. The contact array 242 includes contact holders 244 that hold the upper contacts 240. The contact holders 244 may hold all the upper contacts 240 relative to each other, for example, to maintain the spacing between the upper contacts 240. Optionally, multiple contact holders 244 may be provided, for example, near the front and rear of the upper contact array 242. The contact holders 244 are made of a dielectric material, such as plastic. For example, the contact holders 244 may be overmolded onto the upper contacts 240.

[0036] Each upper contact 240 includes a transition portion 250 extending between a mating beam 252 at the mating end 254 of the upper contact 240 and a contact tail 256 at the terminating end or mounting end 258 of the upper contact 240. The mating end 254 is configured to mate with a mating electrical connector 106 (e.g., Figure 1 As shown), for example, a module circuit card 176 that is coupled to the pluggable module 106 (such as...). Figure 2 (As shown). For example, mating beam 252 can be a deflectable mating beam with a separable mating interface. Mounting end 258 is configured to be electrically connected to main circuit board 102 (as shown). Figure 1 (Location). For example, the contact tail 256 may be a solder tail configured to be soldered to the main circuit board 102. In an alternative embodiment, the contact tail 256 may be a press-fit tail. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact retainer 244 connects to and supports the mating beam 252 of the upper contact 240. For example, the mating beam 252 extends in front of the contact retainer 244. The transition portion 250 extends behind the contact retainer 244. Alternatively, a portion of the mating beam 252 and / or the front portion of the transition portion 250 may be enclosed in the front contact retainer 244.

[0037] The transition portion 250 transitions between the mating end 254 and the mounting end 258. In an exemplary embodiment, the mating end 254 and the mounting end 258 are oriented generally perpendicular to each other. For example, the contact assembly 202 is a right-angle contact assembly. The transition portion 250 includes one or more bends to transition between the mating end 254 and the mounting end 258. The transition portion 250 may be bent along its respective portions to transition between the mating end 254 and the mounting end 258.

[0038] Each upper contact 240 may be a signal contact, and other upper contacts 240 may be ground contacts, for example, distributed among signal contacts or between pairs of signal contacts. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper contacts 240 are flexible and configured to elastically deform and bend during assembly and during mating with the module circuit card 176. The mating beam 252 may be a cantilevered spring beam extending forward from the front contact holder 244 and configured to bend when mating with the module circuit card 176. The contact tail 256 may bend when mounted to the main circuit board 102.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a rear perspective view of a portion of the contact assembly 202 according to an embodiment. Figure 7 This is an enlarged view of a portion of the contact assembly 202 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 A corresponding contact retainer 244 is shown for the upper contact array 242 and the contact positioner 230 coupled to the contact assembly 202. The contact retainer 244 is coupled to the contact positioner 230 to position the upper contact 240 relative to the contact positioner 230. The contact positioner 230 can also hold the lower contact array 266 (not shown). The contact positioner 230 is configured to be loaded into the housing 200 (e.g., Figure 4 In cavity 204 (as shown), the upper contact 240 (and lower contact 260) are positioned within housing 200. Contact positioner 230 is used to position the upper contact 240 and lower contact 260 relative to each other.

[0040] The contact positioner 230 includes a base 232 supporting an upper contact 240 and a positioning feature 234 extending from the base 232 to position the contact positioner 230 within the housing 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning feature 234 may be a protrusion or tail configured to fit into a slot or recess in the housing 200. In alternative embodiments, other types of positioning features 234 may be used, such as posts, pins, slots, channels, etc. In addition to the upper contact 240, the base 232 may hold a lower contact 260. For example, the base 232 may hold the upper contact 240 on an upper surface of the base 232 and may hold the lower contact 260 on a lower surface of the base 232. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact positioner 230 includes a contact support wall 236 configured to support a contact, such as the upper contact 240 (or the lower contact 260). In the illustrated embodiment, the contact support wall 236 extends from the base 232. The contact support wall 236 forms a contact channel 238 for receiving the corresponding contacts 240 and 260. The contacts 240 and 260 can be held in the contact channel 238 by the contact support wall 236, for example by interference fit.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the upper contact 240 includes a signal contact 246 and a ground contact 248. The signal contact 246 may include high-speed signal contacts and / or low-speed signal contacts. The high-speed signal contacts may be arranged in pairs, and the low-speed signal contacts may be single-ended contacts. The ground contacts 248 are distributed among the signal contacts 246, for example, between pairs of signal contacts 246. In an exemplary embodiment, the ground contacts 248 have the same shape as the signal contacts 246.

[0042] A ground bus 300 extends laterally across the upper contact array 242. Optionally, multiple ground buses 300 may be provided. The ground bus 300 is electrically connected to each ground contact 248 across which it extends. Optionally, the ground bus 300 may be electrically connected to each ground contact 248 in the upper contact array 242, for example, when the ground bus 300 extends across the entire upper contact array 242. In an exemplary embodiment, the ground bus extends perpendicular to the transition portion 250, for example, across the contact assembly 202 side-by-side. The ground bus 300 is electrically connected to the transition portion 250 of each ground contact 248. The ground bus 300 is configured to physically contact the signal contact 246 without being electrically connected to it. In an exemplary embodiment, the transition portion 250 of the signal contact 246 is coplanar with the transition portion 250 of the ground contact 248, and the ground bus 300 spans the transition portion 250 of the signal contact 246 and the transition portion 250 of the ground contact 248.

[0043] In various embodiments, the contact assembly 202 includes two ground buses 300 extending across the upper contact array 242, such as a right ground bus 300a and a left ground bus 300b. The right ground bus 300a and the left ground bus 300b are separate and independent from each other, with a gap or spacing between them aligned with a low-speed signal contact. The right ground bus 300a spans the corresponding high-speed signal contact 246 and ground contact 248 on the right side of the upper contact array 242, and the left ground bus 300b spans the corresponding high-speed signal contact 246 and ground contact 248 on the left side of the upper contact array 242. The right ground bus 300a is electrically connected to the ground contact 248 on the left side of the upper contact array 242, and the left ground bus 300b is electrically connected to the ground contact 248 on the left side of the upper contact array 242.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the grounding busbar 300 is a cylindrical conductor. The diameter of the grounding busbar 300 may be smaller than the width of the grounding contact 248. The grounding busbar 300 includes a center conductor 302 (in... Figure 6 and Figure 7(shown in dashed lines) and an outer insulator 304 surrounding the conductor 302. The insulator 304 electrically isolates the conductor 302 from the signal contact 246. In an exemplary embodiment, a portion of the insulator 304 is removed to expose the conductor 302 for electrical connection to the ground contact 248. For example, the insulator 304 may include a window 306 exposing the conductor 302 (e.g., a window 306). Figure 9 As shown), it corresponds to the grounding contact 248 to allow the conductor to be electrically connected to the grounding contact 248. The covered portion of the conductor 302 may be referred to as the insulating section. The uncovered portion of the conductor 302 may be referred to as the exposed section or the attached section, which is configured to be electrically connected to the grounding contact 248.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the ground bus 300 is a high-resistance wire, such as a coated high-resistance wire. For example, the ground bus 300 may be an enamel-coated wire. The enamel coating forms an insulator 304. The coating may be removed in selected areas to form a window 306 to connect the conductor 302 to the ground contact 248.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the ground bus 300 is configured to be soldered or welded to each ground contact 248. Conductors 302 are soldered or welded to the ground contacts 248 to electrically connect the ground bus 300 to the ground contacts 248. Optionally, during the soldering or welding process, the insulator 304 is removed to expose the conductors 302 for electrical connection to the ground contacts 248. For example, heat during the soldering or welding process may melt away the insulator 304 (e.g., a coating).

[0047] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the contact assembly 202, showing the ground bus 300 extending across the signal contact 246. Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the contact assembly 202, showing the grounding bus 300 extending across the grounding contact 248. Figure 8 An insulating section 310 of conductor 302 is shown, which is surrounded by an insulator 304. The insulator 304 electrically isolates conductor 302 from signal contact 246. Figure 9 An attachment segment 312 of conductor 302 is shown, exposed by window 306 for electrical connection to ground contact 248. The attachment segment may be soldered or welded to ground contact 248. Ground bus 300 includes a series of insulating segments 310 and attachment segments 312 distributed along the length of ground bus 300. The insulating segments 310 and attachment segments 312 are arranged such that the insulating segment 310 bridging each signal contact 246 and the attachment segment 312 bridging each ground contact 248.

[0048] Figure 10 This is a rear perspective view of a portion of the contact assembly 202 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 10A contact assembly 202 with multiple grounding buses 300 is shown. The grounding buses 300 extend laterally across a contact array 242. The grounding buses 300 extend parallel to each other and side-by-side across the contact array 242. The grounding buses 300 may be spaced approximately equally. The spacing between the grounding buses 300 can be selected to control the impedance.

[0049] Figure 11 This is a rear perspective view of a portion of the electrical connector 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 11 A contact assembly 202 is shown loaded into a cavity 204 of a housing 200. The housing 200 includes a guide groove 224 that receives a positioning feature 234 of a contact positioner 230.

Claims

1. A contact assembly (202) for an electrical connector, comprising: A contact positioner (230) having a contact support wall (236); A contact array (266) includes signal contacts (246) and ground contacts (248) distributed with the signal contacts. The signal contacts and the ground contacts are supported by a support wall (236) of the contact positioner (230). The signal contacts include a mating end (254) configured to mate with a mating electrical connector and a mounting end (258) configured to terminate to a main circuit board (102). The signal contacts include a transition portion (250) between the mating end and the mounting end. The ground contacts include a mating end configured to mate with the mating electrical connector and a mounting end configured to terminate to the main circuit board. The ground contacts include a transition portion between the mating end and the mounting end. as well as A ground bus (300) extends laterally across the contact array, the ground bus being electrically connected to each of the ground contacts and electrically isolated from each of the signal contacts, wherein the ground bus (300) is in physical contact with the signal contacts (246) but not electrically connected to them, wherein the ground bus (300) includes a conductor (302) and an insulator (304) surrounding the conductor, the insulator electrically isolating the conductor from the signal contacts (246).

2. The contact assembly (202) of claim 1, wherein the ground bus (300) is electrically connected to the transition portion (250) of each of the ground contacts (248).

3. The contact assembly (202) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grounding bus (300) is a cylindrical conductor with a radius smaller than the width of the grounding contact (248).

4. The contact assembly (202) of claim 1, wherein the grounding bus (300) extends perpendicular to the transition portion (250).

5. The contact assembly (202) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The insulator includes a window (306) exposing the conductor, which is aligned with the grounding contact (248) to electrically connect the conductor to the grounding contact.

6. The contact assembly (202) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The conductor includes an insulating section (310) along the length of the grounding busbar and an attachment section (312) distributed along the insulating section. The grounding busbar extends across the contact array (266) such that the insulating section bridging the signal contact (246) and the attachment section bridging the ground contact (248) electrically connected to the attachment section.

7. The contact assembly (202) of claim 1, wherein the grounding bus (300) is a coated high-resistance wire.

8. The contact assembly (202) of claim 1, wherein the grounding bus (300) is an enamel-coated wire, wherein the enamel coating forms the insulator, wherein the enamel coating of the enamel-coated wire is removed at a selected area to connect to the grounding contact (248).

9. The contact assembly (202) of claim 1, wherein the grounding bus (300) is soldered or welded to each of the grounding contacts (248).

10. The contact assembly (202) as claimed in claim 9, wherein, During the soldering or welding process, the insulation (304) of the grounding bus (300) is removed to expose the conductor (302) of the grounding bus for electrical connection with the grounding contact (248).

11. The contact assembly (202) of claim 1, wherein the transition portion (205) of the signal contact (246) is coplanar with the transition portion of the ground contact, and the ground busbar crosses the transition portion of the signal contact and the transition portion of the ground contact (248).

12. The contact assembly (202) of claim 1 further includes a second ground bus (300) extending laterally across the contact array (266), parallel to the ground bus (300) and spaced apart from the ground bus.

13. The contact assembly (202) of claim 12, further comprising a third ground bus (300) extending laterally across the contact array (266) and parallel to the second ground bus, the second ground bus being centrally located between the ground bus (300) and the third ground bus.

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