Electrical connector system

Abstract

The present application relates to electrical connector systems. An orthogonal electrical connector system includes vertical electrical connectors configured to be mated to one another so as to place a respective plurality of first and second substrates in mutual data communication through the mated electrical connectors, with the first and second substrates being oriented orthogonally to one another. Other connector systems are also disclosed.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on June 13, 2018, with application number 201880039779.4 (international application number PCT / US2018 / 037198) and entitled "Electrical Connector System".

[0002] Cross-references to related applications

[0003] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 518,867, filed June 13, 2017, and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 524,360, filed June 23, 2017, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein. Background Technology

[0004] Electrical connectors consist of electrical contacts that are mounted to corresponding electrical components and mat with each other to transmit signals between the components. Electrical contacts typically include signal contacts that carry the signal, and grounding contacts that shield the various signal contacts from each other. However, if the spacing between signal contacts is too close, unwanted interference or "crosstalk" can occur between adjacent signal contacts. Crosstalk occurs when one signal contact causes electrical interference in adjacent signal contacts due to a mixed electric field, thus compromising signal integrity. With the miniaturization and high-speed operation of electronic devices, high-signal-integrity electronic communication is becoming increasingly prevalent, and reducing crosstalk has become a crucial factor in connector design.

[0005] In orthogonal applications, electrical components are substrates oriented along orthogonal planes, such as printed circuit boards. In conventional orthogonal systems, the electrical connectors are right-angle connectors with mutually orthogonally oriented mounting interfaces. These mounting interfaces are then attached to the corresponding substrates. Unfortunately, data transmission speeds are limited in conventional orthogonal electrical connector systems to avoid prohibitive levels of crosstalk.

[0006] There is a need for an orthogonal electrical connector system that can operate at high data transmission rates within acceptable levels of crosstalk. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an orthogonal electrical connector system may include a first substrate and a second substrate. The system may further include a first electrical connector having an electrically insulated first connector housing and a plurality of first vertical electrical contacts supported by the first connector housing. The first vertical electrical contacts may define a corresponding first mating end and a corresponding first mounting end opposite the first mating end. The system may further include a second electrical connector having an electrically insulated second connector housing and a plurality of second plurality of electrical contacts supported by the second connector housing. The second vertical electrical contacts may define a corresponding second mating end and a corresponding second mounting end opposite the second mating end. When the first electrical connector is attached to the first substrate, and when the second electrical connector is attached to the second substrate, the first and second electrical connectors are configured to mat with each other such that the first substrate is oriented along a first plane, and the second substrate is oriented along a second plane substantially orthogonal to the first plane. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of a portion of an orthogonal electrical connector system constructed according to one embodiment;

[0009] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A Another perspective view of a portion of the orthogonal electrical connector system shown;

[0010] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A An enlarged perspective view of a portion of the orthogonal electrical connector system shown;

[0011] Figure 1D yes Figure 1A A side view of a portion of the orthogonal electrical connector system shown;

[0012] Figure 2A yes Figure 1A A side view of a portion of the first electrical connector in the orthogonal electrical connector system shown;

[0013] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A Rear view of the first electrical connector shown;

[0014] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A A front view of a portion of the first electrical connector shown;

[0015] Figure 2D yes Figure 2A The front perspective view of the first electrical connector shown;

[0016] Figure 2E yes Figure 2A Rear perspective view of the first electrical connector shown;

[0017] Figure 2F yes Figure 2A A perspective view of the lead frame assembly of the first electrical connector shown.

[0018] Figure 3A yes Figure 1A A side view of a portion of the second electrical connector in the orthogonal electrical connector system shown;

[0019] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A Rear view of the second electrical connector shown;

[0020] Figure 3C yes Figure 3A A front view of a portion of the electrical connector shown;

[0021] Figure 3D yes Figure 3A The front perspective view of the second electrical connector is shown.

[0022] Figure 3E yes Figure 3A Rear perspective view of the second electrical connector shown;

[0023] Figure 3F yes Figure 3A A perspective view of the leadframe assembly of the second electrical connector shown.

[0024] Figure 3G yes Figure 3A Another perspective view of the lead frame assembly of the second electrical connector shown;

[0025] Figure 4A yes Figure 1C A perspective view of the connector system shown; and

[0026] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A The diagram shows a perspective view of the connector system, but illustrates an electrical connector mounted on a printed circuit board according to another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Reference Figure 1A-1DAn orthogonal electrical connector system 20 constructed according to one embodiment includes at least one first electrical connector 22 and at least one complementary second electrical connector 24. The orthogonal electrical connector system 20 further includes at least one first substrate 26, such as a plurality of first substrates 26. The orthogonal electrical connector system 20 further includes at least one second substrate 28, such as a plurality of second substrates 28. The first substrate and the second substrate 26 may be configured as printed circuit boards. The first electrical connector 22 may be configured to attach to a corresponding substrate in the first substrate 26. The second electrical connector 24 may be configured to attach to a corresponding substrate in the second substrate 28. When the first electrical connector 22 is attached to the first substrate 26 and the second electrical connector 24 is attached to the second substrate 28, the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are configured to abut against each other such that the first substrate 26 is oriented along a corresponding first plane and the second substrate 28 is oriented along a corresponding second plane, wherein the second plane is substantially orthogonal to the first plane. Furthermore, the corresponding edge of the first substrate 26 may face the corresponding edge of the second substrate in a longitudinal direction L. Unless otherwise indicated, the term "substantially" means to account for tolerances, for example, due to manufacturing.

[0028] In one example, the orthogonal connector system 20 may include a first array 23 of first electrical connectors 22, each configured to be in electrical communication with a common substrate of the first substrates 26. Similarly, the orthogonal connector system 20 may include a second array 25 of second electrical connectors 24 (see...). Figure 3D Each of the first arrays 23 is configured to be electrically connected to the common substrate of the second substrate 28. Each first array 23 may also include a corresponding first housing 37, such that a first electrical connector of each first array 23 is supported by the first housing 37. Specifically, the first housing 37 may surround the first electrical connector 22 of the corresponding first array 23. Similarly, each second array 25 may further include a corresponding second housing 39, such that a second electrical connector 24 of each second array 25 is supported by the second housing 39. Specifically, the second housing 39 may surround the second electrical connector 24 of the corresponding second array 25. For illustrative purposes, in Figure 1A-1C In the illustration, some housings 37 and 39 are shown removed. It should also be understood that, in other examples, the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 may be directly attached to the respective first substrate 26 and second substrate 28.

[0029] Therefore, in one example, the first housing 37 may include at least one first attachment member configured to attach the first housing 37 to the first substrate 26. In this respect, the first housing 37 may be said to attach a corresponding first electrical connector 22 of the first array 23 to the first substrate 26. Thus, the first electrical connector 22 may be configured to be attached to the first substrate via the first housing 37. Similarly, the second housing 39 may include at least one corresponding second attachment member configured to attach the second housing 39 to the second substrate 28. In this respect, the second housing 39 may be said to attach a corresponding second electrical connector 24 of the second array 25 to the second substrate 28. Thus, the second electrical connector 24 may be configured to be attached to the second substrate 28 via the second housing 39. The first housing 37 and the second housing 39 may be configured to interlock with each other so that the corresponding first electrical connector 22 mates with the corresponding second electrical connector 24. In one example, the first housing 37 and the second housing 39 may be substantially identical to each other. Therefore, it should be understood that the first outer casing 37 and the second outer casing 39 can be hermaphroditic casings. The first outer casing 37 and the second outer casing 39 can be electrically insulated.

[0030] In another example, the first electrical connector 22 may be configured to be directly attached to the first substrate 26, as described in more detail below. Similarly, the second electrical connector 24 may be configured to be attached to the second substrate 28, as described in more detail below.

[0031] As will now be described, because both the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are configured as vertical electrical connectors, the corresponding electrical contacts define a shorter distance from their respective mating ends to their respective mounting ends compared to the right-angle electrical connectors in a conventional orthogonal electrical connector system. As a result, the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 can support higher data transmission rates within acceptable levels of crosstalk compared to the right-angle electrical connectors in a conventional orthogonal electrical connector system.

[0032] Now for reference Figures 2A-2FThe first electrical connector 22 includes a dielectric or electrically insulating first connector housing 30 and a plurality of first electrical contacts 32 supported by the first connector housing 30. The first connector housing 30 defines a front end, which in turn defines a first mating interface 34. The first connector housing 30 further defines a rear end, which in turn defines a first mounting interface 36 opposite to the first mating interface 34 in a longitudinal direction L. Furthermore, the first mating interface 34 can be aligned with the first mounting interface 36 in the longitudinal direction L. The first electrical contacts 32 may define corresponding first mating ends 32a at the first mating interface 34 and first mounting ends 32b at the first mounting interface 36. Therefore, the first electrical contacts 32 can be configured as vertical direct contacts, with the first mating ends 32a and the first mounting ends 32b of which are opposite each other relative to the longitudinal direction L. It will be understood from the following description that the first electrical connector 22, and therefore the electrical connector system 20, may include a plurality of cables that are mounted to the first electrical contacts 32 at the first mounting interface 36.

[0033] The longitudinal direction L defines the mating direction along which the first electrical connector 22 mates with the second electrical connector 24. The first connector housing 30 further defines a first side 38 and a second side 38 opposite each other in a lateral direction A, which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The first connector housing 30 further defines a bottom surface 40 and a top surface 42 opposite the bottom surface 40 in a transverse direction T, which is substantially perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction. In this document, the first electrical connector 22 is described relative to the longitudinal direction L, the lateral direction A, and the transverse direction T in the hypothetical direction in which the first electrical connector 22 mates with or is aligned with the second electrical connector 24.

[0034] Each first electrical connector 22 can be configured to attach to a corresponding first substrate 26. In one example, the first electrical connector 22 can be configured to attach to the first substrate 26 adjacent to an edge of the first substrate 26, the edge of which faces the second substrate 28. The first electrical connector 22 can be configured to attach to a corresponding first substrate 26 such that a bottom surface 40 faces the corresponding first substrate 26. For example, the first bottom surface 40 can define a first attachment surface configured to attach the first electrical connector 22 to the corresponding first substrate 26. For example, the first connector housing 30 may include an attachment member 31 (see...). Figure 2A-2BThe attachment member 31 is configured to attach the first electrical connector 22 to a corresponding first substrate 26. The attachment member 31 may extend outward from the bottom surface 40. The attachment member 31 may be configured as a protrusion or hole that accommodates or is accommodated by hardware, thereby attaching the first electrical connector 24 to the corresponding first substrate 26. Alternatively or additionally, the attachment member 31 may include a bracket that is then secured to the corresponding first substrate 26. Alternatively, the attachment member 31 may still be configured as the first housing 37 described above.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, one or more, or even all, of the first electrical connectors 22 may be floating. That is, the first electrical connectors 22 may not be attached to either the first substrate 26 or the second substrate 28. If necessary, auxiliary attachment structures may be attached to the first substrate 26 and the second substrate 28 to maintain the first substrate 26 and the second substrate 28 in a mutually orthogonal relationship.

[0036] It should be understood that the attachment surface differs from the ends of the first connector housing 30 that define the first mating interface 34 and the first mounting interface 36. For example, the attachment surface may extend between the first mating interface 34 and the first mounting interface 36. In one example, the first attachment surface may extend from the first mating interface 34 to the first mounting interface 36. The first mating interface 34 and the first mounting interface 36 may be oriented along corresponding planes that are substantially parallel to each other. In one example, the first mating interface 34 and the first mounting interface 36 are defined by corresponding planes extending in the lateral direction A and the transverse direction T. The first attachment surface may be oriented along corresponding planes orthogonal to the planes of the first mating interface and the first mounting interface. For example, the first attachment surface may be oriented along corresponding planes extending in the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. Therefore, when the first electrical connector 22 is attached to the first substrate 26, the first substrate 26 is oriented along planes extending in the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. Therefore, it can be understood that the first electrical connector 24 may be attached to the substrate 26 at a location different from that of the first connector housing 30 that defines the first mounting interface 36. Furthermore, as will be understood from the following description, the cable may be in electrical communication with a corresponding electrical component mounted on a corresponding first substrate 26, wherein a first electrical connector 22 is attached to the corresponding first substrate 26.

[0037] The first mounting end 32b of the first electrical contact 32 can be configured to electrically connect to any suitable electrical component. For example, the first mounting end 32b can be configured to electrically connect to a corresponding first cable 44. The first cable 44 can be bundled as needed. The cable 44 is further configured to be in electrical communication with the first substrate 26. Thus, the orthogonal electrical connector system may further include a cable 44 extending from the first electrical connector 22 to a complementary component on the first substrate 26. For example, the cable 44 can be terminated at a corresponding first termination connector 46. Thus, the cable 44 may define a corresponding first end and a corresponding second end opposite the first end, wherein the corresponding first end is mechanically and electrically attached to a corresponding electrical contact of the first electrical connector 22, and the corresponding second end is mechanically and electrically attached to a corresponding electrical contact of the first termination connector 46. The first termination connector 46 can be configured to mate with a first complementary electrical connector 49 mounted to the first substrate 26. Alternatively, the complementary electrical connector 49 can be mounted to an electrical component mounted on the first substrate 26. For example, as described in more detail below, the electrical component can be configured as an integrated circuit (IC) package 27. Therefore, the second end of the cable 44 can be configured to be in electrical communication with the substrate 26, and more specifically with one or more electrical components mounted on the first substrate 26.

[0038] It should be understood that the first terminating connector 46 may be provided in the form of an array of first terminating electrical connectors 46, the array including a first terminating housing and first terminating connectors 46 supported in the first terminating housing in the manner described above. Therefore, the electrical connector assembly 20 may include multiple arrays of first terminating connectors 46. Alternatively, the first terminating connector 46 may be provided individually and individually mated to a corresponding first complementary electrical connector 49.

[0039] In this regard, it should be understood that the first complementary electrical connector 49 may be provided in the form of an array of first complementary electrical connectors 49, the array including a first complementary housing and the first complementary electrical connectors 49 supported in the first complementary housing in the manner described above. Therefore, the electrical connector assembly 20 may include multiple arrays of the first complementary connectors 49. Alternatively, the first complementary connectors 49 may be provided individually and individually mated to a corresponding first terminating electrical connector 46.

[0040] A first electrical connector 22, a corresponding cable, and a corresponding first termination connector 46 define a cable assembly. The cable assembly is configured such that when the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are mated together, an electrical component mounted on the first substrate 26 is electrically connected to a corresponding second substrate in the second substrate 28. Specifically, the first termination connector 46 and the complementary connector 49 can be mated together to electrically connect the cable 44 to one or both of the first substrate 26 and the IC package 27. Alternatively, the cable 44 can be directly mounted to one of the first substrate 26 and the IC package 27. The first termination connector 46 and the complementary connector 49 will be described in detail below. In one example, the cable 44 may be configured as a biaxial cable. Therefore, the cable 44 may include a pair of signal conductors and at least one stripper wire or alternatively configured as a grounding element, the pair of signal conductors being arranged within an outer insulating sheath. In one example, the cable 44 does not have a stripper wire, but instead includes a conductive grounding element, one end of which is attached to a grounding shield of the cable 44, and the other end is attached to a grounding mounting end. However, it should be understood that cable 44 can be constructed alternatively as needed.

[0041] First electrical contacts 32 may be arranged in corresponding first linear arrays 47. The linear arrays 47 may be oriented parallel to each other. The first electrical connector 22 may include any number of linear arrays as needed. For example, the first electrical connector 22 may include two or more linear arrays 47. For example, the first electrical connector 22 may include three or more linear arrays 47. For example, the first electrical connector 22 may include four or more linear arrays 47. For example, the first electrical connector 22 may include five or more linear arrays 47. For example, the first electrical connector 22 may include six or more linear arrays 47. For example, the first electrical connector 22 may include seven or more linear arrays 47. For example, the first electrical connector 22 may include eight or more linear arrays 47. In this regard, it should be understood that the first electrical connector 22 may include any number of linear arrays as needed. It will be further understood from the following description that the first electrical connector 22 may include grounding shields between corresponding adjacent arrays arranged in the linear arrays 47.

[0042] The first linear array 47 may be oriented substantially in the lateral direction T. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, the references to the first linear array 47 and the lateral direction T herein are used interchangeably. The first linear array 47 may be oriented substantially in a direction intersecting the plane defined by the attachment surface of the first connector housing. Similarly, the first linear array 47 may be oriented substantially in a direction intersecting the first substrate 26 to which the first electrical connector 22 is attached. The term "substantially" is understood to mean that the electrical contacts 32 of each first linear array may define mutually offset regions. For example, as described in more detail below, one or more mating ends 32a may be offset from each other in the lateral direction A. Furthermore, the first linear array 47 may be oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane to which the first electrical connector 22 is attached to the first substrate 26.

[0043] The first linear arrays 47 can be spaced apart from each other in a direction substantially parallel to the plane defined by the first substrate 26 to which the first electrical connector 22 is attached. Therefore, the first linear arrays 47 can be spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction A. Since the first electrical contacts 32 are vertical direct contacts and are located in the respective first linear arrays 47, the respective entirety of the electrical contacts 32 is located in a respective first linear array 47 extending in the respective direction. The respective direction can be a substantially linear direction. Therefore, the mating end 32a of each first linear array 47 is spaced apart from the mating end 32a of the adjacent first linear array 47 in the lateral direction A. Furthermore, the mounting end 32b of each first linear array 47 is spaced apart from the mounting end 32b of the adjacent first linear array 47 in the lateral direction A.

[0044] The first electrical contact 32 may include a plurality of first signal contacts 48 and a plurality of first ground contacts 50 disposed between the respective first signal contacts 48. For example, adjacent first signal contacts 48 that are adjacent to each other along the first linear array 47 may define a differential signal pair. While it may be said that the first signal contacts 48 and the first ground contacts 50 extend along the first linear array, it should be understood that at least a portion, up to all, of the first signal contacts and the first ground contacts 50 may be offset relative to each other in a lateral direction A. As described in more detail below, the first signal contacts 48 and the first ground contacts 50 may be said to extend along the first linear array because they are defined by the same lead frame assembly 62 oriented along the first linear array. However, it should be understood that each first signal contact 48 and each first ground contact 50 may also be said to extend along a corresponding linear array that is offset relative to each other in a lateral direction A.

[0045] It should be understood that the first signal contact 48 is not defined by electrical contact pads or electrical contacts of the printed circuit board. Similarly, the first ground contact is not defined by electrical contact pads or electrical contacts of the printed circuit board. Therefore, it can be said that in some examples, the first electrical contact 32 may not be defined by electrical contact pads or electrical contacts of the printed circuit board. Furthermore, in the example shown, the first electrical connector 22 does not include any printed circuit board.

[0046] In one example, the first signal contact 48 of each differential pair may be edge-coupled. That is, the edges of the contacts 48 defining the differential pair face each other. Alternatively, the first electrical contacts 48 may be wide-side coupled. That is, the wide sides of the first electrical contacts 48 of the differential pair may face each other. In the plane defined by the lateral direction A and the transverse direction T, the edges are shorter than the wide sides. The edges may face each other within each first linear array. The wide sides of the first electrical contacts 48 of adjacent first linear arrays may face each other. Each adjacent differential signal pair along the respective first linear array 47 may be separated by at least one grounding element, and so on. Each first signal contact 48 may define a corresponding first mating end 48a, a corresponding first mounting end 48b, and an intermediate region extending between the first mating end 48a and the first mounting end 48b. For example, the intermediate region may extend from the first mating end 48a to the first mounting end 48b.

[0047] The first mounting end 48b may be electrically connected to the corresponding signal conductor of the cable 44. Furthermore, each first grounding member 50 may include at least one first grounding mating end 54a and at least one first grounding mounting end 54b. The first grounding mounting end 54b may be electrically connected to the corresponding grounding member or stripper wire of the cable 44. The first mating end 32a of the first electrical contact 32 may include the first mating end 48a of the first signal contact 48 and the first grounding mating end 54a. The first mounting end 32b of the first electrical contact 32 may include the first mounting end 48b of the first signal contact 48 and the first grounding mounting end 54b.

[0048] Therefore, it should be understood that cable 44 can be electrically connected to the first mounting end 32b. Specifically, when cable 44 is configured as a biaxial cable, each cable can be electrically connected to the mounting end of the adjacent electrical signal contact defining the differential pair. As described in more detail below, cable 44 can be further electrically connected to a ground plane 66 arranged adjacent to the differential signal pair. For example, cable 44 can each be further electrically connected to the ground mounting end of ground plane 66. The ground plane can be arranged immediately adjacent to the respective differential signal pair. That is, no electrical contacts are arranged along the respective linear array between the ground mounting end and the mounting end of the differential signal pair of the signal contact.

[0049] The mating ends 48a of adjacent differential signal pairs along the first linear array can be separated by at least one grounding mating end 54a in the lateral direction T. In one example, the mating ends 48a of adjacent differential signal pairs can be separated by multiple grounding mating ends 54a. For example, the mating end 48a of the signal contact 48 can define a convex contact surface 56 and a concave surface opposite the convex contact surface 56 in the lateral direction A. The grounding mating end 54a can include at least one first type of grounding mating end 54a having a convex contact surface 58 and an opposing concave surface, wherein the convex contact surface 58 faces a first common direction, and the opposing concave surface faces a second common direction. The first common direction can be oriented opposite to the second common direction. The first common direction and the second common direction can be oriented in the lateral direction A.

[0050] In one example, grounding terminals 54a may include a pair of first-type grounding terminals 54a arranged along a respective first linear array 47 and thus in the lateral direction T between adjacent differential signal pairs. The first-type grounding terminals 54a may be aligned with each other in the lateral direction T. Grounding terminals 54a may further include second-type grounding terminals 54a having a convex contact surface 60 facing opposite to convex contact surfaces 56 and 58. The second-type grounding terminals 54a may be aligned with each other in the lateral direction T. The convex contact surface 60 may face a second identical direction. The second-type grounding terminals 54a may be arranged adjacent to at least one first-type grounding terminal 54a along the respective first linear array 47, and thus between the terminals of adjacent differential signal pairs of the respective first linear array 47. In one example, the second type of grounding terminal 54a may be disposed along the first linear array, and thus relative to the lateral direction T, between adjacent first and second grounding terminals in the first type of grounding terminal 54a, which define a pair of first type of grounding terminals 54a. For example, the second type of grounding terminal 54a may be equidistantly spaced between the first and second grounding terminals in the first type of grounding terminal 54a. Therefore, three grounding terminals 54a (e.g., two first-type grounding terminals and one second-type grounding terminal) can be positioned between the terminals of the first and second pairs of adjacent differential signal pairs, repeating in this manner. In this context, the term "adjacent" means that no additional differential signal pair is positioned between two adjacent pairs of differential signal pairs. The first-type grounding terminal 54a can be offset in the lateral direction A relative to the terminal 48a of the first electrical signal contact 48. The second-type grounding terminal 54a can be offset in the lateral direction A relative to the first-type grounding terminal 54a, such that the first-type grounding terminal 54a is positioned in the lateral direction A between the terminal 48a and the second-type grounding terminal 54a. The second-type grounding terminal 54a can define a corresponding concave surface opposite to a corresponding convex contact surface 60 and thus facing the first same direction. As will be appreciated from the following description, the first grounding member is configured to receive the ground plane of the second electrical connector between the first-type grounding terminal 54a and the second-type grounding terminal 54a.

[0051] Therefore, it should be understood that the mating end 48a of the signal contact of each first linear array 47 may be offset in the lateral direction A relative to one or more grounding mating ends 54a of the first linear array 47. Alternatively, the mating end 48a of the signal contact of each first linear array 47 may be aligned with one or more grounding mating ends 54a of the first linear array 47 in the lateral direction T. The grounding mating ends 54a and the mating ends 48a of the signal contact 48 may be spaced apart from each other at the same spacing in the lateral direction T. Alternatively, the grounding mating ends 54a and the mating ends 48a of the signal contact 48 may be spaced apart from each other at different spacings in the lateral direction T.

[0052] The mounting ends 48b of adjacent differential signal pairs can be separated by at least one ground mounting end 54b in the lateral direction T. In one example, the mounting ends 48b of adjacent differential signal pairs can be separated by multiple ground mounting ends 54b. For example, the mounting ends 48b of signal contacts 48 can be separated by a pair of ground mounting ends 54b. The ground mounting ends 54b and mounting ends 48b of the signal contacts 48 of each first linear array can be further aligned with each other in the lateral direction T. Alternatively, the ground mounting ends 54b and mounting ends 48b of the signal contacts 48 of each first linear array can be offset from each other in the lateral direction A. The first mounting ends 48b and the first ground mounting ends 54b can be configured in any way as needed, including but not limited to solder balls, press-fit tails, and J-shaped leads. Alternatively, and as described above, the first mounting ends 48b and the first ground mounting ends 54b can be configured as cable mounts attached to the corresponding electrical conductors and grounding elements of a cable.

[0053] As described above, the vertical direct contact 32 of the first electrical connector defines the total length from its mating end 32a to its mounting end 32b. This total length can be shorter than the electrical contacts of right-angle connectors in conventional orthogonal electrical connector systems. Furthermore, when the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 mate, the vertical direct contact 32 is not affected by the skew caused by the right-angle electrical contacts of different lengths defining the differential signal pairs. Therefore, as described below, in orthogonal applications, the electrical contact 32 can operate more reliably with a faster data transmission rate compared to orthogonal right-angle electrical connectors.

[0054] In one example, the total length of the first electrical contact 32 may be in the range of about 1 mm and about 16 mm, and includes about 1 mm and about 16 mm. For example, the total length of the first electrical contact 32 may be in the range of about 2 mm and about 10 mm, and includes about 2 mm and about 10 mm. For example, the total length of the first electrical contact 32 may be in the range of about 3 mm and about 5 mm, and includes about 3 mm and about 5 mm. Specifically, the total length of the first electrical contact 32 may be about 4.3 mm.

[0055] The first linear array 47 may include a first first linear array, a second first linear array, and a third first linear array that are adjacent to each other within the first linear array 47. The first linear arrays may be arranged such that the second first linear array is between and adjacent to the first and third first linear arrays. Each of the first, second, and third first linear arrays of the first linear array 47 may include a corresponding arrangement of differential signal pairs separated from each other by at least one grounding element. In one example, a differential signal pair of the second first linear array within the first linear array may be defined as the victim differential signal pair, and the worst-case multi-source crosstalk generated on the victim differential signal pair by the differential signals of the six differential signal pairs closest to the victim differential signal pair in the first, second, and third first linear arrays of the first linear array 47, having a data transmission rate of approximately 40 gigabits per second, between 20 and 40, does not exceed 6%. For example, in one example, the worst-case multi-source crosstalk on the victim differential signal pair may not exceed 5%. For example, in the worst-case scenario, the multi-source crosstalk on the interfered differential signal pair may not exceed four percent. For example, in the worst-case scenario, the multi-source crosstalk on the interfered differential signal pair may not exceed three percent. For example, in the worst-case scenario, the multi-source crosstalk on the interfered differential signal pair may not exceed two percent. For example, in the worst-case scenario, the multi-source crosstalk on the interfered differential signal pair may not exceed one percent. The data transmission rate may be between approximately 56 gigabits per second and approximately 112 gigabits per second, and includes both approximately 56 gigabits per second and approximately 112 gigabits per second.

[0056] It is understood that grounding element 50 can be defined by corresponding discrete grounding contacts. Alternatively, grounding element 50 can be defined by a corresponding grounding plate of a plurality of grounding plates 66. (Refer to...) Figures 2A-2FIn one example, the first electrical connector 22 may include a plurality of first lead frame assemblies 62 supported by a first connector housing 30. Each first lead frame assembly 62 may include a dielectric or electrically insulating first lead frame housing 64 and a corresponding first linear array 47 of a plurality of first electrical contacts 32. Thus, it can be said that each lead frame assembly 62 is oriented along one of the linear arrays 47 of the first electrical connector 22. The lead frame housing 64 may be overmolded onto a corresponding signal contact 48. Alternatively, the signal contact 48 may be inserted into the lead frame housing 64. Furthermore, the grounding element of the corresponding first linear array 47 may be defined by a first ground plane 66 as described above. The ground plane 66 may include a plate body 68 supported by the lead frame housing 64, such that a ground mating terminal 54a and a ground mounting terminal 54b extend outward from the plate body 68. Thus, the plate body 68, the ground mating terminal 54a, and the ground mounting terminal 54b may all be monolithically integrated with each other. The corresponding ground plane body in the ground plane body 68 can be disposed between corresponding adjacent linear arrays in the middle region of the electrical signal contact 48.

[0057] Each leadframe assembly 62 may define at least one hole 71 extending laterally through each leadframe housing 64 and ground plane 66. The at least one hole 71 may include a plurality of holes 71. The perimeter of the at least one hole 71 may be defined by a first portion 65a of the leadframe housing 64. The first portion 65a of the leadframe housing 64 may be aligned with the ground plane 66 in the lateral direction A. The leadframe housing 64 may further include a second portion 65b that cooperates with the first portion 65a to capture the ground plane 66 between the second portion 65b and the first portion 65a in the lateral direction A. The amount of electrical insulation material in the leadframe housing 64 may further control the impedance of the first electrical connector 22. Furthermore, a region of each of the at least one hole 71 may be aligned longitudinally L with the signal mating end 48a of the electrical signal contact.

[0058] Ground plane 66 can be configured to electrically shield the signal contacts 48 of a corresponding first linear array 47 from those of adjacent first linear arrays 47 along the lateral direction A. Therefore, ground plane 66 can also be referred to as an electrical shield. Furthermore, it can be said that the electrical shield is disposed along the lateral direction A between adjacent linear arrays of the corresponding linear arrays of the electrical signal contacts 48. In one example, ground plane 66 can be made of any suitable metal. In another example, ground plane 66 may include a conductive loss material. In yet another example, ground plane 66 may include a non-conductive loss material.

[0059] Now for reference Figure 3A-3GAs shown, the second electrical connector 24 includes a dielectric or electrically insulating second connector housing 70 and a plurality of second electrical contacts 72 supported by the second connector housing 70. The second connector housing 70 defines a front end, which in turn defines a second mating interface 74. The second connector housing 70 further defines a rear end, which in turn defines a second mounting interface 76, which is opposite to the second mating interface 74 in the longitudinal direction L. Furthermore, the second mating interface 74 can be aligned with the second mounting interface 76 in the longitudinal direction L. The second electrical contacts 72 can define corresponding second mating ends 72a at the second mating interface 74 and second mounting ends 72b at the second mounting interface 76. Therefore, the second electrical contacts 72 can be configured as vertical direct contacts, with the second mating ends 72a and the second mounting ends 72b of the vertical direct contacts opposite each other in the longitudinal direction L.

[0060] The longitudinal direction L defines the mating direction along which the second electrical connector 24 mates with the first electrical connector 22. The second connector housing 70 further defines a first side 78 and a second side 78 opposite each other in the lateral direction T. The second connector housing 70 further defines a bottom surface 80 and a top surface 82 opposite the bottom surface 80 in the lateral direction A. In this document, the second electrical connector 24 is described relative to the longitudinal direction L, the lateral direction A, and the lateral direction T in the hypothetical direction in which the second electrical connector 24 mates with or aligns with the first electrical connector 22. The second electrical connector 24 may define a receptacle connector, and the first electrical connector 22 may define a plug received within the receptacle of the second electrical connector 24. Alternatively, the first electrical connector 22 may define a receptacle connector, and the second electrical connector 24 may define a plug received within the receptacle of the first electrical connector 22.

[0061] Each second electrical connector 24 can be configured to attach to a corresponding second substrate 28. In one example, the second electrical connector 24 can be configured to attach to the edge of the second substrate 28 adjacent to the edge of the second substrate 28, the edge of which faces the first substrate 26. The second electrical connector 24 can be configured to attach to a corresponding second substrate 28 such that the bottom surface 80 faces the corresponding second substrate 28. For example, the second bottom surface 80 can define a second attachment surface configured to attach the second electrical connector 24 to the corresponding second substrate 28. For example, the second connector housing 70 can include an attachment member configured to attach to a corresponding second substrate 28 (see attachment member 24). Figure 3BThe attachment member can extend outward from the bottom surface 80. Recognizing that the bottom surface 80 of the second electrical connector 24 faces a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface 40 of the first electrical connector 22, the attachment member of the second electrical connector 24 can be configured to receive protrusions or holes for hardware that attaches the second electrical connector 24 to a corresponding second substrate 28. Alternatively or additionally, the attachment member can include a support that is then secured to a corresponding second substrate 28. Alternatively, the attachment member 31 can be configured as the second housing 39 described above.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, one or more, up to all, second electrical connectors 24 may be floating. That is, the second electrical connectors 24 may not be attached to each of the first substrate 26 and the second substrate 28. If necessary, auxiliary attachment structures may be attached to the first substrate 26 and the second substrate 28 to maintain the first substrate 26 and the second substrate 28 in a mutually orthogonal relationship.

[0063] It should be understood that the attachment surface of the second electrical connector 24 is different from the end of the second connector housing 70, which defines the second mating interface 74 and the second mounting interface 76. For example, the second attachment surface of the second electrical connector 24 may extend between the second mating interface 74 and the second mounting interface 76. In one example, the second attachment surface may extend from the second mating interface 74 to the second mounting interface 76. The second mating interface 74 and the second mounting interface 76 may be oriented along corresponding planes that are substantially parallel to each other. In one example, the second mating interface 74 and the second mounting interface 76 are defined by corresponding planes extending along the lateral direction A and the transverse direction T. The second attachment surface may be oriented along a corresponding plane that is orthogonal to the planes of the second mating interface and the second mounting interface. For example, the second attachment surface may be oriented along corresponding planes extending along the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T. Therefore, when the second electrical connector 24 is attached to the second substrate 28, the second substrate 28 is oriented along a plane extending along the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction T. Therefore, the second substrate 28 is orthogonally oriented relative to the first substrate 26.

[0064] The second mounting end 72b of the second electrical contact 72 can be configured to electrically connect to any suitable electrical component. For example, the second mounting end 72b can be configured to electrically connect to a corresponding second cable 84. The second cable 84 can be bundled as needed. The cable 84 is further configured to be in electrical communication with the second substrate 28. Therefore, the orthogonal electrical connector system 20 can further include a second cable 84 extending from the second electrical connector 24 to a second complementary electrical connector 83, which can be in electrical communication with the second substrate 28. For example, the second cable 84 can be terminated with a corresponding second termination connector 83, which is configured to mate with a second complementary electrical connector 85 mounted to the second substrate 28. The second termination connector and the complementary connector can mate with each other to bring the second cable 84 in electrical communication with the second substrate 28. Alternatively, the second cable 84 can be directly mounted to the second substrate 28. In one example, the cable 84 can be configured as a biaxial cable. Therefore, the cable 84 can include a pair of signal conductors disposed within an outer insulating sheath. However, it should be understood that cable 84 can be constructed alternatively as needed.

[0065] In one example, it is understood that the cable assembly may be without the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24. Instead, the cable assembly may include electrical connectors 83 and 46, and a plurality of cables of the type described herein, wherein the plurality of cables are mounted to a first end of a respective electrical contact of electrical connector 46 and a second end of a respective electrical contact of electrical connector 83. Cables may be selectively attached to and detached from the first substrate 26, for example, by mating electrical connector 46 with electrical connector 49 and by unmapping electrical connector 46 from electrical connector 49. Cables may be selectively attached to or detached from the second substrate 28, for example, by mating electrical connector 83 with electrical connector 85 and by unmapping electrical connector 83 from electrical connector 85.

[0066] The second electrical contact 72 may be arranged in a corresponding second linear array 87. The linear arrays 87 may be oriented parallel to each other. The second electrical connector 24 may include any number of linear arrays 87 as needed. For example, the second electrical connector 24 may include two or more linear arrays 87. For example, the second electrical connector 24 may include three or more linear arrays 87. For example, the second electrical connector 24 may include four or more linear arrays 87. For example, the second electrical connector 24 may include five or more linear arrays 87. For example, the second electrical connector 24 may include six or more linear arrays 87. For example, the second electrical connector 24 may include seven or more linear arrays 87. For example, the second electrical connector 24 may include eight or more linear arrays 87. In this regard, it should be understood that the second electrical connector 24 may include any number of linear arrays as needed. As will be further understood from the following description, the second electrical connector 24 may include a grounding shield disposed between corresponding adjacent arrays in the linear arrays 87.

[0067] The second linear array can be oriented substantially in the lateral direction T. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, the references to the second linear array 87 and the lateral direction T herein are used interchangeably. The second linear array 87 can be oriented substantially in a direction substantially parallel to the plane defined by the second attachment surface of the second connector housing 70. Similarly, the second linear array 87 can be oriented substantially in a direction substantially parallel to the second substrate 28 to which the second electrical connector 24 is attached. The term “substantially” acknowledges that the second electrical contacts 72 of each second linear array 87 can define mutually offset regions. For example, the orientation of the second linear array 87 can be oriented substantially perpendicular to the plane of the second substrate 28 to which the second electrical connector 24 is attached. Furthermore, as described in more detail below, one or more mating ends 72a can be offset from each other in the lateral direction A.

[0068] The second linear arrays 87 can be spaced apart from each other in a direction intersecting the second attachment surface. Therefore, the second linear arrays 87 can be spaced apart from each other in a direction intersecting the plane defined by the second substrate 28, to which the second electrical connector 24 is attached. For example, the second linear arrays 87 can be spaced apart from each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second attachment surface. In one example, the second linear arrays 87 can be spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the second substrate 28 to which the second electrical connector 24 is attached. Therefore, the second linear arrays 87 can be spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction A. Since the second electrical contact 72 is a vertical direct contact and is located in a corresponding second linear array 87, the corresponding entirety of the electrical contact 72 is located in a corresponding second linear array 87 extending in a corresponding direction. The corresponding direction can be a substantially linear direction. Therefore, the mating end 72a of each second linear array 87 is spaced apart from the mating end 72a of the adjacent second linear array 87 in a lateral direction A. Furthermore, the mounting end 72b of each second linear array 87 is spaced apart from the mounting end 72b of the adjacent second linear array 87 along the lateral direction A.

[0069] The second electrical contact 72 may include a plurality of second signal contacts 88 and a plurality of second grounding elements 90 disposed between the respective second signal contacts 88. At least a corresponding portion of the grounding element 90 may be substantially flat, for example along a plane defined by a longitudinal direction L and a lateral direction T. In this respect, as described in more detail below, the grounding element 90 may be defined by a ground plane 106. In one example, adjacent second signal contacts 88 that are adjacent to each other along the second linear array 87 may define a differential signal pair. While it can be said that the second signal contacts 88 and the second grounding elements 90 extend along the second linear array 87, it should be recognized that at least part to all of the second signal contacts 88 and the second grounding elements 90 may be offset relative to each other in a lateral direction A. As detailed below, the second signal contacts 98 and the second grounding elements 90 may be said to extend along the second linear array because the second signal contacts 98 and the second grounding elements 90 are defined by a single lead frame assembly 102 oriented along the second linear array. However, it should be understood that each second signal contact 88 and each second ground contact 90 can also be said to extend along a corresponding linear array that is offset relative to each other in the lateral direction A.

[0070] It should be understood that the second signal contact 88 is not defined by an electrical contact pad or an electrical contact of the printed circuit board. Furthermore, the second ground contact 90 is not defined as an electrical contact pad or an electrical contact of the printed circuit board. Therefore, it can be said that in some examples, the second electrical contact 72 cannot be defined by an electrical contact pad or an electrical contact of the printed circuit board. Furthermore, in the example shown, the second electrical connector 24 does not include any printed circuit board.

[0071] In one example, the second signal contact 88 of each differential pair may be edge-coupled. That is, the edges of the contacts 88 defining the differential pair face each other. Alternatively, the second electrical contacts 88 may be wide-side coupled. That is, the wide edges of the second electrical contacts 88 of the differential pair may face each other. In the plane defined by the lateral direction A and the transverse direction T, this edge is shorter than the wide edge. The edges may face each other in each respective second linear array. The wide edges of the second electrical contacts 88 of adjacent second linear arrays 87 may face each other along the lateral direction A, although a ground plane 106 may be provided between the wide edges of adjacent second linear arrays 87 relative to the lateral direction A. Adjacent differential signal pairs along one linear array of a respective second linear array 87 may be separated by at least one grounding element, and so on. Each second signal contact 88 may define a corresponding second mating end 88a, a corresponding second mounting end 88b, and an intermediate region extending between the second mating end 88a and the second mounting end 88b. For example, the intermediate region may extend from the second mating end 88a to the second mounting end 88b.

[0072] The second mounting terminal 88b can be electrically connected to the corresponding electrical signal conductor of the cable 84. Furthermore, each second grounding member 90 can include at least one second grounding mating terminal 94a and at least one second grounding mounting terminal 94b. The second grounding mounting terminal 94b can be electrically connected to a corresponding grounding member or stripper wire of the cable 84. In one example, the cable 84 does not have a stripper wire; instead, it includes a conductive grounding member comprising a grounding shield attached at one end to the cable 84 and a grounding mounting terminal 94b at the other end. The second mating terminal 72a of the second electrical contact 72 can include the second mating terminal 88a of the second signal contact 88 and the second grounding mating terminal 94a. The second mounting terminal 72b of the second electrical contact 72 can include the second mounting terminal 88b of the second signal contact 88 and the second grounding mounting terminal 94b.

[0073] Therefore, it should be understood that cable 84 can be electrically connected to the second mounting end 72b of the second electrical contact 72. Specifically, when cable 84 is configured as a biaxial cable, each cable can be electrically connected to the mounting end of the adjacent electrical signal contact defining the differential pair. Cable 84 can each be further electrically connected to a ground plane disposed adjacent to the differential signal pair. For example, as will be described in more detail below, cable 84 can each be further electrically connected to the ground mounting end of ground plane 106. Ground plane 106 can be disposed adjacent to the differential signal pair. For example, cable 84 can each be further electrically connected to the ground mounting end disposed immediately adjacent to the corresponding differential signal pair. That is, no electrical contact is disposed along a corresponding linear array between the ground mounting end and the mounting end of the differential signal pair of the signal contact.

[0074] The second mating ends 88a of adjacent differential signal pairs along the second linear array 87 can be spaced apart by at least one second ground mating end 94a in the lateral direction T. In one example, the second mating ends 88a of adjacent differential signal pairs can be spaced apart by the second ground mating ends 94a, the length of the second ground mating ends 94a in the lateral direction T being greater than the length of the second mating ends 88a in the lateral direction T. Furthermore, the second ground mating ends 94a can be configured as substantially flat blades. The flat blades can extend along corresponding planes oriented along the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction T. Therefore, referring to... Figures 2A to 2F When the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are mated together, the second grounding mating terminal 94a is inserted between the first type grounding mating terminal 54a and the second type grounding mating terminal 54b in a corresponding first linear array of the first electrical connector 22. Unless otherwise indicated, the grounding plate 106 is inserted between the first type grounding terminal 54a and the second type grounding terminal 54b in a lateral direction. Therefore, the convex contact surface of the first type grounding mating terminal 54a contacts the first side of the second grounding mating terminal 94a, and the second type grounding mating terminal 54a contacts the second side of the grounding mating terminal 94a, the second side of the grounding mating terminal 94a being opposite to the first side in the lateral direction A.

[0075] The second mating end 88a of the signal contact 88 defines a second convex contact surface 96 and a concave surface, wherein the concave surface is opposite to the second convex contact surface 96 in the lateral direction A. When the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are mated together, the second mating end 88a of the second signal contact 88 can mate with the first mating end 48a of the first signal contact 48 without contacting the grounding part of either the first electrical connector 22 or the second electrical connector 24. For example, when the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are mated together, the convex contact surfaces of the first signal contact 44 and the second signal contact 48 contact each other and travel towards each other to the final mating position.

[0076] Refer again Figure 3A-3G It should be understood that the second grounding terminal 94a may be positioned in the lateral direction T between adjacent differential signal pairs of the second grounding terminal 88a. In this context, the term "adjacent" means that no additional differential signal pair is positioned between two adjacent differential signal pairs. Although the grounding terminal 94a may define a substantially flat blade, it should be understood that each grounding terminal 94a may alternatively define a corresponding convex contact surface and an opposing concave surface of the type described above. As the term "substantially" is used herein with respect to distance and shape, it acknowledges factors that affect distance and shape, such as manufacturing tolerances.

[0077] The mounting ends 88b of an adjacent pair of differential signal pairs can be separated from each other in the lateral direction T by at least one ground mounting end 94b. In one example, the mounting ends 88b of an adjacent pair of differential signal pairs can be separated in the lateral direction by multiple ground mounting ends 94b. For example, the mounting ends 88b of a signal contact 88 can be separated by a pair of ground mounting ends 94b. The ground mounting ends 94b and the mounting ends 88b of the signal contacts 88 of each second linear array 87 can be further aligned with each other in the lateral direction T. Alternatively, the ground mounting ends 94b and the mounting ends 88b of the signal contacts 88 of each second linear array 87 can be offset from each other in the lateral direction A. One or both of the second mounting ends 88b and the second ground mounting ends 94b can be constructed in any desired manner, including but not limited to solder balls, press-fit tails, and J-shaped leads. Alternatively, and as described above, the first mounting end 48b and the first ground mounting end 54b can be configured as cable mounts attached to the respective electrical conductors and grounding elements of a cable.

[0078] As described above, the vertical direct contact 72 of the second electrical connector 24 defines the total length from its mating end 32a to its mounting end 32b. This total length can be shorter than the electrical contacts of right-angle connectors in conventional orthogonal electrical connector systems. Furthermore, when the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 mate, the vertical direct contact 72 is not affected by the skew caused by the right-angle electrical contacts of different lengths defining the differential signal pairs. Therefore, as described below, in orthogonal applications, the electrical contact 72 can operate more reliably with a faster data transmission rate compared to orthogonal right-angle electrical connectors.

[0079] In one example, the total length of the second electrical contact 72 may be between about 1 mm and about 16 mm, and includes both about 1 mm and about 16 mm. For example, the total length of the second electrical contact 72 may be between about 2 mm and about 10 mm, and includes both about 2 mm and about 10 mm. For example, the total length of the second electrical contact 72 may be between about 3 mm and about 5 mm, and includes both about 3 mm and about 5 mm. Specifically, the total length of the second electrical contact 72 may be about 4.3 mm.

[0080] When the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are mated together, the corresponding first mating electrical contact 32 and second mating electrical contact 72 can define the total mating length along the longitudinal direction L. It is understood that when electrical contacts 32 and 72 are mated together, the mating ends 32a and 72a can wipe and overlap each other. The entire mating length can be measured from the mounting end 32b of the first electrical contact 32 to the mounting end 72b of the second electrical contact. In one example, the total mating length of the second electrical contact 72 can be in the range of approximately 3 mm to approximately 20 mm and includes approximately 3 mm and approximately 20 mm. For example, the total mating length of the second electrical contact 72 can be in the range of approximately 5 mm to approximately 20 mm and includes approximately 5 mm and approximately 20 mm. For example, this range can be between approximately 5 mm and approximately 15 mm and includes approximately 5 mm and approximately 15 mm.

[0081] The second linear array 87 may include a first second linear array, a second second linear array, and a third second linear array that are adjacent to each other. The second linear arrays may be arranged such that the second second linear array in the second linear array 87 is between and adjacent to the first second linear array and the third second linear array in the second linear array 87. The first second linear array, the second second linear array, and the third second linear array in the second linear array 87 may each include a corresponding arrangement of differential signal pairs separated from each other by at least one grounding element. In one example, a differential signal pair in the second second linear array of the second linear array may be defined as the interfered differential signal pair, and the worst-case multi-source crosstalk generated on the interfered differential signal pair by the differential signals of the six differential signal pairs closest to the interfered differential signal pair in the first second linear array, the second second linear array, and the third second linear array of the second linear array 87, having a data transmission rate of approximately 40 gigabits per second, does not exceed six percent in rise time between 5 and 40 picoseconds, which includes 5 picoseconds and 40 picoseconds. For example, data transfer rates can be in the range of 56 gigabits per second and 112 gigabits per second, and include both 56 gigabits per second and 112 gigabits per second.

[0082] It is understood that the grounding element 90 may be defined by a corresponding grounding plate 106 having a grounding mating end 94a and a grounding mounting end 94b. Alternatively, the grounding element 90 may be defined by discrete grounding contacts, each including a corresponding grounding mating end and a grounding mounting end.

[0083] Continue to refer to Figure 3A-3G In one example, the second electrical connector 24 may include a plurality of second lead frame assemblies 102 supported by a second connector housing 70. Each second lead frame assembly 102 may include a dielectric or electrically insulating second lead frame housing 104 and a corresponding second linear array 87 of a plurality of second electrical contacts 72. Thus, it can be said that each lead frame assembly 102 is oriented along one of the second linear arrays 87 of the second electrical connector 24. The lead frame housing 104 may be overmolded onto a corresponding signal contact 88. Alternatively, the signal contact 88 may be inserted into the lead frame housing 104. Furthermore, as described above, the grounding element of the corresponding second linear array 87 may be defined by a second ground plane 106. The ground plane 106 may include a plate body 108 supported by the lead frame housing 104, such that a ground mounting end 94b extends outward from the plate body 108. The plate body 108 may define a ground mating end 94a. Alternatively, the ground mating end 94a may extend outward from the plate body 108 in a longitudinal direction L. It should be understood that the plate body 108, the grounding terminal 94a, and the grounding mounting terminal 94b can all be monolithically integrated. The corresponding grounding plate bodies in the grounding plate body 108 can be positioned between corresponding adjacent linear arrays in the intermediate region of the electrical signal contact 88.

[0084] Each leadframe assembly 102 may define at least one hole 111 extending in the lateral direction A through each of the leadframe housing 104 and the ground plane 106. The at least one hole 111 may include a plurality of holes 111. The perimeter of the at least one hole 111 may be defined by a first portion 105a of the leadframe housing 104. The first portion 105a of the leadframe housing 104 may be aligned with the ground plane 106 in the lateral direction A. The leadframe housing 104 may further include a second portion 105b that cooperates with the first portion 105a to capture the ground plane 106 between the second portion 105b and the first portion 105a in the lateral direction A. The amount of electrical insulation material in the leadframe housing 104 may further control the impedance of the first electrical connector. Furthermore, a region of each at least one hole 111 may be aligned in the longitudinal direction L with the signal mating terminal 88a of the electrical signal contact 88.

[0085] In one example, the ground plane body 108 may include embossed areas 109, which are alternately arranged with contact areas 101 in the lateral direction. Contact areas 101 may define a grounding mating terminal 94a. Additionally, contact areas 101 may define a grounding mounting terminal 94b. Embossed areas 109 may be offset in the lateral direction A away from the mating terminals 88a of the electrical signal contacts 88. At least a portion of the mating terminals 88a of the electrical signal contacts 88 of the corresponding leadframe assembly 102 may be aligned in the lateral direction A with a corresponding embossed area 109. For example, the entire mating terminal 88a of the electrical signal contacts 88 of the corresponding leadframe assembly 102 may be aligned in the lateral direction A with a corresponding embossed area 109. In one example, the mating terminals 88a of a differential signal pair may face a common embossed area 109, thereby defining a gap between them in the lateral direction A. The mating terminals of the corresponding differential signal pairs may be aligned with corresponding different embossed areas 109. A dielectric material can be disposed within the gap. In one example, the entire gap is defined by air. In another example, at least a portion, up to the entire gap, may comprise a non-conductive plastic or any suitable dielectric material.

[0086] The embossed area 109 may extend beyond the mating end 88a relative to the longitudinal direction L. The embossed area 109 may include an embossed body 110 and an outer lip 113, which is offset from the embossed body along the lateral direction A away from the corresponding mating end 88a. The outer lip 113 may be aligned with the tip of the mating end 88a along the longitudinal direction L. When the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are mated together, the grounding parts of the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 may be mated together before the signal contacts of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are mated together. Conversely, when the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are separated, the grounding parts of the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 may be de-matted before the signal contacts of the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are de-matted together.

[0087] In one example, the embossed area 109 may face a corresponding recess of the mating end 88a, which is opposite to the second convex contact surface 96. Furthermore, the embossed area 109 may be spaced apart from the corresponding recess along the lateral direction A. Therefore, when the mating ends of the signal contacts of the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are mated together, the mating end 88a may flex toward the ground plane 106 without contacting the ground plane 106. Specifically, the mating end 88a may flex toward the corresponding embossed 109 without contacting the embossed 109. Furthermore, when the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are mated together, each grounding mating end 94a may be accommodated relative to the lateral direction A of a pair of first-type grounding mating ends 54a of the first electrical connector 22 (see...). Figure 2F Between the first electrical connector 22 and the second ground terminal 54a. Therefore, each blade defining the ground terminal 94a can contact the three separate ground terminals of the first electrical connector 22.

[0088] When it is desired to disengage one of the first substrates 26 from the second substrate 28, a disengagement force can be applied to the first substrate 26, causing it to move away from the second substrate 28 along the longitudinal direction L. In this regard, the mating ends of the electrical contacts of the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 can define mutually resisting normal forces to prevent separation of the first substrate 26 and the second substrate 28 without a disengagement force. Therefore, when the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are mated together, they may be without corresponding latches that engage to maintain them in a mating configuration.

[0089] It is understood that the first electrical connector 22 extends outward from the first substrate 26 in a lateral direction to define a first height. The second electrical connector 22 extends outward from the first substrate 26 in a lateral direction T to define the first height. The first height may be defined by the number of electrical contacts in each first lead frame assembly 62. The second height may be defined by the number of lead frame assemblies 102 in the second electrical connector 24.

[0090] Therefore, a first assembly of electrical connectors may include a plurality of first electrical connectors 22. Some of the first electrical connectors 22 in the assembly may have a different number of differential signal pairs defined by corresponding first lead frame assemblies 62, compared to other first electrical connectors 22. Thus, when the electrical connector is attached to a corresponding first substrate 26, some of the first electrical connectors 22 may define different heights from the first substrate 26 compared to other electrical connectors 22. A second assembly of electrical connectors may include a plurality of second electrical connectors 24. Some of the second electrical connectors 24 in the second assembly may have a different number of lead frame assemblies 102, compared to other second electrical connectors 24. Thus, when the second electrical connector 24 is attached to a corresponding second substrate 28, some of the second electrical connectors 24 may define different heights from the second substrate 28 compared to other electrical connectors 24. It should be understood that a single assembly may include each of the first and second assemblies.

[0091] It should be understood that the ground plane 106 can be configured to electrically shield the signal contacts 88 of a corresponding second linear array 87 from the signal contacts 88 of an adjacent second linear array 87 along the lateral direction A. Therefore, the ground plane 106 can also be referred to as an electrical shield. Furthermore, it can be said that an electrical shield is provided along the lateral direction A between adjacent linear arrays in the corresponding linear arrays of the electrical signal contacts 88. In one example, the ground plane 106 can be made of any suitable metal. In another example, the ground plane 106 may include a conductive loss material. In yet another example, the ground plane 106 may include a non-conductive loss material.

[0092] Refer again Figure 1A-1DAs described above, compared to the right-angle electrical connectors in a conventional orthogonal electrical connector system, the electrical contacts 23 and 72 of the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 can define shorter distances from their respective mating ends to their mounting ends. Furthermore, the vertical contacts are not affected by the skew caused by the right-angle electrical contacts of different lengths defining the differential signal pairs. Therefore, the orthogonal electrical connector system 20 can transmit data at higher speeds than conventional orthogonal electrical connector systems. For example, the orthogonal electrical connector system 20 can be configured to transmit differential signals from the mounting end of one of the first electrical connectors 22 and the second electrical connector 24 to the mounting end of the other electrical connector in the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 at a data transmission rate of approximately 40 gigabits per second, while the worst-case multi-source crosstalk generated on any differential signal pair of the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 during the rise time does not exceed six percent, with rise times ranging from 5 picoseconds to 40 picoseconds, and including both 5 picoseconds and 40 picoseconds. For example, the data transmission rate can be in the range of approximately 56 gigabits per second to approximately 112 gigabits per second, including approximately 56 gigabits per second and approximately 112 gigabits per second, while the worst-case multi-source crosstalk generated on any differential signal pair of the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 during the rise time does not exceed six percent, and the rise time ranges from 5 picoseconds to 40 picoseconds.

[0093] The first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 can be configured to directly mate with each other. That is, the first mating end 32a of the first electrical connector 22 is configured to directly contact the second mating end 72a of the second electrical connector 24 without penetrating or passing through any intermediate structure, such as a mid-plane, orthogonal adapter, or other intermediate structure, to mate the first electrical connector 22 with the second electrical connector 24. Furthermore, in one example, the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 can only mate with each other when the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are oriented in a single opposing direction, thereby mates the corresponding electrical contacts in the manner described herein. Additionally, in one example, each of the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 may consist only of electrical signal contacts. Therefore, each of the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 may not have optical fibers and waveguides configured to transmit optical signals, which are typically present in optical connectors.

[0094] It should be understood that a plurality of first electrical connectors 22 can be arranged as a group 22 of first electrical connectors. Each group of first electrical connectors 22 can be configured to attach to a corresponding different first substrate 26. Similarly, a plurality of second electrical connectors 24 can be arranged as a group 24 of second electrical connectors. Each group of second electrical connectors 24 can be configured to attach to a corresponding different second substrate 28. Thus, when the first electrical connectors 22 and the second electrical connectors mate with each other, each first substrate 26 is in data communication with each second substrate 28. For example, the first electrical connector 22 of each group of first electrical connectors 22 can mate with a corresponding second electrical connector in each group of second electrical connectors 24. Similarly, when the first electrical connectors 22 and the second electrical connectors mate with each other, each second substrate 28 can be in data communication with each first substrate 26. For example, the second electrical connector 24 of each group of second electrical connectors 24 can mate with a corresponding first electrical connector in each group of first electrical connectors 22. The first substrate 26 can be configured as a daughter card, and the second substrate 28 can be configured as a daughter card. Therefore, the data communication between the sub-card defined by the first substrate 26 and the sub-card defined by the second substrate 28 can be disconnected, and other sub-cards can be used to replace it as needed.

[0095] Therefore, the orthogonal electrical connector system 20 may include at least one power bus bar 112. The power bus bar may be electrically connected to one or more, or even all, of the first substrates 26 to transmit power to the first substrates 26. The orthogonal electrical connector system 20 may further carry one or both of power and low-speed signals, which are configured to be electrically connected to one or more first substrates 26 when the first electrical connectors 22 and 24 are mated together.

[0096] As mentioned above, and referring to Figure 1C The electrical connector system 20 may include a first terminated electrical connector 46 and a complementary electrical connector 49. Therefore, the electrical connector system 45 may include the first terminated electrical connector 46, which may be referred to as the first electrical connector of the connector system 45. The connector system 45 may further include the complementary electrical connector 49, which may be referred to as the second electrical connector of the connector system 45. As described above, in one example, the complementary electrical connector may be configured to be mounted to a substrate, such as substrate 26. Therefore, in one example, the connector system 45 may be referred to as a daughter card connector system because the complementary electrical connector 49 may be configured to be mounted to a daughter card defined by substrate 26.

[0097] The electrical connector system 20 may further include one or more integrated circuit (IC) packages 27 supported by one or more, up to all, first substrates 26. Each IC package 27 may include a corresponding dedicated substrate 29 and a corresponding IC chip 33 mounted on the dedicated substrate 29. The IC package 27 may further include a heat sink 35 configured to remove heat from the IC chip 33 during operation. The dedicated substrate 29 may be configured as a printed circuit board. In some examples, the IC chip 33 may be wire-bonded to the dedicated substrate 29. The dedicated substrate 29 may be supported by the first substrates 26. Complementary electrical connectors 49 may be in electrical communication with at least one corresponding IC package 27. For example, in one example, at least one or more, up to all, complementary electrical connectors 49 may be mounted to the first substrate 26. The first substrate 26 may include electrical traces configured to provide electrical communication between the IC package 27 and the electrical contacts of the complementary electrical connectors 49 mounted to the first substrate 26. One or more of the complementary electrical connectors 49 may be configured as right-angle electrical connectors and mounted to the first substrate 26 such that the mounting interfaces of the complementary electrical connectors 49 are oriented perpendicular to the first substrate 26. Alternatively or additionally, at least one or more of the complementary electrical connectors 49 may be configured as vertical electrical connectors and mounted to the first substrate 26 such that the mounting interfaces of the complementary electrical connectors 49 are oriented parallel to the first substrate 26.

[0098] Alternatively or additionally, one or more complementary electrical connectors 49 may be directly mounted to the IC package 27. For example, the complementary electrical connectors 49 may be mounted to a dedicated substrate 29. In one example, at least one or more, or even all, of the complementary electrical connectors 49 may be configured as right-angle electrical connectors and mounted to the respective IC package 27, such that the mounting interfaces of the complementary electrical connectors 49 are oriented perpendicular to one or both of the first substrate 26 and the dedicated substrate 29. Alternatively or additionally, at least one or more, or even all, of the complementary electrical connectors 49 may be configured as vertical electrical connectors and mounted to the IC package 27, such that the mounting interfaces of the complementary electrical connectors 49 are parallel to one or both of the first substrate 26 and the dedicated substrate 29. Still alternatively or additionally, one or more, or even all, of the complementary electrical connectors 49 may be configured as edge card connectors and mounted to the IC package 27, such that the edge card connector accommodates the dedicated substrate 29, thereby placing the respective electrical contacts in electrical communication with the IC chip 33. The first terminating connector 46 can mate with a corresponding complementary connector 49 to electrically connect the cable 44 to the IC package 27, and more specifically, to the IC chip 33. It is understood that, for clarity of illustration, in... Figures 1A to 1C Some of the cables 44 are not shown connected between the electrical connector 22 and the corresponding first termination connector 46.

[0099] In one example, complementary electrical connectors 49 can be arranged in a corresponding group that is electrically connected to a corresponding IC package 27 either directly or via the first substrate 26. Therefore, a corresponding group of first termination connectors 46 can be mounted to a corresponding complementary electrical connector 49 to electrically connect the cable 44 to the corresponding IC package 27.

[0100] Further reference Figures 4A to 4B The complementary electrical connector 49 can be constructed as described above with reference to the second electrical connector 24. Therefore, the complementary electrical connector 49 can be constructed as follows: Figures 3A to 3F As shown, it is constructed as follows. Therefore, except that the lead frame assembly 102 can be divided into separate first lead frame assemblies 102a and second lead frame assemblies 102b along the respective linear array 87, the description of the second connector 24 can be equivalently applied to the complementary electrical connector 49. For example, the lead frame assembly 102 can branch along the respective linear array 87. Therefore, the first lead frame assembly 102a and the second lead frame assembly 102b can be aligned with each other along the respective linear array and can include an equal number of electrical contacts. Alternatively, each lead frame assembly 102 can be constructed as shown... Figures 2A to 2F As described in the description, the lead frame assembly 102 can therefore extend along the entirety of the respective linear array 87. The complementary electrical connector 49 may include a ground plane 106 configured to electrically shield the signal contacts 88 of the respective second linear array 87 from the signal contacts of adjacent second linear arrays 87 in the lateral direction A. Unless otherwise stated, the complementary electrical connector 49 (and the second electrical connector 24) may include electrical shielding between the signal contacts in the lateral direction A. The electrical shielding may be provided by the ground plane 106.

[0101] The first-terminated electrical connector 46 can be constructed as described above with reference to the first electrical connector 22. Therefore, the first-terminated electrical connector 46 can be constructed as follows: Figures 2A to 2F As shown, it is constructed as follows. Therefore, except that the lead frame assembly 62 can be divided into two separate lead frame assemblies along the corresponding linear array 47, the description of the electrical connector 22 can be applied equivalently to the first terminated electrical connector 46. For example, the lead frame assembly 62 can branch along the corresponding linear array 47. Therefore, the first lead frame assembly and the second lead frame assembly can be aligned with each other along the corresponding linear array and can include an equal number of electrical contacts. Alternatively, each lead frame assembly 62 can be constructed as shown... Figures 2A to 2F It is constructed as described herein. Therefore, the lead frame assembly 62 can extend along the entirety of the corresponding linear array 47. As... Figures 2A to 2FAs shown, the first terminated electrical connector 46 may include a ground plane 66 configured to electrically shield the signal contacts 48 of a corresponding first linear array 47 from signal contacts 48 in an adjacent first linear array 47 along the lateral direction A. Unless otherwise stated, the first terminated electrical connector 46 (and the first electrical connector 22) may include electrical shielding between signal contacts along the lateral direction A. Electrical shielding is provided by the ground plane 106.

[0102] Furthermore, at least one ground terminal 54a disposed between corresponding adjacent pairs of differential signal pairs can provide electrical isolation between adjacent pairs of differential signal pairs. In one example, at least one ground terminal 54a may include a first ground terminal 54a and a second ground terminal 54a as described above. For example, at least one ground terminal 54a may include a first continuously arranged terminal 54a, a second continuously arranged terminal 54a, and a third continuously arranged terminal 54a arranged continuously along the lateral direction T. In this respect, it should be understood that the lateral direction T may define the direction of the linear array, and each first linear array may be oriented along this direction. In one example, the second ground terminal 54a in the ground terminals may be oriented opposite to the first ground terminal 54a and the third ground terminal 54a relative to the lateral direction A. Furthermore, the first ground terminal 54a and the third ground terminal 54a may face the same direction along the respective first linear array and the terminal 48a of the signal contact 48. The second grounding terminal 54a in the grounding terminal 54a may further be spaced apart from at least one or both of the first grounding terminal 54a and the third grounding terminal 54a in a corresponding integral manner along the lateral direction A.

[0103] like Figure 4A As shown, the first electrical connector 46 of the connector system 45 can be configured as a cable connector. Therefore, as described above, the mounting ends of the signal contacts and the ground mounting ends can be mechanically and electrically connected to the corresponding cables 44. The first complementary electrical connector 49 of the connector system 45 can be configured as a board connector, which is configured to be mounted to a substrate. In one example, the substrate can be a first substrate 26. Alternatively, the substrate can be a dedicated substrate 29 of an IC package 27. Therefore, in one example, the mounting ends of the signal contacts and the ground mounting ends of the first complementary electrical connector 49 can be mechanically and electrically connected to substrate 26, which can be configured as a printed circuit board. In another example, the mounting ends of the signal contacts and the ground mounting ends of the first complementary electrical connector 49 can be mechanically and electrically connected to the dedicated substrate 29 of the IC package 27, which can be configured as a printed circuit board. It should be understood, of course, that the first electrical connector 46 of the connector system 45 can alternatively be mounted to one of the first substrate 26 and the dedicated substrate 29, and the second electrical connector 49 of the connector system 45 can be mounted to the cable 44.

[0104] It should be further understood, such as Figure 4B As shown, instead of substrate 26, one or both of electrical connectors 46 and 49 can be mounted to the respective substrate. When electrical connectors 46 and 49 are mounted on the substrates and mated together, the substrates can be oriented parallel to each other. The substrates can be configured as printed circuit boards. Therefore, connector system 45 can be configured as a mezzanine connector system. It should be further understood that one or both of the first electrical connector 46 and the second electrical connector 49 of the connector system can alternatively be configured as right-angle connectors, whereby the corresponding mating ends and mounting ends are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0105] It should be understood that, although the first terminated electrical connector 46 can be configured relative to the first electrical connector 22 as described above, and the complementary electrical connector 49 can be configured relative to the second electrical connector 24 as described above, the connector system 45 can alternatively be configured such that the first terminated electrical connector 46 can be configured as described above with respect to the second electrical connector 24, and the complementary electrical connector 49 can be configured as described above with respect to the first electrical connector 22.

[0106] Similarly, the second-terminated electrical connector 83 can also be constructed as described above with respect to the first electrical connector 22. Therefore, the description of electrical connector 22 can also be applied to the second-terminated electrical connector 83. Furthermore, the complementary electrical connector 85 configured to mate with the second-terminated electrical connector can be constructed as described above with respect to the second electrical connector. Therefore, the description of the second electrical connector can also be applied to the complementary electrical connector 85. Alternatively, the second-terminated electrical connector 83 can also be constructed as described above with respect to the second electrical connector 24. Therefore, the description of the second electrical connector 24 can also be applied to the second-terminated electrical connector 83. Similarly, the complementary electrical connector 85 configured to mate with the second-terminated electrical connector 83 can alternatively be constructed as described above with respect to the first electrical connector 22. Therefore, the description of the first electrical connector 22 can also be applied to the complementary electrical connector 85.

[0107] It should be understood that the second terminating connector 83 may be provided in the form of an array of second terminating electrical connectors 83, the array of which includes a second terminating housing and second terminating connectors 83 supported in the second terminating housing in the manner described above. Therefore, the electrical connector assembly 20 may include multiple arrays of second terminating connectors 83. Alternatively, the second terminating connectors 83 may be provided individually and each mates with a corresponding second complementary electrical connector 85.

[0108] In this regard, it should be understood that the second complementary electrical connector 85 may be provided in the form of an array of second complementary electrical connectors 85, the array of which includes a second complementary housing and second complementary connectors 85 supported in the second complementary housing in the manner described above. Therefore, the electrical connector assembly 20 may include multiple arrays of second complementary connectors 85. Alternatively, the second complementary connectors 85 may be provided individually and mated with respective second terminating electrical connectors 83.

[0109] The following discloses signal integrity and performance data for one or more, or all, of the electrical connectors described herein. It will be appreciated from the following description that the described electrical connectors exhibit improved performance characteristics compared to conventional electrical connectors. The electrical connectors have been found to be configurable to transmit data at a data transmission rate of at least 56 gigabits per second. For example, connector system 45 can be configured to transmit at least 56 gigabits per second with non-return-to-zero (NRZ) line code compliance, 2) at least 112 gigabits per second with PAM-4 line code compliance, and 3) at a rise time between 5 and 20 picoseconds with a crosstalk of 6% or less (or -40 dB or less). For example, NRZ compliance means that differential insertion loss is between 0 dB and -2 dB at operating frequencies up to 30 GHz. For example, differential insertion loss is between 0 dB and -2 dB when transmitting electrical signals at frequencies up to 30 GHz. Alternatively or additionally, NRZ compliance may further mean a differential return loss between 0 dB and -20 dB when transmitting electrical signals at frequencies up to 30 GHz. Again, alternatively or additionally, NRZ compliance may mean a differential near-end crosstalk (NEXT) loss between -40 and -100 dB when transmitting electrical signals at frequencies up to 30 GHz. It should be understood that the performance data below refers to connector system 45 and can be applied individually or in combination to any one or all of the first electrical connector 22, second electrical connector 24, first terminated electrical connector 46, first complementary electrical connector 49, second terminated electrical connector 83, and second complementary electrical connector 85. For clarity and convenience, reference may be made herein to connector system 45.

[0110] In one example, for any given single contributor / aggressor, connector system 45 can operate at low crosstalk levels. For instance, with rise times between 5 picoseconds and 20 picoseconds, connector system 45 can generate near-end multi-source crosstalk (NEXT) of no more than -40 dB across an operating frequency range up to 40 GHz. In one example, connector system 45 can generate NEXT of no more than -40 dB across an operating frequency range up to approximately 45 GHz. Therefore, it should be understood that connector system 45 can generate NEXT of no more than -40 dB across an operating frequency range up to 30 GHz. Similarly, it should be understood that connector system 45 can generate NEXT of no more than -40 dB across an operating frequency range up to 20 GHz.

[0111] Furthermore, with rise times between 5 picoseconds and 20 picoseconds, connector system 45 can generate near-end multi-source crosstalk (NEXT) of no more than -35 dB in an operating frequency range up to 50 GHz. In one example, connector system 45 can generate NEXT of no more than -35 dB in an operating frequency range up to 40 GHz. Therefore, it should be understood that connector system 45 can generate NEXT of no more than -35 dB in an operating frequency range up to 30 GHz. Similarly, it should be understood that connector system 45 can generate NEXT of no more than -35 dB in an operating frequency range up to 20 GHz.

[0112] In another example, with rise times between 5 picoseconds and 20 picoseconds, connector system 45 can generate near-end multi-source crosstalk (NEXT) of no more than 5% crosstalk over an operating frequency range up to 40 GHz. For example, connector system 45 can generate NEXT of no more than 4% crosstalk over an operating frequency range up to 40 GHz. For example, connector system 45 can generate NEXT of no more than 3% crosstalk over an operating frequency range up to 40 GHz. Specifically, connector system 45 can generate NEXT of no more than 2% crosstalk over an operating frequency range up to 40 GHz. In one example, connector system 45 can generate NEXT of no more than 1% crosstalk over an operating frequency range up to 40 GHz.

[0113] In another example, with rise times between 5 picoseconds and 20 picoseconds, connector system 45 can generate far-end multi-source crosstalk (FEXT) with crosstalk not exceeding -40 dB in an operating frequency range up to 40 GHz. In one example, connector system 45 can generate far-end multi-source crosstalk (FEXT) with crosstalk not exceeding -40 dB in an operating frequency range up to about 45 GHz. Therefore, it should be understood that connector system 45 can generate far-end multi-source crosstalk (FEXT) with crosstalk not exceeding -40 dB in an operating frequency range up to 35 GHz. Furthermore, it should be understood that connector system 45 can generate far-end multi-source crosstalk (FEXT) with crosstalk not exceeding -40 dB in an operating frequency range up to 30 GHz. Similarly, it should be understood that the connector system 45 can generate far-end multi-source crosstalk (FEXT) of no more than -40 dB in the operating frequency range of up to 20 GHz.

[0114] Furthermore, with rise times between 5 picoseconds and 20 picoseconds, connector system 45 can generate far-end multi-source crosstalk (FEXT) of no more than -35 dB in an operating frequency range up to 50 GHz. In one example, connector system 45 can generate far-end multi-source crosstalk (FEXT) of no more than -35 dB in an operating frequency range up to 40 GHz. Therefore, it should be understood that connector system 45 can generate far-end multi-source crosstalk (FEXT) of no more than -35 dB in an operating frequency range up to 30 GHz. Similarly, it should be understood that connector system 45 can generate far-end multi-source crosstalk (FEXT) of no more than -35 dB in an operating frequency range up to 20 GHz.

[0115] In another example, with rise times between 5 picoseconds and 20 picoseconds, connector system 45 can generate far-end multi-source crosstalk (FEXT) of no more than 5% crosstalk over an operating frequency range up to 40 GHz. For example, connector system 45 can generate far-end multi-source crosstalk (FEXT) of no more than 4% crosstalk over an operating frequency range up to 40 GHz. For example, connector system 45 can generate far-end multi-source crosstalk (FEXT) of no more than 3% crosstalk over an operating frequency range up to 40 GHz. Specifically, connector system 45 can generate far-end multi-source crosstalk (FEXT) of no more than 2.0% crosstalk over an operating frequency range up to 40 GHz. In one example, connector system 45 can generate far-end multi-source crosstalk (FEXT) of no more than 1.0% crosstalk over an operating frequency range up to 40 GHz.

[0116] Furthermore, electrical connectors 46 and 49 can each have a high density of electrical contacts. For example, one or each of electrical connectors 46 and 49 may include 50 to 112 differential signal pairs of electrical signal contacts per square inch. In one example, one or each of electrical connectors 46 and 49 may include 50 to 85 differential signal pairs of electrical signal contacts per square inch. For example, one or each of electrical connectors 46 and 49 may include 55 to 75 differential signal pairs of electrical signal contacts per square inch. Specifically, one or each of electrical connectors 46 and 49 may include 59 to 72 differential signal pairs of electrical signal contacts per square inch. Each mating end, including a ground mating end and a signal mating end, may be spaced apart from each other with a pin pitch of about 0.6 mm to about 1.0 mm, for example, about 0.7 mm to about 0.9 mm, including about 0.8 mm.

[0117] Therefore, connector system 45 can define aggregated data transfer rates from approximately 1 terabyte (TB) per square inch to approximately 4 terabytes per square inch, including from approximately 1.5 terabytes per square inch to approximately 3 terabytes per square inch, including from approximately 1.8 terabytes per square inch to approximately 2.3 terabytes per square inch, for example, approximately 2.1 terabytes per square inch. The square inch area can be defined along a plane defined by a plane perpendicular to the orientation of the respective electrical contact.

[0118] The connector system 45 can define mating stack heights ranging from about 7 mm to about 50 mm, for example from about 10 mm to about 40 mm, including about 15 mm to about 25 mm, including about 7 mm, about 10 mm and about 20 mm.

[0119] The connector system 45 can be further operated at a target impedance as needed. In one example, the target impedance of the differential signal pair can be in the range of about 80 ohms to about 110 ohms, including about 85 ohms to about 100 ohms, including about 90 ohms to about 95 ohms, for example about 92.5 ohms.

[0120] In one example, any one or more, or all, of the electrical connectors described herein can generate differential insertion loss between 0 and -1 dB while transmitting electrical signals along the corresponding electrical signal contacts at the full range of operating frequencies up to 27 GHz. In another example, any one or more, or all, of the electrical connectors described herein can generate differential insertion loss between 0 and -2 dB while transmitting electrical signals along the corresponding electrical signal contacts at the full range of operating frequencies up to 45 GHz.

[0121] Alternatively or additionally, any one or more, or all, of the electrical connectors described herein may produce an insertion loss response having a unipolar RF response, wherein the 3 dB cutoff frequency is greater than 70 GHz. Furthermore, the insertion loss may be less than -3 dB when an electrical signal with a flat linear phase response is transmitted along the electrical signal contacts at the full range of frequencies up to 70 GHz.

[0122] Alternatively or additionally, any one or more, or all, of the electrical connectors described herein may produce a differential return loss between -15 dB and -45 dB while transmitting data signals along the respective electrical signal contacts at all data transmission frequencies between 20 GHz and 45 GHz. For example, the differential return loss may be between -30 dB and -45 dB. Furthermore, the data transmission frequency may be between 20 GHz and 25 GHz. For example, the data transmission frequency may be between 25 GHz and 30 GHz. In one example, the data transmission frequency may be between 30 GHz and 35 GHz. For example, the data transmission frequency may be between 35 GHz and 40 GHz. In one example, the data transmission frequency may be between 40 GHz and 45 GHz.

[0123] Alternatively or additionally, along the rise time of the electrical signal contact in 17 picoseconds (10% to 90%), the differential TDR of any one or more, up to all, electrical connectors described herein may have an impedance limited to between 85 and 100 ohms for all times from 0 picoseconds to 200 picoseconds.

[0124] Alternatively or additionally, any one or more, or all, of the electrical connectors described herein may generate differential near-end crosstalk (NEXT) between -40 dB and -100 dB while transmitting electrical signals along the corresponding electrical signal contacts at the full range of frequencies up to 35 GHz. In one example, differential NEXT may be limited to between -30 dB and -100 dB while transmitting electrical signals along the corresponding electrical signal contacts at the full range of frequencies between 35 GHz and 45 GHz.

[0125] Alternatively or additionally, any one or more, or all, of the electrical connectors described herein may generate differential far-end crosstalk (FEXT) between -40 dB and -100 dB while transmitting electrical signals along the corresponding electrical signal contacts at the full range of frequencies up to 30 GHz. In one example, differential FEXT may be limited to between -30 dB and -100 dB while transmitting electrical signals along the corresponding electrical signal contacts at the full range of frequencies up to 45 GHz. In another example, FEXT may be less than -40 dB of frequency domain crosstalk when transmitting electrical signals along the corresponding electrical signal contacts at the full range of frequencies up to 40 GHz.

[0126] Alternatively or additionally, any one or more electrical connectors described herein may produce a resonance of less than -0.5 dB while transmitting electrical signals along the corresponding electrical signal contacts at the full range of frequencies up to 67 GHz without any magnetically or electrically absorbing surfaces in the connector. More precisely, the electrical connector may define the corresponding grounding element of the type described herein. For example, the resonance may be less than -0.4 dB. For example, the resonance may be less than -0.3 dB. For example, the resonance may be less than -0.2 dB. For example, the resonance may be less than -0.1 dB. It should be understood that, in one to all examples, the frequency may be up to 30 GHz. In another example, the frequency may be up to 35 GHz. In another example, the frequency may be up to 40 GHz. In another example, the frequency may be up to 45 GHz. In another example, the frequency may be up to 50 GHz. In another example, the frequency may be up to 55 GHz. In another example, the frequency may be up to 60 GHz. In another example, the frequency can be as high as 65 gigahertz.

[0127] Alternatively or additionally, any one or more, or all, of the electrical connectors described herein may define an impedance between 90 ohms and 96 ohms, while transmitting electrical signals along the corresponding electrical signal contacts at a full range of frequencies up to 40 GHz with a rise time of 8.5 picoseconds.

[0128] It should be understood that, in some examples, the electrical contacts of the electrical connectors described herein are not defined as electrical contact pads or contacts of a printed circuit board. Furthermore, in some examples, it will be appreciated that the electrical connectors described herein do not include a printed circuit board. Additionally, although some electrical connectors described herein can be configured to accommodate edge cards, it should also be understood that, in some examples, at least some up to all electrical contacts described herein do not contain edge cards, and similarly, are not configured to accommodate edge cards. Such electrical connectors can be configured to transmit electrical signal contacts along corresponding electrical signal contacts at 56 gigabits per second (NRZ) and 112 gigabits per second (GBPS), with linear arrays of electrical signal contacts and ground shields arranged therebetween. For example, an electrical connector may comprise two or more parallel linear arrays of signal contacts, with ground shields arranged between the linear arrays of signal contacts. For example, an electrical connector may comprise three or more parallel linear arrays of signal contacts, with ground shields arranged between the parallel linear arrays of signal contacts. For example, an electrical connector may include four or more parallel linear arrays of signal contacts, with grounding shields positioned between the parallel linear arrays of signal contacts. For example, an electrical connector may include five or more parallel linear arrays of signal contacts, with grounding shields positioned between the parallel linear arrays of signal contacts. For example, an electrical connector may include six or more parallel linear arrays of signal contacts, with grounding shields positioned between the parallel linear arrays of signal contacts. For example, an electrical connector may include seven or more parallel linear arrays of signal contacts, with grounding shields positioned between the parallel linear arrays of signal contacts. For example, an electrical connector may include eight or more parallel linear arrays of signal contacts, with grounding shields positioned between the parallel linear arrays of signal contacts.

[0129] It should be understood that the illustrations and discussion of the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that various embodiments are contemplated in this disclosure. Furthermore, it should be understood that the concepts described above in conjunction with the foregoing embodiments can be used alone or in combination with any other embodiments described above. It should be further understood that, unless otherwise indicated, the various alternative embodiments described above with respect to one illustrated embodiment can be applied to all embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. A cable connector, the cable connector comprising: Electrical contacts not defined as PCB contact pads or PCB contacts, wherein all electrical contacts do not include edge cards and are not configured to accommodate edge cards, and the electrical contacts include a plurality of signal contacts; the plurality of signal contacts are arranged along respective linear arrays extending in the lateral direction; Connector housing supporting the electrical contacts; A biaxial cable, wherein the biaxial cable is electrically connected to a corresponding electrical contact; The grounding plate includes a plate body and a plurality of grounding docking terminals and grounding mounting terminals extending outward from the plate body, wherein the plate body, the grounding docking terminals and the grounding mounting terminals are all monolithically integrated with each other; The ground plane body defines a plurality of embossed areas, which are offset in a lateral direction perpendicular to the lateral direction. A corresponding mating end of one of the embossed areas is aligned with a corresponding mating end of the signal contact along the lateral direction. The cable connector is configured to transmit electrical signals at 56 gigabits per second NRZ or 112 gigabits per second PAM-4 signaling.

2. The cable connector according to claim 1, wherein, The biaxial cable has no anti-scraping wires.

3. The cable connector according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The electrical contacts are arranged in two or more linear arrays.

4. The cable connector according to claim 3, wherein, The electrical contacts are arranged in three or more linear arrays.

5. The cable connector according to claim 4, wherein, The electrical contacts are arranged in four or more linear arrays.

6. The cable connector according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The electrical contacts include electrical signal contacts and electrical grounding contacts.

7. The cable connector of claim 6, configured to generate a differential insertion loss between 0 dB and -1 dB when transmitting electrical signals along the electrical signal contacts at all frequencies up to 27 GHz.

8. The cable connector of claim 6, configured to generate a differential insertion loss between 0 dB and -2 dB when transmitting electrical signals along the electrical signal contacts at all data transmission frequencies up to 45 GHz.

9. The cable connector of claim 8, configured to generate a differential return loss between -15 dB and 45 dB when transmitting electrical signals along the electrical signal contact at all frequencies between 20 GHz and 45 GHz.

10. The cable connector according to claim 9, wherein, The differential return loss is between -30 dB and -45 dB.

11. The cable connector according to claim 9, wherein, The frequency is between 20 GHz and 25 GHz.

12. The cable connector according to claim 9, wherein, The frequency is between 25 GHz and 30 GHz.

13. The cable connector according to claim 9, wherein, The frequency is between 30 GHz and 35 GHz.

14. The cable connector according to claim 9, wherein, The frequency is between 35 GHz and 40 GHz.

15. The cable connector according to claim 9, wherein, The frequency is between 40 GHz and 45 GHz.

16. The cable connector according to claim 6, wherein, The differential TDR with a rise time of 10% to 90% of 17 picoseconds has an impedance limited to between 85 ohms and 100 ohms for all times from 0 picoseconds to 200 picoseconds.

17. The cable connector of claim 6, configured to generate differential near-end crosstalk (NEXT) between -40 dB and -100 dB when transmitting electrical signals along the electrical signal contacts at all frequencies up to 35 GHz.

18. The cable connector of claim 6, configured to generate differential near-end crosstalk (NEXT) between -30 dB and -100 dB when transmitting electrical signals along the electrical signal contacts at all frequencies between 35 GHz and 45 GHz.

19. The cable connector of claim 6, configured to generate differential far-end crosstalk (FEXT) between -40 dB and -100 dB when transmitting electrical signals along the electrical signal contacts at all frequencies up to 30 GHz.

20. The cable connector of claim 6, configured to generate differential far-end crosstalk (FEXT) between -30 dB and -100 dB when transmitting electrical signals along the electrical signal contacts at all frequencies up to 45 GHz.

21. The cable connector according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the ground plane comprises a plurality of ground planes, and a plurality of linear arrays of the plurality of mounting ends of the plurality of signal contacts are respectively aligned laterally with the ground mounting ends of the plurality of ground planes.

22. The cable connector of claim 1, wherein the plurality of embossed areas are arranged alternately with the contact area of ​​the grounding mating end along the transverse direction.

23. The cable connector according to claim 1, wherein each mating end of the plurality of signal contacts faces a plurality of the plurality of embossed patterns along the lateral direction, such that the mating ends of the signal contacts can be flexed toward the embossed patterns respectively, and when the cable connector is mated with a mating electrical connector, the mating ends of the signal contacts do not contact the ground plane.

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