Jack module and jack cage for a communication system

Abstract

A communication system includes a plug module and a receptacle module housed in a receptacle cage. The receptacle module includes a receptacle housing having a cavity to house a contact assembly. The receptacle module includes a receptacle latch coupled to the receptacle housing having a latch feature at a sidewall of the receptacle housing and a receptacle release tab operably coupled to a receptacle release actuator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The main topic of this article is communication systems. Background Technology

[0002] Some communication systems utilize transceivers or plug modules as input / output modules for data communication. Plug modules are detachably housed in a socket cage of a socket assembly for interconnection with another component, such as a communication connector mounted to a host circuit board. Due to the high speed of data transmission and the length of the traces on the host circuit board between the communication connector and other components mounted thereon, some known communication systems use cable socket connectors to bypass data transmission on the host circuit board. Cable socket connectors can be housed at the rear of the socket cage, and the plug module mates directly with the cable socket connector. However, cable socket connectors tend to be bulky and require mounting features for mounting them into the socket cage. These mounting features widen the connector interface and occupy space near the socket cage, increasing the footprint of the socket cage and cable socket connector on the host circuit board and limiting the number of socket cages and cable socket connectors that can be installed in a given area.

[0003] There is still a need for a communication system with a reduced footprint to accommodate pluggable modules. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to the present invention, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes a plug module comprising a plug housing having a plug housing wall defining a plug module cavity. The plug housing wall includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a side wall between the top and bottom walls. The plug module includes a plug latch coupled to the plug housing. The plug latch includes a plug latch feature located on the side wall of the plug housing and a plug release tab operably coupled to a plug release actuator. The plug module includes a plug module circuit board held within the plug module cavity by the plug housing. The plug module circuit board has mating edges. The plug module includes a cable terminated to the plug module circuit board. The communication system also includes a receptacle module comprising a receptacle housing having a receptacle housing wall defining a receptacle module cavity. The receptacle housing wall includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a side wall between the top and bottom walls. The receptacle module includes a receptacle latch coupled to the receptacle housing. The receptacle latch includes a receptacle latch feature located on the side wall of the receptacle housing and a receptacle release tab operably coupled to a receptacle release actuator. The receptacle module includes a receptacle contact assembly received within the receptacle housing. The receptacle contact assembly includes a receptacle contact. The receptacle housing has a groove at its front portion for receiving a mating edge of a plug module circuit board to electrically connect the receptacle contact to the plug module circuit board. The receptacle module includes a cable terminated to the receptacle contact and extending rearward from the receptacle housing. The communication system includes a receptacle cage having cage walls defining a module channel. The module channel extends between a front end and a rear end of the receptacle cage. The cage walls include a top cage wall, a bottom cage wall, and side cage walls extending between the top and bottom cage walls. The receptacle cage has a front cage interface at its front end for receiving the plug module and a rear cage interface at its rear end for receiving the receptacle module. The receptacle cage includes a front latch feature located on a cage side wall that abuts against a plug locking feature for lockably securing the plug module within the receptacle cage. The receptacle cage also includes a rear latch feature on a cage side wall that abuts against a receptacle latch feature for lockably securing the receptacle module within the receptacle cage.

[0005] According to the present invention, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes a receptacle cage having cage walls defining a module channel. The module channel extends between a front end and a rear end of the receptacle cage. The cage walls include a top cage wall, a bottom cage wall, a first side cage wall, and a second side cage wall. The cage walls surround the module channel between the front end and the rear end. The receptacle cage is configured to receive a plug module at the front end. The receptacle cage includes a first latch beam located on a first side of the receptacle cage and a second latch beam located on a second side. The communication system includes a receptacle module removably received in the module channel at the rear end. The receptacle module includes a receptacle housing having a receptacle housing wall defining a receptacle module cavity. The receptacle housing wall includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The first side wall includes a first latch feature configured to abut against a first latch beam of the receptacle cage to secure the receptacle module within the receptacle cage. The second side wall includes a second latch feature configured to abut against a second latch beam of the receptacle cage to secure the receptacle module within the receptacle cage. The receptacle housing has a slot configured to receive a plug module circuit board of a plug module. The receptacle module includes a receptacle contact assembly housed within the receptacle housing. The receptacle contact assembly includes receptacle contacts disposed in the receptacle housing at the slot for mating with the plug module circuit board. The receptacle contact assembly includes a cable terminated at the contacts and extending from the receptacle housing. The receptacle module includes a receptacle latch coupled to the receptacle housing. The receptacle latch includes a release actuator, a first latch arm extending from the release actuator, and a second latch arm extending from the release actuator. The first latch arm extends along a first sidewall. The second latch arm extends along a second sidewall. The first latch arm includes a first release tab configured to release a first latch beam from a first latch feature. The second latch arm includes a second release tab configured to release a second latch beam from a second latch feature. The release actuator is actuated to slide the receptacle latch relative to the receptacle housing from an unactuated position to an actuated position to operate the first and second release tabs and unlock the first and second latch beams from the first and second latch features. The receptacle module includes a latch alignment cap that is coupled to the receptacle housing. The receptacle latch is held between the latch alignment cap and the receptacle housing. When pulled back from the unacted position to the actuated position, the receptacle latch can slide relative to the receptacle housing and the latch alignment cap.

[0006] According to the present invention, a receptacle module is provided. The receptacle module is configured to be inserted into a receptacle cage of a receptacle assembly for mating with a plug module inserted into the receptacle cage. The receptacle cage includes a first latching beam located on a first side and a second latching beam located on a second side. The receptacle module includes a receptacle housing having a receptacle housing wall defining a cavity for the receptacle module. The receptacle housing wall includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The first side wall includes a first latching feature configured to abut against the first latching beam of the receptacle cage to secure the receptacle module within the receptacle cage. The second side wall includes a second latching feature configured to abut against the second latching beam of the receptacle cage to secure the receptacle module within the receptacle cage. The receptacle housing has a slot configured to receive a plug module circuit board of the plug module. The receptacle module includes a receptacle contact assembly housed within the receptacle housing. The receptacle contact assembly includes a receptacle contact disposed in the receptacle housing at the slot to abut against the plug module circuit board. The receptacle contact assembly includes a cable terminated at the contact and extending from the receptacle housing. The receptacle module includes a receptacle latch coupled to a receptacle housing. The receptacle latch includes a release actuator, a first latch arm extending from the release actuator, and a second latch arm extending from the release actuator. The first latch arm extends along a first sidewall. The second latch arm extends along a second sidewall. The first latch arm includes a first release tab configured to release a first latch beam from a first latch feature. The second latch arm includes a second release tab configured to release a second latch beam from a second latch feature. The release actuator is actuated to slide the receptacle latch relative to the receptacle housing from an unactuated position to an actuated position to operate the first and second release tabs and unlock the first and second latch beams from the first and second latch features. The receptacle module includes a latch alignment cap coupled to the receptacle housing. The receptacle latch is held between the latch alignment cap and the receptacle housing. When pulled back from the unactuated position to the actuated position, the receptacle latch is slidable relative to the receptacle housing and the latch alignment cap. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a top perspective view of a communication system formed according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a side view of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a side view of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a plug module according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a socket module according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a front perspective view of a portion of a socket module according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a side view of a socket module according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a partial side sectional view of a part of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Figure 1 This is a top perspective view of a communication system 100 formed according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 This is a side view of a communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The communication system 100 includes a receptacle connector assembly 102 and one or more plug modules 200 configured to be electrically connected to the receptacle connector assembly 102. The receptacle connector assembly 102 includes one or more receptacle modules 300 configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding plug module 200. In an exemplary embodiment, each plug module 200 is electrically connected to one or more cables 202, and each receptacle module 300 is electrically connected to one or more cables 302. The plug module 200 is pluggably coupled to the corresponding receptacle module 300 at a detachable mating interface. The plug module 200 and the receptacle module 300 are removable from the shielding cage of the receptacle connector assembly 102.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector assembly 102 is mounted to a support structure 104. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the support structure 104 may include a circuit board 106. The receptacle connector assembly 102 is mounted to the circuit board 106. In an exemplary embodiment, neither the plug module 200 nor the receptacle module 300 is electrically connected to the circuit board 106. Instead, the plug module 200 and the receptacle module 300 are electrically connected to other electrical components via cables 202, 302 rather than through traces on the circuit board 106. The circuit board 106 may provide a ground reference for the receptacle connector assembly 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the support structure 104 may additionally or alternatively include a panel, such as a rack panel in a server. In various other embodiments, the panel may include a cabinet or chassis for electrical equipment, such as a computer. In alternative embodiments, the panel may be another type of support structure, such as a metal plate or sheet.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector assembly 102 includes a receptacle cage 120. A receptacle module 300 is configured to be mounted to the rear of the receptacle cage 120. A plug module 200 is configured to be mounted to the front of the receptacle cage 120. The plug module 200 mates with the receptacle module 300 within the receptacle cage 120. In various embodiments, the receptacle cage 120 is enclosed and provides electrical shielding for both the receptacle module 300 and the plug module 200.

[0018] The receptacle cage 120 includes a plurality of cage walls 124 defining a cavity 126. The cavity 126 can be subdivided by corresponding cage walls 124 to form one or more module channels 128 for receiving corresponding plug modules 200 and receptacle modules 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 126 is divided into two module channels 128; however, additional cage walls 124 may be provided to form additional module channels 128, such as four or more module channels 128. The module channels 128 may be stacked vertically and / or horizontally. The receptacle cage 120 includes a front opening at the front of the receptacle cage 120 to receive a front port of the plug module 200 and a rear opening at the rear of the receptacle cage 120 to receive a rear port of the receptacle module 300. In various embodiments, any number of module channels 128 may be provided. For example, the receptacle cage 120 may include groups and stacks of module channels 128 (e.g., 2x2, 3x2, 4x2, 4x3, etc.). In various other embodiments, the receptacle cage 120 may include a single module channel 128 instead of groups or stacks of cage members. The cage wall 124 can be a wall defined by a solid sheet, a perforated wall that allows airflow, or a wall with slits, for example, for heat transfer equipment (such as heat sinks, radiators, cold plates, etc.) through which air passes. In the illustrated embodiment, the cage wall 124 is a stamped wall that defines a shielding wall.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the cage wall 124 of the socket cage 120 includes a top cage wall 130, a bottom cage wall 132, a first side cage wall 134, and a second side cage wall 136 for each module channel 128. When such walls 130, 132, 134, and 136 are outer walls or external walls, such cage walls 124 can define the top wall, bottom wall, first side wall, and second side wall of the socket cage 120. The bottom cage wall 132 can rest on the support structure 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the cage wall 124 includes a cage mounting piece 138 for mounting the socket cage 120 to the support structure 104, such as to a circuit board 106. For example, the cage mounting piece 138 can be a press-fit pin configured to press-fit into a through-hole in the circuit board 106. In alternative embodiments, other types of cage mounting pieces 138 can be used. However, in alternative embodiments, the socket cage 120 can be mounted independently of any circuit board, such as to a panel or other structure, without any circuit board present.

[0020] The receptacle cage 120 extends between a front end 140 and a rear end 142. A front port 144 is located at the front end 140, providing the plug module 200 with access to the respective module channel 128. A rear port 146 is located at the rear end 142, providing the receptacle module 300 with access to the respective module channel 128. Some cage walls 124 may be internal cage walls that divide or partition the cavity 126 into individual module channels 128. For example, the cage walls 124 may include dividers (e.g., horizontal or vertical dividers) that separate the module channels 128. Dividers may define a top cage wall 130, a bottom cage wall 132, a first side cage wall 134, or a second side cage wall 136 for one or more module channels 128.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment extending along a longitudinal axis, walls 130, 132, 134, and 136 form a rectangular module channel 128. The module channel 128 can extend its entire length between a front end 140 and a rear end 142. The receptacle cage 120 includes a front cage interface 150 located at the front end 140 and a rear cage interface 152 located at the rear end 142. The front cage interface 150 abuts against the plug module 200. The rear cage interface 152 abuts against the receptacle module 300. The front cage interface 150 is defined by the inner surface of the receptacle cage 120. The rear cage interface 152 is defined by the inner surface of the receptacle cage 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the front cage interface 150 is defined as the front quarter of the receptacle cage 120, including all features of the receptacle cage 120 that abut against the plug module 200, and the rear cage interface 152 is defined as the rear quarter of the receptacle cage 120, including all features of the receptacle cage 120 that abut against the receptacle module 300.

[0022] The front cage interface 150 is defined by a top cage wall 130, a bottom cage wall 132, a first side cage wall 134, and a second side cage wall 136 at a front end 140. For example, the front cage interface 150 may have a channel envelope (e.g., size and shape) defined by the top cage wall 130, bottom cage wall 132, first side cage wall 134, and second side cage wall 136 at the front end 140. The rear cage interface 152 is defined by a top cage wall 130, bottom cage wall 132, first side cage wall 134, and second side cage wall 136 at a rear end 142. For example, the rear cage interface 152 may have a channel envelope (e.g., size and shape) defined by a top cage wall 130, bottom cage wall 132, first side cage wall 134, and second side cage wall 136 at the rear end 142. In an exemplary embodiment, the front cage interface 150 matches the rear cage interface 152. For example, the front cage interface 150 is identical to the rear cage interface 152. The front cage interface 150 may have the same size and shape as the rear cage interface 152. In this way, the plug module 200 or the socket module 300 can be inserted into and mated with the front cage interface 150, and the plug module 200 or the socket module 300 can be inserted into and mated with the rear cage interface 152.

[0023] In one exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage 120 includes a front latching feature 160 for each module channel 128 and a rear latching feature 162 for each module channel 128. The front latching feature 160 is disposed near the front end 140. The rear latching feature 162 is disposed near the rear end 142. The front latching feature 160 forms a portion of the front cage interface 150 configured to mate with a plug module 200. The rear latching feature 162 forms a portion of the rear cage interface 152 configured to mate with a receptacle module 300. The front latching feature 160 is used to secure the plug module 200 in the module channel 128. The plug module 200 can be accessed from inside the module channel 128 and engaged by the front latching feature 160. The rear latching feature 162 is used to secure the receptacle module 300 in the module channel 128. The receptacle module 300 can be accessed from inside the module channel 128 and engaged by the rear latching feature 162. The front latch feature 160 may be the same as the rear latch feature 162.

[0024] In various embodiments, latching features 160, 162 are deflectable latching tabs 164, 166 stamped from side cage walls 134, 136. The edges of latching tabs 164, 166 are lockably engaged with plug module 200 and socket module 300, respectively, to secure modules 200, 300 within module channel 128. The deflectable latching tabs 164, 166 are bent inward into module channel 128 to engage the sides of plug module 200 and socket module 300, respectively. Latching features 160, 162 can be released, for example, by pulling release tabs on modules 200, 300 to release latching tabs 164, 166 from modules 200, 300. A deflectable latch 164 extends rearward from the side cage walls 134, 136 to a distal edge configured to engage the plug module 200 to retain the plug module 200 in the module channel 128 and resist pull-out of the plug module 200 from the front end 140. A deflectable latch 166 extends forward from the side cage walls 134, 136 to a distal edge configured to engage the socket module 300 to retain the socket module 300 in the module channel 128 and resist pull-out of the socket module 300 from the rear end 142.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a side view of a communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The socket cage 120 is a stacked socket cage having stacked module channels 128, such as defining an upper module channel and a lower module channel. The socket cage 120 includes latching features 160, 162 (e.g., deflectable latching tabs 164, 166) for the upper and lower module channels 128.

[0026] Figure 4This is a perspective view of a plug module 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. The plug module 200 includes a plug housing 210 defined by one or more housing members, such as an upper housing 212 and a lower housing 214. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug housing 210 is made of a conductive material, such as a metallic material. The plug housing 210 provides electrical shielding for the plug module 200. The plug housing 210 may be thermally conductive. The plug housing 210 includes a mating end 216 and an opposing cable end 218. A cable 202 extends from the cable end 218. The mating end 216 is configured to be inserted into a corresponding module channel 128 (in... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram. When the plug module 200 is inserted into the socket cage 120, the cable end 218 is configured to extend from the front end 140 of the socket cage 120 (as shown in the diagram). Figure 1 (As shown).

[0027] The plug housing 210 includes a top wall 220, a bottom wall 222, a first sidewall 224 extending between the top wall 220 and the bottom wall 222, and a second sidewall 226 extending between the top wall 220 and the bottom wall 222. The top wall 220 is part of an upper housing 212, and the bottom wall 222 is part of a lower housing 214. The first sidewall 224 may be defined by the upper housing 212 and / or the lower housing 214. The second sidewall 226 may be defined by the upper housing 212 and / or the lower housing 214. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the upper housing 212 and the lower housing 214 meet at an interface substantially centered along the sidewalls 224, 226. The plug housing 210 surrounds a plug module cavity 228. The plug module cavity 228 accommodates electrical components of the plug module 200. A cable 202 may extend into the plug module cavity 228 for termination to the electrical components.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the plug module 200 includes a plug module circuit board 230 within a plug module cavity 228. The plug module circuit board 230 is accessible at a mating end 216. The plug module circuit board 230 is configured to communicatively connect to a socket module 300 (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown). For example, the mating edge 232 of the plug module circuit board 230 can be inserted into the socket module 300, such as into a slot of the socket module 300. The plug module circuit board 230 includes electrical components for operating and / or using the plug module 200. For example, the plug module circuit board 230 may have conductors, traces, pads, electronic devices, sensors, controllers, switches, inputs, outputs, etc., to form various circuits.

[0029] The plug module 200 includes a plug latch 240 for releasing the plug module 200 from the receptacle cage 120. The plug latch 240 includes plug latch features 242 located on a first side 224 and a second side 226, configured to secure the plug module 200 to the receptacle cage 120. For example, the plug latch features 242 are configured to engage with a front latch feature 160 of the receptacle cage 120 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (As shown) mating. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug latch feature 242 includes a latch groove 244. A deflectable latch tab 164 (as shown) Figure 1 (As shown) is received in a latch groove 244. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug housing 210 includes a latch shoulder 246 at the latch groove 244. A deflectable latch tab 164 is received in the latch groove 244 and engages the latch shoulder 246 to secure the plug module 200 in the socket cage 120.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the plug latch 240 includes a plug release actuator 250 and a latch arm 252 extending from the plug release actuator 250 along first and second sidewalls 224, 226. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug release actuator 250 includes a pull tab 254. The pull tab 254 is configured to be pulled to unlock a deflectable latch tab 164, thereby releasing the plug module 200 from the receptacle cage 120. For example, pulling the pull tab 254 moves the plug latch 240 from an unactuated position to an actuated position. The latch arm 252 can slide horizontally relative to the plug housing 210 between the unactuated and actuated positions. The plug latch 240 may include a return spring (not shown) for returning the plug latch 240 to the unactuated position. The plug latch 240 includes a plug release tab 256 located at the distal end of the latch arm 252. When the plug latch 240 moves from the unacted position to the actuated position, the plug release tab 256 engages the deflectable latch tab 164. The plug release tab 256 presses outward against the deflectable latch tab 164 to release the deflectable latch tab 164.

[0031] The plug housing 210 includes a plug mating interface 260, which is configured to engage with the front cage interface 150 of the socket cage 120 (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown) mating. The plug mating interface 260 is defined by the outer surface of the plug housing 210. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug mating interface 260 is defined by a top wall 220, a bottom wall 222, a first side wall 224, and a second side wall 226, for example, at the mating end 216. The plug mating interface 260 is defined by a plug latch 240, such as a latch arm 252 and a plug release tab 256. The plug mating interface 260 may be defined along the entire length of the plug housing 210 received in the receptacle cage 120. For example, the plug mating interface 260 may extend over a large portion of the length of the plug housing 210.

[0032] Figure 5This is a perspective view of a socket module 300 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 This is a front perspective view of a portion of a socket module 300 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7 This is a side view of the socket module 300 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] The receptacle module 300 includes a receptacle housing 310 defined by one or more housing members, such as an upper housing and a lower housing. Optionally, the receptacle housing 310 may be at least partially made of a conductive material, such as a metallic material, to provide electrical shielding for the receptacle module 300. The receptacle housing 310 includes a mating end 316 and an opposing cable end 318. A cable 302 extends from the cable end 318. The mating end 316 is configured to insert into a corresponding module channel 128 (in... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram. When the socket module 300 is inserted into the socket cage 120, the cable end 318 is configured to extend from the rear end 142 of the socket cage 120 (as shown in the diagram). Figure 1 (As shown).

[0034] The socket housing 310 includes a top wall 320, a bottom wall 322, a first side wall 324 extending between the top wall 320 and the bottom wall 322, and a second side wall 326 extending between the top wall 320 and the bottom wall 322. In an exemplary embodiment, the socket housing 310 includes a slot 328 located at a mating end 316. The slot 328 is configured to receive a plug module circuit board 230 (e.g., Figure 4 (As shown). The socket housing 310 extends above and below the slot 328.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the socket module 300 includes a socket contact assembly 330 housed in the socket housing 310. Figure 6 The receptacle contact assembly 330 includes a receptacle contact 332. A conductor of the cable 302 may terminate at the receptacle contact 332, for example, by soldering to the contact 332. The receptacle contact 332 extends into a slot 328 for mating with the plug module circuit board 230. In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle contacts 332 are arranged in upper and lower rows on opposite sides of the slot 328.

[0036] The receptacle module 300 includes a receptacle latch 340 for releasing the receptacle module 300 from the receptacle cage 120. The receptacle latch 340 includes receptacle latch features 342 located on a first side 324 and a second side 326, configured to secure the receptacle module 300 to the receptacle cage 120. For example, the receptacle latch features 342 are configured to engage with a rear latch feature 162 of the receptacle cage 120 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (As shown) mating. In an exemplary embodiment, the socket latch feature 342 includes a latch groove 344. A deflectable latch piece 166 (as shown) Figure 1(As shown) is received in a latch groove 344. In an exemplary embodiment, the socket housing 310 includes a latch shoulder 346 located at the latch groove 344. A deflectable latch tab 166 is received in the latch groove 344 and engages the latch shoulder 346 to secure the socket module 300 in the socket cage 120.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle latch 340 includes a receptacle release actuator 350 and a latch arm 352 extending from the receptacle release actuator 350 along first and second sidewalls 324, 326. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle release actuator 350 includes a pull tab 354. The pull tab 354 is configured to be pulled to unlock a deflectable latch tab 166, thereby releasing the receptacle module 300 from the receptacle cage 120. For example, pulling the pull tab 354 moves the receptacle latch 340 from an unactuated position to an actuated position. The latch arm 352 can slide horizontally relative to the receptacle housing 310 between an unactuated position and an actuated position.

[0038] The receptacle latch 340 includes a receptacle release tab 356 located at the distal end of the latch arm 352. When the receptacle latch 340 moves from the unacted position to the actuated position, the receptacle release tab 356 engages a deflectable latch tab 164. The receptacle release tab 356 presses outward against the deflectable latch tab 164 to release the deflectable latch tab 164. Each receptacle release tab 356 includes a ramp 358. The ramp 358 extends outward from the receptacle housing 310 at an angle not perpendicular to the sidewalls 324, 326. The ramp 358 may be curved. When the receptacle latch 340 is pulled to the actuated position, the deflectable latch tab 166 slides along the ramp 358 and is deflected outward by the ramp 358, unlocking from the latch shoulder 346. In an exemplary embodiment, the socket latch 340 is movable between an actuated position and an unactuated position by pulling the socket release actuator 350 to slide the socket release tab 356 relative to the socket housing 310. In the actuated position, the socket release tab 356 engages the deflectable rear latch tab 164 to release the deflectable rear latch tab 164 from the socket module 300.

[0039] The receptacle module 300 includes a latch alignment cap 370 coupled to a receptacle housing 310. A receptacle latch 340 may be coupled to the latch alignment cap 370 and / or the receptacle housing 310. The latch alignment cap 370 may be disposed at a top wall 320 and / or side walls 324, 326 and / or bottom wall 322. The latch alignment cap 370 may be received in a cavity 372 of the receptacle housing 310, for example at a cable end 318. The receptacle latch 340 is held between the latch alignment cap 370 and the receptacle housing 310. When the receptacle latch 340 is pulled back from an unacted position to an actuated position, the receptacle latch 340 is slidable relative to the receptacle housing 310 and the latch alignment cap 370. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle module 300 includes a track 374 along the side walls 324, 326. The track 374 receives a latch arm 352. The latch arm 352 is slidable within the track 374. In an exemplary embodiment, the track 374 is defined between the latch alignment cap 370 and the bottom wall 322 of the socket housing 310.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, the latch alignment cap 370 retains a return spring 380 operably coupled to the receptacle latch 340. The return spring 380 causes the receptacle latch 340 to return from an actuated position to an unactuated position. For example, the return spring 380 presses the receptacle latch 340 back. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle latch 340 includes a locating tab 382 extending from the latch arm 352. For example, the locating tab 382 may be punched out from the latch arm 352 and bent inward. The locating tab 382 extends into the latch alignment cap 370. The return spring 380 engages the locating tab 382 to press against the receptacle latch 340. The return spring 380 may be a helical spring. The return spring 380 is compressible between the locating tab 382 and the latch alignment cap 370.

[0041] The socket housing 310 includes a socket mating interface 360, which is configured to engage with the front cage interface 150 of the socket cage 120 (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown) mating. The receptacle mating interface 360 ​​is defined by the outer surface of the receptacle housing 310. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle mating interface 360 ​​is defined by a top wall 320, a bottom wall 322, a first side wall 324, and a second side wall 326, for example, at the mating end 316. The receptacle mating interface 360 ​​is defined by a receptacle latch 340, such as a latch arm 352 and a receptacle release tab 356. The receptacle mating interface 360 ​​may be defined along the entire length of the receptacle housing 310 housed in the receptacle cage 120. For example, the receptacle mating interface 360 ​​may extend over a large portion of the length of the receptacle housing 310.

[0042] Refer again Figure 4In an exemplary embodiment, a receptacle mating interface 360 ​​(for mating with a receptacle cage 120) mates with a plug mating interface 260 (for mating with a receptacle cage 120). For example, the receptacle mating interface 360 ​​may have substantially the same dimensions and shape (width and height) as the plug mating interface 260, particularly at latches 240, 340. For example, at the depth of latches 240, 340, the plug housing 210 and the receptacle housing 310 may have substantially the same external peripheral dimensions. Other portions of the plug housing 210 and the receptacle housing 310 may have different dimensions, such as the ends of the plug module 200 and the receptacle module 300 located outside the receptacle cage 120. In an exemplary embodiment, mating interfaces 260, 360 are identical, such that the plug module 200 and the receptacle module 300 are interchangeably accommodated in the receptacle cage 120. Plug latches 240 and receptacle latches 340 define portions of mating interfaces 260, 360, respectively.

[0043] Figure 8 This is a partial side cross-sectional view of a part of a communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 8 A socket module 300 loaded into a socket cage 120 is shown. In an exemplary embodiment, the socket cage 120 includes a front positioning tab 170 extending into a module channel 128. The front positioning tab 170 is used to position a pluggable module 200 in the module channel 128. For example, the front positioning tab 170 prevents the pluggable module 200 from being overloaded into the module channel 128.

[0044] In one exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage 120 includes a rear positioning tab 180 extending into the module channel 128. The rear positioning tab 180 is used to position the receptacle module 300 in the module channel 128. For example, the rear positioning tab 180 prevents the receptacle module 300 from being overloaded into the module channel 128.

Claims

1. A communication system (100), comprising: A plug module (200) includes a plug housing (210) having a plug housing wall defining a plug module cavity (228), the plug housing wall including a top wall (220), a bottom wall (222), and side walls (224, 226) between the top wall and the bottom wall. The plug module includes a plug latch (240) coupled to the plug housing, the plug latch including a plug latch feature (242) located at the side wall of the plug housing and a plug release tab (256) operably coupled to a plug release actuator (250). The plug module includes a plug module circuit board (230) held in the plug module cavity by the plug housing, the plug module circuit board having a mating edge (232). The plug module includes a cable (202) terminated to the plug module circuit board. A socket module (300) includes a socket housing (310) having a socket housing wall defining a socket module cavity, the socket housing wall including a top wall (320), a bottom wall (322), and side walls (324, 326) between the top and bottom walls. The socket module includes a socket latch (340) coupled to the socket housing, the socket latch including a socket latch feature (342) located at a side wall of the socket housing and a socket release tab (356) operably coupled to a socket release actuator (350). The socket module includes a socket contact assembly (330) housed in the socket housing, the socket contact assembly including a socket contact. The socket housing has a slot (328) at the front of the socket housing receiving the mating edge of the plug module circuit board to electrically connect the socket contact (332) to the plug module circuit board. The socket module includes a cable (302) terminated to the socket contact and extending rearward from the socket housing. and A socket cage (120) has a cage wall (124) defining a module channel (128) extending between a front end (140) and a rear end (142) of the socket cage. The cage wall includes a top cage wall (130), a bottom cage wall (132), and side cage walls (134, 136) extending between the top cage wall and the bottom cage wall. The socket cage has a front cage interface (150) for receiving the plug module at the front end and a rear cage interface (152) for receiving the socket module at the rear end. The socket cage includes a front latch feature (160) at the side cage wall, which engages with a plug latch feature (242) for lockably securing the plug module in the socket cage. The socket cage also includes a rear latch feature (162) at the side cage wall, which engages with a socket latch feature (342) for lockably securing the socket module in the socket cage.

2. The communication system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The front latch feature (160) includes a deflectable front latch piece extending from the side cage wall (134, 136) into the module channel (128) to mate with the plug module (200), and wherein the rear latch feature (162) includes a deflectable rear latch piece (166) extending from the side cage wall into the module channel to mate with the socket module (300).

3. The communication system (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The deflectable front latch (164) extends rearward from the side cage wall (134, 136) to a distal edge configured to engage the plug module (200) to retain the plug module in the module channel (128) and resist pull-out of the plug module from the front end (140), and wherein the deflectable rear latch (166) extends forward from the side cage wall to a distal edge configured to engage the socket module (300) to retain the socket module in the module channel and resist pull-out of the plug module from the rear end (142).

4. The communication system (100) according to claim 2, wherein, By pulling the plug release actuator (250) to slide the plug release tab (256) relative to the plug housing (210), the plug latch (240) is movable between an actuated position and an unactuated position, in which the plug release tab engages the deflectable front latch tab (164) to release the deflectable front latch tab from the plug module (200), and wherein, by pulling the socket release actuator (350) to slide the socket release tab (356) relative to the socket housing (310), the socket latch (340) is movable between an actuated position and an unactuated position, in which the socket release tab engages the deflectable rear latch tab (166) to release the deflectable rear latch tab from the socket module (300).

5. The communication system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The socket module (300) includes a latch alignment cap (370) coupled to the socket housing (310), the socket latch (340) being held between the latch alignment cap and the socket housing, the socket latch being able to slide relative to the socket housing and the latch alignment cap when the socket latch is pulled back from the unacted position to the actuated position, and in the actuated position, the socket latch unlocks the rear latch feature (162) from the socket module.

6. The communication system (100) according to claim 5, wherein, The latch alignment cap (370) retains a return spring operably connected to the socket latch (340), the return spring actuating the socket latch from the actuated position to the unacted position.

7. The communication system (100) according to claim 6, wherein, The socket latch (340) includes a positioning tab (382) extending into the latch alignment cap (370), and the return spring engages the positioning tab to press against the socket latch.

8. The communication system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The front cage interface (150) is matched with the rear cage interface (152).

9. The communication system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The front cage interface (150) is defined by the top cage wall (124), bottom cage wall (132) and side cage walls (134, 136) of the socket cage (120), the front cage interface has a front port at the front end (140) leading to the module channel (128), the front cage interface includes the front latch feature (160), and wherein the rear cage interface (152) is defined by the top cage wall, bottom cage wall and side cage walls (134, 136) of the socket cage, the rear cage interface has a rear port at the rear end (142) leading to the module channel, the rear cage interface includes the rear latch feature (162).

10. The communication system (100) according to claim 9, wherein, The size and shape of the front cage interface (150) are the same as those of the rear cage interface (152).

11. A communication system, comprising: A socket cage (120) having a cage wall (124) defining a module channel (128) extending between a front end (140) and a rear end (142) of the socket cage, the cage wall including a top cage wall (130), a bottom cage wall (132), a first side cage wall (134), and a second side cage wall (136) surrounding the module channel between the front end and the rear end, the socket cage being configured to receive a plug module (200) at the front end (140), the socket cage including a first latch beam on a first side and a second latch beam on a second side of the socket cage; and A socket module (300), removably housed at the rear end in the module channel (128), the socket module comprising: A socket housing (310) has a socket housing wall defining a socket module cavity, the socket housing wall including a top wall (320), a bottom wall (322), a first side wall (324), and a second side wall (326), the first side wall including a first latching feature (342) configured to engage with a first latching beam of the socket cage (120) to secure the socket module (300) in the socket cage, the second side wall including a second latching feature (342) configured to engage with a second latching beam of the socket cage to secure the socket module in the socket cage, the socket housing having a slot (328) configured to receive a plug module circuit board of the plug module (200); A socket contact assembly (330) is housed in the socket housing (310). The socket contact assembly includes a socket contact disposed in the socket housing at the slot (328) to mate with the plug module circuit board (230). The socket contact assembly includes a cable (302) terminated to the contact and extending from the socket housing. A socket latch (340) is coupled to the socket housing (310). The socket latch includes a release actuator (350), a first latch arm (352) extending from the release actuator, and a second latch arm extending from the release actuator. The first latch arm extends along a first sidewall, and the second latch arm extends along a second sidewall. The first latch arm includes a first release tab (356) configured to release the first latch beam from the first latch feature. The second latch arm includes a second release tab (356) configured to release the second latch beam from the second latch feature. The release actuator is actuated to slide the socket latch relative to the socket housing from an unactuated position to an actuated position to operate the first and second release tabs and unlock the first and second latch beams from the first and second latch features. and A latch alignment cap (370) is attached to the socket housing (310), and the socket latch (340) is captured between the latch alignment cap and the socket housing. When the socket latch is pulled back from the unacted position to the actuated position, the socket latch is slidable relative to the socket housing and the latch alignment cap (370).

12. The communication system according to claim 11, wherein, The latch alignment cap (370) retains a return spring (380) operably connected to the socket latch (340), the return spring actuating the socket latch from the actuated position to the unactuated position.

13. The communication system according to claim 12, wherein, The socket latch (340) includes a positioning tab (382) extending into the latch alignment cap, and the return spring (380) engages the positioning tab to press against the socket latch.

14. A socket module (300) configured to be inserted into a socket cage (120) of a socket assembly for cooperating with a plug module (200) inserted into the socket cage, the socket cage including a first latching beam on a first side of the socket cage (120) and a second latching beam on a second side, the socket module (300) comprising: A socket housing (310) has a socket housing wall defining a socket module cavity, the socket housing wall including a top wall (320), a bottom wall (322), a first side wall (324), and a second side wall (326), the first side wall including a first latching feature (342) configured to engage with a first latching beam of the socket cage to secure the socket module in the socket cage, the second side wall including a second latching feature (342) configured to engage with a second latching beam of the socket cage (120) to secure the socket module in the socket cage (120), the socket housing having a slot (328) configured to receive a plug module circuit board of the plug module (200); A socket contact assembly (330) is housed in the socket housing (310). The socket contact assembly includes a socket contact disposed in the socket housing at the slot (328) to mate with the plug module circuit board (230). The socket contact assembly includes a cable (302) terminated to the contact and extending from the socket housing. A socket latch (340) is coupled to the socket housing (310). The socket latch includes a release actuator (350), a first latch arm (352) extending from the release actuator, and a second latch arm (352) extending from the release actuator. The first latch arm extends along a first sidewall, and the second latch arm extends along a second sidewall. The first latch arm includes a first release tab (356) configured to release the first latch beam from the first latch feature. The second latch arm includes a second release tab (356) configured to release the second latch beam from the second latch feature. The release actuator is actuated to slide the socket latch relative to the socket housing from an unactuated position to an actuated position to operate the first and second release tabs and unlock the first and second latch beams from the first and second latch features. and A latch alignment cap (370) is attached to the socket housing (310), and the socket latch (340) is captured between the latch alignment cap and the socket housing. When the socket latch is pulled back from the unacted position to the actuated position, the socket latch is slidable relative to the socket housing and the latch alignment cap (370).

15. The socket module (300) according to claim 14, wherein, The latch alignment cap (370) retains a return spring (380) operably connected to the socket latch (340), the return spring actuating the socket latch from the actuated position to the unactuated position.

16. The socket module (300) according to claim 15, wherein, The socket latch (340) includes a positioning tab (382) extending into the latch alignment cap (370), and the return spring engages the positioning tab to press against the socket latch.

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