Cable connector and board connector

Abstract

The electrical communication system includes a plurality of cable connectors configured to mate with the same electrical connector or connectors having substantially identical mating interfaces. The cable connectors can be configured as electrical cable connectors, optical cable connectors, and hybrid cable connectors that include both electrical and optical communication.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 937,035, filed November 18, 2019, and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 994,194, filed March 24, 2020, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein. Background Technology

[0003] Motor vehicles are equipped with increasingly complex electrical technologies. Therefore, motor vehicles are equipped with data connectivity systems that electrically connect components such as controllers, sensors, and controlled devices. Electrical connectors are installed on the corresponding electrical components and are interchangeably mated at detachable interfaces to enable electrical connectivity between the components.

[0004] One type of electrical connector, called the Fachkreis Automobil (FAKRA) connector, is an automotive-grade connector capable of withstanding the mechanical shocks and vibrations associated with the normal operation of a motor vehicle. FAKRA connectors can transmit electrical signals up to 6 GHz. While FAKRA connectors offer adequate mechanical robustness and operate for their intended data transmission purpose, the ongoing development of automotive technology in areas such as Light Detection and Ranging (Lidar) demands not only mechanical robustness but also the ability to transmit data at speeds higher than conventionally available. Another electrical connector, as an alternative to FAKRA connectors, is the REC dielectric radio frequency (RF) stripline connector from TEConnectivity, which has been released to be compatible with the 5 GHz USCAR specification.

[0005] Furthermore, commercially available vehicle sizes range from small cars to full-size SUVs. Therefore, electrically connected components can be spaced apart at varying distances within a vehicle. For example, electrical components in a small car may be close enough that signal attenuation is significantly less than in an SUV, where the components are spaced further apart.

[0006] Therefore, a vehicle data connectivity system is needed that operates at high data transmission speeds while maintaining proper signal integrity for the reliable operation of electrical components. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In one example, a cable connector kit, each with its own mating interface, can selectively and interchangeably mate with the mating interface of a common electrical connector. The kit may include a cable connector with a corresponding electrically insulated cable connector housing, a corresponding base plate supported by the cable connector housing, and multiple conductive cables mounted on the base plate, wherein the base plate includes electrical contacts configured to mate with the common electrical connector. The kit may also include an optical fiber connector with a corresponding electrically insulated cable connector housing, a transceiver base plate supported by the cable connector housing of the optical fiber connector, an optical engine mounted on the transceiver base plate, and multiple optical fibers mounted on the optical engine, wherein the transceiver base plate includes electrical contacts configured to mate with the common electrical connector. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The foregoing description of the invention and the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the present application will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Illustrative embodiments are shown in the drawings to illustrate the locking structure of the present application. However, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the precise arrangements and means shown. In the drawings:

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a data connectivity system, which includes a board connector and multiple cable connectors configured to individually and selectively mate with the board connector. The multiple cable connectors include electrical cable connectors, optical fiber connectors, and hybrid cable connectors.

[0010] Figure 2A for Figure 1 A perspective view of the circuit board connector;

[0011] Figure 2B for Figure 1 Another perspective view of the circuit board connector;

[0012] Figure 2C for Figure 1 A perspective view of a pair of board connectors mounted on a printed circuit board;

[0013] Figure 2D for Figure 2C A top view of a printed circuit board according to one embodiment;

[0014] Figure 3A This is a perspective view of multiple circuit board connector assemblies, each of which includes... Figure 2C The figure shows the electrical connector and at least partially surrounding the electrical connector, and the panel assembly supported by the panel.

[0015] Figure 3B This is a perspective view showing the circuit board connector assembly supported by the panel, as... Figure 3AAs shown;

[0016] Figure 3C for Figure 3A A perspective view encompassing the surrounding area;

[0017] Figure 3D for Figure 3A Another perspective of the shroud;

[0018] Figure 3E for Figure 3A Another perspective of the shroud;

[0019] Figure 4A This is a perspective view of a cable assembly, which includes a data communication cable and a pair of cable connectors mounted at both ends of the data communication cable.

[0020] Figure 4B A perspective view of a biaxial cable in one embodiment;

[0021] Figure 4C for Figure 4A A perspective view of one of the cable connectors shown, which is depicted as being mounted at one end of the data communication cable;

[0022] Figure 4D for Figure 4C A top view of a cable connector, shown with the housing removed, where the cable connector is configured as a cable connector;

[0023] Figure 4E for Figure 4D A top view of a cable connector shown mounted on a data connectivity cable, which is configured as multiple cables;

[0024] Figure 4F for Figure 4C A bottom view of a cable connector shown mounted on a data connectivity cable, which is configured as multiple cables.

[0025] Figure 4G for Figure 4C Side view of the cable connector;

[0026] Figure 5A A perspective view of a cable connector that is configured as an optical fiber connector;

[0027] Figure 5B for Figure 5A Another perspective view of the optical cable connector;

[0028] Figure 5C for Figure 5AA perspective view of a portion of an optical fiber connector, shown mounted on a data connectivity cable, which is configured as multiple optical fibers.

[0029] Figure 6A This is a perspective view of a cable connector configured as a hybrid cable connector, shown mounted on a data connectivity cable configured as multiple optical fibers and multiple electrical cables.

[0030] Figure 6B A perspective view of a portion of a hybrid cable connector constructed according to an alternative embodiment;

[0031] Figure 6C for Figure 6B A perspective view of a hybrid cable connector; and

[0032] Figure 7 The diagram shows a designated board connector assembly that mates with a cable connector, and a plug that inserts into a non-designated board connector assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0033] refer to Figure 1The data connectivity system 20 may include at least one of the cable connectors 22 and a board connector assembly 24. The board connector assembly 24 includes a board connector 26 (see FIG. 2) and a cover 28 at least partially surrounding the board connector 26. The cable connector 22 may mate with the board connector assembly 24. The cable connector 22 is configured to be mounted on the data connectivity cable 114 such that when the cable connector 22 mates with the board connector, the cable 114 is in data connectivity with the board connector's substrate, and thus with the board connector. The cable connector 22 may be configured as a cable connector 30 such that the cable 114 is configured as a cable 32; the cable connector 22 may be configured as an optical fiber connector 34 such that the cable 114 is configured as an optical fiber or fiber optic cable 36; or the cable connector 22 may be configured as a hybrid cable connector 38 such that the cable includes both cable 32 and optical fiber 36. At least two or more, or all of the cable connector 30, optical fiber connector 34, and hybrid cable connector 38 are configured to independently and selectively mate with the board connector assembly 24. Therefore, at least two or more, or all of the cable connector 30, optical fiber connector 34, and hybrid cable connector 38 have substantially the same mating interface. That is, at least two or more, or all of the mating interfaces of the cable connector 30, optical fiber connector 34, and hybrid cable connector 38 can mate with the board connector 26 via the cover 28. At least a portion of the board connector assembly 24 and the cable connector 22 are configured to be located within the electronic control unit (ECU) of the motor vehicle. Therefore, the data communication system 20 can be referred to as motor vehicle-grade and is configured to withstand forces related to acceleration, deceleration, and vibration during normal use of the motor vehicle. For example, the board connector assembly 24 can be located in one of the vehicle's trunk, passenger compartment, or front dashboard panel.

[0034] As will be understood from the following description, data connectivity system 20, and therefore cable connector 22 and board connector 26, can meet multiple performance standards applicable to motor vehicles subjected to acceleration and deceleration and vibration during normal use. For example, data connectivity system 20 can meet the fourth generation X4 PCIe standard. Data connectivity system 20 can also meet the fifth generation X4 PCIe standard. Data connectivity system 20 can meet the Type-C USB standard. Data connectivity system 20 can meet the USCAR2 standard. For example, data connectivity system 20 can meet the intrusion protection (IP) standards outlined in USCAR2. For example, data connectivity system 20 can meet the IP 54 standard related to dust and liquid splashes, respectively. In addition, data connectivity system 20 can meet the IP 65 standard related to dust and liquid splashes, respectively. Data connectivity system 20 can meet the mechanical shock and vibration requirements of USCAR-2, 5.4.6. Data connectivity system 20 can meet the VW80000 standard. Data connectivity system 20 can meet the ISO 16750 standard. Furthermore, the data connectivity system 20 is compatible with 10G Ethernet. Additionally, the data connectivity system 20 is compatible with 25G Ethernet. Furthermore, the data connectivity system 20 complies with the electrical requirements of the Type-C USB Cable and Connector Specification, Revision 2.0, issued on October 15, 2020. Furthermore, the data connectivity system 20 also complies with the IEEE 802.3ch standard.

[0035] Now for specific reference Figures 2A to 2C The board connector 26 is configured to mate with the cable connector 22 in a forward or mating direction oriented along the longitudinal direction L, and the board connector 26 is configured to disengage from the cable connector 22 in a backward or unmating direction opposite to the mating direction and oriented along the longitudinal direction L. The board connector 26 may be configured as an HSEC8 electrical connector commercially available from Samtec Inc., whose principal place of business is located in New Albany, Indiana.

[0036] The board connector 26 includes an electrically insulating board connector housing 40 and at least one board contact 42, such as a plurality of board contacts 42, supported by the board connector housing 40. The board contacts 42 may be spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction A to form at least one corresponding row. The lateral direction A is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A. In one example, the board contacts 42 may be arranged in a first row 44a and a second row 44b. As described in more detail below, the electrical contacts 42 of the first row 44a and the second row 44b are configured to make electrical contact with electrical contact pads on opposite surfaces of the printed circuit boards of the complementary cable connectors in the cable connector 22.

[0037] One or both of the circuit board contacts 42 in rows 44a and 44b may include a plurality of electrically transmitting contacts configured to transmit electrically transmitted signals to the cable connector 22, and a plurality of electrically receiving contacts configured to receive electrically received signals from the cable connector 22. In one example, the circuit board contacts 42 in the first row 44a may include electrically transmitting contacts but not electrically receiving contacts, and the circuit board contacts 42 in the second row 44b may include electrically receiving contacts but not electrically transmitting contacts. It is understood that this arrangement may be reversed such that the circuit board contacts 42 in the first row 44a may include electrically receiving contacts but not electrically transmitting contacts, and the circuit board contacts 42 in the second row 44b may include electrically transmitting contacts but not electrically receiving contacts. Some electrical contacts in each of the first row 44a and the second row 44b may not be specified.

[0038] Each row of board contacts 42 may include at least four signal contacts. These at least four signal contacts may be arranged as at least two differential signal pairs. In one example, each row of board contacts 42 may include at least eight signal contacts, which may be arranged as four differential signal pairs, each differential signal pair being separated along the corresponding row by ground contacts, thereby establishing a repeating SSG arrangement along the row, where "S" represents an electrical signal contact and "G" represents an electrical ground contact. Other configurations, such as SSGG, are conceivable. Each row of board contacts 42 may also include clock contacts and customizable low-speed sideband electrical contacts as needed.

[0039] The board contact 42 may be configured as mating portions 42a that mate with the respective electrical contacts of the cable connector 22, as described in more detail below. The board contact 42 may also be configured as mounting portions 42b of a complementary electrical component, which provides electrical communication between the board contact 42 and the complementary electrical component. The complementary electrical component may be, for example, a substrate 46 of a printed circuit board. The board connector 26 may also include one or more pressing members 47 supported by the board connector housing 40 and configured to be fixed to the lower substrate 46. In one example, the one or more pressing members 47 may be soldered to the lower substrate 46 at corresponding solder points, press-fitted into holes in the substrate 46, or otherwise attached to the substrate 46 as required.

[0040] Special Reference Figure 3AA board connector assembly 24, including board connector 26 and a cover 22, can be mounted on both sides of a substrate 46. Each of the board connectors 26 can be configured to mate with a corresponding one of the cable connectors 22, as described herein. The substrate 46 may include a first main surface or top surface 46a and a second main surface or bottom surface 46b opposite the first main surface or top surface 46a in a lateral direction T. The first surface 46a and the second surface 46b may be oriented along a respective plane extending in a longitudinal direction L and a lateral direction A. In one example, at least one first board assembly 24a, for example, of a plurality of board assemblies 24a, may be mounted on the first surface 46a. At least one second board assembly 24b, for example, of a plurality of board assemblies 24b, may be mounted on the second surface 46b. As described herein, each of the board assemblies 24 may include a board connector and a cover 28 surrounding at least a portion of the board connector 26. Furthermore, the first circuit board assembly 24a and the second circuit board assembly 24b, which are respectively installed on the first surface 46a and the second surface 46b and are aligned with each other in the lateral direction T, can be configured such that the bottom ends of the paired circuit board assemblies face each other in the lateral direction T.

[0041] Refer again Figures 2A to 2C In one example, the board connector 26 can be configured as a right-angle electrical connector. Therefore, the board contact 42 can be configured as a right-angle contact with a 90-degree bend between the mating portion 42a and the mounting portion 42b. Thus, the mating portions 42a of the first row 44a and the second row 44b can be spaced apart in the lateral direction T, which is substantially perpendicular to each of the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. For example, the mating portions 42a of the first row 44a can be the top row 44a, and the mating portions 42a of the second row 44b can be the bottom row 44b. The mounting portions 42b of the first row 44a and the second row 44b can be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction L. Alternatively, the board contact 42 can be configured as a vertical direct contact with its mating portions 42a and mounting portions 42b collinear in the longitudinal direction L.

[0042] Board connector 26 can be configured with any suitable structural dimensions and shape as needed. In one example, board connector housing 40 may include housing body 45. Therefore, the description of housing body 45 applies to both board connector housing 40 and board connector 26. In one example, housing body 45 may include a first sidewall and a second sidewall 52 facing each other in the lateral direction A. The sidewall 52 may be substantially oriented in the lateral direction T and the longitudinal direction L. Housing body 45 may also include a top wall 54 and a bottom wall 56 opposite to the top wall 54 in the lateral direction. The top wall 54 and bottom wall 56 may be substantially oriented in the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. When board connector 26 is mounted on substrate 46, bottom wall 56 is disposed between top wall 54 and substrate 46. Each of the sidewalls 52 may extend from top wall 54 to bottom wall 56, respectively.

[0043] Each sidewall 52 may have a corresponding inner surface 52a and an outer surface 52b opposite to the inner surface 52 in the lateral direction. The inner surfaces 52a may face each other in the lateral direction A. The top wall 54 may have an inner top surface 54a and an outer top surface 54b opposite to the inner top surface 54a in the lateral direction T. The bottom wall 56 may have an inner bottom surface 56a and an outer bottom surface 56b opposite to the inner bottom surface 56a in the lateral direction T. The inner top surface 54a and the inner bottom surface 56a may face each other in the lateral direction T. When the board connector 26 is mounted on the substrate 46, the outer bottom surface 56b may be positioned facing the substrate 46. The terms "top" and "bottom" are referred to herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the board connector 26 may be arranged in any orientation as needed during use.

[0044] The board connector housing 40 may further include a first shoulder and a second shoulder 62 extending from the sidewall 52 of the housing body 45 in a lateral direction A. Therefore, the housing body 45 may extend between the shoulders 62 in a lateral direction A. The shoulders 62 may have respective outer shoulder surfaces 66 facing each other in the lateral direction A. The outer shoulder surfaces 66 may define the outermost surface of the board connector 26 relative to the lateral direction A. Therefore, the outer shoulder surfaces 66 may be offset outward relative to the outer surface 52b in the lateral direction A. Each of the shoulders 62 may further have a respective top shoulder surface 64 recessed in the lateral direction T relative to the outer top surface 54b. That is, the top shoulder surface 64 may be offset relative to the outer top surface 54b in a downward direction defined from the top wall 54 to the bottom wall 56. Therefore, the outer surface 52b may have a respective upper portion 53 extending upward from the top shoulder surface 64 to the outer top surface 54b. The upward direction is opposite to the downward direction, and therefore the upward direction is set from the bottom wall 56 to the top wall 54. The upward and downward directions can be oriented along the lateral direction T.

[0045] The board connector housing 40 is provided with a mating portion 48, which can be individually and selectively mated with the mating portion of the cable connector 22. In one example, the mating portion 48 may include a socket 50 extending into the front end 41 of the board connector housing 40. Specifically, an inner surface 52a may extend from an inner top surface 54a to an inner bottom surface 56a. Thus, the inner surface 52a, the inner top surface 54a, and the inner bottom surface 56a may form an internal cavity that provides the socket 50. The socket 50 may extend into the front end 41 of the connector housing 40. In one example, the inner surface 52a may be provided with a tapered entry area that gradually tapers toward each other in the lateral direction A as it extends along the mating direction into the front end 41 of the board connector housing 40. Similarly, the inner top surface 54a and the inner bottom surface 56a may be provided with tapered entry areas that gradually taper toward each other in the lateral direction T as they extend along the mating direction into the front end 41 of the board connector housing 40.

[0046] The board contact 42 can be elastically supported by the board connector housing 40, so that the mating portions 42a of the first row 44a and the second row 44b can be elastically deflected away from each other in the lateral direction T. For example, the mating portions 42a can be suspended in the socket 50 at a position spaced apart from the tapered portions of the inner surface 52a, the inner top surface 54a, and the inner bottom surface 56a in the rearward direction. The inner top surface 54a and the inner bottom surface 56a can be further provided with partition walls 58 and pockets 60 between the partition walls 58 in the lateral direction A. The pockets 60 are aligned with the corresponding mating portions 42a in the lateral direction T. Therefore, when the board connector 26 mates with the cable connector 22, the board connector housing 40 does not interfere with the mating portions 42a when the mating portions 42a are elastically bent away from each other in the lateral direction T. When the docking portions 42a of the first row 44a and the second row 44b extend forward to their respective free ends, the docking portions 42a of the first row 44a and the second row 44b can open up and move away from each other in the lateral direction T.

[0047] The board connector 26 may include any suitable number of board contacts 42 in each row of rows 44a and 44b. In one example, the board connector 26 may include more than six board contacts 42 in each row of rows 44a and 44b, for example, about twenty board contacts 42 in each row of rows 44a and 44b. The board contacts 42 in each row of rows 44a and 44b may be spaced apart in the lateral direction A with any suitable center-to-center pitch. In one example, the center-to-center pitch may be in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm, including about 0.8 mm.

[0048] Now for reference Figures 3A to 3BAs described above, the board connector assembly 24 may include a cover 28 that at least partially surrounds the board connector 26 when the cover 28 and the board connector 26 are mounted on the substrate 46. The data communication system 20 may further include a panel 68 such that the cover 28 is supported by the panel 68. Specifically, the cover 28 may extend through an opening 70 extending longitudinally L from the front surface 69a of the panel through the panel 68 to a rear surface 69b opposite the front surface 69a. The front surface 69a and the rear surface 69b are spaced apart in a forward direction. Thus, when the cover 28 is supported by the panel 68 and the board connector 26 is mounted on the substrate 46, the board connector 26 and the substrate 46 are also supported by the panel 68. In one example, the board connector assembly 20 may include a plurality of board connector assemblies 24 mounted on the panel 68. A shield 74 may extend forward relative to the front surface 69a of the panel, and a cover body 73 may extend rearward relative to the rear surface 69b of the panel.

[0049] Board connector assemblies 24 can be arranged in an array on panel 68 and can include substantially identical board connectors 26 and covers 28. Any cable connector 22 can be interchangeably mated with any board connector 26 mounted on panel 68. The array can include multiple rows oriented in a lateral direction and multiple columns arranged in a transverse direction. It should be appreciated that different cable connectors 22 can mate with different board connector assemblies 24 as needed. For example, one or more board connector assemblies 24 supported by panel 68 can mate with corresponding cable connectors 30 (see...). Figure 1 Alternatively or additionally, one or more board connector assemblies 24 supported by panel 68 can be mated to corresponding optical cable connectors 34 (see...). Figure 1 Alternatively or additionally, one or more board connector assemblies 24 supported by panel 68 can be mated to a corresponding hybrid cable connector 38 (see...). Figure 1 ).

[0050] Now for reference Figures 3A to 3E The enclosure 28 may be electrically insulating or conductive to provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding as needed. In one example, the enclosure 28 may be metallic. The enclosure 28 includes an enclosure body 72 and a shield 74, the enclosure body 72 being configured to be mounted on the lower substrate 46 and at least partially surrounding the board connector 26, and the shield 74 extending from the enclosure body 72 in a forward direction. Therefore, the description of the enclosure body 72 and the shield 74 also applies to the enclosure 28. The enclosure 28 is configured to insert into the panel 68 such that the shield 74 extends from the panel 68 in a forward direction and the enclosure body 72 extends from the panel 68 in a rearward direction.

[0051] The cover body 72 includes a top wall 76a and a first side wall 76b and a second side wall 76c extending downward from the top wall 76a, respectively. The first side wall 76b and the second side wall 76c are opposite each other in a lateral direction A. The cover body also includes a rear wall 76d extending downward from the top wall 76a of the cover and from the first side wall 76b to the second side wall 76c. The cover body 72 may include mounting pins 75 extending downward from the bottom of at least one or more, or all of, the first side wall 76b, the second side wall 76c, and the rear wall 76d. The pins 75 may extend into an opening in the substrate 46 and may be soldered to or otherwise secured to the substrate 46 at various solder points, thereby attaching the cover 28 to the substrate 46. When the cover 72 is mounted on the substrate 46, the side walls 76b and 76c and the rear wall 76d extend between the substrate 46 and the top wall 76a of the cover body 72. Side walls 76b and 76c, along with rear wall 76d, cooperate to define the inner cavity 78 of the enclosure body 72. The inner cavity 78 extends downward through the bottom opening 76e of the enclosure body 72. The enclosure body 72 may be sized to extend through the opening 70 of the panel 68.

[0052] The canopy 28 can have any suitable size as needed. In one example, the canopy body 72 can be miniaturized relative to a conventional canopy. For example, the canopy body 72 has an internal width of no more than about 28 mm in the lateral direction A from the inner surfaces of the respective first sidewall 76b and second sidewall 76c. The inner surfaces of the first sidewall 76b and second sidewall 76c face each other in the lateral direction A. For example, the internal width can be about 28 mm. The canopy body 72 can have an internal depth of no more than about 16 mm in the longitudinal direction L from the front surface of the rear wall 76d to the shield 74. For example, the internal depth can be about 16 mm. The canopy body 72 can have an internal height of no more than about 10 mm in the lateral direction T from the downward surface of the top wall 76a to the bottom surfaces of one or more, or all, of the sidewalls 76b and 76c and the rear wall 76d. For example, the internal height can be about 10 mm. The terms “substantially,” “about,” “generally,” and their derivatives, as well as words used herein with similar meanings relating to values, dimensions, shapes, orientations, positions, and other parameters, may include the values, dimensions, shapes, orientations, positions, variations, and other parameters up to plus or minus 10%, including 8%, 5%, 3%, 2%, and 1%, unless otherwise stated.

[0053] The enclosure 28 may have at least one window extending through it, allowing the board connector 26 to be in fluid communication with the external atmosphere of the enclosure 28 via the at least one window. In one example, the at least one window may be configured as a heat dissipation window, designed to dissipate heat during a reflow soldering operation that secures at least one or both of the enclosure 28 and the board connector 26 to the substrate 46. In one example, the at least one heat dissipation window may be configured as at least one upper heat dissipation window 110a extending in the lateral direction T through the top wall 76a of the enclosure body 72. The enclosure 28 may include a single upper heat dissipation window 110a or multiple upper heat dissipation windows 110a as needed. As a supplement to or alternative to the at least one upper heat dissipation window 110a, the at least one heat dissipation window may include at least one side heat dissipation window extending through one or both of the first side wall 76a and the second side wall 76b of the enclosure body 72. For example, at least one first side heat dissipation window may include a first side heat dissipation window 110b extending in the lateral direction A through the first side wall 76a of the enclosure body 72, and a second side heat dissipation window 110c extending in the lateral direction A through the second side wall 76b of the enclosure body 72. As a supplement or alternative to at least one upper heat dissipation window and at least one side heat dissipation window, at least one heat dissipation window may include at least one rear heat dissipation window 110d extending longitudinally through the rear wall 76d of the enclosure body 72. For example, at least one rear heat dissipation window 110d may include a plurality of rear heat dissipation windows 110d spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction. The outermost lateral rear heat dissipation window 110d may also open to the side heat dissipation windows. Alternatively, at least one rear heat dissipation window 110d may be configured as a single rear heat dissipation window 110d. It should be understood that any heat dissipation window may also provide a visualization window that allows visual inspection of the solder joints from the board connector 26 to the underlying substrate 46. In one example, the heat dissipation window may dissipate heat sufficiently during operation, for example, through the upper heat dissipation window 110a, without any heat sink extending from the enclosure body 72.

[0054] Continue to refer to Figures 3A to 3EThe cover 74 has a top wall 80 and a bottom wall 82, and a first side wall 84 and a second side wall 86 extending from the top wall 80 to the bottom wall 82, respectively. The cover walls 80 to 86 cooperate to form a cover channel 88, which has a front opening extending into the front end 83 of the cover 74. The cover channel 88 can open to the cavity 78 of the cover body 72. The front opening and the cover channel 88 are sized to receive the mating interface of the cable connector 22 when it mates with the board connector 26. When the board connector 26 is mounted on the substrate 46, the cover 28 is configured to be mounted on the substrate 46 such that the outermost surface of the board connector 26 is arranged between the first side wall 76b and the second side wall 76c of the cover body 72 relative to the lateral direction A. Furthermore, the top wall 54 and bottom wall 56 of the board connector 26 are respectively arranged between the top wall 76a of the substrate 46 and the cover body 72 in the transverse direction. Further, the rear end of the board connector 26 can be arranged in front of the rear wall 76d of the cover body 72. When the board connector 26 and the cover 74 are mounted on the substrate 46, the cover channel 88 can be aligned with the socket 50 in the longitudinal direction. Figure 3A As shown, the bottom walls 80 of the enclosures 28 of the paired circuit board connector assemblies 24 may face each other and be aligned with each other at least partially or substantially completely in the lateral direction T.

[0055] The bottom wall 82 of the shield can be positioned below the top surface 46a of the substrate. For example, the bottom surface of the bottom wall 82 can be positioned between the top surface 46a and the bottom surface 46b of the substrate. Furthermore, in one example, any portion of the board connector 26 1) does not extend beyond the occupied area of ​​the substrate 46 in a plane including both the lateral direction A and the longitudinal direction L, and 2) does not extend below the top surface 46a of the substrate. Figure 2D As shown, substrate 46 may include substrate main portion 49 and a pair of laterally opposed legs 51 extending forward from substrate main portion 49. Therefore, a gap 55 extends between the legs 51 in the lateral direction A. A circuit board connector 26 may be mounted on substrate main portion 49 at a position aligned with the gap 55 in the longitudinal direction L. The circuit board connector 26 may be flush with the front edge of substrate 46, which partially defines the gap 55, or may be recessed from the front edge in the rearward direction. A cover 28, and particularly a shield 74, may extend beyond the edge of substrate 46 that partially defines the gap 55. At least a portion, or even the entirety, of the shield 75, extending forward relative to the front surface 69a of the panel, may be aligned with the gap 55. Therefore, cover 72 may not have a bottom wall, which 1) is elongated in a plane including the lateral direction A and the longitudinal direction L, and 2) faces substrate 46.

[0056] The shield 74 also includes an attachment housing 90 extending from a corresponding one of the shield walls. Specifically, the attachment housing 90 may include an attachment wall 92 offset outward relative to a corresponding one of the shield walls. In one example, the attachment wall 92 may be an attachment top wall spaced upward relative to and fixed to the shield top wall 80. For example, the attachment housing 90 may include a first attachment side wall 94 and a second attachment side wall 96 extending from the attachment wall 92 to the shield top wall 80. Alternatively, the attachment wall 92 may be directly attached to the shield top wall 80. The attachment top wall 92 may, alone or in combination with the attachment side walls 94 and 96, form an attachment cavity 98 that opens to the shield channel 88. For example, the attachment top wall 92 may, alone or in combination with the attachment side walls 94 and 96, form an attachment cavity 98 that opens downward to the shield channel 88.

[0057] The attachment housing 90 may further include at least one attachment member 100, which is configured to be releasably attached to the cable connector 22 when the cable connector 22 mates with the board connector 26. In this regard, the attachment member 100 may be configured as a latching member 158. In one example, the attachment member 100 may include an engagement wall 102 extending along an inner surface 92a of the attachment top wall 92 facing the shield top wall 80. Alternatively, the engagement wall 102 may extend along an inner surface of one of the attachment side walls 94 and 96, facing the other of the attachment side walls 94 and 96. The engagement wall 102 is further provided with a recess 104 extending in the engagement wall 102. As will be described in more detail below, the recess 104 may be configured to receive a complementary latch member of the cable connector 22 so as to releasably secure the cable connector 22 to the board connector assembly 24 when the cable connector 22 is mated with the board connector 26. Although the attachment member 100 has been described according to an example, it should be understood that the attachment member 100 may be alternatively configured as needed.

[0058] At least a portion of the shield 74 may be offset outward relative to the enclosure body 72 such that the shield 74 is sized to be larger than the opening 70 extending through the shield 74. For example, the top wall 80 of the shield may be offset upward from the top wall 76a of the enclosure body 72. The bottom wall 82 of the shield may be offset downward from the bottom ends of the first side wall 76b and the second side wall 76c of the enclosure body 72. The first shield side wall 84 and the second shield side wall 86 may be offset outward in the lateral direction A relative to the first side wall 76b and the second side wall 76c of the enclosure body 72, respectively.

[0059] Reference Figure 3BPanel 68 can be fixed directly or indirectly to the cover 28 as needed in any way. In one example, panel 68 may include a first panel portion 68a and a second panel portion 68b that are laterally opposed to each other and respectively define openings 70. Specifically, the first panel portion 68a may have a first surface 73a defining the first portion 70a of the opening 70, and the second panel portion 68b may have a second surface 73b defining the second portion 70b of the opening 70. Thus, the first panel portion 68a can be brought downward toward the top wall 76a of the cover body 72, and the second panel portion 68b can be brought toward the bottom end of the cover body 72, and specifically, the second panel portion 68b can be brought toward the bottom ends of the side walls 76b and 76c of the cover body 72. The first panel portion 68a and the second panel portion 68b can substantially abut against each other to define the opening 70, and can further abut against the cover 28 such that the cover 28 extends through the opening 70. Panel 68 may include a front surface 71a and a rear surface 71b.

[0060] The enclosure 28 may include a seal 108 that extends around at least a portion or entirely of the enclosure body 72. The seal 108 may be substantially oriented along a plane defined by the transverse direction T and the lateral direction A. In some examples, the seal 108 may be a compressible resilient seal. For example, the seal 108 may be made of silicone or any suitable alternative material, as needed. When the first panel portion 68a and the second panel portion 68b abut against the enclosure 28, the seal 108 may be aligned with the first panel portion 68a and the second panel portion 68b in the plane defined by the transverse direction T and the lateral direction A. Thus, when the first panel portion 68a and the second panel portion 68b abut against the enclosure 28, the first surface 73a and the second surface 73b abut against the seal 108, thereby compressing the seal. The seal 108 thus forms a barrier relative to the passage of particles and liquids through the opening 70. The panel 68 may be attached to the enclosure 28 directly or indirectly in any desired manner. For example, in one example, hardware can secure panel 68 to cover 28. In another example, substrate 46 can be secured to panel 68. Other examples are conceivable.

[0061] Now for reference Figure 1 and Figure 4AThe data connectivity system may include a cable assembly 112 having at least one cable 114 and at least one cable connector 22 mounted at a corresponding end of the at least one cable 114. For example, the cable assembly 112 may include a first cable connector and a second cable connector 22 mounted at both ends of the at least one cable 114. The at least one cable 114 may be configured as a bundle of cables. The cable connector 22 may be configured as a cable connector that is mounted on a cable 32 but not on an optical fiber, thereby configuring a cable assembly; the cable connector 22 may be configured as an optical fiber connector 34 that is mounted on an optical fiber or fiber optic cable 36 but not on a cable 32, thereby configuring an optical fiber assembly; or the cable connector 22 may be configured as a hybrid cable connector that is mounted on both a cable 32 and an optical fiber 36, thereby configuring a hybrid cable assembly.

[0062] Now for reference Figure 4B Cable 32 may include biaxial cables 116, each of which has a pair of spaced-apart electrical signal conductors 118 and an internal dielectric 120 surrounding the signal conductors 118. The signal conductors 118 may be copper or any suitable conductive material. As will be understood from the following description, the signal conductors 118 of each of the biaxial cables 116 may be configured as either an electrically transmitting conductor that transmits an electrical signal to or receives an electrical signal from the board connector 26. Each biaxial cable 116 may have at least one electrical layer 121 surrounding the internal electrical insulator 120. The at least one electrical layer 121 may include an electrically shielding element 122 surrounding the internal electrical insulator 120 and providing electrical shielding for the signal conductors 118. If desired, the at least one electrical layer 121 may further include a metallized barrier element 124 surrounding the electrically shielding element 122. The at least one electrical layer 121 also includes an electrically insulating outer sheath 126 surrounding the at least one electrical layer 121. Therefore, the sheath 126 can define the outer surface of the biaxial cable 116. The electrically insulating outer sheath 126 can be co-extruded with one or more, or all, of the signal conductor 118, the internal dielectric 120, and at least one electrical layer 121. The electrical signal conductor 118 of each biaxial cable 116 can be configured with differential signal pairs as needed. As will be further understood from the following description, some cables can also be configured as coaxial cables 116, each of which has a single electrical signal conductor, an internal dielectric surrounding the signal conductor, a conductive shield surrounding the internal dielectric, and an electrically insulating outer sheath surrounding the electrical shield. Therefore, both the biaxial cable 116 and the coaxial cable may be without a stripper wire. Alternatively, one or both of the biaxial cable 116 and the coaxial cable may include a stripper wire mounted on a grounding mounting plate.

[0063] Now for reference Figure 2Aand Figures 4A to 4F The cable connector 22 includes a cable connector 30, an optical fiber connector 34, and a hybrid cable connector 38, and includes an electrically insulated cable connector housing 128 and a base plate or card 130 supported by the cable connector housing 128. The cable connector housing 128 includes a housing body 129 and a mating interface 139 extending forward from the housing body 129. The card 130 may be supported by the housing body 129. The cable connector housing 128 is sized to be received by a shield channel 88 of a cover 28. In one example, the cable connector housing 128 may be a one-piece integral housing. The card 130 may be configured as a printed circuit board, also referred to as a card, having a mating portion 142a configured to mate with an electrical contact 42 of the board connector 26 when the cable connector 30 mates with the board connector 26 in a corresponding forward direction. The card may be configured as an edge card, wherein the edge is inserted into a socket 50 of the board connector 26 to mate the cable connector 22 to the board connector 26. The forward direction of the cable connector 30 is opposite to that of the board connector 26.

[0064] When the cable connector 30 mates with the board connector 26 through the channel 88 of the housing 74, only the mating interface 139 and the clip 130 extend above the substrate 46 and aligned with the substrate 46 in the lateral direction T. The portion of the cable connector 30 disposed in the housing channel 88 may extend below the top surface 46a of the substrate 46 and may be disposed between the top surface 46a and the bottom surface 46b relative to the lateral direction T.

[0065] The cable connector 30 also includes multiple cables 32 that extend through the cable connector housing 128 and are mounted on the card 130. The card 130 has a top surface 130a and a bottom surface 130b opposite the top surface 130a in the lateral direction T. The card 130 includes multiple electrical conductors or traces, each including an electrical mating contact 138 and an electrical mounting terminal or piece 140 spaced rearward from the contact 138. The card 130 may include multiple contact pieces 138 at the mating portion 142a of the card 130 and multiple mounting pieces 140 at the mounting portion 142b of the card 130. The card 130 may not have conductive pieces or electrical contacts between its rear end and the electrical contacts at the mating portion 142a.

[0066] The corresponding electrical traces are set as signal traces, and the corresponding electrical traces can be set as ground traces. The contact piece 138 of the signal trace can therefore be set as an electrical signal contact piece, and the ground piece of the electrical ground trace can be called a ground contact piece. The electrical signal contact pieces and the ground contact pieces can be arranged along corresponding rows in a repeating SSG pattern, where "S" represents an electrical signal contact piece and "G" represents an electrical ground contact piece. Other patterns, such as SSGG, are conceivable. In one example, the mounting pieces of the electrical ground traces can be shared electrically, thereby setting a conductive grounding strip 144 electrically connected to the ground contact piece. The grounding strip 144 can be elongated in the lateral direction A and spaced apart from the mounting piece 140 in the rearward direction.

[0067] Contact tabs 138 and mounting tabs 140 can be arranged in at least one corresponding row oriented in the lateral direction A. The contact tabs 138 can be spaced apart from each other along the corresponding rows with a center-to-center pitch equal to the center-to-center pitch of the electrical contacts 42 of the board connector 26. Therefore, the center-to-center pitch of the contact tabs 138 can range from about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm, including about 0.8 mm. In one example, the contact tabs 138 and mounting tabs 140 can be arranged along corresponding first rows 146a and 148a oriented in the lateral direction A. The first rows 146a and 148a can be positioned at the top surface 130a. The contact tabs 138 and mounting tabs 140 can be arranged along corresponding second rows 146b and 148b oriented in the lateral direction A. The second rows 146b and 148b can be positioned at the bottom surface 130b. Of course, it should be understood that the first row 146a and the first row 148a may alternatively be located on the bottom surface 130b of the card, and the second row 146b and the second row 148b may alternatively be located on the top surface 130a of the card. The card 130 may also include a first grounding strip 144a located on the top surface 130a of the card and a second grounding strip 144b located on the bottom surface 130b of the card.

[0068] Cable 32 is configured to be mounted on cable connector 30 such that signal conductor 118 is mounted on a corresponding mounting plate 140, thereby electrically communicating the signal conductor 118 with a corresponding signal contact 138 among a plurality of signal contact plates 138. When the signal conductor 118 is mounted on the mounting plate 140, at least one electrical layer 121 of cable 30 can be mounted on grounding strip 144 and can therefore be electrically shared. Electrical layer 121 is rearwardly spaced from signal mounting plate 140, thereby electrically isolating it from signal mounting plate 140. It will be appreciated that, if desired, card 130 may alternatively include a plurality of separate grounding mounting plates 140. Cable 32 may include a first plurality of cables 32a and a second plurality of cables 32b, the first plurality of cables 32a being configured to be mounted on a first row 148a mounting plate 140 at the top surface 130a of card, and the second plurality of cables 32b being configured to be mounted on a second row 148b mounting plate 140 at the bottom surface 130b of card.

[0069] The exposed portion of the electrical signal conductor 118 can extend forward from the internal dielectric 120, at least one electrical layer 121, and the electrically insulating outer sheath 126 to be mounted on the corresponding mounting plate 138. A magnetic absorber, such as a ferrite tube or sleeve, or an alternative magnetic absorber, can be placed inside or around the cable connector housing 128 as needed to shield the electrical conductor 118 mating with the mounting plate 40 of the corresponding card, thereby preventing the generation of eddy currents at the exposed portion of the electrical signal conductor 118 when driving through a magnetic field, such as the type of eddy currents that can be generated when driving under power lines.

[0070] In one example, the first plurality of cables 32a includes a biaxial cable 116, as described above. Similarly, the second plurality of cables 32b includes a biaxial cable 116, as described above. Furthermore, one or both of the first plurality of cables 32a and the second plurality of cables 32b may include at least one coaxial cable 117. In one example, the second plurality of cables 32b may include one or more coaxial cables 117. The coaxial cable 117 may be configured as a clock conductor or a low-speed PCIe customizable sideband conductor.

[0071] A biaxial cable 116 of one of the first plurality of cables 32a and the second plurality of cables 32b can be configured as an electrical transmitting cable, which is configured to transmit electrical signals to the board connector 26. The biaxial cable 116 of the other of the first plurality of cables 32a and the second plurality of cables 32b can be configured as an electrical receiving cable, which is configured to receive electrical signals from the board connector 26. In one example, the biaxial cable 116 of the first plurality of cables 32a can be configured as an electrical transmitting cable, and the biaxial cable 116 of the second plurality of cables 32b can be configured as an electrical receiving cable. Therefore, the contact piece 138 at the top surface 130a can be configured as an electrical transmitting contact piece 138, which transmits electrical signals to the respective electrical receiving contacts of the board contact 42. The contact piece 138 at the bottom surface 130b can be configured as an electrical receiving contact piece 138, which receives electrical signals from the respective electrical transmitting contacts of the board contact 42. It should be understood that the biaxial cable 116 of the first plurality of cables 32a can alternatively be configured as an electrical receiving cable, and the biaxial cable 116 of the second plurality of cables 32b can alternatively be configured as an electrical transmitting cable. Alternatively, one or both of the first plurality of cables 32a and the second plurality of cables 32b may include both electrical transmitting and electrical receiving cables. Although the electrical transmitting and electrical receiving cables can be configured with biaxial cables 116 of the type described herein, they can be configured with any suitable alternative cables as needed.

[0072] The mating portion 142a of card 130 can be inserted into board connector 22 such that the electrical contact pieces 138 of the first row 146a contact with and are electrically connected to the mating portions 42a of the board contacts 42 of the first row 44a, and thus the electrical contact pieces 138 of the second row 146b contact with and are electrically connected to the mating portions 42a of the board contacts 42 of the second row 44b. Therefore, the first plurality of cables 32a are electrically connected to the board contacts 42 of the first row 44a, and the second plurality of cables 32b are electrically connected to the board contacts 42 of the second row 44b. It should be understood that, depending on the number of cables 32, some contact pieces 138 of the first row 146a and the second row 146b may be inactive, i.e., not electrically connected to any cable 32.

[0073] In one example, the data connectivity system 20, including board connector 26 and cable connector 22, can be configured to transmit and receive electrical signals at a high data transmission rate per channel. Channels can be configured using differential pairs of transmitted and received signals. For example, the data connectivity system 20 can be configured to transmit and receive electrical signals at a rate equal to or greater than approximately 10 gigabits per second per channel, with worst-case asynchronous multi-source crosstalk not exceeding 6%. In one example, the data connectivity system 20 can be configured to transmit and receive electrical signals at a rate equal to or greater than approximately 16 gigabits per second per channel, with worst-case asynchronous multi-source crosstalk not exceeding 6%. For example, the data connectivity system 20 can be configured to transmit and receive signals at a rate equal to or greater than approximately 25 gigabits per second per channel, with worst-case asynchronous multi-source crosstalk not exceeding 6%. Furthermore, the data connectivity system 20 can be configured to transmit and receive signals at a rate equal to or greater than approximately 28 gigabits per second per channel, with worst-case asynchronous multi-source crosstalk not exceeding 6%. In one example, the data connectivity system 20 can be configured to transmit and receive signals at a rate of up to about 32 gigabits per second per channel, with worst-case asynchronous multi-source crosstalk not exceeding 6%. Therefore, in one example, the data connectivity system 20 can be configured to transmit and receive signals at speeds ranging from approximately 10 gigabits per second to approximately 32 gigabits per second per channel, where the worst-case asynchronous multi-source crosstalk does not exceed 6%. These speeds are, for example, approximately 11 gigabits per second, approximately 12 gigabits per second, approximately 13 gigabits per second, approximately 14 gigabits per second, approximately 15 gigabits per second, approximately 16 gigabits per second, approximately 17 gigabits per second, approximately 18 gigabits per second, approximately 19 gigabits per second, approximately 20 gigabits per second, approximately 21 gigabits per second, approximately 22 gigabits per second, approximately 23 gigabits per second, approximately 24 gigabits per second, approximately 25 gigabits per second, approximately 26 gigabits per second, approximately 27 gigabits per second, approximately 28 gigabits per second, approximately 29 gigabits per second, approximately 30 gigabits per second, and approximately 31 gigabits per second.

[0074] Now for reference Figure 4A , Figure 4C and Figure 4DCable 114 may extend through the open rear end of cable connector housing 128 at the cable-housing interface. Cable connector 22 may also include a protective element 152 that seals the cable-housing interface. Specifically, protective element 152 may extend rearward from cable connector housing 128 to cable 114. In one example, protective element 152 may be overmolded onto connector housing 128 behind cable 114 and may also be overmolded onto the rear end of card 130. Protective element 152 may be electrically insulating and may seal the rear end of connector housing 128 to prevent dust, liquids and other debris from entering cable connector housing 128 at the cable-housing interface. Cable connector 22 may also include a shrink tube 154 that extends along the rear end of protective element and a portion of the outer surface of cable 114. Thus, shrink tube 154 may cover and seal the interface between cable 114 and protective element 152. During the manufacturing process, the shrink tube 154 may be applied to the protective element 152 and the cable 114 and subjected to heat that causes the shrink tube 154 to shrink and seal the protective element 152 and the cable 114.

[0075] Now, especially referencing Figure 3E and Figure 4C Furthermore, as described above, the data connectivity components can meet the mechanical shock and vibration requirements of the aforementioned USCAR-2 standard. In one example, the cable connector 22 can be secured to the board connector assembly 24 such that the cable connector 22 is force-decoupled from the board connector 26. Therefore, the mechanical force applied to the cable connector 22, which includes at least one cable 114, is transmitted to the enclosure 28 and the substrate 46, bypassing the board connector 26.

[0076] In one example, the cable connector 22 may include a cable connector seal 153 that extends at least a portion or entirely around the outer surface of the cable connector housing 128. The seal 153 may be substantially oriented along a plane defined by the transverse direction T and the lateral direction A. In some examples, the seal 153 may be a compressible resilient seal. For example, the seal 153 may be made of silicone or any suitable alternative material, as needed. When the cable connector 22 mats with the board connector 26, the seal 153 can be pressed between the inner surfaces of the cable connector housing 128 and the shroud 74. The seal 153 thereby forms a barrier against particle and liquid splashes through the shroud channel 88 and the channel between the interface between the cable connector 22 and the shroud 28.

[0077] Cable connector 22 may include a cable latch member 156, which is configured to engage a plate latch member 158 of plate connector assembly 24, thereby releasably securing cable connector 22, and thus cable assembly 112, to plate connector assembly 24 when cable connector 22 is mated with plate connector 26. Cable latch member 156 may be supported by cable connector housing 128 or any other structure of cable assembly 112 as needed. In one example, cable latch member 156 extends from cable connector housing 128. For example, cable latch member 156 may be integral with cable connector housing 128 or may be attached separately to cable connector housing 128. Plate latch member 158 of plate connector assembly 24 may be supported by cover 28. Cable latch member 156 is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. When the cable latch member 156 is in the engaged position, it is configured to engage the plate latch member 158 to secure the cable assembly 112 to the plate connector assembly 24, thereby preventing the cable connector 22 from disengaging from the plate connector 26. When the cable latch member 156 is in the disengaged position, the cable connector 22 can be disengaged from the plate connector 26. The cable latch member 156 is naturally biased to the engaged position.

[0078] like Figure 4CAs shown, the cable latch member 156 may include a latch arm 160 extending from the outer surface of the cable connector housing 128. For example, the latch arm 160 may extend upward from the top surface 161 of the cable connector housing 128, and in particular the top surface 161 of the housing body 129. The latch arm 160 may extend further rearward to be suspended above the top surface 161. The cable latch member 156 also includes at least one protrusion 162 extending from the latch arm 160 and suspended above the top surface of the cable housing 128, and in particular the top surface of the housing body 129. The at least one protrusion 162 may be configured as a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The protrusions 162 may extend from a first side and a second side of the latch arm 160 in a lateral direction A, respectively. The sides of the latch arm 160 are opposite each other in the lateral direction A. In one example, the protrusions 162 do not extend beyond the respective top and bottom surfaces of the latch arm 160 relative to the lateral direction T, although the protrusions 162 may be alternatively configured as needed. In one example, the protrusion 162 is substantially flush with the top and bottom surfaces of the latch arm 160. The protrusion 162 may have a beveled front surface that provides an introduction surface for the complementary introduction surface of the latch member 158 when the latch member 156 and the latching member 158 engage. The latch arm 160 may be resilient such that an inward or downward force applied toward the cable connector housing 128 to the latch arm 160 causes the protrusion 162 to deflect inward or downward from its respective initial position to its respective deflected position. When the protrusion 162 is in its respective initial position, the cable latch member 156 is in the engaged position. When the protrusion 162 is in its deflected position, the cable latch member 156 is in the disengaged position.

[0079] Also refer to Figure 3E The plate latch member 158 includes at least one recess 104 extending upward into the downward-facing inner surface of the engaging wall 102. The at least one recess 104 is sized and positioned to receive at least one protrusion 162 when the cable latch member 156 is in the engaged position. The recess 104 may be open to the shield passage. The at least one recess 104 may be configured as a pair of recesses facing each other in the lateral direction A. In one example, the inner surface of the engaging wall 102 that provides the recess 104 may be offset downward from the inner surface 92a of the attached top wall 92 that extends laterally between the engaging walls 102. For example, the engaging walls 102 may extend downward from the inner surface 92a of the attached top wall 92. In one example, the engaging walls 102 may be facing each other in the lateral direction A. The engaging walls 102 provide corresponding beveled front surfaces that are configured to travel along the beveled front surface of the protrusion 162 of the cable latch member 156.

[0080] When the cable connector 22 mates with the board connector 26 and the latch arm 160 is inserted into the attachment cavity 98, the beveled front surface of the protrusion 162 travels along the beveled front surface of the laterally outer portion of the attachment top wall 92, causing the latch arm 160 to deflect inward or downward so that the protrusion 162 travels along the corresponding inner or lower surface of the engagement wall 102. The latch arm 160 provides a resilient force that biases the protrusion outward or upward in a direction opposite to the deflection direction of the latch arm 160. The protrusion 162 travels in the forward direction of the cable connector 22 or the rearward direction of the board connector 26 until the latch 130 mates with the electrical contact 42 at a position where the protrusion 162 deflects outward into the recess 104 to the engagement position and is held by the engagement wall 102. The mechanical interference between the protrusion 162 and the engagement wall 102 prevents the cable connector from moving forward and backward relative to the enclosure 28. Therefore, the force applied to the cable connector 22 during operation is transmitted to the enclosure 28 and the underlying substrate 46 via the cable latch member 156, without being absorbed by the board connector 26. Furthermore, mechanical shocks and vibrations applied to the cable connector 22 can be mechanically isolated from the board connector 26. When it is desired to detach the cable connector 22 from the board connector 26, the latch arm 160 is pressed down toward the cable connector housing 128 to the disengaged position, causing the protrusion 162 to deflect out of the recess 104.

[0081] Refer again Figure 4C and Figure 4G The cable connector 22 may also include at least one protective post 170, for example, a pair of protective posts 170, at least one protective post 170 extending relative to the cable connector housing 128 to a position offset outward relative to the latch arm 160. The protective post 170 may extend from the top surface 161 of the cable connector housing 128, and in particular from the top surface 161 of the connector housing body 129. Alternatively, the protective post 170 may extend from the guard 152. The protective post 170 extends to a position above the latch arm 160. The latch arm 160 may be arranged between the protective posts 170 in a lateral direction A. During operation, if an object falls on the cable connector 22, the protective post 170 absorbs the impact, thereby preventing the latch arm 160 from being impacted, which could otherwise push the latch arm down from its engaged position to its disengaged position. In one example, the protective post 170 may extend from the guard 152, although the protective post 170 may alternatively extend from the cable connector housing 128 if needed.

[0082] Now for reference Figures 3A to 3B and Figure 4CThe board connector assembly 24 can be configured with a mating interface 172. The mating interface 139 of the cable connector 22 is sized to nest within the mating interface 172. The mating interface 139 of the cable connector housing 128 can extend forward from the housing body 129 of the cable connector housing 128. In one example, the cable connector housing 128 can be configured with an inward step from the housing body 129 to the mating interface 139. Therefore, the mating interface 139 can be offset inward relative to the housing body 129 in one or both of the lateral direction A and the transverse direction T. Specifically, the mating interface 139 can be offset inward relative to the lateral direction from the corresponding outer surface of the housing body 129. In addition, the mating interface 139 can be offset inward relative to the transverse direction from the outer top surface of the housing body 129. Therefore, the entire mating interface 139 can be offset inward relative to the housing body 129 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0083] The mating interface 139 can be configured in an inverted U-shape. Specifically, the mating interface 139 can have a top wall 176 that is elongated along the lateral direction A, and a pair of side walls 178 extending downward from the top wall 176 along the lateral direction T. The top wall 176 can be arranged relative to the lateral direction T between the top surface of the card 130 and the housing body 129 of the cable connector housing 128. Figure 4G As shown, the sidewall 178 can extend downward in the lateral direction T to a position between the top surface 46a and the bottom surface 46b of the substrate 46. The mating interface 139, including any or all of the top wall 176 and the sidewall 178, can extend to a position spaced apart from the card 130 in the forward direction. The top wall 176, sidewall 178, and all walls described herein of the mounting interface 139 may be planar or curved as needed.

[0084] Continue to refer to Figure 3B and Figure 4CThe mating interface 172 of the board connector assembly 24 is configured to receive the mating interface of the housing body 129 of the cable connector housing 128. The board connector housing 40 and the enclosure 28 can be combined to configure the mating interface 172. Specifically, the mating interface 172 can be configured by a cavity 180 extending between the board connector housing 40 and the enclosure 28. The cavity 180 is configured to receive the mating interface 139 of the cable connector 22 such that when the cable connector 22 mates with the board connector 26, the mating interface 139 is nested in the cavity 180. Specifically, the cavity 180 includes a top 180a extending in the lateral direction T between the top wall 54 of the housing body 45 and the bottom surface of the top wall 76a of the enclosure body 72. The top 180a of the cavity 180 can be elongated in the lateral direction A. The top 180a can be sized to receive the top wall 176 of the mating interface 139. The cavity 180 may also include a first side and a second side 180b open to the top 180a. Side portions 180b extend laterally in the direction T from the top surface 64 of the shoulder portion 62 to the top wall 76a of the body 72. Side portions 180b are configured to receive the side wall 178 of the docking interface 139.

[0085] Now for reference Figures 5A to 5C Furthermore, as described above, cable connector 22 can be configured as optical fiber connector 34, which is mounted on cable 114, and cable 114 is configured as optical fiber or fiber optic cable 36 instead of cable 32. Figures 5A to 5B As shown, the optical cable connector 34 includes a cable connector housing 128, as described above. Therefore, the optical cable connector 34 also includes a mating interface 139 of the connector housing 128. Thus, the mating interface 139 of the optical cable connector 34 is substantially the same as the mating interface 139 of the aforementioned cable connector 30. Furthermore, the optical cable connector 34 includes a transceiver substrate 182, which is supported by the cable connector housing 128 in the manner described above, and particularly by the housing body 129 in the manner described above. The substrate 182 has a mounting portion 184a and a mating portion 184b. The mounting portion 184a is configured to be mounted on a plurality of optical fibers 36, and the mating portion 184b is configured to be received in a socket 50 between the first row 44a and the second row 44b of the board connector 26 in the manner described above, thereby mating the optical cable connector 34 to the board connector 26.

[0086] The substrate 182 can be configured as a card or a transceiver substrate. The optical connector may include an optical transceiver 186, which includes an optical engine 188 mounted on the transceiver substrate 182. The optical engine 188 is mounted on the transceiver substrate 182 and configured to receive an electrical receiving signal from the board connector 26, convert the electrical receiving signal into an optical transmitting signal, and transmit the optical transmitting signal to an optical transmitting fiber among the multiple optical fibers 36 mounted in the optical engine 188. The optical engine 188 is also configured to receive an optical receiving signal from an optical receiving fiber among the multiple optical fibers 36 mounted in the optical engine 188, convert the optical receiving signal into an electrical transmitting signal, and output the electrical signal to an electrical transmitting trace on the transceiver substrate. The transceiver substrate 182 may have a mating portion 184a, which is configured as described above with respect to the mating portion 142a of the electrical card 130. Therefore, the contact piece 138 may include an electrical transmitting contact piece that transmits the electrical transmitting signal to the electrical receiving contact of the board connector 26. Contact 138 may include an electrical receiving contact that receives an electrical receiving signal from an electrical transmitting contact of board connector 26. Optical transceivers are described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 9,374,165, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference as if its entirety were set forth herein.

[0087] Now for reference Figure 6A As described above, cable connector 22 can be configured as hybrid connector 38, which is mounted on cable 114, which is configured as optical fiber or fiber optic cable 36 and electrical cable 32. As shown, optical fiber connector 34 includes cable connector housing 128, as described above. Therefore, hybrid connector 38 also includes a mating interface 139 of connector housing 128. Therefore, the mating interface 139 of hybrid connector 38 is substantially the same as the aforementioned mating interfaces of optical fiber connector 34 and electrical connector 30. Therefore, hybrid connector 38, optical connector 34, and electrical connector 30 can be interchangeably mated to the same board connector 26. Furthermore, the hybrid connector 38 includes a hybrid card or substrate 190, which has a mounting portion 192b and a mating portion 192a. The mounting portion 192b is configured to be mounted on multiple optical fibers 36 and cables 32, and the mating portion 192a is configured to be received in a socket 50 between the first row 44a and the second row 44b of the board connector 26 in the manner described above, thereby mating the hybrid connector 38 to the board connector 26.

[0088] The hybrid substrate 190 can be configured as a card or transceiver substrate, as described above regarding the optical cable connector 34, but may also include electrical traces with mounting tabs configured to be mounted on the corresponding cables 32. The cables 32 mounted on the hybrid substrate 190 may be configured as high-speed biaxial cables 116 or low-speed coaxial cables 117 of the type described above, as needed. The hybrid connector may also include an optical transceiver 186 mounted on the hybrid substrate 190. Therefore, the optical engine 188 of the hybrid connector 38 is configured to receive an electrical receiving signal from the board connector 26, convert the electrical receiving signal into an optical transmitting signal, and transmit the optical transmission signal to the optical transmitting fiber among the multiple optical fibers 36 mounted on the optical engine 188. The optical engine 188 is also configured to receive an optical receiving signal from the optical receiving fiber among the multiple optical fibers 36 mounted on the optical engine 188, convert the optical receiving signal into an electrical transmitting signal, and output the electrical signal to the electrical transmitting traces on the transceiver substrate. The hybrid substrate 190 may have a mating portion 142a, as described above regarding the electrical card 130. Therefore, contact piece 138 may include an electrically transmitting contact piece that transmits an electrically transmitted signal to an electrically receiving contact of the board connector 26. Contact piece 138 may also include an electrically receiving contact piece that receives an electrically received signal from the electrically transmitting contact of the board connector 26. Contact piece 138 may include an electrically transmitting contact piece electrically connected to each transmitting cable of the cable 32 that transmits a signal to each receiving contact of the board connector 26. Contact piece 138 may also include an electrically receiving contact piece electrically connected to each receiving cable of the cable 32 that receives a signal from each transmitting contact of the board connector 26.

[0089] Now for reference Figures 6B to 6C The second hybrid connector 38' can be constructed according to alternative embodiments different from the first hybrid connector 38. The second hybrid connector 38' may include a transceiver substrate 182, as described above. While the transceiver substrate 82 can be directly mated to the board connector 26, as described above with respect to the optical fiber connector 34, the transceiver substrate 182 can alternatively be electrically connected to the board connector 26 indirectly via a main card or main substrate 192, such as... Figures 6B to 6C As shown, the main card or main substrate 192 is also supported by the cable connector housing 128, and particularly by the housing body 129. The main substrate 192 can be configured as a printed circuit board and may include electrical contacts 138, as described above regarding card 130. Therefore, the main substrate 192 can be mated to the board connector 26 in the manner described above regarding card 130, transceiver substrate 182, and hybrid substrate 190.

[0090] The second hybrid connector 38' may include at least one electrical connector mounted on the main substrate 192, and the transceiver substrate 182 may mate with the at least one electrical connector. In one example, the at least one electrical connector may include a first electrical connector 194 and a second electrical connector 196. The first electrical connector 194 and the second electrical connector 196 are spaced apart in a forward direction. In one example, the first electrical connector 194 may be configured as an HSEC8 electrical connector available from Samtec Inc., whose principal place of business is located in Albany, Indiana. Thus, the first electrical connector 194 may be constructed as described above with respect to board connector 26. The second electrical connector 196 may be configured as a UCC8 electrical connector available from Samtec Inc., whose principal place of business is located in Albany, Indiana. The first electrical connector 194 may be configured to transmit electrical signals at a data transmission rate greater than that of the second electrical connector 196 at a given worst-case multi-source asynchronous crosstalk level. Therefore, the first electrical connector 194 can be referred to as a high-speed electrical connector, which is configured to transmit electrical signals at the aforementioned data transmission rate per channel, while the second electrical connector 196 can be referred to as a low-speed electrical connector. The main substrate 192 is described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 9,374,165, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference as if its entire contents were fully set forth herein.

[0091] The mating portion of the transceiver substrate 182 can be inserted into the socket 50 of the first electrical connector 194, thereby causing the contact tab 138 of the transceiver substrate 182 to contact the corresponding electrical contact 42 of the first electrical connector 194. The main substrate 192 may include a mating tab on its bottom surface, which is brought downward onto the electrical contact 198 of the second electrical connector 196, causing the electrical contact 198 to press against the main substrate 192. Therefore, the transceiver substrate 182 is electrically connected to the first electrical connector 194 and the second electrical connector 196, and thus also electrically connected to the main substrate 192. High-speed optical signals are transmitted between the respective optical cables and the first electrical connector 194, and low-speed signals are transmitted between the respective optical cables and the second electrical connector 196.

[0092] The main substrate 192 may also include electrical traces with mounting tabs configured to mount the respective cables 32, as described above with respect to the hybrid substrate 90. Thus, each cable 32 can be electrically connected to one or both of the first electrical connector 194 and the second electrical connector 196, and therefore electrically connected to the main substrate 192. When the main substrate 32 is mated with the board connector 26 in the manner described above, the optical cable 36 is electrically connected via the optical engine 188, the transceiver substrate 182, the first electrical connector 194 and the second electrical connector 196, and the respective electrical contacts 42 of the main substrate 192 and the board connector 26. The cable 32 is electrically connected to the respective electrical contacts 42 of the board connector 26 via the main substrate 192, while simultaneously bypassing the transceiver substrate 182.

[0093] It should be understood that the electrical card 130, optical card 182, hybrid card 190, and main card 192 may have the same number of electrical contacts on their respective top and bottom sides, which are arranged with the same pitch and position, thereby electrically communicating with the respective electrical board contacts 42 of the board connector 26 in the manner described above. Contacts at different locations on cards 130, 182, 190, and 192 may be designated as transmitting contacts, receiving contacts, and unused contacts as needed.

[0094] Now for reference Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 3AIt should be recognized that the mating interface 139 of any cable connector 22 is sized, shaped, and configured to mate with any board connector assembly 24, thereby allowing the corresponding card to mate with the electrical contacts 42 of the board connector 26. However, it may be desirable to prevent the cable connector 22 from mating with non-preset board connector assemblies 24, rather than with the preset board connector assembly 24 to which the cable connector 22 is intended to mate. Therefore, in some examples, the cable connector 22 may have a key 200, which is configured to create mechanical interference with any non-preset board connector assembly 24 when attempting to mate the cable connector 22 with it. The key 200 is accepted by the preset board connector assembly 24. The key 200 may be configured as a protrusion 202 extending from the mating interface 139. For example, the protrusion 202 may extend upward from the top surface of the top wall 176. The board connector assembly 24 may be provided with a complementary recess 204, which is positioned to receive a protrusion 202 of a cable connector 22 to be mated with the board connector assembly 24. For example, the recess 204 may extend into the board connector housing 40. Both the protrusion 202 and the recess 204 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction L. When the protrusion 202 and the recess 204 are misaligned, for example, when offset in the lateral direction A, mechanical interference between the protrusion 202 and the board connector housing 40 will prevent the corresponding cable connector 22 from mating with the corresponding board connector 26. In one example, the protrusion 202 and the recess 204 may be arranged at one of eight locations so that the cable connector 22 cannot be mated with most non-preset board connector assemblies 24.

[0095] Now for reference Figure 7 It is further recognized that, in some configurations, some non-designated board connectors 26 on panel 68 are not intended to mate with corresponding cable connectors 22. Therefore, as an alternative to leaving the non-designated board connectors 26 potentially exposed to dust, liquid splashes, and other debris during use, data connectivity system 20 may include a plug 206 configured to insert into a housing 28, thereby sealing the housing channel 88 and preventing dust and liquid from entering the interface between the plug 206 and the housing 28. The plug 206 may include a cable connector housing 218, a protective element 152, a shrink tube 154, a cable latch member 156, and a cable connector seal. Figure 7 (Not shown in the image), and a protective post 170, as described above. Therefore, the plug 206 includes a mating interface 139 (…). Figure 7 (Not shown in the image), as described above. The plug 206 may be without a clip, or may include a clip without electrical contacts in the socket 50 to be inserted into the board connector 26.

[0096] Therefore, the user can determine whether to mate the cable assembly 112, including cable connector 30, optical fiber connector 34, or hybrid cable connector 38, to at least one or more board connector assemblies 24 supported by panel 68. It should be recognized that the cable assembly 112 with cable 32 and cable connectors 26 mounted at both ends of cable 32 may be the most cost-effective, but may be subject to signal degradation when cable 32 extends over long distances. It has been recognized that optical fiber assemblies with optical fibers 36 may be more expensive than cable assembly 112 connectors 26, but suffer less signal attenuation over longer lengths. Furthermore, optical fiber assemblies may dissipate lower power during operation, for example, about 1 to 2 watts. It is further recognized that hybrid cable assemblies can include the benefits of optical fiber assemblies for high-speed data connectivity and can also include the cost-effectiveness of cable assemblies for electrical signal connectivity that is substantially unaffected by long-distance degradation.

[0097] When it is desired that cable 114 carries signals at a high data transmission rate over a length not exceeding a threshold length, cable assembly 112, which interfaces with the board connector assembly, can be configured as a cable assembly having a cable 32 and cable connectors 30 mounted at both ends of the cable, wherein one of the cable connectors 30 interfaces with board connector 26, and the other of the cable connectors interfaces with a complementary electrical component. When it is desired that cable 114 carries signals at a high data transmission rate over a length exceeding a threshold length, cable assembly 112, which interfaces with the board connector assembly, can be configured as an optical cable assembly having an optical cable 36 and optical connectors 38 mounted at both ends of the optical cable, wherein one of the optical cable connectors 38 interfaces with board connector 26, and the other of the optical cable connectors 38 interfaces with a complementary electrical component or a complementary optical component, collectively referred to as a data connectivity component. When it is desired that the cable assembly 112 carries electrical signals that are substantially unaffected by degradation over a length greater than a threshold length, the cable assembly 112 can be configured as one of a first hybrid cable assembly and a second hybrid cable assembly, having a cable 114 including one or more cables 32, an optical fiber 36, and the aforementioned first hybrid connector 38 or second hybrid connector 38' mounted at both ends of the cables 32 and the optical fiber. One of the hybrid connectors can mate with the board connector 26, and the other of the hybrid connectors can mate with a data connectivity component, which may include electrical or optical components.

[0098] In one example, the threshold can range from approximately 1 meter to approximately 10 meters, such as approximately 6 meters. For example, the threshold can be approximately 1 meter, approximately 2 meters, approximately 3 meters, approximately 4 meters, approximately 5 meters, approximately 6 meters, approximately 7 meters, approximately 8 meters, approximately 9 meters, or approximately 10 meters, or any suitable alternative length required for a given application. The fiber optic cable can be extended to any suitable length as needed, including up to approximately 30 meters, such as approximately 20 meters, such as approximately 15 meters, such as approximately 10 meters, such as approximately 6 meters, such as approximately 4 meters, and such as approximately 2 meters.

[0099] Therefore, a method is provided for selectively mating one or more selected board connector assemblies 24 with different corresponding cable connectors of a kit of cable connectors 22, all of which are interchangeable with the board connector assemblies. Thus, each cable connector 22 in the kit of cable connectors 22 can be interchangeably mated with a common electrical connector that can be configured as a board connector 26 or any suitable alternative electrical connector. The cable connector kit may include a cable connector 30, an optical fiber connector 34, or at least one hybrid cable connector, such as a first hybrid cable connector 38 and a second hybrid cable connector 38'. The selected board connector assemblies and corresponding cable connectors may be keyed to ensure proper mating in the manner described above. Thus, multiple board connector assemblies 24 can mat with different connectors among the cable connector 30, optical fiber connector 34, and at least one hybrid cable connector, such as the first hybrid cable connector 38 and the second hybrid cable connector 38', of the kit.

[0100] A method is also provided for selectively mating one or more board connector assemblies 24 with different corresponding cable connector assemblies of the cable assembly 112 kit. The cable assembly kit may include at least one or two, or all of two, or two, of cable connector assemblies, optical fiber connector assemblies, and hybrid cable connector assemblies. Therefore, multiple board connector assemblies 24 can be mated with different cable assemblies of the cable assembly kit in the manner described above. Furthermore, each cable assembly of the cable assembly kit can be selectively mated with a common electrical connector that can be configured as the board connector 26 described above or any suitable alternative electrical connector.

[0101] It should be understood that the description 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 in the above embodiments can be used alone or in combination with any other embodiments described above. It should be further understood that the various alternative embodiments described above with respect to one illustrated embodiment are applicable to all embodiments described herein, unless otherwise stated.

Claims

1. A cable connector kit, wherein each cable connector in the kit has a mating interface that is selectively interchangeable with a mating interface of a common electrical connector, the kit comprising: A cable connector having a corresponding electrically insulated cable connector housing, a corresponding base plate supported by the cable connector housing, and multiple conductive cables mounted on the base plate, wherein the base plate includes electrical contact pieces configured to mate with the common electrical connector; and An optical fiber connector having a corresponding electrically insulated cable connector housing, a transceiver substrate supported by the cable connector housing, an optical engine mounted on the transceiver substrate, and multiple optical fibers mounted on the optical engine, wherein the transceiver substrate includes electrical contacts configured to mate with a common electrical connector, and the optical fiber connector does not include a cable.

2. The kit of claim 1, wherein the cable connector does not include an optical fiber.

3. The kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical cable connector has a power consumption of 1 watt to 2 watts.

4. The kit according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising: A first hybrid cable connector, comprising a corresponding electrically insulated cable connector housing, a transceiver substrate supported by the cable connector housing of the optical cable connector, an optical engine mounted on the transceiver substrate, multiple optical fibers mounted on the optical engine, and multiple cables mounted on the transceiver substrate. The transceiver substrate of the first hybrid cable connector includes a corresponding electrical contact piece configured to mate with the common electrical connector.

5. The kit according to claim 4, further comprising: The second hybrid cable connector has a corresponding electrically insulated cable connector housing, a transceiver substrate supported by the cable connector housing of the optical cable connector, an optical engine mounted on the transceiver substrate, and multiple optical fibers mounted on the optical engine. A main substrate and at least one electrical connector mounted on the main substrate, wherein the transceiver substrate is mated with the at least one electrical connector; and at least one cable installed on the main substrate, The main substrate includes corresponding electrical contacts configured to mate with the common electrical connector.

6. The kit of claim 5, wherein each of the cable connector, the optical fiber connector, the first hybrid cable connector, and the second hybrid cable connector is configured to individually and selectively mate with the common electrical connector, thereby establishing a data connectivity system conforming to multiple performance standards.

7. The kit of claim 6, wherein the plurality of performance standards include fourth-generation x4 PCIe.

8. The kit of claim 6, wherein the plurality of performance standards include fifth-generation x4 PCIe.

9. The kit of claim 6, wherein the plurality of performance standards include USB Type-C.

10. The kit of claim 6, wherein each cable connector is compatible with 10G Ethernet.

11. The kit of claim 6, wherein the plurality of performance standards include compatibility with 25G Ethernet.

12. The kit of claim 6, wherein the plurality of performance criteria includes compliance with the USCAR-2 standard.

13. The kit of claim 6, wherein the plurality of performance standards include the USCAR-2, 5.4.6 standard.

14. The kit of claim 6, wherein the plurality of performance standards includes the VW80000 standard.

15. The kit of claim 6, wherein the plurality of performance criteria includes compliance with ISO 16750.

16. The kit of claim 6, wherein the plurality of performance standards include the IP54 standard.

17. The kit of claim 6, wherein the plurality of performance standards include the IP65 standard.

18. The kit of claim 6, wherein the data connectivity system is configured to transmit signals at a data rate of up to 25 gigabits per second, wherein the worst-case asynchronous multi-source crosstalk does not exceed 6%.

19. The kit of claim 5, wherein the optical cable of the optical cable connector and the first hybrid cable connector and the second hybrid cable connector is longer than the cable of the cable connector.

20. The kit according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the cable of the cable connector has a length of up to 2 meters.

21. The kit of claim 20, wherein the length is up to 4 meters.

22. The kit of claim 5, wherein each of the optical fibers in any or all of the optical fiber in the optical cable connector, the first hybrid cable connector, and the second hybrid cable connector has a length greater than 4 meters.

23. The kit of claim 22, wherein the length of the optical fiber is in the range of 4 meters to 10 meters.

24. The kit according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the electrical contact pieces are arranged along at least one row with a center-to-center contact pitch of 0.8 mm.

25. The kit of claim 24, wherein each row comprises twenty contact pieces.

26. The kit of claim 5, wherein each of the substrates comprises a first row of electrical contacts on a first surface of the substrate and a second row of contacts on a second surface of the substrate opposite to the first surface.

27. The kit according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein each of the housings comprises a housing body supporting the respective substrate, and the mating interface extends from the housing body beyond the respective substrate.

28. The kit of claim 27, wherein the mating interface comprises a top wall and two side walls extending downward from the top wall.

29. The kit of claim 28, wherein the sidewall extends to a position between the top surface of the respective substrate and the bottom surface of the respective substrate.

30. The kit of claim 29, wherein the mating interface is offset inward relative to the housing body.

31. The kit of claim 30, wherein the mating interface extends from the housing body in a longitudinal direction, and the mating interface is offset inward relative to the housing body as a whole in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

32. The kit according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the mating interface of each of the cable connectors is configured to be received in a cavity extending between the common electrical connector and the enclosure, the enclosure at least partially surrounding the common electrical connector.

33. The kit according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein each of the cable connectors comprises a cable latch member supported by the cable connector housing, and includes a resiliently deflectable latch arm and at least one protrusion extending from the latch arm.

34. The kit of claim 33, wherein the at least one protrusion does not extend beyond the top and bottom surfaces of the latch arm.

35. The kit of claim 34, wherein the at least one protrusion has a beveled front surface.

36. The kit of claim 35, wherein the protrusion is suspended above the top surface of the cable connector housing.

37. The kit of claim 35, wherein the latch arm is configured to be pressed down from the engaged position toward the cable connector housing to the disengaged position.

38. The kit of claim 37, wherein the latch arm is naturally and resiliently biased from the disengaged position to the engaged position.

39. The kit of claim 35, wherein each of the cable connectors comprises at least one post extending above the latch arm.

40. The kit of claim 39 further includes a pair of posts, wherein the latch arm is arranged between the latch posts.

41. The kit according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein each of the cable connectors comprises a compressible seal surrounding the respective cable connector housing, wherein the seal is configured to press against the inner surface of the common electrical connector when the cable connector is mated with the common electrical connector.

42. A data connectivity system comprising a kit and plug according to any one of claims 1 to 2, the plug having the mating interface and configured to be inserted into the common electrical connector when the common electrical connector is not specified.

43. A data connectivity system, the data connectivity system comprising: The kit according to any one of claims 1 to 2; and The common electrical connector.

44. The data connectivity system of claim 43 further includes a covering at least partially surrounding the common electrical connector.

45. The data connectivity system of claim 44, wherein the common electrical connector and the enclosure are mounted on a substrate.

46. ​​The data connectivity system of claim 44 further includes a panel and a plurality of the common electrical connectors mounted on the panel.

47. The data connectivity system of claim 43, wherein each of the cable connector and the common electrical connector is provided with a key such that the cable connector can only mate with a corresponding predetermined electrical connector among the common electrical connectors.

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