Circuit board assembly for a communication system

Abstract

A circuit board assembly (200) includes an electrical connector (250) mounted to a circuit board (210) having a connector housing (252) that holds contacts (254) in an array of contacts. A connector mount (240) having a bracket (242) is coupled to a mounting surface of the circuit board near a mating edge (212). The electrical connector is movably coupled to the connector mount for movement relative to the circuit board during mating with a mating electrical connector (350). The connector mount has a biasing member (244) compressible along a compression axis (295) parallel to a mating direction to allow the electrical connector to float in the mating direction relative to the circuit board. The electrical connector is movably coupled to the connector mount in a limited range of motion in at least one floating direction perpendicular to the mating direction.

Description

Background Technology

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

[0002] Communication systems use electrical connectors to electrically connect various components, allowing data communication between them. For example, in a backplane system, circuit board assemblies with electrical connectors mounted on a circuit board are mated to electrically connect the circuit board. Alignment of the electrical connectors during mating is difficult, and misalignment can damage components of the connector. The system may include a device rack for supporting circuit board assemblies relative to each other. Known rack-mounted circuit board backplane connectors typically need to absorb large dimensional tolerance accumulations between the relative distances between circuit boards inserted from both sides of the device rack. Typical tolerances can be 1.5 mm or greater. The contact dimensions of the backplane connector at the mating area are adapted to the circuit board mating tolerance. For example, the contact length includes the length required for mechanical mating and the contact wiping length of any design, plus additional circuit board mating tolerances. The contact has such a length to accommodate a possible range of circuit board mating conditions. The additional contact length is typically set as an extension of the contact stub, which is the portion of the contact extending beyond the mating point to ensure that the contact remains mated regardless of the circuit board position. In high-speed connectors, the stub can significantly degrade the connector's signal integrity performance. An electrical terminal acts as a reflective element for the propagation of energy along its length. When energy propagates back at a specific combination of signal wavelength (e.g., frequency) and physical terminal length, the terminal can generate null values ​​at a specific frequency that transmit energy. When the terminal is long enough and the corresponding frequency is low enough, these null values ​​are detrimental to the transmission of energy for the signal reaching the receiver.

[0003] There is still a demand for electrical connectors for communication systems with improved mating interfaces. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment, a circuit board assembly is provided, including a circuit board having a mounting surface. The circuit board has a mating edge. A circuit board assembly is also provided, including an electrical connector having a connector housing that holds contacts in an array of contacts. The connector housing has a mating end and a cable end. The mating end is configured to mate with a mating electrical connector in a mating direction. The electrical connector has a cable terminated at the contacts and extending from the cable end. The connector housing has a mounting feature. A circuit board assembly is provided, including a connector mount for positioning an electrical connector relative to a circuit board. The connector mount has a bracket coupled to a mounting surface of the circuit board, near the mating edge. The electrical connector is movably coupled to the connector mount for movement relative to the circuit board during mating with the mating electrical connector. The connector mount has a biasing member coupled to the bracket and coupled to the mounting feature of the electrical connector. The biasing member is compressible along a compression axis parallel to the mating direction to allow the electrical connector to float relative to the circuit board in the mating direction, wherein the electrical connector is movably coupled to the connector mount in a confined surrounding portion in at least one floating direction perpendicular to the mating direction.

[0005] In another embodiment, a communication system is provided, including a first circuit board assembly comprising a first circuit board, a first connector mount coupled to the first circuit board, and a first electrical connector coupled to the first connector mount. The first electrical connector has a first connector housing that holds a first contact in a contact array. The first connector housing has a mating end and a cable end. The first electrical connector has a cable terminated at the first contact and extends from the cable end. The first connector housing has a first mounting feature. The first connector mount has a first bracket coupled to a mounting surface of the first circuit board near a mating edge. The first electrical connector is movably coupled to the first connector mount for movement relative to the first circuit board in a mating direction. The first connector mount has a first biasing member coupled to the first bracket and to the first mounting feature of the first electrical connector. The first biasing member is compressible along a compression axis parallel to the mating direction to allow the first electrical connector to float relative to the first circuit board in the mating direction, wherein the first electrical connector is movably coupled to the first connector mount in a confined surrounding portion in at least one floating direction perpendicular to the mating direction. A circuit board assembly is provided, comprising a second circuit board assembly including a second circuit board and a second electrical connector coupled to the second circuit board. The second electrical connector has a second connector housing that holds second contacts in a contact array. The second connector housing has a mating end coupled to a mating end of a first connector housing along a mating axis parallel to the mating direction. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 This is a top perspective view of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment.

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

[0009] Figure 4 A perspective view as part of a communication system, showing the mating interface of a first circuit board assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 5 A perspective view as part of a communication system, showing the mating interface of a second circuit board assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 6 This is a front perspective view of a first electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 7 This is a rear perspective view of the first electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 8 This is a rear perspective view of a portion of a first electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 9 This is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a first electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 10 This is a rear view of the first electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Figure 11 This is a rear view of the first electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Figure 12 This is a front perspective view of the bracket in an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Figure 13 This is a front partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the first electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of a communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The communication system 100 includes a first circuit board assembly 200 and a second circuit board assembly 300 electrically connected together. In various embodiments, the communication system 100 may be a server or a network switch. In other various embodiments, the communication system 100 may be a backplane system. The first circuit board assembly 200 and / or the second circuit board assembly 300 may be a backplane assembly. The first circuit board assembly 200 and / or the second circuit board assembly 300 may be a daughter card assembly. The first circuit board assembly 200 and / or the second circuit board assembly 300 may be a motherboard assembly.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the first circuit board assembly 200 and / or the second circuit board assembly 300 include compressible mating interfaces to absorb mating tolerances of the communication system 100. For example, the first circuit board assembly 200 and / or the second circuit board assembly 300 may include spring-loaded connectors configured to be compressed in the mating direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the first circuit board assembly 200 and / or the second circuit board assembly 300 are capable of floating in the X direction (left-right), Y direction (up-down), and / or Z direction (front-back) for proper alignment and mating. For example, connector housings(s) may be movable to align with each other.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the communication system 100 includes a device rack 110 for holding a first circuit board assembly 200 and / or a second circuit board assembly 300. The device rack 110 includes a frame member 112 forming one or more chambers for the first circuit board assembly 200 and / or the second circuit board assembly 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the device rack 110 includes a front chamber 120 configured to receive the first circuit board assembly 200 and a rear chamber 130 configured to receive the second circuit board assembly 300. Optionally, multiple circuit board assemblies may be received in the front chamber 120 and / or the rear chamber 130. The device rack 110 may be open at the front and / or rear and / or sides. Alternatively, the device rack 110 may include walls or panels (not shown) that enclose the chambers 120, 130 at the front and / or rear and / or sides. The device rack 110 may include a horizontally oriented tray or platform that divides the chambers 120, 130 into stacked sub-chambers, each receiving a corresponding circuit board assembly. The equipment rack 110 may include vertically oriented partition walls that divide chambers 120 and 130 into adjacent sub-chambers, each sub-chamber receiving a corresponding circuit board assembly.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the device rack 110 includes a front guide element 122 located in a front chamber 120. The front guide element 122 is used to guide a first circuit board assembly 200 into the front chamber 120. The front guide element 122 can position the first circuit board assembly 200 relative to the device rack 110, for example, to mate with a second circuit board assembly 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the front guide element 122 is a rail or track having a slot or recess for receiving the first circuit board assembly 200. In alternative embodiments, other types of guide elements may be used, such as tabs, pins, posts, openings, sockets, etc.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the device rack 110 includes a rear guide element 132 in a rear chamber 130. The rear guide element 132 is used to guide the second circuit board assembly 300 into the rear chamber 130. The rear guide element 132 can position the second circuit board assembly 300 relative to the device rack 110, for example, to mate with a first circuit board assembly 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the rear guide element 132 is a rail or track having a slot or recess for receiving the second circuit board assembly 300. In alternative embodiments, other types of guide elements may be used, such as tabs, pins, posts, openings, sockets, etc.

[0024] During assembly, the first circuit board assembly 200 is inserted into the front chamber 120 via its front end, and the second circuit board assembly 300 is inserted into the rear chamber 130 via its rear end. The first and second circuit board assemblies 200 and 300 mate within the equipment rack 110, for example, at the center of the equipment rack 110. One or both of the electrical connectors of the first and second circuit board assemblies 200 and 300 are capable of floating relative to the circuit board(s)(e.g., moving within a restricted surrounding area) to properly align and reduce the risk of component damage to the electrical connectors. The first and second circuit board assemblies 200 and 300 slide into and out of the equipment rack 110, for example, along guide elements 122 and 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second circuit board assemblies 200 and 300 are oriented perpendicularly to each other. For example, the first circuit board assembly 200 is oriented vertically and the second circuit board assembly 300 is oriented horizontally, or vice versa. In various other embodiments, the first and second circuit board assemblies 200 and 300 are oriented parallel to each other. For example, the first and second circuit board assemblies 200 and 300 may both be oriented vertically. Alternatively, the first and second circuit board assemblies 200 and 300 may both be horizontally oriented.

[0025] The first circuit board assembly 200 includes a first circuit board 210 and a first electrical connector 250 coupled to the first circuit board 210. The first electrical connector 250 is configured to mate with a second circuit board assembly 300. Optionally, the first electrical connector 250 is a floating connector, wherein the first electrical connector 250 is movable relative to the first circuit board 210. When mating with the second circuit board assembly 300, the first electrical connector 250 can move. For example, the first electrical connector 250 may have a compressible mating interface. Alternatively, the first electrical connector 250 may be a fixed connector, wherein the first electrical connector 250 is fixed relative to the first circuit board 210 and does not move relative to the first circuit board 210 when mating with the second circuit board assembly 300.

[0026] The second circuit board assembly 300 includes a second circuit board 310 and a second electrical connector 350 coupled to the second circuit board 310. The second electrical connector 350 is configured to mate with a first electrical connector 250 of the first circuit board assembly 200. Optionally, the second electrical connector 350 may be a floating connector, wherein the second electrical connector 350 is movable relative to the second circuit board 310. When mating with the second circuit board assembly 300, the second electrical connector 350 can move. For example, the second electrical connector 350 may have a compressible mating interface. Alternatively, the second electrical connector 350 may be a fixed connector, wherein the second electrical connector 350 is fixed relative to the second circuit board 310 and does not move relative to the second circuit board 310 when mating with the first electrical connector 250.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a top perspective view of a communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 This is a rear perspective view of a communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 A first electrical connector 250 as a cable connector and a second electrical connector 350 as a board connector are shown. The first electrical connector 250 is a floating connector, and the second electrical connector 350 is a fixed connector. Figure 3 A first electrical connector 250 and a second electrical connector 350 as cable connectors are shown. The first electrical connector 250 is a floating connector, and the second electrical connector 350 is a fixed connector. In an alternative embodiment, the second electrical connector 350 may be a floating connector.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the communication system 100 includes a plurality of front circuit board assemblies 200 and a plurality of rear circuit board assemblies 300; however, the communication system 100 may include a single front circuit board assembly 200 and / or a single rear circuit board assembly 300. In the illustrated embodiment, circuit board 210 has a single electrical connector 250, and circuit board 310 has a single electrical connector 350; however, circuit board 210 may include a plurality of electrical connectors 250 and / or circuit board 310 may include a plurality of electrical connectors 350.

[0029] The first circuit board 210 includes a mating edge 212 located at the front of the first circuit board 210 and side edges 214, 216 extending between the mating edge 212 and a rear edge 218. In the illustrated embodiment, the first circuit board 210 is rectangular. In alternative embodiments, the first circuit board 210 may have other shapes. The circuit board 210 includes first and second surfaces 220, 222 (e.g., an upper surface and a lower surface). A first electrical connector 250 is mounted to the first surface 220 of the circuit board 210 at a mounting region 224. Optionally, the mounting region 224 may be located near the mating edge 212. One or more electrical connectors may be additionally or alternatively located at the second surface 222.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the first circuit board 210 includes one or more electrical components 226 coupled to the first circuit board 210. The electrical components 226 may be chips, integrated circuits, processors, memory modules, electrical connectors, or other components. The electrical components 226 may be electrically connected to the circuit board 210, for example, through traces, pads, vias, or other circuitry. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical components 226 are electrically connected to a first electrical connector 250, for example, through the first circuit board 210 or through a direct connection via a cable.

[0031] The first circuit board 210 includes one or more circuit board guide features 230 for positioning the circuit board 210 in the equipment rack 110 (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown). The board guide feature 230 is configured to be connected to the corresponding guide element 122 (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the board guide feature 230 is defined by the edges of the circuit board 210 along sides 214, 216, and is configured to slide into a recess in the track defining the guide element 122. In alternative embodiments, other types of guide features may be used, such as tracks, slot tabs, pins, etc.

[0032] In one exemplary embodiment, the first circuit board assembly 200 includes a latching feature 232 at its rear edge 218. The latching feature 232 is used to secure the first circuit board assembly 200 to the device frame 110. The latching feature 232 can be used to press the circuit board 210 forward (towards the second circuit board 310) during engagement, or it can be used to pull the circuit board 210 backward during disengagement.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the first circuit board assembly 200 includes a first connector mount 240. The first connector mount 240 includes a bracket 242 and one or more biasing members 244 coupled to the bracket 242 and an electrical connector 250. The electrical connector 250 is movably coupled to the connector mount 240. For example, the electrical connector 250 can move in the X direction (left-right), Y direction (up-down), and / or Z direction (back-forward). The biasing members 244 forward bias the electrical connector 250 (in the Z direction) for mating with a second electrical connector 350. In an exemplary embodiment, the biasing member 244 includes a spring, such as a coil spring. In alternative embodiments, other types of biasing members, such as compressible foam members, can be used. The biasing member 244 can provide a flexible connection between the electrical connector 250 and the connector mount 240.

[0034] The biasing member 244 allows the electrical connector 250 to move relative to the circuit board 210, for example, during mating with the second electrical connector 350. The biasing member 244 provides compressive force to maintain the mechanical and electrical connection between the first and second electrical connectors 250, 350. The biasing member 244 accommodates mating tolerances between the circuit board assemblies 200, 300 within the equipment rack 110. For example, the circuit board 210 may have a range of positions within the equipment rack 110 (e.g., the position of the mating edge 212 within the equipment rack 110 may vary by approximately 1.5 mm). The biasing member 244 may accommodate some or all of the mating dimensional tolerance distances of the circuit board 210 in the equipment rack 110 (e.g., approximately 1.5 mm).

[0035] The second circuit board 310 includes a mating edge 312 located at the front of the second circuit board 310 and side edges 314, 316 extending between the mating edge 312 and the rear edge 318. The mating edge 312 faces the mating edge 212 of the first circuit board 210. The circuit board 310 includes first and second surfaces 320, 322 (e.g., left and right sides). A second electrical connector 350 is mounted to the first surface 320 of the circuit board 310 at a mounting region 324. Optionally, the mounting region 324 may be located near the mating edge 312. One or more electrical connectors may be additionally or alternatively located at the second surface 322.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the second circuit board 310 includes one or more electrical components 326 coupled to the second circuit board 310. The electrical components 326 may be chips, integrated circuits, processors, memory modules, electrical connectors, or other components. The electrical components 326 may be electrically connected to the circuit board 310, for example, through traces, pads, vias, or other circuitry. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical components 326 are electrically connected to a second electrical connector 350, for example, through the second circuit board 310 or through a direct connection via a cable.

[0037] The second circuit board 310 includes one or more circuit board guide features 330 for positioning the circuit board 310 in the equipment rack 110 (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown). The board guide feature 330 is configured to be connected to the corresponding guide element 132 (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the board guide feature 330 is defined by the edges of the circuit board 310 along sides 314, 316, and is configured to slide into a recess in the track defining the guide element 132. In alternative embodiments, other types of guide features may be used, such as tracks, slot tabs, pins, etc.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the second circuit board assembly 300 includes a latching feature 332 located at its rear edge 318. The latching feature 332 is used to secure the second circuit board assembly 300 to the device frame 110. The latching feature 332 can be used to press the circuit board 310 forward (towards the first circuit board 210) during engagement, or to pull the circuit board 310 backward during disengagement.

[0039] Figure 4 A perspective view of a part of a communication system 100, showing the mating interface of a first circuit board assembly 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a portion of a communication system 100, showing the mating interface of a second circuit board assembly 300 according to an exemplary embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the first circuit board assembly 200 has a compressible mating interface (e.g., a first electrical connector 250 is movable relative to the first circuit board 210). In the illustrated embodiment, the second circuit board assembly 300 has a fixed mating interface (e.g., a second electrical connector 350 is fixed relative to the second circuit board 310).

[0040] The first electrical connector 250 includes a connector housing 252 that holds a first contact 254 in a contact array. Figure 4In various embodiments, contacts 254 may be arranged together in a first contact module 256, also referred to as a chicklet, which may be an overmolded lead frame. The connector housing 252 includes a mating end 258 configured to mate with a second electrical connector 350. The mating end 258 is located at the front of the connector housing 252. Contacts 254 are exposed at the mating end 258 for mating with corresponding contacts of the second electrical connector 350.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the first electrical connector 250 is a cable connector having a plurality of first cables 260 extending from a connector housing 252. The connector housing 252 includes cable ends 262. Cables 260 extend from cable ends 262. In the illustrated embodiment, cable ends 262 are opposite mating ends 258; however, in alternative embodiments, other orientations are possible, for example, a right-angle connector with cable ends 262 perpendicular to mating ends 258. Cables 260 may be single cables, such as coaxial or biaxial cables. In other embodiments, cables 260 may be flat, flexible cables, such as flexible circuits. Cables 260 are electrically connected to corresponding contacts 254. Cables 260 are flexible to allow the first electrical connector 250 to move relative to the first circuit board 210.

[0042] The first electrical connector 250 is configured to mate with the second electrical connector 350 along the mating direction (along the mating axis 264). The mating end 258 may be perpendicular to the mating axis 264. In an exemplary embodiment, the first electrical connector 250 may be movable in a direction parallel to the mating axis 264 (Z direction). For example, the first electrical connector 250 may be pressed backward during mating. In an exemplary embodiment, the first electrical connector 250 may be movable in a direction perpendicular to the mating axis 264 (e.g., left and right and / or up and down).

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the connector housing 252 includes one or more mounting features 266. The mounting features 266 may be tabs or ears extending from one or more sides of the connector housing 252. The mounting features 266 are coupled to a connector mount 240, such as a bracket 242. In an exemplary embodiment, a biasing member 244 is coupled to the mounting features 266. The biasing member 244 can press the mounting features 266 forward against the bracket 242. The bracket 242 operates as a forward stop for the connector housing 252. The bracket 242 positions a first electrical connector 250 to mate with a second electrical connector 350. The connector housing 252 may move relative to the bracket 242, for example, sliding left and right or up and down on the bracket 242.

[0044] A contact 254 is disposed at a mating end 258 for mating with a second electrical connector 350. In an exemplary embodiment, contact 254 is a stamped contact. Contact 254 has a metal body extending between a mating end 268 and a termination end (not shown) opposite to the mating end 268. In an exemplary embodiment, a conductor of cable 260 is terminated to the termination end of the corresponding contact 254. For example, the termination end may include a pad, crimp sleeve, insulation displacement termination, or other type of electrical termination. In an alternative embodiment, instead of terminating to cable 260, the termination end of contact 254 may be directly terminated to circuit board 210, for example, by soldering or crimping into a plated through-hole of circuit board 210. In such an embodiment, the first electrical connector 250 may be fixed relative to circuit board 210.

[0045] Each contact 254 has a mating end 268 including a mating interface configured to electrically connect with a corresponding contact of the second electrical connector 350. The mating end 268 can be a resilient beam, pin, socket, pad, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the mating end 268 has a short electrical length downstream of the mating interface, resulting in a short electrical tip. Because the first electrical connector 250 is capable of floating relative to the first circuit board 210, the mating ends 268 of the contacts 254 are very short because they do not need to accommodate circuit board mating tolerances, which are accommodated by the spring-loaded floating motion of the electrical connector 250 (e.g., provided by the bias member 244). The length of the tip at the mating end 268 can be short enough to accommodate mechanical mating plus any contact wiping, but does not need to accommodate any circuit board mating tolerances.

[0046] The second electrical connector 350 includes a connector housing 352, which holds a second contact 354 in a contact array. Figure 5 In various embodiments, the contacts 354 may be arranged together in a second contact module 356, also referred to as a tab, which may be an overmolded lead frame. The connector housing 352 includes a mating end 358 configured to mate with the first electrical connector 250. The mating end 358 is located at the front of the connector housing 352 (facing the mating end 258 of the first electrical connector 250). The second contact 354 is exposed at the mating end 358 for mating with the first contact 254.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the second electrical connector 350 is a board connector configured to be directly mounted to the second circuit board 310. The connector housing 352 includes a mounting end 364 for mounting to the second circuit board 310. In the illustrated embodiment, the second electrical connector 350 is a right-angle connector with a mounting end 364 perpendicular to the mating end 358; however, other orientations are possible in alternative embodiments. The connector housing 352 may include mounting features for mounting the connector housing 352 to the circuit board 310, such as mounting lugs for receiving threaded fasteners, press tabs, solder tabs, etc. Alternatively, contacts 354 may be used to mount the second electrical connector 350 to the circuit board 310, for example, using press-fit pins.

[0048] The second electrical connector 350 is configured to mate with the first electrical connector 250 in a mating direction along the mating axis 264. As the second circuit board assembly 300 is loaded into the equipment rack 110, the first electrical connector 350 can be pressed back during mating. This movement of the first electrical connector 350 allows for relatively short contacts 254 and 354 because they do not need to accommodate circuit board mating tolerances, which can be approximately 1.5 mm. This means that the first contact 254 and / or the second contact 354 can be shortened, for example, by approximately 1.5 mm compared to other systems.

[0049] A contact 354 is disposed at a mating end 358 for mating with a second electrical connector 350. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact 354 is a stamped contact. The contact 354 has a metal body 370 extending between a mating end 372 and a termination end (not shown) opposite to the mating end 372. The contact 354 has a mating interface 380 at the mating end 372. In an exemplary embodiment, the termination end of the contact 354 may be directly terminated to a circuit board 310, for example, by soldering or press-fitting into a plated through-hole of the circuit board 310. Alternatively, the contact 354 may be terminated to a cable instead of directly terminating to the circuit board 310.

[0050] Each second contact 354 has a mating end 372 including a mating interface configured for electrical connection with the first contact 254. The mating end 372 may include a resilient beam, pad, pin, socket, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the mating end 372 has a short electrical length downstream of the mating interface, resulting in a short electrical tip. Because the first electrical connector 250 is capable of floating (pressing backward) when mating with the second electrical connector 350, the mating end 372 of the contact 354 is very short because it does not need to accommodate board fit tolerances, which are accommodated by the spring-loaded floating movement of the first electrical connector 250. The length of the tip at the mating end 372 can be short enough to accommodate mechanical mating plus any contact wiping, but does not need to accommodate any board fit tolerances.

[0051] The floating mount system (which can also be provided for the second electrical connector 350) provided by the connector mount 240 and bias member 244 for the first electrical connector 250 absorbs board mating tolerances (e.g., 1.5 mm or greater) and allows alignment of the first and second electrical connectors 250, 350. The floating mount system eliminates the need for additional alignment features, such as alignment modules mounted on the board adjacent to the electrical connectors 250, 350, which increases cost and occupies valuable space on the board. The floating mount system eliminates the need for contact interfaces, thereby absorbing large rack mating tolerances and allowing for shorter contacts. The tips of the ends of contacts 254 and / or 354 can be shortened (e.g., less than 1.0 mm), which improves the performance of the communication system 100 by improving signal integrity along the signal path. Performance, particularly at high speeds (e.g., above 100 Gbps, more specifically, above 200 Gbps), is improved compared to contacts with long electrical tips.

[0052] Figure 6 This is a front perspective view of a first electrical connector 250 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7 This is a rear perspective view of the first electrical connector 250 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 and 7 The connector housing 252 connected to the connector mount 240 is shown.

[0053] The bracket 242 of the connector mount 240 includes a mounting plate 270 and mounting tabs 272 extending from the mounting plate 270. The mounting plate 270 is configured to be mounted onto the first circuit board 210 (e.g., Figure 3 (As shown). In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting plate 270 is horizontally oriented. Mounting tabs 272 extend perpendicularly to the mounting plate 270. For example, mounting tabs 272 extend outward (i.e., vertically) from the mounting plate 270. Mounting features 266 of the connector housing 252 are configured to mount to the mounting tabs 272. For example, the connector housing 252 is located in the space between the mounting tabs 272, and the mounting features 266 are located behind the mounting tabs 272. A biasing member 244 engages the mounting features 266 to the mounting tabs 272. The mounting tabs 272 prevent forward movement to position the connector housing 252 relative to the bracket 242. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting tabs 272 include a bracket opening 274 (as shown) passing through them. Figure 12As shown, the bracket opening 274 receives a portion of the biasing member 244. In an exemplary embodiment, the spacing between the mounting tabs 272 is greater than the width of the connector housing 252, such that a gap 276 is located between the mounting tabs 272 and the connector housing 252. The gap 276 allows the connector housing 252 to move between the mounting tabs 272. For example, the connector housing 252 can move left and right between the mounting tabs 272. In various embodiments, a gap 278 may be located between the mounting feature 266 and the mounting plate 270. The gap 278 allows the connector housing 252 to move relative to the mounting plate 270 (e.g., up and down).

[0054] Connector housing 252 is an insulating housing, such as a plastic housing. Connector housing 252 holds contact 254. For example, connector housing 252 may hold contact module 256. Connector housing 252 includes a front portion 280 and a rear portion 281. Connector housing 252 includes a first side 282 and a second side 283. Connector housing 252 includes a top 284 and a bottom 285. In the illustrated embodiment, connector housing 252 is generally rectangular. However, in alternative embodiments, connector housing 252 may have other shapes. In the illustrated embodiment, mounting features 266 extend outward from the first side 282 and the second side 283. In alternative embodiments, mounting features 266 may be located in other positions. In an exemplary embodiment, front portion 280 defines mating end 258. In the illustrated embodiment, bottom 285 is configured to face circuit board 210. Bottom 285 faces mounting plate 270. For example, mounting plate 270 may be located between bottom 285 and circuit board 210.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting component 266 includes an opening 286 therethrough (e.g., ...). Figure 8 (As shown). Opening 286 is configured to receive a portion of bias member 244. For example, bias member 244 may pass through opening 286. Opening 286 may be aligned with bracket opening 274 to allow bias member 244 to pass through mounting tab 272 and mounting feature 266. Alternatively, opening 286 may be located approximately at the center of mounting feature 266.

[0056] In one exemplary embodiment, each biasing member 244 includes a spring member 290 and a spring pin 291 for engaging the spring member 290 to a mounting feature 266 and / or a mounting tab 272. In various embodiments, the spring pin 291 may be a threaded fastener, such as a bolt. The spring pin 291 includes a head 292 located at the front of the spring pin 291. In an exemplary embodiment, a fastening nut 293 is engaged to the distal end of the spring pin 291. For example, the fastening nut 293 may be threaded onto the end of the spring pin 291. A washer 294 may be retained on the spring pin 291, for example at the head 292 and / or at the fastening nut 293 and / or at other locations, such as at the mounting feature 266 and / or the mounting tab 272. The spring pin 291 passes through the mounting feature 266 and the mounting tab 272. The spring pin 291 passes through the spring member 290. For example, the spring member 290 may be a helical spring having a central hole for receiving the spring pin 291. The spring member 290 is located between the fastening nut 293 and the mounting feature 266.

[0057] The spring member 290 presses forward against the rear of the mounting feature 266 to bias the electrical connector 250 forward, so that it mates with the second electrical connector 350 (e.g., Figure 4 (As shown). The spring member 290 is compressible along the compression axis 295 to allow for back-and-forth movement. The compression axis 295 is parallel to the mating direction (e.g., the Z direction). When the spring member 290 is compressed, for example during mating with the second electrical connector 350, the connector housing 252 is movable relative to the support 242 along the compression axis 295.

[0058] In one exemplary embodiment, the biasing member 244 is movable relative to the connector housing 252 and / or relative to the bracket 242 and in at least one floating direction perpendicular to the mating direction. For example, the biasing member 244 can be loosely mated with the connector housing 252 and / or the bracket 242 to allow floating motion, such as left-right and / or up-down movement. In various embodiments, the spring pin 291 can be moved up-down and / or left-right within the opening 286 by the mounting feature 266 to allow floating motion, or the mounting feature 266 can be moved up-down and / or left-right on the spring pin 291 to allow floating motion. In various embodiments, the spring pin 291 can be moved up-down and / or left-right within the bracket opening 274 by the mounting tab 272 to allow floating motion.

[0059] Figure 8 Figure 9 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the first electrical connector 250 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 9 is an enlarged rear perspective view of a portion of the first electrical connector 250 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 8 Figure 9 shows the connector housing 252 connected to the bracket 242. Spring pin 291 is... Figure 8 and 9 As shown in the diagram, the spring pin 291 passes through the opening 286 and the mounting feature 266.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, the opening 286 is configured to be excessively large relative to the spring pin 291. For example, the diameter of the opening 286 is larger than the diameter of the spring pin 291. A gap 287 is provided between the mounting feature 266 and the spring pin 291. The gap 287 provides space for relative movement between the mounting feature 266 and the spring pin 291. The gap 287 defines a restricted surrounding portion for the floating movement of the connector housing 252. For example, the connector housing 252 can move up or down until the mounting feature 266 abuts against the spring pin 291 and reaches its lowest point. The connector housing 252 can move right or left until the mounting feature 266 abuts against the spring pin 291 and reaches its lowest point. Optionally, the size and shape of the opening 286 can accommodate movement in all directions. Optionally, the size and shape of the opening 286 can accommodate movement in a limited number of directions (e.g., only up and down or only left and right). In various embodiments, the size and shape of the opening 286 can accommodate a larger range of movement in some directions and a more limited range of movement in others.

[0061] Figure 10 This is a rear view of the first electrical connector 250 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 10 A spring pin 291 is shown within an opening 286 of the mounting feature 266. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring pin 291 is cylindrical. The opening 286 is cylindrical, with a diameter larger than that of the spring pin 291. The excessive diameter of the opening 286 creates a gap 287. The size of the gap 287 is based on the excessive size of the opening 286 relative to the spring pin 291. In various embodiments, the spring pin 291 may be located at the center of the opening 286, thereby providing an equal gap 287 circumferentially around the spring pin 291 to allow movement in all directions. Alternatively, the spring pin 291 may be offset from the center of the opening 286, allowing greater movement in some directions than in others.

[0062] Figure 11 This is a rear view of the first electrical connector 250 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 11A spring pin 291 is shown within an opening 286 of the mounting feature 266. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 286 is elliptical, having a larger dimension in the vertical direction and a smaller dimension in the horizontal direction. The horizontal dimension can be approximately equal to the diameter of the spring pin 291, thus restricting movement from right to left. However, the elliptical shape of the opening 286 allows for vertical movement of the mounting feature 266 relative to the spring pin 291. In alternative embodiments, the opening 286 can have other shapes to allow controlled floating movement of the mounting feature 266 relative to the spring pin 291.

[0063] Figure 12 This is a front perspective view of the bracket 242 in an exemplary embodiment. The bracket 242 includes a mounting plate 270 and a mounting tab 272. The mounting tab 272 includes a bracket opening 274. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket opening 274 is cylindrical. However, in alternative embodiments, the bracket opening 274 may have other shapes. For example, the bracket opening 274 may be elliptical. The size of the bracket opening 274 may be relative to the spring pin 291 (e.g., ...). Figure 13 (As shown). In various embodiments, the diameter of the bracket opening 274 can be approximately equal to the diameter of the spring pin 291, such that the spring pin 291 is fixed in place relative to the mounting tab 272. Alternatively, the bracket opening 274 can be enlarged or oversized relative to the diameter of the spring pin 291, such that the spring pin 291 is allowed a limited amount of floating movement within the bracket opening 274. The mounting tab 272 restricts the floating movement within a confined surrounding area defined by the size and shape of the bracket opening 274.

[0064] Figure 13 This is a partial front cross-sectional view of a portion of the first electrical connector 250 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 13 The connector housing 252, which is connected to the bracket 242, is shown. A portion of the biasing member 244 is shown. Figure 13 As shown in the diagram. For example, the spring pin 291 is shown in a cross-section cut out at the front surface of the mounting tab 272.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket opening 274 is oversized relative to the spring pin 291. The spring pin 291 extends forward from the mounting feature 266 of the connector housing 252 through the bracket opening 274. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring pin 291 is held firmly within the mounting feature 266. For example, the diameter of the opening 286 through the mounting feature 266 may be equal to the diameter of the spring pin 291, preventing the spring pin 291 from moving relative to the mounting feature 266. The spring pin 291 extends through the bracket opening 274. The oversized bracket opening 274 creates a gap 296 between the spring pin 291 and the mounting tab 272. The gap 296 allows the spring pin 291 to move within the bracket opening 274. Thus, the mounting feature 266 and the connector housing 252 can move relative to the mounting tab 272. The bracket opening 274 forms a confined surrounding portion to limit and control the amount of floating movement of the spring pin 291 relative to the mounting tab 272. The size and shape of the support opening 274 control multiple directions of floating motion. For example, the support opening 274 may be oversized to allow floating motion in all directions. Alternatively, the support opening 274 may be oversized to allow floating motion only in some directions and restricted motion in others.

[0066] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention. The dimensions, material types, orientations of various components, and the number and location of various components described herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments and are by no means limiting, but merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the above description. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents. In the appended claims, the terms “comprising” and “wherein” are used as equivalents to the corresponding terms “including” and “in…”. Furthermore, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used only as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Furthermore, the limitations of the following claims are not written in the form of means plus function, nor are they intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.SC §112(f), unless and until such a claim limitation expressly uses the phrase “means for…” followed by a functional description without further structure.

Claims

1. A circuit board assembly (200), comprising: The circuit board (210) has a mounting surface and a mating edge (212). An electrical connector (250) having a connector housing (252) for holding contacts (254) in a contact array, the connector housing having a mating end (258) and a cable end (262), the mating end being configured to mate with a mating electrical connector (350) in a mating direction, the electrical connector having a cable (260) terminated to the contacts and extending from the cable end, and the connector housing having a mounting feature (266); and A connector mount (240) for positioning an electrical connector relative to the circuit board, the connector mount having a bracket (242) attached to a mounting surface of the circuit board near the mating edge, the electrical connector being movably coupled to the connector mount for movement relative to the circuit board during mating with the mating electrical connector, the connector mount having a biasing member (244) coupled to the bracket and to a mounting feature of the electrical connector, the biasing member being compressible along a compression axis (295) parallel to the mating direction to allow the electrical connector to float relative to the circuit board in the mating direction, wherein the electrical connector is movably coupled to the connector mount in a restricted surrounding portion in at least one floating direction perpendicular to the mating direction. The biasing member (244) includes a spring member (290) and a spring pin (291) extending along the compression axis (295). The spring member is compressible in the mating direction and surrounds the spring pin. The spring member is connected to at least one of the connector housing (252) and the bracket (242). The spring pin passes through an opening in a mounting feature (266) of the connector housing, and the spring pin (291) passes through a bracket opening (274) in the bracket (242). The bracket opening (274) is too large relative to the spring pin (291) to allow the spring pin (291) to move relative to the bracket (242), wherein a gap (296) is provided in the bracket opening (274) between the bracket (242) and the spring pin (291), the spring pin (291) moving with the connector housing (252) in the floating direction, and the size of the gap (296) changes as the connector housing (252) moves in the floating direction.

2. The circuit board assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The connector housing (252) includes a front and a rear portion, a first side (282) and a second side (283), a top (284) and a bottom (285), the bottom of the connector housing facing the circuit board (210), the mating end (258) located at the front portion, and the connector housing moving back and forth when floating along the mating direction.

3. The circuit board assembly (200) according to claim 2, wherein, The restricted surrounding part controls the floating motion in at least one of the left-right and up-down directions.

4. The circuit board assembly (200) according to claim 2, wherein, The restricted surrounding part controls the floating motion in the left-right and up-down directions.

5. The circuit board assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The bracket (242) includes a mounting plate (270) mounted to the circuit board (210) and a mounting tab (272) extending from the mounting plate. The biasing member (244) connects the mounting feature to the mounting tab. When moved in the mating direction, the connector housing (252) is able to move parallel to the mounting plate. When moved in the floating direction, the connector housing is able to move parallel to the mounting tab.

6. The circuit board assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein, A gap (276) is provided between the connector housing (252) and the connector mounting member (240), the size of which varies as the connector housing moves in the floating direction.

7. The circuit board assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein, As the connector housing moves in the mating direction, the connector housing (252) can slide along the spring pin (291).

8. The circuit board assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The opening (286) in the mounting feature (266) is too large relative to the spring pin (291) to allow the connector housing (252) to move relative to the spring pin in the floating direction.

9. The circuit board assembly (200) according to claim 8, wherein, The opening (286) is cylindrical and allows movement in at least two mutually perpendicular directions.

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