Electrical connector assembly with horizontal to vertical wafer interconnect

Abstract

An electrical connector assembly can include a plurality of horizontal wafer bodies used in combination with a plurality of vertical wafer bodies. The plurality of vertical wafer bodies can include a plurality of terminals interconnected with a set of non-high speed terminals located in the plurality of horizontal wafer bodies. The plurality of vertical wafer bodies can be positioned side-by-side and placed in engagement with a rear edge of the horizontal wafer bodies.

Description

[0001] Cross-citation of related applications

[0002] This application claims U.S. Provisional Application US63 / 089005 ('005 Application), filed on October 8, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] High-speed or high-data-rate electrical connectors often comprise multiple sheet-body assemblies supporting multiple conductive terminals. However, configuring a high-speed or high-data-rate connector (“high-speed” and “high-data-rate” may be used interchangeably herein) with multiple sheet-body assemblies containing separate, interconnected low-speed terminals and / or power terminals within such a minimal pin arrangement is challenging.

[0004] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a high-speed connector with a minimized pin arrangement, the high-speed connector comprising a plurality of sheet body assemblies, the plurality of sheet body assemblies including separated, interconnected low-speed terminals and / or power terminals but simultaneously maintaining sufficient electrical characteristics for transmitting signals at a high data rate. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure describes an electrical connector assembly for electrically interconnecting a first plurality of wafers (e.g., a plurality of horizontally arranged wafers) with a second plurality of wafers (e.g., a side-by-side assembly of a plurality of vertically arranged wafers). Each horizontal wafer may include a first set of terminals for transmitting high data rate signals and a second set of terminals for transmitting non-high data rate signals (e.g., low data rate signals and / or power connections). The side-by-side assembly of the plurality of vertically arranged wafers may be configured to include non-high-speed terminals pinned to the same number and positioned opposite the second set of terminals within the plurality of horizontal wafers, providing a path for transmitting non-high data rate signals separate from the path provided for high data rate signals exiting the plurality of horizontal wafers.

[0006] In one embodiment, an electrical connector assembly may include a plurality of horizontal wafers used in combination with a plurality of vertical wafers having non-high-speed terminals that interconnect with terminals of the same purpose within the plurality of horizontal wafers. In particular, each horizontal wafer may include a high-speed terminal configured to transmit signals at a high data rate and a non-high-speed terminal configured to transmit power and signals relative to the high-speed terminal at a low data rate. The high-speed terminal and the non-high-speed terminal may have a row of aligned contacts adjacent to a leading edge of the horizontal wafer and a terminal body extending rearward from the contacts, the terminal body terminating at a tail of a conductor of a cable that extends beyond a trailing edge of the horizontal wafer. Each horizontal wafer may include a grounding shield extending above or below a portion of the terminal body of the high-speed terminal. For example, the plurality of vertical sheet bodies can be positioned side by side, wherein each vertical sheet body includes a non-high-speed terminal, the non-high-speed terminal having a contact portion, a tail portion and a body portion between the contact portion and the tail portion, the contact portion being configured to engage with a tail portion of each non-high-speed terminal in the plurality of horizontal sheet bodies.

[0007] More specifically, in one embodiment, an electrical connector assembly may include: (i) a plurality of horizontal wafers, each horizontal wafer including a high-speed terminal configured to transmit signals at a high data rate (e.g., typically above 50 Gbps, potentially at a data rate equal to or greater than 112 Gbps) and a non-high-speed terminal configured to transmit power and signals at a low data rate (e.g., typically below 20 Gbps and often below 5 Gbps), wherein the high-speed terminal and the non-high-speed terminal include a row of contacts aligned at a leading edge adjacent to a horizontal wafer and a terminal body extending rearward from the contacts, the high-speed terminal being configured to terminate a conductor in a cable, wherein the cable extends beyond a trailing edge of the horizontal wafer and the non-high-speed terminal... The terminal is configured to terminate at a tail portion exposed at the trailing edge of the horizontal sheet body, and a grounding shield (e.g., a plastic element with a plated cover of a conductive material, or a stamped metal frame overmolded with plastic and / or a conductive plastic or some other known structure) is configured above or below a portion of the terminal body portion of the high-speed terminal; and (ii) a plurality of vertical sheets positioned side by side and each vertical sheet body including a plurality of terminals, each terminal including a contact portion (e.g., a C-clamp structure or a cantilever element including a conductive protrusion), a tail portion, and a body portion between the contact portion and the tail portion, and each contact portion is configured to abut against a tail portion of a non-high-speed terminal at an inner edge of the plurality of horizontal sheets body.

[0008] For example, the plurality of vertical sheet bodies may include a stepped structure for abutting with the plurality of inner edges of the plurality of horizontal sheet bodies.

[0009] In one embodiment, for example, when the contact portion includes a C-clamp structure, such a structure may include a pair of eyelet elements separated by a throat septum.

[0010] The electrical connector assembly of the present invention may further include: a support stabilizing element configured to support the plurality of vertical sheet bodies in a stable side-by-side position, and / or a positioning pin configured to pass through a set of through holes formed on each of the plurality of vertical sheet bodies and through holes formed in the end termination region of the insulating base, wherein the positioning pin is configured to support the plurality of vertical sheet bodies in an aligned relationship with the plurality of horizontal sheet bodies.

[0011] In one embodiment, the high-speed terminal may include a differential pair signal terminal and one or more ground terminals, and the electrical connector assembly may further include a ground shield configured to contact the ground terminals of adjacent contacts. For example, the high-speed terminals of each horizontal sheet may terminate in a cable configured to transmit signals at the high data rate.

[0012] Alternatively, in another embodiment, each vertical sheet body may be configured as a stepped structure and may include a plurality of separate landing steps that expose the contact portion of the terminal of each of the plurality of vertical sheet bodies, the plurality of separate landing steps being at least sufficient to support the exposed contact portions of the plurality of horizontal sheet bodies connected to the inner edge in a one-to-one relationship.

[0013] In addition to the electrical connector assemblies described above, other electrical connector assemblies are described herein. For example, in one embodiment, an exemplary electrical connector assembly may include: (i) a plurality of horizontal wafers, each horizontal wafer including a high-speed terminal configured to transmit signals at a high data rate and a non-high-speed terminal configured to transmit power and signals at a low data rate, wherein the high-speed terminal and the non-high-speed terminal include a row of aligned contacts adjacent to a leading edge of the horizontal wafer and a terminal body portion extending rearward from the contacts, at least a portion of the high-speed terminal being configured to terminate a conductor in a cable, but the non-high-speed terminal being configured to terminate with a tail portion protruding from a trailing edge, wherein the trailing edge near the tail portion... (ii) a plurality of vertical sheet bodies positioned side by side, each vertical sheet body including a plurality of terminals having a contact portion (e.g., a C-clamp structure), a tail portion, and a body portion between the contact portion and the tail portion, the contact portion being configured to engage with each non-high-speed terminal of the tail portion at the inner edge of the plurality of horizontal sheet bodies, wherein the plurality of vertical sheet bodies allow one vertical sheet body to precisely engage with each non-high-speed terminal of one of the plurality of horizontal sheet bodies, and wherein each of the plurality of horizontal sheet bodies has the same number of non-high-speed terminals.

[0014] Furthermore, the electrical connector assembly may include a support and stabilizing element configured to span and capture the plurality of vertical sheet bodies to support and stabilize their side-by-side arrangement. Additionally, each vertical sheet body of a connector assembly may include an alignment hole and a locating pin configured to pass through the alignment hole to support the plurality of vertical sheet bodies in a position aligned with the plurality of horizontal sheet bodies.

[0015] In one embodiment, the plurality of high-speed terminals may include a differential pair signal terminal.

[0016] Similarly, the additional electrical components may include an insulating base configured to surround an combined arrangement of the plurality of horizontal sheet bodies and the plurality of vertical sheet bodies. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the terminals of the plurality of vertical sheet bodies may be configured to exit through a bottom surface of the insulating base, while the high-speed terminals of the plurality of horizontal sheet bodies may be configured to exit through a surface of the insulating base other than the bottom surface.

[0017] The components of the electrical connector assembly are also disclosed, including but not limited to, a horizontal sheet body for use within an electrical connector assembly. The horizontal sheet body may include: a frame made of an insulating material, the frame element including a leading edge and a opposite trailing edge; a plurality of high-speed terminals configured to transmit signals at a high data rate and supported by the frame, each high-speed terminal including a contact end exposed at the leading edge of the frame element and a tail end exposed at the trailing edge, wherein a body portion of each high-speed terminal is embedded in the insulating material of the frame element; and non-high-speed terminals configured to transmit power and signals at a low data rate, wherein the non-high-speed terminals are aligned with the plurality of high-speed terminals and each non-high-speed terminal includes a contact end exposed at the leading edge of the frame element and a tail end exposed at an inner edge recessed from the trailing edge, wherein a body portion of each high-speed terminal is embedded in the insulating material of the frame.

[0018] The above features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages, will become clear from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] This disclosure is illustrated by way of example and is not limited to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals denote similar parts, and in the accompanying drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective top view of an exemplary electrical connector assembly for mates multiple horizontal sheet bodies with multiple vertical sheet bodies arranged side by side.

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional bottom view of the electrical connector assembly shown.

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A simplified side view of the electrical connector assembly.

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the electrical connector assembly.

[0024] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of a portion of an electrical connector assembly shows the spatial relationship between an exemplary insulating body and a plurality of horizontal sheet bodies, as well as between the plurality of horizontal sheet bodies and a collection of a plurality of vertical sheet bodies.

[0025] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional view of a horizontal sheet body viewed from above, showing the positions of various terminals.

[0026] Figure 7 yes Figure 6An exploded view of some components of a horizontal sheet body, particularly showing an exemplary frame that can be used to support multiple terminals and an external grounding shield (plated) with exposed grounding feet for mating with grounding terminals on the frame.

[0027] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Another exploded view of some components of the horizontal sheet body, this view particularly showing the combination of the frame and a lower grounding shield (also plated), the lower grounding shield having exposed grounding feet for mating with grounding terminals on the frame and... Figure 7 A combination of grounding shielding components is used to achieve EMI shielding for high-speed signal paths passing through connector assemblies.

[0028] Figure 9 A subsequent step in the assembly of an exemplary horizontal sheet is shown in a close-up view of a portion of the horizontal sheet, illustrating multiple independent conductors attached to the tails of their respective high-speed terminals exposed on the rear side of the horizontal sheet, and cables that can surround pairs of conductors as shown to form a biaxial wiring arrangement.

[0029] Figure 10 The formation of an exemplary horizontal sheet body is shown following the example of... Figure 9 The assembly steps for attaching conductors and cables are shown, with particular emphasis on a conductive guide frame added to provide shielding for the connection of high-speed terminals / conductors at the rear of a horizontal sheet body.

[0030] Figure 11 This is a perspective view taken from the side of a vertical sheet, showing a stepped structure of a frame and multiple terminals positioned to interconnect with low-speed terminals and / or power terminals (collectively referred to as "non-high-speed terminals") of multiple horizontal sheets.

[0031] Figure 12 This is an enlarged view showing an exemplary connector portion of a vertical sheet terminal combined with a tail portion of a non-high-speed terminal from a horizontal sheet before contact between the two sheets.

[0032] Figure 13 Is with Figure 13 Similarly, an enlarged view follows the connection between the two sheet bodies in this case, and further shows an exemplary position of the tail of a non-high-speed terminal within a C-clamp connection of a terminal of a vertical sheet body.

[0033] Figure 14 This is an isometric side view of a conductive terminal, which can be used in a vertical sheet to provide a connection to a non-high-speed terminal of a horizontal sheet.

[0034] Figure 15 This illustrates an organization of a set of vertical sheet bodies that can be interconnected with multiple horizontal sheet bodies to provide a path for non-high data rate signals.

[0035] Figure 16 It is an alternative interconnected arrangement of all open side views, employing multiple exemplary cantilever beams in multiple vertical sheet bodies to provide electrical connections to non-high-speed terminals in multiple horizontal sheet bodies.

[0036] Figure 17 It is an exploded isometric side view showing a relationship between an exemplary number of non-high-speed terminals formed in a horizontal sheet body that can be used to achieve interconnection and the number of vertical sheet bodies.

[0037] Figure 18 It is an isometric view of an exemplary combination of a group of horizontal sheet bodies and a group of vertical sheet bodies arranged side by side.

[0038] Figure 19 This is an isometric side view of an exemplary insulating base element and a plurality of horizontal sheet bodies that can be used in forming an electrical connector assembly.

[0039] Figure 20 Is with Figure 19 The related isometric side view further illustrates a relationship between a group of horizontal sheet bodies and a group of vertical sheet bodies arranged side by side.

[0040] Figure 21 Is with Figure 19 and Figure 20 A related isometric side view shows an exemplary assembled connector that may include a base, a plurality of horizontal sheet bodies, and a plurality of vertical sheet bodies arranged side by side.

[0041] Figure 22 It is an open side view of an exemplary combination of a plurality of horizontal sheet bodies and a plurality of vertical sheet bodies arranged side by side, wherein the terminals of the plurality of vertical sheet bodies may be formed to exit through a trailing edge of the vertical sheet bodies.

[0042] Figure 23 It is an exploded isometric side view of an exemplary connector assembly that may include a pair of horizontal sheet bodies and a plurality of interconnected side-by-side vertical sheet bodies. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The brevity and clarity in the illustrations and descriptions are intended to enable those skilled in the art to effectively make, use, and best practice the invention based on what is known in the art. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and variations can be made to the specific embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the specification and drawings should be considered illustrative and exemplary, not restrictive or all-encompassing, and all such modifications to the specific embodiments described herein are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that the following detailed description describes exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit to the explicitly disclosed combinations. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the features disclosed herein may be combined to form other combinations not otherwise described or shown for purposes of brevity.

[0044] It should also be noted that more than one exemplary embodiment may be described as a method. Although a method may be described in an exemplary order (i.e., sequentially), it should be understood that the method may also be performed in parallel, simultaneously, or synchronously. Furthermore, the order of the formation steps within a method may be rearranged. An illustrated method may terminate upon completion and may also include additional steps not described herein, for example, if known to those skilled in the art.

[0045] As used herein, the terms “implementation” or “exemplary” refer to an example that falls within the scope of this disclosure.

[0046] Reference Figures 1 to 4 An exemplary embodiment of an electrical connector assembly 10 (referred to as "assembly 10") is shown, wherein, Figure 1 This shows a side view of component 10. Figure 2 An isometric side view is shown, taken from the underside of component 10. Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 The side view of all open parts of component 10 is made by line 3-3, and Figure 4 An exploded view of a portion of the components of component 10 is shown. In one embodiment, for example, component 10 may include an insulating base 11, a plurality of horizontal sheet bodies 12, and a plurality of vertical sheet bodies 14, which may be made of, for example, a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) material or other desired resin. The base defines a slot 11a that includes a plurality of terminal slots 11b configured to align with at least some of the contacts of a plurality of high-speed terminals. The base also includes an alignment hole 11c that can be used to receive a pin (not shown) that can be inserted through the alignment hole 11c and through holes in the plurality of vertical sheet bodies to provide additional support.

[0047] In one embodiment, a plurality of horizontal sheet bodies 12 may engage with a plurality of vertical sheet bodies 14 within an insulating base 11, such that a plurality of non-high-speed terminals within the plurality of horizontal sheet bodies 12 mate with a plurality of connections (not shown) within the plurality of vertical sheet bodies 14 to transmit their respective low-speed data (e.g., 1Gbps) or power signals along a distinct electrical path separate from the path dedicated to signals that can be transmitted at a high data rate via the electrical connector assembly 10. In other words, in this embodiment, the high data rate signal passing through and along a separate set of terminals within the horizontal sheet bodies 12 is not connected to the plurality of vertical sheet bodies 14 but is directly connected to the mating high-speed structure (e.g., an electrical transmission cable such as a biaxial cable).

[0048] Looking back Figures 1 to 3 In the view, an exemplary configuration of the high data rate signal path 13H is shown as exiting at a trailing edge 10E of component 10, while the non-high data rate signal path 13N is shown as exiting along a bottom surface 10B of component 10. As will be appreciated, the high data rate signal path may be in the form of a cable with two conductors (such as, but not limited to, a biaxial cable) and may include various forms of shielded cable configurations, ranging from unshielded to wide, flat shielded to double-shielded or any other desired configuration.

[0049] An exemplary side-by-side arrangement of multiple vertical sheet bodies 14, combined with multiple horizontal sheet bodies 12, can form an electrical connector assembly 10 with a low profile and minimized pin arrangement (e.g., compact) that provides separate signal paths for high data rate signals, low data rate signals / / power signals, and provides direct-to-board connections for low data rate signals and / or power signals.

[0050] Continue, in Figure 4 In the exploded view, exemplary component 10 may include four separate horizontal sheet bodies 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4, each including a high-speed terminal 16 and a non-high-speed terminal 18. In one embodiment, the connection end 18c of the non-high-speed terminal 18 may be positioned aligned with the connection end 16c of the high-speed terminal 16.

[0051] The number of independent vertical tabs 14 used in the electrical connector assembly 10 can be selected such that at least one vertical tab 14 can be connected to each independent horizontal tab 12-i. For example... Figure 4 As shown, each vertical sheet 14 can be formed to present a stepped structure, the stepped structure including a set of landing steps for exposing the multiple separated vertical terminals 42 (see example...). Figure 11(Components 44-1, 44-2 in the above). For example, the number of landing steps formed within each vertical sheet 14 can be selected to accommodate the total number of at least independent horizontal sheets 12. In one embodiment, in an electrical connector assembly 10 comprising a set of four horizontal sheets 12, each vertical sheet 14 may include at least four separate landing steps; it is understood that two or more horizontal sheets may be employed if desired. Furthermore, in an electrical connector assembly 10 employing multiple horizontal sheets 12, each sheet having a set of five non-high-speed terminals 18, a set of five vertical sheets 14 (positioned side by side) can be used for full interconnection with the multiple terminals 18.

[0052] Now refer to Figure 5 The diagram illustrates an exemplary configuration of an electrical connector assembly 10, which is formed by inserting a plurality of horizontal sheet bodies 12 into an insulating base 11 and then inserting a plurality of vertical sheet bodies 14 side by side to engage with non-high-speed terminals that can be disengaged from the rear side of each horizontal sheet body 12.

[0053] Figure 6 An isometric side view of an exemplary horizontal sheet body 12 is shown, particularly illustrating an exemplary arrangement of high-speed terminals 16 and non-high-speed terminals 18 spanning the width of the sheet body 12. In one embodiment, the horizontal sheet body 12 may include a frame 20 formed of an insulating material and configured to include a leading edge 22 and a trailing edge 24. As shown, the frame 20 includes: a front portion 20a that supports the high-speed terminals 16 and non-high-speed terminals 18; and a rear portion 20b that overmolded on the front portion and overmolded onto the corresponding cable once the conductor is attached to the high-speed terminal 16. Naturally, if the conductor of the cable is pre-attached to the high-speed terminal 16, the frame 20 can be formed in a single molding operation.

[0054] The connecting portions 16C of multiple high-speed terminals 16 extend beyond the leading edge 22 of the frame 20 in an aligned manner, and the connecting portions 18C of multiple non-high-speed terminals 18 also extend beyond the leading edge 22 and can be further positioned to align with the connecting portions 16C. The body portions of terminals 16, 18 (e.g., Figure 7 The body part 16B shown below can be embedded in the insulating material of the frame 20 and supported by the insulating material of the frame 20.

[0055] Figure 7The diagram shows high-speed terminals 16 and non-high-speed terminals 18 that can be supported within a frame 19. The non-high-speed terminals 18 are clearly shown centrally positioned, while a set of high-speed terminals 16 are shown on each side. Each high-speed terminal 16 may be formed including a connecting portion 16C, a tail portion 16T, and a body portion 16B between the connecting portion 16C and the tail portion 16T. As described above, the body portion 16B may ultimately be embedded within the insulating material of the frame 20. Each non-high-speed terminal 18 may similarly be formed including a connecting portion 18C, a tail portion 18T, and a body portion 18B between the connecting portion 18C and the tail portion 18T (wherein, in Figure 7 In the view, the body portion 18B is hidden within the material of the frame 19. As will be discussed in detail later, the tail portion 18T of the non-high-speed terminal 18 terminates along an inner edge 28 of the frame 20 (see [reference]). Figure 6 The tail 16T may further extend from the frame 19 and subsequently attach to the conductor 21 of the cable, such as... Figure 9 As shown.

[0056] continue Figure 7 The description also shows a set of grounding terminals 17 on frame 19, which can be connected to other components to form a ground plane and provide EMI shielding for high-speed signal paths. Figure 7 In one exemplary embodiment shown, a grounding shield 30 may be located above the frame 19 and used to provide EMI shielding. As shown, the grounding shield 30 includes a set of grounding tabs 31 that can engage with a grounding terminal 17 when the grounding shield 30 is positioned above the frame 19.

[0057] To achieve the EMI shielding structure, the lower grounding shield 30A can also be used in combination with the frame 19. Figure 8 An example of this arrangement is shown, in which only frame 19 and the lower grounding shield 30A are shown for clarity (it will be understood that the grounding shield 30 located above frame 19 may also be included in this final structure). Grounding shield 30A includes a grounding guide frame 31A that can engage with grounding terminal 17 on frame 19.

[0058] Figure 9 This illustrates a subsequent step in an exemplary assembly of a horizontal sheet body 12. Figure 9 The tail 16T of the high-speed terminal 16 can be positioned on the lower side grounding shield 30A (see...). Figure 8A close-up view of the image. In this example, each high-speed terminal 16 is shown as a differential pair of conductive terminals 16a, 16b, which may be a preferred arrangement for supporting signal transmission at a high data rate. In one embodiment, the exemplary electrical connector assembly 10 can be used in a system supporting data transmission in a typical range of 100-120 Gbps (e.g., 112 Gbps). Separate conductors 21a, 21b may be attached to the pair of conductive terminals 16a, 16b. Figure 9 The example shown creates a structure with a set of four high-speed outputs, wherein the separate conductor pairs 21a, 21b are enclosed within a cable 26 (for illustrative purposes only). Figure 9 (As shown in the diagram, cables 261, 262, 263, and 264). Note that the cables can be configured in a desired biaxial configuration. A pair of grounding straps 30B1 and 30B2 can then be positioned at the wiring termination between the high-speed terminal 16 and conductor 21, as shown. Figure 10 As shown.

[0059] like Figures 7 to 10 The details of the assembly process of the horizontal sheet body 12 shown are intended to help understand the relationship with Figure 6 The operation of the horizontal sheet body 12 as described above, wherein the horizontal sheet body 12 and the vertical sheet body 14 are interconnected Figure 6 Further discussion will continue in the following paragraphs.

[0060] Reference Figure 6 In one embodiment, the tail 18T of the non-high-speed terminal 18 may protrude along a recessed trailing edge 28, which may be slightly recessed by an amount “S” relative to the trailing edge 24 of the frame 20. The amount “S” of the spacing between the recessed trailing edge 28 and the trailing edge 24 may vary for each horizontal sheet body 12 and may be designed to properly engage with the stepped construction of the vertical sheet body 14. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the amount S of the spacing may be in the range of 4 mm to 15 mm. For illustrative purposes, a set of five separate non-high-speed terminals 181-185 is shown in Figure 6 In the horizontal thin sheet body 12.

[0061] Now refer to Figure 11 The image shows an enlarged view of an exemplary vertical sheet body 14. The sheet body 14 may include a frame 40, which may be formed of an insulating material and configured to include one or more vertical terminals 42, which may form a plurality of non-high-speed terminals 18 of the horizontal sheet body 12 for connection to a circuit board (or other suitable low-speed / power leads); Figure 1One or more connections between (not shown). In this embodiment, each vertical terminal 42 is shown as having a connecting end 42C (configured to mate with a corresponding non-high-speed terminal 18 of a horizontal sheet body 12), a vertically configured tail end 42T, and a body portion 42B between the connecting end 42C and the tail end 42T. Figure 11 An exemplary tail 42T of the vertical terminal 42 is also shown. In one embodiment, the tail 42T may include a press-fit pin for terminating a low-speed data or power connection. Alternatively, a surface mount technology (SMT) type connection may be used as the tail of the vertical terminal 42. The frame 40 may include a plurality of landing steps 44, wherein each individual landing step may be used to support one of the plurality of horizontal sheet bodies 12 separated from the other. In particular, the recessed trailing edge 28 of the horizontal sheet body 12 may be positioned on the landing step 44 (see, for example, see...). Figure 13 In one embodiment, the staggered arrangement of multiple landing steps (i.e., a stepped structure) combined with the varying amount S of the intervals between the trailing edge 24 and the recessed trailing edge 28 causes a side-by-side arrangement of multiple vertical sheet bodies 14 to engage with multiple horizontal sheet bodies 12 in a compact, low-height manner.

[0062] exist Figure 11 In an exemplary embodiment, the vertical sheet body 14 includes a through hole 46, which can be used to support an optional retaining pin passing through a group of vertical sheets side by side (see [link]). Figure 17 An inclined surface 48 may be formed within the structure of the frame 40, as well as... Figure 11 As shown. In one embodiment, when multiple vertical sheet bodies 14 are positioned side by side, an optional tie bar 70 (which may be made of a metal alloy such as stainless steel) can be placed with the inclined surfaces 48 of the complete set (see, for example, see...). Figure 15 The connection is further supported and stabilized by joining the multiple vertical sheet bodies 14 with the multiple horizontal sheet bodies 12.

[0063] exist Figure 11 In one embodiment, the connecting end 42C of the vertical terminal 42 can be formed as a C-shaped clamp arrangement of a pair of eyelet (EON) type terminations 41, 43. Now refer to Figure 12 This image shows an enlarged view of an exemplary connection portion 42C and an associated tail end portion 18T exiting a horizontal sheet body 12 from a non-high-speed terminal 18. In one embodiment, the C-clamp arrangement of EONs 41, 43 guides the tail end portion 18T into a throat region 45 located between the two EONs 41, 43, wherein the movement of the tail end portion 18T is controlled by… Figure 12 The arrow in the image indicates this. Figure 13The EON 41, 43, which are compressed as the tail end 18T is guided (e.g., slid) into the C-clamp type connector 42C, exerts normal forces on the top and bottom surfaces of the tail end 18T.

[0064] Now refer to Figure 14 An isometric side view of an exemplary vertical terminal 42 is shown, which can be used as a... Figure 12 A component of the vertical sheet 14 in the illustrated embodiment. Figure 14 The diagram shows a plurality of vertical terminals 42 prior to monomerization and prior to overmolding, which may comprise a metallic material such as a copper alloy. A plurality of vertical terminals 42, shown as a row of four but possibly some other number, are used to form a vertical sheet body 14. The internal body portion 42B of each vertical terminal 42 is shown particularly in this view, wherein each body portion 42B terminates in its own independent tail portion 42T (here again shown as a press-fit foot).

[0065] Figure 15 An exemplary side-by-side configuration of a plurality of vertical sheet bodies 14 that can ultimately engage with the exposed ends of a plurality of horizontal sheet bodies 12 (not shown) is shown. Figure 15 The isometric side view shows an exemplary side-by-side arrangement of the connection ends 42C of a plurality of vertical terminals 42, wherein each individual connection end 42C is positioned to engage in a one-to-one relationship with a tail 18T from a non-high-speed terminal 18. For example, and as described above, if each horizontal sheet body includes an exemplary set of five separate non-high-speed terminals 181-185 (see... Figure 17 Thus, a group of five independent vertical sheet bodies (positioned side by side) can be used such that each terminal 181-185 of each horizontal sheet body 12-i has a mating non-high-speed connection. Similarly, the stepped construction of a group of vertical sheet bodies 14 arranged side by side shows that the number of landing steps 44 (and associated connection ends 42C) can be the same as the number of independent horizontal sheet bodies 12.

[0066] Figure 16 This is an open side view of an alternative interconnected configuration of multiple non-high-speed terminals 18 and multiple vertical sheet bodies 14. It does not employ... Figures 12 to 15The terminal shown has a C-type clip connector 42C, but may include a cantilevered conductive connection protrusion 47 disposed on the underside of the landing step 44 for contacting a non-high-speed tail 18T. In one embodiment, when engaging with a plurality of horizontal sheet bodies 12, the landing step 44 of the vertical sheet body 14 may apply a slight force to the tail 18T, guiding the tail 18T toward the contact conductive protrusion 47. The normal elastic force applied by the conductive protrusion 47 serves to maintain physical contact between the conductive protrusion 47 and the associated tail 18T. Similar to the vertical terminal 42 arranged above, the conductive connection protrusion 47 may subsequently extend as a conductor within the frame material 40 and exit along a connection surface, shown here as including a plurality of press-fit feet 47P exiting from a lower surface of the plurality of vertical sheet bodies 14.

[0067] Now refer to Figure 17 An exploded isometric side view is shown, illustrating the relationship between an exemplary number of non-high-speed terminals 18 formed within horizontal sheet bodies 12-1–12-4 and an exemplary number of vertical sheet bodies 14 available for interconnection with these terminals. Also evident in this view is the one-to-one relationship between the number of individual horizontal sheet bodies 12 and the number of individual landing steps (steps) formed in each vertical sheet body 14 to provide connection with each individual horizontal sheet body 12. As shown, a set of four individual horizontal sheet bodies 12-1–12-4 can be configured to form a plurality of horizontal sheet bodies, wherein each horizontal sheet body 12-i includes a set of five individual non-high-speed terminals 181–185. Thus, to engage with the set of five terminal portions 18T1–18T5 of each horizontal sheet body 12-i, a set of five vertical sheet bodies 14-1–14-5 can be used, such as… Figure 17 As shown. Each vertical sheet body 14-I can be constructed to be stepped to include a set of four separate landing steps 44-1-44-4 (and associated connecting ends 42C). An exemplary restraint plate 70 is also shown and can be configured to slide into a side-by-side position of a plurality of inclined surfaces 48, thereby supporting and stabilizing the assembly of a plurality of vertical sheet bodies 14.

[0068] Figure 18A cross-sectional view of an assembly of multiple horizontal sheet bodies 12 and a group of multiple vertical sheet bodies 14 arranged side by side is shown. This cross-sectional view is made longitudinally between vertical sheet bodies 14-1 and 14-2, so that one side SS of the vertical sheet body 14-2 is visible. Exemplary positions of the non-high-speed terminals 18 for each horizontal sheet body 12-1-12-4 are clearly visible in this view, as the exemplary horizontal sheet bodies 12-1-12-4 engage with separate landing steps 44-1-44-4 on the stepped vertical sheet body 14-2. The body portion 42B of the vertical terminals 42 within the vertical sheet body 14-2 is also shown in this view, which also shows that each terminal 42 terminates with a tail portion 42T, which can ultimately engage with a defined portion on a circuit board (or another similar type of structure).

[0069] Reference Figure 19 An isometric side view of an exemplary insulating base 11 and a plurality of horizontal sheet bodies 12 is shown, with arrows indicating which direction the horizontal sheet bodies 12 can be positioned within the base 11. More specifically, exemplary leading edges 22 of a plurality of frames 20 forming the plurality of horizontal sheet bodies 12 can be inserted into a rear opening of the base 11, wherein, when the plurality of horizontal sheet bodies 12 are fully inserted, the trailing edges 24 of the plurality of horizontal frames 20 are ultimately positioned aligned with a trailing edge 11B of the base 11. Cables 26 supporting signal paths associated with high-speed terminals 16 can exit the plurality of horizontal sheet bodies 12 along a set of trailing edges 24 as shown. The recessed trailing edges 28 of the plurality of horizontal sheet bodies 12 can be retained exposed in the assembly at this time, which allows a side-by-side assembly of a plurality of vertical sheet bodies 14 to engage with the non-high-speed terminals 18 of the plurality of horizontal sheet bodies 12. Indeed, Figure 20 A subsequent step in an exemplary assembly process is shown, wherein a side-by-side assembly of a plurality of vertical sheet bodies 14 may be inserted into an open area between a plurality of trailing edges 24 of a plurality of frames 20 (of a plurality of horizontal sheet bodies 12) to mate a plurality of recessed trailing edges 28 of the plurality of frames 20 in a manner previously discussed to provide an electrical connection between the non-high-speed terminals 18 of the plurality of horizontal sheet bodies 12 and an external structure (e.g., a circuit board).

[0070] Figure 21 An exemplary isometric side view of the electrical connector assembly 10 is shown, illustrating a plurality of vertical sheet bodies 14 connected to a horizontal sheet body 12 within an insulating base 11. In this view, a restraint plate 70 is used to secure the plurality of vertical sheet bodies 14 arranged side-by-side. Also shown in this view is an optional locating pin 80 through an assembly of through-holes 46 of the plurality of vertical sheet bodies 14, and a plurality of aligned through-holes 11c formed in the insulating base 11 (the plurality of through-holes 11c are preferably shown in…). Figure 19 and Figure 20(In the middle). As discussed earlier in this paper, the interconnection of multiple horizontal sheet bodies 12 and multiple vertical sheet bodies 14 provides a path for transporting non-high data rate signals (signals or power at a low data rate) without interfering with the path for transporting high data rate signals.

[0071] Figure 22 This is an all-open side view of an exemplary combination of a side-by-side assembly of multiple horizontal sheet bodies 12 and multiple vertical sheet bodies 14A. In this embodiment, each vertical sheet body 14A may include a set of non-high-speed terminals 100 that exit without passing through the bottom edges of the multiple vertical sheet bodies (as opposed to the multiple vertical connectors 42 discussed above). Instead, the non-high-speed terminals 100 are contained within each vertical sheet body 14 and remain within substantially the same horizontal plane, exiting at the rear surface of the connector assembly 10, similar to the positioning of a high-speed signal path, shown as surrounding... Figure 22 The cable 26 is in the view.

[0072] Reference Figure 23 The diagram shows an exemplary exploded isometric side view of an alternative electrical connector assembly 10A. In this embodiment, only one pair (e.g., two) of horizontal sheet bodies 12A are provided (in one case, this pair of horizontal sheet bodies may correspond to the “top” horizontal sheet body 12-1 and the “bottom” horizontal sheet body 12-4 in the previously discussed arrangement). Both horizontal sheet bodies 12A may include a set of five non-high-speed terminals 18. Accordingly, an identical side-by-side assembly of five independent vertical sheet bodies 14 can be connected to the pair of horizontal sheet bodies 12A to form the desired non-high-speed interconnection. In this embodiment, when the sheet bodies 12A, 14 are combined, the lower horizontal sheet body 12-1 may be positioned on the lowest landing step 44-1 of each vertical sheet body 14, while the upper horizontal sheet body 12-4 may be positioned on the highest landing step 44-4 of each vertical sheet body 14. Figure 23 Only one alternative is shown; for example, using a component consisting of a set of three horizontal sheet bodies is another feasible component configuration.

[0073] As can be appreciated from the above description, in some embodiments, a base supports a plurality of horizontal sheets that are coupled to a plurality of vertical sheets and is configured such that a plurality of high-speed signals extend from the rear of the plurality of horizontal sheets via a plurality of cables, while non-high-speed signals are directed downward toward a supported substrate via a plurality of vertical terminals coupled to a substrate by a desired attachment means such as, but not limited to, press fitting or SMT bonding. Furthermore, horizontal non-high-speed terminals in the plurality of horizontal sheets will engage vertical terminals in the plurality of vertical sheets.

[0074] It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides an example of the disclosed electrical connector assembly. However, other embodiments of this disclosure may be conceivable, differing in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to this disclosure or its examples are intended to refer to the specific example being discussed at that point in time and are not intended to imply any more general limitation on the scope of this disclosure. Unless otherwise stated herein, references to numerical ranges herein are intended only as a shorthand method for individually referring to each individual value falling within that range, and each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if individually referenced herein.

[0075] Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the appended claims as permitted by applicable law. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by the context, any combination of the foregoing elements in all possible variations is included in this disclosure. Also, the advantages described herein may not apply to all embodiments covered by the claims.

[0076] While the benefits, advantages, and problems of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that such benefits, advantages, and problems, as well as any elements that may cause or result in such benefits, advantages, or problems or make such benefits, advantages, or problems more apparent, should not be construed as key, required, or essential features or elements of any or all claims appended to or derived from this disclosure.

Claims

1. An electrical connector assembly, comprising: A base; Multiple horizontal sheet bodies are positioned in the base, each horizontal sheet body comprising: A pair of high-speed terminals, configured to transmit signals at a high data rate and connected to a conductor pair. Multiple non-high-speed terminals are configured to transmit power and signals at a low data rate. The pair of high-speed terminals and the plurality of non-high-speed terminals each include a row of aligned contacts along a leading edge of an adjacent horizontal sheet and a terminal body extending rearward from the contacts. The high-speed terminals terminate in a conductor of a cable extending from a trailing edge of the sheet, and the non-high-speed terminals are configured to terminate at a tail portion exposed at a recessed trailing edge of the horizontal sheet. A grounding shield is positioned above or below a portion of the terminal body of the high-speed terminal; and Multiple vertical thin sheets, wherein the multiple vertical thin sheets are positioned side by side and each vertical thin sheet includes: Multiple vertical terminals, each vertical terminal including a contact portion, a tail portion and a body portion between the contact portion and the tail portion, and each contact portion is configured to dock with a tail portion of each non-high-speed terminal at the recessed rear edge of the multiple horizontal sheet bodies.

2. The electrical connector assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The high-speed terminal is configured to support a signal rate of 50Gbps.

3. The electrical connector assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The high-speed terminal is configured to support a signal rate of 100Gbps.

4. The electrical connector assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The plurality of vertical sheet bodies include a stepped structure for abutting the plurality of recessed trailing edges of the plurality of horizontal sheet bodies.

5. The electrical connector assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The contact portion of the vertical terminal includes a C-shaped clip structure.

6. The electrical connector assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The C-type clip structure includes a pair of pinhole elements separated by a throat septum.

7. The electrical connector assembly of claim 1, further comprising: A restraint plate is configured to support and stabilize the plurality of vertical sheet bodies in a stable side-by-side position.

8. The electrical connector assembly of claim 1, further comprising: A positioning pin is configured to pass through a set of perforations formed on each of the plurality of vertical sheet bodies and a perforation formed in the end termination region on the insulated base, the positioning pin supporting the plurality of vertical sheet bodies in a relationship of alignment with the plurality of horizontal sheet bodies.

9. The electrical connector assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The grounding shield includes a stamped metal frame that is overmolded with plastic.

10. The electrical connector assembly of claim 1, wherein, The tail of each terminal in the vertical sheet body includes a press-fit tail or a surface mount technology (SMT) tail.

11. The electrical connector assembly of claim 1, wherein, Each vertical sheet is configured in a stepped structure and includes a plurality of separate landing steps that expose the contact portion of each terminal of the vertical sheet, the plurality of separate landing steps being at least sufficient to support each exposed contact portion of the plurality of horizontal sheets extending from the recessed trailing edge in a one-to-one relationship.

12. An electrical connector assembly, comprising: A base; Multiple horizontal thin sheets, each including: A framework; Multiple high-speed terminals, configured to transmit signals at a high data rate and supported by the frame, and Multiple non-high-speed terminals, supported by the frame, are configured to transmit power and signals at a low data rate. The multiple high-speed terminals and the multiple non-high-speed terminals each include a row of aligned contacts adjacent to a leading edge of the horizontal sheet and a terminal body extending rearward from the contacts. The high-speed terminals terminate cables extending beyond a trailing edge of the horizontal sheet, but the non-high-speed terminals are configured to extend from a slightly recessed inner edge at the trailing edge. Multiple vertical thin sheets, wherein the multiple vertical thin sheets are positioned side by side and each vertical thin sheet includes: A framework; Multiple terminals, each including a contact portion, a tail portion, and a body portion between the contact portion and the tail portion, the contact portion being configured to engage with a tail portion of each non-high-speed terminal at the inner edge of the multiple horizontal sheets, wherein the multiple vertical sheets are such that one vertical sheet is directed to each non-high-speed terminal in a respective horizontal sheet of the multiple horizontal sheets, and wherein each horizontal sheet of the multiple horizontal sheets has the same number as the non-high-speed terminals.

13. The electrical connector assembly of claim 12, wherein, The electrical connector assembly is configured to support a high data rate of 50 gigabits per second (Gbps).

14. The electrical connector assembly of claim 13, wherein, The electrical connector assembly is configured to support a high data rate of 100Gbps.

15. The electrical connector assembly of claim 12, wherein, At least one contact portion of one terminal of a vertical sheet body includes a C-clamp structure.

16. The electrical connector assembly of claim 12, further comprising: A supporting stabilizing element is configured to span and capture the plurality of vertical sheet bodies to support and stabilize the side-by-side arrangement.

17. A horizontal sheet body for use within an electrical connector assembly, comprising: A frame, made of an insulating material, having a leading edge and a opposite trailing edge; Multiple high-speed terminals, supported by the frame and configured to transmit signals at a high data rate, each high-speed terminal including a contact end exposed at the leading edge of the frame element and a tail end terminating in a conductor of a biaxial cable extending from the trailing edge, wherein a body portion and the tail end of each high-speed terminal are embedded within an insulating material of the frame element; and, Multiple non-high-speed terminals, supported by the frame and configured to transmit signals at a low data rate, wherein the multiple non-high-speed terminals are aligned with the multiple high-speed terminals and each non-high-speed terminal includes a contact portion exposed at the leading edge of the frame element and a tail end portion exposed at a recessed trailing edge, wherein a body portion of each non-high-speed terminal is embedded in the frame, wherein the recessed trailing edge is configured to engage the contact portion of a terminal of a mating vertical sheet body.

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