Connector assembly with U-shaped shield and ground plate

Abstract

An electrical connector is described that can be used in sandwich applications. In one example, a sheet in the electrical connector includes a ground shield, two terminals extending within the ground shield, an insulating frame, and a cover plate. The ground shield includes two sidewalls defining a trench. A first ground shield terminal head and a second ground shield terminal together form a ground shield terminal pair at a first end of the sheet. A first signal terminal and a second signal terminal together form a terminal pair residing in the trench. The insulating frame holds the ground shield and the terminal pair, and the cover plate is electrically coupled to the ground shield and extends over the trench.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. US63 / 371210, filed on August 11, 2023, entitled “Connector Assembly,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Art

[0003] As an example, designing interconnect system connectors for high data rate applications where physical space is constrained can be challenging due to many competing concerns. High data rate interconnect systems often rely on differentially coupled signal pairs, in which two conductors are arranged as a pair to transmit a differential signal. The signal being transmitted is embodied by the electrical difference measured between the conductor pairs. Differential signaling can help avoid parasitic signals and crosstalk and avoid unintentional signaling modes between adjacent signal pairs. In the connector interface, ground terminals can be relied upon to create a return path for electrical grounding, to provide shielding between differential pairs, and for other purposes.

[0004] Connectors used in high data rate applications are typically designed to meet a range of mechanical and electrical requirements. As an example, high data rate connectors are often used in backplane applications that require very high conductor density and data rates. In order to achieve the required mechanical and electrical requirements, connectors used in such applications often incorporate one or more wafer assemblies. The wafer assembly may include an insulative web that supports the terminal conductors in the wafer assembly. The use of a wafer assembly can help to utilize many different assembly processes to manufacture connectors that can achieve high data rates. In any case, it is still challenging to design a wafer with the conductor density and small pin arrangement required for high data rate applications in new systems while maintaining the desired electrical characteristics for the transmission of data under integrity. Technical Field

[0005] The present disclosure relates to the field of connectors suitable for use in high data rate applications. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to various aspects, an electrical connector is described. In a first aspect, an electrical connector is described, comprising: a sheet assembly including a plurality of sheets, wherein at least one of the plurality of sheets includes: a ground shield having two side walls defining a groove, the ground shield including: a first ground shield terminal head and a second ground shield head terminal, together forming a ground shield terminal pair located at a first end of the at least one of the plurality of sheets; and a ground shield tail located at a second end of the at least one of the plurality of sheets; a first signal terminal and a second signal terminal, together forming a terminal pair located in the groove, the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal each having a terminal head disposed between the ground shield terminal pair at the first end and a terminal tail located at the second end; an insulating frame that holds the ground shield and the terminal pair; and a cover electrically connected to the ground shield and extending over the groove.

[0007] The groove is a U-shaped groove, the cover plate is located laterally with respect to a midpoint of one of the plurality of thin sheets, and the insulating frame and the U-shaped groove together define a plurality of openings. The cover plate covers at least one of the plurality of openings. The at least one of the plurality of openings covered by the plurality of openings is a respective opening closest to the terminal head of the terminal pair.

[0008] The tail of the ground shield is a single tail of the ground shield that corresponds to the tails of the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal in a one-to-two manner. The terminal pair is a pair of multiple terminal pairs; the ground shield is one of multiple ground shields; in a first part of the multiple terminal pairs, the tails of the ground shields of the multiple ground shields are a single tail of the ground shield that corresponds to the tails of the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal in a one-to-two manner; and in a second part of the multiple terminal pairs, the tails of the ground shields of the multiple ground shields are one of two tails of the ground shield that correspond to the tails of the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal in a two-to-two manner.

[0009] The insulating frame includes a plurality of protrusions, and the plurality of protrusions form an interference fit or a friction fit with a plurality of openings located on a bottom surface of the ground shield. The at least one of the plurality of thin sheets also includes: a connector, separated from the terminal pair and located parallel to the terminal pair, wherein the connector includes a plurality of teeth configured to engage with corresponding teeth of the insulating frame. The connector is one of a plurality of connectors.

[0010] The terminal pair is one of a plurality of terminal pairs, and a first portion of the plurality of connectors is located outside of and parallel to a terminal pair at a first end, while a second portion of the plurality of connectors is located outside of and parallel to a terminal pair at a second end. The connector is a hermaphroditic connector configured to be detachably attached to another connector that is independent of and identical to the connector.

[0011] The insulating frame extends into the groove so that the two signal terminals are each wrapped by the insulating frame, wherein the insulating frame maintains the two signal terminals at a predetermined distance above a bottom surface of the ground shield and a predetermined distance from the two side walls of the ground shield. The insulating frame maintains each of the two signal terminals at a predetermined distance relative to the other. The insulating frame also includes a plurality of spacers extending downwardly relative to a body of the insulating frame, wherein the spacers are located between the ground shield and another adjacent ground shield. The spacers extend downwardly below a bottom surface of the ground shield.

[0012] In a second aspect, an electrical connector is described, comprising: at least one sheet, the at least one sheet including a first signal terminal and a second signal terminal together forming a terminal pair, the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal each having a terminal head at a first end of the at least one sheet and a terminal tail at a second end of the at least one sheet opposite to the first end; and a ground shield having two side walls, the two side walls defining a U-shaped groove in which the terminal pair resides, the ground shield including: a first ground shield terminal head and a second ground shield head terminal together forming a ground shield terminal pair located at the first end of the at least one of the plurality of sheets; and a ground shield tail located at the second end of the at least one of the plurality of sheets. The ground shield includes two side walls having a plurality of notches symmetrically relative to each other, wherein the notches are cut-away portions provided on the side walls, the notches being configured to allow an insulating frame and a cover to engage and retain the at least one sheet.

[0013] The cover plate is located laterally with respect to a midpoint of the at least one sheet body, the insulating frame and the U-shaped groove together define a plurality of openings, and the cover plate covers at least one of the plurality of openings. The at least one of the plurality of openings covered by the plurality of openings is a respective opening closest to the terminal head of the terminal pair.

[0014] The terminal pair is a pair among a plurality of terminal pairs; the grounding shield is one of a plurality of grounding shields; in a first part of the plurality of terminal pairs, the grounding shield tails of the plurality of grounding shields are a single grounding shield tail that corresponds to the terminal tails of the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal in a one-to-two manner; and in a second part of the plurality of terminal pairs, the grounding shield tails of the plurality of grounding shields are one of two grounding shield tails that correspond to the terminal tails of the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal in a two-to-two manner.

[0015] The at least one thin sheet also includes a connector separated from the terminal pair and located parallel to the terminal pair, wherein the connector includes a plurality of teeth configured to engage with corresponding teeth of the insulating frame; the terminal pair is one of a plurality of terminal pairs; a first portion of the plurality of connectors is located outside the terminal pair at a first end and parallel to the terminal pair at the first end; and a second portion of the plurality of connectors is located outside the terminal pair at a second end and parallel to the terminal pair at the second end.

[0016] In other aspects, methods for providing or employing any combination of the aforementioned electrical connectors or portions thereof are disclosed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Many aspects of the present disclosure may be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, but emphasis is placed on clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. In addition, in the drawings, similar reference numerals throughout the several views represent corresponding parts.

[0018] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of an electrical connector according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 2 is another top perspective view of an electrical connector according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 3 is a bottom perspective view of an electrical connector according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an electrical connector according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 5 is a top cross-sectional view of an electrical connector according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 6 is a top plan view of a wafer assembly portion of an electrical connector according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 7 and Figure 8 is an enlarged front perspective view of a thin sheet body of an electrical connector according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 is an enlarged rear perspective view of a thin sheet body of an electrical connector according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Fig.11 is a top perspective view of a ground shield for use in an electrical connector according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig.12 is a top perspective view of a signal connector for use in an electrical connector according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig.13 is a side perspective view of a signal connector and an insulating frame for use in an electrical connector according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] Fig.14 is a top partial perspective view of a wafer body for use in an electrical connector according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Fig.15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a rear portion of a wafer body for use in an electrical connector according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The present disclosure relates to the field of connectors suitable for use in high data rate applications. Computers, networking systems, and telecommunications equipment often have designs that require complex printed circuit boards (PCBs) and integrated circuit (IC) routing along with expensive multilayer boards that increase the cost of various applications. The connectors described herein allow one to simplify IC and PCB routing without sacrificing performance, while also enabling one to avoid the expense of large, complex multilayer boards.

[0032] According to various embodiments, an electrical connector is described as including a wafer assembly having a plurality of wafers stacked relative to each other (e.g., in a stacked arrangement). One or more of the plurality of wafers includes a ground shield having two side walls defining a groove. The ground shield includes a first ground shield terminal lead and a second ground shield lead terminal, the first ground shield terminal lead and the second ground shield lead terminal together forming a ground shield terminal pair located at a first end of the at least one of the plurality of wafers. The ground shield also includes a ground shield tail located at a second end of the at least one of the plurality of wafers.

[0033] The electrical connector also includes a first signal terminal and a second signal terminal, wherein the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal together form a terminal pair that can be located in the groove. The first signal terminal and the second signal terminal each have a terminal head disposed between the ground shield terminal pair at the first end and a terminal tail located at the second end. In addition, the connector includes an insulating frame that holds the ground shield and the terminal pair and a cover plate connected to the insulating frame. The cover plate can be electrically connected to the ground shield.

[0034] Turning now to the accompanying drawings, Figures 1 to 4 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a connector 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 1 and Figure 2 A reverse top perspective view of the connector 100 is shown, and Figure 3 A bottom perspective view of the connector 100 is shown. In addition, for explanatory purposes, an exploded view of the connector 100 is shown in FIG. Figure 4 .

[0035] Refer to Figures 1 to 4 , the connector 100 shown is a representative example and is not drawn to any particular scale or size. The shape, size, ratio, and other characteristics of the connector 100 can vary relative to what is shown. For example, the connector 100 can accommodate more or fewer rows of terminals (e.g., the connector 100 can be wider or narrower), and other variations are within the scope of the examples described herein. In addition, as shown in the drawings and as described herein, one or more parts or components of the connector 100 can be omitted in some cases. As can be appreciated, the connector 100 may also include other parts or components not shown.

[0036] Generally, the connector 100 includes, among other components, a base 103, a wafer assembly 106, and a ground tail aligner 109. In various embodiments, the connector 100 may further include retaining clips 112a, 112b adapted to be located on opposite sides of the base 103, such as Figure 4 The retaining clips 112a, 112b can also retain the wafer assembly 106 relative to the base 103 and / or the ground tail alignment member 109. For example, the retaining clip 112 can include a plurality of protrusions 113 located in corresponding openings 114 located on the base 103, wherein the protrusions engage the wafer assembly 106 when protruding through the openings 114 and retain the wafer assembly 106 relative to the base 103.

[0037] Refer to Figures 1 to 4 , the base 103 can be configured to support the wafer assembly 106 and can be formed of an insulating material (such as plastic or other suitable material). As such, the base 103 can be referred to as an insulating base in some contexts. The ground tail alignment member 109 can similarly be formed of an insulating material (such as plastic, plated plastic, or other polymer material) and can have features that help hold the plurality of wafers 115a...115n (collectively, "wafers 115") in the wafer assembly 106 together. For example, the ground tail alignment member 109 can include a plurality of comb projections 118 ( Figure 4 ), the plurality of comb-shaped protrusions 118 are suitable for use as Figures 1 to 3 A desired alignment and configuration is shown for holding the wafer assembly 106 and / or the wafers 115 of the wafer assembly 106 .

[0038] The base 103 can also include a bottom mounting surface 121 suitable for connection to a circuit board or other hardware and placed on the surface of the circuit board or other hardware. As can be appreciated, the connector 100 allows a mechanical and electrical connection between multiple circuit boards (e.g., ICs, PCBs, etc.) via the wafer assembly 106 or more specifically the wafer body 115 of the wafer assembly 106. It can be appreciated that multiple circuit boards can be aligned in a stacked arrangement using the connector 100 in a mezzanine-type arrangement. However, intermediate connectors that can allow other arrangements such as orthogonal arrangements between multiple circuit boards can be used. In any case, when connected to a circuit board, the multiple terminal rows within the base 103, which include terminal conductors, among other things, will be placed on and contact the contacts of the circuit board, wherein the contacts are generally located on the top of the circuit board.

[0039] The base 103 can also include a base clip 119 located on a first side of the base 103 and a base clip socket 122 located on an opposite second side of the base 103. It is understood that the base clip 119 can engage a corresponding base clip socket (not shown) of another connector (e.g., a free end connector, circuit board connector, or other desired connector) to maintain a connection between the two connectors. Similarly, the base clip socket 122 can engage a corresponding base clip of another connector to maintain a connection between the two connectors. The base clip socket 122 can be defined by two protruding sides 123a, 123b and an edge 125. The two protruding sides 123 can have an L-shaped configuration, such as Figures 1 to 4 However, it is understood that other configurations can also be used. A base clip of another connector (not shown) can slide under an engagement with the edge 125 via a lip or a protrusion of the other connector, wherein the two protruding sides 123 can also hold the base clip or a portion of the base clip between the two.

[0040] Now turn to Figures 5 to 9 , various views of a representative wafer 115 of the wafer assembly 106 are shown according to various embodiments. It is understood that the wafer assembly can include multiple Figures 5 to 9 The thin sheet body 115 shown. For example, multiple Figures 5 to 9 The sheets 115 shown can be stacked together in a vertical arrangement, such as Figure 4 The exploded view of the connector 100 is shown in FIG. Figure 5 A top cross-sectional view of the sheet body 115 is shown. Figure 6 A top plan view of the sheet body 115 is shown. Figure 7 and Figure 8 An enlarged front perspective view of the sheet body 115 is shown, and Fig. 9 and Fig.10 An enlarged rear perspective view of a wafer body 115 is shown according to various embodiments.

[0041] Refer to Figures 5 to 10 , the sheet 115 can include signal terminals 124a, 124b that together form a terminal pair 126. Each of the two signal terminals 124a, 124b can be formed of a conductive material (such as copper or other suitable conductive material). The terminal pair 126 can be stamped or sheered from a metallic conductive lead frame. In some embodiments, the retaining clip 112 can be stamped out of the lead frame at the same time as the terminal pair 126.

[0042] Each terminal pair 126 can be supported by an insulating frame 127, wherein the insulating frame 127 can also be formed of plastic or other insulating materials. In addition, each terminal pair 126 can be nested in or otherwise positioned relative to a ground shield 130, wherein the ground shield 130 is supported or otherwise retained by the insulating frame 127. As can be appreciated, the insulating frame 127 can be formed by a process such as injection molding. The ground shield 130 can similarly be formed of a conductive material.

[0043] Briefly, an enlarged perspective view of the ground shield 130 is shown in FIG. Fig.11 . The ground shield 130 includes a longitudinally extending body having ground contact leads 133a, 133b that together form a ground terminal pair 134. In addition, the ground shield 130 includes a ground shield tail 136 and a body 139 extending between the contact lead 133 and the ground shield tail 136. When the two signal terminals 124a, 124b are located in a U-shaped groove 142 of the ground shield 130, the two ground contact terminals 133a, 133b can be located outside the two signal terminals 124a, 124b, so that the two signal terminals 124a, 124b are located between the two ground contact terminals 133a, 133b. Although Fig.11 The illustrated ground shield 130 shows a single ground shield tail 136, however, in some embodiments, the ground shield 130 can include two ground shield tails 136a, 136b, such as Fig. 9 The leftmost ground shield 130 is shown visible. Although the various embodiments described herein relate to a U-shaped groove 142, it is understood that other groove shapes, such as a V-shaped groove, may be equally employed.

[0044] Return to reference Figures 5 to 10 , the two signal terminals 124a, 124b each include a terminal lead 145, a terminal tail 148, and a body 151 extending between the terminal lead 145 and the terminal tail 148. Fig. 9, the terminal tails 148a, 148b of the leftmost terminal pair 126 are shown. As can be appreciated, in some embodiments, the bodies 151 of the two signal terminals 124a, 124b can be coupled together to form a differential pair for differential signal transmission. Alternatively, the insulating frame 127 can hold the bodies 151 of the two signal terminals 124a, 124b in a parallel but spaced arrangement to form a differential pair. In any case, the insulating frame 127 is configured to support a plurality of terminal pairs 126, such as eight or more such pairs. However, it is understood that other numbers of terminal pairs 126 may also be used depending on a desired specification. As described above, each terminal pair 126 aligns the bodies 151 of the two terminals in an edge-to-edge configuration so that when the two terminals 124 are stamped, molded or otherwise formed into the sheet body 115, the spacing between the two terminals can be carefully controlled.

[0045] like Figure 6 As shown in the top plan view of , the sheet body 115 can also include a cover 154. In various embodiments, the cover 154 can be formed of a conductive material and can add stability and rigidity to the overall construction of the sheet body 115. In addition, because the cover 154 is conductive, the cover 154 can provide electrical isolation, thereby improving the quality of the signal provided by the terminal pair 126. The cover 154 can be located between the ends of the terminal pair 126, and in some embodiments, can have a width that is less than a width of the terminal pair 126. In order to reduce the amount of material required to provide the cover 154, and because the cover 154 is smaller than the terminal pair 126, the cover 154 can be provided. Figure 6 A large cover body as shown does not provide a significant improvement in signal isolation, so the cover 154 can be located laterally or offset with respect to a midpoint M so that the cover 154 is located closer to the terminal heads 145 of each terminal pair 126 than to the rear end of the sheet body 115. In some embodiments, the cover 154 can at least partially cover the openings 157a...157c (collectively referred to as "openings 157") defined by the shape of the body of the ground shield 130 and the insulating frame 127, thereby preventing signal attenuation that may occur due to one or more of the openings 157.

[0046] The ground shield 130 can be mounted on the insulating frame 127. In addition, the ground shield 130 can provide a U-shaped groove 142. Fig.11, the U-shaped groove 142 can be defined by two side walls 160a, 160b, wherein the terminal pair 126 is located between the two side walls 160a, 160b. As can be appreciated, the ground shield 130 provides board-side coupling with the terminal pair 126 and provides a return path while also helping to shield the terminal pair 126 from adjacent terminal pairs 126 in the same sheet body 115 and in adjacent sheets 115. When located in the insulating frame 127, the two side walls 160a, 160b can protrude slightly above a top surface of the insulating frame 127, can extend to an area slightly below a top surface of the insulating frame 127, or can be substantially flush with the top surface of the insulating frame 127.

[0047] The ground shield 130 can also include a plurality of notches 163a . . . 163e (collectively referred to as “notches 163”) symmetrically relative to each other, wherein the notches 163 include cut-away portions provided in the sidewalls 160 of the ground shield 130. In some embodiments, the notches 163 can include an area that holds a portion of the cover 154, such as laterally extending protrusions 165 of the cover 154, which can form a physical and an electrical connection between the ground shield 130 and the cover 154. Similarly, the notches 163 can hold a portion of the insulating frame 127 to form a physical connection between the ground shield 130 and the insulating frame 127. In addition, the cover 154 can be located above a first notch 163a (or portions of the notches 163 that are located laterally with respect to the midpoint M) to account for potential interference generated by the large U-shaped cutout of the first notch 163a in the two sidewalls 160. As can be appreciated, the U-shaped groove 142 thereby provides a three-sided shield for the terminal pair 126 from tail to contact in a generally continuous manner.

[0048] Furthermore, the ground shield 130 can include one or more openings 166 located on a bottom surface 169 of the ground shield 130. In order to connect the ground shield 130 to the dielectric frame 127, the dielectric frame 127 can include a plurality of protrusions 172 that form an interference fit, friction fit, etc. with the corresponding openings 166. The openings 166 and / or the protrusions 172 can be similarly and correspondingly shaped, such as Fig.11 and Fig.13 Alternatively, the opening 166 and / or the protrusion 172 can be oval, square, triangular, star-shaped, rectangular, etc.

[0049] The ground shield 130 can also include a sidewall protrusion 175. The sidewall protrusion 175 can be located on a top surface of a vertical extension 178, wherein the vertical extension 178 includes an area on the ground surface on the opposite side of the recess 163, such as Fig.11 The side wall protrusions 175 can protrude through the corresponding openings 181 of the cover plate 154, as shown. Figure 7 As best shown, further bonding and electrical coupling (and grounding effect) is provided between the ground shield 130 and the cover 154 .

[0050] like Fig. 9 As best seen in the rear perspective view of the wafer body 115 shown, the signal terminals 124a, 124b are not directly located on the bottom surface 169 of the U-shaped groove 142. However, they are slightly elevated relative to the bottom surface 169 while maintaining a close distance. Due to the compact arrangement of the two signal terminals 124a, 124b relative to the ground shield 130, additional wafer bodies 115 can be added to the connector 100 and / or additional terminal pairs 126 can be implemented in the connector 100 without substantially increasing the size of the connector 100.

[0051] In various embodiments, connector 100 can be a hermaphroditic connector so that a separate and identical connector can be aligned and connected to the Figure 1 1. The connector 100 shown. For example, as described above, the base 103 can include a base clip 119 located on a first side of the base 103 and a base clip receptacle 122 located on an opposite second side of the base 103. It is understood that the base clip 119 can engage a base clip receptacle (not shown) of another hermaphroditic connector to maintain a connection between the two connectors. Similarly, the base clip receptacle 122 can engage a corresponding base clip of the other hermaphroditic connector to maintain a connection between the two connectors. In various embodiments, the connector 100 can handle 112Gb transmission while still being low-cost and relatively easy to manufacture.

[0052] Refer again Fig. 9 It can be seen that in a first portion of the plurality of terminal pairs 126 (e.g., the seven terminal pairs 126 on the far right), the ground shield tail 136 is a single ground shield tail corresponding to the signal terminals 124a, 124b or more specifically, the terminal tails 148a, 148b of the signal terminals 124a, 124b. In other words, the ground shield tail 136 corresponds to the terminal tails 148 of the first signal terminal 124a and the second signal terminal 124b in a one-to-two manner. In addition, Fig. 9As shown, in a second portion (e.g., the leftmost terminal pair 126) of the plurality of terminal pairs 126, the ground shield tail 136a is one of the two ground shield tails 136a, 136b. Thus, in the second portion of the terminal pairs 126, the ground shield tails 136 correspond to the terminal tails 148 of the first signal terminal 124a and the second signal terminal 124b in a two-to-two manner. The ground shield tails 136 extend rearwardly away from a laterally extending platform 184 relative to a rear portion of the ground shield 130. Thus, each of the ground shield tails 136, the terminal tails 148a, and the terminal tails 148b are in line with each other.

[0053] Turn again Fig.12 , the sheet 115 can include one or more connectors 187a...187d (collectively referred to as "connectors 187" or "conductive connectors"). To facilitate the manufacture of the sheet 115, the connectors 187 can be formed from the same guide frame as the terminal pairs 126, the retaining clips 112, and / or other components formed from a guide frame. Thus, as can be appreciated, the connectors 187 can be conductive and formed from copper or other conductive materials.

[0054] like Fig.12 As shown, the connector 187 can be separate from the terminal pairs 126, or there can be a connection between the connector 187 and an outermost signal terminal 124. In any case, the connector 187 is located parallel to the terminal pairs 126. The connector 187 includes one or more scalloped sides having a plurality of teeth or protrusions that are configured to engage corresponding teeth of the insulating frame 127 during, for example, an injection molding process of the insulating frame 127. Fig.14 1 is a perspective view showing an interference connection between the teeth of the insulating frame 127 and the teeth of the connector 187. A first portion of the plurality of connectors 187 (e.g., connectors 187a, 187b) is located outside and parallel to the terminal pair 126 at a first end, and a second portion of the plurality of connectors 187 (e.g., connectors 187c, 187d) is located outside and parallel to the terminal pair 126 at a second end.

[0055] Continue to Fig.15 , shows an enlarged cutaway view of a rear portion of the sheet body 115. Fig.15, the insulating frame 127 is shown extending into the U-shaped groove 142, so that the two signal terminals 124a, 124b are each wrapped by the insulating frame 127. In this way, the insulating frame 127 maintains the two signal terminals 124a, 124b a predetermined distance above the bottom surface 169 of the ground shield 130 and a predetermined distance from each side wall 160 of the ground shield 130. In addition, the insulating frame 127 maintains each of the two signal terminals 124a, 124b at a predetermined distance relative to the other. The insulating frame 127 also includes a plurality of spacers 190 extending downwardly relative to a body of the insulating frame 127, wherein the spacers 190 are located between adjacent ground shields 130. As can be appreciated, the spacers 190 can provide further electrical and signal isolation. The spacers 190 can extend below the bottom surface 169 of the ground shield 130.

[0056] The connector 100 can incorporate additional features that provide additional support, rigidity, and other benefits to maintain the integrity of electrical connections and data communications between terminal conductors within the connector 100 and, for example, contacts in a connector mating with the connector 100. The connector 100 can be designed for use with a mezzanine interconnect system, but the connector support structure concepts described herein are not limited to use with any particular type or style of interconnect system.

[0057] The above-mentioned features, structures or characteristics may be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner, and if possible, the features discussed in the various embodiments may be interchangeable. In the following description, many specific details are provided to fully understand the multiple embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the technical solutions of the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the many specific details, or other methods, components, materials, etc. may be adopted. In other cases, known structures, materials or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid confusion in many aspects of the present disclosure.

[0058] Although relative terms such as "on", "below", "upper" and "lower" are used in the specification to explain the relative relationship of one component to another component, these terms are used in the specification only for convenience, for example as directions in the examples shown in the drawings. It should be understood that if the device is turned upside down, the above-mentioned "upper" component will become a "lower" component. When a structure is "on" another structure, it may be that the structure is integrally formed on the other structure, or the structure is "directly" provided on the other structure, or the structure is "indirectly" provided on the other structure through other structures.

[0059] In this specification, terms such as "a", "an", "the", and "said" are used to indicate the presence of one or more elements and components. The terms "comprise", "include", "have", "contain" and variations thereof are used to be open ended and mean that additional elements, components, etc. are included in addition to the listed elements, components, etc., unless otherwise specified in the accompanying claims.

[0060] The terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are used only as labels and are not limitations on a number of objects. It is understood that if multiple components are given, these components can be referred to as the "first" component, the "second" component, etc. within the applicable scope.

[0061] The above-mentioned embodiments of the present disclosure are merely possible examples of the embodiments set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. In the case of not departing from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure in essence, many variations and modifications may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments. All such modifications and variations are included herein within the scope of the present disclosure and are protected by the following claims.

Claims

1. An electrical connector, comprising: A sheet assembly, comprising a plurality of sheets, wherein at least one of the plurality of sheets comprises: A ground shield having two side walls defining a groove, the ground shield comprising: a first ground shield terminal head and a second ground shield head terminal, together forming a ground shield terminal pair located at a first end of at least one of the plurality of thin sheets; and a ground shield tail located at a second end of at least one of the plurality of thin sheets; a first signal terminal and a second signal terminal, together forming a terminal pair in the groove, the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal each having a terminal head disposed between the ground shield terminal pair at the first end and a terminal tail located at the second end; an insulating frame, which holds the ground shield and the terminal pair; and A cover plate is electrically connected to the ground shield and extends over the groove.

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The groove is a U-shaped groove, the cover plate is located laterally with respect to a midpoint of one of the plurality of thin sheets, and the insulating frame and the U-shaped groove together define a plurality of openings.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 2, wherein: The cover plate covers at least one of the plurality of openings.

4. The electrical connector according to claim 3, wherein: The at least one of the plurality of openings covered by the plurality of openings is a respective opening closest to a terminal head of the terminal pair.

5. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The ground shield tail is a single ground shield tail corresponding to the terminal tails of the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal in a one-to-two manner.

6. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The terminal pair is one of a plurality of terminal pairs; The ground shield is one of a plurality of ground shields; At a first portion of the plurality of terminal pairs, the ground shield tails of the plurality of ground shields are a single ground shield tail corresponding to the terminal tails of the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal in a one-to-two manner; and At a second portion of the plurality of terminal pairs, the ground shield tails of the plurality of ground shields are one of two ground shield tails corresponding to the terminal tails of the first signal terminals and the second signal terminals in a two-to-two manner.

7. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The insulating frame includes a plurality of protrusions, and the plurality of protrusions form an interference fit or a friction fit with a plurality of openings located on a bottom surface of the ground shielding component.

8. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one of the plurality of thin sheets further comprises: A connector is separated from the terminal pair and located parallel to the terminal pair, wherein the connector includes a plurality of teeth configured to engage with corresponding teeth of the insulating frame.

9. The electrical connector according to claim 8, wherein: The connecting member is one of a plurality of connecting members.

10. The electrical connector according to claim 9, wherein: The terminal pair is one of a plurality of terminal pairs, and a first portion of the plurality of connectors is located outside the terminal pair at a first end and parallel to the terminal pair at the first end, while a second portion of the plurality of connectors is located outside the terminal pair at a second end and parallel to the terminal pair at the second end.

11. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The connector is a hermaphroditic connector configured to be removably attached to another connector that is separate from and identical to the connector.

12. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The insulating frame extends into the groove so that the two signal terminals are each wrapped by the insulating frame, wherein the insulating frame maintains the two signal terminals a predetermined distance above a bottom surface of the ground shield and a predetermined distance from two side walls of the ground shield.

13. The electrical connector according to claim 12, wherein: The insulating frame maintains a predetermined distance between each of the two signal terminals and the other.

14. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The insulating frame further includes a plurality of spacers extending downward relative to a main body of the insulating frame, wherein the spacers are located between the ground shielding member and another adjacent ground shielding member.

15. The electrical connector according to claim 14, wherein: The spacer extends downwardly below a bottom surface of the ground shield.

16. An electrical connector, comprising: at least one thin sheet, the at least one thin sheet comprising a first signal terminal and a second signal terminal that together form a terminal pair, the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal each having a terminal head at a first end of the at least one thin sheet and a terminal tail at a second end of the at least one thin sheet opposite to the first end; as well as a ground shield having two side walls defining a U-shaped groove in which the terminal pair resides, the ground shield comprising: a first ground shield terminal head and a second ground shield head terminal, together forming a ground shield terminal pair located at the first end of the at least one of the plurality of thin sheets; and a ground shield tail located at the second end of the at least one of the plurality of thin sheets; The ground shielding member includes two side walls having a plurality of notches symmetrical to each other, wherein the notches are cut-away portions arranged on the side walls, and the notches are configured to allow an insulating frame and a cover plate to be joined and fixed to the at least one thin sheet.

17. The electrical connector according to claim 16, wherein: The cover plate is located laterally with respect to a midpoint of the at least one thin sheet, the insulating frame and the U-shaped groove together define a plurality of openings, and the cover plate covers at least one of the plurality of openings.

18. The electrical connector according to claim 17, wherein: The at least one of the plurality of openings covered by the plurality of openings is a respective opening closest to a terminal head of the terminal pair.

19. The electrical connector according to claim 16, wherein: The terminal pair is one of a plurality of terminal pairs; The ground shield is one of a plurality of ground shields; At a first portion of the plurality of terminal pairs, the ground shield tails of the plurality of ground shields are a single ground shield tail corresponding to the terminal tails of the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal in a one-to-two manner; and At a second portion of the plurality of terminal pairs, the ground shield tails of the plurality of ground shields are one of two ground shield tails corresponding to the terminal tails of the first signal terminals and the second signal terminals in a two-to-two manner.

20. The electrical connector according to claim 16, wherein: The at least one sheet body further includes a connector separated from the terminal pair and located parallel to the terminal pair, wherein the connector includes a plurality of teeth configured to engage with corresponding teeth of the insulating frame; The terminal pair is one of a plurality of terminal pairs; A first portion of the plurality of connectors is located outside a pair of terminals at a first end and is parallel to the pair of terminals at the first end; and A second portion of the plurality of connectors is located outside a pair of terminals at a second end and is parallel to the pair of terminals at the second end.

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