Contact assembly having cable contact and connector contact
By designing electrical connector components with high-density contact arrays and intelligent contact managers, the problems of signal degradation and insufficient data throughput in the prior art are solved, and higher data transmission efficiency and performance are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411598708.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-11-13
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-13
AI Technical Summary
The electrical connector components of existing communication systems have signal degradation problems in data communication and require improved contact density and data throughput.
A contact assembly is designed, including a contact manager and an array of contacts at the upper and lower portions. The contact manager has a central wall and through-window for positioning and connecting the upper and lower contact arrays. The upper and lower contact arrays include multiple rows of high-speed and low-speed signal contacts, transmitting data through cables and board connectors.
By increasing the contact density and the design of data transmission paths, data throughput is significantly improved and signal degradation is reduced, meeting the communication system's demand for higher performance.
Smart Images
Figure CN119994519A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The subject matter herein relates generally to electrical connector assemblies. Background Art
[0002] Some communication systems utilize communication connectors (such as electrical connector assemblies) to interconnect various components of the system for data communication. Some known communication systems use pluggable modules, such as I / O modules or circuit cards, that are electrically connected to the electrical connector assembly. The pluggable module has a module circuit card that has a card edge that mates with the electrical connector assembly during a mating operation. Each electrical connector assembly typically has an upper row of contacts and a lower row of contacts for mating with a corresponding circuit board. The circuit boards and connectors of the communication system are required to have greater contact density and / or data throughput. Typically, the electrical connector assembly is directly terminated to the host circuit board, and the communication line is passed from the pluggable module to the host circuit board through the electrical connector assembly. Signal degradation may occur through the communication line passing through the host circuit board.
[0003] There remains a need for an improved electrical connector assembly for use in communication systems. Summary of the invention
[0004] According to the present invention, a contact assembly is provided, and the contact assembly includes a contact manager, the contact manager having a central wall, the central wall including an upper surface and a lower surface. The contact manager includes a front slot at the front of the contact manager, the front slot being configured to receive the card edge of the module circuit card of the pluggable module. The contact manager includes a through window passing through the central wall. The contact assembly includes an upper contact array connected to the upper surface of the central wall of the contact manager. The upper contact array includes an upper contact. The upper contact includes a forward section and a rearward section. The forward section of the upper contact extends to the front slot to cooperate with the module circuit card. The rearward section has a termination end. The upper contact includes an upper cable contact and an upper connector contact. The termination end of the upper cable contact is configured to terminate to the cable conductor of the corresponding upper cable. The termination end of the upper connector contact is configured to terminate to the board contact of the board connector connected to the host circuit board. The upper connector contact passes through the through window to the area below the center wall. The contact assembly includes a lower contact array connected to the lower surface of the center wall of the contact manager. The lower contact array includes a lower contact. The lower contact includes a forward section and a rearward section. The front of the lower contact extends to the front slot to mate with the module circuit card. The rearward section has a termination end. The lower contact includes a lower cable contact and a lower connector contact. The termination end of the lower cable contact is configured to terminate to the cable conductor of the corresponding lower cable. The termination end of the lower connector contact is configured to terminate to the board contact of the board connector. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Figure 1is a front perspective view of a communication system formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
[0006] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of a pluggable module according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0007] Figure 3 is a front perspective view of an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0008] Figure 4 is a rear exploded perspective view of an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0009] Figure 5 is a rear perspective, partial cross-sectional view of an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0010] Figure 6 is a rear perspective, partial cross-sectional view of an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0011] Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view of an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0012] Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of a portion of an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0013] Fig. 9 is a rear perspective view of a portion of an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Figure 1 1 is a front perspective view of a communication system 100 formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The communication system 100 includes a circuit board 102 and a socket connector assembly 104 mounted to the circuit board 102. A pluggable module 106 is configured to be electrically connected to the socket connector assembly 104. The pluggable module 106 can be electrically connected to the circuit board 102 through the socket connector assembly 104. The pluggable module 106 can be connected to other components such as an integrated circuit component, a chip, a microprocessor, a memory module, or another component of the communication system through a cable connector.
[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the socket connector assembly 104 includes a socket cage 110 and an electrical connector assembly 112 (shown in phantom) adjacent to the socket cage 110. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connector assembly 112 is received in the socket cage 110. In other various embodiments, the electrical connector assembly 112 may be located behind the socket cage 110. In various embodiments, the electrical connector assembly 112 is an electrical connector assembly and may be referred to as the electrical connector assembly 112 hereinafter. The electrical connector assembly 112 may be electrically connected to the circuit board 102 through contacts of a board connector. The electrical connector assembly 112 may additionally or alternatively be connected to other components through cables of a cable connector.
[0016] In various embodiments, the socket cage 110 is enclosed and provides electrical shielding for the electrical connector assembly 112. The pluggable modules 106 are loaded into the socket cage 110 and are at least partially surrounded by the socket cage 110. The socket cage 110 includes a plurality of walls 114 that define one or more module channels 116 for receiving corresponding pluggable modules 106. The walls 114 may be walls defined by a solid sheet, perforated walls to allow airflow therethrough, walls with cutouts (such as for a heat sink or heat spreader therethrough), or walls defined by rails or beams with relatively large openings (such as for airflow therethrough).
[0017] In the illustrated embodiment, the socket cage 110 constitutes a multi-port cage having a plurality of module channels 116. The module channels 116 can be arranged in a single row or can be stacked in multiple rows. In the illustrated embodiment, the socket cage 110 includes four module channels 116 arranged in a single row (e.g., 1X4). However, in alternative embodiments, the socket cage 110 can include multiple rows (e.g., 2X2, 3X2, 4X2, 4X3, etc.). Any number of module channels can be provided in various embodiments. Optionally, a plurality of electrical connector assemblies 112 can be arranged in the socket cage 110 for mating with corresponding pluggable modules 106.
[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the wall 114 of the socket cage 110 includes a top wall 130, a bottom wall 132, and a side wall 134 extending between the top wall 130 and the bottom wall 132. The bottom wall 132 can rest on the circuit board 102. In various other embodiments, the socket cage 110 can be provided without the bottom wall 132. Optionally, the module channel 116 can be open at the front and rear. However, the wall 114 of the socket cage 110 can include a rear wall and / or a front wall.
[0019] The walls 114 define a cavity 140 that defines one or more of the module channels 116. For example, the cavity 140 may be defined by a top wall 130, a bottom wall 132, and side walls 134. In an exemplary embodiment, other walls 114 may separate or divide the cavity 140 into various module channels 116. For example, the walls 114 may include dividers between the module channels 116.
[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 may include one or more gaskets 142 at the front and / or rear to provide electrical shielding for ports to the module channels 116. For example, the gaskets 142 may be configured to electrically connect to the electrical connector assemblies 112 and / or pluggable modules 106 received in the corresponding module channels 116. The gaskets 142 may be configured to electrically connect to a panel or bezel.
[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the socket connector assembly 104 may include one or more heat sinks 144 for dissipating heat from the pluggable module 106. For example, the heat sink 144 may be coupled to the top wall 130 for engaging a pluggable module 106 received in the module channel 116. The heat sink 144 may extend through an opening in the top wall 130 to directly engage the pluggable module 106. In alternative embodiments, other types of heat sinks may be provided.
[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, each electrical connector assembly 112 is received in a cavity 140, such as at the rear. The electrical connector assembly 112 may be removed from the receptacle cage 110. In an exemplary embodiment, a portion of the electrical connector assembly 112 (e.g., a board connector) may be secured to the circuit board 102 and retained in the cavity, while another portion of the electrical connector assembly 112 (e.g., a cable connector) may be removable.
[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable module 106 is front loaded to mate with the electrical connector assembly 112. The shield wall 114 of the receptacle cage 110 provides electrical shielding around the electrical connector assembly 112 and the pluggable module 106, such as around the mating interface between the electrical connector assembly 112 and the pluggable module 106.
[0024] Figure 2 1 is a rear perspective view of a pluggable module 106 according to an exemplary embodiment. The pluggable module 106 has a pluggable body 180, which can be defined by one or more shells. The pluggable body 180 can be thermally conductive and / or can be electrically conductive to provide EMI shielding for the pluggable module 106. The pluggable body 180 includes a mating end 182 and an opposing front end 184. The mating end 182 is configured to be inserted into a corresponding module channel 116 ( Figure 1Front end 184 may be a cable end having a cable extending therefrom to another component within the system.
[0025] The pluggable module 106 includes a module circuit card 190 that is configured to be communicatively coupled to the electrical connector assembly 112 (eg, Figure 1 182). The module circuit card 190 may be accessible at the mating end 182. The module circuit card 190 has a card edge 192 extending between a first or upper surface and a second or lower surface at the mating end of the module circuit card 190. The module circuit card 190 includes mating contacts 194, such as pads or circuits, at the card edge 192 that are configured to mate with the electrical connector assembly 112. In an exemplary embodiment, the mating contacts 194 are disposed on the upper surface and the lower surface. The module circuit card 190 may include components, circuits, etc. for operating and or using the pluggable module 106. For example, the module circuit card 190 may have conductors, traces, pads, electronic devices, sensors, controllers, switches, inputs, outputs, etc. associated with the module circuit card 190, which may be mounted to the module circuit card 190 to form various circuits.
[0026] In other various embodiments, the pluggable module 106 may be a circuit card rather than an I / O module. For example, the pluggable module 106 may include a module circuit card 190 without a pluggable body 180 surrounding the module circuit card 190.
[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable body 180 provides heat transfer to the module circuit card 190, such as providing heat transfer to the electronic components on the module circuit card 190. For example, the module circuit card 190 is in thermal communication with the pluggable body 180, and the pluggable body 180 transfers heat from the module circuit card 190. In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable body 180 may include a plurality of heat transfer fins along at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the pluggable module 106. The fins transfer heat away from the main housing of the pluggable body 180, and therefore away from the module circuit card 190 and associated components.
[0028] In alternative embodiments, the pluggable module 106 may be provided without the pluggable body 180. For example, the pluggable module 106 may simply include a module circuit card 190. For example, the module circuit card 190 may be a paddle card.
[0029] Figure 3 is a front perspective view of a portion of the electrical connector assembly 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 41 is a rear exploded perspective view of an electrical connector assembly 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. The electrical connector assembly 112 includes a cable connector 200 and a board connector 250. The cable connector 200 and the board connector 250 can be connected to form the electrical connector assembly 112. In an exemplary embodiment, the board connector 250 can be fixed to the circuit board 102 (such as Figure 1 ), and the cable connector 200 can be detachably coupled to the board connector 250. For example, the cable connector 200 is configured to be inserted into and removed from the socket cage 110, and is coupled to the board connector 250 when inserted into the socket cage 110.
[0030] The cable connector 200 includes a housing 202 having a cavity 204, a contact assembly 300 received in the cavity 204, and a cable assembly 400 coupled to the contact assembly 300. The contact assembly 300 is configured to be electrically connected to a pluggable module 106 (eg, Figure 2 ). The contact assembly 300 is configured to be coupled to the board connector 250. The contact assembly 300 electrically connects the pluggable module 106 to the board connector 250 and the cable assembly 400. In an exemplary embodiment, high-speed signals are transmitted between the cable assembly 400 and the pluggable module 106 through the contact assembly 300. In an exemplary embodiment, low-speed signals and / or power are transmitted from the board connector 250 to the pluggable module 106 through the contact assembly 300.
[0031] The housing 202 extends between a front portion 206 and a rear portion 208. The cavity 204 is open at the rear portion 208 to receive the contact assembly 300 and the cable assembly 400. The housing 202 extends between a top portion 210 and a bottom portion 212. The housing 202 extends between opposite sides 218. In various embodiments, the housing 202 can be generally box-shaped. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom portion 212 defines a housing configured to be mounted to the host circuit board 102 ( Figure 1 ), and the front portion 206 defines a mounting end configured to be connected to the pluggable module 106 ( Figure 1 In alternative embodiments, other orientations are possible.
[0032] The housing 202 includes a top wall 220 at the top 210 and a bottom wall 222 at the bottom 212. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 202 includes a shroud 214 at the front 206 that is configured to mate with the pluggable module 106. The shroud 214 is a nose cone that is configured to be inserted into the mating end of the pluggable module 106. The shroud 214 includes a housing slot 216 that is open at the front. The housing slot 216 receives the module circuit card 190 (e.g., Figure 2 The card edge 192 (as shown) Figure 2In an exemplary embodiment, the contact assembly 300 is loaded into the cavity 204 and received in the shroud 214 for mating with the pluggable module 106 .
[0033] The board connector 250 includes a board housing 252 that holds a plurality of board contacts 260. The board housing 252 extends between a top portion 254 and a bottom portion 256. The bottom portion 256 is configured to face the circuit board 102. The bottom portion 256 may be positioned on the circuit board 102. The board housing 252 may include mounting features that secure the board connector 250 to the circuit board 102. For example, fasteners, solder tabs, press-fit pins, or other types of mounting features may be used.
[0034] The board contact 260 is configured to mate with a corresponding contact (e.g., a connector contact) of the contact assembly 300. The board contact 260 includes a mating section 262 configured to mate with the connector contact. The mating section 262 may be a pad, a spring beam, or other type of contact that defines a separable mating interface to allow mating and unmating with the board contact 260. In an exemplary embodiment, the mating section 262 includes a spring beam that is deflectable to provide a reliable, separable mating interface for the board contact 260. The opposite end of the board contact 260 may be terminated to the circuit board 102. For example, the terminating end of the board contact 260 may include compliant pins configured to be press-fit into a plated through hole of the circuit board 102, or may be a solder tail configured to be soldered to a circuit of the circuit board 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the board contact 260 defines a low-speed signal contact, a ground contact, and / or a power contact.
[0035] The cable assembly 400 includes a plurality of cables 402 configured to be terminated to the contact assembly 300. The cables 402 may be arranged in a plurality of rows, such as (a plurality of) upper rows of upper cables and (a plurality of) lower rows of lower cables. In an exemplary embodiment, the cables 402 are twin-axial cables, each having a pair of signal conductors arranged in the core of the cable 402. The cables 402 may be shielded cables having a cable shield surrounding the pair of signal conductors. The cables 402 may include a drain wire. Other types of cables may be used in alternative embodiments, such as coaxial cables, flat flexible cables, flexible circuits, twisted pair cables, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the cables 402 define a high-speed signal cable configured to transmit high-speed data signals (such as 10 Gbps, 25 Gbps, 40 Gbps, 64 Gbps, 100 Gbps, or higher).
[0036] Figure 5 is a rear perspective, partial cut-away view of the electrical connector assembly 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 is a rear perspective, partial cut-away view of the electrical connector assembly 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the electrical connector assembly 112 according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the contact assembly 300 is a double-sided, multi-row contact assembly. For example, the contact assembly 300 includes an upper contact 312 and a lower contact 314 arranged on opposite sides of the card slot 216. The upper contact 312 is arranged in an upper contact array 316. The lower contact 314 is arranged in a lower contact array 318. The upper contacts 312 can be arranged in multiple rows (front rows and rear rows), and the lower contacts 314 can be arranged in multiple rows (front rows and rear rows). The upper contacts 312 and the lower contacts 314 are arranged in the card slot 216 for interfacing with the module circuit card 190 (such as the pluggable module 106). Figure 2 The contact assembly 300 has high density and significant data throughput. The upper contact 312 and / or the lower contact 314 may include a high-speed contact, a low-speed contact, a ground contact and / or a power contact.
[0038] The contact assembly 300 includes a contact manager 330 that supports the upper contact array(s) 316 and the lower contact array(s) 318. The contact manager 330 is used to position the upper contacts 312 and the lower contacts 314 relative to each other. The contact manager 330 is used to hold the contact arrays 316, 318 for loading the contact assembly 300 into the housing 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the contacts 312, 314 are movable relative to the contact manager 330 for proper alignment and positioning for mating with the pluggable module 106, terminating to the cable assembly 400, and mating to the board connector 250.
[0039] The contact manager 330 includes a center wall 332 extending between side walls 334 (also shown in FIG. Figure 5 33). The center wall 332 includes an upper surface 336 and a lower surface 338. The center wall 332 extends to the front of the contact manager 330. The center wall 332 can be oriented horizontally. The center wall 332 holds the upper contact array 316 and the lower contact array 318. For example, the upper contact array 316 is located above the upper surface 336 of the center wall 332, and the lower contact array 318 is located below the lower surface 338 of the center wall 332.
[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, the center wall 332 includes a through window 340 passing through the center wall 332. The through window 340 opens through the center wall 332 between the top and the bottom. The through window 340 allows a subset of the upper contacts 312 to pass through the center wall 332 to mate with the board connector 250. In an exemplary embodiment, the center wall 332 surrounds the through window 340 at the front, rear, first side, and second side of the through window 340. The through window 340 may be centered between the first side and the second side of the center wall 332.
[0041] The contact manager 330 includes a front slot 342 at the front. A portion of the center wall 332 extends above the front slot 342, and a portion of the center wall 332 extends below the front slot 342. The upper section includes an upper channel 344 that receives a portion of the upper contact 312. The lower section includes a lower channel 346 that receives a portion of the lower contact 314. The front slot 342 is configured to align with the card slot 216 to receive the card edge 192 of the module circuit card 190. The upper contact 312 and the lower contact 314 are configured to mate with the module circuit card 190 in the front slot 342.
[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, the upper contact array 316 includes at least one lead frame 350 that forms the upper contact 312. The lead frame is a stamped and formed lead frame to form the upper contact 312. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper contact array 316 includes a signal lead frame and a ground lead frame, which are individually stamped and formed lead frames. The signal lead frame forms a signal contact, and the ground lead frame forms a ground contact. The ground lead frame can be formed into a contact shield 351 that provides electrical shielding for the upper contact array 316. In an alternative embodiment, a single lead frame including both a signal contact and a ground contact can be provided. In various embodiments, the upper contact array 316 can include a high-speed signal lead frame that forms a high-speed contact and a low-speed signal lead frame that forms a low-speed contact. However, in an alternative embodiment, a single lead frame including both a high-speed signal contact and a low-speed signal contact can be provided. In various embodiments, the upper contact array 316 may include a first lead frame forming cable contacts configured to be terminated to a cable and a second lead frame forming connector contacts configured to be connected to the board connector 250. However, in alternative embodiments, a single lead frame may be provided that includes both cable contacts and connector contacts.
[0043] The lead frame 350 may be overmolded with an overmold body 352. The overmold body 352 forms upper contact locators 354 for maintaining the relative positions of the upper contacts 312. The upper contact locators 354 are coupled to the contact manager 330, such as to the upper surface 336 of the contact manager 330. The upper contact locators 354 may extend across the width of the upper contact array 316 from side to side to maintain each upper contact 312.
[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the lower contact array 318 includes at least one lead frame 360 that forms the lower contact 314. The lead frame is a stamped and formed lead frame to form the lower contact 314. In an exemplary embodiment, the lower contact array 318 includes a signal lead frame and a ground lead frame, which are individually stamped and formed lead frames. The signal lead frame forms a signal contact, and the ground lead frame forms a ground contact. The ground lead frame can be formed into a contact shield 361 that provides electrical shielding for the lower contact array 318. In an alternative embodiment, a single lead frame including both a signal contact and a ground contact can be provided. In various embodiments, the lower contact array 318 can include a high-speed signal lead frame that forms a high-speed contact and a low-speed signal lead frame that forms a low-speed contact. However, in an alternative embodiment, a single lead frame including both a high-speed signal contact and a low-speed signal contact can be provided. In various embodiments, the lower contact array 318 may include a first lead frame forming cable contacts configured to be terminated to a cable and a second lead frame forming connector contacts configured to be connected to the board connector 250. However, in alternative embodiments, a single lead frame may be provided that includes both cable contacts and connector contacts.
[0045] The lead frame 360 may be overmolded with an overmolded body 362. The overmolded body 362 forms lower contact locators 364 for maintaining the relative positions of the lower contacts 314. The lower contact locators 364 are coupled to the contact manager 330, such as to the lower surface 336 of the contact manager 330. The lower contact locators 364 may extend across the width of the lower contact array 318 from side to side to maintain each lower contact 314.
[0046] Each upper contact 312 includes a forward section 370 and a rearward section 372. When the module circuit card 190 is inserted into the card slot 216, the forward section 370 extends to the front slot 342 to mate with the module circuit card 190. In an exemplary embodiment, the forward section 370 includes a spring beam 374 having a mating interface that is configured to mate with the top side of the module circuit card 190. The spring beam 374 extends along the upper section of the center wall 332. The spring beam 374 extends into the upper channel 344 to enter the front slot 342 to engage with the module circuit card 190. In an exemplary embodiment, the rearward section 372 includes a terminating end 376. The upper contact 312 includes a transition section 378 between the spring beam 374 and the terminating end 376. In various embodiments, the terminating end 376 can be terminated to a corresponding cable 402. In other various embodiments, the terminating end 376 may be terminated to the board connector 250 .
[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the upper contact 312 includes an upper cable contact 371 and an upper connector contact 373. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper connector contact 373 is located in the middle section of the contact array, and the upper cable contact 371 is located in the tight and left sections, located on the side of the upper connector contact 373. In alternative embodiments, other arrangements are possible. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper cable contact 371 is configured to transmit high-speed data signals, and the upper connector contact 373 is configured to transmit low-speed data signals and / or power. The low-speed data signal can be transmitted through the board connector 250, while the high-speed data signal can be transmitted through the cable 402 to improve the signal integrity along the cable 402 (compared to using a circuit through the host circuit board), especially for long data transmission lines.
[0048] The upper cable contact 371 is configured to be coupled to a corresponding cable 402. For example, the terminating end 376 of the upper cable contact 371 includes a pad configured to be soldered to a corresponding conductor of the cable 402. The terminating end 376 of the upper cable contact 371 is located above the upper surface 336 of the center wall 332 to engage with the cable 402.
[0049] The upper connector contact 373 is configured to be coupled to the board connector 250. For example, the terminating end 376 of the upper connector contact 373 includes a pad or spring beam having a separable mating interface that is configured to mate with a corresponding board contact 260 of the board connector 250. When the cable connector 200 is inserted into and removed from the socket cage 110, the terminating end 376 can be separated from the board contact 260 to allow mating and disengagement with the board connector 250. In an exemplary embodiment, the transition section 378 of the upper connector contact 373 is bent downward to pass through the through window 340. The terminating end 376 of the upper connector contact 373 is located below the lower surface 338 of the center wall 332 to connect with the board connector 250. The forward sections 370 of the upper connector contacts 373 are located above the upper surface 336 of the center wall 332, and the rearward sections 372 of the upper connector contacts 373 are located below the lower surface 338 of the center wall 332. Because the upper connector contacts 373 pass through the through windows 340, the board connector 250 can be located directly below the center wall 332 instead of behind the contact manager 330, making the overall connector length shorter. The space behind the electrical connector assembly 112 can be used for other components instead of being used by the board connector.
[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, the upper contact holder 375 holds the terminating ends 376 of the upper connector contacts 373. The upper contact holder 375 is configured to be coupled to the board connector 250 to connect the terminating ends 376 of the upper connector contacts 373 to the board connector 250. The upper contact holder 375 may be an overmolded body.
[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the contact shield 351 extends along the transition section 378 to provide shielding for the upper contacts 312. The contact shield 351 can be connected to the upper contact holder 375 and / or the upper contact locator 354. For example, the contact shield 351 can be overmolded by the upper contact holder 375 and / or the upper contact locator 354.
[0052] Each lower contact 314 includes a forward section 380 and a rearward section 382. When the module circuit card 190 is inserted into the card slot 216, the forward section 380 extends to the front slot 342 to mate with the module circuit card 190. In an exemplary embodiment, the front portion 380 includes a spring beam 384 having a mating interface configured to mate with the module circuit card 190. The spring beam 384 extends along the lower portion of the center wall 332. The spring beam 384 extends into the lower channel 346 to enter the front slot 342 to engage with the bottom side of the module circuit card 190. In an exemplary embodiment, the rearward section 382 includes a termination end 386. The lower contact 314 includes a transition section 388 between the spring beam 384 and the termination end 386. In various embodiments, the termination end 386 can be terminated to a corresponding cable 402. In other various embodiments, the termination end 386 can be terminated to the board connector 250.
[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, the lower contact 314 includes a lower cable contact 381 and a lower connector contact 383. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper connector contact 383 is located in the middle section of the contact array, and the upper cable contact 381 is located in the tight and left sections, located on the side of the upper connector contact 383. In alternative embodiments, other arrangements are possible. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper cable contact 381 is configured to transmit high-speed data signals, and the upper connector contact 383 is configured to transmit low-speed data signals and / or power. The low-speed data signal can be transmitted through the board connector 250, while the high-speed data signal can be transmitted through the cable 402 to improve the signal integrity along the cable 402 (compared to using a circuit through the host circuit board), especially for long data transmission lines.
[0054] The lower cable contact 381 is configured to be coupled to a corresponding cable 402. For example, the terminating end 386 of the lower cable contact 381 includes a pad configured to be soldered to a corresponding conductor of the cable 402. The terminating end 386 of the lower cable contact 381 is located below the lower surface 338 of the center wall 332 to engage with the cable 402.
[0055] The lower connector contact 383 is configured to be coupled to the board connector 250. For example, the terminating end 386 of the lower connector contact 383 includes a pad or spring beam having a separable mating interface that is configured to mate with a corresponding board contact 260 of the board connector 250. When the cable connector 200 is inserted into and removed from the socket cage 110, the terminating end 386 can be separated from the board contact 260 to allow mating and disengagement with the board connector 250. In an exemplary embodiment, the transition section 388 of the lower connector contact 383 is bent downward toward the board connector 250.
[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, the lower contact holder 385 holds the terminating ends 386 of the lower connector contacts 383. The lower contact holder 385 is configured to be coupled to the board connector 250 to connect the terminating ends 386 of the lower connector contacts 383 to the board connector 250. The lower contact holder 385 may be an overmolded body.
[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the contact shield 361 extends along the transition section 388 to provide shielding for the lower contact 314. The contact shield 361 can be connected to the lower contact holder 385 and / or the lower contact locator 364. For example, the contact shield 361 can be overmolded by the lower contact holder 385 and / or the lower contact locator 364.
[0058] Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the electrical connector assembly 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 9 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the electrical connector assembly 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 9 An upper connector contact 373 is shown extending from the upper contact locator 354 and transitioning downward to pass through the through window 340. The through window 340 allows the upper connector contact 373 to pass through the center wall 332 to the space below the center wall 332 to connect to the board connector 250. Because the upper connector contact 373 passes through the through window 340, the board connector 250 can be located directly below the center wall 332 instead of behind the contact manager 330, thereby making the overall connector length shorter. The space behind the electrical connector assembly 112 can be used for other components instead of being used by the board connector.
Claims
1. A contact assembly (300), comprising: A contact manager (330) having a center wall (332) including an upper surface (336) and a lower surface (338), the contact manager including a front slot (342) at a front portion (206) of the contact manager, the front slot being configured to receive a card edge (192) of a module circuit card (190) of a pluggable module (106), the contact manager including a through window (340) through the center wall; an upper contact array (316) coupled to an upper surface of a central wall of the contact manager, the upper contact array comprising an upper contact (312), the upper contact comprising a forward section (370) and a rearward section (372), the forward section of the upper contact extending to the front slot to mate with the module circuit card, the rearward section having a termination end (376), the upper contact comprising an upper cable contact (371) and an upper connector contact (383), the termination end of the upper cable contact being configured to terminate to a cable conductor of a corresponding upper cable, the termination end of the upper connector contact being configured to terminate to a board contact (260) of a board connector (250) connected to the host circuit board (102), the upper connector contact passing through the through window to reach an area below the central wall; and A lower contact array (318) connected to the lower surface of the central wall of the contact manager, the lower contact array including a lower contact (314), the lower contact including a forward section and a rearward section, the forward section of the lower contact extending to the front slot to mate with the module circuit card, the rearward section having a termination end, the lower contact including a lower cable contact (381) and a lower connector contact (383), the termination end of the lower cable contact being configured to terminate to a cable conductor of a corresponding lower cable, the termination end of the lower connector contact being configured to terminate to a board contact of the board connector.
2. The contact assembly (300) according to claim 1, wherein: The central wall (332) surrounds the through-window (340) at the front (206), rear (208), first side, and second side of the through-window.
3. The contact assembly (300) according to claim 1, wherein: The forward section (370) of the upper connector contact (373) is located above the upper surface (336) of the center wall (332), and the rearward section (372) of the upper connector contact is located below the lower surface (338) of the center wall.
4. The contact assembly (300) of claim 1, wherein the through window (340) is centered between a first side and a second side of the center wall (332).
5. The contact assembly (300) according to claim 1, wherein: The upper contact array (316) includes an upper contact locator (354) that maintains a relative position of the upper contacts (312), the upper contact locator being coupled to the contact manager (330), and wherein the lower contact array (318) includes a lower contact locator (364) that maintains a relative position of the lower contacts (314), the lower contact locator being coupled to the contact manager.
6. The contact assembly (300) according to claim 5, wherein: The upper contact array (316) is formed by an upper lead frame (350), the upper contact locator (354) includes a molded body (352) overmolded on the upper lead frame, and wherein the lower contact array (318) is formed by a lower lead frame (360), the lower contact locator (364) includes a molded body (362) overmolded on the lower lead frame.
7. The contact assembly (300) according to claim 1, wherein: The upper contact array (316) includes an upper contact retainer (375) that holds the termination end (376) of the upper connector contact (373), and the upper contact retainer is configured to be connected to the board connector (250) to connect the termination end of the upper connector contact (383) to the board connector, and wherein the lower contact array (318) includes a lower contact retainer (385) that holds the termination end of the lower connector contact (383), and the lower contact retainer is configured to be connected to the board connector to connect the termination end of the lower connector contact to the board connector.
8. The contact assembly (300) according to claim 1, wherein: The terminating end (376) of the upper connector contact (373) includes a detachable mating interface, which is configured to mate with the board contact (260) of the board connector (250), and the terminating end of the upper connector contact can be separated from the board contact using the contact manager (330), and wherein the terminating end of the lower connector contact (383) includes a detachable mating interface, which is configured to mate with the board contact of the board connector, and the terminating end of the lower connector contact (383) can be separated from the board contact using the contact manager.
9. The contact assembly (300) according to claim 1, wherein: The terminating end (376) of the upper cable contact (371) is terminated to the cable conductor of the upper cable above the upper surface (336) of the center wall (332), and wherein the terminating end (376) of the lower cable contact (381) is terminated to the cable conductor of the lower cable below the lower surface (338) of the center wall.
10. The contact assembly (300) according to claim 1, wherein: The upper contact array (316) includes an upper contact shield portion (351) extending along the upper connector contact (373) and shielding the upper connector contact (373), and wherein the lower contact array (318) includes a lower contact shield portion extending along the lower connector contact (383) and shielding the lower connector contact (383).