Electrical connector system

Abstract

An electrical connector system (100) includes a receptacle connector (200) having a receptacle housing (210) with a wall (212) forming a receptacle (214) that holds a receptacle contact assembly (250). The receptacle contact assembly includes a signal contact and a ground contact (270). The socket signal contacts (260) are arranged in pairs in a socket signal row (254). The socket ground contacts are arranged in a socket ground row (256) offset from the socket signal row. A plug connector (300) is inserted into a receptacle and includes a plug housing (310) that holds a plug contact assembly (350). The plug housing has shielding walls (326) parallel to each other and a shielding space (330) between the shielding walls. The plug contact assembly includes plug signal contacts (360) arranged in pairs in a shielded space in a plug signal row. And the socket signal contacts are matched with the corresponding plug signal contacts. And the socket grounding contacts are matched with the corresponding shielding walls.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter herein relates generally to electrical connectors. Background Art

[0002] Electrical connectors are used to connect various components within a system. Electrical connectors can be used to connect circuit boards and / or electronic packages. There is a continuous trend towards smaller, lighter and higher performance electrical components and higher density circuits. The increased contact density in electrical connectors has a tendency to increase crosstalk and cause resonance in the circuit. Some known connectors use shielding structures or ground contacts around signal contacts to reduce crosstalk. However, the increased use of ground contacts in connectors limits the density of electrical connectors or increases the footprint and size of electrical connectors. Systems are struggling to meet signal output while maintaining good electrical performance through the system.

[0003] There remains a need for a communication system having improved electrical performance. Summary of the invention

[0004] In one embodiment, an electrical connector system is provided, which includes a socket connector, the socket connector including a socket housing for holding a socket contact assembly. The socket housing has a wall forming a socket. The socket contact assembly includes a socket signal contact and a socket ground contact. The socket signal contacts are arranged in pairs. The socket signal contacts are arranged in a socket signal row. The socket ground contact is arranged in a socket ground row offset from the socket signal row. The electrical connector system includes a plug connector, which is configured to be inserted into a socket. The plug connector includes a plug housing for holding the plug contact assembly. The plug housing has shielding walls arranged parallel to each other and a shielding space between the shielding walls. The plug contact assembly includes plug signal contacts arranged in pairs. The plug signal contacts are located in the shielding space in the plug signal row. The socket signal contacts mate with corresponding plug signal contacts. The socket ground contact mates with corresponding shielding walls.

[0005] In another embodiment, a socket connector is provided, which is configured to mate with a plug connector of an electrical connector system. The socket connector includes a socket housing having walls forming a socket. The walls include a front wall and a rear wall. The socket connector includes a socket contact assembly retained in the socket housing. The socket contact assembly includes a socket signal contact and a socket ground contact. The socket signal contacts are arranged in pairs. The socket signal contacts are arranged in a socket signal row without any socket ground contacts arranged between the socket signal contact pairs. The socket ground contacts are arranged in a socket ground row offset from the socket signal row.

[0006] In another embodiment, a plug connector configured to mate with a socket connector of an electrical connector system is provided. The plug connector includes a plug housing having shielding walls arranged parallel to each other and a shielding space between the shielding walls. The socket connector includes a plug contact assembly retained in the plug housing. The plug contact assembly includes plug signal contacts arranged in pairs. The plug signal contacts are located in the shielding space in the plug signal row. An air gap is defined between the pairs of plug signal contacts in the plug signal row. The socket connector includes a cable connected to the plug contact assembly. The cable includes a conductor and a cable shield surrounding the conductor. The conductor is terminated to a corresponding plug signal contact. The cable shield is electrically connected to the plug housing. The cable extends from the housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 An electrical connector system is shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 is a top perspective view of a receptacle connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 is a bottom perspective view of a receptacle connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 is a top view of a portion of a receptacle connector illustrating receptacle signal contacts and receptacle ground contacts according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portion of a receptacle connector illustrating receptacle signal contacts and receptacle ground contacts according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 7 is a top perspective view of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment showing receptacle signal contacts and receptacle ground contacts of a receptacle connector mating with the plug connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Figure 1 An electrical connector system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The electrical connector system 100 includes a socket connector 200 and a plug connector 300 configured to be inserted into the socket connector 200.

[0015] In the illustrated embodiment, the socket connector 200 is a board-mounted connector mounted to the circuit board 102. However, in an alternative embodiment, the socket connector 200 may be a cable connector mounted to one or more cables (not shown). The socket connector 200 may be electrically connected to an electrical component 104 mounted to the circuit board 102. The electrical component 104 may be an integrated circuit, such as an IC chip. In an alternative embodiment, the electrical component 104 may be another type of component, such as a processor, a memory module, another electrical connector, etc. The socket connector 200 is connected to the electrical component 104 through one or more circuits of the circuit board 102. Optionally, the socket connector 200 may be mounted near the electrical component 104, such as in close proximity to the electrical component 104, to reduce or minimize the circuit length between the socket connector 200 and the electrical component 104 to improve signal integrity. Optionally, multiple socket connectors 200 may be mounted to the circuit board 102. Multiple socket connectors 200 may be electrically connected to the same electrical component 104 or different electrical components mounted to the circuit board 102.

[0016] In the illustrated embodiment, the plug connector 300 is a cable connector having one or more cables 110 extending from the plug connector 300. In various embodiments, the plug connector 300 may be a right angle connector having the cables 110 exiting the plug connector 300 in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction with the receptacle connector 200. Optionally, all cables 110 may exit the plug connector 300 on the same side. In alternative embodiments, the cables 110 may exit the plug connector 300 from different sides of the plug connector 300, such as both the front and rear of the plug connector 300. In other various embodiments, the cables 110 may exit the plug connector 200 from other areas, such as the top of the plug connector 300. In various embodiments, the cables 110 may be arranged in multiple rows, such as stacking the cables 110 on top of each other when exiting the plug connector 300. In various embodiments, the cables 110 are twinaxial cables, each having a pair of conductors 112, 114 and a cable shield 116 surrounding the conductors 112, 114. The cable jacket 117 can surround the cable shield 116. Optionally, one or more drain wires 118 can be arranged in the core of the cable 110, which are electrically connected to the cable shield 116. The drain wire 118 and / or the cable shield 116 can be electrically grounded or shared to the ground plane of the plug connector 300. In an alternative embodiment, the plug connector 300 can be a board-mounted connector configured to be mounted to a circuit board (not shown). For example, the socket connector 200 and the plug connector 300 can be mezzanine connectors mounted between a pair of circuit boards. The circuit boards can be oriented parallel to each other. In an alternative embodiment, the circuit boards can be oriented perpendicular to each other.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical connector system 100 has a low profile. For example, the socket connector 200 and the plug connector 300 can have a low clearance or height above the circuit board 102, which can allow other components to be placed above the circuit board 102. For example, a heat sink (not shown) can be mounted to the circuit board 102 and / or the electrical component 104 and extend directly above the socket connector 200 and the plug connector 300. The cable 110 exits from the side of the plug connector 300 to lower the profile of the electrical connector system 100 so as to allow the heat sink or other components to be placed above the electrical connector system 100.

[0018] Figure 2 is a top perspective view of a socket connector 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 is a bottom perspective view of a socket connector 200 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] The socket connector 200 includes a socket housing 210 that holds a socket contact assembly 250. The socket housing 210 includes walls 212 that form a socket 214. In the illustrated embodiment, the socket 214 is generally rectangular. However, in alternative embodiments, the socket 214 may have other shapes. The walls 212 extend between a top 216 and a bottom 218 of the socket housing 210. The socket 214 is open at the top 216 to receive the plug connector 300 ( Figure 1 The bottom portion 218 is configured to be mounted to the circuit board 102 ( Figure 1 ). In an exemplary embodiment, the wall 212 includes a front wall 220 and a rear wall 222 opposite the front wall 220. Optionally, the wall 212 may include an end wall 224 between the front wall 220 and the rear wall 222. However, in an alternative embodiment, the socket housing 210 may be open at the end between the front wall 220 and the rear wall 222. The socket housing 210 extends longitudinally between the ends. For example, the front wall 220 and the rear wall 222 may be oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the socket housing 210. For example, the socket housing 210 is longer from end to end and shorter from front to back.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the socket housing 210 is made of a dielectric material, such as a plastic material. However, in alternative embodiments, the socket housing 210 may be made of a conductive material, such as a metal material or a conductive plastic material, to provide shielding for the socket contact assembly 250.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the socket housing 210 includes one or more openings 226 at the bottom 218 that receive the socket contact assemblies 250. For example, the socket housing 210 may include a pair of openings 226 separated by a wall that receive corresponding portions of the socket contact assemblies 250. In alternative embodiments, the socket housing 210 may include more or fewer openings 226.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the wall 212 includes a guide surface 228, such as an angled portion of the wall 212, to guide the plug connector 300 into the receptacle 214. The wall 212 may include one or more polarization or keying features (not shown) to orient the plug connector 300 in the receptacle 214. The wall 212 may include mounting features (not shown) for mounting the receptacle housing 210 to the circuit board 102. The mounting features may be flanges or other types of mounting tabs that are configured to receive fasteners to secure the receptacle housing 210 to the circuit board 102. In alternative embodiments, the receptacle connector 200 may be secured to the circuit board 102 by other means.

[0023] The receptacle contact assembly 250 is coupled to the receptacle housing 210. The receptacle contact assembly 250 is configured to be terminated to the circuit board 102, for example, to a corresponding circuit of the circuit board 102. The receptacle contact assembly 250 is configured to mate with the plug connector 300. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle contact assembly 250 includes a plurality of contacts, the plurality of contacts including signal contacts and ground contacts, the plurality of contacts being configured to be electrically connected to the plug connector 300. Optionally, the receptacle contact assembly 250 may additionally or alternatively include power contacts.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the socket contact assembly 250 includes a plurality of socket signal contacts 260 and a plurality of socket ground contacts 270. The socket signal contacts 260 form a signal transmission line through the socket connector 200 to electrically connect the plug connector 300 to the circuit board 102. The socket ground contacts 270 provide shielding for the socket signal contacts 260. In an exemplary embodiment, the socket signal contacts 260 are arranged in pairs, which can be configured to transmit differential signals. The socket ground contacts 270 are arranged in rows to provide shielding between corresponding pairs of socket signal contacts 260. In an exemplary embodiment, the socket ground contacts 270 are offset from the socket signal contacts 260 so that no socket ground contacts 270 are positioned in line with the rows of the socket signal contacts 260. Instead, the rows of the socket ground contacts 270 are staggered or offset relative to the socket signal contacts 260.

[0025] Each receptacle signal contact 260 includes a mating end 262 and a terminating end 264. The mating end 262 is configured to mate with the plug connector 300. The terminating end 264 is configured to terminate to the circuit board 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle signal contact 260 is a stamped and formed contact. Alternatively, a plurality of receptacle signal contacts 260 may be formed from a lead frame, wherein the receptacle signal contacts 260 are stamped from a common sheet of metal and may be connected together by a carrier strip (not shown) that is removed during assembly, for example after the receptacle signal contacts 260 are overmolded or otherwise retained in a contact holder.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the mating end 262 includes a spring beam 266 configured to mate with a corresponding plug signal contact of the plug connector 300. The spring beam 266 is deflectable. The spring beam 266 is cantilevered into the receptacle 214 for mating with the plug connector 300. The spring beam 266 includes a mating interface 267 at or near the distal end of the spring beam 266. The spring beam 266 can be bent at the distal end to define the mating interface 267. Other types of contacts, such as pin contacts, socket contacts, blade contacts, etc., can be used in alternative embodiments.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the terminating end 264 includes a solder tail 268 that is configured to be soldered to a board contact or pad of the circuit board 102. Optionally, the solder tail 268 can be bent at a right angle relative to the spring beam 266. For example, the solder tail 268 can be oriented generally horizontally, while the spring beam 266 can be oriented generally vertically. Other types of terminating portions can be provided at the terminating end 264, such as compliant pins or eye-of-the-needle pins configured to be press-fit into through holes of the circuit board 102. In other alternative embodiments, a solder ball can be provided at the terminating end 264. In various other embodiments, a solder pad or solder pad can be provided at the terminating end 264 for connecting to a conductor of a cable.

[0028] Each receptacle ground contact 270 includes a mating end 272 and a terminating end 274. The mating end 272 is configured to mate with the plug connector 300. The terminating end 274 is configured to terminate to the circuit board 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle ground contacts 270 can be connected together by a connecting beam 275. For example, the receptacle ground contacts 270 and the connecting beam 275 can be stamped and formed from a metal sheet to electrically share some or all of the receptacle ground contacts 270.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the mating end 272 includes a spring beam 276 that is configured to mate with a corresponding plug ground contact of the plug connector 300. The spring beam 276 is deflectable. The spring beam 276 is cantilevered into the receptacle 214 for mating with the plug connector 300. The spring beam 276 includes a mating interface 277 at or near the distal end of the spring beam 276. The spring beam 276 can be bent at the distal end to define the mating interface 277. Other types of contacts, such as pin contacts, socket contacts, blade contacts, etc., can be used in alternative embodiments.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the terminating end 274 includes a solder tail 278 that is configured to be soldered to a board contact or pad of the circuit board 102. Optionally, the solder tail 278 can be bent at a right angle relative to the spring beam 276. For example, the solder tail 278 can be oriented generally horizontally, while the spring beam 276 can be oriented generally vertically. Other types of terminating portions can be provided at the terminating end 274, such as compliant pins or eye-of-the-needle pins configured to be press-fit into through holes of the circuit board 102. In other alternative embodiments, a solder ball can be provided at the terminating end 274. In various other embodiments, a solder pad or solder pad can be provided at the terminating end 274 for connecting to a conductor of a cable.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the socket contact assembly 250 includes one or more contact holders 280 that hold the socket signal contacts 260 and / or the socket ground contacts 270. In the illustrated embodiment, the socket connector 200 includes a pair of contact holders 280. However, in alternative embodiments, the socket connector 200 may include more or fewer contact holders 280. The contact holders 280 are configured to be coupled to the socket housing 210 to position the socket signal contacts 260 and the socket ground contacts 270 relative to the socket housing 210. In some embodiments, each contact holder 280 may hold a pair of socket signal contacts 260 to position the pair of socket signal contacts 260 in the socket housing 210. In other alternative embodiments, the socket connector 200 may be provided without any contact holders 280. Instead, the socket signal contacts 260 and the socket ground contacts 270 may be held directly in the socket housing 210, such as in corresponding openings or channels in the bottom wall of the socket housing 210.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the contact retainer 280 is made of a dielectric material. For example, the contact retainer 280 can be a molded plastic component. In various embodiments, the contact retainer 280 can be formed in place on the socket signal contact 260 and / or the socket ground contact 270. For example, the contact retainer 280 can include an overmolded body overmolded on the socket signal contact 260 and / or the socket ground contact 270. In alternative embodiments, the socket signal contact 260 and / or the socket ground contact 270 can be stitched or otherwise loaded into the pre-molded contact retainer 280.

[0033] The contact holder 280 includes a top portion 282 and a bottom portion 284. The contact holder 280 includes a front portion 286 and a rear portion 288 opposite the front portion 286. The contact holder 280 includes a channel 290 that receives a corresponding receptacle signal contact 260 and / or a receptacle ground contact 270. The channel 290 extends between the top portion 282 and the bottom portion 284. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel 290 receives a corresponding receptacle signal contact 260, while the receptacle ground contact 270 is arranged at the front portion 286 and / or the rear portion 288. However, in alternative embodiments, the contact holder 280 may include a channel 290 that holds the receptacle ground contact 270.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle signal contacts 260 are assembled with the contact holders 280 before the contact holders 280 are loaded into the receptacle housing 210. For example, the contact holders 280 are used to load the receptacle signal contacts 260 into the receptacle housing 210. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact holders 280 are received in corresponding openings 226 in the receptacle housing 210. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle ground contacts 270 are assembled with the contact holders 280 before the contact holders 280 are loaded into the receptacle housing 210. For example, the contact holders 280 are used to load the receptacle ground contacts 270 into the receptacle housing 210. In the illustrated embodiment, each contact holder 280 holds a row of receptacle signal contacts 260 approximately centered between the front 286 and the rear 288. The array of receptacle ground contacts 270 is arranged along the front 286 and the rear 288 of the contact holders 280. Thus, the receptacle signal contacts 260 are flanked by corresponding receptacle ground contacts 270 in front of and behind the rows of receptacle signal contacts 260. The contact subassemblies 252 (contact holders 280 holding the array of receptacle signal contacts 260 and holding the array of receptacle ground contacts 270) are configured to be loaded into the receptacle housing 210 as a unit. In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle contact assembly 250 includes a pair of contact subassemblies 252. However, in alternative embodiments, the receptacle contact assembly 250 may include a single contact subassembly 252 or more than two contact subassemblies 252.

[0035] Figure 4 is a top view of a portion of the receptacle connector 200 illustrating the receptacle signal contacts 260 and the receptacle ground contacts 270 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the receptacle connector 200 illustrating the receptacle signal contacts 260 and the receptacle ground contacts 270 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 and Figure 5 An exemplary arrangement of the receptacle signal contacts 260 and the receptacle ground contacts 270 is shown. Figure 4 and Figure 5 An embodiment is shown having eight pairs (sixteen signal contacts) arranged in a 2×4 arrangement (2 rows×4 pairs), but it may be realized that more or fewer signal contacts may be provided to increase or decrease the density of the receptacle connector 200. For example, additional pairs may be provided in a row and / or additional rows of signal contacts may be added to increase the density of the receptacle connector 200.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle signal contacts 260 are arranged in the receptacle signal rows 254, and the receptacle ground contacts 270 are arranged in the receptacle ground rows 256. The receptacle ground rows 256 are offset from the receptacle signal rows 254. In an exemplary embodiment, each receptacle signal row 254 is flanked by a corresponding receptacle ground row 256 in front of and behind the receptacle signal row 254. In this way, shielding is provided in front of and behind each receptacle signal contact 260.

[0037] Although the receptacle connector 200 is shown as having two receptacle signal rows 254 and four receptacle ground rows 256, it can be realized that the receptacle connector 200 can include more or fewer receptacle signal rows 254 and / or more or fewer receptacle ground rows 256. In the illustrated embodiment, two different receptacle ground rows 256 are disposed between a pair of receptacle signal rows 254. However, in alternative embodiments, a single receptacle ground row 256 can be disposed between a pair of receptacle signal rows 254.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, no receptacle ground contacts 270 are arranged in the receptacle signal rows 254. Instead, air gaps 258 are arranged between the receptacle signal contacts 260 within the receptacle signal rows 254. In an exemplary embodiment, the cross-section of the receptacle signal contacts 260 and the receptacle ground contacts 270 is generally rectangular with two sets of opposing edges / sides. The longer of the edges / sides is the wide side, and the shorter of the edges / sides is the side. In an exemplary embodiment, each receptacle signal contact 260 includes a wide side 292 and a side 294, and each receptacle ground contact 270 includes a wide side 296 and a side 298. The wide sides 292, 296 are wider than the corresponding side 294, 298. The side 294, 298 are the cut sides of the contacts formed during the stamping process.

[0039] The socket signal contacts 260 are arranged so that the sides 294 face each other. The socket signal contacts 260 are side-coupled to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the socket signal contacts 260 within each pair are spaced closer to each other than the spacing between adjacent pairs to promote side coupling (facing corresponding sides) between corresponding pairs of socket signal contacts 260. In various embodiments, the inter-pair spacing of the socket signal contacts 260 can be greater than twice (2X) the inter-pair spacing of the socket signal contacts 260 to promote intra-pair coupling and prevent inter-pair coupling and improve signal performance. Optionally, the inter-pair spacing of the socket signal contacts 260 can be greater than five times (5X) the intra-pair spacing of the socket signal contacts 260. No socket ground contacts 270 are arranged in the socket signal row 254 to prevent side coupling between the socket signal contacts 260 and the socket ground contacts 270.

[0040] The receptacle signal contacts 260 and the receptacle ground contacts 270 are arranged such that the broadside 292 of the receptacle signal contact 260 faces the broadside 296 of at least one of the corresponding receptacle ground contacts 270. The broadsides of the receptacle signal contacts 260 are coupled (face the corresponding broadsides) to the corresponding receptacle ground contacts 270. The receptacle ground contacts 270 are used to suppress noise coupling between differential pairs, such as between differential pairs of signal contacts 260 in different receptacle signal rows 254. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle ground contacts 270 in different receptacle ground rows 256 are staggered or offset relative to each other and may be staggered relative to the receptacle signal contacts 260. For example, each receptacle signal contact 260 may be aligned with one of the receptacle ground contacts 270 in one of the receptacle ground rows 256 located on the side, but offset relative to the receptacle ground contacts 270 in another receptacle ground row 256 located on the side. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle signal contacts 260 within each pair are aligned with the receptacle ground contacts 270 in different receptacle ground rows 256. For example, the first receptacle signal contacts 260a within each pair are aligned with the receptacle ground contacts 270a in the first receptacle ground row 256a (and offset relative to the receptacle ground contacts 270b in the second receptacle ground row 256b), while the second receptacle signal contacts 260b within each pair are aligned with the receptacle ground contacts 270b in the second receptacle ground row 256b (and offset relative to the receptacle ground contacts 270a in the first receptacle ground row 256a). This arrangement allows for tighter packing or spacing of the receptacle signal contacts 260 and the receptacle ground contacts 270 within the receptacle connector 200 by allowing sufficient space for contact deflection and mating with the plug connector 300, ensuring that the contacts do not short and maintaining sufficient spacing to achieve proper signal integrity.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle signal contacts 260 are arranged within the receptacle connector 200 to face different directions, which can balance mating forces during mating with the plug connector 300. For example, some of the receptacle signal contacts 260 may be forward facing, while other receptacle signal contacts 260 may be rearward facing. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle signal contacts 260 within each pair face opposite directions (e.g., one facing forward and one facing rearward). In an exemplary embodiment, within each receptacle signal row 254, some of the receptacle signal contacts 260 may be forward facing, and some of the receptacle signal contacts 260 may be rearward facing. However, in alternative embodiments, the receptacle signal contacts 260 may be oriented so that all of the receptacle signal contacts in each receptacle signal row 254 face the same direction, but face a different direction than the receptacle signal contacts in another receptacle signal row 254, which has the net effect of balancing mating forces.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle ground contacts 270 are arranged within the receptacle connector 200 to face different directions, which can balance mating forces during mating with the plug connector 300. For example, some of the receptacle ground contacts 270 can be forward facing, while other receptacle ground contacts 270 can be rearward facing. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle ground contacts 270 can be oriented so that all of the receptacle ground contacts in each receptacle ground row 256 face the same direction, but face a different direction than the receptacle ground contacts in another receptacle ground row 256, which has the net effect of balancing mating forces. However, in alternative embodiments, within each receptacle ground row 256, some of the receptacle ground contacts 270 can be forward facing, and some of the receptacle ground contacts 270 can be rearward facing.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle signal contacts 260 and the receptacle ground contacts 270 can be arranged so that the signal / ground pairs (e.g., the closest or aligned contacts or the wide-side coupled contacts) face the same direction (e.g., both face forward or both face rearward). For example, the mating interfaces of such contacts face the same direction so that during mating with the plug connector 300, the spring beams of such contacts deflect in the same direction (e.g., forward or rearward) to generally maintain alignment and spacing when mating with the plug connector 300.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the mating interfaces 267 of the receptacle signal contacts 260 and the mating interfaces 277 of the receptacle ground contacts 270 are offset relative to each other. For example, the spring beams 266 of the receptacle signal contacts 260 may be longer than the spring beams 276 of the receptacle ground contacts 270 so that the receptacle signal contacts 260 are mated to the plug connector 300 before the receptacle ground contacts 270 are mated to the plug connector 300, or vice versa. As a result, the overall mating force for mating the plug connector 300 with the receptacle connector 200 is reduced.

[0045] Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view of plug connector 300 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7 2 is a top perspective view of the plug connector 300 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the receptacle signal contacts 260 and the receptacle ground contacts 270 of the receptacle connector 200 mated with the plug connector 300 .

[0046] The plug connector 300 includes a plug housing 310 that holds a plug contact assembly 350. The plug housing 310 includes a wall 312 that holds the cable 110 and / or the plug contact assembly 350. The wall 312 extends between a top 316 and a bottom 318 of the plug housing 310. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable 110 is connected to the plug housing 310 at the top 316. The bottom 318 defines a mating end that is configured to be inserted into the receptacle 214 of the receptacle connector 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the wall 312 includes a front wall 320 and a rear wall 322 that is opposite to the front wall 320. Optionally, the wall 312 may include an end wall 324 between the front wall 320 and the rear wall 322. The plug housing 310 extends longitudinally between the ends. For example, the front wall 320 and the rear wall 322 may be oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plug housing 310. For example, the plug housing 310 is longer from end to end and shorter from front to rear.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the wall 312 includes a shield wall 326 configured to be inserted into the socket connector 200. The shield wall 326 can be defined by the bottom ends of the front wall 320 and the rear wall 322. In the illustrated embodiment, the shield wall 326 includes at least one central shield wall 326 located between the front wall 320 and the rear wall 322. The central shield wall 326 can be centered between the front wall 320 and the rear wall 322. In an exemplary embodiment, the wall 312 includes a connecting wall 328 between the shield walls 326. The shield wall 326 is configured to be electrically connected to the socket ground contact 270. For example, the shield wall 326 is connected to the mating interface 277 of the socket ground contact 270.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, the plug housing 310 is made of a conductive material, such as a conductive plastic material. The plug housing 310 can be die-cast from a metal material. The wall 312 provides shielding for the plug contact assembly 350. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug housing 310 includes a shielding space 330 between shielding walls 326. The plug contact assembly 350 is received in the shielding space 330. The shielding wall 326 provides shielding for the plug contact assembly 350 in the shielding space 330. In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting wall 328 divides the shielding space 330 into recesses 332. The shielding wall 326 and the connecting wall 328 provide shielding between the recesses 332.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the plug housing 310 includes ribs 334 extending from the shield wall 326 into the shield space 330. The ribs 334 are positioned relative to the contacts of the plug contact assembly 350 to control signal performance, such as controlling resonance along a signal transmission line through the connector 200, 300. For example, the positioning of the ribs 334 controls the spacing of the signal transmission line to the ground structure to control impedance. The ribs 334 can be aligned with corresponding signal contacts. The ribs can be offset from the signal contacts and positioned between the signal contacts in a spaced-apart manner.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, the plug housing 310 includes a cable channel 342 that receives an end of the cable 110. The cable 110 is terminated to the plug contact assembly 350 in the cable channel 342. The connecting wall 328 separates the cable channel 342 to provide shielding between the cable channels 342. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable shield 116 of the cable 110 can be terminated to the plug housing 310, such as to the wall 312 (e.g., the connecting wall 328). In an exemplary embodiment, the drain wire 118 can be terminated to the plug housing 310, such as to the wall 312 (e.g., the connecting wall 328). For example, the drain wire 118 can be welded to the connecting wall 328.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, a cover 340 (shown in phantom) can be coupled to the top 316 of the plug housing 310 to cover the end of the cable 110. The cover 340 can be a molded or die-cast component coupled to the receptacle housing 210. Alternatively, the cover 340 can be formed in place around the end of the cable 110. For example, the cover 340 can be an epoxy injection molded into the recess 332 to cover the end of the cable 110.

[0052] The plug contact assembly 350 is coupled to the plug housing 310. The plug contact assembly 350 is configured to be terminated to the cable 110. The plug contact assembly 350 is configured to mate with the receptacle connector 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug contact assembly 350 includes a plurality of contacts, such as plug signal contacts 360, which are configured to be electrically connected to the plug connector 300. Optionally, the plug contact assembly 350 may additionally or alternatively include ground contacts and / or power contacts.

[0053] The plug signal contacts 360 form a signal transmission line through the plug connector 300 to electrically connect the plug connector 300 to the receptacle connector 200. The shielding wall 326 provides shielding for the receptacle signal contacts 260 and the plug signal contacts 360. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug signal contacts 360 are arranged in pairs, which can be configured to transmit differential signals. The shielding wall 326 provides shielding between the rows of the plug signal contacts 360. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug signal contacts 360 are arranged so that no plug ground contacts are positioned in line with the rows of the plug signal contacts 360.

[0054] Each plug signal contact 360 includes a mating end 362 and a terminating end 364. The mating end 362 is configured to mate with the mating end 262 of the corresponding receptacle signal contact 260. The mating end 362 of the plug signal contact 360 can mate with the receptacle signal contact 260 before the receptacle ground contact 270 is mated to the shield wall 326 to reduce the mating force during mating. The terminating end 364 is configured to terminate to the cable 110, such as the corresponding conductors 112, 114 of the cable 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug signal contact 360 is a stamped and formed contact. Alternatively, a plurality of the plug signal contacts 360 can be formed from a lead frame, wherein the plug signal contacts 360 are stamped from a common sheet of metal and can be connected together by a carrier strip (not shown) that is removed during assembly, for example, after the plug signal contacts 360 are overmolded or otherwise retained in a (multiple) contact holder.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the mating end 362 includes a spring beam 366 configured to mate with a corresponding socket signal contact 260. The spring beam 366 is deflectable. The spring beam 366 is cantilevered into the shielding space 330 for mating with the socket signal contact 260. The spring beam 366 includes a mating interface 367 at or near the distal end of the spring beam 366. The spring beam 366 can be bent at the distal end to define the mating interface 367. Other types of contacts, such as pin contacts, socket contacts, blade contacts, etc., can be used in alternative embodiments.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the terminating end 364 includes a pad 368, and the soldering pad 368 is configured to be soldered to the conductors 112, 114 of the corresponding cable 110. Optionally, the soldering pad 368 can be bent at a right angle relative to the spring beam 366. For example, the soldering pad 368 can be oriented generally horizontally, while the spring beam 366 can be oriented generally vertically. Other types of termination portions can be provided at the terminating end 364. In some embodiments, the terminating end can be terminated to a circuit board instead of being terminated to the cable 110.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the plug contact assembly 350 includes one or more contact holders 380 that hold the plug signal contacts 360. The contact holders 380 are configured to be coupled to the plug housing 310 to position the plug signal contacts 360 relative to the plug housing 310. In the illustrated embodiment, each contact holder 380 is configured to hold a pair of plug signal contacts 360. However, in alternative embodiments, the contact holders 380 may be designed to hold a greater number of plug signal contacts 360.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, the contact retainer 380 is made of a dielectric material. For example, the contact retainer 380 can be a molded plastic part. In various embodiments, the contact retainer 380 can be formed in place on the plug signal contact 360. For example, the contact retainer 380 can include an overmolded body overmolded on the plug signal contact 360. In an alternative embodiment, the plug signal contact 360 can be sewed or otherwise loaded into the pre-molded contact retainer 380. The contact retainer 380 includes a top (not shown) and a bottom 384. The contact retainer 380 includes a front 386 and a rear 388 opposite to the front 386. The contact retainer 380 includes a channel 390 for receiving a corresponding plug signal contact 360. The channel 390 extends between the top and the bottom 384.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, the plug signal contacts 360 are assembled with the contact holders 380 before loading the contact holders 380 into the plug housing 310. For example, the contact holders 380 are used to load the plug signal contacts 360 into the plug housing 310. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact holders 380 are received in corresponding recesses 332 in the plug housing 310, such as between the shield walls 326 and between the connecting walls 328.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, the header signal contacts 360 are arranged in the header signal rows 354. The shield wall 326 defines header ground rows 356 that flank the header signal rows 354. The header ground rows 356 are offset from the header signal rows 354. In an exemplary embodiment, each header signal row 354 has a corresponding header ground row 356 flanking the header signal row 354 in front of and behind the header signal row 354. In this way, shielding is provided in front of and behind each header signal contact 360.

[0061] Although the plug connector 300 is shown as having two plug signal rows 354 and three plug ground rows 356, the plug connector 300 may include more or fewer plug signal rows 354 and / or more or fewer plug ground rows 356. The two center receptacle ground rows of receptacle ground contacts 270 are configured to engage opposite sides of the center shield wall 326. The outer receptacle ground rows of the receptacle ground contacts 270 are configured to engage the shield wall 326 at the front and rear of the plug housing 310. The ground connection forms a ground return path through the connectors 200, 300 between the cable 110 and the circuit board 102.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, no header ground contacts are arranged in the header signal rows 354. Instead, air gaps 358 are arranged between the header signal contacts 360 within the header signal rows 354. In an exemplary embodiment, each header signal contact 360 includes a broadside 392 and a side 394. The broadside 392 is wider than the side 394. The side 394 is the cut side of the contact formed during the stamping process.

[0063] The plug signal contacts 360 are arranged so that the sides 394 face each other. The plug signal contacts 360 are side-coupled to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug signal contacts 360 within each pair are spaced closer to each other than between adjacent pairs to facilitate side-coupling between the plug signal contacts 360 of the corresponding pairs. No plug ground contacts are arranged in the plug signal rows 354 to prevent side-coupling between the plug signal contacts 360 and such plug ground contacts. The plug signal contacts 360 are arranged so that the wide sides 392 of the plug signal contacts 360 face the shielding wall 326. The wide sides of the plug signal contacts 360 are coupled to the shielding wall 326. The shielding wall 326 is used to suppress noise coupling between differential pairs, such as noise coupling between differential pairs of signal contacts 360 in different plug signal rows 354.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, the plug signal contacts 360 are arranged within the plug connector 300 to face different directions, which can balance mating forces during mating with the plug connector 300. For example, some of the plug signal contacts 360 can face forward, while other plug signal contacts 360 can face rearward. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug signal contacts 360 within each pair face opposite directions (e.g., one facing forward and one facing rearward). In an exemplary embodiment, within each plug signal row 354, some of the plug signal contacts 360 can be facing forward, and some of the plug signal contacts 360 can be facing rearward. However, in alternative embodiments, the plug signal contacts 360 can be oriented so that all of the plug signal contacts in each plug signal row 354 face the same direction, but face a different direction than the plug signal contacts in another plug signal row 354, which has the net effect of balancing mating forces.

[0065] When mated, high-speed signals can be transmitted between the cable 110 and the circuit board 102 through the connectors 200, 300. The connectors 200, 300 have a high signal density and can perform at high speeds, such as in the range of 112gb / s or 224gb / s. The arrangement of the shielding structure relative to the signal transmission line controls crosstalk and resonance through the connectors 200, 300. For example, by keeping the signal contacts 260, 360 wide-side coupled to the grounding structure (e.g., the grounding contact 270 and the shielding wall 326) and the edge coupled to other signal contacts 260, 360, resonance can be controlled. The arrangement of the grounding structure in the grounding row between the signal rows (e.g., there is no grounding contact in the signal row) controls the resonance through the mating interface. The split hermaphroditic arrangement of the signal contacts 260, 360 balances the mating forces to allow the mating interface to be mated in a tight space with a high-density arrangement of the signal contacts through the connectors 200, 300.

[0066] It should be understood that the above description is intended to illustrate rather than limit. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. In addition, without departing from the scope of the present invention, many modifications can be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of the present invention. The dimensions, material types, orientations of various components, and the number and position of various components described herein are intended to define the parameters of certain embodiments, and are by no means restrictive, but are merely exemplary embodiments. After reading the above description, many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims and the full scope of equivalents granted by these claims. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "wherein" are used as equivalents of the corresponding terms "including" and "in...". In addition, in the following claims, the terms "first", "second", and "third", etc. are used only as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Furthermore, the following claim limitations are not written in a means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. §112(f) unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase "means for..." followed by a description of the function without further structure.

Claims

1. An electrical connector system (100), include: A socket connector (200) comprising a socket housing (210) holding a socket contact assembly (250), the socket housing having a wall (212) forming a socket (214), the socket contact assembly comprising socket signal contacts (260) and socket ground contacts (270), the socket signal contacts being arranged in pairs, the socket signal contacts being arranged in a socket signal row (254), and the socket ground contacts being arranged in a socket ground row (256) offset from the socket signal row; A plug connector (300) configured to be inserted into the socket, the plug connector comprising a plug housing (310) for holding a plug contact assembly (350), the plug housing having shielding walls (326) arranged parallel to each other and a shielding space (330) between the shielding walls, the plug contact assembly comprising plug signal contacts (360) arranged in pairs, the plug signal contacts being positioned in the shielding space in a plug signal row; wherein the receptacle signal contacts mate with corresponding plug signal contacts, and wherein the receptacle ground contacts mate with corresponding shielding walls.

2. The electrical connector system (100) according to claim 1, in, Air gaps (258) are defined between pairs of the receptacle signal contacts (260) in the receptacle signal rows (254), and air gaps are defined between pairs of the header signal contacts (360) in the header signal rows.

3. The electrical connector system (100) according to claim 1, in, The receptacle signal contacts (260) are arranged in the receptacle signal rows (254) without any receptacle ground contacts (270) being arranged between pairs of receptacle signal contacts.

4. The electrical connector system (100) according to claim 1, in, The receptacle signal contacts (260) include broadsides (292) and side sides (294), the receptacle signal contact side sides in the receptacle signal row (254) being coupled to each other and the receptacle signal contact broadsides being coupled to the receptacle ground contacts (270).

5. The electrical connector system (100) according to claim 1, in, The receptacle signal contacts (260) include mating interfaces (277), with the mating interfaces of the receptacle signal contacts in each pair facing in opposite directions.

6. The electrical connector system (100) according to claim 1, in, The receptacle ground contacts (270) are aligned with corresponding receptacle signal contacts (260) along an axis perpendicular to the receptacle signal rows (254) and the receptacle ground rows (256).

7. The electrical connector system (100) according to claim 6, in, The receptacle signal contacts (260) in each pair are aligned with receptacle ground contacts (270) in a different receptacle ground row (256).

8. The electrical connector system (100) according to claim 1, in, The receptacle ground contacts (270) are arranged in two different receptacle ground rows (256a, 256b) between two receptacle signal rows (254).

9. The electrical connector system (100) according to claim 1, in, The receptacle signal rows (254) of the receptacle signal contacts (260) are separated by corresponding shield walls (326).

10. The electrical connector system (100) according to claim 1, in, The socket ground contacts (270) in each socket ground row (256) are connected by corresponding connecting beams (275) so that the socket ground contacts are electrically common.

11. The electrical connector system (100) according to claim 1, in, The wall (212) of the socket housing (210) includes a front wall (220) and a rear wall (222), the socket signal row (254) and the socket ground row (256) extend parallel to the front wall and the rear wall, and each socket signal row has a corresponding socket ground row located on the side in front and behind the socket signal row.

12. The electrical connector system (100) according to claim 11, in, Each socket signal row (254) has corresponding shielding walls (326) located on the sides in front of and behind the socket signal row.

13. The electrical connector system (100) according to claim 1, in, The socket signal contact (260) includes a mating interface, and the socket ground contact (270) includes a mating interface (277), and the mating interface of the socket signal contact is configured to mate with the corresponding plug signal contact (360) before the mating interface of the socket ground contact mates with the corresponding shielding wall (326).

14. The electrical connector system (100) according to claim 1, in, The shield wall (326) includes ribs (334) extending from the shield wall into the shield space (330), the ribs being located between the receptacle ground contacts (270) that engage the shield wall at locations between the ribs.

15. The electrical connector system (100) according to claim 1, in, The socket contact assembly (250) includes at least one contact retainer (280), which retains corresponding socket signal contacts (260) and socket ground contacts (270), and the at least one contact retainer is connected to the socket housing (210) to position the corresponding socket signal contacts and socket ground contacts in the socket for mating with the plug connector (300).

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