Electrical connector system

Abstract

An electrical connector system (100) includes a circuit card assembly (102) having a main circuit board (110), an interposer (300), and a socket connector (200) arranged in a circuit stack. The interposer includes interposer contacts (302) on an interposer circuit board (312). The socket connector includes a compressible socket contact (202) having a mating end (304) with a separable mating interface. The electrical connector system includes a pluggable module (104) having a module circuit board (502) retained in a module body (500) at a mating end, the module circuit board (502) configured to be loaded into a module mating region in a module loading direction and to mate with socket contacts in a contact mating direction substantially perpendicular to the module loading direction, the jack contacts are compressed between the module circuit board and the interposer contacts, and a circuit path is generated between the module contacts (548) and the interposer contacts through the jack contacts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter of the present disclosure generally relates to electrical connector systems. Background Art

[0002] Some communication systems utilize communication connectors, such as card-edge connectors, to interconnect various components of the system for data communication. Some known communication systems use pluggable modules, such as I / O modules, which are electrically connected to card-edge connectors. The pluggable module has a module circuit board that has a card edge that mates with the card-edge connector during mating operation. The module circuit board is typically limited to two rows of contacts, where the first row of contacts is on the upper surface of the module circuit board and the second row of contacts is on the lower surface of the module circuit board. As such, the density of the communication system is limited by the mating interface defined by the card-edge connector and the module circuit board. The card-edge connector is typically mounted to a circuit board, and signal paths are routed through the circuit board to another electronic device, such as an integrated circuit. However, the system experiences signal degradation along the length of the traces between the card-edge connector and the integrated circuit, especially at higher speeds.

[0003] There is still a need for a high-speed communication system with a high contact density. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to the present invention, there is provided an electrical connector system that includes a circuit card assembly that includes a main circuit board, an inserter, and a receptacle connector arranged in a circuit stack. The inserter includes an inserter circuit board having inserter contacts. The inserter contacts have a mating end and a termination end opposite the mating end. The receptacle connector includes receptacle contacts. The receptacle contacts are compressible. The receptacle contacts have a first mating end and a second mating end. The first mating end has a separable mating interface at a module mating region. The second mating end has a separable mating interface. The second mating end is connected to the mating end of a corresponding inserter contact. The electrical connector system includes a pluggable module that includes a module body having a top and a bottom. The pluggable module has a mating end. The pluggable module includes a module circuit board held by the module body at the mating end. The mating end is configured to be loaded into the module mating region in a module loading direction such that the module circuit board is aligned with the circuit stack. The module circuit board has module contacts that mate with corresponding first mating ends of the receptacle contacts in a contact mating direction that is generally perpendicular to the module loading direction to compress the receptacle contacts between the module circuit board and the inserter contacts and create an electrical path between the module contacts and the inserter contacts through the receptacle contacts. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an electrical connector system formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0006] Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of a pluggable module according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0007] Figure 3 is an exploded view of an electrical connector system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0008] Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of a circuit card assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the bottom of the cage.

[0009] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a jack connector and an inserter connected together and held by an inserter frame.

[0010] Figure 6 is an exploded view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a jack connector and an inserter connected together and held by an inserter frame.

[0012] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a jack connector and an inserter connected together and held by an inserter frame.

[0013] Figure 9 is a bottom perspective view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a jack connector and an inserter connected together and held by an inserter frame.

[0014] Figure 10 is an exploded view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a jack connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Figure 12 is a side view of an electrical connector system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a pluggable module initially loaded into the cage.

[0017] Figure 13 is a side view of an electrical connector system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a pluggable module partially loaded into the cage in the module loading direction.

[0018] Figure 14Is a side view of an electrical connector system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the pluggable module fully loaded into the cage in the module loading direction before mating with the connector assembly in the contact mating direction.

[0019] Figure 15 Is a side view of an electrical connector system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the pluggable module mating with the connector assembly in the contact mating direction.

[0020] Figure 16 Is a side view of a part of an electrical connector system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the pluggable module in the fully loaded position but in the unmated state.

[0021] Figure 17 Is according to an exemplary embodiment Figure 16 An enlarged view of a part of the electrical connector system shown.

[0022] Figure 18 Is a side view of a part of an electrical connector system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the pluggable module in the fully loaded position and in the mated state.

[0023] Figure 19 Is according to an exemplary embodiment Figure 18 An enlarged view of a part of the electrical connector system shown.

[0024] Figure 20 Is a side view of an electrical connector system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the pluggable module fully loaded into the cage and mated with the connector assembly, wherein the latching device engages with the latching element.

[0025] Figure 21 Is a side view of an electrical connector system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the pluggable module partially unmated with the connector assembly, wherein the latching device is released from the latching element. Detailed Description

[0026] Figure 1 Is a front perspective view of an electrical connector system 100 formed according to an exemplary embodiment. The electrical connector system 100 includes a circuit card assembly 102 and a pluggable module 104 configured to mate with the circuit card assembly 102. A plurality of circuit card assemblies 102 may be provided within the electrical connector system 100. In various embodiments, a plurality of pluggable modules 104 may mate with the circuit card assemblies 102. The pluggable module 104 is removably coupled to the circuit card assembly 102. The pluggable module 104 may be an I / O module forming part of a communication system. The circuit card assembly 102 of the communication system may be part of an endpoint device, a server, or a network switch or another type of communication system.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the circuit card assembly 102 includes a main circuit board 110, a cage 120, and a connector assembly 108. The connector assembly 108 is received in the cage 120 and is configured to be electrically connected to a pluggable module 104. The connector assembly 108 can be mounted to the main circuit board 110. The connector assembly 108 can be electrically connected to the main circuit board 110. The connector assembly 108 of the circuit card assembly 102 includes a jack connector 200 and an inserter 300. The connector assembly 108 of the circuit card assembly 102 can include a cable assembly 400 electrically connected to the inserter 300. The cable assembly 400 is electrically connected to the pluggable module 104 through the inserter 300 and the jack connector 200. The inserter 300 can be electrically connected to the main circuit board 110. For example, one or more power and / or ground circuits can be connected to the main circuit board 110. In various embodiments, low-speed and / or high-speed signal lines can be electrically connected to the main circuit board 110 to connect the pluggable module 104 to the main circuit board 110 through the inserter 300 and the jack connector 200. In other various embodiments, the circuit card assembly 102 can be provided without the cable assembly 400. Instead, all signal lines are connected from the inserter 300 to the main circuit board 110, rather than some or all signal lines being connected to the cable assembly 400.

[0028] Optionally, the circuit card assembly 102 includes a plurality of connector assemblies 108 (e.g., a plurality of jack connectors 200 / inserters 300 / cable assemblies 400) for docking with corresponding pluggable modules 104. Optionally, the circuit card assembly 102 can include a plurality of cages 120 to accommodate the corresponding jack connectors 200 and inserters 300. The cages 120 are mounted to the main circuit board 110. The cages 120 provide shielding for the circuits (e.g., the pluggable module 104 and / or the jack connector 200 and / or the inserter 300 and / or the cable assembly 400). In an alternative embodiment, the circuit card assembly 102 can be used without the cages 120. In other alternative embodiments, the circuit card assembly 102 can be used without the cable assembly 400. For example, the inserter 300 can be directly electrically connected to the main circuit board 110, rather than conducting signals through the cable assembly 400.

[0029] The circuit card assembly 102 can be loaded into a rack or cabinet of a communication system, such as a rack or cabinet of a server or network switch. For example, the main circuit board 110 can be disposed on a rack or tray at the bottom of the circuit card assembly 102. The main circuit board 110 includes an upper surface 112 and a lower surface 114. The main circuit board 110 includes a front edge 116. The cage 120 is coupled to the main circuit board 110 at the front edge 116. Optionally, a plurality of main circuit boards 110 can be arranged in the communication system. The circuit card assembly 102 can be coupled to a panel at the front of the circuit card assembly 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes one or more electrical devices 106 on the main circuit board 110. For example, the electrical device 106 can be an integrated circuit, such as an IC chip mounted to the main circuit board 110. Other types of electrical devices can be mounted to the main circuit board 110, such as processors, memory modules, or other types of electrical devices. In various embodiments, the electrical device 106 can be located near the rear edge of the main circuit board 110. Alternatively, the electrical device 106 can be located on another main circuit board.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable module 104 is electrically connected to the electrical device 106. For example, the pluggable module 104 can be connected to the electrical device 106 through circuit traces on the main circuit board 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable module 104 is connected to the electrical device 106 through a cable assembly 400 (e.g., through a high-speed cable) to improve signal performance (e.g., reduce loss and / or crosstalk). The cable of the cable assembly 400 is configured to be routed on the board to another component, such as an electrical connector, for connection to the electrical device 106.

[0031] Also referring to Figure 2 , Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the pluggable module 104, and the pluggable module 104 is a cable connector. For example, the pluggable module 104 can be an input / output (I / O) connector, such as a transceiver module. In various embodiments, the pluggable module 104 can be similar to an SFP, QSFP, OSFP, or other I / O form factor.

[0032] The pluggable module 104 includes a retaining module circuit board 502 ( Figure 2) the module body 500. The module body 500 extends between a front portion 504 and a rear portion 506. In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable module 104 includes an actuation feature 508 at or near the front portion 504. The front portion 504 of the pluggable module 104 defines a mating end that is configured to be loaded into the cage 120 to mate with the connector assembly 108. The actuation feature 508 is used to position the pluggable module 104 to mate with the jack connector 200. The module body 500 includes a top 510 and a bottom 512. The module body 500 includes a first side 514 and a second side 516. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation feature 508 is a ramp at the top 510. The actuation feature 508 can be a cam surface. Other types of actuation features 508 can be used in alternative embodiments, such as biasing elements. In alternative embodiments, the actuation feature 508 can be located at other positions.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the module body 500 includes a guiding feature 520 that is configured to guide the mating of the module body 500 with the circuit card assembly 102. Optionally, the guiding feature 520 extends longitudinally between the front portion 504 and the rear portion 506 along the sides 514, 516. In the illustrated embodiment, the guiding feature 520 includes guiding lugs, such as an upper guiding lug 522 and a lower guiding lug 524. The guiding lugs 522, 524 extend outwardly from the sides 514, 516. The upper guiding lug 522 can be provided at or near the top 510. The lower guiding lug 545 can be provided at or near the bottom 512. The guiding lugs 522, 524 can be rectangular in shape. However, in alternative embodiments, the guiding lugs 522, 524 can have other shapes. The guiding lugs 522, 524 are separated by a gap 526 that is configured to receive a guiding feature of the cage 120, such as a rail. In various embodiments, the guiding lugs 522, 524 are offset from each other. For example, the upper guiding lug 522 can be positioned closer to the front portion 504 compared to the lower guiding lug 524. Other types of guiding features can be provided in alternative embodiments, such as tracks, ribs, pins, shoulders, grooves, channels, etc.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the module body 500 includes a protrusion 528 near the rear portion 506. The protrusion 528 is used to position the pluggable module 104 in the cage 120. For example, the protrusion 528 is configured to engage the cage 120 to vertically position the rear end of the pluggable module 104 in the cage 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the module body 500 includes a protrusion 528 at the top 504, and the protrusion 528 is used to keep the top 510 of the module body 500 spaced apart from the top of the cage 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the module body 500 includes a protrusion 528 at the bottom 506, and the protrusion 528 is used to keep the bottom 512 of the module body 500 spaced apart from the bottom of the cage 120. The protrusions 528 may have a similar height to center the module body 500 in the module channel of the cage 120. Other types of positioning features may be provided in alternative embodiments to position the module body 500 relative to the cage 120. The protrusion 528 can be used to engage an EMI spring (not shown) on the inner side of the cage to seal the front of the cage when the module is inserted.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the module body 500 includes a cavity 530 for receiving the module circuit board 502. The module body 500 includes a window 532 that is open at the bottom 512 to expose the module circuit board 502 in the cavity 530. Optionally, the window 532 may be located near the rear portion 506.

[0036] The module circuit board 502 includes a leading edge 540 that extends between the upper surface 542 and the lower surface 544 ( Figure 2 ). The lower surface 544 is exposed in the window 532 at the bottom 512 of the module body 500. The module circuit board 502 includes a module contact array 546 of module contacts 548 at the lower surface 544 near the leading edge 540. In an exemplary embodiment, the module contacts 548 are defined by the circuitry of the module circuit board 502, such as pads, traces, vias, etc. In alternative embodiments, the module contacts 548 may be spring beam contacts having deflectable spring beams that define a compressible mating interface. The module contacts 548 are arranged in multiple rows and multiple columns. In an exemplary embodiment, the module contacts 548 are arranged in more than three rows and are arranged in more than three columns. In various embodiments, the module contacts 548 are arranged as signal pairs surrounded by a ground plane. In other various embodiments, the module contacts may include signal pads and ground pads arranged in an array (such as a 12X12 array). The module contacts 548 may include high-speed signal contacts and / or low-speed signal contacts and / or ground contacts and / or power source contacts. The module contacts 548 may be arranged in more or fewer rows and more or fewer columns. Having a large number of rows and / or columns provides a dense mating interface for a pluggable module 104 having many high-speed signal lines through the pluggable module 104.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable module 104 includes one or more cables 550. The cable 550 can be an optical fiber cable optically connected to the module circuit board 502. In an alternative embodiment, the cable 550 can be a copper cable having electrical conductors configured to be directly terminated to the module circuit board 502. For example, the cable 550 can be a high-speed differential pair cable.

[0038] Figure 3 is an exploded view of an electrical connector system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 Shows a circuit card assembly 102 and a pluggable module 104 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 Shows a main circuit board 110, a cage 120, and a connector assembly 108 that includes a receptacle connector 200, an inserter 300, and a cable assembly 400 of the circuit card assembly 102. Figure 3 Shows a module body 500 and a module circuit board 502 of the pluggable module 104. Figure 3 Also shown is a latching device 560 for latchably coupling the pluggable module 104 to the circuit card assembly 102 (such as to the cage 120).

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the latching device 560 of the pluggable module 104 includes a first latch 564 along a first side 514 and a second latch 566 along a second side 516. The latches 564, 566 can be positioned within an internal cavity of the module body 500. A release tab 568 is operatively coupled to the first latch 564 and the second latch 566 to release the first latch 564 and the second latch 566, thereby allowing the pluggable module 104 to be removed from the cage 120. For example, the release tab 568 can be a pull tab configured to be pulled backward to release the latches 524, 526. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the latches 564, 566 includes a latch arm 570 and a latch finger 572 at a distal end of the latch arm 570. The latch finger 572 is configured to be latchably coupled to the circuit card assembly 102, such as to the cage 120. Optionally, the latch finger 572 includes a ramp element 574. The ramp element 574 can be docked with a release ramp of the circuit card assembly 102 to release the latch finger 572 when the release tab 568 is actuated.

[0040] The cage 120 is configured to be mounted to the main circuit board 110, for example, using fasteners 118. In an exemplary embodiment, the cage 120 is enclosed and provides electrical shielding for components. The cage 120 includes a plurality of shielding walls 122 that define one or more module channels 124 for receiving corresponding (multiple) pluggable modules 104. The shielding walls 122 can be walls defined by solid sheets, perforated walls that allow air flow through, walls with cutouts (such as for heat sinks or thermal radiators to pass through), or walls defined by tracks or beams with relatively large openings. In an exemplary embodiment, the cage 120 is a shielded, stamped, and formed metal cage member. In other embodiments, the cage 120 can be open between frame members, such as tracks or beams, to guide the mating of the pluggable module 104 with the socket connector 200.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the cage 120 is a single-port cage configured to receive a single pluggable module 104 in a single module channel 124. However, in an alternative embodiment, the cage 120 can include multiple ports to receive multiple pluggable modules, such as a stacked cage member having upper and lower module channels or side-by-side module channels 124. The module channels can be arranged in a single column. However, in an alternative embodiment, the cage 120 can include multiple columns of grouped module channels (e.g., 2×2, 3×2, 4×2, 4×3, etc.). The cage 120 includes a front port 126 that provides an entrance to the module channel 124. The pluggable module 104 is inserted into the module channel 124 through the port 126. The cage 120 can include a rear port 128 that provides an entrance to the module channel 124. The inserter 300 is inserted into the module channel 124 through the rear port 128.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, the shielding wall 122 of the cage 120 includes a top wall 130, a bottom wall 132, and side walls 134 extending between the top wall 130 and the bottom wall 132. The bottom wall 132 may rest on the main circuit board 110. However, in an alternative embodiment, a cage 120 without a bottom wall 132 may be provided. Optionally, the shielding wall 122 of the cage 120 may include a rear wall 136 at the rear of the cage 120 and a front wall 138 at the front of the cage 120. The ports 126 are provided in the front wall 138. The rear ports 128 are provided in the rear wall 136. The shielding wall 122 defines a cavity that forms the (multiple) module channels 124. The cavity is defined by the top wall 130, the bottom wall 132, the side walls 134, the rear wall 136, and the front wall 138. Other shielding walls 122 may divide or partition the cavity into individual module channels 124. For example, the shielding wall 122 may include a channel separator between an upper module channel 124 and a lower module channel 124. The shielding wall 122 may include a partition wall parallel to the side walls 134 that extends between the top wall 130 and the bottom wall 132 to separate adjacent module channels 124 from each other.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the cage 120 may include one or more gaskets at the front wall 138 for providing electrical shielding for the module channels 124. For example, the gasket may be configured to be electrically connected to a pluggable module 104 received in the module channel 124. The gasket may be configured to be electrically connected to a panel or a bezel. In an exemplary embodiment, the cage 120 may include one or more gaskets at the rear wall 136 for providing electrical shielding for the module channels 124. For example, the gasket may be configured to be electrically connected to an inserter 300 received in the module channel 124.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the cage 120 may include one or more heat sinks 140 for dissipating heat from the pluggable module 104. For example, the heat sink 140 may be coupled to the top wall 130 and extend through an opening 142 in the top wall 130 to engage the pluggable module 104 and dissipate heat from the pluggable module 104.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the cage 120 includes guide rails 170 along the shielding wall 122. For example, the guide rails 170 may extend along the side walls 134. The pluggable module 104 is configured to engage the guide rails 170 to guide the pluggable module 104 into loading into the module channels 124. For example, the guide lugs 522, 524 may engage the guide rails 170 (e.g., also shown in Figure 12 ), to guide the loading of the pluggable module 104 into the module channels 124. The guide rails 170 extend between the front and rear of the cage 120. Optionally, the guide rails 170 may be located at the front.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the guide rail 170 extends inwardly from the side wall 134 into the module channel 124. However, in an alternative embodiment, the guide rail 170 may form a channel or groove that extends into the side wall 134 rather than protruding from the side wall 134. Each guide rail 170 includes an upper shoulder 172 and a lower shoulder 174. The shoulders 172, 174 may be parallel to each other, such as parallel to the top wall 130 and / or the bottom wall 132. The upper guide lug 522 is configured to slide along the upper shoulder 172 and / or the lower guide lug 524 is configured to slide along the lower shoulder 174 to vertically position the pluggable module 104 within the module channel 124 relative to the cage 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the guide rail 170 includes an entry surface 176 at the front end to guide the guide lugs 522, 524 onto the guide rail 170. In an exemplary embodiment, the guide rail 170 is configured to hold the pluggable module 104 in a raised position elevated from the bottom wall 132 during loading. The guide rail 170 guides the mating end of the pluggable module 104 to a position for mating with the socket connector 200, such as a position vertically above the socket connector 200, for mating with the socket connector 200 in a generally vertical mating direction.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, each guide rail 170 includes a drop-in recess 180 at a position remote from the front portion of the cage 120 (also shown in Figure 12 ). The drop-in recess 180 may be located near the socket connector 200. The drop-in recess 180 forms a recess configured to receive the upper guide lug 522. The upper guide lug 522 is configured to drop into the drop-in recess 180 to allow the mating end of the pluggable module 104 to move in a vertically downward mating direction to mate with the socket connector 200. The pluggable module 104 is loaded in a horizontal loading direction until the upper guide lug 522 is aligned with the drop-in recess 180 and drops into the drop-in recess 180 to mate with the socket connector 200. The drop-in recess 180 has a drop-in recess shoulder 182 within the drop-in recess 180. The drop-in recess shoulder 182 is lower than the upper shoulder 172, such as positioned closer to the bottom wall 132 of the cage 120. The upper guide lug 522 drops downwardly toward the drop-in recess shoulder 182 into the drop-in recess 180. The pluggable module 104 may be suspended (e.g., floated) within the drop-in recess 180 and supported by the socket connector 200, which may be controlled by compression of socket contacts that mate with the pluggable module 104. The drop-in recess 180 has a predetermined depth to control the amount of downward movement of the pluggable module 104 in the mating direction.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, the guide rail 170 includes a stop shoulder 184 between the recess shoulder 182 and the upper shoulder 172. The upper guide lug 522 can be placed against the stop shoulder 184 to position the pluggable module 104 within the module channel 124. For example, the stop shoulder 184 can define a reference surface for positioning the pluggable module 104. The pluggable module 104 can be pressed backward to press the upper guide lug 522 against the stop shoulder 184 to position the pluggable module 104 within the module channel 124, for example, to align the module circuit board 502 with the socket connector 200 and to mate the module contacts with the socket contacts.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the socket connector 200 is received within the cage 120, for example, near the rear wall 136. The socket connector 200 is located between the side walls 134. The inserter 300 is received within the cage 120, for example, near the rear wall 136. The inserter 300 is located between the side walls 134. In an exemplary embodiment, the inserter frame 330 holds the inserter 300 and / or the socket connector 200 to position the inserter 300 and the socket connector 200 relative to each other and / or relative to the cage 120 and / or relative to the main circuit board 110. The inserter 300 is configured to be positioned between the socket connector 200 and the main circuit board 110. Optionally, a portion of the inserter 300 can be located outside the cage 120, for example, behind the rear wall 136. For example, the cable assembly 400 can be located outside the cage 120. The pluggable module 104 can be received within the cage 120, between the socket connector 200 and the top wall 130.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable module 104 is loaded horizontally (e.g., along the module loading direction) through the front wall 138 to mate with the socket connector 200, and the inserter 300 is loaded through the rear wall 136 to mate with the socket connector 200. For example, the socket connector 200 is located at or near the rear wall 136. The pluggable module 104 is inserted into the cavity through the front port 126 at the front wall 138. The inserter 300 can be inserted into the cavity through the rear port 128 to dock with the socket connector 200. Alternatively, the inserter 300 and the socket connector 200 can be pre-assembled to the main circuit board, and the socket cage 120 can be mounted on the connector 108. The contacts of the components can form a contact stack. For example, the module contacts 548 of the pluggable module 104, the socket contacts of the socket connector 200, the inserter contacts of the inserter 300, and / or the board contacts of the main circuit board 110 can be arranged in a stacked configuration. The shielding wall 122 of the cage 120 provides electrical shielding around the pluggable module 104, the socket connector 200, and the inserter 300, for example, around the mating interface.

[0051] Figure 4Bottom perspective view of a portion of the circuit card assembly 102, showing the bottom of the cage 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the circuit card assembly 102 includes a loading mechanism 150 for electrically connecting the pluggable module 104 to the jack connector 200 and / or the inserter 300. For example, the loading mechanism 150 is configured to press the contacts of the components together to create a reliable electrical connection. The loading mechanism 150 can directly engage the pluggable module 104 to press the pluggable module 104 into mating engagement with the jack connector 200. The pressing force can be used to compress the contacts between the pluggable module 104 and the inserter 300, such as the jack contacts of the jack connector 200.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, the loading mechanism 150 includes a loading spring 152 configured to engage the pluggable module 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the loading spring 152 includes a first spring arm 154 and a second spring arm 156. The first spring arm 154 is configured to engage the pluggable module 104 and press the pluggable module 104 in a first direction. The second spring arm 156 is configured to engage the pluggable module 104 and press the pluggable module 104 in a second direction transverse to the first direction. For example, the first spring arm 154 can press the pluggable module 104 in a downward direction toward the jack connector 200 to vertically position the pluggable module 104. The second spring arm 156 can press the pluggable module 104 in a backward direction toward the stop shoulder 184 to horizontally position the pluggable module 104.

[0053] Figure 5 Perspective view of a connector assembly 108 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the jack connector 200 and the inserter 300 connected together and held by the inserter frame 330. Figure 6 Exploded view of a connector assembly 108 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7 Bottom perspective view of a connector assembly 108 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the jack connector 200 and the inserter 300 connected together and held by the inserter frame 330.

[0054] The jack connector 200 includes jack contacts 202 arranged in an array. The jack connector 200 includes a jack substrate 210 that holds the jack contacts 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the jack contacts 202 are arranged in an upper contact array located at the upper surface 220 of the jack substrate 210 and a lower contact array located at the lower surface 222 of the jack substrate 210. The jack contacts 202 include mating ends 204 at the upper surface 220 and the lower surface 222. The jack contacts 202 extend between a first or upper mating end and a second or lower mating end.

[0055] The socket substrate 210 extends between a front portion 224 and a rear portion 226 of the socket connector 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the socket substrate 210 is a molded component. The socket substrate 210 can be planar, such as a board. In an exemplary embodiment, the socket substrate 210 includes contact channels 212 that hold the socket contacts 202. The socket contacts 202 can be stitched or loaded into the contact channels 212. In various other embodiments, the socket substrate 210 can be molded around the socket contacts 202, such as a overmolded component. In various other embodiments, the socket substrate 210 is a circuit board having circuits (such as pads, traces, vias, etc.) that form the socket contacts 202. For example, the socket substrate 210 can include plated-through holes that extend between contact pads on an upper surface 220 and a lower surface 222.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, the socket contacts 202 are stamped contacts that have spring beams that form upper contacts at the top of the socket connector 200 and spring beams that form lower contacts at the bottom of the socket connector 200. The socket contacts 202 are compressible, such as at the upper contact and / or the lower contact. In an exemplary embodiment, the socket contacts 202 include separable mating interfaces at the upper mating end and / or the lower mating end. In an exemplary embodiment, the socket contacts 202 are configured to mate with the pluggable module 104 at the upper mating end and are configured to mate with the inserter 300 at the lower mating end. When mating with the pluggable module 104 or the inserter 300, the spring contacts are deflectable. For example, the pluggable module 104 can be coupled to the socket connector 200 from above to compress the spring contacts such that the mating interfaces are spring-biased against the pluggable module 104 or the inserter 300. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper mating interface is coplanar for mating with the pluggable module 104 from above, and the lower mating interface is coplanar for mating with the inserter 300. The socket contacts 202 form land grid arrays at the upper surface 220 and land grid arrays at the lower surface 222. In various other embodiments, the socket contacts 202 can include solder balls that form ball grid arrays at the upper surface 220 or the lower surface 222. For example, the socket contacts 202 can be soldered to the inserter contacts. In various other embodiments, the socket contacts 202 can be conductive polymer posts. In an alternative embodiment, the connector assembly 108 can be provided without the inserter 300. For example, the socket connector 200 can be directly coupled to the main circuit board 110. For example, the lower mating interface of the socket contacts 202 can be connected to the board contacts of the main circuit board 110, either at the separable mating interface or using a solder connection, such as a ball grid array or a land grid array.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the socket connector 200 includes a socket frame 230 that holds a socket substrate 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the socket frame 230 is coupled to an edge of the socket substrate 210. In various other embodiments, the socket frame 230 may surround the socket substrate 210, such as along sides and / or ends of the socket substrate 210. In various embodiments, the socket frame 230 may be integral with the socket substrate 210, for example, co-molded with the socket substrate 210. The socket frame 230 may be coupled to another component, such as an inserter frame 330 or a cage 120, to position the socket substrate 210 for mating with a pluggable module 104 and an inserter 300. The socket frame 230 may limit compression of upper and / or lower contacts. In an exemplary embodiment, the socket frame 230 is a plastic frame that extends along two sides and two ends of the socket substrate 210 to form a rectangular socket cavity 232. In an alternative embodiment, the socket cavity 232 may have other shapes. The socket frame 230 may include alignment pins 234 configured to engage the inserter 300 to position the socket connector 200 relative to the inserter 300. For example, the alignment pins 234 are received in openings in the inserter 300 to position socket contacts 202 for mating with the inserter 300.

[0058] The inserter 300 includes inserter contacts 302 arranged in an array. The inserter 300 includes an inserter substrate 310 that holds the inserter contacts 302. In an exemplary embodiment, the inserter contacts 302 are arranged in a contact array along a surface 320 of the inserter substrate 310, such as along an upper surface of the inserter substrate 310.

[0059] The inserter substrate 310 extends between the front portion 324 and the rear portion 326 of the inserter 300. In an exemplary embodiment, the inserter substrate 310 includes an inserter circuit board 312. The inserter contacts 302 are circuits of the inserter circuit board 312. For example, the inserter contacts 302 are contact pads at the mating end of the inserter circuit board 312. The inserter contacts 302 have a mating end 304 at the front portion 324 of the inserter circuit board 312. The mating end 304 is configured to mate with corresponding socket contacts 202 of the socket connector 200. The inserter contacts 302 have a termination end 306. In various embodiments, the termination end 306 is located near the rear portion 326 of the inserter circuit board 312 for termination to the cable assembly 400. For example, the conductors of the respective cables of the cable assembly 400 can be directly terminated to the termination end 306. In various other embodiments, contacts can be provided between the conductors of the respective cables and the termination end 306 of the inserter contacts 302. In various embodiments, some or all of the termination ends 306 can be provided at the bottom of the inserter circuit board 312, for example, for electrical connection to the main circuit board 110. In various other embodiments, the inserter substrate 310 is a molded component, such as a board, that holds the respective inserter contacts, such as stamped and formed contacts.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, the inserter 300 includes an inserter frame 330 that holds the inserter substrate 310. The inserter frame 330 can hold the socket connector 200. The inserter frame 330 can support the cable assembly 400. For example, the cable assembly 400 can be coupled to the inserter frame 330. The inserter frame 330 includes tracks 332 along opposite sides of the inserter frame 330. The inserter frame 330 includes end walls 334 that extend between the tracks 332. The tracks 332 and the end walls 334 form a socket cavity 336 and an inserter cavity 338. The socket cavity 336 receives the socket connector 200. The inserter cavity 338 receives the inserter circuit board 312. The inserter cavity 338 leads to the socket cavity 336 to allow the socket connector 200 to be connected to the inserter circuit board 312. The inserter frame 330 includes positioning features, such as shoulders, walls, tabs, pins, etc., for positioning the socket connector 200 in the socket cavity 336 and positioning the inserter circuit board 312 in the inserter cavity 338.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, the inserter frame 330 includes positioning pins 335 that are configured to engage the main circuit board 110 to position the inserter 300 relative to the main circuit board 110. For example, the positioning pins 335 are received in openings in the main circuit board 110 to position the inserter 300.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the inserter frame 330 includes a latch element 340 configured to be latchably coupled to the pluggable module 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch element 340 includes a latch recess 342 that receives the latch fingers 572 of the latches 564, 566 of the latching device 560. The latch element 340 includes a release element 344 to release the latches 564, 566 from the latch recess 342. In the illustrated embodiment, the release element 344 includes a ramp 346. Other types of release elements may be used in alternative embodiments.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, the cable assembly 400 includes a plurality of cables 402 extending into a cable housing 410. The cable housing 410 is coupled to the inserter 300, such as to the inserter frame 330 and / or the inserter circuit board 312. In various embodiments, the cable housing 410 may provide shielding for the cables 402. In an exemplary embodiment, the cables 402 are high-speed cables. In various embodiments, the cables 402 are twinaxial cables having a pair of conductors 404 surrounded by an insulator 406 and a cable shield 408. The cable shield 408 provides electrical shielding for the conductors 404. The conductors 404 may be configured to transmit differential signals. Other types of cables may be used in alternative embodiments, such as coaxial cables, twisted pair cables, or other types of cables. In various other embodiments, the cables 402 may be flexible circuits. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable assembly 400 includes a shielding structure at the interface between the ends of the cables 402 and the inserter 300. For example, the conductors 404 may be terminated to termination ends 306 in a shielded recess. For example, each of the cables 402 may be shielded from adjacent cables by the shielding structure.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, the inserter 300 includes a contact assembly 420 coupled to the inserter circuit board 312. The contact assembly 420 includes contacts 422 configured to be coupled to the main circuit board 110. The contacts 422 may be low-speed signal contacts and / or power contacts for transmitting low-speed signals and / or power between the inserter circuit board 312 and the main circuit board 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact assembly 420 includes a contact holder 424, such as a overmolded part, to hold the contacts 422 relative to each other, such as for assembly to the inserter circuit board 312. The contacts 422 may include compliant pins, such as press-fit pins for connection to the inserter circuit board 312 and / or the main circuit board 110.

[0065] The socket connector 200 and the inserter 300 form a very short electrical path between the pluggable module 104 and the cable assembly 400 to form a reliable on-board connector system to allow high-speed data communication between the pluggable module 104 and the electrical device 106. The components of the connector assembly 108 form a circuit stack. The socket contacts 202 of the socket connector 200 and the inserter contacts 302 of the inserter 300 are aligned / stacked to mate with the module contacts 548 of the pluggable module 104. For example, the inserter 300 is located below the socket connector 200, and the socket connector 200 is configured to receive the pluggable module 104 from above the socket connector 200. When mated, the socket contacts 202 form a signal path between the module contacts 548 and the inserter contacts 302. In an exemplary embodiment, the socket contacts 202 are compressible. For example, the socket contacts 202 can be compressed vertically between the pluggable module 104 and the inserter 300. In an exemplary embodiment, a loading mechanism 150( Figure 4 ) is used to load the contacts during mating. For example, the loading mechanism 150 can compress the socket contacts 202 along the contact mating direction (e.g., vertically) to create a reliable electrical path through the socket connector 200.

[0066] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the connector assembly 108 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the socket connector 200 and the inserter 300 connected together and held by the inserter frame 330. Figure 9 is a bottom perspective view of the connector assembly 108 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the socket connector 200 and the inserter 300 connected together and held by the inserter frame 330. Figure 10 is an exploded view of the connector assembly 108 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figures 8 - 10 The connector assembly 108 shown in Figures 5 - 7 is similar to the connector assembly 108 shown in Figures 8 to 10 ; however, the connector assembly 108 shown in Figures 5 to 7 is configured to be coupled to the main circuit board 110 instead of the cable assembly 400( Figures 5 to 7 ). Figures 8 - 10 The connector assembly 108 shown in Figures 5 - 7 is differently shaped because the inserter 300 does not need to accommodate the cable assembly 400. The socket connector 200 can be the same as the socket connector 200 shown in Figures 5 - 7 .

[0067] The inserter 300 includes inserter contacts 302 arranged in an array. The inserter substrate 310 holds the inserter contacts 302. The inserter substrate 310 extends between a front portion 324 and a rear portion 326 of the inserter 300. The inserter substrate 310 includes an inserter circuit board 312 that forms the inserter contacts 302. The inserter contacts 302 have a mating end 304 and a termination end 306. The mating end 304 is disposed at the top surface of the inserter substrate 310. The termination end 306 is disposed at the bottom surface of the inserter substrate 310. The inserter contacts 302 pass through the inserter circuit board 312, such as directly through the inserter circuit board 312. The inserter contacts 302 may include a plated through hole between the mating end 304 and the termination end 306. The inserter contacts 302 may include circuit pads at the mating end 304 and / or the termination end 306. In the illustrated embodiment, the inserter contacts 302 include solder balls at the termination end 306 that are configured to be soldered to the board contacts of the main circuit board 110.

[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, the inserter 300 includes an inserter frame 330 that holds the inserter circuit board 312 and the socket connector 200. The inserter frame 330 includes tracks 332 along the sides of the inserter frame 330 and end walls 334 between the tracks 332. Compared with Figures 5 to 7 the embodiment shown in Figures 8 to 10 the tracks 332 are shorter in the embodiment shown in

[0069] Figure 11 The socket cavity 336 may be the same in the embodiments to receive the socket connector 200. The dimensions and shapes of the inserter cavities 338 may be different to receive different shaped inserter circuit boards 312. In various embodiments, the alignment pins 335 may be similar. The latch elements 340 may be similar in various embodiments. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the socket connector 200. Figure 6 ) that shows a plurality of socket contacts 202 held in the socket substrate 210. The socket contacts 202 are held in contact channels 212 (

[0070] ) The mating ends 204 of the socket contacts 202 are arranged at the top and bottom for mating with the pluggable module 104 and the inserter 300, respectively.

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle contact 202 is a stamped contact. The receptacle contact 202 is loaded into a contact channel 212 of a receptacle substrate 210. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle substrate 210 is a molded component, such as a plastic frame having the contact channel 212. The upper contact 206 is disposed at an upper surface 220 of the receptacle substrate 210. The lower contact 208 is disposed at a lower surface 222 of the receptacle substrate 210. The receptacle contact 202 may include signal contacts and ground contacts. Optionally, the signal contacts may be arranged in pairs, and the ground contacts are dispersed between the signal contact pairs. In alternative embodiments, other arrangements are possible.

[0072] Figure 12 is a side view of the electrical connector system 100 showing the pluggable module 104 initially loaded into the cage 120. Figure 13 is a side view of the electrical connector system 100 showing the pluggable module 104 partially loaded into the cage 120 in the module loading direction. Figure 14 is a side view of the electrical connector system 100 showing the pluggable module 104 fully loaded into the cage 120 in the module loading direction before the pluggable module 104 mates with the connector assembly 108 in the contact mating direction. Figure 15 is a side view of the electrical connector system 100 showing the pluggable module 104 mating with the connector assembly 108 in the contact mating direction.

[0073] When initially loaded ( Figure 12 ), the mating end of the pluggable module 104 is loaded into the module channel 124 at the front of the cage 120. The guiding lugs 522, 524 engage the guiding tracks 170 to guide the loading of the pluggable module 104 into the module channel 124. For example, the upper guiding lug 522 is located above the upper shoulder 172, and the lower guiding lug 524 is located below the lower shoulder 174. The guiding tracks 170 are located in a gap 526 between the guiding lugs 522, 524. The guiding tracks 170 maintain the vertical position of the pluggable module 104 in the module channel 124. The upper shoulder 172 prevents the pluggable module 104 from moving downward in the module channel 124. The lower shoulder 172 prevents the pluggable module 104 from moving upward in the module channel 124.

[0074] During loading, the pluggable module 104 slides horizontally along the guiding tracks 170. For example, in the module loading direction (in Figure 13In the orientation shown (rightward), the upper guide lug 522 slides along the upper shoulder 172 and / or the lower guide lug 524 slides along the lower shoulder 174. In an exemplary embodiment, the guide track 170 holds the pluggable module 104 in a raised position in which the bottom 512 of the pluggable module 104 remains spaced from the bottom wall 132 of the cage 120. In the raised position, the mating end 505 can be moved to a position stacked (e.g., above) on the connector assembly 108, such as above the jack connector 200. In an exemplary embodiment, in the raised position, the bottom of the module circuit board 502 can be maneuvered to a position above the jack connector 200 without mating engagement with the jack contacts 202. For example, the bottom of the module circuit board 502 can be held above the jack contacts 202 to avoid wiping along the jack contacts 202 as the module circuit board 502 is moved to the fully loaded position ( Figure 14 ) and wiping along the jack contacts 202.

[0075] When loaded, the protrusion 528 at the rear of the pluggable module 104 is ultimately loaded into the module channel 124. The protrusion 528 is used to position the pluggable module 104 in the cage 120. For example, the protrusion 528 is configured to engage the cage 120 to vertically position the rear end of the pluggable module 104 in the cage 120. The protrusion 528 at the top 510 is used to keep the top 510 of the module body 500 spaced from the top of the cage 120. The protrusion 528 can be used to engage EMI features in the cage (not shown) to provide an EMI seal. The protrusion 528 at the bottom 512 is used to keep the bottom 512 of the module body 500 spaced from the bottom of the cage 120. Other types of positioning features can be provided in alternative embodiments to position the module body 500 relative to the cage 120.

[0076] When fully loaded ( Figure 14 ) in the module loading direction, the upper guide lug 522 aligns with the recess 180. The upper guide lug 522 and the mating end 505 are configured to move downward to a mating position ( Figure 15 ) in the contact mating direction. The module contacts 548 at the bottom of the module circuit board 502 move downward to engage the jack contacts 202 of the jack connector 200. As the module circuit board 502 moves in the contact mating direction, the module circuit board 502 compresses the jack contacts 202. The module circuit board 502 is used to compress the jack contacts 202 that mate with the inserter contacts 302 of the inserter 300. In the mating position, the upper guide lug 522 is located in the recess 180. The upper guide lug 522 engages the stop shoulder 184 to position the pluggable module 104 relative to the cage 120 and the connector assembly 108. For example, the module contacts 548 are aligned with the corresponding jack contacts 202.

[0077] Figure 16A side view of a part of the electrical connector system 100, showing the pluggable module 104 in the fully loaded position but in the unmated state (e.g., corresponding to Figure 14 ). Figure 17 is Figure 16 An enlarged view of a part of the electrical connector system 100 shown. Figure 18 A side view of a part of the electrical connector system 100, showing the pluggable module 104 in the fully loaded position and in the mated state (e.g., corresponding to Figure 15 ). Figure 19 is Figure 18 An enlarged view of a part of the electrical connector system 100 shown.

[0078] During mating, the mating end 505 of the pluggable module 104 is loaded into the module channel 124 of the cage 120 in the module loading direction to align the mating end 505 with the connector assembly 108 ( Figure 16 and Figure 17 ). When loaded into the module channel 124, the mating end 505 engages the loading mechanism 150. For example, the first spring arm 154 of the loading spring 152 engages the actuation feature 508 (e.g., a ramp) at the mating end 505. When the guide lug 522 aligns with the recess 180, the first spring arm 154 presses down on the top of the pluggable module 104 to move the pluggable module 104 in the downward contact mating direction to the mating position ( Figure 18 and Figure 19 ).

[0079] In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable module 104 is moved downward in the contact mating direction by the loading mechanism 150 to mate the pluggable module 104 with the socket connector 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the socket connector 200 can be pressed downward and mated with the inserter 300 by the loading mechanism 150. For example, when the pluggable module 104 moves downward, the pluggable module 104 moves the socket connector 200 downward to mate with the inserter 300. The socket contacts 202 are compressed between the pluggable module 104 and the inserter 300. When mated, the socket contacts 202 form a signal path between the pluggable module 104 and the inserter 300. The socket connector 200 and the inserter 300 form a very short circuit path between the pluggable module 104 and the cable assembly 400 to form a reliable on-board connector system to allow high-speed data communication between the pluggable module 104 and the electrical device 106.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, Figure 16 and Figure 17Illustrated is an inserter 300 that is a cable-terminated inserter, where the cable 402 of the cable assembly 400 is terminated to the inserter circuit board 312. The cable 402 can be routed on a (host circuit) board to a remote location. The cable 402 can be used for high-speed signaling, where the signal can be shielded to improve signal performance and signal integrity compared to routing signal lines through the main circuit board 110. In the illustrated embodiment, Figure 18 and Figure 19 the inserter 300 is shown as a board-terminated inserter rather than a cable-terminated inserter. The board-terminated inserter 300 is electrically connected to the main circuit board 110 rather than terminated to the cable 402 of the cable assembly 400. The signal lines are routed along traces through the main circuit board 110, which may be less expensive than using the cable assembly 400.

[0081] In an exemplary embodiment, the board-terminated inserter and the cable-terminated inserter are direct replacements of each other within the system. For example, the electrical connector system 100 can be used interchangeably with the board-terminated inserter or the cable-terminated inserter. For example, the board-terminated inserter and the cable-terminated inserter can have similar dimensions, shapes, and contact arrangements such that either of the inserters can be inserted into the cage 120 to mate with the socket connector 200. The front ends of the inserter frames 330 of both versions can be the same, such as to receive the same socket connector 200 and to be used to mate with the same pluggable module 104. These changes include extending the rear end of the inserter frame 330 of the extended cable version to accommodate the longer inserter circuit board 312 and the cable assembly 400.

[0082] In an exemplary embodiment, the main circuit board 110 can include board contacts 111 ( Figure 19 ) at the mounting area for mating with the board-terminated inserter ( Figure 18 and 19 ). The board contacts 111 can be formed by the circuitry of the main circuit board 110. For example, the board contacts 111 can be contact pads, traces, vias, etc. of the main circuit board 110. The board contacts 111 are arranged in an array similar to the arrays of the inserter contacts and the socket contacts. The inserter 300 is electrically connected to the main circuit board 110 at the board contacts 111. Power and / or signals can be transmitted between the main circuit board 110 and the inserter 300. The electrical device 106 is electrically connected to the pluggable module 104 through the circuitry of the main circuit board 110, through the inserter 300, and through the socket connector 200.

[0083] Figure 20 is a side view of the electrical connector system 100, showing the pluggable module 104 fully loaded into the cage 120 and mating with the connector assembly 108, where the latching device 560 engages the latching element 340. Figure 21is a side view of the electrical connector system 100, showing the pluggable module 104 being partially disengaged from the connector assembly 108, where the latching device 560 is released from the latching element 340.

[0084] When latched, the latching finger 572 is received in the latching recess 342. The latching element 340 holds the latching finger 572 to prevent the pluggable module 104 from being disengaged from the connector assembly 108. The latching element 340 prevents the pluggable module 104 from moving backward. The latching device 560 can be released by pulling backward on the release tab 568, which pulls the latching arm 570 and the latching finger 572 backward. The latching finger 572 slides along the ramp 346 of the release element 344 to lift the mating end 505 of the pluggable module 104 upward to disengage the pluggable module 104 from the connector assembly 108. The upward movement of the pluggable module 104 will lift the guide lugs 522, 524 out of the recess 180, which allows the pluggable module 104 to be pulled in the backward direction to remove the pluggable module 104 from the module channel 124.

Claims

1. An electrical connector assembly (100) comprising: A circuit card assembly (102) including a main circuit board (110), an inserter (300), and a jack connector (200) arranged in a circuit stack. The inserter includes an inserter circuit board (312) having inserter contacts (302), the inserter contacts having mating ends (304) and termination ends (306) opposite the mating ends. The jack connector includes jack contacts (202), the jack contacts being compressible, the jack contacts having a first mating end and a second mating end, the first mating end having a separable mating interface at a module mating region, the second mating end having a mating interface, and the second mating end being connected to the mating end of a corresponding inserter contact. A pluggable module (104) including a module body (500) having a top (510) and a bottom (506). The pluggable module has a mating end and includes a module circuit board (502) held by the module body at the mating end. The mating end is configured to be loaded into the module mating region along a module loading direction such that the module circuit board is aligned with the circuit stack. The module circuit board has module contacts (548) that mate with corresponding first mating ends of the jack contacts in a contact mating direction generally perpendicular to the module loading direction to compress the jack contacts between the module circuit board and the inserter contacts and form an electrical path between the module contacts and the inserter contacts through the jack contacts.

2. The electrical connector system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The module loading direction is generally parallel to the main circuit board (110), and the contact mating direction is generally perpendicular to the main circuit board.

3. The electrical connector system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The circuit card assembly (102) includes a cage (120) mounted to the circuit board (110). The cage has a shielding wall (122) forming a module channel (124). The module channel (124) has a port (126) at the front of the cage for accessing the module channel. The circuit stack is located at the rear of the cage. The mating end (304) of the pluggable module (104) is loaded into the module channel through the port in the module loading direction. The mating end of the pluggable module is movable relative to the cage in the contact mating direction to force the module contacts (548) to mate with the jack contacts (202) in the contact mating direction.

4. The electrical connector system (100) according to claim 3, wherein, The cage (120) includes guide rails (170) extending between the front and rear of the cage. The guide rails guide the pluggable module (104) in the module loading direction. The guide rails include drop-in recesses (180) that allow the mating end (304) of the pluggable module to drop downward in the contact mating direction when the mating end of the pluggable module is aligned with the module mating region, causing the module contacts (548) to mate with the jack contacts (202).

5. The electrical connector system (100) according to claim 1 further includes a loading mechanism operably coupled to the circuit card assembly (200), the loading mechanism being operative to press a mating end (304) of the pluggable module (104) in the mating direction of the contacts to compress the receptacle contacts (202) between the module circuit board (502) and the inserter contacts (302) to create the circuit path.

6. The electrical connector system (100) according to claim 5, wherein, The loading mechanism includes a spring arm (154) configured to engage a top (504) of the module body (500) to press the pluggable module (104) downward in the mating direction of the contacts.

7. The electrical connector system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The receptacle connector (200) includes an upper surface (112), a first mating end (304) of the receptacle contacts (202) being exposed on the upper surface for mating with module contacts (548) of the module circuit board (502) in the mating direction of the contacts.

8. The electrical connector system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The pluggable module (104) includes at least one communication cable extending from a cable end (204) of the module body (500), the at least one communication cable including at least one optical fiber cable or at least one high-speed cable, the module contacts (548) being communicatively coupled to the at least one communication cable.

9. The electrical connector system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, A termination end (306) of the inserter contacts (302) is electrically connected to board contacts of the main circuit board (110), and the receptacle contacts (202) are electrically connected to the main circuit board through the inserter contacts.

10. The electrical connector system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The module circuit board (502) is vertically aligned with the circuit stack, wherein the receptacle connector (200) is located between the module circuit board and the inserter (300), the module contacts (548) are vertically aligned above the receptacle contacts (202), and the receptacle contacts are vertically aligned above the inserter contacts (302).

11. The electrical connector system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The inserter circuit board (312) includes an upper surface (112) extending between a front portion and a rear portion, a mating end (304) of the inserter contacts (302) being defined by contact pads in an array on the upper surface at the front portion, and a termination end (306) of the inserter contacts being defined by contact pads in an array on the upper surface at the rear portion.

12. The electrical connector system (100) according to claim 11 further includes a cable assembly (400) having a cable electrically connected to a corresponding termination end (306) of the inserter contacts (302), the cable being electrically connected to the receptacle connector (200) through the inserter contacts.

13. The electrical connector system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The receptacle contacts (202) include deflectable spring fingers (572) at the first mating end (304) and the second mating end, the deflectable spring fingers being compressed between the module contacts (548) and the inserter contacts (302).

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