Ground bus for a cable assembly

Abstract

A cable assembly (200) includes a contact assembly (300) coupled to a cable (400). The contact assembly includes a contact holder (330), a contact (194) held by the contact holder, and a ground bus (350) coupled to the contact holder. The contacts include a signal contact and a ground contact (310) held in a contact channel (338). Each contact includes an intermediate section (321) located between a forward section (320) and a rearward section (322). The forward section extends forward of a front portion (334) of the contact holder. The rearward section extends rearward of a rear portion (336) of the contact holder. The ground bus includes ground rails (360) connected to the ground contacts, each ground rail having a front mating finger (362) coupled to a forward portion of the corresponding ground contact and a rear mating finger (364) coupled to a rearward portion of the corresponding ground contact.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Some communication systems utilize communication connectors, such as electrical connector assemblies, to interconnect various components of the system for data communication. Some known communication systems utilize pluggable modules, such as I / O modules or circuit cards, that are electrically connected to the electrical connector assemblies. The pluggable modules include modular circuit cards with card edges that mate with the electrical connector assemblies during mating operations. Each electrical connector assembly typically has an upper row of contacts and a lower row of contacts for mating with a corresponding circuit board. There is a demand for connectors and circuit boards in communication systems that have greater contact density and / or data throughput. Furthermore, there is a trend toward increasing data rates. High-speed data signals have shorter frequency wavelengths, resulting in increased noise and reduced signal integrity. Shielding in electrical connectors improves signal integrity. However, the addition of shielding increases the overall cost of the electrical connector.

[0003] There remains a need for an improved electrical connector assembly for use in communication systems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to the present invention, a cable assembly is provided, comprising cables, each cable having at least one conductor and a cable shield for shielding the at least one conductor. The cable assembly includes a contact assembly coupled to the cables. The contact assembly includes a contact holder, contacts held by the contact holder, and a ground bus coupled to the contact holder. The contact holder includes a front portion and a rear portion. The contact holder includes an inner end portion and an outer end portion extending between the front and rear portions of the contact holder. The contact holder includes a contact channel extending between the front and rear portions. The contacts are arranged in rows. The contacts include signal contacts and ground contacts, with the ground contacts arranged between corresponding signal contacts to provide shielding between the corresponding signal contacts. The ground contacts are electrically connected to the cable shield of the corresponding cable. Each contact includes a forward section, a rearward section, and an intermediate section between the forward and rearward sections. The intermediate section is received in a corresponding contact channel and passes through the contact holder. The forward section extends forward of the front portion of the contact holder. The rearward section extends rearward of the rear portion of the contact holder. The forward section includes a spring beam configured to mate with a mating component. The rearward section includes a termination terminal that is terminated to a corresponding cable. The ground bus includes ground rails connected to the ground contacts. Each ground rail includes a front mating finger coupled to a forward portion of a corresponding ground contact. Each ground rail includes a rear mating finger coupled to the rearward section of the corresponding ground contact, the rear mating finger being separate from the front mating finger. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0006] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of mating components according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0007] Figure 3 is a front perspective view of an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0008] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of a portion of an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] Figure 5 is an exploded view of a cable assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

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

[0011] Figure 7 is a front perspective view of a contact assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of a contact assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 9 is a side view of a cable assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Figure 1is a front perspective view of a communication system 100 formed according to an exemplary embodiment. Communication system 100 includes a device 102 and a receptacle connector assembly 104 mounted to device 102. In various embodiments, device 102 may be a circuit board. In other various embodiments, device 102 may be a housing, rack, panel, or other type of device, for example, positioned in front of a connector assembly. For example, device 102 may be a vertical wall (not shown), such as a panel or rack, having an opening or cutout to receive a portion of receptacle connector assembly 104. Receptacle connector assembly 104 may be coupled to device 102 using mounting tabs or brackets. The device may be oriented horizontally, vertically, or in another orientation. A mating component is configured to electrically connect to receptacle connector assembly 104. The mating component may be a pluggable module 106, such as an I / O module or a transceiver module. The mating component may be electrically connected to device 102. The mating component may be connected to other components within communication system 100, such as an integrated circuit component, a chip, a microprocessor, a memory module, or another component of the communication system, via a cable connector. Other components may be mounted to the device 102 , such as remotely from the receptacle connector assembly 104 .

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector assembly 104 includes a receptacle cage 110 and an electrical connector assembly 112 (shown in phantom) adjacent to the receptacle cage 110. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connector assembly 112 is received within the receptacle cage 110. In various other embodiments, the electrical connector assembly 112 may be located behind the receptacle cage 110. In various embodiments, the electrical connector assembly 112 is a card edge connector and may be referred to hereinafter as the card edge connector 112. The electrical connector assembly 112 may be electrically connected to the device 102. The electrical connector assembly 112 may be connected to other components via a cable from a cable connector.

[0017] In various embodiments, the receptacle cage 110 surrounds and provides electrical shielding for the electrical connector assembly 112. The pluggable modules 106 are loaded into and at least partially surrounded by the receptacle cage 110. The receptacle cage 110 includes a plurality of walls 114 defining one or more module channels 116 for receiving corresponding pluggable modules 106. The walls 114 may be defined by a solid sheet of material, perforated walls to allow airflow, walls with cutouts (such as for passage of a heat sink or heat spreader), or walls defined by rails or beams with relatively large openings (such as for passage of airflow).

[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 is a single-port cage having a single module channel 116. In alternative embodiments, the receptacle cage 110 is a multi-port cage having multiple module channels 116. The module channels 116 can be arranged in a single row or can be stacked in multiple rows. In various embodiments, the receptacle cage 110 can include four module channels 116 arranged in a single row (e.g., 1 x 4). However, in alternative embodiments, the receptacle cage 110 can include multiple rows (e.g., 2 x 2, 3 x 2, 4 x 2, 4 x 3, etc.). Any number of module channels 116 can be provided in various embodiments. Optionally, multiple electrical connector assemblies 112 can be arranged within the receptacle cage 110 for mating with corresponding pluggable modules 106.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the walls 114 of the receptacle cage 110 include 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 can rest on the device 102. In various other embodiments, the receptacle cage 110 can be configured without the bottom wall 132. Alternatively, the module channel 116 can be open at the front and rear. However, the walls 114 of the receptacle cage 110 can include a rear wall and / or a front wall.

[0020] The walls 114 define a cavity 140 that defines one or more of the module channels 116. For example, the cavity 140 may be defined by a top wall 130, a bottom wall 132, and side walls 134. In an exemplary embodiment, other walls 114 may separate or divide the cavity 140 into the various module channels 116. For example, the walls 114 may include dividers between the module channels 116.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 may include one or more gaskets 142 on the front and / or rear to provide electrical shielding for the ports of the module channel 116. For example, the gaskets 142 may be configured to electrically connect to the openings in the pluggable modules 106 and / or the device 102 into which the receptacle cage 110 is mounted. The gaskets 142 may also be configured to electrically connect to a panel or frame.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector assembly 104 can include one or more heat sinks (not shown) for dissipating heat from the pluggable module 106. For example, the heat sink can be coupled to the top wall 130 for engaging the pluggable module 106 received in the module channel 116. The heat sink can extend through an opening in the top wall 130 to directly engage the pluggable module 106. Other types of heat sinks can be provided in alternative embodiments.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, each electrical connector assembly 112 is received in a cavity 140, such as at the rear. The electrical connector assembly 112 can be removable from the receptacle cage 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable modules 106 are loaded from the front to mate with the electrical connector assembly 112. The shield wall 114 of the receptacle cage 110 provides electrical shielding around the electrical connector assembly 112 and the pluggable modules 106, such as around the mating interface between the electrical connector assembly 112 and the pluggable modules 106.

[0024] Figure 2 1 is a rear perspective view of a mating component according to an exemplary embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating component is a pluggable module 106. The pluggable module 106 has a pluggable body 180 that can be defined by one or more shells. The pluggable body 180 can be thermally conductive and / or can be electrically conductive to provide EMI shielding for the pluggable module 106. The pluggable body 180 includes a mating end 182 and an opposing front end 184. The mating end 182 is configured to be inserted into a corresponding module channel 116 (e.g., Figure 1 Front end 184 may be a cable end having a cable extending therefrom to another component within the system.

[0025] The pluggable module 106 includes one or more module circuit cards 190 that are configured to communicatively couple to the electrical connector assembly 112 (eg, Figure 1 ). Each modular circuit card 190 can be accessible at the mating end 182. The modular circuit card 190 has a card edge 192 extending between a first surface or upper surface and a second surface or lower surface at the mating end of the modular circuit card 190. The modular circuit card 190 includes mating contacts 194, such as pads or circuits, at the card edge 192 that are configured to mate with the electrical connector assembly 112. In an exemplary embodiment, the mating contacts 194 are provided on the upper surface and the lower surface. The modular circuit card 190 may include components, circuitry, etc. for operating and / or using the pluggable module 106. For example, the modular circuit card 190 may have conductors, traces, pads, electronic devices, sensors, controllers, switches, inputs, outputs, memory, etc. associated with the modular circuit card 190, which can be mounted to the modular circuit card 190 to form various circuits.

[0026] In various other embodiments, the mating component may be a circuit card rather than an I / O module. For example, the mating component may include a module circuit card 190 without the pluggable body 180 surrounding the module circuit card 190. For example, the mating component may be a paddle card.

[0027] Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the electrical connector assembly 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 1 is a front perspective view of a portion of the electrical connector assembly 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. The electrical connector assembly 112 includes one or more cable assemblies 200 and a housing 202 that holds the cable assemblies 200. Figure 3 The electrical connector assembly 112 is shown having a housing 202 . Figure 4 The electrical connector assembly 112 is shown without the housing 202 to illustrate the cable assemblies 200. Each cable assembly 200 includes one or more contact assemblies 300 and a cable 400 terminated to a corresponding contact assembly 300.

[0028] The housing 202 includes a cavity 204 that receives the cable assembly 200. The housing 202 extends between a front 206 and a rear 208. The cavity 204 is open at the rear 208 to receive the cable assembly 200. The housing 202 extends between a top 210 and a bottom 212. The housing 202 extends between opposing sides 218. In various embodiments, the housing 202 can be generally box-shaped. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom 212 can define a mounting end that is configured to be mounted to the device 102 ( Figure 1 ) and / or the receptacle cage 110. The side 218 may define a mounting end configured to be mounted to the receptacle cage 110 and / or the device 102. The front 206 defines a housing configured to be attached to the pluggable module 106 (e.g., Figure 1 In alternative embodiments, other orientations are possible.

[0029] The housing 202 includes a top wall 220 at the top 210 and a bottom wall 222 at the bottom 212. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 202 includes a shroud 214 at the front 206 that is configured to mate with the pluggable module 106. The shroud 214 is a nose cone that is configured to be inserted into the mating end of the pluggable module 106. The shroud 214 includes one or more housing slots 216 that are open at the front. In the illustrated embodiment, the shroud 214 includes a pair of slots 216. However, in alternative embodiments, the shroud 214 may include more or fewer slots 216, such as a single slot 216. In various other embodiments, the housing 202 may include multiple shrouds 214 that may be inserted into different pluggable modules (e.g., an upper module and a lower module). The housing slots 216 receive corresponding module circuit cards 190 ( Figure 2 ) of the card edge 192 (shown in Figure 2 In an exemplary embodiment, the contact assembly 300 is loaded into the cavity 204 and received in the shroud 214 for mating with the pluggable module 106 .

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, each cable assembly 200 includes a pair of contact assemblies 300, for example, an upper contact assembly 300a and a lower contact assembly 300b. The upper contact assembly 300a includes upper contacts, and the lower contact assembly 300b includes lower contacts, which face each other across a gap configured to receive a mating component (e.g., a module circuit card 190). The upper contact assembly 300a and the lower contact assembly 300b can be similar or identical contact assemblies (e.g., similarly or identically manufactured and / or assembled). The upper contact assembly 300a and the lower contact assembly 300b can be inverted relative to each other to form an upper mating interface for mating with the upper surface of the module circuit card 190 and a lower mating interface for mating with the lower surface of the module circuit card 190. The cables 400 are terminated to corresponding contacts of the contact assemblies 300. In an exemplary embodiment, each cable assembly 200 includes a carrier 250 that holds the contact assembly 300 and / or the cables 400. The carrier 250 can hold the contact assembly 300 in a stack. In the illustrated embodiment, multiple carriers 250 are provided corresponding to the upper cable assembly 200a and the lower cable assembly 200b. However, in other embodiments, a single carrier 250 can be used to hold both the upper cable assembly 200a and the lower cable assembly 200b, or in alternative embodiments, a single carrier 250 and a single cable assembly 200 can be used.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the carrier 250 includes walls that form a cavity 252. The walls include a top wall 254, a bottom wall 256, and sidewalls 258 between the top wall 254 and the bottom wall 256. The cavity 252 can be open at the front and / or the rear. The contact assembly 300 can extend from the front and / or the rear. The cable 400 can extend from the carrier 250, such as from the rear. The carrier 250 can be generally box-shaped. However, in alternative embodiments, the carrier 250 can have other shapes. The carrier 250 includes a securing feature 260 for securing the carrier 250 in the housing 202. The securing feature 260 can be a latch, a clip, or another type of securing feature. The carrier 250 can include a securing feature (not shown) for securing the contact assembly 300 in the carrier 250.

[0032] The cable assembly 200 includes a plurality of cables 400 configured to be terminated to the contact assembly 300. The cables 400 can be arranged in multiple rows. In an exemplary embodiment, the cables 400 are twin-axial cables, each twin-axial cable having a pair of signal conductors arranged in the core of the cable 400. The cables 400 can be shielded cables having a cable shield surrounding the pair of signal conductors. The cables 400 can include a drain wire. Other types of cables can be used in alternative embodiments, such as coaxial cables, flat flexible cables, flexible circuits, twisted pair cables, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the cables 400 define high-speed signal cables that are configured to transmit high-speed data signals, such as 10 Gbps, 25 Gbps, 40 Gbps, 64 Gbps, 100 Gbps, or higher.

[0033] Figure 5 is an exploded view of a cable assembly 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 is an assembled view of the cable assembly 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7 is a front perspective view of a contact assembly 300 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of the contact assembly 300 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 9 is a side view of a cable assembly 200 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the cable assembly 200 includes a contact assembly 300 and a cable 400 terminated to the contact assembly 300. The contact assembly 300 includes an array of contacts 310, a contact holder 330 that holds the contacts 310, and a ground bus 350 coupled to the contact holder 330 and corresponding contacts 310. The ground bus 350 is configured to electrically couple to a cable shield and / or drain wire of the cable 400. In an exemplary embodiment, the contacts 310 include signal contacts and ground contacts. The ground contacts are interposed with the signal contacts to provide shielding between the signal contacts. In an exemplary embodiment, the signal contacts are arranged in pairs, for example, to carry differential signals. The contacts 310 may be arranged in a ground-signal-signal-ground (GSSG) arrangement. Other arrangements are possible in alternative embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, the ground bus 350 electrically connects to each of the ground contacts, for example, to a common ground contact.

[0035] The contact holder 330 supports an array of contacts 310, such as a row of contacts. The contact holder 330 is used to position the contacts 310 relative to one another. The contact holder 330 includes a body 332 extending between a front portion 334 and a rear portion 336 of the contact holder 330. The front portion 334 can be planar. The rear portion 336 can be planar. The front portion 334 can be parallel to the rear portion 336. The contact holder 330 includes contact channels 338 that receive corresponding contacts 310. The contact channels 338 extend between the front portion 334 and the rear portion 336. The body 332 extends between opposing sides of the contact holder 330. The body 332 is made of a dielectric material, such as a plastic material. In various embodiments, the body 332 can be an overmold that is overmolded onto the contacts 310 to hold the contacts 310 relative to one another. The contacts 310 may extend forward from the front 334 , such as for mating with the module circuit card 190 . The contacts 310 may extend rearward from the rear 336 , such as for terminating to the cable 400 .

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the contact holder 330 includes an inner end 340 and an outer end 342. The body 332 surrounds the contact channel 338, for example, positioned between the contact channel 338 and the ends 340, 342. The inner end 340 can face the inner end of another contact holder of another contact assembly to form a cable assembly. For example, the inner ends 340 of the contact holders 330 of the upper and lower contact assemblies can abut against each other in a stacked arrangement to form the cable assembly 200. The outer end 342 includes a dividing wall 344 that forms a groove 346. The groove 346 receives the ground bus 350. The groove 346 can be open at the outer end (e.g., the top of the contact holder 330).

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the contacts 310 are stamped and formed contacts. The contacts 310 may be formed from a lead frame. For example, the lead frame may be stamped from sheet metal to define the contacts 310. Each contact 310 includes a forward section 320, a rearward section 322, and an intermediate section 321 between the forward section 320 and the rearward section 322. The intermediate section 321 is held by a contact holder 330. For example, the intermediate section 321 is received in a corresponding contact channel 338 and extends through the contact holder 330. The forward section 320 extends forward from the contact holder 330 to mate with the module circuit card 190. The forward section 320 is located forward of a front portion 334 of the contact holder 330. In an exemplary embodiment, the forward section 320 includes a spring beam 324 having a mating interface configured to mate with the module circuit card 190. The spring beam 324 cantilevers from the contact holder 330. The spring beam 324 is deflectable, for example, outwardly when mated to the module circuit card 190. In an exemplary embodiment, the rearward portion 322 includes a terminating end 326. The terminating end 326 is configured to be terminated to a corresponding cable 400. For example, the terminating end 326 includes a solder pad configured to be soldered to the cable 400, for example, to a conductor. The rearward portion 322 extends rearward from the contact holder 330, for example, for termination to the cable 400. The rearward portion 322 is rearward of the rear portion 336 of the contact holder 330. The rearward portion 322 cantilevers from the contact holder 330.

[0038] The ground bus 350 is configured to be coupled to the contact holder 330. The ground bus 350 is configured to be electrically connected to corresponding contacts 310, such as ground contacts. The ground bus 350 includes ground rails 360 connected to corresponding ground contacts 310. In an exemplary embodiment, the ground bus 350 includes connecting rails 370 between the ground rails 360. In an exemplary embodiment, the ground bus 350 is a stamped and formed part. For example, the ground bus 350 can be stamped from a metal sheet and formed into a predetermined shape. The ground rails 360 are connected to each other by the connecting rails 370 to form a single, integral structure.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, each ground rail 360 includes a front mating finger 362 and a rear mating finger 364 separated from the front mating finger 362. Each ground rail 360 includes a middle portion 366 located between the front mating finger 362 and the rear mating finger 364. The middle portion 366 is configured to be coupled to the contact holder 330. For example, the middle portion 366 is coupled to the outer end 342 of the contact holder 330. In an exemplary embodiment, the middle portion 366 is received in a corresponding recess 346 between the divider walls 344. The divider walls 344 position the middle portion 366. In alternative embodiments, the middle portion 366 may be overmolded by the contact holder 330.

[0040] In the exemplary embodiment, the intermediate portion 366 includes a cap 368 coupled to the outer end portion 342. In the exemplary embodiment, the ground rail 360 includes a front bumper 367 extending along the front portion 334 of the contact holder 330 and a rear bumper 369 extending along the rear portion 336 of the contact holder 330. The front bumper 367 and the rear bumper 369 position the ground rail 360 relative to the contact holder 330. For example, the contact holder 330 is captured between the front bumper 367 and the rear bumper 369. The ground rail 360 is prevented from moving rearward by interference between the front bumper 367 and the front portion 334 of the contact holder 330. The ground rail 360 is prevented from moving forward by interference between the rear bumper 369 and the rear portion 336 of the contact holder 330. The cap 368 extends along the outer end 342 of the contact holder 330 between the front bumper 367 and the rear bumper 369. The cap 368 of the middle portion 366 can be connected to the front bumper 367 and / or the front mating fingers 362 at a bend or corner. The cap 368 of the middle portion 366 can be connected to the rear bumper 369 and / or the rear mating fingers 364 at a bend or corner. In an exemplary embodiment, a connecting rail 370 can connect the middle portion 366.

[0041] The front mating fingers 362 extend from the middle portion 366 . The front mating fingers 362 are configured to couple to the forward segments 320 of the corresponding ground contacts 310 . The front mating fingers 362 can be oriented perpendicular to the middle portion 366 . For example, the front mating fingers 362 can be oriented vertically. The front mating fingers 362 extend along the front portion 334 . The front mating fingers 362 are located forward of the front portion 334 . In an exemplary embodiment, the front mating fingers 362 include distal ends 363 configured to engage the forward segments 320 of the corresponding ground contacts 310 . The distal ends 363 have mating interfaces that engage the forward segments 320 . The distal ends 363 can directly engage the forward segments 320 . The distal ends 363 can be welded to the ground contacts 310 . In other embodiments, the distal ends 363 can engage the ground contacts 310 through interference or a simple mechanical connection (e.g., touch). The distal ends 363 can be preloaded to maintain connection with the ground contacts 310 . In an exemplary embodiment, the front mating fingers 362 are movable with the spring beams 324. For example, when the spring beams 324 mate with the module circuit card 190, the front mating fingers 362 can deflect outwardly with the spring beams 324. In an exemplary embodiment, the front mating fingers 362 engage the ground contacts 310 immediately in front of the contact holder 330 (e.g., at the front portion 334). The front mating fingers 362 engage the ground contacts 310 away from the rearward section 322. For example, the front mating fingers 362 are separated from the rear mating fingers 364 by a distance. In an exemplary embodiment, a connecting rail 370 can connect the front mating fingers 362.

[0042] The rear mating fingers 364 extend from the middle portion 366. The rear mating fingers 364 are configured to couple to the rearward portion 322 of the corresponding ground contact 310. The rear mating fingers 364 can be oriented perpendicular to the middle portion 366. The rear mating fingers 364 can be L-shaped, including a vertical portion extending from the middle portion 366 and a horizontal portion extending rearward from the vertical portion. The rear mating fingers 364 extend along the rear portion 336. The rear mating fingers 364 are located rearward of the rear portion 336. In an exemplary embodiment, the rear mating fingers 364 include a tail portion 365 configured to engage the rearward portion 322 of the corresponding ground contact 310. The tail portion 365 has a mating interface that engages the rearward portion 322. The tail portion 365 can directly engage the rearward portion 322, for example, extending along and parallel to the terminating end 326. The tail portion 365 can be welded to the ground contact 310, for example, to the outer surface of the terminating end 326. In other embodiments, the tail portion 365 may engage the ground contact 310 through interference or a simple mechanical connection (e.g., touch). In an exemplary embodiment, the rear mating finger 364 engages the ground contact 310 immediately behind the contact holder 330 (e.g., at the rear portion 336). The rear mating finger 364 may extend behind the contact holder 330 along the terminating end 326, e.g., to a distal end of the terminating end 326. The rear mating finger 364 engages the ground contact 310 away from the forward section 320. For example, the rear mating finger 364 is separated from the front mating finger 362 by a distance. In an exemplary embodiment, a connecting rail 370 may connect the front mating finger 362.

[0043] The ground bus 350 includes a connecting rail 370 that extends between and electrically connects the ground rails 360. In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting rail 370 includes a front connecting rail 372 that connects the front mating fingers 362 and a rear connecting rail 374 that connects the rear mating fingers 364. The front connecting rail 372 extends along the front portion 334 of the contact holder 330. The rear connecting rail 374 extends along the rear portion 336 of the contact holder 330.

[0044] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the electrical connector assembly 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 10An upper cable assembly 200a and a lower cable assembly 200b are shown received in a housing 202. Each of the cable assemblies 200a, 200b includes a pair of contact assemblies 300. The pair of contact assemblies 300 form upper and lower contacts 310a, 310b arranged on opposite sides of a card slot to mate with opposite sides of a module circuit card 190. The ground bus 350 of each contact assembly 300 is electrically commoned with each ground contact 310 at multiple contact points. In an exemplary embodiment, the front mating finger 366 connects to the ground contact 310 at a location between the terminating end 326 and the mating interface at the distal end of the spring beam 324. For example, the contact point of the front mating finger 366 may be approximately centered between the terminating end 326 and the mating interface at the distal end of the spring beam 324 to reduce the effective length of the ground path, for example, to improve signal integrity.

Claims

1. A cable assembly (200), comprising: Cables (400), each cable having at least one conductor and a cable shield providing shielding for the at least one conductor; and a contact assembly (300) coupled to the cable, the contact assembly comprising a contact holder (330), a contact (194) held by the contact holder, and a ground bus (350) coupled to the contact holder; The contact holder includes a front portion (334) and a rear portion (336), the contact holder includes an inner end portion (340) and an outer end portion (342) extending between the front portion and the rear portion of the contact holder, and the contact holder includes a contact channel (338) extending between the front portion and the rear portion; The contacts are arranged in rows, the contacts including signal contacts and ground contacts (310), the ground contacts being arranged between corresponding signal contacts to provide shielding between the corresponding signal contacts, the ground contacts being electrically connected to the cable shield of the corresponding cable, each contact including a forward section (320), a rearward section (322), and an intermediate section (321) between the forward section and the rearward section, the intermediate section being received in the corresponding contact channel and passing through the contact holder, the forward section extending forward of the front portion of the contact holder, the rearward section extending rearward of the rear portion of the contact holder, the forward section including a spring beam (324) configured to mate with a mating component, the rearward section including a terminating end (326) terminated to the corresponding cable; and The ground bus includes ground rails (360) connected to the ground contacts, each ground rail including a front mating finger (362) coupled to the forward portion of the corresponding ground contact, and each ground rail including a rear mating finger (364) coupled to the rearward portion of the corresponding ground contact, the rear mating finger being separate from the front mating finger.

2. The cable assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein: The front mating fingers (362) are directly connected to the forward sections (320) of the corresponding ground contacts (310).

3. The cable assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein The rear mating fingers (364) are welded to the rearward sections (322) of the corresponding ground contacts (310).

4. The cable assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein The front mating finger (362) includes a distal end (363) of a spring beam (324) that faces and engages a corresponding ground contact (310).

5. The cable assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein The rear mating finger (364) includes a tail portion (365) extending along and parallel to a rearward section (322) of a corresponding ground contact (310).

6. The cable assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein The ground bus (350) includes a connecting rail (370) extending between the ground rails (360) and electrically connecting the ground rails.

7. The cable assembly (200) according to claim 6, wherein: The connecting rail (370) includes a front connecting rail (372) connected to the front mating finger (362) and a rear connecting rail (374) connected to the rear mating finger (364).

8. The cable assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein The front mating fingers (362) extend along a front portion (334) of the contact holder (330), and the rear mating fingers (364) extend along a rear portion (336) of the contact holder.

9. The cable assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein The ground rail (360) includes a front buffer portion (367) extending along the front portion (334) of the contact holder (330), a rear buffer portion (369) extending along the rear portion (336) of the contact holder, and a cap (368) extending along the outer end portion (342) of the contact holder between the front buffer portion and the rear buffer portion.

10. The cable assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein The contact holder (330) includes a slot (216) that receives a corresponding ground rail (360), the ground rail being movable within the slot.

11. The cable assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein The spring beam (324) is deflectable when mated with the mating component, and the front mating finger (362) is deflectable with the corresponding spring beam.

12. The cable assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein The contacts (194) are arranged in a ground-signal-signal-ground arrangement.

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