Connector assembly and cable assembly used in connector assembly

Abstract

A connector assembly configured to mate with a mating connector along a mating direction is disclosed. The connector assembly includes a circuit board including a mating section including a plurality of electrically conductive mating pads and a cable section including a plurality of electrically conductive first, second, and third cable pads electrically connected to the mating pads. The connector assembly includes a first cable stack, a second cable stack, and a third cable stack. Each of the cable stacks is folded about a corresponding fold line of the cable stack that extends across an entire width of the cable stack to form a fold angle of less than about 30 degrees between opposing first and second portions of the cable stack at the fold line. The first portions extend along a mating direction and are arranged side-by-side in a substantially coplanar relationship with each other. The second portion extends substantially orthogonal to the mating direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates in its entirety to connector assemblies and cable assemblies used in connector assemblies. Background Technology

[0002] Connector assemblies are typically used to connect cables or cable assemblies from one device (e.g., a server, network switching system, client device, etc.) to another device (e.g., another server) for various applications such as data processing, data transmission, and data reception. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a first aspect, this disclosure provides a connector assembly. The connector assembly is configured to mate with a mating connector along a mating direction. The connector assembly includes a circuit board. The circuit board includes a mating section comprising a plurality of conductive mating pads for contacting corresponding conductive elements of the mating connector. The circuit board also includes a cable section comprising a plurality of conductive first cable pads, second cable pads, and third cable pads electrically connected to the mating pads. The connector assembly also includes a first cable stack, a second cable stack, and a third cable stack. Each cable stack includes at least two substantially planar ribbon cables stacked along the thickness direction of the cable stack. Each ribbon cable includes a plurality of insulated electrical conductors extending along the length of the ribbon cable and arranged along the width of the ribbon cable. Each cable stack is folded around a corresponding fold line extending across the entire width of the cable stack to form a fold angle of less than about 30 degrees between opposing first and second portions of the cable stack at the fold line. The first portions of the cable stacks extend along the mating direction and are arranged side by side in a substantially coplanar relationship. The second part of the cable stack extends in a transverse direction substantially orthogonal to the mating direction and is arranged in the stack. The front ends of the insulated electrical conductors of the ribbon cables in the first part of the first, second, and third cable stacks are substantially aligned with and terminate at the corresponding cable pads in the plurality of first, second, and third cable pads.

[0004] In a second aspect, this disclosure provides a cable assembly for a connector assembly. The connector assembly is configured to mate with a mating connector along a mating direction. The cable assembly includes a circuit board. The circuit board includes a plurality of conductive mating pads for electrical and physical contact with corresponding conductive elements of the mating connector. The circuit board also includes a plurality of top cable pads disposed on a top side of the circuit board. The circuit board also includes a plurality of bottom cable pads disposed on a bottom side of the circuit board opposite the top side. The top cable pads and bottom cable pads are electrically connected to the mating pads. The cable assembly also includes a combined stack of a plurality of individual cable stacks stacked along a common thickness direction of the combined stack and the individual cable stacks, and extending along their common length direction. Each individual cable stack includes a substantially planar top ribbon cable and a bottom ribbon cable stacked along the thickness direction. Each of the top ribbon cable and the bottom ribbon cable includes a plurality of conductor sets. Each conductor set includes two or more insulated electrical conductors substantially surrounded by a conductive shield. Each insulated electrical conductor includes a conductive center conductor surrounded by an electrically insulating material. Each individual cable stack in the individual cable stack is folded around a corresponding fold line extending across the entire width of the individual cable stack to form a fold angle of less than about 20 degrees between the opposing first and second portions of the individual cable stack at the fold line. The first portion of the individual cable stack extends along the mating direction and is arranged side by side in a substantially coplanar relationship. The second portion of the individual cable stack extends along a common length direction and is substantially retained in the combined stack. The non-insulated top and bottom tips of two or more insulated conductors in each conductor set of the respective top and bottom cable pads are substantially aligned with and terminate at the corresponding cable pads of the respective top and bottom cable pads.

[0005] Details of one or more examples of this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, objects, and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0006] A more complete understanding of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein will be gained from the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures below. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Similar numbers used in the figures refer to similar components. However, it should be understood that the use of numbers to refer to parts in a given figure is not intended to limit parts labeled with the same numbers in another figure.

[0007] Figure 1A This is a schematic perspective rear view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0008] Figure 1BThis is a schematic perspective side view of a connector assembly mating with a mating connector according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0009] Figure 1C This is a schematic perspective rear view of a portion of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2A This is a schematic perspective side view of a connector assembly without a pull tab assembly according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2B This is a schematic perspective top view of a connector assembly without a pull tab assembly according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0012] Figure 3A This is a schematic top view of a cable assembly for use in a connector assembly according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0013] Figure 3B This is a schematic perspective side view of the cable stack of a cable assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 4A This is a schematic perspective side view of a ribbon cable with no electrical insulation sheath, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 4B This is a schematic perspective front view of a cable stack of ribbon cables according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0016] Figure 5A This is a schematic perspective top view of a cable assembly according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0017] Figure 5B This is a schematic perspective bottom view of a cable assembly according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0018] Figure 6A This is a schematic perspective top view of a connector assembly with mating connectors according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 6B This is a schematic perspective top view of a connector assembly with the mating connector removed according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0020] Figure 6C This is a schematic perspective front view of a connector assembly with the insulating housing removed according to an embodiment of this disclosure; and

[0021] Figure 6D This is a schematic perspective rear view of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0022] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, and various embodiments are illustrated therein. It should be understood that other embodiments may be conceived and made without departing from the scope or spirit of this disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered limiting.

[0023] In the following disclosure, the following definitions are used.

[0024] As used herein, “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “a or more” are used interchangeably.

[0025] As used herein, as a modifier of a characteristic or attribute, unless otherwise specifically defined, the term “approximately” means that the characteristic or attribute will be easily identifiable by a person skilled in the art without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match (e.g., within + / - 20% for quantifiable characteristics).

[0026] Unless otherwise specifically defined, the term “substantially” means a high degree of approximation (e.g., within + / -10% for quantifiable properties), but also does not require absolute precision or a perfect match.

[0027] As used in this article, all figures should be considered as being modified by the term “approximately”. Unless otherwise specifically defined, the term “approximately” means a high degree of approximation (e.g., within + / -5% for quantifiable properties), but also does not require absolute precision or a perfect match.

[0028] As used herein, the terms “first” and “second” are used as identifiers. Therefore, such terms should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Throughout the embodiments of this disclosure, the terms “first” and “second” are used interchangeably when used in conjunction with a feature or element.

[0029] As used herein, when a first material is referred to as “similar” to a second material, at least 90% by weight of the first material and the second material are identical, and any variation between the first material and the second material accounts for less than about 10% by weight of each of the first material and the second material.

[0030] As used in this article, "at least one of A and B" should be understood as meaning "only A, only B, or both A and B".

[0031] As used herein, unless otherwise specifically defined, the term "between about..." generally refers to a range of inclusion or closure. For example, if parameter X is between about A and B, then A ≤ X ≤ B.

[0032] Connector assemblies are typically used to connect cables or cable assemblies from one device (e.g., a server, network switching system, client device, etc.) to another device (e.g., another server) for various applications such as data processing, data transmission, and data reception.

[0033] Increased data processing and data storage requirements typically lead to increased demand for facilities (e.g., server rooms) to accommodate more servers and support equipment. This demand may necessitate an emphasis on saving physical space within the facility to house more servers and support equipment. Consequently, compact, low-profile connector assemblies may be required.

[0034] This disclosure relates to a connector assembly. The connector assembly is configured to mate with a mating connector along a mating direction. The connector assembly includes a circuit board. The circuit board includes a mating section comprising a plurality of conductive mating pads for contacting corresponding conductive elements of the mating connector. The circuit board also includes a cable section comprising a plurality of conductive first cable pads, second cable pads, and third cable pads electrically connected to the mating pads. The connector assembly also includes a first cable stack, a second cable stack, and a third cable stack. Each cable stack includes at least two substantially planar ribbon cables stacked along the thickness direction of the cable stack. Each ribbon cable includes a plurality of insulated electrical conductors extending along the length of the ribbon cable and arranged along the width of the ribbon cable. Each cable stack is folded around a corresponding fold line extending across the entire width of the cable stack to form a fold angle of less than about 30 degrees between opposing first and second portions of the cable stack at the fold line. The first portions of the cable stacks extend along the mating direction and are arranged side by side in a substantially coplanar relationship. The second part of the cable stack extends in a transverse direction substantially orthogonal to the mating direction and is arranged in the stack. The front ends of the insulated electrical conductors of the ribbon cables in the first part of the first, second, and third cable stacks are substantially aligned with and terminate at the corresponding cable pads in the plurality of first, second, and third cable pads.

[0035] Therefore, the connector assembly of this disclosure can be compact and have a low profile. Specifically, since each cable stack in the cable stack comprises a substantially planar ribbon cable, the connector assembly can have a low profile. Furthermore, the connector assembly can have a low profile when each cable stack in the cable stack is folded around a corresponding fold line, such that the first portions of the cable stacks are arranged side-by-side in a substantially coplanar relationship. Additionally, the second portions of the cable stacks also arranged in the stack can contribute to the low profile of the connector assembly. Therefore, the connector assembly may require less physical space than a conventional connector assembly.

[0036] Furthermore, since the second portion of the cable stack extends substantially orthogonally to the mating direction, the cable stack exits from one side of the connector assembly's circuit board. Therefore, the connector assembly can be adapted to mate with a mating connector located in the middle portion of the circuit board. Additionally, the cable stack of the connector assembly can be accommodated within redundant space. The connector assembly also allows the cable stack of the connector assembly to be easily disengaged from mating connectors associated with devices (e.g., networking devices).

[0037] Now refer to the attached diagram, Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C A connector assembly 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Specifically, Figure 1A A schematic perspective rear view of connector assembly 200 is shown. Figure 1B A schematic perspective side view of a connector assembly 200 that mates with a mating connector 300 is shown, and Figure 1C A schematic perspective rear view of a portion of the connector assembly 200 is shown.

[0038] refer to Figures 1A to 1C The connector assembly 200 defines mutually orthogonal x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis. The x-axis is defined along the length of the connector assembly 200, while the y-axis is defined along the width of the connector assembly 200. The z-axis is defined along the thickness of the connector assembly 200.

[0039] Connector assembly 200 is configured to mate with mating connector 300 along the mating direction. For example... Figure 1B As illustrated, the mating direction is basically along the y-axis.

[0040] Connector assembly 200 includes circuit board 10. In some embodiments, mating connector 300 is mounted on a second circuit board 310.

[0041] Connector assembly 200 includes a first cable stack 20a, a second cable stack 20b, and a third cable stack 20c (interchangeably referred to as "multiple individual cable stacks 20a, 20b, 20c" and "cable stacks 20a, 20b, 20c"), which are stacked along the thickness direction of the first cable stack 20a, the second cable stack 20b, and the third cable stack 20c, and extend along their length direction. Figure 1A As illustrated, the thickness direction is substantially along the z-axis, and the length direction is substantially along the x-axis. Specifically, the connector assembly 200 also includes a combined stack 24 (interchangeably referred to as "stack 24") of multiple individual cable stacks 20a, 20b, 20c, which are stacked along the common thickness direction of the combined stack 24 and the individual cable stacks 20a, 20b, 20c, and extend along their common length direction. Figures 1A to 1C In the illustrated embodiments, the plurality of individual cable stacks 20a, 20b, 20c include three individual cable stacks 20a, 20b, 20c. Furthermore, the common thickness direction is substantially along the z-axis, and the common length direction is substantially along the x-axis. In some embodiments, the total number of individual cable stacks 20a, 20b, 20c may vary depending on the desired application attributes.

[0042] Each of the cable stacks 20a, 20b, and 20c comprises at least two substantially planar strip cables 21 stacked along the thickness direction (i.e., substantially along the z-axis) of the cable stacks 20a, 20b, and 20c. Figures 1A to 1C In the illustrated embodiments, each of the plurality of individual cable stacks 20a, 20b, 20c includes a generally planar top ribbon cable 21a and a bottom ribbon cable 21b stacked along the thickness direction. In some embodiments, at least two generally planar cables 21 may comprise network cables. Figure 1C In the illustrated embodiments, at least two substantially planar cables 21 comprise two substantially planar cables 21. In some embodiments, the total number of substantially planar cables 21 may vary depending on the desired application attributes.

[0043] In some embodiments, connector assembly 200 further includes an insulating housing 50 (interchangeably referred to as “housing 50”) and a tab assembly 60 disposed on and removably assembled to a top side 55 of the insulating housing 50. Tab assembly 60 includes a tab 70 configured to move relative to the insulating housing 50 along a mating direction (i.e., substantially along the y-axis).

[0044] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Examples of embodiments according to this disclosure without Figure 1A The connector assembly 200 of the pull tab assembly 60 shown. Specifically, Figure 2A A schematic perspective side view of the connector assembly 200 without the pull tab assembly 60 is shown, and Figure 2B A schematic perspective top view of the connector assembly 200 without the pull tab assembly 60 is shown.

[0045] The insulating housing 50 includes a mating connector 300 for mating along the mating direction (i.e., substantially along the y-axis). Figure 1B(As shown in the diagram) A front mating side 51, a rear side 52 opposite to the mating side 51, and a pair of opposing first sides 53 and second sides 54 that join the front mating side 51 and the rear side 52 and are substantially orthogonal to the circuit board 10. The insulating housing 50 also includes a channel 56 formed on the top side of the insulating housing 50. Furthermore, the insulating housing 50 can be made of any suitable insulating material, such as composite materials, plastics, dielectric materials, etc.

[0046] Figure 3A Examples of embodiments of this disclosure for use Figure 1A A schematic top view of the cable assembly 400 in the connector assembly 200 shown. Figure 3B A schematic perspective side view of a first cable stack 20a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0047] refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B The cable assembly 400 includes a circuit board 10. Furthermore, the cable assembly 400 includes a combined stack 24 of multiple individual cable stacks 20a, 20b, 20c (in... Figure 1A and Figure 1C (As shown in the figure). Therefore, the cable assembly 400 includes a combined stack 24 of circuit board 10 and connector assembly 200.

[0048] Circuit board 10 includes a means for connecting with Figure 1B A plurality of conductive mating pads 12 (interchangeably referred to as "conductive mating pads 12" and "matting pads 12") contact the corresponding conductive elements (not shown) of the mating connector 300. In some embodiments, the contact can be both electrical and physical. In other words, the circuit board 10 includes a plurality of conductive mating pads 12 for making electrical and physical contact with the corresponding conductive elements of the mating connector 300. In some embodiments, the circuit board 10 includes mating sections 11. The mating sections 11 include a plurality of conductive mating pads 12 for making contact with the corresponding conductive elements of the mating connector 300. In some embodiments, the conductive mating pads 12 are arranged in one or more substantially parallel rows of conductive mating pads 12.

[0049] The circuit board 10 also includes a cable section 13. The cable section 13 includes a plurality of conductive cable pads 14 (interchangeably referred to as “conductive cable pad 14” and “cable pad 14”) electrically connected to the mating pad 12. Specifically, the cable section 13 includes a plurality of conductive first cable pads 14a, second cable pads 14b and third cable pads 14c electrically connected to the mating pad 12.

[0050] Furthermore, mating pad 12 may include a conductive material, such as a metal or alloy. Similarly, cable pad 14 may be made of a conductive material, such as a metal or alloy. Mating pad 12 and cable pad 14 may have similar materials and configurations or different materials and configurations.

[0051] In some embodiments, circuit board 10 may be a printed circuit board (PCB). In some embodiments, circuit board 10 may also include other conductive features. In some embodiments, the other conductive features may be made of metal or alloy (such as copper). Mating pads 12, cable pads 14, and other conductive features may be disposed on the top side 15a of circuit board 10 (interchangeably referred to as "first main side 15a") and Figure 5A (shown in the diagram) and the bottom side 15b opposite to the top side 15a (which can be interchangeably referred to as "second main side 15b" and in Figure 5B (shown in the text) at least one of them.

[0052] In some embodiments, each of the top side 15a and the bottom side 15b is substantially planar. Furthermore, the top side 15a and the bottom side 15b are substantially parallel to each other. In some embodiments, mating pads 12 and cable pads 14, along with other conductive features, may be disposed on a non-conductive substrate. In some embodiments, the non-conductive substrate may be made of a polymer resin.

[0053] like Figure 3A As shown, each cable stack in cable stacks 20a, 20b, and 20c is folded around a corresponding fold line 30 of cable stacks 20a, 20b, and 20c. This fold line extends across the entire width of cable stacks 20a, 20b, and 20c to form a fold angle f1 at the fold line 30 between opposing first portions 22 and second portions 23 of cable stacks 20a, 20b, and 20c. Figure 3B (As shown in the diagram). In other words, each cable stack in the individual cable stacks 20a, 20b, 20c is folded around a corresponding fold line 30 of the individual cable stacks 20a, 20b, 20c, which extends across the entire width of the individual cable stacks 20a, 20b, 20c to form a fold angle f1 at the fold line 30 between the opposing first portion 22 and second portion 23 of the individual cable stacks 20a, 20b, 20c.

[0054] The folding angle f1 is less than about 30 degrees. In some implementations, the folding angle f1 is less than about 25 degrees, less than about 20 degrees, less than about 15 degrees, less than about 10 degrees, less than about 5 degrees, or less than about 2 degrees.

[0055] The first portions 22 of cable stacks 20a, 20b, and 20c extend along the mating direction and are arranged side-by-side in a substantially coplanar relationship. In other words, the first portions 22 of the individual cable stacks 20a, 20b, and 20c extend along the mating direction and are arranged side-by-side in a substantially coplanar relationship. Specifically, the first portions 22 of the cable stacks 20a, 20b, and 20c extend along the mating direction (i.e., substantially along the y-axis) and are arranged side-by-side in a substantially coplanar relationship in the xy-plane. Therefore, the combined stack 24 of the connector assembly 200, including the individual cable stacks 20a, 20b, and 20c, can have a low profile. Consequently, the connector assembly 200 can occupy less physical space than a conventional connector assembly.

[0056] Furthermore, the second portions 23 of cable stacks 20a, 20b, and 20c extend along a transverse direction substantially orthogonal to the mating direction and are arranged within the stack 24. In some embodiments, the transverse direction is along the length direction of the first cable stack 20a, the second cable stack 20b, and the third cable stack 20c. The transverse direction is substantially along the x-axis. In other words, the second portions 23 of the individual cable stacks 20a, 20b, and 20c extend along a common length direction and are substantially retained within the combined stack 24. Therefore, the connector assembly 200 can occupy even less physical space than a conventional connector assembly.

[0057] Figure 4A Examples of embodiments from this disclosure are provided. Figure 1C A schematic perspective side view of one of the at least two substantially planar ribbon cables 21, with some components removed. Specifically, Figure 4A A schematic perspective side view of a ribbon cable 21 from at least two substantially planar surfaces is shown, in which there is no electrical insulation sheath layer. Figure 4B A schematic perspective front view of a ribbon cable 21 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0058] refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B Each ribbon cable 21 includes a plurality of insulated electrical conductors 40 extending along the length of the ribbon cable 21 and arranged along the width of the ribbon cable. In some embodiments, the length of the ribbon cable 21 is substantially along the x-axis, and the width of the ribbon cable 21 is substantially along the y-axis. Figure 4B In the illustrated embodiments, each ribbon cable 21 includes eight insulated electrical conductors 40 extending along the length of the ribbon cable 21 and arranged along the width of the ribbon cable. In some embodiments, the total number of insulated electrical conductors 40 in each ribbon cable 21 may vary depending on the desired application attributes.

[0059] In some embodiments, each of the insulated electrical conductors 40 includes a conductive center conductor 42 surrounded by an electrically insulating material 43. In some embodiments, the conductive center conductor 42 may be made of a metal or alloy (such as copper). In some embodiments, the electrically insulating material 43 may be made of any suitable material, such as composite materials, plastics, dielectric materials, etc.

[0060] In some embodiments, each of the ribbon cables 21 includes a plurality of conductor sets 44. Specifically, each of the top ribbon cable 21a and the bottom ribbon cable 21b includes a plurality of conductor sets 44. Figure 4B In the illustrated embodiments, each ribbon cable in ribbon cable 21 includes four conductor sets 44. In some embodiments, the total number of conductor sets 44 in each ribbon cable in ribbon cable 21 may vary depending on the desired application properties. Furthermore, in some embodiments, each conductor set 44 includes two or more insulated conductors in insulated conductors 40 that are substantially surrounded by a conductive shield 45.

[0061] In some embodiments, each ribbon cable 21 further includes at least one electrically insulating sheath layer 47 that substantially covers at least two main sides of the ribbon cable 21. In some embodiments, the at least one electrically insulating sheath layer 47 may be made of any suitable material, such as composite materials, plastics, dielectric materials, etc.

[0062] exist Figure 4B In the illustrated embodiments, at least one electrical insulation sheath layer 47 of each ribbon cable 21 includes an upper electrical insulation sheath layer 47a and a lower electrical insulation sheath layer 47b that substantially cover the upper main side and lower main side of the ribbon cable 21, respectively.

[0063] In some embodiments, each ribbon cable 21 further includes one or more non-insulated conductive conductors 46. Figure 4B In the illustrated embodiments, each ribbon cable 21 further includes two non-insulated conductive conductors 46. In some embodiments, the total number of one or more non-insulated conductive conductors 46 may vary depending on the desired application properties.

[0064] refer to Figures 3A to 3B and Figures 4A to 4BThe leading ends 41 of the insulated conductors 40 of the ribbon cables 21 in the first portion 22 of the first cable stack 20a, the second cable stack 20b, and the third cable stack 20c are substantially aligned one-to-one with and terminate at the corresponding cable pads 14 in the plurality of first cable pads 14a, second cable pads 14b, and third cable pads 14c. Specifically, the leading ends 41 of the insulated conductors 40 of the ribbon cables 21 in the first portion 22 of the first cable stack 20a are substantially aligned one-to-one with and terminate at the cable pads 14 of the first cable pads 14a. Similarly, the leading ends 41 of the insulated conductors 40 of the ribbon cables 21 in the first portion 22 of the second cable stack 20b are substantially aligned one-to-one with and terminate at the cable pads 14 of the second cable pads 14b. Furthermore, the front end 41 of the insulated conductor 40 of the ribbon cable 21 of the first part 22 of the third cable stack 20c is substantially aligned with and terminates at the cable pad 14 of the third cable pad 14c.

[0065] Figure 5A A schematic perspective top view of a cable assembly 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 5B A schematic perspective bottom view of a cable assembly 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0066] refer to Figures 3A to 3B and Figures 5A to 5B In some embodiments, the circuit board 10 includes a plurality of top cable pads 14a1, 14b1, 14c1 (interchangeably referred to as "the first group 14a1, the second group 14b1, and the third group 14c1 of cable pads 14") disposed on the top side 15a of the circuit board 10. In some embodiments, the circuit board 10 includes a plurality of bottom cable pads 14a2, 14b2, 14c2 (interchangeably referred to as "the fourth group 14a2, the fifth group 14b2, and the sixth group 14c2 of cable pads 14") disposed on the bottom side 15b of the circuit board 10 opposite to the top side 15a. The top cable pads 14a1, 14b1, 14c1 and the bottom cable pads 14a2, 14b2, 14c2 are electrically connected to mating pads 12.

[0067] In other words, the non-insulated top and bottom tips 41 of two or more insulated conductors 40 in each conductor set 44 of each of the corresponding top ribbon cables 21a and bottom ribbon cables 21b are substantially aligned with and terminate at the corresponding cable pads 14 of the corresponding top cable pads 14a1, 14b1, 14c1 and bottom cable pads 14a2, 14b2, 14c2. Specifically, the non-insulated top tips 41 of two or more insulated conductors 40 in each conductor set 44 of each top ribbon cable 21a are substantially aligned with and terminate at the corresponding cable pads 14 of the top cable pads 14a1, 14b1, 14c1. Similarly, the non-insulated bottom front ends 41 of two or more insulated electrical conductors 40 in each conductor set 44 of each bottom ribbon cable 21b are substantially aligned with and terminate at the corresponding cable pads 14 of the bottom cable pads 14a2, 14b2, 14c2.

[0068] In some embodiments, the mating section 11 includes a first mating section 11a on a first main side 15a of the circuit board 10 and a corresponding second main side 15b of the circuit board 10. Figure 5B The second mating section 11b is shown in the diagram. The first mating section 11a includes a first group 12a of conductive mating pads 12. Similarly, the second mating section 11b includes a second group 12b of the remaining conductive mating pads 12.

[0069] Furthermore, in some embodiments, cable segment 13 includes a first cable segment 13a on a first main side 15a of the circuit board 10 and a second cable segment 13b on the opposite second main side 15b of the circuit board 10.

[0070] The first cable section 13a includes a first group 14a1, a second group 14b1, and a third group 14c1 of cable pads 14 in the respective conductive first cable pads 14a, second cable pads 14b, and third cable pads 14c. Specifically, the first cable section 13a includes a first group 14a1 of cable pads 14 in the first cable pad 14a, a second group 14b1 of cable pads 14 in the second cable pad 14b, and a third group 14c1 of cable pads 14 in the third cable pad 14c.

[0071] The second cable section 13b includes a fourth group 14a2, a fifth group 14b2, and a sixth group 14c2 of the remaining cable pads 14 in the respective conductive first cable pad 14a, second cable pad 14b, and third cable pad 14c. Specifically, the second cable section 13b includes a fourth group 14a2 of the remaining cable pads 14 in the first cable pad 14a, a fifth group 14b2 of the remaining cable pads 14 in the second cable pad 14b, and a sixth group 14c2 of the remaining cable pads 14 in the third cable pad 14c.

[0072] In some embodiments, the first portion 22 of each of the first cable stack 20a, the second cable stack 20b, and the third cable stack 20c includes a first segment 22a of at least one of the at least two substantially planar ribbon cables 21 of the stack 24 and a second segment 22b of at least the other of the at least two substantially planar ribbon cables 21 of the stack 24.

[0073] refer to Figures 4A to 4B and Figures 5A to 5B In some embodiments, the tip 41 of the insulated conductor 40 of the first segment 22a of the first part 22 is substantially aligned with and terminates at a corresponding cable pad 14 of one of the first group 14a1, the second group 14b1, and the third group 14c1 of the cable pad 14. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the tip 41 of the insulated conductor 40 of the second segment 22b of the first part 22 is substantially aligned with and terminates at a corresponding cable pad 14 of one of the fourth group 14a2, the fifth group 14b2, and the sixth group 14c2 of the cable pad 14.

[0074] Now for reference Figures 1A to 1C to Figures 5A to 5B In some embodiments, the insulating housing 50 is molded onto at least the mating section 11 of the circuit board 10, the front end 41 of the insulated conductor 40 of the ribbon cable 21 of the first portion 22 of the first cable stack 20a, the second cable stack 20b, and the third cable stack 20c, the first portion 22 of the first cable stack 20a, the second cable stack 20b, and the third cable stack 20c, the fold line 30 of each of the first cable stack 20a, the second cable stack 20b, and the third cable stack 20c, and a portion of the second portion 23 of the first cable stack 20a, the second cable stack 20b, and the third cable stack 20c, and completely encloses them.

[0075] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the stack 24 of the second portions 23 of the first cable stack 20a, the second cable stack 20b, and the third cable stack 20c exits the housing 50 through the first side 53 and substantially orthogonal to that first side. Therefore, the connector assembly 200 can be adapted to mate with a mating connector 300 placed in the middle portion of the second circuit board 310. Additionally, the first cable stack 20a, the second cable stack 20b, and the third cable stack 20c of the connector assembly 200 can be accommodated in redundant space.

[0076] Figures 6A to 6D Different schematic diagrams of a connector assembly 200 including a pull tab assembly 60 according to embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated. Specifically, Figure 6A A schematic perspective top view of a connector assembly 200 having a mating connector 300 is shown. Figure 6B A schematic perspective top view of the connector assembly 200 with the mating connector 300 removed is shown. Figure 6C A schematic perspective front view of the connector assembly 200 with the insulating housing 50 removed is shown. Figure 6D A schematic perspective rear view of connector assembly 200 is shown.

[0077] refer to Figures 6A to 6D As discussed above, connector assembly 200 includes a pull tab assembly 60 disposed on and removably assembled to the top side 55 of insulating housing 50. Furthermore, pull tab assembly 60 includes a pull tab 70 configured to move relative to insulating housing 50 along a mating direction (i.e., substantially along the y-axis).

[0078] The pull tab 70 includes an operating portion 71 extending beyond the housing 50. The pull tab 70 also includes an elongated section 72 extending from the operating portion 71 along the mating direction. The elongated section 72 is at least partially disposed in a channel 56 formed on the top side 55 of the housing 50. Figure 2B (As shown in the figure). The pull tab 70 also includes a connecting section 73 that extends from the elongated section 72 in a direction away from the top side 55 of the insulating housing 50 and forms an obtuse angle with the elongated section 72.

[0079] In some embodiments, the pull tab assembly 60 further includes a first actuation section 80. The first actuation section 80 includes a first feature 81 (in... Figure 6D (as shown in the diagram), the first feature portion engages with the corresponding first feature portion 57 of the insulating housing 50 (in Figure 6D(as shown in the diagram), allowing the pull tab assembly 60 to be removably assembled to the insulating housing 50. This allows for easy removal, maintenance, and / or replacement of the pull tab assembly 60 of the connector assembly 200. The first moving section 80 also includes a second feature 82 that engages the end section 74 of the connecting section 73 of the pull tab 70.

[0080] In some embodiments, the pull tab assembly 60 further includes a second actuation portion 90 removably assembled to the first actuation segment 80. The second actuation portion 90 includes a latching portion 91 extending through and beyond a corresponding through opening 83 in the first actuation segment 80 and configured to latch onto the mating connector 300 (in...). Figure 6A The corresponding opening 315 (shown in) Figure 6A (As shown in the image)

[0081] exist Figures 6A to 6D In an exemplary embodiment, the latching portion 91 includes two protrusions that extend through and beyond corresponding through openings 83 in the first actuation section 80. Furthermore, the two protrusions are configured to latch onto corresponding openings 315 in the mating connector 300.

[0082] The latching portion 91 extends through and beyond the corresponding through opening 83 in the first actuation section 80 and is configured to latch onto the corresponding opening 315 in the mating connector 300, such that when the connector assembly 200 mates with the mating connector 300 and the latching portion 91 latches onto the corresponding opening 315 in the mating connector 300, the operating portion 71 of the pull tab 70 releases the mating connector 300 by disengaging the latching portion 91 from the corresponding opening 315 in the mating connector 300. Therefore, the pull tab assembly 60 facilitates easy disengagement of the connector assembly 200 and the mating connector 300. Furthermore, the pull tab assembly 60 also prevents accidental disengagement of the mating connector 300.

[0083] Unless otherwise stated, all figures used in the specification and claims to indicate feature dimensions, quantities, and physical properties should be understood to be modified by the term "about". Therefore, unless stated to the contrary, the numerical parameters listed in the foregoing specification and appended claims are approximations and can vary according to the desired properties sought by those skilled in the art using the teachings disclosed herein.

[0084] While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that various alternative and / or equivalent embodiments may be used in place of the illustrated and described embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This application is intended to cover any modifications or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to be limited only by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A connector assembly configured to mate with a mating connector along a mating direction and comprising: A circuit board, the circuit board including a mating section and a cable section, the mating section including a plurality of conductive mating pads for contacting corresponding conductive elements of the mating connector, and the cable section including a plurality of conductive first cable pads, second cable pads and third cable pads electrically connected to the mating pads; and A first cable stack, a second cable stack, and a third cable stack, each cable stack comprising at least two substantially planar strip cables stacked along the thickness direction of the cable stack, each strip cable comprising a plurality of insulated electrical conductors extending along the length of the strip cable and arranged along the width of the strip cable. Each cable stack in the cable stack is folded around a corresponding fold line that extends across the entire width of the cable stack to form a fold angle of less than about 30 degrees between opposing first and second portions of the cable stack at the fold line. The first portion of the cable stack extends along the mating direction and is arranged side-by-side in a substantially coplanar relationship, while the second portion of the cable stack extends in a transverse direction substantially orthogonal to the mating direction and is arranged within the stack. The front ends of the insulated electrical conductors of the first portion of the ribbon cable in the first cable stack, the second cable stack, and the third cable stack are substantially aligned one-to-one with the cable pads in the corresponding plurality of first cable pads, second cable pads, and third cable pads and terminate at the cable pads.

2. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the conductive mating pads are arranged in one or more substantially parallel rows of the conductive mating pads.

3. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the mating section includes a first mating section on a first main side of the circuit board and a second mating section on an opposite second main side of the circuit board, and wherein the first mating section includes a first set of conductive mating pads, and the second mating section includes a second set of remaining conductive mating pads.

4. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the cable segment includes a first cable segment on a first main side of the circuit board and a second cable segment on an opposite second main side of the circuit board, and wherein the first cable segment includes a first group, a second group, and a third group of cable pads in the respective conductive first cable pad, second cable pad, and third cable pad, and the second cable segment includes a fourth group, a fifth group, and a sixth group of remaining cable pads in the respective conductive first cable pad, second cable pad, and third cable pad.

5. The connector assembly of claim 4, wherein the first portion of each of the first cable stack, the second cable stack, and the third cable stack comprises a first segment of at least one of the at least two substantially planar ribbon cables of the stack and a second segment of at least another of the at least two substantially planar ribbon cables of the stack, and wherein: The front end of the insulating electrical conductor of the first segment of the first part is substantially aligned with and terminates at the cable pad of a corresponding one of the first group, the second group and the third group of the cable pad; and The front end of the insulated electrical conductor of the second segment of the first part is substantially aligned with and terminates at the cable pad of the corresponding one of the fourth, fifth and sixth groups of the cable pad.

6. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the insulating electrical conductors comprises a conductive center conductor surrounded by an electrically insulating material.

7. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the ribbon cables comprises a plurality of conductor sets, each conductor set comprising two or more of the insulating electrical conductors substantially surrounded by a conductive shield.

8. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the ribbon cables further comprises at least one electrically insulating sheath layer substantially covering at least two main sides of the ribbon cable.

9. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein each ribbon cable in the ribbon cable further comprises one or more non-insulated conductive conductors.

10. The connector assembly of claim 1, further comprising an insulating housing molded on and completely encapsulating at least the mating section of the circuit board, the front end of the insulated electrical conductor of the ribbon cable of the first portion of the first cable stack, the second cable stack, and the third cable stack, the first portion of the first cable stack, the second cable stack, and the third cable stack, the fold line of each of the first cable stack, the second cable stack, and the third cable stack, and a portion of the second portion of the first cable stack, the second cable stack, and the third cable stack.

11. The connector assembly of claim 10, wherein the insulating housing includes a front mating side for mating with the mating connector along the mating direction, a rear side opposite to the mating side, and a pair of opposing first and second sides that engage the front mating side and the rear side and are substantially orthogonal to the circuit board.

12. The connector assembly of claim 11, wherein the stacks of the second portion of the first cable stack, the second cable stack, and the third cable stack pass through the first side of the housing and exit the housing substantially orthogonal to the first side.

13. The connector assembly of claim 10, further comprising a pull tab assembly disposed on and removably assembled to the top side of the insulating housing, the pull tab assembly comprising: A pull tab, the pull tab being configured to move relative to the insulating housing along the mating direction, and the pull tab comprising: - An operating portion that extends beyond the housing; - An elongated section extending from the operating portion along the mating direction and at least partially disposed in a channel formed on the top side of the housing; and A connecting section extending from the elongated section in a direction away from the top side of the insulating housing and forming an obtuse angle with the elongated section; and A first actuating section, comprising a first feature portion and a second feature portion, wherein the first feature portion engages a corresponding first feature portion of the insulating housing to allow the pull tab assembly to be removably assembled to the insulating housing, and the second feature portion engages an end section of the connecting section of the pull tab; and A second actuating portion, removably assembled to the first actuating section and including a latching portion extending through and beyond a corresponding through opening in the first actuating section, is configured to latch onto a corresponding opening in the mating connector such that when the connector assembly mates with the mating connector and the latching portion latches onto the corresponding opening in the mating connector, pulling the operating portion of the pull tab releases the mating connector by dislodgering the latching portion from the corresponding opening in the mating connector.

14. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the mating connector is mounted on a second circuit board.

15. A cable assembly for use in a connector assembly, the connector assembly being configured to mate with a mating connector along a mating direction, the cable assembly comprising: Circuit board, the circuit board comprising: Multiple conductive mating pads are provided for making electrical and physical contact with corresponding conductive elements of the mating connector. Multiple top cable pads are disposed on the top side of the circuit board; and A plurality of bottom cable pads are disposed on the bottom side of the circuit board opposite to the top side, and the top cable pads and the bottom cable pads are electrically connected to the mating pads; and A combined stack of multiple individual cable stacks, the multiple individual cable stacks being stacked along a common thickness direction of the combined stack and the individual cable stacks, and extending along a common length direction of the combined stack and the individual cable stacks. Each of the individual cable stacks includes a substantially planar top strip cable and a bottom strip cable stacked along the thickness direction. Each of the top strip cable and the bottom strip cable includes multiple conductor sets, each conductor set including two or more insulated electrical conductors substantially surrounded by a conductive shield. Each insulated electrical conductor includes a conductive center conductor surrounded by an electrically insulating material. Each individual cable stack in the individual cable stack is folded around a corresponding fold line that extends across the entire width of the individual cable stack to form a fold angle of less than about 20 degrees between opposing first and second portions of the individual cable stack at the fold line. The first portion of the individual cable stacks extends along the mating direction and is arranged side-by-side in a substantially coplanar relationship, while the second portion of the individual cable stacks extends along the common length direction and is substantially retained within the combined stack. In this embodiment, the non-insulated top and bottom front ends of the two or more insulated electrical conductors of each conductor set in the respective top and bottom cable sets are substantially aligned with and terminate at the corresponding cable pads of the respective top and bottom cable pads.

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