Electric shielding structure for high-speed electric connector

Abstract

An electrical connector (100) includes an inner housing (240) housed in a cavity (154) of an outer housing (150). The inner housing has a conductive housing body (242) extending between a mating end (250) mating with the pluggable module (120) and a mounting end (248) mounted to the host circuit board (110). The electrical connector includes a contact assembly (200) having contact inserts (220) of contacts (202) arranged in pairs and received in contact channels (270). The electrical connector includes a ground shield (300) coupled to the inner housing to close the contact channel such that the ground shield and the conductive housing body provide electrical shielding for the contact insert.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This article mainly deals with high-speed electrical connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical connectors are used to connect various components of a system. For example, electrical connectors may include receptacle connectors and plug connectors, with the plug connector configured to mate with the receptacle connector. In some systems, the receptacle connector includes a slot, and the plug connector includes a circuit card configured to insert into the slot to mate with the contacts of the receptacle connector. As data rates increase, shielding of signal lines becomes crucial for improving signal integrity, for example, by reducing crosstalk between various contacts. Gaps in the shielding become problematic at high data rates. Typically, transitions or mating interfaces between components have inherent discontinuities, leading to signal degradation at the transitions. For example, signal degradation occurs at the transition between the receptacle connector and the host circuit board on which it is mounted. Furthermore, signal degradation occurs at separable mating interfaces between the plug connector and the receptacle connector. Conventional electrical connectors typically use stamped and formed grounding shields to provide shielding. However, such stamped and formed grounding shields have limitations on shielding capability due to the shape and positioning of the grounding shield relative to the contacts.

[0003] An improved shielding structure for high-speed electrical connectors is still needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to the present invention, an electrical connector is provided, comprising a housing having a dielectric body defining a chamber. The electrical connector includes an inner housing received within the chamber. The inner housing has a conductive housing body extending between a mating end and a mounting end. The mating end is configured to mate with a pluggable module. The mounting end is configured to mount to a host circuit board. The housing body includes contact channels. The housing body provides electrical shielding between each of the contact channels. The electrical connector includes a contact assembly coupled to the inner housing. The contact assembly includes contact inserts received in respective contact channels. The contact inserts include paired contacts received in respective contact channels. Each contact includes a mating portion at the mating end and a termination portion at the mounting end, the mating portion being configured to mate with a pluggable module and the termination portion being configured to terminate to a host circuit board. The electrical connector includes a ground shield coupled to the inner housing to close the contact channels and provide electrical shielding for the contact inserts in the contact channels. The ground shield is electrically connected to the conductive housing body. The grounding shield includes a terminating grounding beam at the mounting end, which is configured to terminate to the host circuit board. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1An electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0006] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the contact assembly of an electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0007] Figure 3 This is a front perspective view of the conductive housing body according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0008] Figure 4 A grounding shield according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0009] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a contact assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a contact assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a contact assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a circuit card inserted into a card slot.

[0012] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a contact assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a circuit card inserted into a card slot.

[0013] Figure 9 This is a bottom perspective view of a portion of a conductive housing body according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the mounting end of the housing body.

[0014] Figure 10 This is a top perspective view of a portion of a contact assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a grounding shield connected to a conductive housing body.

[0015] Figure 11 This is a bottom perspective view of a portion of a contact assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a grounding shield partially assembled to the conductive housing body.

[0016] Figure 12 This is a bottom perspective view of a portion of a contact assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a grounding shield assembled to a conductive housing body.

[0017] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of a contact assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a contact assembly mounted to a host circuit board.

[0018] Figure 14 An electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0019] Figure 15 A host circuit board according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0020] Figure 16 This is a bottom perspective view of an electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the mounting end of the electrical connector.

[0021] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a circuit card inserted into a slot of the electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0022] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a circuit card inserted into a slot in the electrical connector. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Figure 1 An electrical connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The electrical connector 100 is mounted to a main circuit board 110. For example, the electrical connector 100 may be surface-mounted to the surface of the main circuit board 110. A pluggable module 120 is configured to mate with the electrical connector 100. The electrical connector 100 electrically connects the pluggable module 120 and the main circuit board 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical connector 100 is a high-speed electrical connector configured to transmit high-speed electrical signals between the pluggable module 120 and the main circuit board 110.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical connector 100 is configured to transmit high-speed differential signals along signal lines. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical connector 100 includes a shielding structure configured to provide electrical shielding along the signal lines (such as along signal line pairs) to enhance signal integrity. For example, the electrical shielding reduces crosstalk between signal line pairs. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical connector 100 provides circumferential shielding (e.g., 360° shielding) for paired signal lines substantially along the entire length of the signal lines between the pluggable module 120 and the host circuit board 110.

[0025] In exemplary embodiments, electrical connector 100 and pluggable module 120 are high-speed input / output (I / O) connectors, such as small form factor pluggable connectors (e.g., SFP, QSFP, CDFP, etc.). In various embodiments, electrical connector 100 is a receptacle connector, such as a card edge connector. For example, electrical connector 100 includes card slots configured to receive circuit cards from pluggable module 120. In the illustrated embodiment, electrical connector 100 includes a pair of card slots configured to receive a pair of circuit cards, which increases the density and throughput of electrical connector 100 by increasing the number of signal paths through electrical connector 100.

[0026] The pluggable module 120 is configured to engage with a mating end of the electrical connector 100. In various embodiments, a cage (not shown) may surround the electrical connector 100, and the pluggable module 120 may be inserted into the cage to mate with the electrical connector 100. The pluggable module 120 includes a module housing 122 that holds one or more circuit cards 124. Cables (not shown) electrically connected to the circuit cards 124 extend from the cable ends of the module housing 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the pluggable module 120 includes a pair of circuit cards 124 vertically stacked within the module housing 122. Each circuit card 124 has a card edge 128 configured to insert into a corresponding slot in the electrical connector 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the pluggable module 120 is a PCIe connector. Other types of pluggable modules 120 may be provided in alternative embodiments. In various other embodiments, the pluggable module 120 may include circuit cards 124 without a module housing 122 and / or without cables 126. For example, the circuit card 124 can be a memory module or other type of board connector.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical connector 100 includes a housing 150 and one or more contact assemblies 200 received within the housing 150. Each contact assembly 200 includes a contact 202 configured to be electrically connected to a pluggable module 120 and configured to be electrically connected to a host circuit board 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connector 100 includes multiple contact assemblies 200, such as an upper contact assembly and a lower contact assembly. The upper contact assembly is associated with an upper slot 160 of the housing 150. The lower contact assembly is associated with a lower slot 162 of the housing 150. However, in an alternative embodiment, the electrical connector 100 may include a single contact assembly and a single slot.

[0028] The housing 150 includes a dielectric 152 defining a chamber 154. A contact assembly 200 is received within the chamber 154. The housing 150 extends between a mating end 156 and a mounting end 158. A pluggable module 120 is configured to mate with the housing 150 at the mating end 156. The housing 150 is configured to mount to a host circuit board 110 at the mounting end 158. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connector 100 is a right-angle connector having a mating end 156 orthogonal to the mounting end 158. For example, the mating end 156 is located at the front of the housing 150, and the mounting end 158 is located at the bottom of the housing 150. In alternative embodiments, other orientations and configurations are possible, such as having mating ends 156 opposite to the mounting end 158 (e.g., at the front and rear, or at the top and bottom).

[0029] Figure 2This is an exploded view of the contact assembly 200 of an electrical connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact assembly 200 is a right-angle contact assembly having a contact 202 extending through a right-angle transition such that the mating end 204 of the contact assembly 200 is perpendicular to the mounting end 206 of the contact assembly 200. In an alternative embodiment, the contact 202 may be straight or through the contact, wherein the mating end 204 and the mounting end 206 are parallel to each other at opposite ends of the contact assembly 200. Figure 2 A contact assembly 200 as an upper contact assembly is shown, and a lower contact assembly below the upper contact assembly 200 is also shown. The components, parts, and features of the upper contact assembly may be similar to or the same as those of the lower contact assembly, and therefore are described with reference to the upper contact assembly to avoid repetition.

[0030] The contact assembly 200 includes an inner housing 240, a contact array 208 of contacts 202 supported by the inner housing 240, and a grounding shield 300 coupled to the inner housing 240 to provide electrical shielding for the contacts 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner housing 240 includes a conductive housing body 242 providing electrical shielding for the contacts 202. The grounding shield 300 is configured to be electrically connected to the conductive housing body 242 to form a shielding structure for the contacts 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner housing 240 includes a first side 244 and a second side 246 opposite to the first side 244. For example, the first side 244 may be an outer side, and the second side 246 may be an inner side. The first side 244 may be a top side and / or a rear side. The second side 246 may be a bottom side and / or a front side. In an exemplary embodiment, the contacts 202 are arranged on both the first side 244 and the second side 246 to provide a plurality of contacts 202 within the contact assembly 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the grounding shield 300 is disposed on both the first side 244 and the second side 246.

[0031] The conductive housing body 242 and the grounding shield 300 cooperate to provide circumferential shielding for the contact 202 along the length of the signal line between the mating end 204 and the mounting end 206. For example, the conductive housing body 242 and the grounding shield 300 provide 360° shielding around the corresponding contact 202 to improve signal integrity by reducing crosstalk between signal lines. In an exemplary embodiment, the contacts 202 are arranged in pairs (e.g., differential pairs), and the shielding structure defined by the conductive housing body 242 and the grounding shield 300 provides 360° shielding for each pair. The conductive housing body 242 and the grounding shield 300 prevent crosstalk between the paired contacts 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the paired contacts 202 are shielded along the entire length between the mating end 204 and the mounting end 206.

[0032] Each contact 202 includes a contact body 210, which includes a transition portion 214 between a mating portion 212 and a termination portion 216. The mating portion 212 is located at a mating end 204. The termination portion 216 is located at a mounting end 206. In the illustrated embodiment, the transition portion 214 includes one or more bends 218 between the mating portion 212 and the termination portion 216. For example, the bends 218 may form a 90° transition between the mating portion 212 and the termination portion 216, such that the mating portion 212 is oriented perpendicular to the termination portion 216. In an exemplary embodiment, the mating portion 212 includes a deflectable mating beam configured to be electrically connected to a circuit card 124. In an exemplary embodiment, the termination portion 216 includes a solder tail configured to be soldered to a corresponding pad or circuit of the host circuit board 110. In alternative embodiments, other types of terminations may be provided, such as compliant pins configured to press-fit into plated through-holes in the host circuit board 110.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the contact body 210 is a stamped contact formed by stamping a metal sheet. In various embodiments, the contact body 210 may be made of copper, a copper alloy, or another type of metal. The contact body 210 may be plated or coated, for example, selectively plated. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact 202 may be stamped from a lead frame, wherein multiple contacts 202 are stamped from the same metal sheet.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the contact array 208 includes a plurality of contact inserts 220 configured to be received in corresponding channels within the housing body 242. In the illustrated embodiment, each contact insert 220 includes a pair of contacts 202. In an alternative embodiment, each contact insert 220 may include more or fewer contacts 202.

[0035] The contact insert 220 includes one or more contact retainers 222 that hold a corresponding contact 202. The contact retainers 222 are configured to position the contact 202 relative to the housing body 242. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact retainer 222 is made of a dielectric material (such as a plastic material) to electrically isolate the contact 202 from the housing body 242. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact retainer 222 is overmolded onto a pair of contacts 202. The contact retainer 222 spans the two contacts 202 to maintain the relative position of the contacts 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact retainer 222 is rectangular. However, the contact retainer 222 may have other shapes and alternative embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, each contact insert 220 includes a plurality of contact retainers 222 at spaced-apart locations to hold the contact 202 along its length. For example, one or more of the contact retainers 222 may retain the mating portion 212, and / or one or more of the contact retainers 222 may retain the transition portion 214, and / or one or more of the contact retainers 222 may retain the termination portion 216.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a front perspective view of a conductive housing body 242 according to an exemplary embodiment. The conductive housing body 242 is conductive, providing a shielding structure for the contact 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the conductive housing body 242 is an electroplated housing. For example, the housing body 242 may have a dielectric substrate, such as one molded from a plastic material, plated with an external conductive plating layer. The plating layer can be applied by electroplating, electroless plating, physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating, spraying, dip coating, or other application techniques to apply the conductive layer to the substrate. In an exemplary embodiment, the entire outer surface of the housing body 242 is conductive. However, in an alternative embodiment, the housing body 242 may be selectively plated and therefore conductive in selective areas. In other alternative embodiments, the housing body 242 is made of a metallic material, such as by die casting, machining, or otherwise manufacturing.

[0037] The housing body 242 extends between a mounting end 248 and a mating end 250. The housing body 242 includes a front portion 252 and a rear portion 254. The housing body 242 includes a top portion 256 and a bottom portion 258. The housing body 242 includes opposing ends 260, 262. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating end 250 is located at the front portion 252, and the mounting end 248 is located at the bottom portion 258. Other orientations are possible alternative embodiments.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the housing body 242 includes a central portion 264 extending between a mating end 250 and a mounting end 248. For example, the central portion 264 may transition between a front portion 252 and a bottom portion 258. A first side 244 and a second side 246 are located on opposite sides of the central portion 264. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing body 242 includes partition ribs 266 extending from the central portion 264. The partition ribs 266 include a distal or outer edge 268. In various embodiments, these partition ribs 266 are located on the first side 244 and the second side 246.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the housing body 242 includes contact channels 270 at a first side 244 and / or a second side 246. The contact channels 270 are configured to receive corresponding contacts 202 (e.g., pairs of contacts 202). The conductive housing body 242 provides electrical shielding for the contact channels 270, for example, along three sides of each of the contact channels 270. The conductive housing body 242 provides electrical shielding for corresponding pairs of contacts 202 between the contact channels 270. In an exemplary embodiment, a central portion 264 of the housing body 242 forms an end wall for each contact channel 270, and a separating rib 266 of the housing body 242 forms a side wall for each of the contact channels 270. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing body 242 includes a recess 272 within the contact channels 270. The recess 272 is configured to receive portions of a contact array, such as contact holders 222.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, the housing body 242 includes a connecting finger 274 at a mating end 250. The connecting finger 274 extends forward from a central portion 264. For example, the connecting finger 274 may overhang from the central portion 264 and / or the partition rib 266. The connecting finger 274 is configured to connect to a circuit card 124. For example, the connecting finger 274 may be electrically connected to a module grounding pad on the circuit card 124. The connecting finger 274 provides excellent isolation between signal pairs at the mating interface. Alternatively, the connecting finger 274 may be deflectable, such as bending outward when engaged with the circuit card 124. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing body 242 is generally open between the connecting fingers 274, for example, including openings at the top and bottom of the connecting fingers 274. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting finger 274 is generally rectangular. However, the connecting finger 274 may have other shapes and alternative embodiments.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the housing body 242 includes connection fingers 274 at both a first side 244 and a second side 246. A slot 275 is defined between the connection fingers 274 at the first side 244 and the second side 246. The slot 275 is configured to receive a card edge of a circuit card 124. For example, the circuit card 124 is configured to be positioned between the connection fingers 274 at the first side 244 and the second side 246. The connection fingers 274 at the first side 244 are configured to engage with a module grounding pad at a first side (e.g., the top) of the circuit card 124, and the connection fingers 274 at the second side 246 are configured to engage with a module grounding pad at a second side (e.g., the bottom) of the circuit card 124.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, the housing body 242 includes a rod 276 extending between the connecting fingers 274. The rod 276 is configured to electrically connect the connecting fingers 274 at a location remote from the center portion 264 to reduce ground resonance along the connecting fingers 274. The rod 276 can add rigidity or structural support to the connecting fingers 274. The rod 276 can be located near the distal end of the connecting fingers 274.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting finger 274 includes a slot 278 passing through it. The slot 278 may be open at the top and / or bottom of the connecting finger 274. The slot 278 is configured to receive a portion of a grounding shield 300, for example, configured to be electrically connected to a mating grounding beam of the circuit card 124.

[0044] Figure 4 A grounding shield 300 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. In the exemplary embodiment, the grounding shield 300 is a stamped part. For example, the grounding shield 300 may be stamped from a metal sheet and formed into a predetermined shape. The grounding shield 300 is made of a conductive material such as a metallic material. For example, the grounding shield 300 may be made of copper, aluminum, stainless steel, or other metallic materials.

[0045] The grounding shield 300 includes one or more panels 302 extending between a mating end 304 and a terminating end 306. The panels 302 may engage at bends to allow transitions between different planes. In the illustrated embodiment, the grounding shield 300 includes three panels 302, such as a top panel, a rear panel, and a transition panel between the top and rear panels. The rear panel is oriented perpendicular to the top panel, and the transition panel is angled laterally to the top and rear panels. In the illustrated embodiment, the top panel is horizontally oriented, and the rear panel is vertically oriented. In alternative embodiments, other orientations are possible.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the grounding shield 300 includes a plurality of bumps or protrusions 308 configured to engage with the conductive housing body 242 of the inner housing 240. In an alternative embodiment, the grounding shield 300 may include a deflectable spring beam stamped from the panel 302, the deflectable spring beam being configured to engage with the conductive housing body 242. The protrusions 308 define points of contact with the conductive housing body 242. The protrusions 308 are arranged at intervals sufficient to control resonances outside the desired frequency.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the grounding shield 300 includes mating grounding beams 310 at mating ends 304. Each mating grounding beam 310 includes a mating interface 312 configured to engage with a circuit card 124 (such as a module grounding pad of the circuit card 124). The mating grounding beams 310 extend from the panel 302. For example, the mating grounding beams 310 extend forward from the front panel. In an exemplary embodiment, the grounding shield 300 includes a support protrusion 314 supporting the mating grounding beams 310. For example, the support protrusion 314 extends between the panel 302 and the mating grounding beams 310. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating grounding beams 310 are bent out of plane relative to the support protrusion 314 and the front panel 302. For example, the mating grounding beams 310 may be bent to a vertical plane while the support protrusion 314 and the front panel 302 are in a horizontal plane. In an exemplary embodiment, the mating grounding beams 310 are deflectable grounding beams configured to be deflected when the mating grounding beams 310 engage with the circuit card 124. The grounding beam 310 provides a low-resistance grounding connection to the grounding pad of the circuit card 124, parallel to the connection finger 274, for example, to shield and / or provide a low-resistance grounding loop during power transmission. In an exemplary embodiment, the grounding beam 310 is configured to be received in the slots 278 formed in the connection finger 274. Figure 3 (As shown in the image).

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, the grounding shield 300 includes a terminating grounding beam 320 at a mounting end 306. The terminating grounding beam 320 extends from a panel 302 (such as a rear panel). Each terminating grounding beam 320 includes a mating interface 322 configured to engage with a host circuit board 110, such as a host grounding pad of the host circuit board 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the terminating grounding beam 320 is configured to be soldered to the host circuit board 110. The terminating grounding beam 320 provides a low-resistance ground connection to the grounding pad of the host circuit board 110 parallel to the housing body 242, for example, for shielding and / or providing a low-resistance ground loop during power transmission.

[0049] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the contact assembly 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the contact assembly 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5 The contact assembly 200 is shown, with one of the grounding shields 300 removed to reveal components of the contact assembly 200. Figure 6 The contact assembly 200 is shown, in which the grounding shield 300 is assembled to the inner housing 240.

[0050] During assembly, the contact array 208 is inserted into the inner housing 240. For example, each contact insert 220 is embedded in a corresponding contact channel 270 between the separating ribs 266. The separating ribs 266 are located between pairs of contacts 202 to provide electrical shielding between the pairs of contacts 202. A contact retainer 222 is received in a corresponding recess 272 to position the contact insert 220 relative to the inner housing 240. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact inserts 220 are disposed in the contact channels 270 on both sides 244, 246 of the housing body 242. A central portion 264 of the housing body 242 is located between the contacts 202 on the opposite sides 244, 246 of the housing body 242. The central portion 264 provides electrical shielding between the pairs of contacts 202 on the opposite sides 244, 246 of the housing body 242. The mating portion 212 of the contact 202 is arranged between the connecting fingers 274 at the mating end 204 of the contact assembly 200. The mating portion 212 is located in the slot 275 to engage with the circuit card 124.

[0051] During assembly, the grounding shield 300 is configured to be coupled to the inner housing 240 after the contact insert 220 is arranged in the contact channel 270. For example, the grounding shield 300 may be coupled to both sides 244, 246 of the housing body 242. The grounding shield 300 is electrically connected to the conductive housing body 242, for example, via a protrusion 308. During assembly, a mating grounding beam 310 is received in a corresponding slot 278 in the connecting finger 274. The mating grounding beam 310 is located in a slot 275 to engage with the circuit card 124.

[0052] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the contact assembly 200 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the circuit card 124 inserted into the card slot 275. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the contact assembly 200 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the circuit card 124 inserted into the card slot 275.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, circuit card 124 includes a substrate 130 having a first surface 132 (e.g., an upper surface) and a second surface 134 (e.g., a lower surface). Circuit card 124 extends to a card edge 128. Circuit card 124 includes module signal pads 140 on surfaces 132, 134. Module signal pads 140 may be arranged in pairs. Circuit card 124 includes module ground pads 142 on surfaces 132, 134. Module ground pads 142 may at least partially surround the paired signal pads 140 to provide shielding between the paired signal pads 140.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, the mating portion 212 of the contact 202 is electrically connected to the module signal pad 140. For example, the mating portion 212 includes a deflectable spring beam configured to engage with the module signal pad 140 when the card edge 136 of the circuit card 124 is inserted into the card slot 275.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the mating grounding beam 310 of the grounding shield 300 is electrically connected to the module grounding pad 142. For example, the mating grounding beam 310 includes a deflectable spring beam configured to engage with the module grounding pad 142 when the card edge 136 of the circuit card 124 is inserted into the card slot 275.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, the conductive housing body 242 is configured to be electrically connected to the ground plane of the circuit card 124. For example, the connection finger 274 is configured to be electrically connected to the module ground pad 142. In various embodiments, when the circuit card 124 is inserted into the card slot 275, the connection finger 274 may engage directly with the module ground pad 142. Alternatively, when the circuit card 124 is inserted into the card slot 275, the connection finger 274 may be deflected outward by interference with the circuit card 124. In an alternative embodiment, the connection finger 274 may be located near the module ground pad 142 and capacitively coupled to the module ground pad 142, rather than being directly connected to the module ground pad 142.

[0057] Figure 9 This is a bottom perspective view of a portion of a conductive housing body 242 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the mounting end 248 of the housing body 242. A contact channel 270 extends to the mounting end 248. For example, a central portion 264 and a separating rib 266 extend to the mounting end 248.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, the housing body 242 includes a recess 280 at a mounting end 248, the recess 280 receiving a portion of the contact insert 220. For example, the recess 280 is configured to receive a termination end of the contact 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing body 242 includes a connection protrusion 282 defining the recess 280 at the mounting end 248. The connection protrusion 282 is configured to connect to the host circuit board 110. For example, the connection protrusion 282 is configured to be electrically connected to a host ground pad of the host circuit board 110. In various embodiments, the connection protrusion 282 may be soldered to the host ground pad of the host circuit board 110.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting protrusion 282 includes a central connecting protrusion 284 and side connecting protrusions 286 extending outwardly from the central connecting protrusion 284. Optionally, the side protrusions and connecting protrusions 286 may extend from both sides of the central connecting protrusion 284. Each recess 280 is defined by the central connecting protrusion 284 and the corresponding side connecting protrusion 286 and is surrounded on three sides by the central connecting protrusion 284 and the corresponding side connecting protrusion 286. For example, the recess 280 may be located on both sides of the central connecting protrusion 284. The central connecting protrusion 284 extends generally along the central portion 264. The side connecting protrusions 286 may be aligned with the partition rib 266. For example, the side connecting protrusions 286 may be extensions of the partition rib 266. In various embodiments, a rod 288 may extend between the side connecting protrusions 286, for example, at the distal end of the side connecting protrusions 286.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, the connection protrusion 282 includes a channel 290 at the bottom of the housing body 242. The channel 290 is configured to receive a portion of the grounding shield 300. In the illustrated embodiment, each side connection protrusion 286 includes a corresponding channel 290. The center connection protrusion 284 may additionally include a channel 290.

[0061] Figure 10 This is a top perspective view of a portion of the contact assembly 200, showing the grounding shield 300 coupled to the conductive housing body 242. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing body 242 includes a groove 292 for receiving the grounding shield 300. The groove 292 may be open at the top to receive the grounding shield 300 from above. In an exemplary embodiment, these grooves 292 taper from top to bottom to receive a panel 302 of the grounding shield 300 via an interference fit. The grounding shield 300 is configured to be electrically connected to the conductive housing body 242 in the groove 292 via an interference fit.

[0062] Figure 11This is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the contact assembly 200, showing the grounding shield 300 partially assembled to the conductive housing body 242. Figure 12 This is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the contact assembly 200, showing the grounding shield 300 assembled to the conductive housing body 242.

[0063] During assembly, contact inserts 220 are loaded into corresponding contact channels 270 of the housing body 242. Termination portions 216 extend to mounting ends 248. For example, termination portions 216 are received in corresponding recesses 280 at the bottom of the housing body 242. In an exemplary embodiment, the ends of termination portions 216 are bent, for example, at 90°, to form solder tails configured to be soldered to the main circuit board 110. Connecting protrusions 282 surround the recesses 280 to provide electrical shielding for the termination portions 216 of corresponding contacts 202. For example, wing connecting protrusions 286 are located between pairs of contacts 202 to provide electrical shielding between the termination portions 216 of the pairs of contacts 202. Center connecting protrusions 284 are located between pairs of contacts 202 on opposite sides 244, 246 of the housing body 242. The central connection protrusion 284 provides electrical shielding between the termination portions 216 of the paired contacts 202 on opposite sides 244, 246 of the housing body 242.

[0064] During assembly, the grounding shield 300 is coupled to the housing body 242. For example, the grounding shield 300 can be loaded from above into an opening in the housing body 242. The terminating grounding beam 320 is configured to be loaded into a corresponding channel 290 in the housing body 242. For example, after the terminating grounding beam 320 is loaded through the housing body 242, the terminating grounding beam 320 can be bent into the channel 290. In an exemplary embodiment, the terminating grounding beam 320 is bent to a position coplanar with the connecting protrusion 282. Thus, both the terminating grounding beam 320 and the connecting protrusion 282 can be surface-mounted and soldered to the host circuit board 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the terminating grounding beam 320 and the connecting protrusion 282 are coplanar with the solder tail of the termination portion 216 for surface mounting to the host circuit board 110.

[0065] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the contact assembly 200, showing the contact assembly 200 mounted to the host circuit board 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact assembly 200 is surface-mounted to the host circuit board 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact assembly 200 is configured to be soldered to the host circuit board 110.

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, the host circuit board 110 includes a substrate 112 having a first surface 111 (e.g., an upper surface) and a second surface 113 (e.g., a lower surface). The host circuit board 110 includes host signal pads 114 at least on the first surface 111. In an exemplary embodiment, the host signal pads 114 are arranged in pairs. The host circuit board 110 includes a host ground pad 116 at least on the first surface 111. The host ground pad 116 may at least partially surround the pairs of host signal pads 114 to provide shielding between the pairs of host signal pads 114.

[0067] During assembly, the solder tail of the termination portion 216 of contact 202 is configured to be soldered to the corresponding host signal pad 114. The termination grounding beam 320 and the connection protrusion 282 at the bottom of the contact assembly 200 are configured to be soldered to the corresponding host grounding pad 116. Thus, both the grounding shield 300 and the conductive housing body 242 are electrically connected to the ground plane of the host circuit board 110. The shielding structure of the contact assembly 200 provides effective electrical shielding for the paired contacts 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the shielding structure provides circumferential shielding for the paired contacts 202 through the entire contact assembly 200 from the host circuit board 110 to the pluggable module 120.

[0068] Figure 14 An electrical connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connector 100 is a card edge connector, such as a vertical dual-row card edge connector. The electrical connector 100 is mounted to a main circuit board 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the pluggable module 120 includes a circuit card 124, which may be an expansion card, computer memory, or other type of card module.

[0069] In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical connector 100 includes a housing 150 and a contact assembly 200 received within the housing 150. The contact assembly 200 includes contacts 202 disposed in a contact array 208. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connector 100 includes a single contact assembly 200 and a single slot. However, in an alternative embodiment, the electrical connector 100 may include multiple contact assemblies and corresponding slots. In the illustrated embodiment, mating ends 156 and mounting ends 158 are located at opposite ends of the electrical connector 100, such as at the top and bottom, rather than at right angles.

[0070] Figure 15A host circuit board 110 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The host circuit board 110 includes a substrate 112 having a first surface 111 (e.g., an upper surface) and a second surface 113 (e.g., a lower surface). The host circuit board 110 includes host signal pads 114 on the first surface 111. In an exemplary embodiment, the host signal pads 114 are arranged in pairs. The host circuit board 110 includes a host ground pad 116 on the first surface 111. The host ground pad 116 may at least partially surround the pairs of host signal pads 114 to provide shielding between the pairs of host signal pads 114. For example, the host ground pad 116 is arranged between the pairs of host signal pads 114, such as in a ground-signal-signal-ground arrangement. The host ground pad 116 may be arranged in the space between rows of host signal pads 114.

[0071] Figure 16 This is a bottom perspective view of an electrical connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the mounting end of the electrical connector 100. A contact assembly 200 is disposed within a cavity 154 of the housing 150. A termination portion 216 of the contact 202 is provided at the mounting end for terminating to the main circuit board 110. Figure 15 For example, the solder tail of the termination 216 can be soldered to the host signal pad 114 of the host circuit board 110.

[0072] The terminating grounding beam 320 and connecting protrusion 282 at the bottom of the contact assembly 200 are configured to be soldered to the corresponding host grounding pad 116. Thus, both the grounding shield 300 and the conductive housing body 242 are electrically connected to the ground plane of the host circuit board 110. The shielding structure of the contact assembly 200 provides effective electrical shielding for the paired contacts 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the shielding structure provides circumferential shielding for the paired contacts 202 through the entire contact assembly 200 from the host circuit board 110 to the pluggable module 120.

[0073] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a circuit card 124 inserted into a slot in the electrical connector 100. Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electrical connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a circuit card 124 inserted into a slot in the electrical connector 100. The housing 150 is... Figure 18 The image is removed to show the internal components of the electrical connector 100. When assembled, the conductive housing body 242 and the grounding shield 300 provide shielding for the signal contact 202.

[0074] During assembly, the termination portion 216 of contact 202 is terminated to the host signal pad 114 of host circuit board 110. The termination grounding beam 320 and the connection protrusion 282 at the bottom of contact assembly 200 are soldered to the corresponding host grounding pad 116.

[0075] During mating, circuit card 124 is inserted into the slot to mate with signal contact 202. The mating portion 212 of contact 202 mates with the module signal pad 140 of circuit card 124. Connection finger 274 is electrically connected to module grounding pad 142. The mating grounding beam 310 of grounding shield 300 is electrically connected to module grounding pad 142.

Claims

1. An electrical connector (100), comprising: The outer casing (150) has a dielectric (152) defining a chamber (154). An inner housing (240) is housed within the chamber, the inner housing having a conductive housing body (242) extending between a mating end (250) and a mounting end (248), the mating end being configured to mate with a pluggable module (120), the mounting end being configured to mount to a host circuit board (110), the housing body including contact channels (270), the housing body providing electrical shielding between each contact channel; A contact assembly (200) connected to the inner housing includes a contact insert (220) received in a corresponding contact channel. The contact insert includes a pair of contacts (202) received in the corresponding contact channel. Each contact includes a mating portion (212) at the mating end (204) and a termination portion (216) at the mounting end. The mating portion (212) is configured to mate with the pluggable module, and the termination portion (216) is configured to terminate to the host circuit board. A grounding shield (300) is connected to the inner housing to close the contact channel and provide electrical shielding for the contact insert in the contact channel. The grounding shield is electrically connected to the conductive housing body. The grounding shield includes a terminating grounding beam (320) at the mounting end, the terminating grounding beam being configured to terminate to the host circuit board.

2. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein the housing body (242) is an electroplated plastic housing body, the electroplated plastic housing body having a dielectric material electroplated with a conductive layer.

3. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein the conductive housing body (242) and the grounding shield (300) provide 360° shielding for each contact insert (220) along the length of the contact channel (270).

4. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein the housing body (242) includes a connection protrusion (282) at the mounting end (248), the connection protrusion (282) being configured to connect to a host grounding pad (116) on the host circuit board (110).

5. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 4, wherein the connection protrusion (282) is located between the pairs of contacts (202) to provide electrical shielding between the termination portions (216) of the pairs of contacts.

6. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 4, wherein the connection protrusion (282) includes a recess (280), the termination grounding beam (320) is received in the corresponding recess, the termination grounding beam being configured to connect to a host grounding pad (116) on the host circuit board (110).

7. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 4, wherein the connection protrusion (282) includes a central connection protrusion (284) and side connection protrusions (286), the side connection protrusions (286) extending from the central connection protrusion on opposite sides of a pair of contacts (202) to provide shielding on at least three sides of each pair of contacts.

8. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The grounding shield (300) includes a panel (302) covering the plurality of the contact channels (270).

9. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 8, wherein, The grounding shield (300) includes a protrusion (308) extending from the panel (302), the protrusion (308) forming a plurality of points that contact the conductive housing body (242).

10. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The termination grounding beam (320) is configured to be soldered to the host grounding pad (116) on the host circuit board (110) to electrically connect the grounding shield (300) to the host circuit board.

11. The electrical connector (100) of claim 1, wherein each contact insert (220) includes a contact retainer (222) that retains the relative position of a corresponding pair of contacts (202), the contact retainer being received in the contact channel to isolate the contacts from the conductive housing body.

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