Shielded cable connector

Abstract

This document describes a shielded electrical connector. An electrical connector may include a connector housing. The electrical connector may further include at least one electrical connector supported by the connector housing. The electrical connector may further include an electrical shield that at least partially surrounds at least one electrical contact, wherein the electrical connector is configured to transmit a data signal along the at least one electrical contact. The electrical connector may be configured to mate with a corresponding electrical connector having another electrical shield. When the electrical connector and the corresponding connector are partially in place, the crosstalk level that the data signal may experience is approximately the same as the crosstalk level that the data signal experiences when the electrical connector and the corresponding electrical connector are fully in place.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 590,291, filed October 13, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference as if it were set forth in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] Electrical connectors consist of electrical contacts that are mounted to and mated with each other to transmit signals between electrical components. Electrical contacts typically include signal contacts that carry the signal and grounding contacts that shield the various contacts from each other. However, signal contacts are spaced so close together that unwanted interference, or "crosstalk," can occur between adjacent signal contacts. Crosstalk occurs when one signal contact induces electrical interference in adjacent signal contacts due to a mixed electric field, thus compromising signal integrity. As electronic device communication becomes increasingly prevalent, reducing crosstalk has become a crucial factor in connector design.

[0004] Furthermore, electrical connectors can be part of an electrical connector system in some cases. For example, an electrical connector system may include multiple connectors mounted to a substrate (such as a printed circuit board (PCB)), wherein multiple connectors are configured to mate with additional multiple corresponding connectors mounted to another substrate. In some cases, mating each connector in the system can be difficult. For example, one of the substrates may be warped, causing some electrical connectors to be fully mated (e.g., in place), while others are partially in place. Partially in place connectors may be exposed to a greater level of crosstalk interference, which can lead to signal attenuation in the connector system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an electrical connector may include a connector housing. The electrical connector may further include at least one electrical connector supported by the connector housing. The electrical connector may further include an electrical shield that at least partially surrounds at least one electrical contact, wherein the electrical connector is configured to transmit a data signal along the at least one electrical contact. The electrical connector may be configured to mate with a corresponding electrical connector having another electrical shield. When the electrical connector and the corresponding connector are partially in place, the level of crosstalk that the data signal may experience is approximately the same as the level of crosstalk that the data signal experiences when the electrical connector and the corresponding electrical connector are fully in place. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an electrical connector system according to the present disclosure, the electrical connector system including a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector; Figure 2A yes Figure 1A perspective view of the first electrical connector, showing the first mating interface of the first electrical connector; Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A perspective view of the first electrical connector; Figure 2C This is a perspective view of the first electrical connector in Figure 2, with the protective cover removed; Figure 2D This is a perspective view of the first electrical connector in Figure 2, with the shield and housing removed; Figure 2E This is a perspective view of the first electrical connector in Figure 2, with the shield and housing removed; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the second electrical connector, showing the second mating interface of the second electrical connector configured to mate with the first mating interface of FIG2; Figure 4 It is shown as a complete fit. Figure 1 Perspective view of the first and second electrical connectors; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of the first and second electrical connectors, with the corresponding shields and housings removed; Figure 6 It is set in Figure 2A A perspective view of the first contact assembly in the first contact assembly of the first electrical connector; Figure 7 It is set in Figure 2A A perspective view of the first contact assembly in the first contact assembly of the first electrical connector; Figure 8 It is set in Figure 2A A perspective view of the first contact assembly in the first contact assembly of the first electrical connector, wherein the first electrical shield has been removed; Figure 9A yes Figure 2A A top perspective view of the electrical contacts of the first contact assembly of the first electrical connector; Figure 9B yes Figure 2A A top perspective view of the electrical contacts of the first contact assembly of the first electrical connector; Figure 9C yes Figure 2A A side perspective view of the electrical contacts of the first contact assembly of the first electrical connector; Figure 9D yes Figure 2A A bottom perspective view of the electrical contacts of the first contact assembly of the first electrical connector; Figure 9E yes Figure 2AFront perspective view of the electrical contacts of the first contact assembly of the first electrical connector; Figure 10A yes Figure 2A A top perspective view of the electrical contacts of the first contact assembly of the first electrical connector; Figure 10B yes Figure 2A A top perspective view of the electrical contacts of the first contact assembly of the first electrical connector; Figure 10C yes Figure 2A A side perspective view of the electrical contacts of the first contact assembly of the first electrical connector; Figure 10D yes Figure 2A A bottom perspective view of the electrical contacts of the first contact assembly of the first electrical connector; Figure 10E yes Figure 2A Front perspective view of the electrical contacts of the first contact assembly of the first electrical connector; Figure 11A yes Figure 2A Front view of the first electrical shield of the first contact assembly of the first electrical connector; Figure 11B yes Figure 2A A side view of the first electrical shield of the first contact assembly of the first electrical connector; Figure 11C yes Figure 2A A perspective side view of the first electrical shield of the first contact assembly of the first electrical connector; Figure 12 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the second electrical connector; Figure 13A yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the second electrical connector, with the housing removed; Figure 13B yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the second electrical connector, with the housing removed; Figure 14 It is set in Figure 3 A perspective view of the second contact assembly in the second contact assembly of the second electrical connector; Figure 15 It is set in Figure 3 A perspective view of the second contact assembly in the second electrical connector, wherein the second electrical shield has been removed; Figure 16 It is set in Figure 3 A perspective view of the second contact assembly in the second electrical connector, wherein the second electrical shield and the second dielectric sleeve are removed; Figure 17A yes Figure 3 A top perspective view of the electrical contacts of the second contact assembly of the second electrical connector; Figure 17B yes Figure 3 A top perspective view of the electrical contacts of the second contact assembly of the second electrical connector; Figure 17C yes Figure 3 A side perspective view of the electrical contacts of the second contact assembly of the second electrical connector; Figure 17D yes Figure 3 A bottom perspective view of the electrical contacts of the second contact assembly of the second electrical connector; Figure 17E yes Figure 3 Front perspective view of the electrical contacts of the second contact assembly of the second electrical connector; Figure 18A yes Figure 3 A top perspective view of the electrical contacts of the second contact assembly of the second electrical connector; Figure 18B yes Figure 3 A top perspective view of the electrical contacts of the second contact assembly of the second electrical connector; Figure 18C yes Figure 3 A side perspective view of the electrical contacts of the second contact assembly of the second electrical connector; Figure 18D yes Figure 3 A bottom perspective view of the electrical contacts of the second contact assembly of the second electrical connector; Figure 18E yes Figure 3 Front perspective view of the electrical contacts of the second contact assembly of the second electrical connector; Figure 19A yes Figure 3 Rear view of the second electrical shield of the second electrical connector; Figure 19B yes Figure 3 Top perspective view of the second electrical shield of the second electrical connector; Figure 19C yes Figure 3 Side view of the second electrical shield of the second electrical connector; Figure 19D yes Figure 3 A bottom perspective view of the second electrical shield of the second electrical connector; Figure 19E yes Figure 3 Front view of the second electrical shield of the second electrical connector; Figure 20A yes Figure 2AThe first electrical shield and a set of first electrical contacts of the first electrical connector are Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the second electrical connector's second electrical shield and a corresponding set of second electrical contacts in place; Figure 20B yes Figure 2A The first electrical shield and a set of first electrical contacts of the first electrical connector are Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the second electrical connector's second electrical shield and a corresponding set of second electrical contacts in place; Figure 20C yes Figure 2A The first electrical shield and a set of first electrical contacts of the first electrical connector are Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the second electrical connector's second electrical shield and a corresponding set of second electrical contacts in place; Figure 20D yes Figure 2A The first electrical shield and a set of first electrical contacts of the first electrical connector are Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the second electrical connector's second electrical shield and a corresponding set of second electrical contacts in place; Figure 20E yes Figure 2A The first electrical shield and a set of first electrical contacts of the first electrical connector are Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the second electrical connector's second electrical shield and a corresponding set of second electrical contacts in place; Figure 21A yes Figure 2A The first electrical shield and a set of first electrical contacts of the first electrical connector are Figure 3 A top perspective view showing the second electrical shield and a corresponding set of second electrical contacts of the second electrical connector in place. Figure 21B yes Figure 2A The first electrical shield and a set of first electrical contacts of the first electrical connector are Figure 3 A bottom perspective view showing the second electrical shield and a corresponding set of second electrical contacts of the second electrical connector in place. Figure 21C yes Figure 2A The first electrical shield and a set of first electrical contacts of the first electrical connector are Figure 3 A side view of the second electrical connector with the second electrical shield and the corresponding set of second electrical contacts in place; Figure 21D yes Figure 2A The first electrical shield and a set of first electrical contacts of the first electrical connector are Figure 3 A front view of the second electrical connector with the second electrical shield and the corresponding set of second electrical contacts in place; Figure 21E yes Figure 2A The first electrical shield and a set of first electrical contacts of the first electrical connector are Figure 3 A front view of the second electrical connector with the second electrical shield and the corresponding set of second electrical contacts in place; Figure 22A yes Figure 2A The first electrical shield and a set of first electrical contacts of the first electrical connector are Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the second electrical connector with the second electrical shield and the corresponding set of second electrical contacts fully in place; Figure 22B yes Figure 2A The first electrical shield and a set of first electrical contacts of the first electrical connector are Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the second electrical connector with the second electrical shield and the corresponding set of second electrical contacts fully in place; Figure 23A yes Figure 2A The first electrical shield and a set of first electrical contacts of the first electrical connector are Figure 3 A top perspective view showing the second electrical shield and the corresponding set of second electrical contacts of the second electrical connector fully in place. Figure 23B yes Figure 2A The first electrical shield and a set of first electrical contacts of the first electrical connector are Figure 3 A bottom perspective view showing the second electrical shield and the corresponding set of second electrical contacts of the second electrical connector fully in place. Figure 23C yes Figure 2A The first electrical shield and a set of first electrical contacts of the first electrical connector are Figure 3 A top view showing the second electrical shield and the corresponding set of second electrical contacts of the second electrical connector fully in place; Figure 23D yes Figure 2A The first electrical shield and a set of first electrical contacts of the first electrical connector are Figure 3 A side view of the second electrical connector with the second electrical shield and the corresponding set of second electrical contacts fully in place; Figure 23E yes Figure 2A The first electrical shield and a set of first electrical contacts of the first electrical connector are Figure 3 A front view of the second electrical connector with the second electrical shield and the corresponding set of second electrical contacts fully in place; Figure 24 They are interlocking. Figure 2A The first electrical connector and Figure 3 A perspective view of the second electrical connector, wherein the top portions of the first contact assembly and the second contact assembly are removed; Figure 25They fit together perfectly. Figure 2A The first electrical connector and Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the second electrical connector; Figure 26 They are partially interlocked. Figure 2A The first electrical connector and Figure 3 A perspective view of the second electrical connector; Figure 27 They are partially interlocked. Figure 2A The first electrical connector and Figure 3 A perspective view of the second electrical connector, with the corresponding shield and housing removed; Figure 28 They are partially in place. Figure 2A The first electrical connector and Figure 3 A perspective view of the second electrical connector, wherein the corresponding shields, housings and top portions of the first contact assembly and the second contact assembly are removed; Figure 29A This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the first and second electrical connectors fully in place. Figure 29B They are partially interlocked. Figure 29A Perspective view of the first and second electrical connectors; Figure 30 yes Figure 29A A perspective view of the mating interface of the first electrical connector; Figure 31 yes Figure 29A A perspective view of the mating interface of the second electrical connector; Figure 32 It is a perspective view of the first electrical shielding component, including the metal glass portion; Figure 33 This is a perspective view of the second electrical shield, including the metal glass portion; Figure 34 It is a side view of a metallic glass subjected to compressive force; and Figure 35 It is a side view of a metallic glass subjected to compressive force. Detailed Implementation

[0007] refer to Figure 1A connector system 20 constructed according to one embodiment includes at least one first electrical connector 22 and at least one complementary second electrical connector 24. The connector system 20 may further include at least one first substrate 26, such as a plurality of first substrates 26. The connector system 20 may further include at least one second substrate 28, such as a plurality of second substrates 28. The first substrate 26 and the second substrate 28 may be, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The second electrical connector 24 may be configured to attach to a corresponding second substrate in the second substrate 28. When the first electrical connector 24 is attached to the first substrate and the second electrical connector 24 is attached to the second substrate, the first and second electrical connectors are configured to engage with each other such that the first substrate 26 is oriented along a respective first plane and the second substrate 28 is oriented along a respective second plane. Figure 1 A and Figure 1 In B, the electrical connector system 20 is shown as an orthogonal connector system, and the first plane may be substantially orthogonal to the second plane. However, the electrical connector system 20 may also be a vertical connector system, in which the first plane and the second plane are substantially parallel to each other, or a right-angle connector system, in which the first plane and the second plane are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0008] In one example, the electrical connector system 20 may include a first array of first electrical connectors 22, each configured to be placed in electrical communication (e.g., via attachment) with a common first substrate in the first substrate 26. Similarly, the electrical connector system 20 may include a second array of second electrical connectors 24, each configured to be placed in electrical communication with a common second substrate in the second substrate 28.

[0009] In an electrical connector system such as electrical connector system 20, an engagement force is applied to an array of first electrical connectors 22 and an array of second electrical connectors 24 to engage corresponding pairs of electrical connectors 22 and 24. However, the inventors recognize that the engagement force may not be applied uniformly to each connector in the array. While some pairs of corresponding pairs of first electrical connectors 22 and second electrical connectors 24 may fully engage with each other, such that the corresponding connector housings are fully seated against each other, other pairs of first electrical connectors 22 and second electrical connectors 24 may not. In other words, the engagement force applied to the other pairs may be insufficient to fully seat the corresponding connector housings against each other. However, as will be described in more detail below, the electrical contacts and electrical shields of the first electrical connectors 22 and second electrical connectors 24 are configured to reliably make physical and electrical contact with each other so that the first electrical connectors 22 and second electrical connectors 24 can engage even when the corresponding connector housings are not fully seated against each other.

[0010] refer to Figures 2A to 2EThe first electrical connector 22 may include a first connector housing 38 and a plurality of first electrical contacts 60 supported by the first connector housing 38. The first electrical connector 22 may further include a plurality of first electrical shields 56 supported by the first connector housing 38. The first electrical shields 56 provide electrical shielding for the first electrical contacts 60. As will be described in more detail below, each first electrical shield 56 may surround at least a portion of at least one first electrical contact 60 (such as a pair of electrical contacts 60). A group of at least one electrical contact 60 and the electrical shields 56 surrounding the group of at least one electrical contact 60 may be referred to as a first electrical contact assembly 40. The group of at least one electrical contact 60 may, as needed, include a single electrical contact 60, a pair of electrical contacts 60, or any number of electrical contacts 60. The first connector housing 38 may include a first housing body 49 and a first outer shield 37. Figure 2C (As shown in the diagram). In some instances, the first outer sheath 37 may be separable from the first housing body 49. For example, the first outer sheath 37 may be electrically insulating and may be made of any suitable plastic or other electrically insulating material. The first housing body 49 may be conductive and may be made of, for example, metal. In other instances, the first outer sheath 37 may be integral with the first housing body 49. The first housing body 49 may support the first electrical contact assembly 40, and the first outer sheath 37 may provide guidance when the first electrical connector 22 is mated to the second electrical connector 24 in a predetermined relative orientation. The first electrical connector 22 may define a first mating interface 41 that engages a complementary second mating interface 43 of the second electrical connector 24 when the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are mated together (see [reference]). Figure 3 The first mating interface 41 may be, for example, the distal or forward end of the first connector housing 38, which may be defined by either or both of the first housing body 49 and the shield 37. The mating interface may be defined by a first mating surface. The first mating surface may further define a mating plane that may be substantially perpendicular to the mating direction of the first electrical connector 22, wherein the mating direction may extend along a longitudinal direction L.

[0011] The first electrical connector 22 is configured to mate with the second electrical connector in a mating direction, which may be oriented along a longitudinal direction L. First electrical contact assemblies 40 may be arranged along corresponding rows oriented along a lateral direction A perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. These rows may be adjacent to each other along a transverse direction T perpendicular to each of the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. An outer sheath 37 may be oriented in a plane defined by the transverse direction T and the lateral direction A. Furthermore, the outer sheath 37 may surround the rear portion of the housing body 49 and may extend from the housing body 49 in a rearward or non-mating direction opposite to the mating direction.

[0012] The housing body 49 may extend from the outer sheath 37 in the mating direction and may define a first mating interface 41 of the first electrical connector. In one embodiment, the first electrical contact assembly 40 may be recessed relative to the front end of the housing body 49. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the first electrical contact assembly 40 may alternatively extend from the front end of the housing body 49 in the mating direction. The first housing body 49, and therefore the first connector housing 38, may define an inner frame oriented along a plane including the transverse direction T and the lateral direction A, thereby forming a cavity. The first housing body 49 may support the first electrical contact assembly 40 within the cavity of the first housing body. Furthermore, the dimensions of the first housing body 49 may be designed to partially occupy the cavity defined by the outer sheath 37.

[0013] As described above, the first electrical contact assembly 40 may be arranged along corresponding rows oriented in a lateral direction A. In this respect, the first electrical connector may include a plurality of first contact array housings 51 that support corresponding arrays of the contact assembly 40 to define a plurality of contact arrays 52. Figure 2D and Figure 2E (As shown in the diagram). The array of contact assemblies 40 can be a linear array. The contact array housing 51 can be oriented along a lateral direction A, and the array of first electrical contact assemblies 40 is supported by a corresponding contact array housing in the contact array housing 51. The contact array housing 51 can be oriented along a row direction, which can be defined by the lateral direction A. Therefore, the contact array housing 51 can be referred to as a row assembly housing. In one example, the contact array housing 51 and the corresponding array of first electrical contact assemblies 40 can be referred to as a first lead frame, and the contact array housing 51 can be referred to as a first lead frame housing. Each contact array housing 51 can define a plurality of cavities spaced apart from each other along a lateral direction. The first electrical contact assembly in the array of first electrical contact assemblies 40 can be supported by a corresponding contact array housing 51 in a corresponding cavity within a cavity. The first electrical connector 22 can include a plurality of first contact arrays 52 adjacent to each other along a lateral direction T. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the first contact arrays 52 can include different configurations. For example, the first contact array 52 may alternatively be columnar and therefore oriented in the lateral direction T. In another example, the first contact array 52 may be formed as a monolithic assembly comprising a single contact array housing 51, or as a multi-array 52 comprising multiple housings 51 arranged in any manner as required. In one example, the first electrical contact assembly 40 may be recessed relative to the front end of the contact array housing 51. It should be understood that in other examples, the first electrical contact assembly 40 may alternatively extend from the front end of the corresponding contact array housing 51 in the mating direction as required. The electrical contact 60 may be stamped and formed, or may be deep drawn or machine-twisted.

[0014] As needed, each contact array housing 51 can be conductive, such as metallic. Each contact array housing 51 can mechanically and thus electrically contact the first electrical shield 56, thereby making the first electrical shield 56 of each contact array 52 electrically shared. Furthermore, adjacent contact array housings in the contact array housing 51 can mechanically and thus electrically contact each other, thereby making all the first electrical shields 56 and all the contact array housings 51 electrically shared together. Although in one example the first electrical contact assembly 40 is indirectly supported by the first connector housing 38 via the contact array housing 51 or other intermediate structure, it should be understood that the first electrical contact assembly 40 can alternatively be directly supported by the first connector housing 38 as needed.

[0015] Continue to refer to Figures 2A to 2E The first electrical contact 60 may be coupled to or configured to be coupled to the first cable 70. Specifically, the first cable may be mounted to a corresponding or paired first electrical contact 60. The first cable 70 may include at least one wire conductor capable of transmitting electrical signals. When the first cable 70 is configured as a biaxial cable, each of the first cables 70 includes two wire conductors. When the first cable 70 is configured as a coaxial cable, each of the first cables 70 includes a single wire conductor. The at least one wire conductor may extend through an inner dielectric element, which may be surrounded by an electrical shield, which in turn is surrounded by an outer dielectric sheath. Mounting portions of the electrical conductors of the first cable 70 may be exposed, such as relative to the inner dielectric element, electrical shield, or outer sheath of the cable. The mounting portion of each of the first electrical contacts may be mounted to a corresponding mounting portion of the electrical conductor of the first cable 70. The first electrical contact 60 can be conductive and can be configured to transmit electrical signals between the first cable 70 and the corresponding mating portion of the first electrical contact 60 that mates with the second electrical contact 62 of the second electrical connector 24.

[0016] Adjacent first electrical contacts in the first electrical contacts 60 may define differential signal pairs. Mounting portions of the first electrical contacts 60 of the differential signal pairs may be mounted to the first and second electrical conductors of a corresponding cable in the cable 70. Furthermore, the first electrical contacts 60 of each differential signal pair may be surrounded, or at least partially surrounded, by a corresponding first electrical shield in the first electrical shield 56. An example of the mounting portions of this group of first electrical connectors 60 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 7 and Figure 8(For example, mounting portion 64b). Alternatively, the first electrical contact 60 may be single-ended. Adjacent pairs of the first electrical contacts 60 arranged along the lateral direction A are spaced apart from each other by a center-to-center distance of 1.8 mm to 2.4 mm, such as 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, and 2.2 mm, with a range of 0.1 mm in between. Adjacent rows of electrical contacts 60 may be spaced apart from each other by a center-to-center distance of 1.6 mm to 2.4 mm along the transverse direction T, including 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.3 mm, and 2.4 mm, with a range of 0.1 mm in between.

[0017] Now for reference Figure 3 The second electrical connector 24 may include a second connector housing 39 and a plurality of second electrical contacts 62 supported by the second connector housing 39. The second electrical connector 24 may further include a plurality of second electrical shields 58 supported by the second connector housing 39. The second electrical shields 58 provide electrical shielding for the second electrical contacts 62. As will be described in more detail below, each second electrical shield 58 may surround at least a portion of at least one of the second electrical contacts 62 (such as a pair of second electrical contacts 62). A group of at least one second electrical contact 62 and the second electrical shields 58 surrounding at least one second electrical contact 62 may be referred to as a second electrical contact assembly 42. This group of at least one second electrical contact 62 may be configured as a single second electrical contact 62, a pair of second electrical contacts 62, or any number of second electrical contacts 62 as needed. The second connector housing 39 may include a second housing body 57 and a second outer shield 59. In some embodiments, the second outer shield 59 may be integral with the second housing body 57. The second housing body 57 may support the second electrical contact assembly 42, and the second outer sheath 59 may provide guidance when the second electrical connector 24 is mated to the first electrical connector 22. The second connector housing 39 may define a second mating interface 43 that engages with the complementary first mating interface 41 of the first electrical connector 22 when the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are mated together (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 2A The second mating interface 43 may be, for example, the distal end of the second housing 39, and may be defined by a second mating surface. The second mating surface may further define a second mating plane, which may be substantially perpendicular to the mating direction of the second electrical connector 24, wherein the mating direction may be defined by a longitudinal direction L.

[0018] The second electrical connector 24 is configured to mate with the first electrical connector 22 in a corresponding mating direction, which may be oriented along the longitudinal direction L. Second electrical contact assemblies 42 may be arranged along corresponding rows oriented along a lateral direction A perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. These rows may be adjacent to each other along a transverse direction T perpendicular to each of the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. A second outer sheath 59 may be oriented in a plane defined by the transverse direction T and the lateral direction A. Furthermore, the second outer sheath 59 may extend forward from the housing body 49 in the mating direction. The second outer sheath 59, and thus the second connector housing 39, may surround the corresponding mating portions of the second electrical contact assemblies 42, which in some instances may be cantilevered.

[0019] As described above, the second electrical contact assemblies 42 may be arranged along corresponding rows oriented in the lateral direction A. In this respect, the second electrical connector 24 may include a plurality of second contact arrays 54, each array comprising a plurality of contact array housings 61 and a corresponding second electrical contact assembly 44 supported by each of the contact array housings 61. The array of contact assemblies 44 may be a linear array. The contact array housings 61 may be oriented in the lateral direction A. In one example, the second contact array housings 61 and the corresponding arrays of the second electrical contact assemblies 42 may be referred to as second lead frames, and the second contact array housings 61 may be referred to as lead frame housings. Each second contact array housing 61 may define a plurality of cavities spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction A. A first electrical contact assembly in the array of first electrical contact assemblies 42 may be supported by a corresponding contact array housing 61 in a corresponding cavity within the cavity. The second electrical connector 24 may include a plurality of second contact arrays 54 adjacent to each other in the lateral direction T. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the second contact array 54 may include different configurations. For example, the second contact array 54 may alternatively be columnar and therefore oriented in the lateral direction T. In another instance, the second contact array 54 may form a monolithic assembly comprising a single housing 61, or may comprise a multi-block array of multiple housings 61 arranged in any manner as required. Each contact array housing 61 may be conductive, such as metallic, as required. Each contact array housing 61 may be mechanically and thus electrically contacted with the second electrical shield 58, thereby making the second electrical shield 58 of each second electrical contact array 54 electrically shared. Furthermore, adjacent contact array housings in the contact array housings 61 may be mechanically and thus electrically contacted with each other, thereby making all second electrical shields 58 and all second contact array housings 61 electrically shared together. The first electrical contact assembly 40 may be disposed in each cavity formed by the first contact array 52. ​​The cavities of the first contact array 52 may extend in the longitudinal (L) direction. The first contact assembly 40 may include at least one set of first electrical contacts 60, a first electrical shield 56, and a first dielectric sleeve 66 supporting at least one first electrical contact 60. In some cases, the first contact assembly 40 may include a mounting portion of a cable 70.

[0020] Now for reference Figures 2A to 4The first and second electrical connectors are mated together so that the first electrical contact 60 mates with a corresponding second electrical contact in the second electrical contact 62. Specifically, when the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are mated together, the mating portion of the first electrical contact 60 physically contacts the corresponding mating portion of the second electrical contact 62. Furthermore, as will be described in more detail below, the first electrical shield 56 contacts a corresponding second electrical shield in the second electrical shield 58, thereby providing electrical shielding for both the mating portions of the first electrical contact 60 and the second electrical contact 62, as well as for the corresponding interfaces at the mating positions of the first and second electrical contacts 60 and 62. Figure 4 As shown, the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 can be mated until they are fully in place. Therefore, the corresponding first connector housing 38 and second connector housing 39 can be abutted against each other. As will be described in more detail below, each of the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 can be configured to mat with each other even when the first connector 22 and the second connector 24 are not fully in place.

[0021] The first connector 22 and the second connector 24 can be keyed to engage with each other only in a predetermined orientation relative to each other. Specifically, one of the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 may include a protrusion, and the other of the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 may define a recess configured to receive the protrusion only when the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are in the predetermined orientation. In one example, the first connector housing 38, and specifically the housing body 49 (see...), Figure 2A The first connector 22 may include a protrusion 44 extending along the mating direction. Similarly, the second connector 24 may define a recess 46 sized to receive the protrusion 44 when the first connector 22 and the second connector 24 are mated in a predetermined orientation. When the first connector 22 and the second connector 24 are not in a predetermined relative orientation, the protrusion 44 obstructs the second connector housing 39 to prevent the first connector 22 and the second connector 24 from mating with each other. The first connector 22 and the second connector 24 may define other key features for limiting the mating orientation between the respective connectors. For example, such as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the electrical connector may define a second protrusion 48 and a second recess 50.

[0022] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4The first and second electrical connectors are shown, wherein the first housing 38 and the second housing 39, as well as the outer cover 37, are removed, thus revealing a first contact array 52 and a second contact array 54. The first contact array 52 may be disposed inside the first housing 38 such that the first housing 38 surrounds the first contact array 52. ​​Furthermore, the first connector housing 38 may support the first contact array 52. ​​The first contact array housing 51 may further define a first mating interface 41. The first contact array housing 51 may be conductive. Similarly, the second contact array 54 may be disposed inside the second housing 39 such that the second housing 39 surrounds the second contact array 54. Furthermore, the second connector housing 39 may support the second contact array 54. The second contact housing 61 may further define a second mating interface 43. The second contact housing 61 may be conductive. In one example, when the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are fully in place, the mating interface of the first contact array housing 51 may contact the mating interface of the second contact array housing 61.

[0023] Now for reference Figures 6 to 8 The first contact array housing 51 may define a plurality of channels 63 that are elongated along the longitudinal direction. The first contact assembly 40 may be disposed in a corresponding channel of the channel 63. Figure 6 A first contact assembly 40 disposed within a corresponding channel 63 of a first contact array housing 51 is depicted. Figure 6 The top half of the first contact array housing 51 is removed to provide a view of the components arranged along the mating direction. Figure 7 A first contact assembly 40 disposed within a cavity of a first contact array 52 is depicted, but the sleeve 66 is shown as being removed. Figure 8 A first contact assembly 40 disposed within a cavity of a first contact array 52 is depicted, wherein a sleeve 66 and a first electrical shield 56 are shown as removed to better show the mounting portion of the first electrical contact 60 shown as coupled to a first cable 70.

[0024] In one example, each channel in channel 63 may be configured to receive a corresponding electrical shield in the first electrical shield 56. The first electrical shield 56 may be elongated along the longitudinal direction L. For example, the first electrical shield may surround a corresponding central axis oriented along the longitudinal direction L. The first electrical shield 56 may be supported in the corresponding channel in channel 63 by the first contact array housing 51. For example, the first electrical shield 56 may be directly supported in the corresponding channel in channel 63 by the first contact array housing 51 and thus contact the first contact array housing. The first electrical shield 56 may be conductive. The first electrical shield 56 may surround or partially surround at least one first electrical contact 60, such as a pair of first electrical contacts 60 as described above. Specifically, the first electrical shield 56 may extend along the longitudinal direction L and may define a cavity that also extends along the longitudinal direction L. At least a portion of the electrical contact 60 may be disposed within the cavity of the first electrical shield 56. Unless otherwise stated, the first electrical shield 56 may surround at least a portion of the total length of the electrical contact 60. For example, the first electrical contact 60 may extend along the longitudinal direction L for a length greater than the length of the first electrical shield 56 along the longitudinal direction L. Therefore, the first electrical contact 60 may specifically extend from the first electrical shield 56 in a rearward direction opposite to the mating direction of the first electrical connector 22.

[0025] Continue to refer to Figures 6 to 8 The first electrical contact 60 can be surrounded by a corresponding first electrical shield in the first electrical shield 56. For example... Figure 6 As shown, each first contact array 52 may include a first dielectric sleeve 66 supported within a first array housing 51. At least one electrical contact 60 of each contact assembly 40 may be supported by the first dielectric sleeve 66, which is in turn supported in a channel 63 of the first array housing 51. Each first dielectric sleeve 66 may be elongated along a longitudinal direction L and may surround a portion of the first electrical contact 60 of the corresponding first contact array 40. For example, the dielectric sleeve 66 may extend along the longitudinal direction L between a first electrical shield 56 and a mounting portion of the first electrical contact 60. Thus, the first dielectric sleeve 66 may be exposed from the first electrical shield 56. In some cases, the first electrical shield 56 and the first dielectric sleeve 66 may overlap such that a portion of the first electrical shield 56 surrounds or partially surrounds a portion of the first dielectric sleeve 66. In one example, the first dielectric sleeve 66 may be insert-molded onto the first electrical contact 60. In another example, the first electrical contact 60 may be sewn into the first dielectric sleeve 66. The mounting portion of the first electrical contact 60 may extend from the first dielectric sleeve 66 so as to be positioned to make physical and electrical contact with a corresponding electrical conductor in the electrical conductor of the first cable 70.

[0026] In some instances, such as Figures 6 to 8 As shown, each first electrical contact assembly 40 may include a male contact and a female contact. The male contact may have an engagement portion 68a configured to be received in a complementary engagement portion of the second electrical connector 24. The female contact has an engagement portion 68b configured to receive a complementary engagement portion of the second electrical connector. In one example, the engagement portion 68a of the male contact may be configured as a pin, and the engagement portion 68b of the female contact may define a receptacle configured to receive a corresponding pin's socket among the pins. Thus, in this example, a pair of first electrical contacts 60 may be configured to engage with a corresponding pair of first electrical contacts. A corresponding first electrical contact in the pair of first electrical contacts 60 may define a pin and a socket at its respective engagement end, and a corresponding second electrical contact in the pair of second electrical contacts may define a socket and a pin. In one example, these pairs may define a differential signal pair. The sockets of the first and second pairs are configured to receive the pins of the first and second pairs. Therefore, it should be understood that electrical connectors may include alternating first and second type contacts. For example, they may be arranged alternately along a lateral direction A. The first type contacts may have mating ends defined by pins configured to be received in corresponding sockets of the mating electrical connector, and the second type contacts may have mating ends defined by sockets configured to receive corresponding pins of the mating electrical connector. As understood from the description herein, at least one or more, up to all, pairs of first and second type contacts may be at least partially surrounded by an electrical shield. In some instances, the electrical shield may be configured as any electrical shield described herein, but any suitable electrical shield is contemplated.

[0027] In some cases, mating portions 68a and 68b may be disposed within the cavities of the first contact array 52, such that when partially and fully engaged, the corresponding second set of electrical contacts 62 are disposed within the first electrical shield 56. As shown, the mating portions of the electrical contacts do not extend beyond the corresponding first electrical shield 56 in the mating direction. For example, the mating portion of the electrical contact 60 may be recessed relative to the front end of the corresponding first electrical shield 56 in the rearward direction of the first electrical connector 22.

[0028] The first electrical shield 56 surrounds the first electrical contact 60 of the corresponding group, but each first electrical contact in the group of first electrical contacts 60 is not individually shielded by each dedicated shield.

[0029] Figures 9A to 9EVarious perspective views of the first electrical contact 60a in the group of first electrical contacts 60 of the electrical contact assembly 40 are shown. The electrical contact 60a may define a mounting portion 64a and an engagement portion 68a opposite to the mounting portion 64a. The engagement portion 68a may be configured to engage with the engagement portion of a corresponding electrical contact. For example, the first electrical contact 60a may be a male electrical contact. The engagement portion 68a of the electrical contact 60a may be configured to be inserted into a corresponding female contact to engage the electrical contact. In some cases, the electrical contact 60a may be formed from a sheet of metal, such as by stamping or laser engraving. The engagement portion 68a may then be crimped or rolled up to form a cylindrical end or a rod-shaped end (along the engagement direction). The mounting portion 64a may be configured to contact the first electrical conductor of the cable. The mounting portion 64a may be crimped, soldered, or may otherwise contact the exposed wire conductor of the cable.

[0030] Figures 10A to 10E Various perspective views of a second electrical contact 60b in the group of first electrical contacts 60 of an electrical contact assembly 40 are shown. The second electrical contact 60b may define a mounting portion 64b and an engagement portion 68b opposite to the mounting portion 64b. The electrical contact 60b may be configured to engage with the engagement portion of a corresponding electrical contact. For example, the electrical contact 60b may be a female electrical contact. The engagement portion 68b of the electrical contact 60b may be configured to receive a corresponding male contact for engaging the electrical contact. In some instances, the electrical contact 60b may be formed from a sheet of metal, such as by stamping or laser engraving. The engagement portion 68b may then be crimped or rolled up to form a cylindrical end or a socket end (along the engagement direction). The engagement portion 68b may also define one or more tapered fingers 72 that extend forward from the body of the electrical contact 60b extending from the engagement portion 68b to the mounting portion 64b. As the tapered fingers 72 extend in the forward engagement direction, at least a portion of these tapered fingers may tape towards each other and towards the longitudinal axis of the engagement portion 68b, and thus away from the corresponding mounting member 64b. In some embodiments, the free distal end 74 of the tapered fingers 72 may flare away from the longitudinal axis of the electrical contact 60b. The flare may guide the engagement portion of the complementary electrical contact into the cavity formed by the engagement portion 68b. The tapered fingers 72 may apply a normal force against the received engagement portion of the complementary electrical contact. Therefore, even if the engagement portion of the corresponding electrical contact is not fully engaged with the second electrical contact 60b, but only partially engaged, the electrical contacts can still communicate electronically with each other due to contact with the tapered fingers 72. The female second electrical contact 62 may include any number of fingers 72 as needed. In one embodiment, the female second electrical contact 62 may include three fingers 72 spaced 120 degrees apart in the circumferential direction.

[0031] The second mounting portion 64b can be configured to contact the second electrical conductor of the cable. The mounting portion 64b can be crimped, soldered, or otherwise contact the exposed wire conductor of the cable. The first electrical contact 60a and the second electrical contact 60b can alternatively be included in separate electrical contact assemblies 40, each configured to mount to a corresponding electrical conductor of a different coaxial cable. The mating portions 68a-68b and the mounting portions 64a-64b can be opposite each other along the longitudinal direction L, such that the first electrical connector 22 is configured as a vertical connector. Alternatively, the first electrical connector 22 can be configured as a right-angle connector, whereby the mating portions 68a-68b are oriented perpendicularly to the mounting portions 64a-64b.

[0032] When the finger defined by the female contact is straightened to extend only along the longitudinal direction L, the mating portions of the male and female electrical contacts of the first electrical contact 60 terminate at corresponding ends, which are coplanar with each other along a plane oriented perpendicular to the central axis of the respective electrical contact. Therefore, in one example, when the finger defined by the female contact is straightened to extend only along the longitudinal direction L, the mating portions of the male and female electrical contacts of the first electrical contact 60 terminate at corresponding ends, which are coplanar with each other along a plane oriented perpendicular to the central axis of the respective electrical contact.

[0033] Figures 11A to 11C Different views of the first electrical shield 56 are shown. In some cases, the first electrical shield 56 may have a first shield body that is generally cylindrical in shape and may be elongated along a central axis oriented in the longitudinal direction L. The first electrical shield 56 may be annular to define a channel or part of a channel along the longitudinal direction L. The first electrical shield 56 may be formed from a single sheet of material, such as a conductive material sheet, which may be rolled up or wrapped to form the shield. Figures 11A to 11CThe cylindrical shape is shown. In some cases, a gap exists defined between adjacent terminating circumferential edges 76 and 78 of the first electrical shield 56. This gap, if present, may be oriented along the longitudinal direction L. Thus, in some cases, the first electrical shield 56 may partially form a channel. In some other cases, the first electrical shield 56 may be circumferentially continuous, such that adjacent edges 76 and 78 and the gap therebetween are absent. In some cases, this is accomplished by rolling up an electrical material sheet to contact adjacent edges 76 and 78 and / or by coupling adjacent edges 76 and 78 via soldering, welding, etc. Regardless of the presence of the gap, the first electrical shield 56 may be said to surround or substantially surround the set of first electrical contacts 60. Thus, a path extending along the first electrical shield 56 may extend around the entire set of first electrical contacts 60. In some instances, edges 76 and 78 may prevent the path from extending entirely around the set of first electrical contacts. In such instances, the path may extend between 85% and 100%, such as between 90% and 100%, or such as between 95% and 100%, of the entire extended path around the group of first electrical contacts.

[0034] The first electrical shield 56 may further define one or more tabs 80. The tabs 80 may extend into a channel formed by the first electrical shield 56. Each tab 80 may extend from a corresponding first position 82 of the first shield body to a free second end 84 opposite the first position. The second end 84 may be disposed within the channel defined by the first shield body. In some cases, the tabs 80 may be integral with the first shield body. Alternatively, the tabs 80 may be coupled to the first shield body of the first electrical shield 56.

[0035] The tab 80 may be flexible along the radial direction of the first electrical shield 56. The radial direction may be oriented perpendicular to the central axis of the first shield body. For example, the tab 80 may be biased to extend into a channel of the first electrical shield 56. Thus, in the first state, the tab 80 may extend into the channel. During operation, when the complementary electrical shield of the corresponding electrical connector is received in the channel, the tab 80 may ride along a surface (such as the outer surface) of the complementary shield, which allows the tab 80 to bend radially outward toward the first shield body of the first electrical shield 56 and away from the central longitudinal axis of the first electrical shield 56.

[0036] For example, the second electrical shield 58 of the second electrical connector 24 (see Figure 3The first electrical connector 22 can be configured to be inserted into the first electrical shield 56 when the first electrical connector 22 is mated with the second electrical connector 24. The second electrical shield 58 can be translated along the longitudinal direction L through the channel of the first electrical shield 56. When the second electrical shield 58 is inserted into the first electrical shield 56, the second electrical shield 58 can be brought into contact with the corresponding contact surface of the tab 80, which allows the second end 84 of at least one of the tabs 80 to deflect toward the first shield body of the first electrical shield 56 (e.g., away from the central longitudinal axis of the first electrical shield 56). Because the tab 80 is elastic and flexible, the deflection of the tab 80 causes the tab 80 to exert a force against the second electrical shield 58, thereby maintaining the contact between the first electrical shield 56 and the second electrical shield 58. Because the first electrical shield 56 and the second electrical shield 58 are conductive, the first electrical shield and the second electrical shield can communicate electronically with each other when the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are mated with each other. The components of the second electrical connector 24, including the second electrical shield 58 and the second set of electrical contacts 62, will be described in more detail below. When the tab 80 deflects outward, the inner diameter of the first electrical shield defined by the tab 80 expands, while the outer cross-sectional dimension defined by the body of the first shield remains constant. At this point, as... Figure 6 As shown, the shielding body can be contained within the channels of the contact array housing 51 and is thus prevented from expanding. Therefore, it can be said that the tab 80 deflects outward while the size and shape of the shielding body remain constant.

[0037] In some instances, the tab 80 may include an intermediate portion 86 extending from the first shield body to the second end. As the intermediate portion 86 extends in a rearward direction opposite to the mating direction of the first electrical connector 22, these intermediate portions extend radially inward toward the central longitudinal axis of the first electrical shield 56. Thus, the intermediate portion 86 may extend in a combination of radial and longitudinal directions of the first electrical shield 56. A contact surface may be defined by the second end 84 and may extend substantially along the longitudinal direction L. Therefore, the second end 84 may define a non-perpendicular angle relative to the intermediate portion 86. The contact surface of the second end 84 may be substantially flat or flat in a plane defined by the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. Alternatively, the contact surface of the second end 84 may be oriented along the longitudinal direction L and may be concave as it extends along the lateral direction A. In one instance, the centerline of the contact surface may be configured to contact the second electrical shield 58. The centerline may extend along the contact surface in the longitudinal direction L and may bisect the contact surface relative to the lateral direction A. Although in one instance the contact surface may be defined by the end 84 of the tab, it should be understood that the contact surface may alternatively be defined at any location along the corresponding length of the tab.

[0038] In some instances, the intermediate portion 86 may include a first arm 88a and a second arm 88b spaced apart from the first arm. The first arm 88a and the second arm 88b may originate from corresponding first positions 82a and second positions 82b of the first shielding body. The first positions 82a and the second positions 82b may be spaced apart from each other, for example, circumferentially. The term "circumferentially" applies herein to both cylindrical and non-cylindrical shapes and refers to a direction in a plane oriented perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the first electrical shielding 56. As the first arm 88a and the second arm 88b extend from their respective first positions 82a and second positions 82b to the second end 84, the first arm and the second arm may converge toward each other such that the first arm 88a and the second arm 88b terminate at the second end 84.

[0039] In some cases, the first electrical shield 56 may include a plurality of tabs 80 extending along the longitudinal direction of the first electrical shield 56. The tabs 80 may be arranged in a plurality of circumferentially spaced columns, such that the tabs 80 in each column are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction L. For example, the first electrical shield 56 may define corresponding planes along the first shield body of the first electrical shield 56, these corresponding planes extending in the longitudinal direction and tangential or co-linear with any location along the first shield body of the first electrical shield. The first electrical shield 56 may include a plurality of tabs 80 longitudinally spaced from each other along the planes to define columns. For example, Figure 11C The column of tabs 80 spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction L is shown.

[0040] In some cases, the tabs 80 in each column of tabs 80 may be partially nested within each other. For example, Figure 11B A top view of a plurality of tabs 80 disposed along the longitudinal direction of the first electrical shield 62 is shown. The plurality of tabs 80 may include a first tab 80a and a second tab 80b, the second tab being adjacent to the first tab 80a such that no tab is disposed between the first tab 80a and the second tab 80b relative to the longitudinal direction L. As shown, the respective coverage areas of the first tab 80a and the second tab 80b may overlap each other along a direction perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the first electrical shield 56. Furthermore, the second ends 84 of the first tab 80a and the second tab 80b may be aligned with each other along the longitudinal direction L. Thus, at least two, such as at least three, such as at least four, such as at least five, of the aligned second ends 84 may be located on a common line. The common line may be oriented along the longitudinal direction L. In some embodiments, the second end 84 of the first tab 80a may be aligned with the middle portion of the second tab 80b along the longitudinal direction L. Furthermore, as... Figure 11BAs seen, the contact surfaces of the second ends 84 of the plurality of tabs 80 may be coplanar with each other. In some embodiments, the second ends 84 of the tabs 80 may all be oriented in the same direction. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the tabs 80 including the second ends may be identical to each other.

[0041] In some instances, the first electrical shield 56 may also define one or more holes 92. The holes 92 may be defined by the void space occupied by the material of the first electrical shield 56, which previously defines the tab 80. For example, as Figure 11B As shown, each hole 92 may define a first arm and a second arm, as well as a second end, of the first tab 80a. Similarly, the tab 80 may be formed from the first shielding body of the first electrical shield 56, and thus may define a hole 93 when the corresponding tab 80 extends into the channel. For example, the tab 80 may be formed partially by stamping the first shielding body of the first electrical shield 56, and thus the tab 80 may be stamped and formed from the material of the first shielding body. This may further facilitate actuation of the tab 80 when deflected away from the longitudinal axis of the first electrical shield 56, such as when the tab 80 contacts the second electrical shield 56 when it is received in the channel of the first electrical shield 56. The electrical contact 62 may be stamped and formed, or may be deep drawn or machine-twisted.

[0042] In some instances, the tabs 80 of all columns in column 81 may be aligned with each other in a corresponding plane oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. In some cases, the columns of tabs 80 may be spaced apart from each other circumferentially. For example, Figure 11A A first tab group 81a defining a first column of tabs and a second tab group 81b defining a second column of tabs are shown. The first tab group 81a may include one or more tabs 80 that are coplanar with each other in the circumferential direction, such as Figure 11B or Figure 11C The convex piece 80 shown ( Figure 11C The first tab group 81a and the second tab group 81b may also include one or more tabs 80 that are coplanar with each other in the circumferential direction. The first tab group 81a and the second tab group 81b may be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Thus, in some cases, when the second electrical shield 58 is received in the first electrical shield 56 in the rearward direction of the first electrical connector 22, the second electrical shield 58 may contact at least the first tab in the first tab group 81a and the first tab in the second tab group 81b. In one example, the second electrical shield 58 may contact at least the first tab in all groups or columns of tabs 80. The first electrical shield 56 may, as needed, include any number of tab columns 81 that may be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Thus, the tab columns 81 may be spaced apart from each other in a plane oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The first electrical shield 56 may, as needed, include any number of tab columns, including one, two, three, and four columns.

[0043] Although Figure 11A Four groups or columns of tabs 81 are shown, each group being circumferentially spaced equidistantly from adjacent groups of tabs; however, those skilled in the art will understand that variations in the number of tab groups can be achieved in conjunction with the first electrical shield 56. For example, the first electrical shield 56 may include a single group of tabs 81. In another example, the first electrical shield 56 may include two groups of tabs 81 (e.g., spaced 180 degrees apart). In another example, the first electrical shield 56 may define three groups of tabs (e.g., spaced 120 degrees apart). In yet another example, the first electrical shield 56 may define five groups of tabs 80, and so on.

[0044] Similarly, although Figure 11B Five tabs 80 as part of tab group 81 are shown, but those skilled in the art will understand that the number of tabs within each group can vary. For example, tab groups may include one tab, two tabs, three tabs, four tabs, five tabs, six tabs, seven tabs, eight tabs, nine tabs, ten tabs, and so on. Furthermore, the number of tabs may be the same for each group, or it may vary across tab groups. For example, a first tab group may include three tabs, while a second tab group may include five tabs, and so on. Thus, when mated, the tabs and the second electrical shield 58 may contact each other at locations spaced apart around the mating portions of the surrounded first and second electrical contacts.

[0045] As will be described in more detail below, when the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are fully inserted and in place, more tabs can contact the second electrical shield 58 compared to when the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are inserted and partially in place. For example, when the first connector 22 and the second connector 24 are fully inserted and in place, all the tabs can contact the second electrical shield. When the first connector 22 and the second connector 24 are inserted but partially in place, at least one tab in each row (such as two tabs in each row or any number of tabs less than all the tabs in each row) can contact the second electrical shield. When partially in place, the first connector 22 and the second connector 24 can respond to additional mating forces that can orient the connectors 22 and 24 toward each other. However, as mentioned above, in some instances it is conceivable that the first connector 22 and the second connector 24 do not receive a mating force sufficient to fully insert the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24.

[0046] In some cases, instead of the tabs formed or defined by the first electrical shield 56, or in addition to these tabs, the first electrical shield 56 may be formed of metallic glass, or may be attached to metallic glass at opposite ends. The first electrical shield 56 may be configured to receive a second electrical shield 58, and the shape of the first electrical shield 56 may conform to the shape of the inserted second electrical shield 58 so as to contact the second electrical shield around the mating portions of the surrounded first and second electrical contacts when mated together. The electrical connector may include a ground shield, or ground plane, or ground trace, or ground conductor, formed of metal or attached to metallic glass. The ground shield, or ground plane, or ground trace, or ground conductor may be formed of metallic glass, or may be attached to metallic glass, such that when the shield, plate, plane, trace, or conductor is compressed, the metallic glass defines undulations that define the physical contact surfaces of the first electrical shield 56, which contact the second electrical shield 58 in a manner described above with respect to tab 80. It should be understood that increasing the compressive force applied to the metallic glass can correspondingly increase the number of undulations in the first shield and the resulting contact surface. Therefore, the radial inner surface of the first electrical shield 56 can be defined by the metallic glass.

[0047] refer to Figure 32 The first electrical shield 56 may include one or more metallic glass portions that form or define an outer surface (which may be a radial outer surface) of the first electrical shield 56. In some cases, each metallic glass portion may extend along the longitudinal direction of the first electrical shield 56. Each metallic glass portion may be circumferentially spaced from other corresponding metallic glass portions. For example, Figure 32A first electrical shield 56 is shown having three metallic glass portions 302a, 302b, and 302c, which extend longitudinally and are circumferentially spaced from each other. However, those skilled in the art will understand that any number of metallic glass portions can be provided, or any number of metallic glass portions can define the outer surface of the first electrical shield 56, including one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, etc. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the dimensions of the metallic glass portions can also vary; for example, the dimensions of the metallic glass portions extending along the circumferential direction of the first electrical shield 56 can vary. Without being bound by theory, the metallic glass segments can be fixed at two opposite ends, such as to an electrical grounding element, an electrical reference element, or an electrical grounding shield. The fixed distance between the opposite ends of the metallic glass can be less than the length of the metallic glass segments. This arrangement can produce slack or clearance, or an arc defined by the metallic glass segments. The metallic glass can have a compressed space without expanding in length or total length. Alternatively, the metal glass segment or portion 302a may be attached to an electrical grounding element, electrical reference element, or electrical grounding shield via an edge. This can form a seal or wipe-off type between two mating objects, one of which carries or defines the metal glass portion 302a.

[0048] During operation, when the second electrical shield 58 is inserted into the first electrical shield 56, the second electrical shield 58 can apply a compressive force against the metal glass of the first electrical shield 56, thereby limiting the undulation of the metal glass of the first electrical shield 56. Figure 34 and Figure 35 As shown in the image. Figure 34 A portion 302a of metallic glass is shown, which has a certain number of undulations caused by applying a first compressive force to the metallic glass. Figure 35A greater number of undulations are shown in the metallic glass portion 302a, which can be caused by applying a second compressive force greater than the first compressive force applied to the metallic glass portion 302a. The undulations may define the contact surfaces of the first electrical shield 56 with the second electrical shield. For example, the metallic glass segment or portion 302a may initially contact another article or structure at only a few physical contact points (such as one physical contact point). The number of physical contact points may increase depending on the force and the reduced separation distance between the article carrying the metallic glass portion 302a and the compressed article. In other words, the metallic glass portion 302a may be attached to or carried by any one or more of an electrical grounding element, an electrical grounding conductor, an electrical reference element, an electrical grounding trace, and an electrical grounding shield. The metallic glass portion 302a may initially physically contact another article at only one physical contact point under any one or both of the following conditions: a first force, a first separation distance between the article (such as an electrical grounding element) and the corresponding compressed article. Under a second force greater than the first force or a second separation distance less than the first separation distance, the metallic glass portion 302a may physically contact another article at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven, at least eight, and / or more than eight physical contact points. Unbound by theory, it is believed that even uncoated metallic glasses or uncoated amorphous metals are not as conductive as copper, silver, or gold. An example of a metallic glass or amorphous metal is VITRELOY 105, which may contain 52.5% zirconium, 5% titanium, 5% copper, 14.6% copper, and 10% aluminum. Other compounds with higher conductivity, such as metallic glasses or amorphous metals containing more copper, such as VITRELOY 105, may also be used, as their conductivity is lower than that of copper, silver, or gold. However, zirconium metallic glasses or amorphous metals may be well-suited for electrical grounding applications due to their high elastic yield. Instead of using a permanent setting, it generates more and more ground paths as it is deflected and constrained.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, the second electrical shield 58 may be made of metallic glass or may be attached to metallic glass, for example, at opposite ends. Thus, the radially outer surface of the second electrical shield may be defined by metallic glass. The second electrical shield 58 may define an annular shape. As the second electrical shield is radially compressed (i.e., along a plane oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L), the outer wall of the second electrical shield 58 may become increasingly undulating, which correspondingly increases the number of outer contact surfaces of the second electrical shield 58 that contact the radially inner surface of the first electrical shield 56 when the first electrical shield 56 and the second electrical shield 58 are engaged with each other. Therefore, the first complementary electrical shield 56 and the second complementary electrical shield 58 may physically contact each other at the contact area in the manner described above with respect to tab 80. However, because the second electrical shield 58 defines the contact surface, the first electrical shield 56 may be substantially tubular and sized to fit over the second electrical shield such that it applies a radial compressive force to the second electrical shield 58, thereby defining the contact area.

[0050] See Figure 33 The second electrical shield 58 may include one or more metallic glass portions that form or define the outer surface (which may be a radial outer surface) of the second electrical shield 58. In some cases, each metallic glass portion may extend along the longitudinal direction of the second electrical shield 58. Each metallic glass portion may be circumferentially spaced from other corresponding metallic glass portions. For example, Figure 33A first electrical shielding member is shown having three metal glass portions 302d, 302e, and 302f, which extend longitudinally and are circumferentially spaced from each other. However, those skilled in the art will understand that any number of metal glass portions can be provided, or any number of metal glass portions can define the outer surface of a second electrical shielding member 58, including one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, etc. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the dimensions of the metal glass portions can also vary; for example, the dimensions of the metal glass portions extending along the circumferential direction of the second electrical shielding member 58 can vary. When the second electrical shielding member 58 is inserted into the first electrical shielding member 56, the first electrical shielding member 56 can apply a compressive force to the second electrical shielding member 58, which is applied to one or more metal glass portions of the second electrical shielding member 58, thereby defining undulations in the second electrical shielding member 58 that define the contact surface between the second electrical shielding member 58 and the first electrical shielding member 56. The electrical connector or transceiver housing may include one or both of a conductive housing and a non-conductive housing. Electrical grounding or reference components, including amorphous metals or amorphous metal alloys or metallic glasses, or formed of or carrying amorphous metals or amorphous metal alloys or metallic glasses, may be carried by one or more of the following: electrical connectors, transceiver housings, electrical grounding components, electrical reference components, and ground planes on a printed circuit board. The amorphous metals or amorphous metal alloys or metallic glasses may be physically attached, electrically connected, or both physically attached and electrically connected to one or both of the electrical grounding or electrical reference components, and may be wavelength division 302d, 302e, or 302f. Amorphous metals or amorphous metal alloys or metallic glasses (such as metallic glass portions 302d, 302e, or 302f) may be attached to the electrical grounding or electrical reference component at one end, at both opposite ends, or along at least one edge. Amorphous metals or amorphous metal alloys or metallic glasses (such as metallic glass portions 302d, 302e, 302f) can be compressible or compressible without changing the overall physical length of the corresponding metallic glass portions 302d, 302e, 302f. Amorphous metals or amorphous metal alloys or metallic glasses (such as metallic glass portions 302d, 302e, 302f) can be compressible or compressible without changing the overall physical length of the corresponding metallic glass portions 302d, 302e, 302f, and simultaneously form multiple physical contact points, such as any one or more of the following: more than one, two, more than two, three, more than three, four, more than four, five, more than five, six, more than six, seven, more than seven, eight, and more than eight.

[0051] Regarding the transceiver housing, it should be understood that the transceiver housing may have an opening at its inner end, the size of which is designed to receive an electrical connector mounted on the underlying substrate when the housing is mounted to the substrate. Therefore, a gap may exist between the connector and the transceiver housing when the housing is mounted to the substrate. It should be recognized that the metallic glass may at least partially fill, substantially completely fill, or otherwise be disposed within the gap. For example, the metallic glass may be disposed in one or more, or even all, of the substrate, the transceiver housing, and the electrical connector housing. Compressing the transceiver housing onto the underlying substrate (which may be a printed circuit board) is suitable for the metallic glass, allowing it to at least partially seal the gap and provide electrical shielding. Furthermore, the housing may be inserted through an opening in the panel. The metallic glass may at least partially fill, substantially completely fill, or otherwise be disposed within the panel gap between the panel and the housing. Either or both of the panel and the transceiver housing may include metallic glass such that when the transceiver is inserted into the opening in the panel, the metallic glass is compressed within the gap between the panel and the housing, allowing the metallic glass to at least partially seal the gap and provide electrical shielding.

[0052] Refer again Figures 6 to 8 The first electrical shield 56 may be supported by the first array housing 51. The first array housing 51 may be conductive, as described above, and the first electrical shield 56 may also be conductive. Therefore, the first array housing 51 and the first electrical shield 56 may be said to be electrically connected to each other. Similarly, the set of first electrical contacts 60 may be installed to the wire conductor of the first cable 70. The set of first electrical contacts 60 may be supported by a dielectric sleeve 66, which in turn is supported by the first contact array housing 51. Since the wire conductor may be conductive, and the set of first electrical contacts 60 may be conductive, the wire conductor of the first cable 70 and the corresponding first electrical contacts in the set of first electrical contacts 60 may be said to be electrically connected to each other. Furthermore, a portion of the set of first electrical contacts 60 may be disposed within a channel defined by the first electrical shield 56. However, the set of first electrical contacts 60 and the wire conductor of the first cable 70 may be physically spaced apart from the first electrical shield 56 and the first contact array 52. Therefore, the wire conductors of the first electrical contact 60 and the first cable 70 can be said to be electrically isolated from the first electrical shield 56 and the first contact array 52.

[0053] Now refer to Figures 12 to 13B The second electrical connector 22 is further described. The second electrical connector 24 may include a second connector housing 39, which may define a frame oriented along the transverse direction T and the lateral direction A, thereby forming a cavity for housing internal components of the second electrical connector 24. The second connector housing 39 may be electrically insulating and may be made of, for example, plastic. The second housing 39 may support other internal components of the second electrical connector 24. As described above relative to... Figure 3As described, the second connector housing 39 may support a plurality of second electrical contact assemblies 42. Specifically, the second electrical connector 22 may include a plurality of second contact arrays 54, which include a plurality of second contact array housings 61 and an array of second contact assemblies 42 supported in corresponding second contact array housings within the second contact array housings 61.

[0054] The second connector housing 39 may also support a plurality of second cables 94 extending through the housing 39 for mounting to corresponding second electrical contacts 62. The cables 94 may be configured as biaxial cables or as coaxial cables as described above with respect to the first electrical connector 22. Adjacent second electrical contacts 62 along the lateral direction A may define differential signal pairs. Alternatively, the second electrical contacts 62 may be single-ended. Alternatively, the first electrical contacts 60 may be single-ended. Adjacent pairs of the second electrical contacts 62 arranged along the lateral direction A are spaced apart from each other by a center-to-center distance of 1.8 mm to 2.4 mm, such as 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, and 2.2 mm, and in between a range of 0.1 mm. Adjacent rows of electrical contacts 62 may be spaced apart from each other by a center-to-center distance of 1.6 mm to 2.4 mm along the lateral direction T, including 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.3 mm and 2.4 mm, and a range of 0.1 mm in between.

[0055] Figure 14 A second contact assembly 42 disposed within a cavity of a second contact array 54 is depicted. Figure 14 The top half of the second contact array 54 is removed to provide a view of the components arranged along the mating direction. Figure 15 A second contact assembly 42 is depicted disposed within a cavity of a second contact array 54, wherein a second electrical shield 58 is removed. Figure 16 A second contact assembly 42 is depicted disposed within a cavity of a second contact array 54, wherein a second electrical shield 58 and a second dielectric sleeve 96 are removed.

[0056] Multiple second contact arrays 54 may be supported by a second connector housing 39. The dimensions of the second contact arrays may be designed such that the second contact array housing 61 is row-oriented and elongated along the lateral direction A. The second contact array housing 61 may define multiple channels elongated along the longitudinal direction L. A number of second contact arrays 54 may be stacked in the lateral direction. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the second contact arrays 54 may include different configurations. For example, the second contact arrays 54 may instead be columnar and therefore column-oriented along the lateral direction T. In another instance, the second contact arrays 54 may form a monolithic assembly or multiple assemblies. Furthermore, the second contact array housing 61 may be conductive and may be made of, for example, metal.

[0057] A corresponding second contact assembly in the second contact assembly 42 may be disposed in each channel formed by the second contact array housing 61. The channels of the second contact array housing 61 may be oriented along the longitudinal direction L. Each second contact assembly 42 may include a set of at least one second electrical contact 62, a second electrical shield 58, and a second dielectric sleeve 96 supporting at least one second electrical contact 62.

[0058] Each channel of the second contact array housing 61 may accommodate and hold a corresponding electrical shield in the second electrical shield 58. The second electrical shield 58 may be oriented along the longitudinal direction L. The second electrical shield 58 may be conductive. The second electrical shield 58 may surround or partially surround a group of at least one second electrical contact in the second electrical contacts 62, which may be configured as a pair of second electrical contacts 62. Specifically, the second electrical shield 58 may surround or partially surround at least one second electrical contact in the second electrical contacts 62 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, which includes the mating direction of the second electrical connector 24. The second electrical contacts 62 may extend along the mating direction and may be conductive.

[0059] The second electrical shield 58 may surround or partially surround a set of second electrical contacts 62 to provide electrical shielding for the second electrical contacts 62. The second electrical shield 58 may extend along a central longitudinal axis (oriented along the longitudinal direction L) and may define a cavity that also extends along the longitudinal direction L. The second set of electrical contacts 62 may be at least partially disposed within the cavity formed by the second electrical shield 58. For example, the set of second electrical contacts 62 may have a length along the longitudinal direction L that is greater than the length of the second electrical shield 58. Therefore, the set of second electrical contacts 62 may extend from the cavity of the second electrical shield 58.

[0060] The second contact array housing 61 may define at least one channel, such as a plurality of channels extending along the longitudinal direction L. Each channel may support a corresponding second electrical contact assembly 42. Thus, each channel may support a second electrical shield 58. The second electrical shield 58 may be oriented along the longitudinal direction L. The second electrical shield 58 may be conductive. The second electrical shield 58 may surround or partially surround the set of second electrical contacts 62 that may be supported in the channel of the second contact array housing 61. The second electrical contacts 62 may extend along the longitudinal direction L and may be conductive.

[0061] The set of second electrical contacts 62 may be coupled to or configured to be coupled to a second cable 94. The second cable 94 may include wire conductors capable of transmitting electrical signals. In some cases, the second cable 94 may have different physical dimensions compared to the first cable 70. For example, the second cable 94 may be a larger gauge cable compared to the first cable 70. The dimensions of cables 70 and 94 may be designed as needed. For example, the first cable 70 may have a wire gauge of 26 to 34, such as 27. In another example, the wire gauge of the first cable 70 may be 33. Similarly, the second cable 94 may have a wire gauge of 26 to 34, such as 27. In another example, the wire gauge of the second cable 94 may be 33. Therefore, in one particular example, the wire gauge of the first cable 70 may be 27, and the wire gauge of the second cable 94 may be 33. In another particular example, the wire gauge of the first cable 70 may be 33, and the wire gauge of the second cable 94 may be 27. In one example, as described above, one end of the cable 70 may be mounted to the first electrical contact 60. The other end of cable 70 may be mounted to or adjacent to a substrate (such as a PCB) having an integrated circuit (such as an application-specific integrated circuit) mounted thereon. Similarly, in one example, as described above, one end of cable 94 may be mounted to a second electrical contact 62. The other end of cable 94 may be mounted to or adjacent to a substrate (such as a PCB) having an integrated circuit (such as an application-specific integrated circuit) mounted thereon.

[0062] The mounting portion of the first cable 94 may be exposed, such as relative to the cable's insulation or outer covering. The mounting portion of each of the set of second electrical contacts 62 may be mounted to a corresponding mounting portion of the second cable 94. For example, as... Figure 16 As shown, the second cable 94 can be a coaxial cable with two wire conductors. Therefore, each of the two wire conductors can be mounted to a corresponding second electrical contact 62. An example of the mounting portion of this set of second electrical connectors 62 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 16 .

[0063] The channel of the second contact array housing 61 may also support a second dielectric sleeve 96, which in turn supports at least one second electrical contact 62 of a second group. The second dielectric sleeve 96 may extend along a longitudinal direction L. The group of second electrical contacts 62 may extend through the second dielectric sleeve and protrude from the second dielectric sleeve 96 in the mating direction into a cavity defined by the second electrical shield 58. The group of second electrical contacts 62 may extend rearward from the second dielectric sleeve 96 for mounting to a corresponding second cable in a second cable. Therefore, the second dielectric sleeve 96 may be disposed between the second electrical shield 58 and the mounting portion of the second electrical contact 62. Therefore, a portion of the second dielectric sleeve 96 may be spaced apart from the second electrical shield 58 in a rearward direction. In some cases, the second electrical shield 58 and the second dielectric sleeve 96 may overlap, such that a portion of the second electrical shield 58 surrounds or partially surrounds a portion of the second dielectric sleeve 96. In some cases, the second dielectric sleeve 96 may be integrally disposed within the second electrical shield 58. The second dielectric sleeve 96 may be insert-molded onto a corresponding set of second electrical contacts 62. Alternatively, the set of second electrical contacts may be stitched into the second dielectric sleeve 96. In some instances, the second connector array housing 61 may define an aperture 98. The aperture 98 may receive a leg of a clip 99 supporting the second dielectric sleeve 96. For example, the second dielectric sleeve 96 may extend through the clip 99. The clip 99 may be positioned adjacent to the second electrical shield 58. In some instances, the clip 99 may abut a rear end of the second electrical shield 58.

[0064] The set of second electrical contacts 62 can be conductive and configured to transmit electrical signals between the second cable 94 and corresponding mating portions. The set of second electrical contacts 62 has mounting portions 100a and 100b configured to physically and electrically contact the corresponding wire conductors of the second cable 94, and mating portions 100a and 100b configured to mat with corresponding mating portions of the first electrical contacts 60 of the first electrical connector 22. In some cases, such as Figures 14 to 16As shown, the set of second electrical contacts 62 may include male and female contacts. The male contact has an engagement portion configured to be inserted into the female engagement portion of the first electrical contact 60. The female contact has an engagement portion configured to receive the engagement portion of the male electrical contact of the first electrical connector 22. The engagement portion of the male electrical contact may be configured as a post, and the engagement portion of the female electrical contact may be configured as a receptacle. Similarly, in this example, the set of second electrical contacts 62 may be configured to engage with corresponding receptacle contacts and post contacts of a set of first electrical contacts 60 of the first electrical connector 22. In some cases, engagement portions 102a, 102b may be exposed from the cavity of the second contact array 54, such that the second set of electrical contacts 62 is disposed within the first electrical shield 56 when partially and fully in place. Furthermore, engagement portions 102a, 102b may extend along the engagement direction and away from the second contact array 54. For example, mating portions 102a, 102b may extend cantilevered from the second dielectric sleeve 96 and subsequently from the second contact array 54. This allows mating portions 102a, 102b to enter the corresponding first electrical shield 56 when the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are partially or fully in place. As shown, the mating portions of the electrical contacts 62 do not extend beyond the corresponding second electrical shield 58 in the mating direction. For example, the mating portions of the electrical contacts 62 may be recessed relative to the front end of the corresponding second electrical shield 58 in the rearward direction of the second electrical connector 24. The second electrical shield 58 may be entirely solid along its respective length, while the first electrical shield 56 may be porous. The second electrical shield 58 may be deeply drawn. The conductive components described herein may be metal or plastic coated with a conductive material such as metal. The second electrical shields surround the corresponding group of second electrical contacts 62, but the individual electrical contacts in the group of electrical contacts 62 are not individually shielded by individual dedicated shields.

[0065] It should be understood that when the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are not engaged, the first electrical shield 56 surrounds the engaged portion of the first electrical contact 60 of the corresponding group (see...). Figures 6 to 8 ), and the second electrical shield 58 surrounds the mating portion of the second electrical contact 62 of the corresponding group (see Figures 14 to 16 When the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are engaged, the first electrical shield 56 surrounds the engagement portion of the corresponding group of second electrical contacts 62, which engage with the first electrical contacts 60 surrounded by the corresponding first electrical shield 56. Similarly, when the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are engaged, the second electrical shield 58 surrounds the engagement portion of the corresponding group of first electrical contacts 60, which engage with the second electrical contacts 62 surrounded by the corresponding second electrical shield 58.

[0066] Figures 17A to 17E Various perspective views of electrical contacts 62a in the group of second electrical contacts 62 are shown. Electrical contacts 62a may define a mounting portion 100a and a mating portion 102a. Electrical contacts 62a may be configured to mat with the mating portion of a corresponding electrical contact. For example, electrical contact 62a may be a female electrical contact. The mating portion 102a of electrical contact 62a may be configured to receive a corresponding male contact, such as the mating portion 68a of electrical contact 60a in the group of first electrical contacts 60. In some cases, electrical contacts 62a may be formed from a sheet of metal, such as by stamping or laser engraving. The mating portion 102a may then be crimped or rolled up to form a cylindrical end or a socket end (along the mating direction). The mating portion 102a may also define one or more tapered fingers 104. The tapered fingers 104 may extend along the length of the electrical contact 62a. The width of the tapered finger 104 can taper distally away from the corresponding mounting portion 100a. Furthermore, the tapered finger 104 can be biased to be angled inward toward the longitudinal axis of the electrical contact 62a. In some cases, the distal end 106 of the tapered finger can be flared away from the longitudinal axis of the electrical contact 62a. The flare allows the mating portion of the corresponding electrical contact to enter the cavity formed by the mating portion 102a, while the bias angle of the tapered finger 104 allows the inserted corresponding electrical contact to contact the mating portion at least at the distal end 74 of the mating portion 68b. Therefore, even if the mating portion of the corresponding electrical contact is not fully in place but partially in place with the second electrical contact 62a, the electrical contacts can still be electrically connected to each other due to contact with the tapered finger 104.

[0067] The mounting portion 64b of the second electrical contact 60b can also be rolled up to adjust the height of the mounting portion 64b relative to the mating portion 68b. The mating portion 68a can then be mounted to the exposed wire conductor of the cable, for example, by soldering or crimping.

[0068] Figures 18A to 18EVarious perspective views of electrical contact 62b in the set of second electrical contacts 62 are shown. Electrical contact 62b may define a mounting portion 100b and a mating portion 102b. The mating portion 102b may be configured to mat with the mating portion of a corresponding electrical contact. For example, electrical contact 62b may be a male electrical contact. The mating portion 102b of electrical contact 62b may be configured to be inserted into a corresponding female contact, such as electrical contact 60b in the set of first electrical contacts 60 of the first electrical connector 22. In some cases, electrical contact 62b may be formed from a sheet of metal, such as by stamping or laser engraving. The mating portion 102b may then be crimped or rolled up to form a cylindrical or rod-shaped end (along the mating direction). The mounting portion 100b may also be crimped to adjust the height of the mounting portion 100b relative to the mating portion 102b. The mating portion 102b may then be mounted to the exposed wire conductor of a cable, such as by soldering or crimping.

[0069] When the finger defined by the female contact is straightened to extend only along the longitudinal direction L, the mating portions of the male and female electrical contacts of the second electrical contact 62 terminate at corresponding ends, which are coplanar with each other along a plane oriented perpendicular to the central axis of the respective electrical contact. Therefore, in one example, when the finger defined by the female contact is straightened to extend only along the longitudinal direction L, the mating portions of the male and female electrical contacts of the second electrical contact 62 terminate at corresponding ends, which are coplanar with each other along a plane oriented perpendicular to the central axis of the respective electrical contact.

[0070] Figures 19A to 19E Various perspective views of the second electrical shield 58 are shown. In some cases, the second electrical shield 58 may be generally cylindrical in shape and extend along the mating direction of the second electrical connector 24. Therefore, the second electrical shield 58 may define a channel or partial channel along its longitudinal direction. The second electrical shield 58 may be formed from a single sheet of material, such as a conductive sheet, which may be rolled or wrapped to form the shield. Figures 19A to 19E The cylindrical shape shown.

[0071] The dimensions of the second electrical shield 58 can be designed such that the second electrical shield 58 can be inserted into the first electrical shield 56 along the mating direction. For example, the first electrical shield 56 can define a channel along the mating direction of the first electrical connector 22. This channel can have a diameter that is close to or approximately larger than the outer diameter of the second electrical shield 58.

[0072] The second electrical shield 58 may define a mating portion 108 and a mounting portion 110. The mating portion 108 may be configured to be inserted into a corresponding first electrical shield 56. In some cases, the mating portion 108 may be beveled and bent toward the longitudinal axis of the second electrical shield 58. In some cases, the mounting portion 110 may be a flange. In some cases, the second contact array 54 may define a circumferential ridge perpendicular to the mating direction of the second connector 24, at which the flange mounting portion 110 may be provided.

[0073] The second electrical shield 58 can be configured for the set of second electrical contacts 62 to be partially disposed within the channel of the second electrical shield 58. For example, return to Figure 14 The set of second electrical contacts 62 can be disposed within the channel of the second electrical shield 58, such that the mating portion 102 of the set of second electrical contacts 62 is disposed close to the mating portion 108 of the second electrical shield 58. In some cases, the mating portion 102 of the set of second electrical contacts 62 can remain within the channel of the second electrical shield 58.

[0074] Return to Figure 14 The second electrical shield 58 may be supported by the second contact array 54. Since both the second contact array 54 and the second electrical shield 58 are conductive, they are electrically connected to each other. Similarly, the set of second electrical contacts 62 may be installed to the wire conductor of the second cable 94. This set of second electrical contacts 62 may be supported by the second dielectric sleeve 96. Since both the wire conductor and the set of second electrical contacts 62 are conductive, the wire conductor of the second cable 94 and the set of second electrical contacts 62 are electrically connected to each other. Furthermore, a portion of the set of second electrical contacts 62 may be disposed within a channel defined by the second electrical shield 58. However, the set of second electrical contacts 62 and the wire conductor of the second cable 94 may be physically isolated from the second electrical shield 58 and the second contact array 54. However, the set of second electrical contacts 62 and the wire conductor of the second cable 94 may be electrically isolated from the second electrical shield 58 and the second contact array 54.

[0075] The first electrical connector 22 can be configured to mate with the second electrical connector 24. For example, the first mating interface 41 of the first electrical connector 22 can be configured to mate with the second mating interface 43 of the second connector 24. The first mating interface 41 can define a first mating plane, and the second mating interface 43 can define a second mating plane. The mating planes can be perpendicular to the mating direction of the corresponding electrical connectors 22 and 24. Therefore, when mating or during mating, the mating planes can be parallel to each other.

[0076] When mating, the second electrical shield 58 of the second electrical connector 24 can be inserted into the channel corresponding to the first electrical shield 56. The first electrical shield 56 may include one or more tabs 80 extending inward toward the longitudinal axis of the first electrical shield 56. When the second electrical shield 58 enters the first electrical shield 56, it can contact one or more tabs 80 of the first electrical shield 56.

[0077] Figures 20A to 20E An example is shown where a second electrical shield 58 is partially inserted into a first electrical shield 56. In this example, the first electrical shield 56 may include at least three groups of tabs 81a, 81b, and 81c. As the second electrical shield continues to be inserted into the first electrical shield 56, the second electrical shield 58 may contact a first tab of a corresponding group of tabs, then a second tab of the corresponding group of tabs, and so on. In some cases, the engagement portion 108 of the second electrical shield 58 may be beveled, which may promote the tabs 80 to buckle away from the longitudinal axis when in contact with the engagement portion 108. The tabs 80 in contact with the second electrical shield 58 may buckle away from the longitudinal axis of the first electrical shield 56 and may remain in contact with the second electrical shield 58 as the second electrical shield 58 continues to be inserted into the first electrical shield 56. Other tabs 80 that do not contact the second electrical shield 58 may remain extended into the channel of the first electrical shield 56.

[0078] Similarly, when the second electrical shield is inserted into the first electrical shield 56, the set of first electrical contacts 60 and the set of second electrical contacts 62 may be partially or fully in place. For example, the set of first electrical contacts 60 may include male and female electrical contacts. The set of second electrical contacts 62 may include female electrical contacts configured to engage with the male electrical contacts of the first set of electrical contacts 60 and male electrical contacts configured to engage with the female electrical contacts of the first set of electrical contacts 60. When the second electrical shield 58 is inserted into the first electrical shield 56, the set of first electrical contacts 60 may similarly engage with the set of second electrical contacts 62.

[0079] In some cases, the first electrical contact 60 and the second electrical contact 62 can be positioned such that they are fully in place. For example, the first electrical contact 60 can be fully in place relative to the second electrical contact 62 such that, upon mating, the first electrical contact cannot travel further in the mating direction relative to the second electrical contact 62. Continuing with the example of male and female electrical contacts, for full placement, the female contact cannot receive any additional portion of the mating portion of the corresponding male contact. Similarly, for male contacts, for full placement, the mating portion of the male contact cannot be further received by the mating portion of the corresponding female contact.

[0080] In some cases, to achieve full positioning, a portion of the mating part of the electrical contact can be mated to the corresponding electrical contact. For example, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, etc., of the length of the mating part of the electrical contact can be mated to the corresponding electrical contact, resulting in a fully positioned electrical contact. In other cases, to achieve full positioning, a portion of the electrical contact can be mated to the corresponding electrical contact. For example, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, etc., of the length of the electrical contact can be mated to the corresponding electrical contact, resulting in a fully positioned electrical contact.

[0081] In some cases, full positioning may relate to inserting or mating the second electrical shield 58 into the first electrical shield 56. For example, for full positioning, a portion of the first electrical shield 56 may accommodate the second electrical shield 58. For example, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, etc., of the length of the first electrical shield 56 may accommodate the second electrical shield 58. In another instance, for full positioning, a portion of the second electrical shield 58 may be inserted into the first electrical shield 56. For example, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, etc., of the length of the second electrical shield 58 may be inserted into the first electrical shield 56. It should also be understood that when the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are fully positioned, the first shield 56 and the second shield 58 are not abutted or in contact with each other to prevent further movement of the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 in their respective mating directions.

[0082] It should be recognized that when the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are mated and in place, the tab 80 extends into the channel defined by the first shield body of the first electrical shield 56, thereby providing better impedance control relative to instances where the channel of the first shield body of the first electrical shield 56 comprises only air. As the tab 80 extends into the channel of the first shield body of the first electrical shield 56, the tab 80 adds metal to the channel.

[0083] In some cases, when the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are fully inserted and in place, the first electrical shield 56 may be fully in place with the second electrical shield. When the first electrical shield is fully in place, all the tabs 80 of the first electrical shield 56 may physically contact the second electrical shield 58. In some instances, when the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are partially in place (see [link to relevant documentation]), the first electrical shield 56 may be fully in place with the second electrical shield 58. Figures 20A to 20ESome tabs in tab 80, less than all tabs in the first electrical shield 56, may physically contact the second electrical shield 58. Therefore, some tabs in tab 80 are removed from physical contact with the second electrical shield 58. For example, at least one tab in tab 80 of the first electrical shield 56 may be removed from contact with the second electrical shield 58. In other instances, at least two tabs in tab 80 of the first electrical shield 56 may be removed from contact with the second electrical shield 58. In yet another instance, less than column 81 (see...) Figures 11A to 11C At least one tab in each column of tabs 80 in column 81 may be removed from contact with the second electrical shield 58. For example, at least two tabs in each column of tabs 80 in column 81 may be removed from contact with the second electrical shield 58. For example, at least three tabs in each column of tabs 80 in column 81 may be removed from contact with the second electrical shield 58. For example, at least four tabs in each column of tabs 80 in column 81 may be removed from contact with the second electrical shield 58.

[0084] As the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 become increasingly unshielded but still mated, the first electrical shield 56 and the second electrical shield 58 may correspondingly become increasingly unpositioned, thereby removing less than an increased number of tabs 80 from physical contact with the second electrical shield 58. When the first and second shields are partially in place, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, etc., of the number of tabs 80 of the first electrical shield may be in physical contact with the second electrical shield 58. In some instances, where the first shield 56 and the second shield 58 are fully in place, all the tabs 80 of the first electrical shield 56 may be in contact with the second electrical shield 58. Figures 21A to 21E and Figures 22A to 22B An example is shown where the first electrical shield 56 and the corresponding set of first electrical contacts 60 are fully in place with the second electrical shield 58 and the set of second electrical contacts 62.

[0085] Now for reference Figures 20A to 20E and Figures 23A to 23EAs described above, the first and second electrical connectors can be partially disengaged but still mated together, whereby at least a portion of the mating portion of the electrical contact of the first electrical connector can be mated to the corresponding corresponding electrical contact. For example, when the first and second electrical connectors are mated but not fully engaged, percentages ranging from 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and above of the length of the mating portion of the electrical contact can be mated to the corresponding electrical contact, resulting in partially engaged electrical contacts. In other cases, for partial engagement, a portion of the electrical contact can be mated to the corresponding corresponding electrical contact. Therefore, it can also be said that the electrical contacts are also partially engaged but still mated.

[0086] When electrical connectors 22 and 24 are both partially and fully in place, the first electrical shield 56 can surround the overlapping area of ​​the mating portions of the mating electrical contacts along the entire length of the overlapping area in the longitudinal direction L. In this respect, it should be understood that when the female mating portion receives the male mating portion along the longitudinal direction L, the mating portions overlap each other relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, thereby defining the overlapping area. Similarly, when electrical connectors 22 and 24 are both partially and fully in place, the second electrical shield 58 can surround the overlapping area of ​​the mating portions of the mating electrical contacts along the entire length of the overlapping area in the longitudinal direction L.

[0087] In some cases, partial placement may relate to inserting or mating the second electrical shield 58 into the first electrical shield 56. For example, for partial placement, a portion of the first electrical shield 56 may receive the second electrical shield 58. For example, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, etc., of the length of the first electrical shield 56 may receive the second electrical shield 58. In another example, for partial placement, a portion of the second electrical shield 58 may be inserted into the first electrical shield 56. For example, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, etc., of the length of the second electrical shield 58 may be inserted into the first electrical shield 56.

[0088] In some cases, partial placement may be related to the number of tabs 80 of the first electrical shield 56 that contact the second electrical shield 58 when inserted. The number of tabs can be a subset of the tabs of the first electrical shield. For example, for full placement, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, etc., of the number of tabs 80 of the first electrical shield may contact the second electrical shield 58. In some cases, for partial placement, a minimum number of tabs 80 of the first electrical shield 56 may contact the second electrical shield 58. In one example, such as Figure 20AAs shown, partial positioning can be the position where the second electrical shield 58 contacts two tabs in the tab group 81. Continuing with this example, the first electrical shield may include tab groups 81, where each group may include five tabs 80. For partial positioning, the second electrical shield 58 may be fully inserted into the first electrical shield 56 to contact two tabs 81 in the tab group 81.

[0089] In some cases, partial positioning may be related to the relative distance between the mating interfaces of the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector. For example, when fully positioned, there may be no gap between the respective interfaces (e.g., along the mating direction). For partially installed connectors, a gap of 1 mm to 5 mm may exist between the mating interface of the first electrical connector 22 and the mating interface of the second electrical connector 24, such as 1 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.1 mm, 3.2 mm, 3.3 mm, 3.4 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.6 mm, 3.7 mm, 3.8 mm, 3.9 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.1 mm, 4.2 mm, 4.3 mm, 4.4 mm, 4.5 mm, 4.6 mm, 4.7 mm, 4.8 mm, 4.9 mm, and 5.0 mm.

[0090] When the first electrical shield 56 and the second electrical shield 58 are fully in place and / or a set of first electrical contacts 62 and a set of second electrical contacts 62 are fully in place, components of the first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 can facilitate the reduction of crosstalk interference. For example, when fully in place, the set of first electrical contacts 60 can be electrically connected to the set of second electrical contacts 62. Similarly, when the set of first electrical contacts 62 is installed to the first cable 70 and the set of second electrical contacts 62 can be installed to the second cable 94, it can be said that the first cable 70 and the second cable 94 are electrically connected to each other.

[0091] Furthermore, when the first electrical shield 56 and the second electrical shield 58 are fully in place, the first electrical shield 56 and the second electrical shield 58 can mitigate crosstalk interference experienced by the group of first electrical contacts 60 and the group of second electrical contacts 62. For example, the first electrical shield 56 can be electrically connected to the second electrical shield 58. Additionally, the first electrical shield 56 can be electrically connected to the first contact array 52, and the second contact assembly can be electrically connected to the second contact array 54, with the first and second contact assemblies electrically connected to each other. This can create a grounding effect between the first electrical shield 56 and the second electrical shield 58, which can minimize crosstalk interference experienced by the group of first electrical contacts 60 and the group of second electrical contacts 62. For example, when transmitting signals at a data transmission rate of 224 gigabits per second at frequencies up to 80 GHz, such as up to 60 GHz, such as up to 56 GHz, such as up to 50 GHz, both when electrical connectors 22 and 24 are fully in place and engaged, and when electrical connectors 22 and 24 are partially in place and engaged, the first set of electrical contacts 60 and the second set of electrical contacts 62, when fully in place, can experience crosstalk interference levels no worse than: -80 dB, -79 dB, -78 dB, -77 dB, -76 dB, -75 dB, -74 dB, -73 dB, -72 dB, -71 dB, -70 dB, -69 dB, -68 dB, -67 dB, -66 dB, -65 dB, -64 dB, -63 dB, -62 dB, -61 dB, -60 dB, etc.

[0092] When the first electrical shield 56 and the second electrical shield 58 are partially in place, the first electrical shield 56 and the second electrical shield 58 can reduce the crosstalk interference experienced by the group of first electrical contacts 60 and the group of second electrical contacts 62, such that the crosstalk interference level experienced by the group of first electrical contacts 60 and the group of second electrical contacts 62 is substantially approximately the same as the crosstalk interference level experienced by the group of first electrical contacts 60 and the group of second electrical contacts 62 when they are fully in place. For example, the crosstalk interference level experienced by the group of first electrical contacts 60 and the group of second electrical contacts 62 can be 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, etc., within the crosstalk interference level experienced when the group of first electrical contacts 60 and the group of second electrical contacts 62 are fully in place.

[0093] The first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 may each include multiple sets of first electrical contacts 60 and multiple sets of second electrical contacts 62. For example, return to Figure 2A The first electrical connector 22 may define multiple rows and multiple columns of the group of first electrical contacts 60. Similarly, as... Figure 12As shown, the second electrical connector 24 may define multiple rows of groups of second electrical contacts 62 and multiple columns of groups of second electrical contacts 62. Each group of second electrical contacts 62 may be configured to engage with a corresponding group of first electrical contacts 60 of the first electrical connector 22. In addition, each group of first electrical contacts 60 may be surrounded or partially surrounded by a first electrical shield 56, and each group of second electrical contacts 62 may be surrounded or partially surrounded by a second electrical shield 58. Figure 24 A row of electrical contacts of the first electrical connector is shown fully in place with a row of electrical contacts of the second electrical connector. Figure 25 A cross-sectional view of the first electrical connector 22 fully in place with the second electrical connector 24 is shown (e.g., a column showing the group of first and second electrical contacts and the group of first and second electrical shields is shown).

[0094] In situations where electrical connectors are partially in place, the mitigation of crosstalk interference by the electrical connectors described herein can be beneficial. For example, returning to... Figure 1 A row of first electrical connectors 22 may be mounted to the first substrate 26, for example, along the edge of the first substrate 26. A row of second electrical connectors 24 may be mounted to the second substrate 28, for example, along the edge of the second substrate 28. There may be situations where the first or second substrate becomes warped, for example, due to thermal degradation. In this type of situation, some of the first electrical connectors 22 and second electrical connectors 24 may be fully in place, while others may be partially in place. For example, in some cases, first and second electrical connectors mounted closer to the center of the substrate edge may be partially in place, while first and second electrical connectors farther from the center of the substrate edge may be fully in place. Partially in place connectors may still maintain the same level of crosstalk interference for the corresponding electrical contacts as fully in place connectors. Figure 26 The electrical connector is shown in partial position. Figure 27 The electrical connector is shown partially in place, with the connector housing removed. Figure 28 The electrical connector is shown in partial position, with the housing and contact assemblies removed.

[0095] Additionally, there may be situations where some electrical contacts of a particular electrical connector are fully in place, while others are partially in place (e.g., in the case of warped mating interfaces of the electrical connector). Partially in place electrical connectors can still maintain the same level of crosstalk interference for the corresponding electrical contacts as fully in place electrical connectors.

[0096] Those skilled in the art will understand that certain characteristics of the electrical connectors described herein may vary. For example, Figure 29A and Figure 29BA first electrical connector 22 and a second electrical connector 24, each having a corresponding connector housing, are shown. The connector housing may include an outer sheath with various fingers along the respective mating interface. The fingers facilitate mating between the first and second electrical connectors in a limited orientation. Figure 29A The first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are shown fully in place, and Figure 29B The first electrical connector 22 and the second electrical connector 24 are shown in partial position.

[0097] Similarly, the first connector 22 and the second connector 24 may include a first electrical shield 56 and / or a second electrical shield 58. For example, Figure 30 and Figure 31 The mating interfaces of a first electrical connector 22 and a second electrical connector 24 are shown respectively. The first electrical connector 22 may include a second row of sets of second electrical contacts and corresponding second electrical shields. The first electrical connector 22 may also include a first row of sets of first electrical contacts and corresponding first electrical shields. In some cases, these first and second rows may alternate along the mating interface. Similarly, the second electrical connector 24 may include a first row of sets of first electrical contacts and corresponding first electrical shields. The second electrical connector 24 may include a second row of sets of second electrical contacts and corresponding second electrical shields. In some cases, these first and second rows may alternate along the mating interface. Those skilled in the art will understand that the electrical connectors are not limited to such rows, and the combination of sets of first and second electrical contacts may vary with different rows or other different configurations.

[0098] These components may include a first plurality of cables and a second plurality of cables, respectively mounted to a first cable connector and a second cable connector. The first cable connector and the second cable connector may be mated together to position a cable in the first plurality of cables in electrical communication with a corresponding cable in the second plurality of cables (referred to as a cable-to-cable assembly).

[0099] In other applications, the electrical connectors of the component include a first board connector and a second board connector mounted to a first substrate and a second substrate that can be configured as printed circuit boards. The first board connector and the second board connector can be mated together to place the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board in electrical communication with each other (referred to as a board-to-board assembly). The first board connector and the second board connector may be referred to as mezzanine connectors.

[0100] These components can be configured for high-density board-to-board cable systems and / or encapsulated cable systems. Electrical connectors may include Pulse Amplitude Modulation Level 4 (PAM4) connectors and may support data speeds of, for example, 224 Gbps.

[0101] While the systems and methods have been described with reference to various embodiments in conjunction with the figures, those skilled in the art will understand that changes can be made to the embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concept of the embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. An electrical connector comprising: Connector housing; At least one electrical contact supported by the connector housing; as well as An electrical shield that at least partially surrounds the at least one electrical contact, wherein the electrical connector is configured to transmit data signals along the at least one electrical contact.

2. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the electrical shield is configured to limit the level of crosstalk interference experienced by the at least one electrical contact when it is mated to a corresponding other electrical contact.

3. The electrical connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the data signal along the at least one electrical contact has a data transmission rate of 224 gigabits per second, wherein crosstalk is not inferior to -60 dB at frequencies up to 60 GHz.

4. The electrical connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the data signal along the at least one electrical contact has a data transmission rate of 224 gigabits per second, wherein crosstalk is not inferior to -80 dB at frequencies up to 60 GHz.

5. The electrical connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the crosstalk level experienced by the data signal when the electrical connector and the complementary electrical connector are partially in place is substantially close to the crosstalk level experienced by the data signal when the electrical connector and the complementary electrical connector are fully in place.

6. The electrical connector of claim 5, wherein partial placement includes the electrical shield engaging at least 10% of the length of the electrical shield.

7. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein partial placement includes the electrical shield engaging at least 20% of the length of the electrical shield.

8. The electrical connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one electrical contact is configured to engage with at least one complementary electrical contact of the complementary electrical connector when the electrical connector is mated with the complementary electrical connector.

9. The electrical connector of claim 8, wherein the electrical shield is configured to maintain contact with a complementary electrical shield that at least partially surrounds at least one of the complementary electrical contacts when the electrical connector and the complementary electrical connector are in place.

10. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein partial placement includes the electrical shield engaging at least 10% of the length of the electrical shield.

11. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein partial placement includes the electrical shield engaging at least 20% of the length of the electrical shield.

12. The electrical connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical shielding includes a first electrical shielding configured to receive the complementary electrical shielding.

13. The electrical connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical shield defines one or more tabs extending toward the longitudinal axis of the electrical shield.

14. The electrical connector of claim 13, wherein each of the one or more tabs defines a distal end, wherein each distal end is flat along a plane parallel to a reference plane defined by the longitudinal axis of the electrical shield.

15. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 13 to 14, wherein each of the one or more tabs defines a pair of arms, wherein each arm of the pair originates from a different circumferential location relative to the other arm of the pair, and wherein each arm of the pair converges to form a distal end.

16. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the one or more tabs form a set of tabs, and wherein the one or more tabs define a tab row along the direction of the longitudinal axis of the electrical shield.

17. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein a tab in the one or more tabs is nested within an adjacent tab in the one or more tabs.

18. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the one or more tabs are configured to contact the complementary electrical shield of the complementary electrical connector when the electrical connector is fully in place with the complementary electrical connector.

19. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein each of the one or more tabs is configured to buckle away from the longitudinal axis of the electrical shield when in contact with the complementary electrical shield of the complementary electrical connector.

20. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the one or more tabs are stamped by the electrical shield to define a stamped section.

21. The electrical connector of claim 20, wherein each stamped section of the electrical shield defines a V-shaped hole.

22. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 20 to 21, wherein at least one of the stamped sections of the shield is nested within another stamped section of the shield along the direction of the longitudinal axis of the electrical shield.

23. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 13 to 22, wherein the electrical shield is configured to physically contact a second electrical shield of the complementary electrical connector when the electrical connector is mated with the complementary electrical connector.

24. The electrical connector of claim 23, wherein all the tabs of the tabs of the electrical shield are configured to physically contact the second electrical shield when the electrical connector is mated with the complementary electrical connector.

25. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 23 to 24, wherein a number of the tabs, less than all of the tabs in the tabs, are configured to maintain physical contact with the second electrical shield when the electrical connector and the complementary electrical connector portion are not in place.

26. The electrical connector of claim 25, wherein when the electrical connector and the complementary electrical connector portion are not in place, at least one of the tabs is removed from physical contact with the second electrical shield.

27. The electrical connector of claim 26, wherein when the electrical connector and the complementary electrical connector portion are not in place, at least two of the tabs are removed from physical contact with the second electrical shield.

28. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 18 to 27, wherein the crosstalk level experienced by the data signal when the electrical connector and the complementary electrical connector are partially in place is substantially close to the crosstalk level experienced by the data signal when the electrical connector and the complementary electrical connector are fully in place, and wherein partial placement includes at least one of the one or more tabs contacting the complementary electrical shield, at least two of the one or more tabs contacting the complementary electrical shield, at least three of the one or more tabs contacting the complementary electrical shield, or at least four of the one or more tabs contacting the electrical shield.

29. The electrical connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one electrical contact defines an engagement portion configured to engage with at least one complementary electrical contact and configured to be electrically coupled to the other end of a cable.

30. The electrical connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one electrical contact comprises a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact, and wherein the complementary at least one electrical contact comprises a third electrical contact and a fourth electrical contact, wherein the first electrical contact is configured to engage with the third electrical contact, and the second electrical contact is configured to engage with the fourth electrical contact.

31. The electrical connector of claim 30, wherein each of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact defines an engagement portion configured to engage with a complementary electrical contact and configured to couple to the other end of a cable.

32. The electrical connector of claim 31, wherein the cable comprises a cable having a first conductive core and a second conductive core, and wherein the other end of the first electrical contact is configured to be coupled to the first conductive core, and the other end of the second electrical contact is configured to be coupled to the second conductive core.

33. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 31 to 32, wherein the cable comprises a multi-core cable.

34. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the cable comprises a coaxial cable.

35. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein the first electrical contact includes a male electrical contact configured to be located within the third electrical contact, and wherein the second electrical contact includes a female electrical contact configured to receive the fourth electrical contact.

36. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein the first electrical contact includes a socket and the second electrical contact includes a pin.

37. The electrical connector according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a dielectric sleeve extending along the mating direction and surrounding a portion of the at least one electrical contact.

38. The electrical connector of claim 37, wherein the portion of the electrical contact is not surrounded by the electrical shield.

39. The electrical connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical connector housing defines a cavity along the mating direction of the electrical connector, and wherein a portion of the at least one electrical contact and a portion of the electrical shield are disposed within the cavity.

40. The electrical connector of claim 39, wherein the mating portion of the at least one electrical contact is exposed from the cavity.

41. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 39 to 40, wherein the connector housing defines a mating surface, and wherein the connector housing is configured to contact the complementary mating surface of the complementary housing of the complementary electrical connector when fully in place.

42. The electrical connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector housing is conductive and electrically connected to the electrical shield.

43. The electrical connector of claim 42, wherein when partially or fully in place, the connector housing is electrically connected to the complementary electrical connector via the electrical shield.

44. The connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical shielding includes a sleeve, and wherein the sleeve is configured to be inserted into the complementary electrical shielding of the complementary electrical connector when mated.

45. The electrical connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shielding member surrounds the entirety of the at least one electrical contact.

46. ​​The electrical connector according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: The plurality of at least one electrical contact supported by the connector housing; as well as A plurality of electrical shields, wherein each of the plurality of electrical shields at least partially surrounds a corresponding at least one of the plurality of at least one electrical contacts, wherein the electrical connector is configured to transmit data signals along the plurality of at least one electrical contacts.

47. An electrical connector system comprising: At least one electrical connector according to any one of the preceding claims; as well as A substrate, wherein each of the at least one electrical connector is mounted to the substrate.

48. The electrical connector system of claim 47, wherein the electrical connector system comprises an orthogonal electrical connector system.

49. An electrical connector comprising: Connector housing; as well as A plurality of electrical contacts supported by the connector housing, wherein the electrical contacts define an mating portion configured to mate with complementary electrical contacts of a mating connector. The plurality of electrical contacts include a pair of first type contacts and second type contacts, wherein the mating portion of the first type contacts defines a pin, and the mating portion of the second type contacts defines a socket.

50. The electrical connector of claim 49, wherein the first type of contact and the second type of contact are arranged alternately along the rows of the electrical connector.

51. The electrical connector of claim 50, wherein the first type of contact and the second type of contact are arranged alternately along a plurality of rows of the electrical connector.

52. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 49 to 51, wherein the pair defines a differential signal pair.

53. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 49 to 52, further comprising an electrical shield surrounding a corresponding pair of said pairs.

54. An electrical grounding element for an electrical connector, wherein the electrical grounding element either comprises or is attached to a metallic glass.

55. The grounding member of claim 54, wherein the metallic glass is attached to the grounding member at its opposite ends.

56. The electrical grounding member according to any one of claims 54 to 55, wherein the electrical grounding member includes a shield configured to engage with a complementary electrical shield, wherein the electrical shield is configured to surround at least one electrical contact, wherein the electrical shield is configured to be inserted into the complementary electrical shield, the complementary electrical shield applying a compressive force against the electrical shield to thereby define undulations in the electrical shield, the undulations subsequently defining a contact surface against the complementary electrical shield.

57. The electrical grounding member according to any one of claims 54 to 55, wherein the electrical grounding member includes a shield configured to engage with a complementary electrical shield, wherein the electrical shield is configured to surround at least one electrical contact, wherein the electrical shield is configured to receive the complementary electrical shield, the complementary electrical shield applying a compressive force against the electrical shield to define undulations in the electrical shield, the undulations subsequently defining a contact surface against the complementary electrical shield.

58. An electrical connector comprising: case; as well as Electrical grounding components or electrical reference components that include or support amorphous metals or amorphous metal alloys.

59. An electrical connector comprising: case; as well as Electrical grounding components or electrical reference components that include or support metallic glass.

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