Connector assembly and socket connector

Abstract

A connector assembly and a receptacle connector, the connector assembly comprising: a receptacle connector comprising a cage, a connector positioned within a port of the cage, the cage comprising a first biasing member and a second biasing member, the first biasing member and the second biasing member positioned on opposite sides of a distal end of the cage and extending from a bottom wall of the cage, the connector comprising at least one terminal, the terminal having a contact portion positioned in a slot; and a plug connector comprising a pluggable transceiver module, the pluggable transceiver module configured to be inserted into the port and comprising a paddle card, the paddle card having at least one contact pad configured to engage the contact portion of the at least one terminal, wherein the first biasing member and the second biasing member are configured to contact the pluggable transceiver module and bias the pluggable transceiver module away from the connector such that a stub length of the contact pad is within a predetermined range.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed by Morales Ltd., filed on December 12, 2022, with application number 202211599910.7 and entitled “Bias Connector System”. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of input / output (IO) connectors, and more specifically to IO connectors for high data rate applications. Background Technology

[0003] Input / output (I / O) connectors are designed as plug-module connectors that mate with a receptacle. This plug-module connector includes a paddle card with contacts that engage terminals in the receptacle connector. At high data rates (e.g., greater than 56 Gbps), existing designs exhibit tolerance buildup, which negatively impacts signal integrity performance at the interface between the plug-module connector and the receptacle connector. This problem becomes particularly acute as data rates increase. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of this application, a connector assembly is provided, comprising: a receptacle connector configured to be mounted to and electrically connected to a substrate, the receptacle connector including a cage defining a port, a connector positioned within the port, the connector including a slot aligned with the port, the cage including a first biasing member and a second biasing member located on opposite sides of a distal end of the cage and extending from a bottom wall of the cage, the bottom wall of the cage being positioned within the port, the connector including at least one The terminal has a contact portion positioned in the slot; and a plug connector includes a pluggable transceiver module configured to be inserted into the port, the pluggable transceiver module including a paddle clip having at least one contact pad configured to engage with the contact portion of the at least one terminal, wherein a first biasing member and a second biasing member are configured to contact the pluggable transceiver module and bias the pluggable transceiver module away from the connector such that the stud length of the contact pad is within a predetermined range.

[0005] According to one embodiment, the socket connector further includes a base plate having a plurality of holes through which the pins of the cage are positioned to form an electrical connection with the substrate; the first biasing member and the second biasing member are both integrally formed with the base plate; and the first biasing member and the second biasing member both extend vertically from the base plate at least partially.

[0006] According to one embodiment, both the first biasing member and the second biasing member include: a first C-shaped segment extending in the insertion direction; and a second C-shaped segment integral with the first C-shaped segment extending in the opposite direction.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the receptacle connector further includes a plug module stop configured to limit reverse translation of the pluggable transceiver module relative to the receptacle connector.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the plug module stop includes a cage lock integrally formed with the cage, the cage lock being configured to engage the housing of the plug connector to limit reverse translation of the pluggable transceiver module when the first biasing member and the second biasing member apply force through the pluggable transceiver.

[0009] According to another aspect of this application, a receptacle connector is provided, configured to be mounted to and electrically connected to a substrate, the receptacle connector comprising: a cage defining a port, the port including at least one biasing member positioned therein and at least one terminal having a contact portion, wherein the at least one biasing member is S-shaped and includes: a first C-shaped segment extending in an insertion direction; and a second C-shaped segment integral with the first C-shaped segment extending in the opposite direction, and wherein the at least one biasing member is positioned at an end of a intended travel range of a plug module, and the at least one biasing member is configured to push a pluggable transceiver module of the plug connector to a predetermined position such that a short post of a contact pad of the plug connector has a predetermined length when engaged with the at least one terminal.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the port has a connector positioned therein, the connector including a slot aligned with the port; and the connector includes the at least one terminal.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the at least one biasing member is a first biasing member and a second biasing member.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the first biasing member is positioned on a first side at the distal end of the port, and the second biasing member is positioned on a second side at the distal end of the port; and the first biasing member and the second biasing member are configured to contact the opposite side of the pluggable transceiver module.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the socket connector further includes a base plate having a plurality of holes through which a plurality of pins of the housing are positioned to form an electrical connection with the substrate; the at least one biasing member is integrally formed with the base plate; and the at least one biasing member extends vertically from the base plate.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the receptacle connector further includes a plug module stop configured to limit reverse translation of the pluggable transceiver module relative to the receptacle connector.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the plug module stop includes a cage lock integrally formed with the cage, the cage lock being configured to engage the housing of the plug connector to limit reverse translation of the pluggable transceiver module when the at least one biasing member applies force through the pluggable transceiver.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the receptacle connector further includes a protruding element that is substantially rigid, extending from the front of the pluggable transceiver module, and configured to contact an opposite portion of the connector housing.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the protruding element includes a stepped body comprising a first surface and a second surface located on different vertical planes, the first surface and the second surface being separated by inclined extensions; the first surface and the second surface are generally flat relative to and parallel to the top surface of the substrate, the socket connector being disposed on the top surface; and the protruding element is integral with the housing of the pluggable transceiver module.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the receptacle connector further includes: a first sidewall protrusion positioned on a first inner wall of the housing; and a second sidewall protrusion positioned on a second inner wall of the housing opposite to the first inner wall, the first sidewall protrusion and the second sidewall protrusion being configured to contact a portion of the pluggable transceiver module to limit further translation of the pluggable transceiver module in the port.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the first sidewall protrusion and the second sidewall protrusion are semi-circular stamped portions formed on the first inner wall and the second inner wall of the cage.

[0020] According to another aspect of this application, a connector assembly is provided, comprising: a receptacle connector configured to be mounted to and electrically connected to a substrate, the receptacle connector including: a cage defining a port, the port including a first biasing member and a second biasing member positioned therein, the first biasing member and the second biasing member being integrally formed with a bottom wall of the cage; and a connector including at least one terminal having a contact portion, wherein both the first biasing member and the second biasing member are S-shaped and include: a first C-shaped segment extending in an insertion direction; and a connector for... The first C-shaped section is integral with the second C-shaped section, which extends in opposite directions; and the plug connector includes a pluggable transceiver module configured to be inserted into the port, the pluggable transceiver module including circuitry having at least one contact pad configured to engage with a contact portion of the at least one terminal, wherein the first biasing member and the second biasing member are positioned at the end of a intended travel range of the plug module and configured to push the pluggable transceiver module to a predetermined position such that the stud length of the at least one contact pad has a predetermined length.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the first biasing member is positioned on a first side at the distal end of the port, and the second biasing member is positioned on a second side at the distal end of the port; and the first biasing member and the second biasing member are configured to contact the opposite side of the pluggable transceiver module.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the receptacle connector further includes: a first sidewall protrusion positioned on a first inner wall of the housing; and a second sidewall protrusion positioned on a second inner wall of the housing opposite to the first inner wall, the first sidewall protrusion and the second sidewall protrusion being configured to contact a portion of the pluggable transceiver module to limit further translation of the pluggable transceiver module in the port.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the first sidewall protrusion and the second sidewall protrusion are semi-circular stamped portions formed on the first inner wall and the second inner wall of the cage.

[0024] Furthermore, this application also describes various embodiments of bias connector systems and components thereof. In a first aspect, a connector assembly is described, comprising: a receptacle connector configured to be mounted to and electrically connected to a substrate, the receptacle connector including a cage defining a port within which a connector is positioned, the connector including a slot aligned with the port, the port including at least one biasing member positioned therein, the connector including at least one terminal having a contact portion positioned in the slot; and a plug connector including a pluggable transceiver module configured to be inserted into the port, the pluggable transceiver module including a paddle clip having at least one contact pad configured to engage with the contact portion of the at least one terminal, wherein the at least one biasing member biases the pluggable transceiver module away from the connector such that the stub length of the contact pad is within a predetermined range.

[0025] At least one biasing member may include a first biasing member and a second biasing member, the first biasing member being positioned on a first side of the connector and the second biasing member being positioned on a second side of the connector. The first biasing member and the second biasing member may be configured to contact opposite sides of the distal end of the pluggable transceiver module.

[0026] The receptacle connector may also include a base plate having multiple holes through which the pins of the housing are positioned to form an electrical connection with the substrate, wherein at least one biasing member is integrally formed with the base plate and extends at least partially vertically from the base plate. The at least one biasing member may include a first C-shaped segment extending in an insertion direction and a second C-shaped segment integral with the first C-shaped segment extending in the opposite direction.

[0027] The receptacle connector may also include a receptacle module stop configured to limit reverse translation of the pluggable transceiver module relative to the receptacle connector. For example, the receptacle module stop may include a cage lock integrally formed with the cage, the cage lock being configured to engage the housing of the plug connector to limit reverse translation of the pluggable transceiver module when at least one biasing member applies force through the pluggable transceiver.

[0028] In a second aspect, a receptacle connector is described, configured to be mounted to and electrically connected to a substrate, the receptacle connector comprising: a cage defining a port including at least one biasing member positioned therein and at least one terminal having a contact portion, wherein the at least one biasing member is configured to push a pluggable transceiver module of a plug connector to a predetermined position such that a short post of a contact pad of the plug connector has a predetermined length when engaged with at least one terminal.

[0029] The port may have a connector positioned therein, the connector including a slot aligned with the port, wherein the connector includes at least one terminal. In some aspects, at least one biasing member is a first biasing member and a second biasing member, wherein the first biasing member is positioned on a first side of the port and the second biasing member is positioned on a second side of the port, and the first biasing member and the second biasing member are configured to contact the opposite side of the pluggable transceiver module.

[0030] The receptacle connector may further include a base plate having multiple holes through which multiple pins of the housing are positioned to form an electrical connection with a substrate, wherein at least one biasing member is integrally formed with the base plate and extends vertically from the base plate. The at least one biasing member may have an S-shaped body comprising: a first C-shaped segment extending in the insertion direction; and a second C-shaped segment integral with the first C-shaped segment extending in the opposite direction.

[0031] The receptacle connector may also include a receptacle module stop configured to limit reverse translation of the pluggable transceiver module relative to the receptacle connector, wherein the receptacle module stop may include a cage lock integrally formed with the cage, the cage lock being configured to engage the housing of the plug connector to limit reverse translation of the pluggable transceiver module when at least one biasing member applies force through the pluggable transceiver.

[0032] The receptacle connector may also include a substantially rigid protruding element extending from the front of the pluggable transceiver module, configured to contact an opposing portion of the connector housing. The protruding element may have a stepped body including a first and second surface located in different vertical planes, separated by an inclined extension, wherein the first and second surfaces are generally flat and parallel to a top surface of the substrate on which the receptacle connector is disposed, and the protruding element is integral with the housing of the pluggable transceiver module.

[0033] The receptacle connector may further include: a first sidewall protrusion positioned on a first inner wall of the housing; and a second sidewall protrusion positioned on a second inner wall of the housing opposite the first inner wall, the first and second sidewall protrusions being configured to contact a portion of the pluggable transceiver module to limit further translation of the pluggable transceiver module within the port. The first and second sidewall protrusions may be semi-circular punchouts formed on the first and second inner walls of the housing.

[0034] In a third aspect, a connector assembly is described, comprising: a receptacle connector configured to be mounted to and electrically connected to a substrate, the receptacle connector including: a cage defining a port including a first biasing member and a second biasing member positioned therein; and a connector including at least one terminal having a contact portion; and a plug connector including a pluggable transceiver module configured to be inserted into the port, the pluggable transceiver module including circuitry having at least one contact pad configured to engage with a contact portion of at least one terminal, wherein the first biasing member and the second biasing member are configured to push the pluggable transceiver module to a predetermined position such that a stump length of at least one contact pad has a predetermined length. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Many aspects of this disclosure can be better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but are intended to clearly illustrate the principles of this disclosure. Furthermore, similar reference numerals in the drawings refer to corresponding parts in various views.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a rear perspective view of a bias connector system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a side perspective view of a bias connector system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a side perspective view of a bias connector system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a front perspective view of a bias connector system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a partial side perspective view of a bias connector system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 6 This is a side view of a bias connector system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 7This is a side perspective view of a bias connector system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 8 This is a side view of a bias connector system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 9 This is a front perspective view of a bias connector system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 10 This is an enlarged side perspective view of a bias connector system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 11 This is an enlarged side perspective view of a bias connector system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 12 This is an enlarged side perspective view of a bias connector system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 13 This is an enlarged side perspective view of a bias connector system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 14 This is a cross-section of a perspective view of a bias connector system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 15 This is a cross-section of a perspective view of a bias connector system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 16 This is a cross-section of a perspective view of a bias connector system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 17 This is a schematic perspective view of a bias connector system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 18 This is an enlarged perspective view of a bias connector system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein a socket connector is not shown.

[0054] Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a bias connector system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the connector of the socket is not shown. Detailed Implementation

[0055] Various embodiments of bias connector systems, as well as related methods and apparatus, are described. The amount of data processed by computers, computing systems, and computing environments continues to increase. For example, data centers may include hundreds of computing and networking systems interconnected using fiber optic cables, copper cables, and various connectors, cable assemblies, and terminals. These interconnections have high and increasing data throughput. For instance, many data centers combine Gigabit Ethernet (10 GbE), 25 GbE, 50 GbE, and 100 GbE network interfaces and interconnects. 200 GbE, 400 GbE, and 800 GbE interconnect technologies are also under development and deployment. Other interconnect schemes rely on 56 gigabits per second (Gb / s) and 112 Gb / s network interfaces and interconnects, and 224 Gb / s interconnect technologies are under development. A range of cable assemblies are available for data interconnection. Each cable assembly has various designs depending on the requirements of the data communication environment using the connectors.

[0056] For example, traditional plug module arrangements are designed to include certain tolerances in a locking system that ensures complete engagement between the plug module and the socket, while also guaranteeing sufficient wipe to reliably achieve proper connection between the terminals and contact pads. This tolerance requires a range of positions for the plug module to be positioned, and also ensures that the pads on the paddle card properly engage with the terminals of the socket for data communication. Due to this accumulation of tolerances, the contact pads on the paddle card are generally made relatively long to ensure electrical contact with the terminals.

[0057] Currently, there is a range of SFP pluggable transceiver modules, including Small Form Factor Pluggable Dual Density (SFP-DD), Compact Small Form Factor Pluggable (cSFP), SFP+, Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable (QSFP), and Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable Dual Density (QSFP-DD). SFP pluggable transceiver modules typically include one or more packaged semiconductor circuit devices or chips. For example, an Active Cable (AEC) assembly with an SFP pluggable transceiver module may include a packaged semiconductor chip for signal retiming. The AEC component semiconductor chip can reset data signal loss and timing plane, eliminate noise, improve signal integrity, and perform other functions. Similarly, an Active Optical Cable (AOC) assembly with an SFP pluggable transceiver module may include a packaged semiconductor chip for converting optical signals into electrical signals. The semiconductor chip in the AOC may include Receiver Optical Subassemblies (ROSAs) configured to receive optical signals transmitted by Transmitter Optical Subassemblies (TOSAs). ROSA is configured to convert optical signals back into electrical signals.

[0058] However, the extra length of the electrical contacts on the paddle card creates a "stub" or short length of conductive material electrically isolated at one end. This stub causes the signal to propagate along it and then be reflected back into the actual transmission path. During data communication, this stub introduces additional noise. At lower data rates, the required stub size is not a major issue because the signal frequency is low enough that the stub can be ignored. However, at high data rates (such as 112 Gbps, 224 Gbps, etc.), the signal frequency becomes so high that the stub length has a substantial impact on signal integrity. However, it has proven impractical to increase the tolerance of the interlocking system due to the accumulation of various factors that must be managed, making it difficult to reduce the stub length.

[0059] Therefore, this document describes various embodiments for positioning the plug module relative to the socket such that the contact portion of the terminal engaging with the contact pad on the paddle card is biased toward the edge of the contact pad and toward one edge of the tolerance range allowed by the latching system. This allows for a reduction in the final length of the short stake so that it no longer has a substantial impact on signal integrity.

[0060] The above overview describes various embodiments of the connector assembly to ensure that the short peg length is a predetermined length or within a predetermined range tolerable for data communication (and without significant signal interference). In each embodiment, the connector assembly includes a receptacle connector configured to be mounted to and electrically connected to a substrate. The receptacle connector includes a cage defining a port within which a connector is positioned. The connector includes a slot aligned with the port. Furthermore, the port includes at least one biasing member positioned therein. The connector may include, for example, at least one terminal with a contact portion positioned within the slot.

[0061] The connector assembly also includes a plug connector having a pluggable transceiver module. The connector assembly is thus configured to be inserted into a port. In various embodiments, the pluggable transceiver module includes a paddle clip with at least one contact pad configured to engage a contact portion of the at least one terminal. The at least one biasing member can bias or push the pluggable transceiver module away from the connector such that the stud length of the contact pad is a predetermined length or within a predetermined range considered to be tolerable for data communication at various speeds (e.g., 224 Gb / s).

[0062] Now turn to the attached diagram. Figures 1-9 These are various perspective views of connector assembly 10, including receptacle connector 100 (or "receptacle 100"), plug connector 200, and circuit board 300. Specifically, see reference to... Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a rear perspective view of the connector assembly 10 according to various embodiments. Figure 1 Included Figure 12 The annotation area 12 is displayed in a magnified view. Similarly, Figure 2 This is a rear-view perspective view taken from one side, in which the insulator and cage of socket 100 are not shown for illustrative purposes. Figure 3 From and Figure 1 and Figure 2 A side perspective view of the connector assembly 10 viewed from the opposite side, wherein the top and sides of the cage 103 and the top of the plug connector 200 are not shown for illustrative purposes. Figure 4 This is a front perspective view of connector assembly 10, in which the top and sides of the cage 103 are not shown for illustrative purposes.

[0063] Generally speaking, reference Figures 1-4 The connector assembly 10 includes a socket 100 and a plug connector 200. The socket 100 can be configured to be mounted on a circuit board 300 or other substrate to enable communication between the plug connector 200 and the circuit board 300 and other upstream or downstream electronic devices.

[0064] Among other components, the socket 100 includes a cage 103 that defines a port 106 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 3 The port is configured to receive plug connector 200. A portion of the cage 103 of the socket 100 is in... Figure 1 As shown, however, for illustrative purposes, cage 103 is... Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 The term is omitted. In some embodiments, the cage 103 may be formed of a metallic conductive material; therefore, the cage 103 may be formed of metal or a metal alloy. An insulating shield or dust shield (not shown) may be positioned at least partially around a portion of the cage 103. In some embodiments, the cage 103 may include a plurality of pins 108, such as Figure 10 As shown in the enlarged view, it extends downwards for mechanical, electrical, or mechanical and electrical coupling (including grounding) to circuit board 300. For example, in some embodiments, pin 108 is conductive for grounding the cage 103 to circuit board 300 or its ground trace. For illustrative purposes, Figure 3 The socket 100 is shown without its top cover 202.

[0065] Figure 5 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the front part of the connector assembly 10, and Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9These are side views of the front portion of connector assembly 10. (Common Reference) Figures 1-9 The plug connector 200 may include a cable 203 attached to a pluggable transceiver module 206 (also referred to as "plug module 206"), which may be positioned at the distal end of the cable 203. As will be understood, the plug module 206, or at least a portion thereof, may be inserted into a port 106 of the receptacle 100. The plug module 206 may be inserted and nested within the port 106 for electrical connection with a connector positioned within the receptacle 100, as will be described. Furthermore, the plug module 206 includes a locking handle 209 configured to allow the locking system of the plug connector 200 to engage or disengage from the receptacle 100. However, alternative embodiments of the plug connector 200 may include a cable body that may not have the locking handle 209 or the locking system attached thereto.

[0066] The plug module 206 has a housing 212 that protects and houses circuitry such as a paddle card 215. For example, the housing 212 may include a first sidewall 218a and a second sidewall 218b that shields the sides of the paddle card 215. The paddle card 215 may include contact pads 221 for forming an electrical connection with a connector 112 within the socket 100 and corresponding components such as a circuit board 300. The circuit board 300 may, for example, include a printed circuit board (PCB) of a computing, networking, or related system on which the socket 100 is mounted. Thus, the paddle card 215 can be part of the interface between the plug connector 200 and the socket 100.

[0067] The cable 203 of the plug connector 200 is not intended to be limited to any particular type of cable or cable assembly, and the cable 203 can be specifically implemented as fiber optic, copper, or other types of cable. Therefore, the cable 203 is an example of AEC and AOC or related types of cable. The plug module 206 can also be representative, and the concepts described herein can be applied to a range of pluggable modules, including SFP, SFP-DD, cSFP, SFP+, QSFP, QSFP-DD, and related types of pluggable modules.

[0068] Next, referring to receptacle 100, receptacle 100 may include connector 112 having a slot 115 aligned with port 106. Port 106 may also include one or more biasing members 109a, 109b (collectively referred to as “biasing member 109”). Connector 112 may include a plurality of terminals 121 with contact portions at least partially positioned in slot 115. Terminals 121 of connector 112 may engage conductive contact pads 227 of paddle card 215, as will be described.

[0069] To properly position the plug module 206, one or more biasing members 109a, 109b (collectively referred to as "biasing member 109") may be located within the housing 103. For example, the biasing member 109 may be positioned within or within the port 106 to contact a portion of the housing 212 of the plug module 206. According to various embodiments, the biasing member 109 may be formed in the bottom wall defining the port 106 of the housing 103. Thus, in some embodiments, the biasing member 109 may be integral with the bottom or side surface of the housing 103. For example, in embodiments where the housing 103 is formed of a single metal or conductive material, a single metal sheet may be stamped to form the biasing member 109.

[0070] When the plug module 206 is fully inserted into the cage 103, the biasing member 109 engages or otherwise contacts the housing 212 of the plug module 206. The biasing member 109 will move along... Figure 7 The plug module 206 is biased (e.g., pushed, pressured, or forced) in direction D1 as shown. As illustrated, the plug module 206 can be biased in the direction opposite to the insertion direction, or in other words, biased away from the connector 112 mated to by the plug module 206 (more specifically, its paddle clip 215). In other words, the one or more biasing members 109 can apply force to the plug module 206 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction and / or away from the connector 112 mated to by the plug module 206. It is generally undesirable for the biasing members 109 to prevent the plug module 206 from being inserted into the socket 100, as such activity tends to increase the insertion force and could potentially damage the plug module 206 or the socket 100 due to excessive force. However, it has been determined that placing the biasing members 109 near the end of the intended travel range of the plug module significantly reduces the effect on the insertion force.

[0071] To prevent the plug module 206 from being accidentally pulled out of port 106 of the cage 103, especially when the bias member 109 on the front of the plug module 206 is subjected to force, in some embodiments the reverse translation caused by the bias member 109 may be limited by a socket module stop, which may be a cage lock 124, such as... Figure 10 As shown, it engages the housing 212 of the plug module 206, and thus restricts the rearward movement of the plug module 206. For example, the housing 212 of the plug module 206 may include protrusions, hooks, or other means that can capture or otherwise engage with the cage lock 124.

[0072] To ensure that the plug module 206 does not translate too far, in some embodiments, the translation caused by the bias member 109 can be limited by the protruding element 233, such as Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 18As shown. The protruding element 233 can contact the opposite portion of the housing of connector 112 (for illustrative purposes, it is not shown in the image). Figure 18 (as shown in the figure) in order to restrict the movement of the plug module 206. Figure 18 The plug connector 200 is also shown, but its top cover 202 is not shown for illustrative purposes. The protruding element 233 may include a generally rigid means that protrudes from the front side 230 of the housing 212 to ensure that forces greater than those operated by the biasing member 109 are not applied to one or more biasing members 109. Additionally or optionally, the travel of the plug module 206 caused by the biasing member 109 may be restricted by a locking system.

[0073] In some embodiments, the protruding element 233 includes a stepped body having, for example, a first surface 236 and a second surface 239 located at different vertical planes or heights relative to the circuit board 300. The first surface 236 and the second surface 239 may be separated by a vertical or inclined extension 241, such that the second surface 239 can be positioned below the connector 112 and the paddle clip 215 during coupling. While the first surface 236 and the second surface 239 are generally flat (and parallel to) the top surface of the circuit board 300, the inclined extension 241 may, for example, be angled downwards. This dimensional and positioning allows sufficient space for the terminals 121 of the paddle clip 215 and the connector 112 to couple and form an electrical connection. The protruding element 233 may include a hole 244 aligned with a protrusion of the top cover 202 or other suitable component. Moreover, in some embodiments, the protruding element 233 is integral with the housing 212 of the plug module 206.

[0074] Furthermore, in addition to the cage locking 124 and the protruding element 233, or optionally, to ensure that the plug module 206 does not translate too far, the translation caused by the biasing member 109 can be limited by the side wall protrusions 139a, 139b (collectively referred to as "side wall protrusions 139"), such as... Figure 19 As shown in the image. Figure 19 A cross-section of the front portion of connector assembly 10 along the XY axis is shown. For example, sidewall protrusion 139 may be positioned on the inner wall of cage 103, and therefore may be integral with cage 103 in some embodiments. For example, sidewall protrusion 139 may include a stamped portion formed in a single sheet of metal. As in Figure 19As shown, the sidewall protrusion 139 may be semi-circular, and in other embodiments, protrusions of other shapes may be used. Generally, the sidewall protrusion 139 contacts the front (or other suitable portion) of the housing 212 to ensure that the plug module 206 does not translate too far into the port 106. Like the protruding element 233, the sidewall protrusion 139 may include substantially rigid means to ensure that no force greater than that applied to the biasing member 109 is exerted on one or more biasing members 109.

[0075] Therefore, by more precisely controlling the position of the plug module 206 within the port, the contact portion of the terminal can be biased toward the end of the contact pad while still maintaining a reliable connection and thereby reducing the length of the short post. For this reason, signal integrity performance is improved, particularly for high data rate applications (e.g., 112 Gbps, 224 Gbps, etc.).

[0076] In various embodiments, the biasing member 109 includes a first biasing member 109a and a second biasing member 109b, although the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to having only one or two biasing members 109. Therefore, there may be three biasing members 109, four biasing members 109, and so on. In embodiments having at least two biasing members 109, the first biasing member 109a may be positioned on a first side of port 106, and the second biasing member 109b may be positioned on an opposite second side of port 106. As in Figure 7 As shown in the enlarged view, the first biasing member 109a and the second biasing member 109b can be positioned and configured to contact opposite sides of the distal end of the plug module 206. For example, biasing member 109 can contact the front side 230 of the plug module 206. However, it should be understood that biasing member 109 can be otherwise positioned in the port 106 and thus contact other portions of the plug module 206 to bias or push the plug module 206 along direction D1.

[0077] In some embodiments, the socket 100 may further include a base plate 130. In some embodiments, the base plate 130 may be separate from or integral with the cage 103. The base plate 130 may contact the circuit board 300 or other substrate, and therefore may include a substantially flat or flat surface in various embodiments. The base plate 130 may include a plurality of fingers 133 that engage, guide, and retain the plug module 206 within the port 106. In some embodiments, the fingers 133 may be integrally formed with the base plate 130. Figure 10 As shown, the fingers 133 may be curved to bias or push the corresponding sidewalls 218 of the housing 212 of the plug module 206 to provide a firm and tight fit for the plug module 206.

[0078] Similarly, as in Figure 10 As shown, the base plate 130 may also include a plurality of pin holes 136. Pins 108 of the cage 103 may be positioned, for example, through the pin holes 136, such that the pins 108 are mechanically and / or electrically coupled to the circuit board 300. Like the finger 133, in some embodiments, the biasing member 109 may be integrally formed with the base plate 130 and may extend vertically about the plane of the base plate 130. As shown in Figure 6 As shown, the biasing member 109 may be curved to bias or push the housing 212 of the plug module 206 such that the short post length is a predetermined distance or within a predetermined distance range, as will be discussed. Thus, in some embodiments, the biasing member 109 is S-shaped, which, when formed of a suitable material such as stainless steel, biases or pushes the plug module 206 without providing excessively rigid contacts.

[0079] Therefore, in various embodiments, the biasing member 109 may be S-shaped. For example, the biasing member 109 may include: a first C-shaped segment extending in the insertion direction; and a second C-shaped segment coupled to and integral with the first C-shaped segment extending in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. However, it should be understood that other suitable shapes of the biasing member 109 may be employed without departing from various aspects of this disclosure.

[0080] Continue reading Figure 16 and Figure 17 To improve electrical performance, it may be desirable to move the position of the terminal contact 403 away from the through-hole 406, which is typically located at one end of the contact pad 227 of the paddle clip 215. Furthermore, the leading edge 415 of the contact pad is shown for reference. The biasing member 109 (or multiple biasing members) can be configured to push the terminal contact 403 toward or from the stump end 409 at a predetermined distance (or within a certain distance range). In studies, variations in the final stump length (stump length 412) can be reduced by more than 30%, and this ability to better predict the amount of stump length can improve system performance and result in less signal interference during data communication. In some embodiments, the stump length 412 is equal to the desired minimum amount of wiping of the terminal 121 on the contact pad 227.

[0081] As will be understood, while the described embodiments illustrate a bias member 109 configured to engage the front of the plug module housing, this configuration is not essential. Alternative configurations include positioning the bias member 109 on top of the housing 103, for example, near a point equal to the maximum depth of the flange to be inserted. Moreover, in alternative embodiments, the bias member 109 may be aligned with a slot provided in the plug module housing such that the bias member 109 is encountered only near the end of the travel.

[0082] Where possible, the features, structures, or characteristics described above can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments, and the features discussed in the embodiments are interchangeable. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the technical solutions of this disclosure can be implemented without one or more specific details, or other methods, components, materials, etc. may be employed. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring various aspects of this disclosure.

[0083] Although relative terms such as "upper," "lower," "above," and "below" are used in this specification to describe the relative relationship between one component and another, these terms are used only for convenience, for example, as a direction in the example shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that if the device is reversed, the aforementioned "upper" component will become the "lower" component. When one structure is "on" another structure, it is possible that the structure is integrally formed on the other structure, or that the structure is "directly" disposed on the other structure, or that the structure is "indirectly" disposed on the other structure through another structure.

[0084] In this specification, terms such as “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” are used to indicate the presence of one or more elements and components. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “containing,” and variations thereof are used to indicate an open-ended meaning and are intended to include additional elements, components, etc., in addition to those listed, unless otherwise stated in the appended claims.

[0085] The terms "first," "second," etc., are used merely as labels, not as restrictions on numerous objects. It should be understood that if multiple components are shown, these components may be referred to as "first" component, "second" component, etc., to the extent applicable.

[0086] The embodiments described above are merely examples of possible specific implementations set forth to clearly illustrate the principles of this disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above embodiments without substantially departing from the spirit and principles of this disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure and are protected by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connector assembly, comprising: A receptacle connector configured to be mounted to and electrically connected to a substrate, the receptacle connector including a cage defining a port, a connector positioned within the port, the connector including a slot aligned with the port, the cage including a first biasing member and a second biasing member located on opposite sides of a distal end of the cage and extending from a bottom wall of the cage positioned within the port, the connector including at least one terminal having a contact portion positioned in the slot; as well as A plug connector includes a pluggable transceiver module configured to be inserted into the port. The pluggable transceiver module includes a paddle clip having at least one contact pad configured to engage a contact portion of the at least one terminal. The first biasing member and the second biasing member are configured to contact the pluggable transceiver module and bias the pluggable transceiver module away from the connector, such that the short post length of the contact pad is within a predetermined range.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The socket connector also includes a base plate with multiple holes through which the pins of the cage are positioned to form an electrical connection with the base plate; Both the first biasing member and the second biasing member are integrally formed with the base plate; as well as Both the first biasing member and the second biasing member extend vertically from the base plate at least partially.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, Both the first biasing member and the second biasing member include: a first C-shaped segment extending in the insertion direction; and a second C-shaped segment integral with the first C-shaped segment extending in the opposite direction.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The socket connector also includes a plug module stop configured to limit reverse translation of the pluggable transceiver module relative to the socket connector.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The plug module stop includes a cage lock integrally formed with the cage, the cage lock being configured to engage the housing of the plug connector to limit the reverse translation of the pluggable transceiver module when the first biasing member and the second biasing member apply force to the pluggable transceiver.

6. A receptacle connector configured to be mounted to and electrically connected to a substrate, the receptacle connector comprising: A cage defining a port, the port including at least one biasing member positioned therein and at least one terminal having a contact portion. Wherein, the at least one biasing member is S-shaped and includes: a first C-shaped segment extending in the insertion direction; and a second C-shaped segment integral with the first C-shaped segment extending in the opposite direction; and The at least one biasing member is positioned at the end of the intended travel range of the plug module, and the at least one biasing member is configured to push the pluggable transceiver module of the plug connector to a predetermined position such that the short post of the contact pad of the plug connector has a predetermined length when engaged with the at least one terminal.

7. The socket connector according to claim 6, wherein, The port has a connector positioned therein, the connector including a slot aligned with the port; and The connector includes at least one terminal.

8. The socket connector according to claim 7, wherein, The at least one biasing member is a first biasing member and a second biasing member.

9. The socket connector according to claim 8, wherein, The first biasing member is positioned on a first side at the distal end of the port, and the second biasing member is positioned on a second side at the distal end of the port. as well as The first bias member and the second bias member are configured to contact the opposite side of the pluggable transceiver module.

10. The socket connector according to claim 6, wherein, The socket connector also includes a base plate with multiple holes through which multiple pins of the cage are positioned to form an electrical connection with the substrate; The at least one biasing member is integrally formed with the base plate; as well as The at least one biasing member extends vertically from the base plate.

11. The socket connector according to claim 6, wherein, The socket connector also includes a plug module stop configured to limit reverse translation of the pluggable transceiver module relative to the socket connector.

12. The socket connector according to claim 11, wherein, The plug module stop includes a cage lock integrally formed with the cage, the cage lock being configured to engage the housing of the plug connector to limit reverse translation of the pluggable transceiver module when the at least one biasing member applies force to the pluggable transceiver.

13. The socket connector according to claim 6, wherein, The receptacle connector also includes a protruding element that is substantially rigid, extending from the front of the pluggable transceiver module, and configured to contact an opposite portion of the connector housing.

14. The socket connector according to claim 13, wherein, The protruding element includes a stepped body, the stepped body including a first surface and a second surface located on different vertical planes, the first surface and the second surface being separated by an inclined extension; The first and second surfaces are substantially flat relative to and parallel to the top surface of the substrate, and the socket connector is disposed on the top surface; and The protruding element is integral with the housing of the pluggable transceiver module.

15. The socket connector according to claim 6, further comprising: The first sidewall protrusion is positioned on the first inner wall of the cage; as well as A second sidewall protrusion is positioned on the second inner wall of the cage opposite to the first inner wall. The first and second sidewall protrusions are configured to contact a portion of the pluggable transceiver module to limit further translation of the pluggable transceiver module in the port.

16. The socket connector according to claim 15, wherein, The first sidewall protrusion and the second sidewall protrusion are semi-circular stamped portions formed on the first inner wall and the second inner wall of the cage.

17. A connector assembly, comprising: A receptacle connector configured to be mounted to and electrically connected to a substrate, the receptacle connector comprising: a cage defining a port, the port including a first biasing member and a second biasing member positioned therein, the first biasing member and the second biasing member being integrally formed with a bottom wall of the cage; and a connector including at least one terminal having a contact portion, wherein both the first biasing member and the second biasing member are S-shaped and include: a first C-shaped segment extending in an insertion direction; and a second C-shaped segment integral with the first C-shaped segment extending in the opposite direction; and A plug connector includes a pluggable transceiver module configured to be inserted into the port. The pluggable transceiver module includes circuitry having at least one contact pad configured to engage a contact portion of the at least one terminal. The first biasing member and the second biasing member are positioned at the end of the intended travel range of the plug module and are configured to push the pluggable transceiver module to a predetermined position such that the short post length of the at least one contact pad has a predetermined length.

18. The connector assembly of claim 17, wherein, The first biasing member is positioned on a first side at the distal end of the port, and the second biasing member is positioned on a second side at the distal end of the port. as well as The first bias member and the second bias member are configured to contact the opposite side of the pluggable transceiver module.

19. The connector assembly of claim 17, further comprising: The first sidewall protrusion is positioned on the first inner wall of the cage; as well as A second sidewall protrusion is positioned on the second inner wall of the cage opposite to the first inner wall. The first and second sidewall protrusions are configured to contact a portion of the pluggable transceiver module to limit further translation of the pluggable transceiver module in the port.

20. The connector assembly of claim 19, wherein, The first sidewall protrusion and the second sidewall protrusion are semi-circular stamped portions formed on the first inner wall and the second inner wall of the cage.

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