High speed, high density connector

Abstract

Electrical connectors for high speed signals including 224 Gbps or above. The effectiveness of shielding along signal paths through mating connectors can be enhanced through the use of one or more techniques including the implementation of shielding around signal pairs from front to tail segments, and connections between external shields of mating connectors. These techniques can be simply and reliably implemented at high density connectors using one or more techniques. An electrical connector can include an external shield, ground conductors disposed between alternating signal pairs configured to balance mating forces, and selectively positioned lossy material connecting the ground conductors and the external shield. The external shield of a receptacle connector can include wave-shaped fins at tail and front segments. The external shield of a plug connector can include wave-shaped fins at tail segments and beams at front segments configured to contact wave-shaped fins at receptacle front segments.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 756,018, filed February 7, 2025, entitled “HIGHSPEED, HIGH DENSITY CONNECTOR,” pursuant to 35 USC §119(e), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This patent application generally relates to interconnection systems for interconnecting electronic components, such as those that include electrical connectors. Background Technology

[0003] Electronic systems are typically assembled from multiple sub-components. The construction and function of these sub-components vary depending on the function of the electronic system. For example, a system may have sub-components for processing data, storing data, or transmitting data over a network.

[0004] Sometimes, sub-assemblies are connected via electrical connectors. Connectors provide a separable interface, allowing sub-assemblies to be manufactured at different times or locations and still easily assembled into a system. A known arrangement for connecting multiple sub-assemblies is to use one sub-assembly as a backplane. The backplane provides connection between other sub-assemblies. The backplane may be located at the rear of the equipment rack, with the connectors facing inwards so that when other sub-assemblies are inserted into the rack, the connectors on those sub-assemblies can mate with the connectors on the backplane.

[0005] In some systems, the backplane is manufactured as a printed circuit board, onto which connectors are mounted. Conductive traces in the backplane are electrically connected to signal conductors in the connectors so that signals can be routed between the connectors.

[0006] In other systems, the backplane connectors can be held in brackets that provide mechanical support, where electrical connections are established by interconnecting cables. This configuration, sometimes referred to as a cable backplane, is used for high data rates or in large systems where relatively long signal paths through the backplane are required to interconnect sub-components. Compared to traces within a printed circuit board, cables provide signal paths with high signal integrity, especially for high-frequency signals, such as those exceeding 40 Gbps using NRZ or PAM4 protocols.

[0007] Regardless of how the backplane is formed, the connection between the backplane and the subassemblies to be connected via the backplane can be established using a two-piece connector. One connector can be located on the subassembly, such that a mating connector is located within the backplane. Typically, the subassembly is a flat printed circuit board or bracket extending perpendicular to the main dimensions of the backplane. To establish a connection in this configuration, the connector mounted on the subassembly can have a mounting surface and a mating surface. The connector can be mounted to the subassembly such that the mounting surface faces the subassembly. The mating surface for mating with the connector in the backplane can be perpendicular to the mounting surface. With this configuration, the conductive elements in the connector located on the subassembly can bend through the right angle to establish a connection between the subassembly and the backplane. In other system configurations, the mating surface for mating with the connector in the backplane can be parallel to the mounting surface. Connectors used for these applications are often referred to as "stacked connectors" or "mezzanine connectors."

[0008] Regardless of the specific application, electrical connector design has adapted to trends in the electronics industry. Electronic systems are generally becoming smaller, faster, and more complex. Due to these changes, the number of circuits in a given area of ​​an electronic system, as well as the frequency of circuit operation, has increased significantly in recent years. Current systems transfer more data between printed circuit boards and require electrical connectors that are electrically capable of processing much more data at speeds even higher than connectors from just a few years ago.

[0009] In high-speed, high-density connectors, electrical conductors can be so close to each other that electrical interference can occur between adjacent signal conductors. To reduce interference and additionally provide the required electrical performance, shielding is typically placed between or around adjacent signal conductors. Shielding prevents signals transmitted on one conductor from generating "crosstalk" on another. Shielding can also affect the impedance of each conductor, which further contributes to the desired electrical performance.

[0010] Other techniques can be used to control connector performance. For example, transmitting signals differentially can also reduce crosstalk. Differential signals are transmitted over a pair of conductive paths called a "differential pair." The voltage difference between the conductive paths represents the signal. Typically, differential pairs are designed to allow preferential coupling between the conductive paths in the pair. For example, the two conductive paths of a differential pair can be arranged to extend closer to each other than adjacent signal paths in the connector. Shielding is not required between the conductive paths in the pair, but shielding can be used between the differential pairs. Electrical connectors can be designed for both differential and single-ended signals.

[0011] In interconnect systems, connectors are attached to printed circuit boards (PCBs). Typically, PCBs are formed as multilayer assemblies made from stacks of dielectric sheets (sometimes called "prepreg"). Some or all of the dielectric sheets may have conductive films on one or both surfaces. Some of the conductive films can be patterned using photolithography or laser printing techniques to form conductive traces for establishing interconnections between PCBs, circuits, and / or circuit elements. Other conductive films may remain substantially intact and can be used as ground or power planes to provide a reference potential. The dielectric sheets can be formed into a monolithic board structure by heating and pressing the stacked dielectric sheets together.

[0012] To establish an electrical connection with a conductive trace or ground / power plane, holes can be drilled through the printed circuit board. These holes, or "vias," are filled or plated with metal so that the vias are electrically connected to one or more of the conductive traces or layers they pass through.

[0013] To attach a connector to a printed circuit board, the contact "tail" from the connector can be inserted into a via or attached to a conductive pad connected to the via on the surface of the printed circuit board. Summary of the Invention

[0014] This disclosure relates to various aspects of high-speed, high-density connectors.

[0015] Some embodiments relate to a sub-assembly for an electrical connector. The sub-assembly may include: a housing; a plurality of conductive elements held by the housing, each of the plurality of conductive elements including a front section extending from a first edge of the housing, a tail section extending from a second edge of the housing and configured for mounting to a circuit board, and an intermediate portion between the front and tail sections; and a first corrugated sheet and a second corrugated sheet disposed on opposite sides of the tail sections of the plurality of conductive elements, each of the first and second corrugated sheets including a plurality of valleys, a plurality of platforms, and a plurality of bridging portions, the plurality of valleys overlapping the tail sections of selected conductive elements of the plurality of conductive elements, the plurality of platforms each disposed between adjacent valleys, and the plurality of bridging portions each connecting adjacent platforms and valleys.

[0016] Optionally, the sub-assembly includes a first conductive sheet and a second conductive sheet, which are disposed on opposite sides of the housing and include tabs extending beyond a second edge of the housing, wherein: the tabs of the first conductive sheet at least partially overlap with corresponding platforms of a plurality of platforms of the first wave plate; and the tabs of the second conductive sheet at least partially overlap with corresponding platforms of a plurality of platforms of the second wave plate.

[0017] Optionally, the sub-assembly includes multiple lossy portions, each of which extends through the tail section of a corresponding selected conductive element and the valleys of the first and second wave sheets that overlap with the tail section of the corresponding selected conductive element.

[0018] Optionally, a selected conductive element among a plurality of conductive elements includes a slot extending along the middle portion of the selected conductive element, the end of the slot extending into the tail section of the selected conductive element; a lossy portion among a plurality of lossy portions extends into the slot of the corresponding selected conductive element; and the valleys of the first and second wave sheets overlapping the tail sections of the corresponding selected conductive elements include recesses for receiving the ends of the lossy portions.

[0019] Optionally, the housing includes a plurality of protrusions extending from the second edge into the space between the platform of the first and second wave plates and the tail sections of a plurality of conductive elements, each protrusion having a profile consistent with the platform and the bridging portion connecting the platform to the corresponding valley.

[0020] Alternatively, the profile can be an isosceles trapezoid.

[0021] Optionally, multiple valleys of the first and second wave sheets are welded to the tail section of selected conductive elements among multiple conductive elements.

[0022] Optionally, the tabs of the first conductive sheet are soldered to corresponding platforms among the multiple platforms of the first wave plate; and the tabs of the second conductive sheet are soldered to corresponding platforms among the multiple platforms of the second wave plate.

[0023] Some embodiments relate to an electrical connector configured for mounting to a circuit board when pressed along a mounting direction toward the circuit board. The electrical connector may include a plurality of conductive elements, each of which includes a front section, a rear section, and an intermediate portion between the front and rear sections, wherein: the rear section of each of the conductive elements includes a shaft and at least one beam extending from an edge of the shaft, the at least one beam being configured to press against the wall of a via in the circuit board when the electrical connector is mounted to the circuit board with the edge of the shaft facing the circuit board in the mounting direction, and the edge of the shaft has a profile including a first portion and a second portion, the at least one beam extending from the first portion, and the second portion of the edge extending further in the mounting direction than the first portion.

[0024] Optionally, the first portion of the profile of the shaft edge is bent in the opposite direction to the mounting direction.

[0025] Optionally, the electrical connector includes a wave plate disposed on one side of the tail section of a plurality of conductive elements. The wave plate includes a plurality of valleys, a plurality of platforms, and a plurality of bridging portions. The plurality of valleys overlap with the tail section of a selected conductive element among the plurality of conductive elements. The plurality of platforms are each disposed between adjacent valleys among the plurality of valleys. The plurality of bridging portions each connect adjacent platforms and valleys. The edge of the wave plate is spaced from the edge of the shaft portion of the tail section by a distance in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm.

[0026] Optionally, the electrical connector includes a conductive sheet with a plurality of tabs, each tab overlapping a corresponding platform among a plurality of platforms of the wave plate.

[0027] Some embodiments relate to a sub-assembly for an electrical connector. The sub-assembly may include: a housing; and a plurality of conductive elements held by the housing, each of the plurality of conductive elements including a front section, a rear section, and an intermediate section between the front and rear sections having mating contact surfaces. The plurality of conductive elements includes a first conductive element and a second conductive element, wherein: the mating contact surfaces of the first conductive element and the second conductive element face opposite directions, such that complementary conductive elements of the mating connector contact the first and second conductive elements from opposite sides; and the housing includes a plurality of extensions adjacent to the corresponding first and second conductive elements, wherein the extensions are located on the side of the corresponding first and second conductive elements opposite to the mating contact surfaces.

[0028] Optionally, the mating contact surfaces of the first conductive element are aligned in the first plane; and the mating contact surfaces of the second conductive element are aligned in a second plane parallel to the first plane.

[0029] Optionally, the first conductive elements are arranged in pairs; and the second conductive elements are arranged in pairs between adjacent pairs of the first conductive elements.

[0030] Optionally, the plurality of conductive elements are a plurality of first-type conductive elements; and the sub-assembly includes a plurality of second-type conductive elements disposed between adjacent pairs of first-type conductive elements and pairs of second-type conductive elements of the first type.

[0031] Optionally, a plurality of first-type conductive elements extend beyond a plurality of second-type conductive elements in the mating direction; and the sub-assembly includes a shielding member that contacts the plurality of second-type conductive elements and is configured to make contact with a complementary shielding member of the mating connector.

[0032] Optionally, the housing includes a body that at least partially surrounds the middle portion of a plurality of conductive elements; and the plurality of extensions include a plurality of first extensions and a plurality of second extensions, the plurality of first extensions extending from the edge of the body and configured to support the first conductive elements, and the plurality of second extensions extending from the edge of the body and configured to support the second conductive elements.

[0033] Optionally, a plurality of first extensions of the housing are disposed opposite to the mating contact surface of the first conductive element; and a plurality of second extensions of the housing are disposed opposite to the mating contact surface of the second conductive element.

[0034] Optionally, the first extension and the second extension of the housing are alternately arranged.

[0035] Some embodiments relate to a shielding member for a connector subassembly. The shielding member includes: a conductive sheet including a first edge; and a corrugated sheet including a plurality of platforms, a plurality of valleys, and a plurality of bridging portions, each of the plurality of bridging portions connecting adjacent platforms and valleys, wherein the edges of the plurality of platforms of the corrugated sheet abut the first edge of the conductive sheet.

[0036] Optionally, the wide side of the multiple platforms of the waveform sheet is flush with the wide side of the conductive sheet.

[0037] Optionally, the edges of multiple platforms of the wave sheet are welded to the first edge of the conductive sheet.

[0038] Optionally, the conductive sheet includes multiple sets of holes; and each set of holes in the conductive sheet is aligned with a corresponding valley in a plurality of valleys of the corrugated sheet, such that the set of holes extends along the length of the conductive element of the connector subassembly connected to the corresponding valley.

[0039] Optionally, the conductive sheet includes a second edge; the waveform sheet is a first waveform sheet; the shielding member includes a second waveform sheet, the second waveform sheet including a plurality of platforms, a plurality of valleys, and a plurality of bridging portions connecting adjacent platforms and valleys; and the second waveform sheet is configured to be adjacent to the second edge of the conductive sheet.

[0040] Optionally, the conductive sheet includes a curved portion; and the first edge and the second edge are disposed on opposite sides of the curved portion.

[0041] Optionally, the first edge and the second edge are orthogonal to each other.

[0042] Optionally, multiple valleys of the second waveform sheet are aligned with multiple valleys of the first waveform sheet.

[0043] Optionally, the conductive sheet includes multiple sets of holes; and each set of holes in the conductive sheet is aligned with a corresponding valley of the first wave plate and a corresponding valley of the second wave plate.

[0044] Some embodiments relate to a sub-assembly for an electrical connector. The sub-assembly may include: a pair of shielding members as described herein; a plurality of conductive elements disposed between the pair of shielding members, each conductive element including a front section connected to a corresponding valley of a first corrugated sheet of the pair of shielding members, a tail section connected to a corresponding valley of a second corrugated sheet of the pair of shielding members, and an intermediate section between the front and tail sections; and a dissipative material extending through the intermediate section of the plurality of conductive elements and through a plurality of sets of holes in the conductive sheets.

[0045] Some embodiments relate to a subassembly for an electrical connector. The subassembly may include: a plurality of conductive elements, each of the plurality of conductive elements including a front section, a rear section, and an intermediate portion between the front section and the rear section; the front section including a distal end, a proximal end connected to the intermediate portion, and a contact portion between the proximal end and the distal end; and a housing including: a body at least partially surrounding the intermediate portion of the plurality of conductive elements, and a plurality of extensions, each of the plurality of extensions extending beyond the distal ends of the plurality of conductive elements such that the distal ends of the plurality of conductive elements slide against corresponding extensions during mating.

[0046] Optionally, the multiple extensions of the housing may include one or more of abrasion-resistant materials, lubricating materials, and waxy materials.

[0047] Optionally, the housing includes an extension made of a material different from that of the body; and the extension includes a plurality of extensions.

[0048] Optionally, each of the plurality of extensions includes a protrusion configured to extend beyond the distal end of the corresponding conductive element and shaped to protect the distal end of the corresponding conductive element.

[0049] Optionally, the front end of each of the plurality of conductive elements is supported by a corresponding extension of the plurality of extensions of the housing at a first position near the proximal end of the front end of the conductive element and a second position near the distal end of the front end of the conductive element.

[0050] Optionally, the front segment extends downward from the proximal end toward the corresponding extension, bends upward to the apex, and then extends downward to the corresponding extension.

[0051] Optionally, for each of the plurality of conductive elements, the contact portion is located between the first position and the second position and bends away from the corresponding extension.

[0052] Optionally, the contact portion includes: a first sub-part extending from a first position; a second sub-part extending from a second position; and a transition sub-part located between the first sub-part and the second sub-part, such that the second sub-part is narrower and thinner than the first sub-part.

[0053] Optionally, the first sub-part includes a slot for reducing the stiffness of the contact portion.

[0054] Optionally, the plurality of conductive elements are a plurality of first-type conductive elements; and the sub-assembly includes a plurality of second-type conductive elements extending beyond the distal ends of the plurality of first-type conductive elements.

[0055] Some embodiments relate to a subassembly for an electrical connector. The subassembly may include: a plurality of conductive elements, each of the plurality of conductive elements including a front section, a rear section, and an intermediate portion between the front section and the rear section, the plurality of conductive elements including a plurality of first-type conductive elements and a plurality of second-type conductive elements, each second-type conductive element including a slot extending along the intermediate portion of the second-type conductive element; and a consumable material located in the extended slots of the plurality of second-type conductive elements.

[0056] Optionally, for each type of conductive element, the slot extends for 60% to 100% of the length of the middle portion of the type of conductive element.

[0057] Optionally, the second type of conductive element is wider than the first type of conductive element.

[0058] Optionally, the sub-assembly includes: a housing holding the middle portion of a plurality of conductive elements; and a shielding member disposed on one side of the housing, wherein a dissipative material extends into the shielding member.

[0059] Optionally, the consumable material extends through the shielding member at multiple locations and includes a button on the outside of the shielding member to secure the shielding member to the housing.

[0060] Optionally, the shielding member contacts the second type of conductive element at the front and / or rear ends.

[0061] Optionally, one or more first-type conductive elements are disposed between adjacent second-type conductive elements; and the shielding member includes an enclosure around the front and / or rear sections of one or more first-type conductive elements.

[0062] Optionally, the sub-assembly includes a housing, the housing including housing portions and gaps between the housing portions, wherein consumable material is located in the gaps.

[0063] Optionally, each housing portion at least partially surrounds the middle portion of one or more first-type conductive elements; and adjacent housing portions together with the corresponding lossy material at least partially surround the middle portion of the corresponding second-type conductive element.

[0064] Some embodiments relate to a subassembly for an electrical connector. The subassembly may include: a housing; a plurality of conductive elements held by the housing, each of the plurality of conductive elements including a front section extending from a first edge of the housing, a tail section extending from a second edge of the housing, and an intermediate portion between the front and tail sections; and a wave plate disposed on the front sections of the plurality of conductive elements, the wave plate including a plurality of valleys, a plurality of platforms, and a plurality of bridging portions, the plurality of valleys being connected to the front sections of selected conductive elements of the plurality of conductive elements, the plurality of platforms being disposed between adjacent valleys of the plurality of valleys, and the plurality of bridging portions connecting adjacent platforms and valleys, wherein the plurality of platforms extend beyond the plurality of valleys in a mating direction.

[0065] Optionally, the front end of the selected conductive element extends beyond the corresponding valley of the plurality of valleys in the mating direction.

[0066] Optionally, the wave sheet has a forward edge facing the mating direction; and the forward edge is chamfered in multiple valleys.

[0067] Optionally, multiple platforms are flush with the front end of the selected conductive element in a plane perpendicular to the mating direction.

[0068] Optionally, the housing includes a plurality of extensions that extend from the first edge and extend beyond a plurality of platforms in the mating direction of the wave plate, such that the plurality of extensions provide hard stops for the mating connector.

[0069] Some embodiments relate to a shielding member for a connector subassembly. The shielding member may include: a first conductive sheet extending in a first plane; a plurality of first beams extending from the first conductive sheet, wherein: each first beam bends away from the first plane to a second plane, and subsequently bends away from the second plane to a third plane disposed between the first and second planes; and each first beam includes a first contact portion located on the second plane and configured to contact a ground conductor of the connector subassembly, and a second contact portion located on the third plane and configured to contact the shielding member of a mating connector.

[0070] Optionally, the shielding member includes: a second conductive sheet extending in a fourth plane spaced apart from the third plane by the first plane; and a plurality of second beams extending from the second conductive sheet and configured for contacting the mating connector.

[0071] Optionally, the first conductive sheet and the second conductive sheet are integrally formed.

[0072] Optionally, the shielding member includes a wave plate coupled to a second conductive plate via a first conductive plate. The wave plate includes a platform connected to the first conductive plate, a valley disposed between adjacent platforms, and a bridging portion connecting adjacent platforms and valleys.

[0073] Optionally, the first conductive sheet includes a plurality of tabs; and the platform of the corrugated sheet is welded to the corresponding tab of the first conductive sheet.

[0074] Some embodiments relate to a sub-assembly for an electrical connector. The sub-assembly includes: a plurality of conductive elements, each of the plurality of conductive elements including a front section, a rear section, and an intermediate portion between the front section and the rear section; the plurality of conductive elements including a plurality of signal conductors and a plurality of ground conductors; the plurality of ground conductors being wider than the plurality of signal conductors and configured for indirect coupling to a mating connector.

[0075] Optionally, the sub-assembly includes a shielding member disposed on one side of a plurality of conductive elements, the shielding member including a plurality of first contacts that contact a corresponding ground conductor, and a plurality of second contacts configured to contact the ground conductor and / or the shielding member of the mating connector.

[0076] Optionally, the shielding member includes a plurality of beams; and each beam includes a first contact portion located at a proximal end of a plurality of first contact portions, a second contact portion located near a distal end of a plurality of second contact portions, and a bend portion connecting the first contact portion and the second contact portion, such that the second contact portion is configured to contact the shielding member of the mating connector.

[0077] Optionally, the shielding member includes a corrugated sheet, which includes valleys and platforms, each valley corresponding to a corresponding ground conductor, and each platform being disposed between adjacent valleys and corresponding to one or more signal conductors disposed between adjacent ground conductors; and each valley includes a first contact of a plurality of first contacts and a second contact of a plurality of second contacts configured to contact the ground conductor of the mating connector.

[0078] Some embodiments relate to a shielding member for a cable attachment area of ​​a cable assembly. The shielding member may include: a cover portion including: a first end configured to abut a rear end of a lead assembly of the cable assembly; a second end configured to allow a cable to extend therefrom; and a plurality of chambers, each of the plurality of chambers extending from the first end to the second end, each of the plurality of chambers having a first profile at the first end and a second profile at the second end, the second profile conforming to the outer profile of the cable shielding member for contact with the cable shielding member, the first profile being different from the second profile.

[0079] Optionally, each of the plurality of chambers in the cover portion includes a first groove of a tab formed and positioned for receiving a shielding member of a lead assembly of a cable assembly.

[0080] Optionally, the cover portion includes a plurality of partitions between adjacent chambers, each partition including a second groove formed and positioned for receiving a contact portion of a shielding member of the lead assembly, the contact portion being attached to a corresponding grounding conductor of the lead assembly.

[0081] Optionally, the end of the lossy portion of the lead assembly extends into the corresponding second groove.

[0082] Optionally, multiple chambers are located on the inner side of the shielding member; the shielding member includes a recess on the outer side and a compliant portion disposed in the recess; the cover portion includes multiple openings extending through the outer side to the inner side; and the compliant portion includes multiple compliant beams extending through corresponding openings of the multiple openings to corresponding chambers of the multiple chambers to contact the cable shield disposed inside the corresponding chamber.

[0083] Some embodiments relate to a sub-assembly for an electrical connector. The sub-assembly may include: a plurality of signal conductive elements, each of the plurality of signal conductive elements including a front section, a rear section, and an intermediate portion between the front and rear sections, wherein the front sections of the plurality of signal conductive elements are arranged in a row and include contact surfaces, a first subset of the signal conductive elements having contact surfaces facing a first direction, and a second subset of the signal conductive elements having contact surfaces facing a second direction opposite to the first direction; a plurality of ground conductive elements, each of the plurality of ground conductive elements including a front section, a rear section, and an intermediate portion between the front and rear sections, wherein the front sections of the plurality of ground conductive elements are arranged in a row; and a wave plate including alternating platforms and valleys, such that the platforms define regions between the valleys, wherein the valleys are attached to corresponding front sections of the plurality of ground conductive elements, and the front sections of the signal conductive elements are disposed within corresponding regions defined by the platforms.

[0084] Optionally, the front ends of the multiple grounding conductive elements are flat.

[0085] Optionally, the front end of the multiple signal conductive elements includes a compliant beam.

[0086] Optionally, the corrugated sheet includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; the second surface of the corrugated sheet faces the distal end of a plurality of grounded conductive elements; and the corrugated sheet includes a mating contact surface located within the valley on the first surface.

[0087] Optionally, the wave sheet includes a mating contact surface on the platform and located on the first surface.

[0088] Optionally, the sub-assemblies described herein are combined with the sub-assemblies of the mating connector, wherein the mating contact surface of the wave plate includes a plated area.

[0089] Some embodiments relate to a subassembly for an electrical connector. The subassembly may include: a housing including an outer surface; a plurality of conductive elements held by the housing, each of the plurality of conductive elements including a tail section, a front section extending from the housing, and an intermediate portion between the front and tail sections, wherein the plurality of conductive elements includes a plurality of first-type conductive elements and a plurality of second-type conductive elements; and a conductive sheet held against the outer surface of the housing, the conductive sheet including a plurality of beams formed therein, wherein each of the plurality of beams includes a proximal end, a distal end, a first contact portion attached to the front section of a corresponding second-type conductive element, and a second contact portion including a mating contact surface.

[0090] Optionally, multiple conductive elements are held in a first plane, and the outer surface of the housing is located in a second plane parallel to the first plane.

[0091] Alternatively, each of the plurality of beams may be bent along a direction from the second plane toward the first plane.

[0092] Optionally, the multiple beams include multiple first-type beams and multiple second-type beams.

[0093] Optionally, the first type of beam is wider than the second type of beam.

[0094] Optionally, the first type of beam is longer than the second type of beam.

[0095] Optionally, the front section of each of the first type of conductive elements includes a blade having a mating contact surface thereon.

[0096] Optionally, the front end of the first type of conductive element extends from the housing a longer distance than the front end of the second type of conductive element.

[0097] Optionally, the conductive sheet has a distal edge; a first type beam extends from the conductive sheet at a first distance from the distal edge; the first type beam extends toward the distal edge; a second type beam extends from the conductive sheet at a second distance from the distal edge; and the first distance is greater than the second distance.

[0098] Optionally, the conductive sheet includes a bent portion, such that the conductive sheet includes a first sheet and a second sheet; and a first type beam extends from the first sheet, and a second type beam extends from the second sheet.

[0099] Optionally, the first type of conductive element is a signal conductor, and the second type of conductive element is a ground conductor.

[0100] These techniques can be used alone or in any suitable combination. The above description of the invention is provided for illustrative purposes and is not intended to be limiting. Attached Figure Description

[0101] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component shown in the various views is represented by the same numbers. For clarity, not every component is labeled in every drawing. In the drawings: Figure 1A This is a perspective view of an electrical interconnection system according to some embodiments, showing the lead assembly of a socket connector and the lead assembly of a plug connector.

[0102] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A top view of an electrical interconnection system, showing a circuit board on which connectors can be mounted.

[0103] Figure 2A According to some embodiments Figure 1A Top front perspective view of the lead wire assembly of the socket connector of the electrical interconnection system.

[0104] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A Side view of the lead wire assembly.

[0105] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A The lead assembly in Figure 2A The front view of the area in the box marked "2C".

[0106] Figure 2D yes Figure 2C The rear view of the area.

[0107] Figure 3A yes Figure 2A A top view of the conductive elements of the lead assembly.

[0108] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A The conductive element in Figure 3A An enlarged perspective view of the area within the box marked "3B", which shows Figure 2A The housing of the lead assembly.

[0109] Figure 3C yes Figure 3B A top view of the area, in which the extension of the housing is hidden and the blades of the mating connector are shown.

[0110] Figure 3D yes Figure 3A The conductive element in Figure 3A A magnified view of the area within the box labeled "3D".

[0111] Figure 4A yes Figure 2A Top front perspective view of the housing of the lead assembly.

[0112] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A Top rear perspective view of the casing.

[0113] Figure 4C yes Figure 4A Exploded perspective view of the shell.

[0114] Figure 5 yes Figure 2A Top rear perspective view of the consumable material of the lead assembly.

[0115] Figure 6A yes Figure 2A Top front perspective view of the shielding member of the lead assembly.

[0116] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A Top rear perspective view of the shielding component.

[0117] Figure 7 yes Figure 2A The lead assembly along Figure 2A A perspective view of the cross-section of the line marked "7-7", in which, Figure 4A The shell is hidden.

[0118] Figure 8 yes Figure 2A The lead assembly along Figure 7 A perspective view of the cross-section of the line marked "8-8", in which, Figure 4A The shell is hidden.

[0119] Figure 9A yes Figure 2A The lead assembly in Figure 8 An enlarged perspective view of the area marked "9A" in the box, where the eyelet at the tail end of the conductive element is hidden.

[0120] Figure 9B yes Figure 9A Another perspective view of the area of ​​the lead assembly, in which, Figure 6A The waveform of the shielding component is shown in dashed lines, and Figure 6A The conductive sheet of the shielding component is hidden.

[0121] Figure 10A yes Figure 2A The lead assembly along Figure 7 A perspective view of the cross-section of the line marked "8-8", in which, Figure 5 consumable materials and Figure 6A The shielding components are hidden.

[0122] Figure 10B yes Figure 10A The lead assembly in Figure 10AA magnified view of the area marked "10B" in the box.

[0123] Figure 10C yes Figure 10B A side view of the area.

[0124] Figure 11 yes Figure 2A The lead assembly in Figure 2A A perspective view of the area marked "11" in the box.

[0125] Figure 12A According to some embodiments Figure 1A A perspective view of the lead assembly of the plug connector in the electrical interconnection system.

[0126] Figure 12B yes Figure 12A Side view of the lead wire assembly.

[0127] Figure 12C yes Figure 12A The lead assembly in Figure 12A A magnified perspective view of the area within the box marked "12C".

[0128] Figure 12D yes Figure 12A The front view of the lead assembly, in which the shielding component is hidden.

[0129] Figure 13 yes Figure 12A A top view of the conductive elements of the lead assembly.

[0130] Figure 14 yes Figure 12A Top front perspective view of the housing of the lead assembly.

[0131] Figure 15 yes Figure 12A Top rear perspective view of the consumable material of the lead assembly.

[0132] Figure 16A yes Figure 12A A bottom front perspective view of the shielding member of the lead assembly.

[0133] Figure 16B yes Figure 16A Side view of the shielding component.

[0134] Figure 16C yes Figure 16A A top view of the shielding component, shown in dashed lines. Figure 13 Conductive elements.

[0135] Figure 17A yes Figure 12A The lead assembly along Figure 12A An enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of the line marked "17A-17A" shows the mating connector portion.

[0136] Figure 17B According to optional embodiments, in such Figure 17A A perspective view of the mating area between the lead assemblies of the mating connector shown.

[0137] Figure 18 yes Figure 12A The lead assembly along Figure 12A An enlarged cross-sectional view of the area marked "18-18" shows the part of the mating connector.

[0138] Figure 19A This is a top perspective view of a cable assembly according to some embodiments.

[0139] Figure 19B yes Figure 19A A partially exploded view of the cable assembly, in which the front portion of the lead assembly is cut away to magnify the cable attachment area of ​​the cable assembly.

[0140] Figure 20A yes Figure 19A A top rear perspective view of the lead assembly of the cable assembly, in which multiple sections are hidden to show the conductive elements and shielding components.

[0141] Figure 20B yes Figure 20A Side view of the lead wire assembly.

[0142] Figure 21A It is a shielding component used for Figure 19A A top-front perspective view of the cover portion of the cable attachment area of ​​the cable assembly.

[0143] Figure 21B yes Figure 21A A bottom-view front perspective view of the cover section.

[0144] Figure 21C yes Figure 21A Front view of the cover section.

[0145] Figure 21D yes Figure 21A Rear view of the cover section.

[0146] Figure 22 It is a shielding component used for Figure 19A A bottom perspective view of the compliant portion of the cable attachment area of ​​the cable assembly.

[0147] Figure 23 yes Figure 19A The cable assembly along Figure 19AA perspective view of the cross-section of the line marked "23".

[0148] Figure 24 yes Figure 19A The cable assembly along Figure 20A A partial cross-sectional perspective view of the line marked "24".

[0149] Figure 25 yes Figure 19A The cable assembly along Figure 20A A partial cross-sectional perspective view of the line marked "25". Detailed Implementation

[0150] The inventors have recognized and are aware of techniques for improving the performance of high-density interconnect systems, particularly those carrying high-frequency signals required to support high data rates. These techniques can provide electrical connectors that are economically manufactured using conventional molding processes for connector housings and stamping processes for shielding, while remaining mechanically robust, and providing the required performance at high frequencies to support high data rates including 224 Gbps and above, thereby enabling closely spaced signal conductors (e.g., 3.00 mm in-columnpair pitch and 0.8 mm between-column pair stagger) for high-density interconnects.

[0151] The inventors have recognized and are aware of a technique that combines conductive shielding and dissipative materials to form an enclosure structure around a signal pair from front to back, enabling operation at high frequencies to support high data rates, such as 224 Gbps or higher. In some embodiments, a sub-assembly for an electrical connector may include signal conductor pairs having front sections arranged in a row, and external shielding disposed on opposite sides of the signal conductors. To effectively isolate adjacent signal pairs, dissipative material may be selectively molded between housing portions that hold the signal pairs. For example, a ground conductor may be disposed between the signal pairs, and dissipative material may be molded onto the ground conductor. The dissipative material may include a lossy button that both mechanically holds the external shielding to the housing and electrically couples the external shielding to the housing. The lossy button may be formed by a heat staking process. This configuration provides an enclosure structure for the signal pairs, wherein two sides of the enclosure structure for each pair are formed of dissipative material, and two sides are formed of the external shielding. The external shield may include a corrugated sheet extending the enclosure structure into the tail and / or front of the signal conductor. Lossy material may extend into the corrugated sheet at least at the front. The inventors have found that although the lossy extension crosses a very small distance (e.g., 0.2 mm or less) into the front, it provides a desirable increase in signal integrity, particularly for high-frequency signals. The enclosure structure can be formed using relatively economical manufacturing processes, such as molding, assembly, stamping, and hot piling.

[0152] The inventors have recognized and are aware of techniques for enhancing the mechanical strength of high-density interconnects while reducing resonance and increasing signal integrity through the interconnects. In some embodiments, subassemblies for electrical connectors may include alternating pairs of signal conductors, wherein adjacent pairs have mating contact surfaces facing opposite sides of the subassembly. This configuration can produce a more balanced mating force compared to conventional designs where all mating contact surfaces face the same side. The front ends of the signal pairs may be supported by a housing extension. For plug connectors with blades, the housing extension may support the back side of the blades to the extent within the distal end of the blades. For receptacle connectors with compliant beams, the housing extension may extend beyond the distal end of the compliant beams to provide support at both ends of each beam. The inventors have found that doubly supported beams can reduce the length of electrical studs on both the receptacle and plug sides while maintaining the necessary range of elasticity. Since the beams can slide against the housing extension during mating, the housing extension may include a material that makes it more abrasion-resistant than the body of the housing.

[0153] The inventors have further recognized and realized techniques capable of achieving connections between the external shields of mating connectors to reduce resonance and increase signal integrity through the connectors. In some embodiments, the connection between the external shields of the mating connectors can replace a direct connection between the ground conductors of the mating connectors. For example, a first connector in the mating connectors may have a corrugated plate at its front end; and a second connector in the mating connectors may have a beam configured to make contact with the corrugated plate. The beam may include a first beam configured to make contact with the valley of the corrugated plate and a second beam configured to make contact with the platform of the corrugated plate. Each first beam may have a first contact portion attached to the ground conductor of the second connector and a second contact portion configured to make contact with the valley of the ground conductor of the corrugated plate attached to the first connector. The beams can be simply stamped from the external shields, thereby achieving economical manufacturing.

[0154] This configuration allows for sequential mating. During connector mating, the second beam of the outer shield of the second connector can first establish contact with the platform of the corrugated plate of the first connector, which reduces the risk of damage caused by electrostatic discharge (ESD). Next, the signal conductors in the first and second conductors can mat with each other. Finally, the first beam of the outer shield of the second connector can establish contact with the valley of the corrugated plate of the first connector. This sequential mating process reduces mating forces and thus reduces the risk of ESD-induced damage.

[0155] The inventors also recognize and are aware of techniques for reducing resonance and increasing signal integrity of connectors through terminated cables. These techniques may include connecting the shield of a connector subassembly to the shield of a cable terminated to the connector subassembly. A connection can be established at the cable attachment area via the shielding member. The shielding member may include chambers, each chamber serving as a cable attachment area for a signal pair. Each chamber may have a first profile at a first end adjacent to the rear end of the lead assembly and a second profile at a second end configured for cable extension therefrom. The first profile may mimic the profile provided by a wave plate to reduce inter-pair crosstalk and match impedance control of connectors using wave plates. The second profile may conform to the outer profile of the cable shielding to contact the cable shielding.

[0156] These technologies can be used individually, or any two or more of these technologies can be used together to provide the desired electrical characteristics of an interconnect system from a circuit board and / or cable through a connector to another connector, which can be similarly configured to have the desired electrical performance at high frequencies.

[0157] Figure 1A and Figure 1BAn exemplary embodiment of this connector is shown. Figure 1A and Figure 1B An electrical interconnection system 100 for use in electronic systems is shown. The electrical interconnection system 100 may include two mating connectors, which are shown herein as a socket connector 102 and a plug connector 112. Figure 1A The lead assembly 200 of the receptacle connector 102 and the lead assembly 1200 of the plug connector 112 are depicted. It should be understood that each of the receptacle connector 102 and the plug connector 112 may include a support, such as a connector housing configured to receive the corresponding lead assembly. For simplicity of illustration, lead assemblies are not shown in the diagram. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The supporting components are depicted in the middle.

[0158] Figure 1B A receptacle connector 102 is shown that can be mounted to a circuit board 104, and a plug connector 112 is shown that can be mounted to a circuit board 114. It should be understood that although the connectors 102 and 112 shown are configured to cause circuit boards 104 and 114 to extend in parallel planes, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to this. For example, the connectors may be configured to cause the circuit boards to extend orthogonally or coplanarly. As another example, one or both connectors may be configured for cable attachment.

[0159] Figures 2A to 2B A lead assembly 200 of a socket connector 102 of an electrical interconnection system 100 according to some embodiments is shown. Figure 2C Is Figure 2A Front view of the area of ​​the lead assembly 200 in the box marked "2C". Figure 2D This is a rear view of region 2C. The lead assembly 200 may include conductive elements 300 having a front section configured as a first column 202 and a rear section configured as a second column 204. In the example shown, the second column 204 is parallel to the first column 202. In other examples, such as when the socket connector 102 is configured as a right-angle connector, the second column 204 may be orthogonal to the first column 202. The lead assembly 200 may include a housing 400 that at least partially holds the conductive elements, shielding members 600 disposed on opposite sides of the conductive elements, and a dissipative material 500 configured to secure the shielding members 600 in a desired location. In some embodiments, the shielding members 600 may be symmetrical about the conductive elements 300.

[0160] Figure 3AThis is a top view of the conductive element 300 of the lead assembly 200. The conductive element 300 may include a signal conductor 302 and a ground conductor 304 disposed between adjacent signal conductors 302. Each conductive element may include a front section 306, a rear section 310, and an intermediate portion 308 located between the front section 306 and the rear section 310.

[0161] As shown, the ground conductor 304 may extend beyond the signal conductor 302 in the mating direction. The ground conductor 304 may be wider than the signal conductor 302 in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction. Each ground conductor 304 may include a slot 312 extending along a middle portion 308 of the ground conductor 304. In some embodiments, the slot may extend for 60% to 100% of the length of the middle portion 308 of the ground conductor 304.

[0162] Signal conductors 302 can be arranged in pairs between adjacent grounding conductors 304. Figure 3B yes Figure 3A The conductive element in Figure 3A An enlarged view of the area marked "3B" shows an extension 410 of the housing 400 of the lead assembly 200. As shown, the front segment 306 of each signal conductor 302 may include a proximal end 314, a distal end 316 connected to the intermediate portion 308, and a contact portion 318 located between the proximal end 314 and the distal end 316. When engaging mating conductors, the front segment 306 of each signal conductor 302 may be supported by the extension 410 of the housing 400 at a first position 320 adjacent to the proximal end 314 and a second position 322 adjacent to the distal end 316. The inventors have found that the doubly supported contact portion 318 can reduce the length of the electrical stub on both the socket side and the plug side while maintaining the necessary range of flexibility. Since the contact portion 318 can slide against the housing extension during mating, the housing extension 410 may include a material that makes it more abrasion-resistant than the body of the housing. For example, the housing extension 410 may include one or more of abrasion-resistant materials, lubricating materials, and waxy materials.

[0163] In some embodiments, the contact portion 318 may include a first sub-portion 324 extending from a first position 320, a second sub-portion 326 extending from a second position 322, and a transition sub-portion 328 located between the first sub-portion 324 and the second sub-portion 326, such that the second sub-portion 326 is narrower and thinner than the first sub-portion 324. For example, the first sub-portion 324 may have a thickness of 1.2 mm. t1 Furthermore, the second sub-part 326 can have a thickness of 0.8 mm. t2The first sub-part 324 may include a notch 330 to reduce the stiffness of the contact portion 318. The second sub-part 326 may include a mating contact surface 206 configured to make contact with a conductive element of a mating connector.

[0164] In some embodiments, signal conductors may be arranged in alternating pairs, wherein adjacent first pairs 212 and second pairs 214 have mating contact surfaces facing opposite sides of the lead assembly 200. For example, as Figure 2C As shown, the mating contact surfaces 206 of the first pair 212 can be aligned in the first plane 208; and the mating contact surfaces 206 of the second pair 214 can be aligned in the second plane 210 parallel to the first plane 208. The inventors have recognized and realized that, compared with a conventional design in which all mating contact surfaces face the same side, this configuration can produce a more balanced mating force, thereby enabling these pairs to be positioned close to each other to achieve the desired high density.

[0165] Figure 3C This is a top view of region 3B, in which the extension 410 of housing 400 is hidden and the blade 1360 of the mating connector is shown. Figure 3C The arrangement of the front section 306 of the signal conductor 302 demonstrates that effective impedance control can be achieved. At the proximal end 314, the impedance can be controlled by the gap between the first sub-sections 324 of the front sections 306 of the paired signal conductors 302. g1 Control. At the distal end 316, the second sub-section 326 is embossed to be thinner in the material thickness direction and narrower side-to-side, so that the impedance is more affected by the gap between the plug front section (shown as a blade) 1306. g2 The impact of partial or incomplete mating. Although the impedance of the mating area typically increases significantly when the connector is partially unmolded or not fully mated, the configuration described in this article can mitigate the impedance disruption caused by partial or incomplete mating.

[0166] Figure 3D yes Figure 3A The conductive element in Figure 3AAn enlarged view of the area marked "3D" in the box. As shown, the tail section 310 of each conductive element 300 may include a shaft 334 extending from the middle portion 308 and a beam 332 extending from the edge of the shaft 334 and configured to press against the wall of a via located in a circuit board (e.g., circuit boards 104, 114). The edge of the shaft 334 may face the circuit board in the mounting direction. The edge of the shaft 334 may include a profile having a first portion 338 and a second portion 336. The proximal end 340 of the beam 332 may extend from the first portion 338 of the profile and thus lie above the second portion 336 of the profile. The first portion 338 of the profile may be bent in a direction opposite to the mounting direction. The second portion 338 of the profile may enable a reduction in the distance between the contact point with the via wall (e.g., barrel portion 342) and the surface of the circuit board. D This also allows beam 332 to have the length to provide the necessary force against the bore wall. With distance D The contact points can be located near the top of the circuit board, allowing one or more layers to be added inside the board for routing high-speed signals.

[0167] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The housing 400 of the lead assembly 200 is shown. Figure 4C This is an exploded perspective view of the housing 400. As shown, the housing 400 may include a first edge 412 and a second edge 414. A front segment 306 of the conductive element 300 may extend from the first edge 412, and a tail segment 310 of the conductive element 300 may extend from the second edge 414. The second edge 414 may include a protrusion 418, which is positioned and shaped to support a corrugated sheet of the shielding member 600.

[0168] The housing 400 may include a body 402 that at least partially surrounds the intermediate portion 308 of the conductive element 300. The body 402 may include housing portions 406 with gaps 408 between the housing portions 406. Each housing portion 406 may at least partially surround the intermediate portion 308 of one or more signal conductors 302 (e.g., signal pairs).

[0169] The body 402 of the housing 400 may be made of an insulating material, which may be a dielectric material such as plastic or nylon. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high-temperature nylon or polyphenylene oxide (PPO) or polypropylene (PP). Other suitable materials may be used, as aspects of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0170] The housing 400 may include a top extension 404A and a bottom extension 404B disposed on opposite sides of the body 402. For example, the front portion 420 of the body 402 may be thinned such that the extensions 404A and 404B are partially disposed in the space formed by the thinned portion and flush with the unthinned portion of the body 402. See also Figure 2C The top extension 404A may include a first extension 410A extending from the first edge 412 of the body 402 and configured to support the first pair 212. The bottom extension 404B may include a second extension 410B extending from the first edge 412 of the body 402 and configured to support the second pair 214. Extensions 410A and 410B may include a protrusion 416, which is provided to extend beyond the distal end 316 of the signal conductor 302 and is shaped to protect the distal end 316 of the signal conductor 302.

[0171] Because the contact portion 318 of the signal conductor 302 can slide against the first extension 410A and the second extension 410B of the extension portions 404A and 404B during engagement, the extension portions 404A and 404B can include a material different from the material of the body 402 of the housing 400. For example, the extension portions 404A and 404B can include a material that makes them more wear-resistant than the body 402 of the housing 400. For example, the extension portions 404A and 404B can include one or more of wear-resistant materials, lubricating materials, and waxy materials.

[0172] Consumable material 500 can be placed in the gap 408 to connect housing portion 406. Figure 5This is a top rear perspective view of the lossy material 500 of the lead assembly 200. The lossy material 500 may include lossy portions 502. Each lossy portion 502 may include a first sub-portion 506 extending in a slot 312 of a corresponding ground conductor 304, and a second sub-portion 508A and a third sub-portion 508B extending between the corresponding ground conductor 304 and a corresponding one of the top shield member 600 and the bottom shield member 600. The second sub-portion 508A and the third sub-portion 508B may include a lossy button portion 512, which may be formed after the shield member 600 is assembled by a heat staking process of extending the lossy material 500 through the hole 626 of the shield member 600 by heating and / or compressing. The second sub-parts 508A and 508B may include a front portion 516, which may be thinned like the front portion 420 of the housing portion 406, such that the extension portions 404A and 404B are partially disposed in the space formed by the thinned portions and flush with the unthinned portions of the second sub-parts 508A and 508B. The second sub-parts 508A and 508B may include a rear end 510, which may be narrower than the remainder of the sub-parts and extend beyond the second edge 414 of the housing 400. The dissipative portion 502 may include a post 504 extending through the extension portions 404A and 404B and the shielding member 600.

[0173] It should be understood that although the dissipative portion 502 is shown as separate from the housing 400, the dissipative portion 502 may be integral with the housing 400 and referred to as part of the lead assembly 200. For example, a method of manufacturing the lead assembly 200 may include providing a lead frame including conductive elements 300, molding housing portions 406 on signal conductors 302, molding the dissipative portion 502 on ground conductors 304 and filling gaps 408 between housing portions 406, and molding extension portions 404A and 404B. Extension portions 404A and 404B may be molded in a single injection after the dissipative portion 502 is overmolded, such that some areas of the dissipative material (e.g., dissipative posts 504 that may be disposed in the front portion 420 of the body 402) are covered by the insulating material of extension portions 404A and 404B, and the insulating material of extension portions 404A and 404B provides isolation at selected areas.

[0174] Any suitable dissipative material can be used for Dissipative Material 500 and other "dissipative" structures. Such a material can be considered dissipative: it dissipates a sufficient portion of the electromagnetic energy that interacts with it and significantly affects connector performance. The significant effect is due to attenuation within the frequency range that is critical to the connector. In some configurations, the dissipative material can suppress resonance within the connector's grounding structure, and the critical frequency range may include the inherent frequencies of the resonant structure in the absence of the dissipative material. In other configurations, the critical frequency range may be the entire or a portion of the connector's operating frequency range.

[0175] To test whether a material is lossy, it can be tested within a frequency range that is less than or different from the frequency range that is relevant to connectors using the material. For example, the test frequency range could be from 10 GHz to 25 GHz or from 1 GHz to 5 GHz. Alternatively, lossy materials can be identified from measurements taken at a single frequency such as 10 GHz or 15 GHz.

[0176] Losses can be caused by the interaction between the electric field component of electromagnetic energy and the material; in this case, the material can be called electrically destructive. Alternatively or additionally, losses can be caused by the interaction between the magnetic field component of electromagnetic energy and the material; in this case, the material can be called magnetically destructive.

[0177] Electrically dissipative materials can be formed from dissipative dielectric materials and / or poorly conductive materials. They can also be formed from materials traditionally considered dielectric materials, such as those with an electric loss tangent greater than approximately 0.01, greater than 0.05, or between 0.01 and 0.2 in the relevant frequency range. The "electric loss tangent" is the ratio of the imaginary part to the real part of the material's complex permittivity.

[0178] Dissipative materials can also be formed from materials that are generally considered conductors but are relatively poor conductors in the relevant frequency range. These materials can conduct electricity in the relevant frequency range, but with some loss, making their conductivity weaker than that of the conductors in an electrical connector, but better than that of the insulator used in that connector. Such materials can contain conductive particles or regions that are sufficiently dispersed to not provide high conductivity, or these particles or regions can be otherwise prepared to have the property that results in relatively weak bulk conductivity compared to good conductors such as pure copper in the relevant frequency range. For example, die-cast metals or poorly conductive metal alloys can provide sufficient loss in certain configurations.

[0179] This type of electrically dissipative material typically has a bulk conductivity of about 1 siemens / meter to about 100,000 siemens / meter, or about 1 siemens / meter to about 30,000 siemens / meter, or about 1 siemens / meter to about 10,000 siemens / meter. In some embodiments, materials with a bulk conductivity between about 1 siemens / meter and about 500 siemens / meter can be used. As a specific example, materials with a conductivity between about 50 siemens / meter and 300 siemens / meter can be used. However, it should be understood that the conductivity of the material can be selected empirically or through electrical simulation using known simulation tools to determine the conductivity that provides suitable signal integrity (SI) characteristics in the connector. For example, the SI characteristics obtained by measurement or simulation can be low crosstalk combined with low signal path attenuation or insertion loss, or low insertion loss deviation as a function of frequency.

[0180] It should also be understood that a lossy component does not need to have uniform properties throughout its entire volume. For example, a lossy component may have, for instance, an insulating skin or a conductive core. A component can be identified as lossy if its properties, when averaged over the region interacting with electromagnetic energy, are sufficient to attenuate that electromagnetic energy.

[0181] In some embodiments, the lossy material is formed by adding a filler containing particles to a binder. In such embodiments, the lossy component can be formed by molding or otherwise shaping the binder with filler into a desired form. The lossy material can be molded onto a conductor and / or molded into a conductor through an opening, which may be a ground conductor or shielding of a connector. Molding the lossy material onto the conductor or molding it into the conductor through an opening ensures close contact between the lossy material and the conductor, which can reduce the likelihood that the conductor supports resonance at a relevant frequency. This close contact may, but does not necessarily, result in ohmic contact between the lossy material and the conductor.

[0182] Optionally or additionally, the dissipative material can be molded onto or injected into the insulating material, for example, in a secondary injection molding operation, or vice versa. The dissipative material can be positioned against or sufficiently close to a grounding conductor, thus achieving significant coupling with the grounding conductor. Close contact does not require electrical coupling between the dissipative material and the conductor, as sufficient electrical coupling, such as capacitive coupling, between the dissipative component and the conductor can produce the desired results. For example, in some cases, a 100 pF coupling between the dissipative component and the grounding conductor can have a significant effect on suppressing resonance in the grounding conductor. In other examples employing frequencies in the range of approximately 10 GHz or higher, the reduction in electromagnetic energy in the conductor can be provided by sufficient capacitive coupling between the dissipative material and the conductor, having a mutual capacitance of at least about 0.005 pF, such as mutual capacitance in the range of about 0.01 pF to about 100 pF, about 0.01 pF to about 10 pF, or about 0.01 pF to about 1 pF. To determine whether a lossy material is coupled to a conductor, the coupling can be measured at a test frequency such as 15 GHz or within a test range such as 10 GHz to 25 GHz.

[0183] To form electrically dissipative materials, the filler can be conductive particles. Examples of conductive particles that can be used as fillers to form electrically dissipative materials include carbon or graphite formed as fibers, flakes, nanoparticles, or other types of particles. Various forms of fibers can be used, in woven or nonwoven form, coated or uncoated. Nonwoven carbon fibers are a suitable material. Metals in powder, flake, fiber, or other particulate form can also be used to provide suitable electrical dissipation characteristics. Alternatively, combinations of fillers can be used. For example, metal-plated carbon particles can be used. Silver and nickel are suitable metal platings for fibers. Coated particles can be used alone or in combination with other fillers such as carbon flakes.

[0184] Preferably, the filler will be present in a volume percentage sufficient to allow the formation of conductive paths from particle to particle. For example, when metal fibers are used, the fibers may be present in a volume percentage of about 3% to 30%. The amount of filler can affect the conductivity of the material, and the volume percentage of filler will be lower within this range to provide sufficient losses.

[0185] The binder or matrix can be any material that solidifies to position the filler, cures to position the filler, or can otherwise be used to position the filler. In some embodiments, the binder can be a thermoplastic material conventionally used in the manufacture of electrical connectors to facilitate the molding of the dissipative material into the desired shape and into the desired location as part of the manufacture of the electrical connector. Examples of such materials include liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) and nylon. However, many alternative forms of binder materials can be used. Curable materials such as epoxy resins can be used as binders. Alternatively, materials such as thermosetting resins or adhesives can be used.

[0186] While the aforementioned binder materials can be used to form dissipative materials by forming a binder around conductive particulate fillers, other binders or other methods can also be used to form dissipative materials. In some examples, conductive particles can be impregnated into or coated onto the formed matrix material, for example, by applying a conductive coating to a plastic or metal component. As used herein, the term "binder" includes materials that encapsulate fillers, impregnate fillers, or otherwise act as retaining fillers in a substrate.

[0187] For example, magnetically depleting materials can be formed from materials traditionally considered ferromagnetic, such as those with a magnetic loss tangent greater than approximately 0.05 in the relevant frequency range. The magnetic loss tangent is the ratio of the imaginary to the real part of the material's complex permittivity. Materials with even higher loss tangents can also be used.

[0188] In some embodiments, the magnetic lossy material may be formed from a binder or matrix material filled with particles, wherein the particles impart magnetic loss properties to the layer. The magnetic lossy particles may be in any convenient form, such as sheets or fibers. Ferrites are common magnetic lossy materials. Materials such as magnesium ferrite, nickel ferrite, lithium ferrite, yttrium garnet, or aluminum garnet can be used. Ferrites typically have a magnetic loss tangent greater than 0.1 in the relevant frequency range. Currently preferred ferrite materials have a loss tangent between approximately 0.1 and 1.0 in the frequency range of 1 GHz to 3 GHz, and more preferably a magnetic loss tangent greater than 0.5 in this frequency range.

[0189] Practical magnetically depleting materials, or mixtures containing magnetically depleting materials, can also exhibit dielectric or conductive loss effects of useful magnitude in portions of the relevant frequency range. Similar to the methods described above for forming electrically depleting materials, suitable materials can be formed by adding fillers that generate magnetic losses to the binder.

[0190] The material may be both a lossy dielectric or a lossy conductor and a magnetically lossy material. For example, such a material can be formed by using a partially conductive magnetically lossy filler or by using a combination of magnetically lossy fillers and electrically lossy fillers.

[0191] The lossy portion can also be formed in a variety of ways. In some examples, the binder material and filler can be molded into the desired shape and then fixed in that shape. In other examples, the binder material can be formed into a sheet or other shape from which lossy components with the desired shape can be cut. In some embodiments, the lossy portion can be formed by interleaving layers of lossy and conductive materials, such as metal foil. These layers can be firmly attached to each other, for example, by using epoxy resin or other adhesives, or can be held together in any other suitable manner. The layers have the desired shape before they can be fixed to each other, or can be stamped or otherwise shaped after they are held together. As a further alternative, the lossy portion can be formed by coating a plastic or other insulating material with a lossy coating, such as a diffused metallic coating.

[0192] Figure 6A and Figure 6B A shielding member 600 is shown, which can be disposed on one side of the lead assembly 200. As shown, the shielding member 600 may include a conductive sheet 602 having a first edge 604 and a second edge 606, and a first wave sheet 608 and a second wave sheet 610 disposed adjacent to the first edge 604 and the second edge 606 of the conductive sheet 602, respectively.

[0193] Each wave plate may include a platform 612, a valley 614, and a bridging portion 616, with the bridging portion 616 connecting adjacent platforms 612 and valleys 614. The edge 622 of the platform 612 of the first wave plate 608 may be adjacent to the first edge 604 of the conductive sheet 602, such that the wide side 618 of the platform 612 of the first wave plate 608 is flush with the wide side 620 of the conductive sheet 602. In some embodiments, the edge 622 of the platform 612 of the first wave plate 608 may be soldered to the first edge 604 of the conductive sheet 602.

[0194] The conductive sheet 602 may include a tab 624 extending beyond the second edge 606. The tab 624 may at least partially overlap with the corresponding platform 612 of the second wave sheet 610. In some embodiments, the tab 624 may be welded to the corresponding platform 612 of the second wave sheet 610, for example, by laser welding.

[0195] The conductive sheet 602 may include groups of holes 626. Each group of holes (e.g., a group of holes 626 aligned along a line marked "628") may be aligned with a corresponding valley 614 of the first wave sheet 608 and the second wave sheet 610. As described above, the dissipative material 500 may extend through the holes 626 to form a dissipative button portion 512 around them, thereby securing the shielding member 600 to the housing 400. Figure 7 It is along the lead assembly 200 in Figure 2A The cross-sectional perspective view marked "7-7" shows the housing 400 hidden and the consumable material 500 connecting the top shield 600 and the bottom shield 600.

[0196] The inventors have recognized and realized that overlapping a lossy material with a waveform sheet can reduce crosstalk and thus improve signal integrity. In some embodiments, such as Figure 6B As shown, the valley 614 of the second wave plate 610 may include a recess 630, which is configured to allow at least a portion of the end 510 of the lossy portion 502 to extend therethrough. Figure 8 It is along the lead assembly 200 in Figure 7 A cross-sectional perspective view of the line marked "8-8" in the middle, in which the shell 400 is hidden. Figure 9A yes Figure 2A The lead assembly in Figure 8 An enlarged perspective view of the area marked "9A" in the center, in which multiple parts of beam 332 are hidden. Figure 9B This is another perspective view of region 9A, in which the top corrugated sheet 610 of the shielding member 600 is shown in dashed lines, and the corresponding top conductive sheet 602 is hidden. As shown, at least a portion of the end 510 of the dissipative material 500 may extend beyond the second edge 414 of the housing 400 by a distance. o (For example, in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, such as 0.2 mm) and enters the recess 630 of the valley 614 of the second wave plate 610 of the top shielding member 600 and the bottom shielding member 600.

[0197] The valleys 614 of the second corrugated sheets 610 of the top and bottom shielding members 600 can contact the tail section of the grounding conductor. The second corrugated sheet 610 can extend beyond the second edge 414 of the housing 400 and be spaced apart from the plate stop 336. d (For example, in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm, such as 0.15 mm) so that the surrounding structure extends to the surface near the circuit board where the connector can be mounted, thereby reducing crosstalk in the board termination area.

[0198] The inventors have also recognized and are aware of design techniques for reducing resonance and improving signal integrity at the front end. For example, as mentioned above, signal conductors can be arranged in alternating pairs. Figure 10A It is along the lead assembly 200 Figure 7 A cross-sectional perspective view of the line marked "8-8" in the middle, in which the lossy material 500 and the shielding member 600 are hidden. Figure 10B yes Figure 10A The lead assembly in Figure 10A A magnified view of the area marked "10B" in the box. Figure 10C This is a side view of area 10B.

[0199] As another example, the platform at the front of the wave sheet can extend beyond the corresponding valley. Figure 11 It is the lead assembly 200 in Figure 2A A perspective view of the area within the box marked "11". As shown, the platform 612 of the first wave plate 608 can extend beyond the valley 614 in the mating direction. The front section 306 of the grounding conductor 304 can extend beyond the corresponding valley 614 in the mating direction by a certain distance. e1 that distance e1 The range can be from 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm, for example, 0.1 mm. The valley 614 may include a chamfer 1102 that is offset relative to the ground conductor 304 in the mating direction. The platform 612 may be flush with the front section 306 of the ground conductor 304 in a plane perpendicular to the mating direction. The extension 410 of the housing 400 may extend beyond the platform 612 by a second distance in the mating direction. e2 The second distance e2 It can be in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm, for example, 0.1 mm. This configuration allows the extension 410 to provide a hard stop for the mating connector. The inventors have recognized and realized that the indentation (e.g., e1 , e2 ) and ramps (e.g., 1102) individually and / or in combination can reduce crosstalk in mating interfaces.

[0200] Figure 12A and Figure 12B A lead assembly 1200 of a plug connector 112 of an electrical interconnection system 100 according to some embodiments is shown. Figure 12C The lead assembly 1200 is located at Figure 12A A magnified perspective view of the area within the box marked "12C". Figure 12DThis is a front view of the lead assembly 1200, in which the shielding member 1600 is hidden. It should be understood that the lead assembly 1200 of the plug connector 112 may share one or more features of the lead assembly 200 of the socket connector 102, which may or may not be repeated in the following description.

[0201] As shown, the lead assembly 1200 may include a conductive element 1300, a housing 1400 that at least partially holds the conductive element 1300, shielding members 1600 disposed on opposite sides of the conductive element 1300, and a consumable material 1500 configured to secure the shielding members 1600 in a desired location. In some embodiments, the shielding members 1600 may be symmetrical about the conductive element 1300.

[0202] Figure 13 The conductive element 1300 of the lead assembly 1200 is shown; for simplicity, other parts of the lead assembly 1300 are hidden. The conductive element 1300 may include a signal conductor 1302 and a ground conductor 1304 disposed between adjacent signal conductors 1302. Each conductive element may include a front section 1306, a rear section 1310, and a middle section 1308 located between the front section 1306 and the rear section 1310.

[0203] As shown, the front section 1306 of the signal conductor 1302 may extend beyond the front section 1306 of the ground conductor 1304 in the mating direction. The front sections 1306 of both the signal conductor 1302 and the ground conductor 1304 may include blades. The ground conductor 304 may be wider than the signal conductor 302 in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction. Each ground conductor 1304 may include a slot 1312 extending along a middle portion 1308 of the ground conductor 1304. In some embodiments, the slot may extend for 60% to 100% of the length of the middle portion 1308 of the ground conductor 1304.

[0204] In some embodiments, signal conductors may be arranged in alternating pairs, wherein adjacent first pairs 1212 and second pairs 1214 have mating contact surfaces facing opposite sides of the lead assembly 1200. For example, as Figure 12D As shown, the mating contact surfaces 1206 of the first pair 1212 can be aligned in a first plane 1208; and the mating contact surfaces 1206 of the second pair 1214 can be aligned in a second plane 1210 parallel to the first plane 1208. The inventors have recognized and realized that, compared with a conventional design in which all mating contact surfaces face the same side, this configuration can produce a more balanced mating force, thereby enabling these pairs to be positioned close to each other to achieve the desired high density.

[0205] Figure 14The insulating portion 1401 of the housing of the lead assembly 1200 is shown. For simplicity of illustration, other portions of the lead assembly (including the conductive element 1300) are hidden in this view to reveal exemplary structural features of the lead assembly housing, such as the extension 1402. The extension 1402 may be aligned with the front segment 1306, for example, to support the front segment 1306 during mating. However, in some examples, the housing 1400 may be molded onto a conductive element, such as the conductive element 1300, to retain the conductive element within the lead assembly.

[0206] As shown in the figure, the housing 1400 may include a first edge 1412 and a second edge 1414. The front segment 1306 of the conductive element 1300 may extend from the first edge 1412, and the tail segment 1310 of the conductive element 1300 may extend from the second edge 1414.

[0207] The housing 1400 may include a body that at least partially surrounds the intermediate portion 1308 of the conductive element 1300. The body may include a first housing portion 1406A and a second housing portion 1406B that are alternately arranged and have a gap 1408 therebetween. Each housing portion 1406A or 1406B may at least partially surround the intermediate portion 1308 of one or more signal conductors 1302 (e.g., signal pairs) and includes a first extension 1410A or a second extension 1010B configured to support the first pair 1214 or the second pair 1216 from the side opposite to the mating contact surface 1206 of the first pair 1214 or the second pair 1216.

[0208] The housing 1400 may be made of an insulating material, which may be a dielectric material such as plastic or nylon. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high-temperature nylon or polyphenylene oxide (PPO) or polypropylene (PP). Other suitable materials may be used, as aspects of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0209] Figure 15 The lossy material 1500 of the lead assembly 1200 is shown. For simplicity of illustration, other parts of the lead assembly (including the conductive element 1300, the insulating portion 1401 of the housing, and the shielding member 1600) are hidden in this view to reveal exemplary structural features of the lossy material. In this example, the lossy material 1500 is shown as having a button portion, which may be formed, for example, by flattening a post of the lossy material against a shielding member (e.g., shielding member 1600) placed against the surface of the lead assembly housing.

[0210] Figure 16A and Figure 16B The shielding member 1600 of the lead assembly 1200 is shown. Figure 16CThis is a top view of the shielding member 1600, shown in dashed lines, which illustrates the conductive element 1300. The shielding member 1600 may include a first piece 1602 extending in a first plane 1618 and a first beam 1608 extending from the first piece 1602. Each first beam 1608 may be jogged away from the first plane 1618 to a second plane 1620, and then jogged away from the second plane 1620 to a third plane 1622 disposed between the first plane 1618 and the second plane 1620. Each first beam 1608 may have a first contact portion 1610 attached to a front section 1306 of a corresponding ground conductor 1304 and a second contact portion 1612 configured to contact a valley of a corrugated piece attached to a ground conductor of a mating connector (e.g., a valley 614 of the corrugated piece 608 of the shielding member 600 of the lead assembly 200 of the socket connector 102).

[0211] The shielding member 1600 may include a second piece 1604 extending in a fourth plane 1624 spaced apart from the third plane 1622 by a first plane 1618, and a second beam 1614 extending from the second piece 1604. The first piece 1602 and the second piece 1604 may be integral with each other. In the illustrated example, the first piece 1602 and the second piece 1604 are connected by a jog 1606. The second beam may be configured to contact the platform of a corrugated sheet of a mating connector (e.g., the platform 612 of the corrugated sheet 608 of the shielding member 600 of the lead assembly 200 of the socket connector 102).

[0212] The inventors recognized and realized that beams could be simply stamped out from the outer shielding, thus enabling economical manufacturing.

[0213] like Figure 16A As shown, the shielding member 1600 may include a wave plate 1616 coupled to a second plate 1604 via a first plate 1602. The wave plate 1616 includes a platform connected to the first plate 1602, a valley disposed between adjacent platforms, and a bridging portion connecting adjacent platforms and valleys.

[0214] like Figure 16C As shown, the shielding member 1600 may have a distal edge 1626. The first beam 1608 may be spaced a first distance from the distal edge 1626. d1 The first beam 1608 may extend toward the distal edge 1626. The second beam 1614 may extend at a second distance from the distal edge 1626. d2 The distance extends from the shielding member 1600. The first distance d1 can be greater than the second distance d2.

[0215] The inventors have recognized and realized that this configuration can achieve sequential coordination. Figure 17A yes Figure 12A The lead assembly along Figure 12A The enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of the lines marked "17A-17A" shows multiple portions of a mating connector (e.g., connector 102). As shown, each first beam 1608 may include a first contact portion 1610 located at the proximal end 1702, a second contact portion 1612 adjacent to the distal end 1704, and a bend 1706 connecting the first contact portion 1610 and the second contact portion 1612. Figure 18 It is along the lead assembly 1200 Figure 12A An enlarged cross-sectional view of the area marked "18-18" shows multiple parts of the mating connector.

[0216] During connector mating, the second beam 1614 can first establish contact with the platform of the corrugated plate of the mating connector, which reduces the risk of damage due to electrostatic discharge (ESD). Next, the signal conductors of the mating conductors can mate with each other. Finally, the first beam 1608 can establish contact with the valley of the corrugated plate of the mating connector. This sequential mating reduces mating forces and lowers the risk of damage due to ESD.

[0217] Figure 17B According to optional embodiments, in such Figure 17A The diagram shows a perspective view of the mating areas between the lead assemblies of the mating connectors. As shown, the first connector (e.g., a receptacle connector) may have a valley 1714 of a corrugated sheet, which is attached to the ground conductor of the first connector at a first contact 1710 and forms a slot at a second contact 1712 configured to receive the ground conductor of a second connector (e.g., a plug connector). The inventors have recognized and are aware that this configuration can break ground loops and improve signal integrity.

[0218] The inventors also recognize and are aware of techniques for reducing resonance and increasing signal integrity through connectors with attached cables. These techniques may include connecting the shield of a connector subassembly to the shield of the attached connector subassembly of a cable. A connection can be established at the cable attachment area via the shielding member. The shielding member may include chambers, each chamber serving as the cable attachment area for a signal pair. Each chamber may have a first profile at a first end adjacent to the rear end of the lead assembly and a second profile at a second end configured for the cable to extend from it. The first profile may mimic the profile provided by a waveform strip to reduce inter-pair crosstalk and match the impedance control of connectors using waveform strips. The second profile may conform to the outer profile of the cable shield to contact the cable shield.

[0219] Figure 19A A cable assembly 1900 according to some embodiments is shown. The cable assembly 1900 may include a lead assembly 1902, a cable 1904, and a shielding member 1906 for cable attachment areas. As shown, the lead assembly 1902 of the cable assembly 1900 may share one or more features of the lead assembly 1200 of the plug connector 112, which may or may not be repeated in the following description. It should be understood that although the lead assembly 1902 is shown as having features of the lead assembly 1200 of the plug connector 112, the lead assemblies of the cable assembly may share one or more features of the lead assembly 200 of the receptacle connector 102. For example, the cable assembly may be configured as a receptacle cable assembly for mating with a plug cable assembly.

[0220] Figure 19B This is a partially exploded view of the cable assembly 1900, in which the front portion of the lead assembly has been cut off to enlarge the cable attachment area. Figure 20A This is a top rear perspective view of the lead assembly 1902, in which several parts are hidden to show the conductive element 2002 and the shielding member 2004. Figure 20B Is it like this? Figure 20A The side view of the lead assembly 1902 shown.

[0221] As shown in the figure, the conductive element 2002 may include a signal conductor 2006 and a ground conductor 2008. The tail end of the signal conductor 2006 can be configured for cable attachment. The tail end of the signal conductor 2006 can be jog down, such that the cable conductor 2402 attached to the tail end can be substantially on the same plane as the conductive element, as shown. Figure 24 As shown, Figure 24 It is along the cable assembly 1900 Figure 20A A partial cross-sectional perspective view of the line marked "24".

[0222] The shielding member 2004 may include tabs 2012 extending beyond the rear edge and overlapping the tail section of the signal conductor 2006. The shielding member 2004 may include contacts 2010 disposed between the tabs 2012 and contacting the tail section of the ground conductor 2008.

[0223] The shielding member 1906 may include a cover portion 2100 and a conforming portion 2200. Figure 21A and Figure 21B The cover portion 2100 is shown. Figure 21C This is a front view of the cover portion 2100. Figure 21D This is a rear view of the cover portion 2100. The cover portion 2100 may include a first end 2102 configured to abut the rear end of the lead assembly 1902, a second end 2104 configured to allow a cable 1904 to extend therefrom, and a chamber 2106.

[0224] Each chamber 2106 may extend from a first end 2102 to a second end 2104. Each chamber may have a first profile 2108 at the first end 2102 and a second profile 2110 at the second end 2104. The second profile 2110 may conform to the outer profile of the cable shield 2406 of the cable 1904 in order to contact the cable shield 2406, such as... Figure 25 As shown, Figure 25 It is along the cable assembly 1900 Figure 20A A partial cross-sectional perspective view of the line marked "25".

[0225] The first profile 2108 may be different from the second profile 2110. Figure 23 It is along the cable assembly 1900 Figure 19A A cross-sectional perspective view of the line marked "23". As shown, the first profile can mimic the profile provided by the waveform sheet. The inventors have recognized and realized that this profile can reduce inter-pair crosstalk and match the impedance control of connectors using waveform sheets.

[0226] Return to reference Figure 21A The chamber 2106 may be located on the inner side of the shielding member 1906. The shielding member 1906 may include a recess 2112 on its outer side. A compliant portion 2200 may be disposed in the recess 2112. The cover portion 2100 may include an opening 2114 extending through the outer side to the inner side. The compliant portion 2200 may include a compliant beam 2202 ( Figure 22The compliant beam 2202 can extend through the corresponding opening 2114 into the corresponding chamber 2106 to contact the cable shielding disposed inside the corresponding chamber.

[0227] like Figure 21B As shown, each chamber 2106 may include a first recess 2116 formed and positioned for receiving a tab 2012 of a shielding member. The cover portion 2100 may include a partition 2118 between adjacent chambers. Each partition 2118 may include a second recess 2120 formed and positioned for receiving a contact portion 2010 of a shielding member 2004. For example, Figure 23 The diagram shows a tab 2012 disposed in a first groove 2116 and a contact portion 2010 disposed in a second groove 2120.

[0228] Similar to lead assemblies 200 and 1200, lead assembly 1902 may include a lossy material. For example... Figure 25 As shown, the end 2502 of the lossy portion of the lossy material can extend into the contact portion 2010 adjacent to the shielding member 2004 and into the corresponding second groove 2120. The inventors have recognized and realized that this configuration, despite spanning a very small distance (e.g., in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, such as 0.2 mm), can reduce crosstalk and thus improve signal integrity.

[0229] Although details of the specific configuration of the conductive elements, housing, and shielding components have been described above, it should be understood that these details are provided for illustrative purposes only, as the concepts disclosed herein can be implemented in other ways. In this regard, the respective connector designs described herein can be used in any suitable combination, as aspects of this disclosure are not limited to the specific combinations shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0230] Several embodiments have been described, and it should be understood that various changes, modifications, and improvements can be readily made by those skilled in the art. These changes, modifications, and improvements are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the foregoing description and figures are merely illustrative.

[0231] Various modifications can be made to the illustrative structures shown and described herein. As a specific example of possible variations, the connector can be configured for a frequency range with a stake, which may depend on the operating parameters of the system using such a connector, but typically has an upper limit between approximately 15 GHz and 224 GHz, such as 25 GHz, 30 GHz, 40 GHz, 56 GHz, 112 GHz, or 224 GHz, although higher or lower frequencies may be staked in some applications. Some connector designs may have a stake frequency range that spans only a portion of this range, such as 1 to 10 GHz, or 5 to 35 GHz, or 56 to 112 GHz.

[0232] The operating frequency range of an interconnect system can be determined based on the frequency range through which interconnection is possible with acceptable signal integrity. Signal integrity can be measured according to many criteria depending on the application in which the interconnect system is designed. Some of these criteria may relate to signal propagation along a single-ended signal path, a differential signal path, a hollow waveguide, or any other type of signal path. Two examples of such criteria are signal attenuation along the signal path or signal reflection from the signal path.

[0233] Other standards may address the interaction of multiple different signal paths. Such standards may include, for example, near-end crosstalk, which is defined as the measurable portion of a signal injected into one signal path at one end of an interconnect system on any other signal path at the same end of the interconnect system. Another such standard may be far-end crosstalk, defined as the measurable portion of a signal injected into one signal path at one end of an interconnect system on any other signal path at the other end of the interconnect system.

[0234] As a specific example, requirements may include signal path attenuation of no more than 3dB power loss, a reflection power ratio of no more than -20dB, and a single signal path contributing no more than -50dB to crosstalk. Since these characteristics are frequency-dependent, the operating range of the interconnect system is defined as the frequency range that meets the specified standards.

[0235] This document describes an electrical connector design that improves signal integrity for high-frequency signals, such as in the GHz range, including up to about 25 GHz or up to about 40 GHz, up to about 56 GHz or up to about 60 GHz, or up to about 75 GHz or up to about 112 GHz or higher, while maintaining high density, such as spacing between adjacent mating contacts on the order of 3 mm or less, including, for example, center-to-center spacing between adjacent contacts in a column between 1 mm and 2.5 mm or between 2 mm and 2.5 mm. The spacing between columns of mating contact portions can be similar, although it is not required that the spacing between all mating contacts in the connector be identical.

[0236] Manufacturing technologies can be diverse. The connector manufacturing technology described here uses a specific connector configuration as an example. The techniques described in this article for forming the mating and mounting interfaces of connectors are applicable to other connector configurations, such as backplane connectors, cable connectors, stacked connectors, mezzanine connectors, I / O connectors, chip sockets, etc.

[0237] In some embodiments, the contact tail is illustrated as a press-fit "eye" compliant portion designed to engage within a via on a printed circuit board. However, other configurations, such as surface mount elements, solderable pins, etc., may also be used, as aspects of this disclosure are not limited to any particular mechanism for attaching a connector to a printed circuit board.

[0238] Furthermore, for simplicity, connector features are described as upward or downward. This orientation does not require a reference to gravity or other fixed coordinate system and can indicate a relative position or orientation. In some cases, upward or downward can be relative to the mounting surface of the connector configured for mounting on a printed circuit board. Similarly, terms such as horizontal or vertical can define relative orientation and, in some cases, can indicate orientation relative to the surface of the connector configured for mounting on a printed circuit board. Likewise, some connector features are described as forward or front, etc. Other connector features are described as rearward or rearward, etc. These terms are also relative terms and are not fixed to any orientation in a fixed coordinate system. In some cases, these terms can be relative to the mating surface of the connector, where the mating surface is located at the front of the connector.

[0239] This disclosure is not limited to the details of the construction or arrangement of the components described in the foregoing description and / or the accompanying drawings. Various embodiments are provided merely for illustrative purposes, and the concepts described herein can be practiced or implemented in other ways. Furthermore, the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered limiting. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “containing,” or “involving,” and variations thereof, as used herein, mean including the items listed thereafter (or their equivalents) and / or as additional items.

Claims

1. A sub-assembly for an electrical connector, comprising: case; A plurality of conductive elements held by the housing, each of the plurality of conductive elements including a front section extending from a first edge of the housing, a tail section extending from a second edge of the housing and configured for mounting to a circuit board, and an intermediate portion between the front section and the tail section; as well as A first wave plate and a second wave plate are disposed on opposite sides of the tail segments of the plurality of conductive elements. Each of the first wave plate and the second wave plate includes a plurality of valleys, a plurality of platforms and a plurality of bridging portions. The plurality of valleys overlap with the tail segment of a selected conductive element among the plurality of conductive elements. The plurality of platforms are each disposed between adjacent valleys among the plurality of valleys. The plurality of bridging portions each connect adjacent platforms and valleys.

2. The sub-component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sub-components include: A first conductive sheet and a second conductive sheet are disposed on opposite sides of the housing and include protrusions extending beyond the second edge of the housing, wherein: The protrusions of the first conductive sheet at least partially overlap with corresponding platforms of the plurality of platforms of the first wave-shaped sheet; and The protrusions of the second conductive sheet at least partially overlap with corresponding platforms of the plurality of platforms of the second wave sheet.

3. The sub-component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sub-components include: Multiple lossy portions, each of the lossy portions extending through the tail section of the corresponding selected conductive element and the valleys of the first and second wave sheets that overlap with the tail section of the corresponding selected conductive element.

4. The sub-component according to claim 3, characterized in that: The selected conductive element among the plurality of conductive elements includes a slot extending along the middle portion of the selected conductive element, the end of the slot extending into the tail section of the selected conductive element; The lossy portion of the plurality of lossy portions extends in the slot of the corresponding selected conductive element. as well as The valleys of the first and second waveform sheets that overlap with the tail segments of the corresponding selected conductive elements include recesses that receive the ends of the lossy portions.

5. The sub-component according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing includes a plurality of protrusions extending from the second edge into a space between the platform of the first and second wave plates and the tail segments of the plurality of conductive elements, each protrusion having a profile consistent with the platform and the bridging portion connecting the platform to a corresponding valley.

6. The sub-component according to claim 5, characterized in that: The outline is an isosceles trapezoid.

7. The sub-component according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of valleys of the first and second wave sheets are welded to the tail section of the selected conductive element among the plurality of conductive elements.

8. The sub-component according to claim 2, characterized in that: The tabs of the first conductive sheet are soldered to corresponding platforms among the plurality of platforms of the first wave-shaped sheet; and The tabs of the second conductive sheet are welded to corresponding platforms among the plurality of platforms of the second wave sheet.

9. An electrical connector configured for mounting to a circuit board when pressed along a mounting direction toward the circuit board, the electrical connector comprising: A plurality of conductive elements, each of the plurality of conductive elements comprising a front section, a tail section, and an intermediate portion between the front section and the tail section, wherein: The tail section of each of the plurality of conductive elements includes a shaft portion and at least one beam extending from the edge of the shaft portion. The at least one beam is configured to press against the wall of a through-hole in the circuit board when the electrical connector is mounted to the circuit board with the edge of the shaft facing the circuit board in the mounting direction, and The edge of the shaft has a profile comprising a first portion and a second portion, the at least one beam extending from the first portion, and the second portion of the edge extending further in the mounting direction than the first portion.

10. The electrical connector according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first portion of the contour of the edge of the shaft is bent in a direction opposite to the mounting direction.

11. The electrical connector according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The electrical connector includes: A wave-shaped sheet is disposed on one side of the tail section of the plurality of conductive elements. The wave-shaped sheet includes a plurality of valleys, a plurality of platforms, and a plurality of bridging portions. The plurality of valleys overlap with the tail section of a selected conductive element among the plurality of conductive elements. The plurality of platforms are each disposed between adjacent valleys among the plurality of valleys. The plurality of bridging portions each connect adjacent platforms and valleys. The edge of the wave plate is spaced from the edge of the shaft portion of the tail section by a distance ranging from 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm.

12. The electrical connector according to claim 11, characterized in that, The electrical connector includes: A conductive sheet, the conductive sheet comprising a plurality of protrusions, each of the plurality of protrusions overlapping a corresponding platform among the plurality of platforms of the waveform sheet.

13. A sub-assembly for an electrical connector, comprising: case; as well as A plurality of conductive elements held by the housing, each of the plurality of conductive elements including a front section, a tail section, and an intermediate portion between the front section and the tail section having mating contact surfaces, the plurality of conductive elements including a first conductive element and a second conductive element, wherein: The mating contact surfaces of the first conductive element and the second conductive element face opposite directions, such that the complementary conductive elements of the mating connector establish contact with the first conductive element and the second conductive element from opposite sides; and The housing includes a plurality of extensions adjacent to corresponding first and second conductive elements, wherein the extensions are located on the side of the corresponding first and second conductive elements opposite to the mating contact surface.

14. The sub-component according to claim 13, characterized in that: The mating contact surfaces of the first conductive element are aligned in the first plane; and The mating contact surfaces of the second conductive element are aligned in a second plane parallel to the first plane.

15. The sub-component according to claim 13, characterized in that: The first conductive elements are arranged in pairs; and The second conductive element is disposed in pairs between adjacent pairs of first conductive elements.

16. The sub-component according to claim 15, characterized in that: The plurality of conductive elements are a plurality of first-type conductive elements; and The sub-component includes a plurality of second-type conductive elements disposed between adjacent pairs of first-type conductive elements and pairs of second-type conductive elements of the first type.

17. The sub-component according to claim 16, characterized in that: The plurality of first-type conductive elements extend beyond the plurality of second-type conductive elements in the mating direction; as well as The sub-assembly includes a shielding member that contacts the plurality of second-type conductive elements and is configured to establish contact with a complementary shielding member of a mating connector.

18. The sub-component according to claim 13, characterized in that: The housing includes a body that at least partially surrounds the intermediate portion of the plurality of conductive elements; and The plurality of extensions includes a plurality of first extensions and a plurality of second extensions, the plurality of first extensions extending from the edge of the body and configured to support the first conductive element, and the plurality of second extensions extending from the edge of the body and configured to support the second conductive element.

19. The sub-component according to claim 18, characterized in that: The plurality of first extensions of the housing are disposed opposite to the mating contact surface of the first conductive element; and The plurality of second extensions of the housing are disposed opposite to the mating contact surface of the second conductive element.

20. The sub-component according to claim 19, characterized in that: The first extension and the second extension of the housing are alternately arranged.

21. A shielding member for a connector subassembly, comprising: Including the conductive sheet at the first edge; as well as A waveform sheet comprising multiple platforms, multiple valleys, and multiple bridging sections, wherein each bridging section connects adjacent platforms and valleys. Wherein, the edges of the plurality of platforms of the waveform sheet are adjacent to the first edge of the conductive sheet.

22. The shielding member according to claim 21, characterized in that: The wide side of the plurality of platforms of the waveform sheet is flush with the wide side of the conductive sheet.

23. The shielding member according to claim 21, characterized in that: The edges of the plurality of platforms of the waveform sheet are welded to the first edge of the conductive sheet.

24. The shielding member according to claim 21, characterized in that: The conductive sheet includes multiple sets of holes; and Each set of holes in the conductive sheet is aligned with a corresponding valley in one of the plurality of valleys of the corrugated sheet, such that the set of holes extends along the length of the conductive element of the connector subassembly connected to the corresponding valley.

25. The shielding member according to claim 21, characterized in that: The conductive sheet includes a second edge; The waveform sheet is the first waveform sheet; The shielding member includes a second wave-shaped sheet, the second wave-shaped sheet including multiple platforms, multiple valleys, and multiple bridging portions connecting adjacent platforms and valleys; and The second wave sheet is positioned adjacent to the second edge of the conductive sheet.

26. The shielding member according to claim 25, characterized in that: The conductive sheet includes a bent portion; and The first edge and the second edge are disposed on opposite sides of the curved portion.

27. The shielding member according to claim 25, characterized in that: The first edge and the second edge are orthogonal to each other.

28. The shielding member according to any one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that: The plurality of valleys of the second waveform sheet are aligned with the plurality of valleys of the first waveform sheet.

29. The shielding member according to claim 28, characterized in that: The conductive sheet includes multiple sets of holes; and Each set of holes in the conductive sheet is aligned with the corresponding valley of the first wave sheet and the corresponding valley of the second wave sheet.

30. A sub-assembly for an electrical connector, comprising: The pair of shielding members according to claim 29; A plurality of conductive elements are disposed between the pair of shielding members, each of the conductive elements comprising a front section connected to a corresponding valley of the first wave plate of the pair of shielding members, a tail section connected to a corresponding valley of the second wave plate of the pair of shielding members, and a middle section between the front section and the tail section; as well as A consumable material extending through the middle portion of the plurality of conductive elements and through the plurality of sets of holes in the conductive sheet.

31. A sub-assembly for an electrical connector, comprising: A plurality of conductive elements, each of the plurality of conductive elements including a front section, a tail section and an intermediate portion between the front section and the tail section, the front section including a distal end, a proximal end connected to the intermediate portion and a contact portion between the proximal end and the distal end; as well as Housing, the housing comprising: The body that at least partially surrounds the middle portion of the plurality of conductive elements, and Multiple extensions, each extending beyond the distal end of the multiple conductive elements, such that the distal ends of the multiple conductive elements slide against the corresponding extensions during engagement.

32. The sub-component according to claim 31, characterized in that: The plurality of extensions of the housing include one or more of abrasion-resistant materials, lubricating materials, and waxy materials.

33. The sub-component according to claim 31, characterized in that: The housing includes an extension made of a material different from that of the body; and The extension portion includes the plurality of extensions.

34. The sub-component according to claim 31, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of extensions includes a protrusion configured to extend beyond the distal end of the corresponding conductive element and shaped to protect the distal end of the corresponding conductive element.

35. The sub-component according to any one of claims 31 to 34, characterized in that: The front section of each of the plurality of conductive elements is supported by a corresponding extension of the plurality of extensions of the housing at a first position near the proximal end of the front section of the conductive element and a second position near the distal end of the front section of the conductive element.

36. The sub-component according to claim 35, characterized in that: The front segment extends downward from the proximal end toward the corresponding extension, bends upward to the apex, and then extends downward to the corresponding extension.

37. The sub-component according to claim 35, characterized in that: For each of the plurality of conductive elements, the contact portion is located between the first position and the second position and bends away from the corresponding extension.

38. The sub-component according to claim 37, characterized in that, The contact portion includes: The first sub-part extending from the first position; The second sub-part extending from the second position; and A transition sub-section, located between the first sub-section and the second sub-section, such that the second sub-section is narrower and thinner than the first sub-section.

39. The sub-component according to claim 38, characterized in that: The first sub-part includes a slot for reducing the stiffness of the contact portion.

40. The sub-component according to any one of claims 31 to 39, characterized in that: The plurality of conductive elements are a plurality of first-type conductive elements; and The sub-assembly includes a plurality of second-type conductive elements extending beyond the distal ends of the plurality of first-type conductive elements.

41. A sub-assembly for an electrical connector, comprising: A plurality of conductive elements, each of the plurality of conductive elements including a front section, a tail section, and an intermediate portion between the front section and the tail section, the plurality of conductive elements comprising: Multiple first-type conductive elements, and A plurality of second-type conductive elements, each second-type conductive element including a slot extending along the middle portion of the second-type conductive element; and The consumable material located in the extended slot of the plurality of second-type conductive elements.

42. The sub-component according to claim 41, characterized in that: For each type of conductive element, the slot extends for 60% to 100% of the length of the middle portion of the type of conductive element.

43. The sub-component according to claim 41, characterized in that: The second type of conductive element is wider than the first type of conductive element.

44. The sub-component according to claim 41, characterized in that, The sub-components include: The housing that holds the middle portion of the plurality of conductive elements; and A shielding member is disposed on one side of the housing. The lossy material extends into the shielding member.

45. The sub-component according to claim 44, characterized in that: The consumable material extends through the shielding member at multiple locations and includes a button portion on the outside of the shielding member to secure the shielding member to the housing.

46. ​​The sub-component according to claim 44, characterized in that: The shielding member contacts the second type of conductive element at the front section and / or the tail section.

47. The sub-component according to claim 46, characterized in that: One or more first-type conductive elements are disposed between adjacent second-type conductive elements; and The shielding member includes an enclosure surrounding the front and / or rear sections of the one or more first-type conductive elements.

48. The sub-component according to claim 41, characterized in that, The sub-components include: A housing, the housing comprising housing portions and gaps between the housing portions. The consumable material is located in the gap.

49. The sub-component according to claim 48, characterized in that: Each of the housing portions at least partially surrounds the middle portion of the one or more first-type conductive elements; and The adjacent housing portions and the corresponding lossy material together at least partially surround the middle portion corresponding to the second type of conductive element.

50. A sub-assembly for an electrical connector, comprising: case; A plurality of conductive elements held by the housing, each of the plurality of conductive elements including a front section extending from a first edge of the housing, a tail section extending from a second edge of the housing, and an intermediate portion between the front section and the tail section; as well as A wave-shaped sheet is disposed on the front end of the plurality of conductive elements. The wave-shaped sheet includes a plurality of valleys, a plurality of platforms, and a plurality of bridging portions. The plurality of valleys are connected to the front end of a selected conductive element among the plurality of conductive elements. The plurality of platforms are each disposed between adjacent valleys among the plurality of valleys. The plurality of bridging portions each connect adjacent platforms and valleys, wherein: The plurality of platforms extend beyond the plurality of valleys in the mate direction.

51. The sub-component according to claim 50, characterized in that: The front section of the selected conductive element extends beyond the corresponding valley of the plurality of valleys in the mating direction.

52. The sub-component according to claim 51, characterized in that: The waveform sheet has a forward edge facing the mating direction; and The forward edge is chamfered in the plurality of valleys.

53. The sub-component according to claim 51, characterized in that: The plurality of platforms are flush with the front section of the selected conductive element in a plane perpendicular to the mating direction.

54. The sub-component according to claim 51, characterized in that: The housing includes a plurality of extensions that extend from the first edge and extend beyond the plurality of platforms of the wave plate in the mating direction, such that the plurality of extensions provide a hard stop for the mating connector.

55. A shielding member for a connector subassembly, comprising: A first conductive sheet extending in a first plane; A plurality of first beams extending from the first conductive sheet, wherein: Each of the first beams bends away from the first plane to the second plane, and then bends away from the second plane to the third plane disposed between the first plane and the second plane; as well as Each of the first beams includes a first contact portion located on the second plane and configured to contact the grounding conductor of the connector subassembly, and a second contact portion located on the third plane and configured to contact the shielding member of the mating connector.

56. The shielding member according to claim 55, characterized in that, The shielding component includes: A second conductive sheet extending in a fourth plane separated from the third plane by the first plane; and A plurality of second beams extending from the second conductive sheet and configured to contact the shielding member of the mating connector.

57. The shielding member according to claim 56, characterized in that: The first conductive sheet and the second conductive sheet are integrally formed.

58. The shielding member according to any one of claims 55 to 57, characterized in that, The shielding component includes: A waveform sheet coupled to the second conductive sheet via the first conductive sheet, the waveform sheet including a platform connected to the first conductive sheet, a valley disposed between adjacent platforms, and a bridging portion connecting adjacent platforms and valleys.

59. The shielding member according to claim 58, characterized in that: The first conductive sheet includes a plurality of tabs; and The platform of the waveform sheet is welded to the corresponding tab of the first conductive sheet.

60. A sub-assembly for an electrical connector, comprising: A plurality of conductive elements, each of the plurality of conductive elements including a front section, a tail section, and an intermediate portion between the front section and the tail section, the plurality of conductive elements comprising: Multiple signal conductors, and Multiple grounding conductors, which are wider than the multiple signal conductors and are configured to be indirectly coupled to mating connectors.

61. The sub-component according to claim 60, characterized in that, The sub-components include: A shielding member disposed on one side of the plurality of conductive elements, the shielding member comprising: Multiple first contact portions corresponding to the grounding conductor, and Multiple second contacts are configured to contact the grounding conductor and / or shielding member of the mating connector.

62. The sub-component according to claim 61, characterized in that: The shielding component includes multiple beams; and Each of the beams includes a first contact portion located at the proximal end of one of the plurality of first contact portions, a second contact portion located near the distal end of one of the plurality of second contact portions, and a bend portion connecting the first contact portion and the second contact portion, such that the second contact portion is configured to contact the shielding member of the mating connector.

63. The sub-component according to claim 61, characterized in that: The shielding member includes a wave plate, the wave plate including valleys and platforms, each valley corresponding to a corresponding ground conductor, and each platform being disposed between adjacent valleys and corresponding to one or more signal conductors disposed between adjacent ground conductors; as well as Each valley includes a first contact portion of the plurality of first contacts and a second contact portion of the plurality of second contacts configured to contact the grounding conductor of the mating connector.

64. A shielding member for a cable attachment area of ​​a cable assembly, comprising: The cover portion includes: A first end configured to be adjacent to the rear end of the lead assembly of the cable assembly; Configured for a second end from which a cable extends; and A plurality of chambers, each of which extends from a first end to a second end, each of which has a first profile at the first end and a second profile at the second end, the second profile being consistent with the outer profile of a cable shield for contact with the cable shield, the first profile being different from the second profile.

65. The shielding member according to claim 64, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of chambers in the cover portion includes a first groove of a tab formed and positioned for receiving the shielding member of the lead assembly of the cable assembly.

66. The shielding member according to claim 65, characterized in that: The cover portion includes a plurality of partitions between adjacent chambers, each partition including a second groove formed and positioned to receive a contact portion of a shielding member of the lead assembly, the contact portion being attached to a corresponding grounding conductor of the lead assembly.

67. The shielding member according to claim 66, characterized in that: The end of the lossy portion of the lead assembly extends into the corresponding second groove.

68. The shielding member according to claim 65, characterized in that: The plurality of chambers are located on the inner side of the shielding member; The shielding member includes a recess on the outer side and a compliant portion disposed in the recess; The cover portion includes a plurality of openings extending through the outer side to the inner side; and The compliant portion includes a plurality of compliant beams that extend through corresponding openings in the plurality of openings into corresponding chambers in the plurality of chambers to contact cable shielding disposed inside the corresponding chambers.

69. A sub-assembly for an electrical connector, comprising: A plurality of signal conductive elements, each of the plurality of signal conductive elements including a front section, a tail section and an intermediate section between the front section and the tail section, wherein the front sections of the plurality of signal conductive elements are arranged in a row and include contact surfaces, a first subset of the signal conductive elements having contact surfaces facing a first direction, and a second subset of the signal conductive elements having contact surfaces facing a second direction opposite to the first direction. A plurality of grounding conductive elements, each of the plurality of grounding conductive elements including a front section, a rear section, and an intermediate portion between the front section and the rear section, wherein the front section of the plurality of grounding conductive elements is disposed in the row; and A waveform sheet comprising alternating platforms and valleys, wherein the platforms define regions between the valleys, wherein the valleys are attached to corresponding front sections of the plurality of grounding conductive elements, and the front sections of the signal conductive elements are disposed within corresponding regions defined by the platforms.

70. The sub-component according to claim 69, characterized in that: The front section of the plurality of grounding conductive elements is flat.

71. The sub-component according to claim 70, characterized in that: The front section of the plurality of signal conductive elements includes a compliant beam.

72. The sub-component according to claim 70, characterized in that: The wave sheet includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; The second surface of the waveform sheet faces the distal end of the plurality of grounded conductive elements; and The wave sheet includes a mating contact surface located within the valley and on the first surface.

73. The sub-component according to claim 72, characterized in that: The waveform sheet includes a mating contact surface located on the first surface on the platform.

74. The sub-component according to claim 73, wherein the sub-component is combined with the sub-component of the mating connector, characterized in that: The mating contact surface of the waveform sheet includes a plated area.

75. A sub-assembly for an electrical connector, comprising: The casing, including the outer surface; A plurality of conductive elements held by the housing, each of the plurality of conductive elements including a tail section, a front section extending from the housing, and an intermediate portion between the front section and the tail section, wherein the plurality of conductive elements includes a plurality of first-type conductive elements and a plurality of second-type conductive elements; and A conductive sheet is held against the outer surface of the housing, the conductive sheet comprising a plurality of beams formed therein, wherein: Each of the plurality of beams includes a proximal end, a distal end, a first contact portion attached to the front end of a corresponding second type of conductive element, and a second contact portion including a mating contact surface.

76. The sub-component according to claim 75, characterized in that: The plurality of conductive elements are held in a first plane, and the outer surface of the housing is located in a second plane parallel to the first plane.

77. The sub-component according to claim 76, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of beams bends along a direction from the second plane toward the first plane.

78. The sub-component according to claim 75, characterized in that: The plurality of beams includes a plurality of first-type beams and a plurality of second-type beams.

79. The sub-component according to claim 78, characterized in that: The first type of beam is wider than the second type of beam.

80. The sub-component according to claim 79, characterized in that: The first type of beam is longer than the second type of beam.

81. The sub-component according to claim 75, characterized in that: The front section of each of the first type of conductive elements includes a blade having a mating contact surface thereon.

82. The sub-component according to claim 75, characterized in that: The distance by which the front end of the first type of conductive element extends from the housing is longer than the distance by which the front end of the second type of conductive element extends from the housing.

83. The sub-component according to claim 75, characterized in that: The conductive sheet has a distal edge; The first type of beam extends from the conductive sheet at a first distance from the distal edge; The first type of beam extends toward the distal edge; The second type of beam extends from the conductive sheet at a second distance from the distal edge; as well as The first distance is greater than the second distance.

84. The sub-component according to claim 75, characterized in that: The conductive sheet includes a bent portion, such that the conductive sheet comprises a first sheet and a second sheet; and The first type of beam extends from the first piece, and the second type of beam extends from the second piece.

85. The sub-component according to claim 75, characterized in that: The first type of conductive element is a signal conductor, and the second type of conductive element is a ground conductor.

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