Hybrid card edge electrical connector and terminal assembly

Abstract

The utility model provides a hybrid card edge electric connector. The first slot, the second slot and the third slot of the insulating shell are respectively recessed into the insulating shell from the matching surface along the transverse direction, are sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction and are separated from one another. The plurality of conductive terminals includes: a plurality of first conductive terminals, the mating contact portions of the mating ends of which are disposed in the first slot, and which are configured to transmit power; the matching contact parts of the matching ends of the second conductive terminals are arranged in the second slots, and at least one part of each second conductive terminal is configured to be used for transmitting signals; and a plurality of third conductive terminals, the mating contact parts of the mating ends of which are disposed in the third slots, and which are configured to transmit electric power. Through the configuration, the conductive terminals for different purposes can be integrated in the same electric connector, so that the electric connector can provide signal transmission and power transmission at the same time. The utility model also provides a terminal assembly used for the electric connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to the field of electrical connectors, and more particularly to an electrical connector and a terminal assembly for the electrical connector. More specifically, this application relates to a hybrid card edge electrical connector that integrates high-speed signal transmission and high-power transmission functions. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical connectors are used in many electronic systems. Manufacturing electronic systems as separate electronic sub-components, such as printed circuit boards (PCBs), that can be connected together via electrical connectors is generally easier and more cost-effective. Separable electrical connectors allow for the easy assembly of components from electronic systems manufactured by different companies. Separable electrical connectors also allow for easy replacement of components after system assembly, enabling the replacement of defective parts or the upgrading of the system with higher-performance components.

[0003] Card edge connectors are a common type of electrical connector, comprising an insulating housing with a slot and conductive terminals disposed within the insulating housing. The mating contacts of the conductive terminals extend into the slot of the insulating housing. The tail ends of the conductive terminals of the card edge connector can be directly electrically connected to corresponding conductive portions of a first circuit board, such as a motherboard, or can be attached with a cable connected to the corresponding conductive portions of the first circuit board, such as a motherboard. An insertion portion of a second circuit board, such as a daughter card, can be inserted into the slot of the electrical connector, such that the corresponding conductive portions on the insertion portion of the second circuit board make electrical contact with the mating contacts of the conductive terminals. Thus, an electrical connection can be established between the first and second circuit boards via the card edge connector. Card edge connectors and daughter cards are typically designed and manufactured according to specific specifications to achieve mutual mating and meet signal and power transmission requirements. Designing card edge connectors that meet specific application requirements presents several challenges. Card edge connectors must possess various characteristics that meet the mechanical and electrical requirements of electronic systems. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, this application proposes a novel electrical connector to meet the requirements of electronic systems.

[0005] In one aspect, this application proposes an electrical connector. The electrical connector may include: an insulating housing, the insulating housing including a mating surface and a first slot, a second slot, and a third slot, each recessed into the insulating housing from the mating surface along a transverse direction, the first slot, the second slot, and the third slot being sequentially arranged and spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction; and a plurality of conductive terminals disposed in the insulating housing, each conductive terminal including a mating end having a mating contact portion, a tail end opposite to the mating end, and an intermediate portion connecting the mating end and the tail end. The plurality of conductive terminals may include: a plurality of first conductive terminals, the mating contacts of the mating ends of the plurality of first conductive terminals being disposed in the first slots, and the plurality of first conductive terminals being configured for transmitting power; a plurality of second conductive terminals, the mating contacts of the mating ends of the plurality of second conductive terminals being disposed in the second slots, and at least a portion of the plurality of second conductive terminals being configured for transmitting signals; and a plurality of third conductive terminals, the mating contacts of the mating ends of the plurality of third conductive terminals being disposed in the third slots, and the plurality of third conductive terminals being configured for transmitting power.

[0006] In some embodiments, the insulating housing further includes: a first partition, the second slot and the third slot being spaced apart by the first partition in the longitudinal direction; a first wall segment and a second wall segment being spaced apart by the third slot in a vertical direction perpendicular to the transverse direction and the longitudinal direction; a first receiving groove and a second receiving groove respectively adjacent to the first partition and extending from the third slot along the vertical direction into the first wall segment and the second wall segment; and the plurality of third conductive terminals being disposed in the first receiving groove and the second receiving groove.

[0007] In some embodiments, for each of the third conductive terminals: the mating end of the third conductive terminal includes at least one first contact finger and at least two second contact fingers, each of the at least one first contact finger and the at least two second contact fingers having a mating contact portion disposed in the third slot; the mating contact portion of each first contact finger has a first width in the longitudinal direction, and the mating contact portion of each second contact finger has a second width in the longitudinal direction, the first width being greater than the second width; and the at least one first contact finger is closer to the first separator in the longitudinal direction than the at least two second contact fingers.

[0008] In some embodiments, for each of the third conductive terminals: the at least one first contact finger and the at least two second contact fingers are aligned with each other and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction; and the mating contact portions of adjacent first contact fingers and second contact fingers of the at least one first contact finger and the at least two second contact fingers are spaced apart from each other from center to center in the longitudinal direction by a first distance, and the mating contact portions of adjacent second contact fingers of the at least two second contact fingers are spaced apart from each other from center to center in the longitudinal direction by a second distance, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

[0009] In some embodiments, for each of the third conductive terminals: at least a portion of the middle portion of the third conductive terminal is disposed in a corresponding receiving groove in the first receiving groove and the second receiving groove; and each of the at least one first contact finger and the at least two second contact fingers includes a straight segment, a curved segment, and a contact segment, the straight segment extending from the middle portion in the corresponding receiving groove along the lateral direction toward the mating surface, the curved segment connecting the straight segment and the contact segment, the contact segment extending from the curved segment along the lateral direction away from the mating surface and into the third slot, the mating contact portion being located on the contact segment.

[0010] In some embodiments, for each of the third conductive terminals, the mating contact portions of the at least one first contact finger and the mating contact portions of the at least two second contact fingers are aligned with each other and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, and the contact surfaces of the mating contact portions of the at least one first contact finger and the contact surfaces of the mating contact portions of the at least two second contact fingers are coplanar with each other.

[0011] In some embodiments, for each of the third conductive terminals, the straight segments of the at least one first contact finger and the straight segments of the at least two second contact fingers are aligned with each other and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0012] In some embodiments, for each of the third conductive terminals: the straight segment, the curved segment, and the contact segment of each of the first contact fingers have the same width in the longitudinal direction.

[0013] In some embodiments, the straight segment, curved segment, and contact segment of each of the second contact fingers have the same width in the longitudinal direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, the at least one first contact finger and the at least two second contact fingers are aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction, each first contact finger having a first cross-sectional profile perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and each second contact finger having a second cross-sectional profile perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the first cross-sectional profile being the same as the second cross-sectional profile.

[0015] In some embodiments, the third conductive terminal is formed from a single piece of conductive material.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first width is at least 1.5 times the second width.

[0017] In some embodiments, the at least one first contact finger is a single first contact finger, and the at least two second contact fingers are two second contact fingers.

[0018] In some embodiments, the electrical connector is configured to establish a separable electrical connection with a circuit board including an insertion portion configured to be inserted into the third slot. The insertion portion includes a plurality of continuous conductive regions, wherein the mating contact portion of at least one first contact finger and the mating contact portion of at least two second contact fingers of each of the third conductive terminals are configured to establish electrical contact with a corresponding continuous conductive region of the plurality of continuous conductive regions of the insertion portion when the insertion portion of the circuit board is inserted into the third slot.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first receiving groove and the second receiving groove are aligned with each other in the vertical direction.

[0020] In some embodiments, the plurality of third conductive terminals include a pair of third conductive terminals, one of which is disposed in the first receiving groove and the other is disposed in the second receiving groove.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first wall segment includes a first inner surface facing the third slot and a first outer surface facing away from the third slot, the second wall segment includes a second inner surface facing the third slot and a second outer surface facing away from the third slot, the first receiving groove extends from the first inner surface along the vertical direction into the first wall segment, the second receiving groove extends from the second inner surface along the vertical direction into the second wall segment, and the first outer surface and the second outer surface are flat surfaces.

[0022] In some embodiments, the insulating housing further includes a first partition, the second slot and the third slot being spaced apart by the first partition in the longitudinal direction; and the plurality of conductive terminals of the electrical connector further includes a plurality of fourth conductive terminals, the mating contacts of the mating ends of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals being disposed in the third slot, and at least a portion of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals being configured for transmitting signals, the plurality of third conductive terminals being disposed closer to the first partition in the longitudinal direction than the plurality of fourth conductive terminals.

[0023] In some embodiments, the third slot includes a first segment adjacent to the first partition and a second segment extending from the first segment away from the first partition along the longitudinal direction; mating contacts of mating ends of the plurality of third conductive terminals are disposed in the first segment; and the plurality of fourth conductive terminals are disposed in the insulating housing corresponding to the second segment, such that mating contacts of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals are disposed in the second segment.

[0024] In some embodiments, a first portion of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals is configured to transmit a signal, and a second portion of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals is configured to transmit power; and the second portion is positioned in the longitudinal direction between the first portion and the plurality of third conductive terminals.

[0025] In some embodiments, the mating contacts of the plurality of third conductive terminals are arranged in two first rows along the longitudinal direction, the two first rows being opposite to each other and spaced apart in a vertical direction perpendicular to both the transverse and longitudinal directions; the mating contacts of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals are arranged in two second rows along the longitudinal direction, the two second rows being opposite to each other and spaced apart in the vertical direction; each of the two first rows is aligned with and spaced apart from a corresponding one of the two second rows in the longitudinal direction; the center-to-center spacing between two adjacent mating contacts in each first row is greater than the center-to-center spacing between two adjacent mating contacts in each second row in the longitudinal direction; and the width of the mating contact of each third conductive terminal in the longitudinal direction is greater than the width of the mating contact of each fourth conductive terminal in the longitudinal direction.

[0026] In some embodiments, the insulating housing further includes: a second partition, wherein the first slot and the second slot are spaced apart by the second partition in the longitudinal direction; a third wall segment and a fourth wall segment spaced apart by the first slot in a vertical direction perpendicular to the transverse direction and the longitudinal direction; a third receiving groove and a fourth receiving groove extending from the first slot along the vertical direction into the third wall segment and the fourth wall segment, respectively; and the plurality of first conductive terminals disposed in the third receiving groove and the fourth receiving groove.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first slot is located at the end of the insulating housing in the longitudinal direction and extends from the second partition along the longitudinal direction through the end wall of the insulating housing at the end.

[0028] In some embodiments, the third and fourth receiving grooves are disposed closer to the end wall in the longitudinal direction, rather than closer to the second partition.

[0029] In some embodiments, the third receiving groove and the fourth receiving groove are aligned with each other in the vertical direction.

[0030] In some embodiments, the plurality of first conductive terminals include a pair of first conductive terminals, one of which is disposed in the third receiving groove and the other is disposed in the fourth receiving groove.

[0031] In some embodiments, the third wall segment includes a third inner surface facing the first slot and a third outer surface facing away from the first slot, the fourth wall segment includes a fourth inner surface facing the first slot and a fourth outer surface facing away from the first slot, the third receiving groove extends from the third inner surface along the vertical direction into the third wall segment, the fourth receiving groove extends from the fourth inner surface along the vertical direction into the fourth wall segment, and the third and fourth outer surfaces are flat surfaces.

[0032] In some embodiments, for each of the first conductive terminals: the mating end of the first conductive terminal includes a plurality of third contact fingers, each of the plurality of third contact fingers having a mating contact portion disposed in the first slot; at least a portion of the middle portion of the first conductive terminal is disposed in corresponding receiving slots in the third receiving slot and the fourth receiving slot; and each of the plurality of third contact fingers includes a straight section, a curved section and a contact section, the straight section extending from the middle portion in the corresponding receiving slot along the lateral direction toward the mating surface, the curved section connecting the straight section and the contact section, the contact section extending from the curved section along the lateral direction away from the mating surface and extending into the first slot, the mating contact portion being located on the contact section.

[0033] In some embodiments, for each of the first conductive terminals, the mating contacts of the plurality of third contact fingers are aligned with and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, and the contact surfaces of the mating contacts of the plurality of third contact fingers are coplanar with each other.

[0034] In some embodiments, the straight segments of the plurality of third contact fingers are aligned with each other and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0035] In some embodiments, the straight segment, curved segment, and contact segment of each of the third contact fingers have the same width in the longitudinal direction.

[0036] In some embodiments, the plurality of third contact fingers are aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction, and the plurality of third contact fingers have the same cross-sectional profile perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first conductive terminal is formed from a single piece of conductive material.

[0038] In some embodiments, the number of the plurality of third contact fingers is at least eight.

[0039] In some embodiments, the electrical connector is configured to establish a separable electrical connection with a circuit board, the circuit board including an insertion portion configured to be inserted into the first slot, the insertion portion including a plurality of continuous conductive regions, and mating contacts of a plurality of third contact fingers of the first conductive terminal being configured to establish electrical contact with a corresponding continuous conductive region of the plurality of continuous conductive regions of the insertion portion when the insertion portion of the circuit board is inserted into the first slot.

[0040] In some embodiments, the insulating housing may further include a fourth slot, a fifth slot, and a sixth slot, each recessed into the insulating housing from the mating surface along the transverse direction. The first slot, the second slot, the third slot, the fourth slot, the fifth slot, and the sixth slot are arranged sequentially along the longitudinal direction and are spaced apart from each other by corresponding partitions of a plurality of partitions in the insulating housing. The plurality of conductive terminals of the electrical connector may further include: a plurality of fifth conductive terminals, the mating contacts of the mating ends of the plurality of fifth conductive terminals being disposed in the fourth slot, and at least a portion of the plurality of fifth conductive terminals being configured for signal transmission; a plurality of sixth conductive terminals, the mating contacts of the mating ends of the plurality of sixth conductive terminals being disposed in the fifth slot, and at least a portion of the plurality of sixth conductive terminals being configured for signal transmission; and a plurality of seventh conductive terminals, the mating contacts of the mating ends of the plurality of seventh conductive terminals being disposed in the sixth slot, and at least a portion of the plurality of seventh conductive terminals being configured for signal transmission.

[0041] In some embodiments, the electrical connector includes at least one terminal assembly disposed in the insulating housing, each terminal assembly including at least some of the following: (i) a plurality of second conductive terminals, (ii) a plurality of fourth conductive terminals, (iii) a plurality of fifth conductive terminals, (iv) a plurality of sixth conductive terminals, and (iv) a plurality of seventh conductive terminals; each of the at least some conductive terminals includes a first segment and a second segment at its intermediate portion, the first segment being closer to a mating end than the second segment; the at least some conductive terminals include a plurality of signal terminals and a plurality of ground terminals; and an insulating retaining member. A holding member is disposed around a second section of the middle portion of the at least some conductive terminals to retain the at least some conductive terminals in the insulating housing, such that the at least some conductive terminals are arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction, and such that a first section of the middle portion of the at least some conductive terminals and a mating end are located outside the holding member and oriented along the transverse direction; and a shielding member comprising a body and a plurality of cantilever beams, the body being disposed on the holding member, and each of the plurality of cantilever beams extending beyond the holding member from the body along the transverse direction and extending above the first section of the middle portion of a corresponding set of signal terminals in the plurality of signal terminals.

[0042] In another aspect, this application proposes a terminal assembly for an electrical connector. The terminal assembly may include: a plurality of conductive terminals, each of the plurality of conductive terminals including a mating end, a tail end opposite to the mating end, and an intermediate portion extending between the mating end and the tail end, the intermediate portion including a first segment and a second segment, the first segment being closer to the mating end than the second segment; the plurality of conductive terminals including a plurality of signal terminals and a plurality of ground terminals; an insulating retaining member disposed around a second segment of the intermediate portion of the plurality of conductive terminals to retain the plurality of conductive terminals such that the plurality of conductive terminals are arranged in a row along a longitudinal direction, and such that the first segment of the intermediate portion of the plurality of conductive terminals and the mating end are located outside the retaining member and oriented along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and a shielding member including a body and a plurality of cantilever beams, the body being disposed on the retaining member, and each of the plurality of cantilever beams extending beyond the retaining member from the body along the transverse direction and extending above the first segment of the intermediate portion of a corresponding set of signal terminals among the plurality of signal terminals.

[0043] In some embodiments, the plurality of cantilever beams are spaced apart from a first segment of the middle portion of the plurality of conductive terminals in a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0044] In some embodiments, a second segment of the middle portion of the plurality of conductive terminals extends along the transverse direction and is aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction, the second segments collectively defining a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction; the plurality of cantilever beams extend parallel to the plane on a first side of the plane; and the first segment of the middle portion of the plurality of conductive terminals extends obliquely from the second segment away from the plane to a second side of the plane opposite to the first side.

[0045] In some embodiments, the plurality of signal terminals are arranged as multiple groups of signal terminals spaced apart along the longitudinal direction, with a ground terminal provided between adjacent groups of signal terminals; and each of the plurality of cantilever beams is located above a first segment of the middle portion of the corresponding group of signal terminals in the vertical direction, without extending above the ground terminal adjacent to the corresponding group of signal terminals.

[0046] In some embodiments, the retaining member includes a first surface and a plurality of recesses, each of the plurality of recesses being recessed into the retaining member from the first surface along a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions to expose at least a portion of a second segment corresponding to one of the plurality of grounding terminals; and the body of the shielding member includes a plurality of platform portions, a plurality of valley portions, and side portions connecting adjacent platform portions and valley portions, the plurality of platform portions being disposed on the first surface, each of the valley portions and a corresponding side portion being received in a corresponding recess of the plurality of recesses, and the valley portion being electrically coupled to the at least a portion of the second segment of the corresponding grounding terminal exposed by the corresponding recess.

[0047] In some embodiments, the plurality of signal terminals are arranged as multiple sets of signal terminals spaced apart along the longitudinal direction, with a ground terminal provided between adjacent sets of signal terminals; and each of the plurality of platform portions is located above a second section of the middle portion of a corresponding set of signal terminals in the vertical direction, and is spaced apart from the second section of the middle portion of the corresponding set of signal terminals by the retaining member, and each of the plurality of cantilever beams extends from a corresponding platform portion in the plurality of platform portions along the transverse direction, and extends above a first section of the middle portion of a set of signal terminals corresponding to the corresponding platform portion.

[0048] In some embodiments, for each of the plurality of signal terminals: the second segment of the middle portion of the signal terminal is spaced apart from the corresponding platform portion by a first distance in the vertical direction; the center of the second segment of the middle portion of the signal terminal is spaced apart from the edge of the second segment of the middle portion of the corresponding adjacent ground terminal by a second distance in the longitudinal direction; and the first distance is less than or equal to the second distance.

[0049] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of platform portions includes an opening extending through the platform portion along the vertical direction, the opening being aligned in the vertical direction with a second segment of the middle portion of the corresponding set of signal terminals.

[0050] In some embodiments, the retaining member further includes a plurality of protrusions projecting from the first surface along the vertical direction, each of the plurality of protrusions extending through the opening of a corresponding platform portion of the plurality of platform portions.

[0051] In some embodiments, the body of the shielding member extends in the longitudinal direction to cover a second section of the middle portion of the plurality of signal terminals and the plurality of ground terminals.

[0052] In some embodiments, the body of the shielding member extends in the lateral direction and covers at least a portion of a second section of the middle portion of the plurality of signal terminals and the plurality of ground terminals.

[0053] In some embodiments, for each of the plurality of conductive terminals, the first segment connects the second segment and the mating end, and each of the plurality of cantilever beams extends from the corresponding platform portion along the lateral direction above the connection portion of the first segment and the mating end of the middle portion of a set of signal terminals corresponding to the corresponding platform portion.

[0054] In some embodiments, the valley portion is in direct contact with at least a portion of the second segment of the corresponding grounding terminal exposed by the corresponding recess, and the direct contact is a surface contact.

[0055] In some embodiments, the valley is attached to at least a portion of the second segment of the corresponding grounding terminal exposed by the corresponding recess.

[0056] In some embodiments, the retaining member is a member that covers a second segment molded over the middle portion of the plurality of conductive terminals.

[0057] In another aspect, this application proposes an electrical connector. The electrical connector may include: an insulating housing including a mating surface and a slot recessed into the insulating housing from the mating surface; and the aforementioned terminal assembly disposed within the insulating housing such that mating contacts of the mating ends of the plurality of conductive terminals are disposed within the slot of the insulating housing.

[0058] These techniques can be used alone or in any suitable combination. The foregoing summary is provided illustratively and is not intended to be restrictive. Attached Figure Description

[0059] The above and other aspects of this application will be more thoroughly understood and appreciated below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic only and not drawn to scale. In different drawings, the same components are indicated by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, for the sake of brevity, not all components or portions of the electrical connectors, circuit boards, and electronic systems according to this application are shown or labeled in the drawings. It should be understood that the dimensions, scale relationships, and number of components or portions in the drawings are not intended to limit this application. In the drawings:

[0060] FIG. 1A This is a perspective view of an electronic system including a circuit board and electrical connectors according to some embodiments of this application;

[0061] FIG. 1B yes FIG. 1A Another three-dimensional view of the electronic system;

[0062] FIG. 1C yes FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B A partially exploded view of the electronic system, in which the outer molded parts of the electrical connectors have been removed;

[0063] FIG. 1D yes FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B Another exploded view of the electronic system, in which the outer molded parts of the electrical connectors have been removed;

[0064] FIG. 2A yes FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D A 3D view of the electrical connector;

[0065] FIG. 2B yes FIG. 2A An enlarged view of area 2B, circled by the dashed box in the image;

[0066] FIG. 2C yes FIG. 2A Another perspective view of the electrical connector;

[0067] FIG. 2D yes FIG. 2C A magnified 2D view of the area enclosed by the dashed box in the image;

[0068] FIG. 2E yes FIG. 2A Front view of the electrical connector;

[0069] FIG. 2F yes FIG. 2E The enlarged view of the area circled by the dashed box in the image is shown on page 2F.

[0070] FIG. 2G yes FIG. 2A Another 3D view of the electrical connector;

[0071] FIG. 2H yes FIG. 2A Another 3D view of the electrical connector;

[0072] FIG. 2I yes FIG. 2A A partially exploded view of the electrical connector;

[0073] FIG. 3A It is the electrical connector along the lateral direction. FIG. 2E A partial cross-sectional view of line 3A-3A in the diagram, in which the cable of the electrical connector has been removed;

[0074] FIG. 3BIt is along the electrical connector FIG. 2F The cross-sectional view of line 3B-3B shows that the cable of the electrical connector has been removed.

[0075] FIG. 3C It is along the electrical connector FIG. 2F A cross-sectional view of line 3C-3C, in which the cable of the electrical connector has been removed;

[0076] FIG. 3D It is along the electrical connector FIG. 2F A 3D-3D cross-sectional view of the line in the image, in which the cable of the electrical connector has been removed;

[0077] FIG. 3E It is along the electrical connector FIG. 2F The cross-sectional view of line 3E-3E shows that the cable of the electrical connector has been removed;

[0078] FIG. 3F It is along the electrical connector FIG. 2F The cross-sectional view of line 3F-3F shows that the cable of the electrical connector has been removed;

[0079] FIG. 4A yes FIG. 2A A three-dimensional view of the insulating housing of an electrical connector;

[0080] FIG. 4B yes FIG. 4A An enlarged view of area 4B, which is circled by a dashed box.

[0081] FIG. 4C yes FIG. 4A Another perspective view of the insulating shell;

[0082] FIG. 4D yes FIG. 4A Another perspective view of the insulating shell;

[0083] FIG. 4E yes FIG. 4D A magnified view of the area 4E circled by the dashed box in the image;

[0084] FIG. 5A yes FIG. 2A A perspective view of a pair of third conductive terminals of an electrical connector, showing the relative positional relationship of the third conductive terminals when they are disposed in an insulating housing;

[0085] FIG. 5B yes FIG. 5A Another perspective view of a pair of third conductive terminals;

[0086] FIG. 6A yes FIG. 5A A perspective view of one of the third conductive terminals in a pair of third conductive terminals;

[0087] FIG. 6B yes FIG. 6A Another perspective view of the third conductive terminal;

[0088] FIG. 6C yes FIG. 6A A bottom view of the third conductive terminal;

[0089] FIG. 6D yes FIG. 6A Top view of the third conductive terminal;

[0090] FIG. 7A yes FIG. 2A A perspective view of two terminal assemblies of an electrical connector disposed in the third slot of an insulating housing, showing the relative positional relationship of the two terminal assemblies when disposed in the insulating housing, with the cable removed;

[0091] FIG. 7B yes FIG. 7A Another perspective view of the two terminal assemblies;

[0092] FIG. 8A yes FIG. 7A A perspective view of one of the two terminal assemblies, the terminal assembly including a retaining member, a shielding member, a plurality of fourth conductive terminals and a spacer;

[0093] FIG. 8B yes FIG. 8A Another perspective view of the terminal assembly;

[0094] FIG. 8C yes FIG. 8A A partially exploded view of the terminal assembly;

[0095] FIG. 9A yes FIG. 8A A perspective view of the shielding component of the terminal assembly;

[0096] FIG. 9B yes FIG. 9A Another perspective view of the shielding component;

[0097] FIG. 10A yes FIG. 8A A perspective view of a plurality of fourth conductive terminals of a terminal assembly, showing the relative positional relationship of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals when held by a retaining member;

[0098] FIG. 10B yes FIG. 10A Another perspective view of the multiple fourth conductive terminals;

[0099] FIG. 10C yes FIG. 10A A top view of multiple fourth conductive terminals;

[0100] FIG. 11 yes FIG. 8A A front view of a terminal assembly, wherein the retaining members and spacers of the terminal assembly are removed to show the relative positional relationship between the shielding member and the plurality of fourth conductive terminals;

[0101] FIG. 12 yes FIG. 2A A perspective view of a pair of first conductive terminals of an electrical connector, showing the relative positional relationship of the first conductive terminals when they are disposed in an insulating housing;

[0102] FIG. 13A yes FIG. 12 A perspective view of one of the first conductive terminals in a pair of first conductive terminals;

[0103] FIG. 13B yes FIG. 13A Another perspective view of the first conductive terminal;

[0104] FIG. 13C yes FIG. 13A A top view of the first conductive terminal; and

[0105] FIG. 13D yes FIG. 13A A bottom view of the first conductive terminal. Detailed Implementation

[0106] The inventors have recognized and are aware of the design techniques for electrical connectors that can simultaneously provide high-quality high-speed signals and high-power transmission.

[0107] The insulating housing of an electrical connector may include a mating surface and a first slot, a second slot, and a third slot, each recessed into the insulating housing from the mating surface in a transverse direction. The first slot, second slot, and third slot are arranged sequentially and spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction. A plurality of conductive terminals may be disposed within the insulating housing. Each conductive terminal may include a mating end having a mating contact, a tail end opposite the mating end, and an intermediate portion connecting the mating end and the tail end. The plurality of conductive terminals disposed within the insulating housing may include a plurality of first conductive terminals, second conductive terminals, and a plurality of third conductive terminals. The mating contacts of the mating ends of the plurality of first conductive terminals are disposed in the first slot, and the plurality of first conductive terminals are configured for transmitting power. The mating contacts of the mating ends of the plurality of second conductive terminals are disposed in the second slot, and at least a portion of the plurality of second conductive terminals is configured for transmitting a signal. This signal may be, in particular, a high-speed signal, such as a differential signal. The mating contacts of the mating ends of the plurality of third conductive terminals are disposed in the third slot, and the plurality of third conductive terminals are configured for transmitting power.

[0108] The second and third slots of the insulating housing may be separated longitudinally by a first partition of the insulating housing. The third slot is defined vertically by a first and a second wall segment of the insulating housing. A first and a second receiving groove may be adjacent to the first partition and extend vertically from the third slot into the first and second wall segments, respectively. A plurality of third conductive terminals may be disposed in the first and second receiving grooves.

[0109] The electrical connector may further include multiple fourth conductive terminals. The mating contacts of the mating ends of the multiple fourth conductive terminals are disposed in a third slot, and at least a portion of the multiple fourth conductive terminals is configured for signal transmission. The multiple third conductive terminals may be disposed closer to the first separator in the longitudinal direction than the multiple fourth conductive terminals.

[0110] The second slot and the first slot of the insulating housing may be separated in the longitudinal direction by a second partition of the insulating housing. The first slot is defined in the vertical direction by a third wall segment and a fourth wall segment of the insulating housing. The third receiving slot and the fourth receiving slot may extend from the first slot in the vertical direction into the third wall segment and the fourth wall segment, respectively. A plurality of first conductive terminals may be disposed in the third receiving slot and the fourth receiving slot.

[0111] By employing any one or more of the above configurations, conductive terminals for different purposes can be integrated into the same electrical connector, enabling the connector to simultaneously provide signal and power transmission. For example, the connector can provide high-speed signal transmission and high-power transmission in a high-density configuration. Furthermore, conductive terminals with larger dimensions and / or greater spacing (e.g., first and third conductive terminals) can be incorporated into the connector without requiring additional slots or additional connectors to the electronic system. This configuration does not significantly increase the connector's footprint. Moreover, this configuration allows the connector to be backward compatible with plug-in cards designed and manufactured according to specific specifications, such as pluggable multi-purpose modules (PMMs) designed and manufactured according to the current version of SFF-TA-1037. Such plug-in cards, for example, would originally be designed to mate with multiple electrical connectors. With the above configuration, the connector can integrate the functionality of these multiple connectors to mate with such plug-in cards. In this way, the number of components in the electronic system can be reduced, thereby improving the system's integration and manufacturing and assembly efficiency.

[0112] The inventors have recognized and are aware of electrical connector design techniques capable of improving signal transmission performance. An electrical connector may include a terminal assembly having multiple conductive terminals. Each of the multiple conductive terminals may include a mating end, a tail end opposite the mating end, and an intermediate portion extending between the mating end and the tail end. The intermediate portion of each conductive terminal may include a first section and a second section, the first section being closer to the mating end than the second section. The multiple conductive terminals may include multiple signal terminals and multiple ground terminals. The terminal assembly may also include an insulating retaining member disposed around the second section of the intermediate portion of the multiple conductive terminals to retain the multiple conductive terminals such that the multiple conductive terminals are arranged in a row along a longitudinal direction, and such that the first section of the intermediate portion of the multiple conductive terminals and the mating end are located outside the retaining member and oriented in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The terminal assembly may also include a shielding member having a body and multiple cantilever beams. The body of the shielding member is disposed on the retaining member, and each of the multiple cantilever beams extends laterally beyond the retaining member from the body and extends above the first section of the intermediate portion of a corresponding set of signal terminals among the multiple signal terminals. This configuration provides shielding protection along the signal transmission path to improve signal integrity and thus enhance the signal transmission performance of the electrical connector.

[0113] Some embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other unless otherwise specified.

[0114] FIGS. 1A-1D An electronic system 1 including an electrical component 3 and an electrical connector 10 is shown according to some embodiments of this application. FIGS. 2A-13D The configuration of the electrical connector 10 is shown in detail. For clarity and conciseness, in FIGS. 1A-13D The connector 10 is defined by three directions: horizontal (XX), vertical (YY), and vertical (ZZ). These directions are perpendicular to each other. The horizontal direction (XX) typically refers to the width of the connector 10. The vertical direction (YY) typically refers to the length of the connector 10. The vertical direction (ZZ) typically refers to the height of the connector 10.

[0115] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B The three-dimensional views of electronic system 1 are shown from the top and bottom perspectives, respectively. FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D These are partial exploded views of electronic system 1, shown from top and bottom perspectives, respectively. FIGS. 1A-1DAs shown, electrical connector 10 is illustrated as a card edge type cable connector. Electrical connector 10 can be used to establish an electrical connection between electrical component 3 and another electrical component (not shown). For example, electrical component 3 can be a pluggable multi-purpose module (PMM) or similar card, while the other electrical component can be another circuit board such as a motherboard or another electrical connector that can be mounted on another circuit board such as a motherboard or connected to a mating electrical connector mounted on another circuit board.

[0116] FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D An exemplary type of electrical component 3 is specifically shown. In FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D The electrical component 3 is designated as circuit board 30. It should be understood that only a portion, not the entirety, of circuit board 30 is shown in the figure. Circuit board 30 can be configured, for example, for high-power applications, such as applications with power up to 200W or higher. Circuit board 30 includes a first surface 31, a second surface 32, and a first end 33. The first surface 31 and the second surface 32 may be opposite to each other in the vertical direction ZZ and substantially parallel to each other. The first end 33 of circuit board 30 is configured for insertion into a slot of electrical connector 10. Notches 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, and 34e are recessed into circuit board 30 from the edge 35 at the first end 33 to divide the first end 33 into a plurality of insertion portions 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d, 36e, and 36f. As will be described in detail below, the plurality of insertion portions 36a-36f can be configured for insertion into corresponding slots of electrical connector 10.

[0117] The circuit board 30 may include conductive portions disposed at or near the edge 35 at each insertion portion 36a-36f. Specifically, the conductive portion of the insertion portion 36a may include a first conductive region 38a. The conductive portions of the insertion portions 36b, 36d, 36e, and 36f may each include a plurality of conductive pads 39 spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction YY. The conductive portion of the insertion portion 36b may include a second conductive region 38b and a plurality of conductive pads 39 spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction YY. The first conductive region 38a and the second conductive region 38b may be continuous along the longitudinal direction YY. At each insertion portion 36a-36f, a corresponding conductive portion may be provided on the first surface 31 and the second surface 32 of the circuit board 30. That is, a corresponding conductive portion may be provided on opposite sides of each insertion portion 36a-36f. For example, the configuration of the conductive portions on the first surface 31 and the second surface 32 of the circuit board 30 may be symmetrical about the circuit board 30. Alternatively, a corresponding conductive portion may be provided on only one side of the insertion portion 36a-36f.

[0118] FIGS. 2A-13D Electrical connector 10 is shown in detail. Electrical connector 10 can be a card edge type cable connector. Electrical connector 10 can establish a separable electrical connection with circuit board 30. Specifically, insertion portions 36a-36f of circuit board 30 can be inserted into corresponding slots of electrical connector 10 to establish electrical contact between corresponding conductive portions of insertion portions 36a-36f and mating ends of corresponding conductive terminals of electrical connector 10 (described in detail below). The tail end of the conductive terminals of electrical connector 10 (described in detail below) can be attached with a cable 40 for connection to a corresponding conductive portion of another electrical component. This other electrical component can be another circuit board, such as a motherboard, or another electrical connector, which can be mounted on another circuit board, such as a motherboard, or connected to a mating electrical connector mounted on another circuit board. In this way, an electrical connection can be established between circuit board 30 and this other electrical component via electrical connector 10.

[0119] The electrical connector 10 includes an insulating housing 100 and a plurality of conductive terminals (or "conductive elements") disposed within the insulating housing 100. The insulating housing 100 may be made of an insulating material. Examples of insulating materials suitable for manufacturing the insulating housing 100 include, but are not limited to, plastics, nylon, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high-temperature nylon, or polyphenylene oxide (PPO) or polypropylene (PP). Each of the plurality of conductive terminals may be formed of a conductive material. Suitable conductive materials for manufacturing conductive terminals may be metals or metal alloys, such as copper or copper alloys.

[0120] like FIGS. 2A-2FAs shown, the insulating housing 100 includes a first surface 101a and a second surface 101b that are opposite to each other in the transverse direction XX, and a plurality of slots, each recessed into the insulating housing 100 from the first surface 101a. Specifically, the insulating housing 100 may include a first slot 103a, a second slot 103b, a third slot 103c, a fourth slot 103d, a fifth slot 103e, and a sixth slot 103f, each recessed into the insulating housing 100 from the first surface 101a along the transverse direction XX. The first surface 101a may also be referred to as the "mating surface". That is, the electrical connector 10 may have six slots 103a-103f at the mating interface. The first slots 103a, the second slot 103b, the third slot 103c, the fourth slot 103d, the fifth slot 103e, and the sixth slot 103f are arranged sequentially along the longitudinal direction YY and spaced apart from each other. In other words, along the longitudinal direction YY, slots 103a, 103b, 103c, 103d, 103e, and 103f are arranged sequentially. Each of these slots can be elongated along the longitudinal direction YY.

[0121] Each pair of adjacent slots in the first slot 103a, second slot 103b, third slot 103c, fourth slot 103d, fifth slot 103e, and sixth slot 103f can be separated in the longitudinal direction YY by corresponding partitions of a plurality of partitions in the insulating housing 100. That is, adjacent slots are not connected to each other. FIG. 2A As shown, the first slot 103a and the second slot 103b are separated by a partition 105a in the longitudinal direction YY; the second slot 103b and the third slot 103c are separated by a partition 105b in the longitudinal direction YY; the third slot 103c and the fourth slot 103d are separated by a partition 105c in the longitudinal direction YY; the fourth slot 103d and the fifth slot 103e are separated by a partition 105d in the longitudinal direction YY; and the fifth slot 103e and the sixth slot 103f are separated by a partition 105e in the longitudinal direction YY. The partitions 105a-105e may be integral parts of the insulating housing 100.

[0122] The insertion portions 36a-36f of the circuit board 30 can be inserted into the first slot 103a, the second slot 103b, the third slot 103c, the fourth slot 103d, the fifth slot 103e, and the sixth slot 103f, respectively. The separators 105a-105e can be used to guide the insertion portions 36a-36f of the circuit board 30 into their corresponding slots. Specifically, the separators 105a-105e can be received in the recesses 34a-34e of the circuit board 30 to guide the insertion portions 36a-36f of the circuit board 30 into their corresponding slots.

[0123] like FIG. 2E and FIG. 2I As best shown, the electrical connector 10 includes a plurality of first conductive terminals 210 (or referred to as first group of conductive terminals) disposed in the insulating housing 100 corresponding to the first slot 103a, a plurality of second conductive terminals 220 (or referred to as second group of conductive terminals) disposed in the insulating housing 100 corresponding to the second slot 103b, a plurality of third conductive terminals 230 (or referred to as third group of conductive terminals) disposed in the insulating housing 100 corresponding to the third slot 103c, a plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 (or referred to as fourth group of conductive terminals), a plurality of fifth conductive terminals 250 (or referred to as fifth group of conductive terminals) disposed in the insulating housing 100 corresponding to the fourth slot 103d, a plurality of sixth conductive terminals 260 (or referred to as sixth group of conductive terminals) disposed in the insulating housing 100 corresponding to the fifth slot 103e, and a plurality of seventh conductive terminals 270 (or referred to as seventh group of conductive terminals) disposed in the insulating housing 100 corresponding to the sixth slot 103f.

[0124] As will be described in detail below, each of the plurality of conductive terminals of the electrical connector 10 includes a mating end with a mating contact, a tail end opposite to the mating end, and an intermediate portion connecting the mating end and the tail end. The mating end can be configured to mate with a corresponding conductive portion of an electrical component 3, such as the aforementioned circuit board 30. The tail end can be configured to attach a corresponding cable 40. Each conductive terminal is held in an insulating housing 100 such that the mating contact of the mating end extends into a corresponding slot for electrical contact with a corresponding conductive portion of the circuit board 30.

[0125] The specific configuration of the electrical connector 10 is described below with reference to the plurality of first conductive terminals 210 located in the first slot 103a, the plurality of second conductive terminals 220 located in the second slot 103b, and the plurality of third conductive terminals 230 and the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 located in the third slot 103c.

[0126] In some embodiments, a plurality of first conductive terminals 210 located in a first slot 103a can be configured for transmitting power, at least a portion of a plurality of second conductive terminals 220 located in a second slot 103b can be configured for transmitting signals, and a plurality of third conductive terminals 230 located in a third slot 103c can be configured for transmitting power. Such signals can be, in particular, high-speed signals, such as differential signals. This configuration enables the integration of conductive terminals for different purposes within the same electrical connector 10, allowing the electrical connector 10 to simultaneously provide signal and power transmission. For example, the electrical connector 10 can provide high-speed signal transmission and high-power transmission in a high-density configuration. Furthermore, this configuration enables the electrical connector 10 to be backward compatible with plug-in cards designed and manufactured according to specific specifications, such as pluggable multipurpose modules (PMMs) designed and manufactured according to the current version of SFF-TA-1037. Such plug-in cards are, for example, originally designed to mate with multiple electrical connectors. With the above configuration, the electrical connector 10 can integrate the functions of these multiple electrical connectors to mate with such plug-in cards. In this way, the number of components in electronic system 1 can be reduced, thereby improving the integration of electronic system 1 and the efficiency of manufacturing and assembly.

[0127] like FIGS. 2A-2F and FIG. 2I As shown, two third conductive terminals 230 and a plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 are disposed in the third slot 103c. Although two third conductive terminals 230 are shown in the figure, it should be understood that the third slot 103c may include only one third conductive terminal 230 or more than two third conductive terminals 230. For example, the third slot 103c may include one or more pairs of third conductive terminals 230.

[0128] The third conductive terminal 230 can be configured to transmit power. FIGS. 5A-6D An exemplary form of the third conductive terminal 230 is shown. FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B This is a perspective view showing the relative positional relationship of the two third conductive terminals 230 when they are disposed in the insulating housing 100. FIGS. 6A-6D One of the third conductive terminals 230 is shown in detail.

[0129] like FIGS. 5A-6DAs shown, each third conductive terminal 230 includes a mating end 231 with a mating contact portion 231a, a tail end 232 opposite to the mating end 231, and an intermediate portion 233 connecting the mating end 231 and the tail end 232. As will be described in detail below, the mating end 231 of the third conductive terminal 230 can be configured to make electrical contact with a corresponding second conductive region 38b of the insertion portion 36c of the circuit board 30. The tail end 232 of the third conductive terminal 230 can be configured to attach a corresponding cable 40.

[0130] FIGS. 7A-8C and FIGS. 10A-10C An exemplary form of a fourth conductive terminal 240 is shown. Each fourth conductive terminal 240 includes a mating end 241 having a mating contact portion 241a, a tail end 242 opposite to the mating end 241, and an intermediate portion 243 connecting the mating end 241 and the tail end 242. The mating end 241 of the fourth conductive terminal 240 can be configured to make electrical contact with a corresponding conductive pad 39 of the insertion portion 36c of the circuit board 30. The tail end 242 of the fourth conductive terminal 240 can be configured to attach a corresponding cable 40.

[0131] As shown in the figure, compared to the fourth conductive terminal 240, the third conductive terminal 230 can have larger dimensions in the lateral direction (XX), longitudinal direction (YY), and vertical direction (ZZ). Furthermore, compared to the fourth conductive terminal 240, the two third conductive terminals 230 can be spaced further apart in the vertical direction (ZZ). Moreover, as will be described in detail below, compared to the mating contact portion 241a of the fourth conductive terminal 240, the mating contact portions 231a of the third conductive terminal 230 can be spaced further apart from center to center in the longitudinal direction (YY).

[0132] It should be understood that this application is not limited thereto. For example, compared to the fourth conductive terminal 240, the third conductive terminal 230 may have a larger size in only one or both of the lateral direction XX, longitudinal direction YY, and vertical direction ZZ. Furthermore, multiple third conductive terminals 230 may be present, and two adjacent third conductive terminals 230 in the longitudinal direction YY may be spaced further apart.

[0133] like FIG. 2B , FIG. 2D and FIG. 2FAs best illustrated, the insulating housing 100 may include a first wall segment 107a and a second wall segment 107b spaced apart by the third slot 103c in the vertical direction ZZ. That is, the first wall segment 107a and the second wall segment 107b of the insulating housing 100 define the boundary of the third slot 103c in the vertical direction ZZ. Furthermore, the partitions 105b and 105c of the insulating housing 100 define the boundary of the third slot 103c in the longitudinal direction YY.

[0134] like FIG. 2B , FIG. 2D and FIG. 2F As best shown, the insulating housing 100 may include a first receiving groove 110a and a second receiving groove 110b. The first receiving groove 110a and the second receiving groove 110b may extend vertically ZZ from the third slot 103c into the first wall section 107a and the second wall section 107b, respectively, adjacent to the partition portion 105b, for receiving two third conductive terminals 230. One of the two third conductive terminals 230 is disposed in the first receiving groove 110a, and the other is disposed in the second receiving groove 110b. The mating contact portions 231 of the mating ends 231 of the two third conductive terminals 230 extend into the third slot 103c.

[0135] With this configuration, the third conductive terminal 230 can be positioned adjacent to the partition 105b of the insulating housing 100, which separates the third slot 103c and the second slot 103b from each other, and can be positioned in the same slot as multiple fourth conductive terminals 240. This allows the third conductive terminal 230 with a larger size and / or greater spacing to be positioned in the electrical connector 10 without adding additional slots or additional electrical connectors to the electronic system 1. This configuration does not significantly increase the footprint of the electrical connector 10. With this configuration, conductive terminals for different purposes can be integrated in the same electrical connector 10, so that the electrical connector 10 can provide both signal transmission and power transmission simultaneously. For example, the electrical connector 10 can provide high-speed signal transmission and high-power transmission in a high-density configuration. Furthermore, this configuration allows the electrical connector 10 to be backward compatible with plug-in cards designed and manufactured according to specific specifications, such as pluggable multipurpose modules (PMMs) designed and manufactured according to the current version of SFF-TA-1037. Such plug-in cards are, for example, originally designed to mate with multiple electrical connectors. With the above configuration, the electrical connector 10 can integrate the functions of the multiple electrical connectors to cooperate with this plug-in card. In this way, the number of components in the electronic system 1 can be reduced, thereby improving the integration of the electronic system 1 and the efficiency of manufacturing and assembly.

[0136] like FIG. 2FAs shown, the first wall segment 107a includes a first inner surface 1071 facing the third slot 103c and a first outer surface 1072 facing away from the third slot 103c, and the second wall segment 107b includes a second inner surface 1073 facing the third slot 103c and a second outer surface 1074 facing away from the third slot 103c. A first receiving groove 110a extends from the first inner surface 1071 in a vertical direction ZZ into the first wall segment 107a, and a second receiving groove 110b extends from the second inner surface 1073 in a vertical direction ZZ into the second wall segment 107b. In some embodiments, as... FIG. 2F As shown, the first outer surface 1072 and the second outer surface 7074 can be flat surfaces.

[0137] In other embodiments, a portion of the first wall segment 107a adjacent to the partition 105b may protrude outward away from the third slot 103c to form a first receiving portion or protrusion (not shown), and a first receiving groove 110a may extend from the first inner surface 1071 in a vertical direction ZZ into the first receiving portion. Alternatively or additionally, a portion of the second wall segment 107b adjacent to the partition 105b may protrude outward away from the third slot 103c to form a second receiving portion or protrusion (not shown), and a second receiving groove 110b may extend from the second inner surface 1073 in a vertical direction ZZ into the second receiving portion.

[0138] In some embodiments, such as FIG. 2F As best illustrated, the first receiving groove 110a and the second receiving groove 110b can be aligned with each other in the vertical direction ZZ. It should be understood that this application is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the first receiving groove 110a and the second receiving groove 110b can be offset relative to each other in the vertical direction ZZ.

[0139] The third conductive terminal 230 disposed in the first receiving groove 110a may be referred to as the "upper third conductive terminal", and the third conductive terminal 230 disposed in the second receiving groove 110b may be referred to as the "lower third conductive terminal". It should be understood that this only refers to the relative positional relationship of the two third conductive terminals 230 when disposed in the insulating housing 100, and not the absolute positional relationship. FIGS. 6A-6D The configuration of the upper third conductive terminal 230 is shown in detail.

[0140] like FIGS. 6A-6DAs shown, the mating end 231 of the third conductive terminal 230 includes a first contact finger 235 (also referred to as a "first beam") and two second contact fingers 236 (also referred to as "second beams"). The first contact finger 235 and the two second contact fingers 236 together form the mating end 231 of the third conductive terminal 230. The first contact finger 235 has a mating contact portion 235d for electrical contact with the second conductive region 38b of the insertion portion 36c of the circuit board 30, and each of the second contact fingers 236 has a mating contact portion 236d for electrical contact with the second conductive region 38b of the insertion portion 36c of the circuit board 30. In this case, the mating end 231 of the third conductive terminal 230 may have three mating contact portions, namely one mating contact portion 235d and two mating contact portions 236d. When the third conductive terminal 230 is disposed in the insulating housing 100, the first contact finger 235 is closer to the partition portion 105b of the insulating housing 100 in the longitudinal direction YY than the two second contact fingers 236. The three mating contact portions of the mating end 231 of the third conductive terminal 230 can be configured to make electrical contact with the second conductive region 38b (i.e., the same continuous conductive region) of the insertion portion 36c of the circuit board 30.

[0141] like FIG. 6C As best shown, the mating contact portion 235d of the first contact finger 235 of the third conductive terminal 230 has a width W1 in the longitudinal direction YY, and the mating contact portion 236d of each of the two second contact fingers 236 has a width W2 in the longitudinal direction. Width W1 is greater than width W2. Width W1 can be at least 1.5 times the width W2. For example, width W1 can be 1.5 times, 1.6 times, 1.8 times, or 2 times the width W2. When the third conductive terminal 230 is used to transmit power, due to this configuration of the first contact finger 235 and the second contact finger 236, the current flowing through the first contact finger 235 is greater than the current flowing through each of the second contact fingers 236.

[0142] like FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B As shown, the first contact finger 235 and the two second contact fingers 236 of the third conductive terminal 230 can be aligned with each other and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction YY. FIG. 6C As best shown, the mating contact portions 235d of adjacent first contact fingers 235 and mating contact portions 236d of second contact fingers 236 of the third conductive terminal 230 are spaced apart from each other center-to-center in the longitudinal direction YY by a distance P1, and the mating contact portions 236d of the two second contact fingers 236 are spaced apart from each other center-to-center in the longitudinal direction YY by a distance P2. The distance P1 is greater than the distance P2.

[0143] like FIG. 5A andFIG. 5B As shown, the two third conductive terminals 230 (i.e., the upper third conductive terminal and the lower third conductive terminal) are symmetrical about an imaginary plane parallel to the transverse direction XX and the longitudinal direction YY. In other words, the configuration of the lower third conductive terminal is symmetrical to the configuration of the upper third conductive terminal. For simplicity, the configuration of the lower third conductive terminal will not be described further.

[0144] In some embodiments, such as FIG. 3C and FIG. 3D As shown, at least a portion of the middle portion 233 of each of the two third conductive terminals 230 can be disposed in the corresponding receiving grooves in the first receiving groove 110a and the second receiving groove 110b. FIGS. 3C-3D and FIGS. 5A-6B As shown, for each third conductive terminal 230, the first contact finger 235 may include a straight section 235a, a bent section 235b, and a contact section 235c. The straight section 235a extends from the middle portion 233 towards the first surface 101a in the corresponding receiving groove along the lateral direction XX. The bent section 235b connects the straight section 235a and the contact section 235c. The contact section 235c extends from the bent section 235b away from the first surface 101a along the lateral direction XX and extends into the third slot 103c. The mating contact portion 235d is located on the contact section 235c. Each of the two second contact fingers 236 may include a straight section 236a, a bent section 236b, and a contact section 236c. For each second contact finger 236, a straight segment 236a extends from the middle portion 233 along the lateral direction XX toward the first surface 101a in the corresponding receiving groove, a curved segment 236b connects the straight segment 236a and the contact segment 236c, and the contact segment 236c extends from the curved segment 236b along the lateral direction XX away from the first surface 101a and extends into the third slot 103c, with the mating contact portion 236d located on the contact segment 236c.

[0145] In some embodiments, such as FIGS. 5A-6B As shown, for each third conductive terminal 230, the mating contact portion 235d of a first contact finger 235 and the two mating contact portions 236d of two second contact fingers 236 can be aligned with each other and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction YY. The contact surfaces of the mating contact portion 235d of the first contact finger 235 and the contact surfaces of the two mating contact portions 236d of the two second contact fingers 236 can be coplanar with each other.

[0146] In some embodiments, such as FIGS. 5A-6B As shown, for each third conductive terminal 230, the straight segment 235a of a first contact finger 235 and the two straight segments 236a of two second contact fingers 236 can be aligned with each other and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction YY.

[0147] In some embodiments, the first contact fingers 235 of the two third conductive terminals 230 can be aligned with each other in the vertical direction ZZ (e.g., FIG. 2F and FIG. 3C (as shown), or they can be offset relative to each other. In some embodiments, the second contact fingers 236 of the two third conductive terminals 230 can be aligned with each other in the vertical direction ZZ (e.g. FIG. 2F and FIG. 3D (as shown), or they can be offset relative to each other.

[0148] In some embodiments, such as FIGS. 5A-6D As shown, for each third conductive terminal 230, the widths of the straight segment 235a, the bent segment 235b, and the contact segment 235c of each first contact finger 235 in the longitudinal direction YY can be the same. That is, each first contact finger 235 can have a consistent width along its extension direction.

[0149] In some embodiments, such as FIGS. 5A-6D As shown, for each third conductive terminal 230, the straight segment 236a, the bent segment 236b, and the contact segment 236c of each second contact finger 236 can have the same width in the longitudinal direction YY. That is, each second contact finger 236 can have a consistent width along its extension direction.

[0150] In some embodiments, such as FIGS. 5A-6D As shown, for each third conductive terminal 230, a first contact finger 235 and two second contact fingers 236 can be aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction YY. The first contact finger 235 has a first cross-sectional profile perpendicular to the longitudinal direction YY, and each second contact finger 236 has a second cross-sectional profile perpendicular to the longitudinal direction YY. The first cross-sectional profile can be the same as the second cross-sectional profile.

[0151] In some embodiments, such as FIGS. 5A-6D As shown, each third conductive terminal 230 can be formed from a single sheet of conductive material. That is, each third conductive terminal 230 comprises a single layer. It should be understood that this application is not limited thereto.

[0152] Although the foregoing description describes the mating end 231 of the third conductive terminal 230 having one first contact finger 235 and two second contact fingers 236, it should be understood that this application is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the mating end 231 of each third conductive terminal 230 may include at least one first contact finger 235 and at least two second contact fingers 236. Each of the at least one first contact finger 235 and at least two second contact fingers 236 has a mating contact portion. The mating contact portion 235d of each first contact finger 235 has a width W1 in the longitudinal direction YY, and the mating contact portion 236d of each second contact finger 236 has a width W2 in the longitudinal direction YY. When the third conductive terminal 230 is disposed in the insulating housing 100, at least one first contact finger 235 is closer to the partition portion 105b of the insulating housing 100 in the longitudinal direction YY than at least two second contact fingers 236. At least one first contact finger 235 and at least two second contact fingers 236 are aligned with each other and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction YY. The mating contact portions 235d of at least one first contact finger 235 and the mating contact portions 236d of at least two second contact fingers 236 are spaced apart from each other from center to center in the longitudinal direction YY by a distance P1, and the mating contact portions 236d of at least two second contact fingers 236 are spaced apart from each other from center to center in the longitudinal direction YY by a distance P2. Furthermore, when there are at least two first contact fingers 235, the mating contact portions 235d of two adjacent first contact fingers 235 may be spaced apart from each other from center to center in the longitudinal direction YY by a distance (not shown), which distance may be greater than or equal to the distance P1.

[0153] In some embodiments, such as FIG. 3C and FIG. 3D As shown, the third conductive terminal 230 can be inserted into the insulating housing 100. (As indicated...) FIG. 4E As shown, the insulating housing 100 may include a third receiving channel 118c that extends from the second surface 101b into the insulating housing 100 and communicates with a corresponding receiving groove. The middle portion 233 of the third conductive terminal 230 may engage with the wall of the third receiving channel 118c to retain the third conductive terminal 230 within the third receiving channel 118c. In other embodiments, the third conductive terminal 230 may be retained in the corresponding receiving groove by any suitable terminal holding structure (not shown).

[0154] The plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 disposed in the third slot 103c can be arranged into two terminal blocks. The two terminal blocks can extend respectively along the longitudinal direction YY.

[0155] In some embodiments, such as FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B As shown, the electrical connector 10 may include an insulating retaining member 400 (also referred to as a "terminal retaining member") for retaining a plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 within the insulating housing 100. The retaining member 400 may be made of an insulating material. Examples of insulating materials suitable for manufacturing the retaining member 400 include, but are not limited to, plastics, nylon, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high-temperature nylon or polyphenylene oxide (PPO) or polypropylene (PP).

[0156] exist FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B Two retaining members 400 are shown. A plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 are held by these two retaining members 400 in two terminal rows that are opposite to and spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction ZZ. FIG. 2F As best shown, the mating contacts of the conductive terminals in the two terminal blocks are positioned opposite each other and spaced apart on both sides of the third slot 103c. The corresponding insertion portion 36c of the circuit board 30 can be inserted between the mating contacts of the conductive terminals in the two terminal blocks. The terminal block located on one side of the third slot 103c may be referred to as the "upper terminal block," while the terminal block located on the opposite side of the third slot 103c may be referred to as the "lower terminal block." It should be understood that this only indicates the relative positional relationship of the two terminal blocks when they are disposed within the insulating housing 100, and not their absolute positional relationship.

[0157] FIGS. 8A-8C The upper terminal block held by the retaining member 400 is shown in detail, and FIGS. 10A-10C A plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 in the upper terminal block are shown. Each fourth conductive terminal 240 has a middle portion 243 extending between a mating end 241 and a tail end 242, and the middle portion 243 includes a first segment 243a and a second segment 243b. The first segment 243a is closer to the mating end 241 than the second segment 243b. FIGS. 8A-8C As shown, the retaining member 400 can be disposed around the second segment 243b of the middle portion 243 of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 to retain the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240, such that the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 are arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction YY, and the first segment 243a and the mating end 241 of the middle portion 243 of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 are located outside the retaining member 400 and oriented along the transverse direction XX.

[0158] In some embodiments, the retaining member 400 may be molded around a second segment 243b of the intermediate portion 243 of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240. For example, the retaining member 400 may be a member that covers the second segment 243b of the intermediate portion 243 of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240. In other embodiments, the retaining member 400 may be formed with a receiving groove for inserting the second segment 243b of the intermediate portion 243 of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240.

[0159] At least a portion of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 can be configured for transmitting a signal. This signal can be, in particular, a high-speed signal, such as a differential signal. For example, the first portion 2401 of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 (in...) FIG. 10C (Schematably circled in dashed box) can be configured for transmitting differential signals. A first portion 2401 of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 may include a plurality of ground terminals 240G and a plurality of pairs of signal terminals 240S forming differential signal pairs for carrying differential signals. One of a pair of signal terminals 240S may be excited by a first voltage, and the other may be excited by a second voltage. The voltage difference between a pair of signal terminals 240S represents the signal. The ground terminals 240G and the signal terminals 240S may have substantially the same configuration. In some embodiments, such as FIGS. 10A-10C As shown, the width of the ground terminal 240G in the longitudinal direction YY can be greater than the width of the signal terminal 240S in the longitudinal direction YY. It should be understood that this application is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the ground terminal 240G and the signal terminal 240S can have the same configuration.

[0160] like FIG. 10C As best illustrated, multiple ground terminals 240G can be arranged adjacent to each pair of signal terminals 240S to space the multiple pairs of signal terminals 240S apart, thereby reducing crosstalk between signals and improving signal integrity. The multiple ground terminals 240G and the multiple pairs of signal terminals 240S are arranged in the format "GSSGSS...GSSG" (where G represents ground terminal 240G and S represents signal terminal 240S), with a ground terminal 240G positioned between every two adjacent pairs of signal terminals 240S. Using ground terminals 240G to space the multiple pairs of signal terminals 240S apart reduces crosstalk, thereby improving signal integrity.

[0161] The second portion 2402 of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 (in) FIG. 10C(Schematably circled in dashed box) can be configured to transmit power and / or signals. For example, a second portion 2402 of a plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 can be configured to transmit signals such as sideband signals. As another example, the second portion 2402 of a plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 may include a power terminal 240P configured to transmit power. The fourth conductive terminals 240 in the first portion 2401 and the second portion 2402 may have substantially the same configuration.

[0162] like FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B As shown, the mating contact portions 241a of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 can be aligned with each other and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction YY, and the contact surfaces of the mating contact portions 241a can be coplanar with each other. FIG. 10C As shown, the mating contact portions 241a of the grounding terminal 240G and the signal terminal 240S can have substantially the same width W3 in the longitudinal direction YY. The mating contact portions 241a of two adjacent terminals in the signal terminal 240S and the grounding terminal 240G can be spaced apart from each other by a distance P3 from center to center in the longitudinal direction YY.

[0163] It is conceivable that the mating contact 241a of each fourth conductive terminal 240 in the upper terminal block may have a width W3 in the longitudinal direction YY, and the two mating contacts 241a of two adjacent terminals in the upper terminal block may be spaced apart from each other by a distance P3 from center to center in the longitudinal direction YY. Under specifications such as SFF-TA-1037, the distance P3 may be 0.6 mm. In other embodiments, the distance P3 may be less than 0.6 mm or greater than 0.6 mm.

[0164] like FIG. 2F As shown, the third slot 103c may include a first segment 1031 adjacent to the partition 105b, and a second segment 1032 extending from the first segment 1031 away from the partition 105b along the longitudinal direction YY. The mating contact portions 231a of the mating ends 231 of the plurality of third conductive terminals 230 may extend into the first segment 1031, and the mating contact portions 241a of the mating ends 241 of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 may extend into the second segment 1032.

[0165] like FIG. 2F and FIGS. 5A-5BAs shown, the mating contacts 301a of the two third conductive terminals 230 can be arranged in two first rows along the longitudinal direction YY and exposed in the first section 1031 of the third slot 103c. The mating contacts 241a of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 can be arranged in two second rows along the longitudinal direction YY and exposed in the second section 1032 of the third slot 103c. Each of the two first rows is aligned with its corresponding counterpart in the two second rows in the longitudinal direction YY and spaced apart from each other.

[0166] The distance between two adjacent mating contact portions in each first row (i.e., two adjacent mating contact portions 235d of the first contact finger 235 and two adjacent mating contact portions 236d of the second contact finger 236) in the longitudinal direction YY from center to center (i.e., FIG. 6C The "P1" or "P2" in the text is greater than the distance between two adjacent mating contact parts in the longitudinal direction YY in each second row from center to center (i.e., FIG. 10C (P3 in the text). That is, the spacing P1 is greater than the spacing P3, and the spacing P2 is greater than the spacing P3. In addition, the spacing P1 is greater than the spacing P2. As described above, the mating contact portion 235d of the first contact finger 235 of the third conductive terminal 230 has a width W1 in the longitudinal direction YY, and the mating contact portion 236d of the second contact finger 236 has a width W2 in the longitudinal direction YY. The mating contact portion 243d of each of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 may have a width W3 in the longitudinal direction YY. FIG. 10C Width W1 is greater than width W3, and width W2 is greater than width W3.

[0167] Compared to power terminals such as power terminal 240P, one or more of the above-described configurations of the third conductive terminal 230 enable the third conductive terminal 230 to generate less heat under a given current. In other words, one or more of the above-described configurations of the third conductive terminal 230 significantly increase the power that the third conductive terminal 230 can transmit under the maximum tolerable temperature rise. For example, two third conductive terminals 230 can transmit 200W or even higher power, with a maximum temperature rise of 30°C above ambient temperature.

[0168] The inventors have recognized and realized that by providing two third conductive terminals 230 and a plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 in the third slot 103c, and configuring the third conductive terminals 230 for transmitting power and configuring at least a portion of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 for transmitting signals, it is possible to enable the electrical connector 10 to simultaneously provide high-quality high-speed signal transmission and high-power transmission without significantly increasing the space occupied by the electrical connector 10 in the electronic system 1. This configuration enables the electrical connector 10 to be backward compatible with plug-in cards designed and manufactured according to specific specifications, such as pluggable multipurpose modules (PMMs) designed and manufactured according to the current version of SFF-TA-1037. Such plug-in cards, for example, would originally be designed to mate with multiple electrical connectors. With the above configuration, the electrical connector 10 can integrate the functions of the multiple electrical connectors to mate with such plug-in cards. In this way, the number of components in the electronic system 1 can be reduced, thereby improving the integration of the electronic system 1 and the efficiency of manufacturing and assembly.

[0169] In some embodiments, such as FIG. 2I , FIG. 8A and FIG. 10C As shown, the second portion 2402 of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 can be disposed in the longitudinal direction YY between the first portion 2401 of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 and the two third conductive terminals 230. This configuration reduces interference to the differential signal transmitted by the first portion 2401 of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240. In one of these embodiments, the second portion 2402 of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 is disposed in the region immediately adjacent to the corresponding first row in each of the two second rows. Furthermore, the power terminal 240P of the second portion 2402 of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 can be disposed in the longitudinal direction YY between the signal terminal of the second portion 2402 and the two third conductive terminals 230.

[0170] In some embodiments, each of the two first rows and its corresponding counterpart in the two second rows are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction YY by a distance of at least twice the distance P3. This configuration effectively reduces interference to the differential signals transmitted by the first portion 2401 of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240.

[0171] In some embodiments, the spacing P1 or spacing P2 may be greater than or equal to 0.8 mm. For example, the spacing P1 or spacing P2 may be 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, etc.

[0172] In some embodiments, the spacing P1 or spacing P2 can be greater than 1.5 times the spacing P3. For example, the spacing P1 or spacing P2 can be N times the spacing P3, where N is an integer greater than 1.

[0173] Although the above description indicates that the upper terminal block includes multiple ground terminals 240G and multiple pairs of signal terminals 240S, it should be understood that this application is not limited thereto. For example, a single signal terminal 240S or more than two signal terminals 240S may be arranged between two adjacent ground terminals 240G. In other words, the upper terminal block may include multiple signal terminals 240S and multiple ground terminals 240G. The multiple signal terminals 240S may be arranged as multiple groups of signal terminals 240S spaced apart along the longitudinal direction YY, and a ground terminal 240G is provided between two adjacent groups of signal terminals 240S. Each group of signal terminals 240S may include at least one signal terminal 240S.

[0174] Although the foregoing description indicates that the fourth conductive terminal 240 of each row is held by a retaining member 400, it should be understood that this application is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, more or fewer retaining members may be used. For example, FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B The two retaining members 400 shown can be replaced by a single retaining member. Alternatively, the fourth conductive terminal 240 can be held in the same row by more than one retaining member. It should also be understood that there may be no retaining member, and the fourth conductive terminal 240 may be directly disposed in the insulating housing 100, for example, by inserting the fourth conductive terminal 240 into a corresponding receiving channel formed in the insulating housing 100, or by molding the insulating housing 100 around the fourth conductive terminal 240.

[0175] In some embodiments, such as FIGS. 8A-8C As shown, the electrical connector 10 may include a shielding member 500. The shielding member 500 can improve the signal transmission performance of the electrical connector 10. FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B The configuration of the shielding member 500 is shown in detail.

[0176] like FIGS. 8A-9B As shown, the shielding member 500 may include a body 500a and a plurality of cantilever beams 504. The body 500a of the shielding member 500 is disposed on the retaining member 400. Each of the plurality of cantilever beams 504 extends beyond the retaining member 400 from the body 500a in the lateral direction XX, and extends above the first segment 243a of the middle portion 243 of a corresponding set of signal terminals 400S (a pair of signal terminals 240S in the figure) of a plurality of signal terminals 400S. With this configuration, shielding protection can be provided along the signal transmission path to improve signal integrity, thereby improving the signal transmission performance of the electrical connector 10.

[0177] In some embodiments, such as FIG. 8CAs shown, the retaining member 400 may include a first surface 401 and a plurality of recesses 403. Each of the plurality of recesses 403 is recessed into the retaining member 400 from the first surface 401 along a vertical direction ZZ to expose at least a portion of a second segment 243b corresponding to one of the plurality of grounding terminals 240G. FIG. 8A , FIG. 8C and FIGS. 9A-9B As shown, the main body 500a of the shielding member 500 may include a plurality of platform portions 501, a plurality of valley portions 502, and side portions 503 connecting adjacent platform portions 501 and valley portions 502. When the main body 500a of the shielding member 500 is disposed on the retaining member 400, the plurality of platform portions 501 are disposed on the first surface 401, each valley portion 502 and its corresponding side portion 503 are received in a corresponding recess 403 among the plurality of recesses 403, and the valley portion 502 is electrically coupled to at least a portion of a second segment 243b corresponding to a grounding terminal exposed by the corresponding recess 403.

[0178] The main body 500a of the shielding member 500 is disposed on the retaining member 400, providing shielding protection for the signal terminal 240S. Electrically coupling the main body 500a to multiple grounding terminals 240G via the valley portion 502 grounds electromagnetic interference absorbed by the main body 500a to ground and reduces the effects of electrical resonance. This configuration improves signal integrity, thereby enhancing the signal transmission performance of the electrical connector 10.

[0179] In one of these embodiments, each valley 502 of the shielding member 500 can directly contact at least a portion of the second segment 243b of a corresponding grounding terminal exposed by a corresponding recess 403, and the direct contact is a surface contact. This surface contact can reduce the impedance at the connection point between the valley 502 and the grounding terminal 240G, mitigating or even eliminating charge accumulation problems.

[0180] In one of these embodiments, the shielding member 500 may be made of a conductive material, such as a metallic material. In other embodiments, the shielding member 500 may be made of a dissipative material. In this case, each valley 502 of the shielding member 500 may be in direct contact or capacitively coupled to at least a portion of a second segment 243b corresponding to a grounding terminal exposed by a corresponding recess 403. For example, the valley 502 of the shielding member 500 may be attached to the grounding terminal 240G by any suitable process such as laser welding to hold the body 500a of the shielding member 500 on the retaining member 400. Alternatively, the body 500a of the shielding member 500 may be secured to the retaining member 400 by any suitable means such as snap-fit ​​to allow the valley 502 to be in direct contact or capacitively coupled to the grounding terminal 240G.

[0181] Such materials can be considered dissipative: they dissipate a sufficient portion of the electromagnetic energy that interacts with the electrical connector and significantly affects its performance. The significant effect is due to attenuation within the frequency range that is critical to the electrical connector. In some configurations, the dissipative material can suppress resonance within the grounding structure of the electrical connector, and the critical frequency range may include the natural 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 electrical connector's operating frequency range.

[0182] Receiving the valley portion 502 and the corresponding side portion 503 into the corresponding recess 403 helps to reliably hold the shielding member 500 onto the retaining member 400. It should be understood that this application is not limited thereto. The shielding member 500 can be secured to the retaining member 400 by any other suitable means.

[0183] Each of the plurality of platform portions 501 of the main body 500a of the shielding member 500 can be positioned in the vertical direction ZZ above the second segment 243b of the middle portion 243 of the corresponding set of signal terminals 240S, and can be spaced apart from the second segment 243b of the middle portion 243 of the corresponding set of signal terminals 240S by the retaining member 400. Each of the plurality of cantilever beams 504 can extend from a corresponding platform portion 501 in the horizontal direction XX, and extends above the first segment 243a of the middle portion 243 of the corresponding set of signal terminals 240S corresponding to the corresponding platform portion 501. With this configuration, the platform portions 501 and the corresponding cantilever beams 504 of the shielding member 500 can provide shielding protection above the first segment 243a and the second segment 243b of the middle portion 243 of the corresponding set of signal terminals 240S.

[0184] FIG. 11 The diagram illustrates the positional relationship between the shielding member 500 and the corresponding plurality of conductive terminals 240 when the shielding member 500 is disposed on the retaining member 400, wherein the retaining member 400 is omitted. FIG. 11As shown, for each of the multiple sets of signal terminals 240S, the second segment 243b of the middle portion 243 of the signal terminal 240S is spaced apart from the corresponding platform portion 501 by a first distance D1 in the vertical direction ZZ, and the center of the second segment 243b of the middle portion 243 of the signal terminal 240S is spaced apart from the edge of the second segment 243b of the middle portion 243 of the corresponding adjacent grounding terminal by a second distance D2 in the longitudinal direction YY. The first distance D1 can be close to the second distance D2. For example, the first distance D1 can be less than or equal to the second distance D2. With this configuration, the platform portion 501 of the shielding member 500 and the corresponding cantilever beam 504 can serve as a grounding reference for the signal terminal 240S. In some embodiments, the first distance D1 can be equal to the second distance D2, such that the signal terminal 240S is shielded in a manner similar to shielding a conductor with a coaxial or biaxial cable.

[0185] In some embodiments, such as FIG. 8A and FIG. 11 As shown, the extension range of the main body 500a of the shielding member 500 in the longitudinal direction YY can cover the second section 243b of the middle part 243 of the multiple signal terminals 240S and multiple ground terminals.

[0186] In some embodiments, such as FIGS. 3E-3F and FIG. 8A As shown, the extension of the main body 500a of the shielding member 500 in the lateral direction XX can cover at least a portion of the second section 243b of the middle portion 243 of the plurality of signal terminals 240S and the plurality of ground terminals.

[0187] In some embodiments, such as FIGS. 8A-8C and FIGS. 10A-10C As shown, the first segment 243a of the middle portion 243 of the fourth conductive terminal 240 can be connected to the second segment 243b and the mating end 241. FIGS. 3E-3F and FIG. 8A As shown, each of the plurality of cantilever beams 504 extends from a corresponding platform portion 501 of the plurality of platform portions 501 along the lateral direction XX to above the connection portion of the first segment 243a of the middle portion 243 of the corresponding set of signal terminals 240S corresponding to the corresponding platform portion 501 and the mating end 241. With this configuration, shielding can be provided substantially along the first segment 243a and the second segment 243b of the middle portion 243 of the signal terminal 240S.

[0188] In some embodiments, such as FIG. 8A , FIG. 8C and FIGS. 9A-9BAs shown, each platform portion 501 of the shielding member 500 may include an opening 501a extending through the platform portion 501 in the vertical direction ZZ. The opening 501a may be aligned in the vertical direction ZZ with a second segment 243b of the middle portion 243 of a corresponding set of signal terminals 240S. This configuration can improve the performance of the shielding member 500, thereby improving the signal transmission performance of the electrical connector 10.

[0189] In one of these embodiments, the retaining member 400 may include a plurality of protrusions 405 projecting ZZ from the first surface 401 in a vertical direction. Each of the plurality of protrusions 405 extends through an opening 501a of a corresponding platform portion 501 of the plurality of platform portions 501 to retain the shielding member 500 on the retaining member 400. In some examples, the protrusions 405 may engage with mating features (e.g., notches) of the insulating housing 100 when the retaining member 400 is inserted into the insulating housing 100 to retain the retaining member 400 within the insulating housing 100.

[0190] In some embodiments, such as FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B As shown, the first segments 243a of the intermediate portions 243 of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 can be aligned with each other and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction YY. The plurality of cantilever beams 504 can be spaced apart from the first segments 243a of the intermediate portions 243 of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 in the vertical direction ZZ. The plurality of cantilever beams 504 do not contact the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240.

[0191] In some embodiments, such as FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B As shown, the second segments 243b of the intermediate portions 243 of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 extend along the lateral direction XX and are aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction YY. The second segments 243b together define a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction ZZ (e.g., in...). FIG. 3E and FIG. 3F The plane PL corresponding to the upper terminal block is schematically represented by a dashed line. For example... FIG. 3E As best illustrated, multiple cantilever beams 504 may extend parallel to plane PL on a first side of plane PL. The cantilever beams 504 may be straight strips. For example... FIG. 3E and FIG. 3FAs best shown, the first segment 243a of the intermediate portion 243 of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 can extend obliquely from the second segment 243b away from the plane PL to the second side of the plane PL opposite to the first side, so that the mating end 241 extends into the third slot 103c. When the insertion portion 36c of the circuit board 30 is inserted into the third slot 103c, the first segment 243a of the intermediate portion 243 of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 can be pushed by the insertion portion 36c to deflect toward the plane PL. When the first segments 143a of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 are deflected toward the plane PL, the cantilever beam 504 will not contact these first segments 143a. In one of these embodiments, the cantilever beam 504 can be received in the receiving groove 190 of the insulating housing 100. FIG. 3E In the case of the insulating housing 100, the space between the insulating housing 100 and the space in which the first segment 143a is provided is separated. It should be understood that this application is not limited thereto.

[0192] In some embodiments, such as FIG. 8A As shown, each of the multiple cantilever beams 504 can be located above the first segment 243a of the middle portion 243 of the corresponding set of signal terminals 240S in the vertical direction ZZ, without extending above the grounding terminal adjacent to the corresponding set of signal terminals 240S.

[0193] like FIGS. 8A-8C As shown, the tail ends 242 of a plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 extend from the retaining member 400. The tail ends 242 of the fourth conductive terminals 240 may extend from the second segment 243b of the intermediate portion 243 in the opposite direction to the first segment 143a. In some embodiments, such as FIGS. 8A-8C As shown, the tail end 242 of the fourth conductive terminal 240 can be configured for attaching (e.g., by soldering) a cable 40. Exemplarily, the signal terminal 240S of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 can be used to attach a signal conductor or wire of the cable 40, the ground terminal 240G adjacent to the signal terminal 240S can be used to attach a shielding conductor or wire for the signal conductor or wire, and the power terminal 240P can be used to attach a power cable 40 for transmitting power.

[0194] In some embodiments, such as FIGS. 8A-8CAs shown, the electrical connector 10 may include a spacer 600 configured to support the tail ends 242 of a plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240. The spacer 600 may be made of an insulating material. Examples of insulating materials suitable for manufacturing the spacer 600 include, but are not limited to, plastics, nylon, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high-temperature nylon or polyphenylene oxide (PPO) or polypropylene (PP). The tail ends 242 of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 may be disposed on a surface 600a of the spacer 600. The spacer 600 may include ribs 603 projecting from the surface 600a in a vertical direction ZZ. The tail ends 242 of adjacent fourth conductive terminals 240 may be separated by corresponding ribs 603 in a transverse direction XX. For example, as... FIG. 8B As shown, the spacer 600 can be connected to the retaining member 400, for example, via a dovetail-shaped attachment 601. In other embodiments, the spacer 600 can be integrally formed with the retaining member 400.

[0195] like FIGS. 7A-7B As shown, a plurality of fourth conductive elements 240, retaining members 400, shielding members 500, and spacers 600 can form a terminal assembly 83. The plurality of fourth conductive elements 240, retaining members 400, shielding members 500, and spacers 600 can be assembled together before being installed into the insulating housing 100 to form the terminal assembly 83. This configuration has the advantage of improving the assembly efficiency of the electrical connector 10. It should be understood that this application is not limited thereto. The terminal assembly 83 may also include other components. In some embodiments, the terminal assembly 83 may include corresponding cables 40 to which the plurality of fourth conductive elements 240 are attached. In other embodiments, the terminal assembly 83 may be without spacers 600 and / or shielding members 500.

[0196] Terminal assembly 83 can be inserted into insulating housing 100, for example, through channel 153 recessed into insulating housing 100 from second surface 101b. Retaining member 400 can be held in place by insulating housing 100 to hold the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 in insulating housing 100.

[0197] It should be understood that the above description describes the specific configuration of the upper terminal block disposed in the third slot 103c, along with its corresponding retaining member 400, shielding member 500, and spacer 600. The upper terminal block, along with its corresponding retaining member 400, shielding member 500, and spacer 600, can form a terminal assembly 83. Please refer back to [link to previous section]. FIGS. 7A-7B Similar to the upper terminal block, the lower terminal block can also form a terminal assembly 83 with the corresponding retaining member, shielding member and spacer. FIGS. 7A-7BThe configuration of the two terminal assemblies 83 shown can be similar. For example, the two terminal assemblies 83 can be symmetrical about an imaginary plane parallel to the lateral direction XX and the longitudinal direction YY. For simplicity, the specific configuration of the lower terminal block with the corresponding retaining member, shielding member and spacer will not be described in detail.

[0198] It should also be understood that, FIGS. 2A-2F The two terminal assemblies 83 shown can be combined into one terminal assembly 83. For example, the two retaining members of the two terminal assemblies 83 can be fixed together or made into one piece.

[0199] like FIG. 2I and FIGS. 12-13D As shown, two first conductive terminals 210 are disposed in the insulating housing 100 corresponding to the first slot 103a. Although two first conductive terminals 210 are shown in the figure, it should be understood that there may be only one first conductive terminal 210, or there may be more than two first conductive terminals 210. For example, there may be one or more pairs of first conductive terminals 210.

[0200] The first conductive terminal 210 can be configured to transmit power. FIG. 12 An exemplary form of the first conductive terminal 210 is shown. FIGS. 13A-13D This is a perspective view showing the relative positional relationship of the two first conductive terminals 210 when they are disposed in the insulating housing 100. FIGS. 12-13D One of the first conductive terminals 210 is shown in detail.

[0201] like FIG. 2B As shown, each first conductive terminal 210 includes a mating end 211 having a mating contact portion 211a, a tail end 212 opposite to the mating end 211, and an intermediate portion 213 connecting the mating end 211 and the tail end 212. As will be described in detail below, the mating end 211 of the first conductive terminal 210 can be configured to make electrical contact with the first conductive region 38a of the insertion portion 36a of the circuit board 30. The tail end 212 of the first conductive terminal 210 can be configured to attach a corresponding cable 40.

[0202] As shown in the figure, similar to the third conductive terminal 230, the first conductive terminal 210 can have a larger size in the lateral direction (XX), longitudinal direction (YY), and vertical direction (ZZ) compared to the second conductive terminal 220 and the fourth conductive terminal 240. Furthermore, compared to the second conductive terminal 220 and the fourth conductive terminal 240, the two first conductive terminals 210 can be spaced further apart in the vertical direction (ZZ). Moreover, as will be described in detail below, compared to the mating contact portions of the second conductive terminal 220 and the fourth conductive terminal 240, the mating contact portions 211a of the first conductive terminal 210 can be spaced further apart from center to center in the longitudinal direction (YY).

[0203] It should be understood that this application is not limited thereto. For example, compared to the second conductive terminal 220 and the fourth conductive terminal 240, the first conductive terminal 210 may have a larger size in only one or both of the lateral direction XX, longitudinal direction YY, and vertical direction ZZ. Furthermore, there may be multiple first conductive terminals 210, and two adjacent first conductive terminals 210 in the longitudinal direction YY may be spaced further apart.

[0204] like FIG. 2D , FIG. 2F and FIG. 2B As best shown, the insulating housing 100 includes a third wall segment 107c and a fourth wall segment 107d spaced apart in the vertical direction ZZ by the first slot 103a. That is, the third wall segment 107c and the fourth wall segment 107d of the insulating housing 100 define the boundary of the first slot 103a in the vertical direction ZZ. Furthermore, the first slot 103a may be located at an end of the insulating housing 100 in the longitudinal direction YY. In this case, the partition 105a of the insulating housing 100 and the end wall 120 of the insulating housing 100 at the end define the boundary of the first slot 103a in the longitudinal direction YY.

[0205] like FIG. 2D , FIG. 2F and FIG. 2F As best shown, the insulating housing 100 may include a third receiving groove 110c and a fourth receiving groove 110d. The third receiving groove 110c and the fourth receiving groove 110d extend vertically from the third slot 103c into the third wall segment 107c and the fourth wall segment 107d, respectively, to accommodate two first conductive terminals 210. One of the two first conductive terminals 210 is disposed in the third receiving groove 110c, and the other is disposed in the fourth receiving groove 110d. The mating contact portion 211a of the mating ends 211 of the two first conductive terminals 210 extends into the first slot 103a.

[0206] With this configuration, the first conductive terminals 210, with larger dimensions and / or greater spacing, can be integrated into the electrical connector 10 without adding additional electrical connectors to the electronic system 1. This configuration does not significantly increase the space occupied by the electrical connector 10 in the electronic system 1. This configuration allows conductive terminals for different purposes to be integrated into the same electrical connector 10, enabling the electrical connector 10 to provide both signal and power transmission simultaneously. For example, the electrical connector 10 can provide high-speed signal transmission and high-power transmission in a high-density configuration. Furthermore, this configuration allows the electrical connector 10 to be backward compatible with plug-in cards designed and manufactured according to specific specifications, such as pluggable multipurpose modules (PMMs) designed and manufactured according to the current version of SFF-TA-1037. Such plug-in cards, for example, would originally be designed to mate with multiple electrical connectors. With the above configuration, the electrical connector 10 can integrate the functions of these multiple electrical connectors to mate with such plug-in cards. In this way, the number of components in the electronic system 1 can be reduced, thereby improving the integration level of the electronic system 1 and the efficiency of manufacturing and assembly.

[0207] like FIG. 2F As shown, the third wall segment 107c includes a third inner surface 1075 facing the first slot 103a and a third outer surface 1076 facing away from the first slot 103a, and the fourth wall segment 107d includes a fourth inner surface 1077 facing the first slot 103a and a fourth outer surface 1078 facing away from the first slot 103a. A third receiving groove 110c extends from the third inner surface 1075 in a vertical direction ZZ into the third wall segment 107c, and a fourth receiving groove 110d extends from the fourth inner surface 1077 in a vertical direction ZZ into the fourth wall segment 107d. In some embodiments, as... FIG. 2F As shown, the third outer surface 1076 and the fourth outer surface 1078 can be flat surfaces.

[0208] In other embodiments, a portion of the third wall segment 107c may protrude outward away from the first slot 103a to form a third receiving portion or protrusion (not shown), and the third receiving groove 110c may extend from the third inner surface 1075 in a vertical direction ZZ into the third receiving portion. Alternatively or additionally, a portion of the fourth wall segment 107d may protrude outward away from the first slot 103a to form a fourth receiving portion or protrusion (not shown), and the fourth receiving groove 110d may extend from the fourth inner surface 1077 in a vertical direction ZZ into the fourth receiving portion.

[0209] In some embodiments, such as FIG. 2FAs best shown, the third receiving groove 110c and the fourth receiving groove 110d can be aligned with each other in the vertical direction ZZ. It should be understood that this application is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the third receiving groove 110c and the fourth receiving groove 110d can be offset relative to each other in the vertical direction ZZ.

[0210] In some embodiments, such as FIG. 2F As best shown, the first slot 103a extends from the partition 105a along the longitudinal direction YY through the end wall 120 at the end of the insulating housing 100. This configuration facilitates the insertion of the circuit board 30 into the electrical connector 10. Furthermore, this configuration allows the electrical connector 10 to be backward compatible with plug-in cards designed and manufactured according to specific specifications, such as pluggable multipurpose modules (PMMs) designed and manufactured according to the current version of SFF-TA-1037. Additionally, this configuration promotes heat dissipation.

[0211] In some embodiments, such as FIGS. 13A-13D As best shown, the third receiving groove 110c and the fourth receiving groove 110d can be positioned closer to the end wall 120 in the longitudinal direction YY, rather than closer to the partition 105. This configuration can reduce interference to the signals transmitted by the plurality of second conductive terminals 220. In addition, this configuration can promote heat dissipation.

[0212] The first conductive terminal 210 disposed in the third receiving groove 110c may be referred to as the "upper first conductive terminal", and the first conductive terminal 210 disposed in the fourth receiving groove 110d may be referred to as the "lower first conductive terminal". It should be understood that this only indicates the relative positional relationship of the two first conductive terminals 210, not the absolute positional relationship. FIGS. 13A-13D The upper first conductive terminal 210 is shown in detail.

[0213] like FIG. 13D As shown, the mating end 211 of the first conductive terminal 210 may include a plurality of contact fingers 215, eight of which are shown in the figure. However, this application is not limited to this; for example, the mating end 211 may have more or fewer than eight contact fingers 215. Each of the plurality of contact fingers 215 has a mating contact portion 215d extending into the first slot 103a. The mating contact portions 215d of the plurality of contact fingers 215 of the mating end 211 of the first conductive terminal 210 may be configured to make electrical contact with the first conductive region 38a (i.e., the same continuous conductive region) of the insertion portion 36a of the circuit board 30.

[0214] In some embodiments, such as FIG. 13DAs shown, the mating contact portions 215d of the plurality of contact fingers 215 of the mating end 211 of the first conductive terminal 210 can have equal widths W4 in the longitudinal direction YY. Width W4 can be less than width W1. Width W4 can be equal to or less than width W2. Width W4 can be greater than or equal to width W3.

[0215] In some embodiments, such as FIGS. 13A-13D As shown, the mating contact portions 215d of each pair of adjacent contact fingers 215 of the mating end 211 of the first conductive terminal 210 can be spaced apart from each other by an equal distance P4 from center to center in the longitudinal direction YY.

[0216] In some embodiments, such as FIG. 3C As shown, the plurality of contact fingers 215 of the mating end 211 of the first conductive terminal 210 can have the same configuration. The plurality of contact fingers 215 of the mating end 211 of the first conductive terminal 210 can be aligned with each other and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction YY. The contact surfaces of the mating contact portions 215d of the plurality of contact fingers 215 can be coplanar with each other.

[0217] In some embodiments, such as FIG. 3D and FIG. 13A As shown, at least a portion of the middle portion 213 of each of the two first conductive terminals 210 can be disposed in corresponding receiving grooves in the third receiving groove 110c and the fourth receiving groove 110d. For each first conductive terminal 210, each contact finger 215 may include a straight section 215a, a bent section 215b, and a contact section 215c. The straight section 215a extends from the middle portion 213 in the corresponding receiving groove along the lateral direction XX toward the first surface 101a, the bent section 215b connects the straight section 215a and the contact section 215c, and the contact section 215c extends from the bent section 215b along the lateral direction XX away from the first surface 101a and extends into the first slot 103a, with a mating contact portion 216d located on the contact section 215c.

[0218] In some embodiments, such as FIG. 13B and FIGS. 13A-13D As shown, for each first conductive terminal 210, the straight segments 215a of the plurality of contact fingers 215 can be aligned with each other and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction YY.

[0219] In some embodiments, such as FIG. 13A As shown, for each first conductive terminal 210, the widths of the straight segment 215a, the bent segment 215b, and the contact segment 215c of each contact finger 215 in the longitudinal direction YY can be the same.

[0220] In some embodiments, such as FIG. 13B and​ As shown, for each first conductive terminal 210, a plurality of contact fingers 215 may be aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction YY, and the cross-sectional profiles of the plurality of contact fingers 215 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction YY may be the same.

[0221] In some embodiments, the first conductive terminal 210 may be formed of a single sheet of conductive material. That is, each first conductive terminal 210 comprises a single layer. It should be understood that this application is not limited thereto.

[0222] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3B As shown, the first conductive terminal 210 can be inserted into the insulating housing 100. For example... Figure 4E As shown, the insulating housing 100 may include a first receiving channel 118a that extends from the second surface 101b into the insulating housing 100 and communicates with a corresponding receiving groove. The intermediate portion 213 of the first conductive terminal 210 may engage with the wall of the first receiving channel 118a to retain the first conductive terminal 210 within the first receiving channel 118a. In other embodiments, the first conductive terminal 210 may be retained in the corresponding receiving groove by any suitable terminal holding structure (not shown).

[0223] like Figure 12 As shown, the mating ends 211 of the two first conductive terminals 210 (i.e., the upper first conductive terminal and the lower first conductive terminal) are symmetrical about an imaginary plane parallel to the transverse direction XX and the longitudinal direction YY. In other words, the configuration of the mating end 211 of the lower first conductive terminal is symmetrical to the configuration of the mating end 211 of the upper first conductive terminal. For simplicity, the configuration of the lower first conductive terminal will not be described in detail.

[0224] At least a portion of the plurality of second conductive terminals 220 disposed in the second slot 103b can be configured for transmitting signals. For example... Figure 2I As shown, the configuration of the plurality of second conductive terminals 220 can be similar to the configuration of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240 disposed in the third slot 103c. The plurality of second conductive terminals 220 can form one or more terminal assemblies 82 with corresponding retaining members, shielding members, and spacers. The configuration of the terminal assemblies 82 can be similar to the configuration of the terminal assemblies 83. For the sake of brevity, these details will not be elaborated further.

[0225] Similar to the plurality of second conductive terminals 220 disposed in the second slot 103b, at least a portion of the plurality of fifth conductive terminals 250 disposed in the fourth slot 103d can be configured for signal transmission, at least a portion of the plurality of sixth conductive terminals 260 disposed in the fifth slot 103e can be configured for signal transmission, and at least a portion of the plurality of seventh conductive terminals 270 disposed in the sixth slot 103f can be configured for signal transmission. Such signals can be, in particular, high-speed signals, such as differential signals.

[0226] like Figure 2I As shown, the configuration of the plurality of fifth conductive terminals 250, the plurality of sixth conductive terminals 260, and the plurality of seventh conductive terminals 270 can be similar to the configuration of the second conductive terminal 220 or the fourth conductive terminal 240, respectively. The plurality of fifth conductive terminals 250 can form one or more terminal assemblies 84 with corresponding retaining members, shielding members, and spacers. The plurality of sixth conductive terminals 260 can form one or more terminal assemblies 85 with corresponding retaining members, shielding members, and spacers. The plurality of seventh conductive terminals 270 can form one or more terminal assemblies 86 with corresponding retaining members, shielding members, and spacers. The configuration of terminal assemblies 84, 85, and 86 can be similar to the configuration of terminal assemblies 82 and 83. For simplicity, these details will not be elaborated further.

[0227] like Figure 2I As shown, a plurality of first conductive terminals 210, a plurality of second conductive terminals 220, a plurality of third conductive terminals 230, a plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240, a plurality of fifth conductive terminals 250, a plurality of sixth conductive terminals 260, and a plurality of seventh conductive terminals 270 may be attached with corresponding cables 40. For the plurality of second conductive terminals 220, the plurality of fourth conductive terminals 240, the plurality of fifth conductive terminals 250, the plurality of sixth conductive terminals 260, and the plurality of seventh conductive terminals 270, the cable 40 may be attached to the tail end of the conductive terminal before the conductive terminal is disposed in the insulating housing 100, and subsequently installed in the insulating housing 100 together with the conductive terminal. For the plurality of first conductive terminals 210 and the plurality of third conductive terminals 230, the cable 40 may be attached to the tail end of the conductive terminal after the conductive terminal is disposed in the insulating housing 100. It should be understood that this application is not limited thereto.

[0228] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4C As shown, the insulating housing 100 may include a support platform 140. The support platform 140 extends beyond the second surface 101b from the interior of the insulating housing 100 in the lateral direction XX. The support platform 140 helps guide the terminal assemblies 82, 83, 84, 85 and 86 into their respective receiving channels 152, 153, 154, 155 and 156 of the insulating housing 100.

[0229] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1A and Figure 1B The outer molding 700 can be used to hold the cable 40 relative to the insulating housing 100. The outer molding 700 can be overmolded onto the insulating housing 100, for example, onto the outer surface 101c, outer surface 101d, and support platform 140. Figure 2G and Figure 2H As shown, retaining protrusions 116 may be provided on outer surfaces 101c and 101d, and the support platform 140 may include retaining holes 117 to help hold the outer molded part 700 relative to the insulating housing 100. The cable 40 may be arranged adjacent to the support platform 140, with a portion of the cable 40 extending on one side of the support platform 140 and another portion on the opposite side. The outer molded part 700 may be positioned around a portion of the cable 40 and the support platform 140. The outer molded part 700 can improve the mechanical reliability of the electrical connector 10.

[0230] Although the figures show that the mating end 211 of each first conductive terminal 210 is in electrical contact with a first conductive region 38a of the insertion portion 36a of the circuit board 30, and the mating end 231 of each third conductive terminal 230 is in electrical contact with a second conductive region 38b of the insertion portion 36c of the circuit board 30, it should be understood that this application is not limited thereto. Each of the first conductive regions 38a and the second conductive regions 38b of the circuit board 30 can be replaced by a plurality of conductive pads spaced apart along the longitudinal direction YY. In this case, the mating end 211 of the first conductive terminal 210 and the mating end 231 of the third conductive terminal 230 can each be in electrical contact with a plurality of conductive pads. That is, the electrical connector 10 can be compatible with circuit boards having continuous conductive regions or a set of conductive pads at the insertion portions 36a and 36c.

[0231] It should be understood that the electrical connector 10 can be configured as any other suitable type of connector. The electrical connector 10 can be configured as a straddle connector, a right-angle connector, and a vertical connector. In this case, the configuration of the tail end of the conductive terminal can be modified accordingly. For example, the electrical connector 10 can be configured for mounting onto a circuit board. The tail end of the conductive terminal can be configured for soldering to conductive pads on the circuit board or inserting into conductive vias in the circuit board. As another example, the electrical connector 10 can be configured for mounting onto a panel to provide a mating interface at the panel. It should also be understood that the electrical component 3 can be any other suitable type of electrical component, such as a plug connector.

[0232] It should be understood that the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” “fifth,” “sixth,” and “seventh” are used only to distinguish one element, component, or part from another, but these elements, components, and parts should not be limited by such terms.

[0233] The present application has been described in detail above with reference to specific embodiments. Obviously, the above description and the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings should be understood as exemplary and not as limiting the present application. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications or alterations without departing from the spirit of the present application, and such modifications or alterations do not depart from the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An electrical connector, characterized in that, The electrical connector includes: An insulating housing, the insulating housing including a mating surface and a first slot, a second slot, and a third slot, each recessed into the insulating housing from the mating surface along a transverse direction, the first slot, the second slot, and the third slot being sequentially arranged and spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction; and A plurality of conductive terminals are disposed in the insulating housing, each conductive terminal including a mating end having a mating contact portion, a tail end opposite to the mating end, and an intermediate portion connecting the mating end and the tail end, the plurality of conductive terminals including: A plurality of first conductive terminals, wherein mating contacts of mating ends of the plurality of first conductive terminals are disposed in the first slot, and the plurality of first conductive terminals are configured for transmitting power; A plurality of second conductive terminals, wherein mating contacts of mating ends of the plurality of second conductive terminals are disposed in the second slot, and at least a portion of the plurality of second conductive terminals are configured for transmitting signals; and A plurality of third conductive terminals, wherein mating contacts of mating ends of the plurality of third conductive terminals are disposed in the third slot, and the plurality of third conductive terminals are configured for transmitting power.

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The insulating housing further includes: The first partition, the second slot and the third slot are spaced apart by the first partition in the longitudinal direction; A first wall segment and a second wall segment separated by the third slot in a vertical direction perpendicular to the lateral and longitudinal directions; and The first receiving groove and the second receiving groove, respectively adjacent to the first partition and extending from the third slot along the vertical direction into the first wall segment and the second wall segment; and The plurality of third conductive terminals are disposed in the first receiving groove and the second receiving groove.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, For each of the third conductive terminals: The mating end of the third conductive terminal includes at least one first contact finger and at least two second contact fingers, each of the at least one first contact finger and the at least two second contact fingers having a mating contact portion disposed in the third slot; The mating contact portion of each of the first contact fingers has a first width in the longitudinal direction, and the mating contact portion of each of the second contact fingers has a second width in the longitudinal direction, wherein the first width is greater than the second width; as well as The at least one first contact finger is closer to the first partition in the longitudinal direction than the at least two second contact fingers.

4. The electrical connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, For each of the third conductive terminals: The at least one first contact finger and the at least two second contact fingers are aligned with each other and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction; as well as The mating contact portions of the at least one first contact finger and the at least two second contact fingers are spaced apart from each other from center to center in the longitudinal direction by a first distance, and the mating contact portions of the at least two second contact fingers are spaced apart from each other from center to center in the longitudinal direction by a second distance, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

5. The electrical connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, For each of the third conductive terminals: At least a portion of the middle portion of the third conductive terminal is disposed in corresponding receiving grooves in the first receiving groove and the second receiving groove; and Each of the at least one first contact finger and the at least two second contact fingers includes a straight section, a curved section, and a contact section. The straight section extends from the middle portion toward the mating surface in the corresponding receiving groove along the lateral direction. The curved section connects the straight section and the contact section. The contact section extends from the curved section away from the mating surface along the lateral direction and into the third slot. The mating contact portion is located on the contact section.

6. The electrical connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, For each of the third conductive terminals, the mating contact portions of the at least one first contact finger and the mating contact portions of the at least two second contact fingers are aligned with each other and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, and the contact surfaces of the mating contact portions of the at least one first contact finger and the contact surfaces of the mating contact portions of the at least two second contact fingers are coplanar with each other.

7. The electrical connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, For each of the third conductive terminals, the straight segments of the at least one first contact finger and the straight segments of the at least two second contact fingers are aligned with each other and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction.

8. The electrical connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, For each of the third conductive terminals: The straight segment, curved segment, and contact segment of each of the first contact fingers have the same width in the longitudinal direction; and / or The straight segment, curved segment, and contact segment of each of the second contact fingers have the same width in the longitudinal direction; and / or The at least one first contact finger and the at least two second contact fingers are aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction, each first contact finger having a first cross-sectional profile perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and each second contact finger having a second cross-sectional profile perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the first cross-sectional profile being the same as the second cross-sectional profile; and / or The third conductive terminal is formed of a single piece of conductive material; and / or The first width is at least 1.5 times the second width; and / or The at least one first contact finger is a single first contact finger, and the at least two second contact fingers are two second contact fingers; and / or The electrical connector is configured to establish a separable electrical connection with a circuit board, the circuit board including an insertion portion configured to be inserted into the third slot, the insertion portion including a plurality of continuous conductive regions, wherein the mating contact portion of at least one first contact finger and the mating contact portion of at least two second contact fingers of each of the third conductive terminals are configured to establish electrical contact with a corresponding continuous conductive region of the plurality of continuous conductive regions of the insertion portion when the insertion portion of the circuit board is inserted into the third slot.

9. The electrical connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first receiving slot and the second receiving slot are aligned with each other in the vertical direction; and / or The plurality of third conductive terminals include a pair of third conductive terminals, one of which is disposed in the first receiving groove and the other in the second receiving groove; and / or The first wall segment includes a first inner surface facing the third slot and a first outer surface facing away from the third slot, the second wall segment includes a second inner surface facing the third slot and a second outer surface facing away from the third slot, the first receiving groove extends from the first inner surface along the vertical direction into the first wall segment, the second receiving groove extends from the second inner surface along the vertical direction into the second wall segment, and the first outer surface and the second outer surface are flat surfaces.

10. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The insulating housing further includes a first partition, and the second slot and the third slot are spaced apart by the first partition in the longitudinal direction; and The plurality of conductive terminals of the electrical connector further include a plurality of fourth conductive terminals, the mating contact portions of the mating ends of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals are disposed in the third slot, and at least a portion of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals are configured for transmitting signals, and the plurality of third conductive terminals are disposed closer to the first partition portion in the longitudinal direction than the plurality of fourth conductive terminals.

11. The electrical connector according to claim 10, characterized in that: The third slot includes a first segment adjacent to the first partition and a second segment extending from the first segment away from the first partition along the longitudinal direction; The mating contact portion of the mating ends of the plurality of third conductive terminals is disposed in the first section; as well as The plurality of fourth conductive terminals are disposed in the insulating housing corresponding to the second section, such that the mating contact portions of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals are disposed in the second section.

12. The electrical connector according to claim 10, characterized in that: A first portion of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals is configured for transmitting signals, and a second portion of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals is configured for transmitting power; and The second portion is positioned in the longitudinal direction between the first portion and the plurality of third conductive terminals.

13. The electrical connector according to claim 10, characterized in that: The mating contacts of the plurality of third conductive terminals are arranged in two first rows along the longitudinal direction, the two first rows being opposite to each other and spaced apart in a vertical direction perpendicular to the transverse and longitudinal directions; the mating contacts of the plurality of fourth conductive terminals are arranged in two second rows along the longitudinal direction, the two second rows being opposite to each other and spaced apart in the vertical direction. Each of the two first rows is aligned with and spaced apart from the corresponding one of the two second rows in the longitudinal direction; The distance between two adjacent mating contacts in each of the first rows, spaced from center to center in the longitudinal direction, is greater than the distance between two adjacent mating contacts in each of the second rows, spaced from center to center in the longitudinal direction. as well as The width of the mating contact portion of each of the third conductive terminals in the longitudinal direction is greater than the width of the mating contact portion of each of the fourth conductive terminals in the longitudinal direction.

14. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The insulating housing further includes: The second partition separates the first slot and the second slot in the longitudinal direction; The third and fourth wall segments, separated by the first slot in a vertical direction perpendicular to the lateral and longitudinal directions; and The third and fourth receiving slots extend from the first slot along the vertical direction into the third and fourth wall segments, respectively; and The plurality of first conductive terminals are disposed in the third receiving groove and the fourth receiving groove.

15. The electrical connector according to claim 14, characterized in that: The first slot is located at the end of the insulating housing in the longitudinal direction and extends from the second partition along the longitudinal direction through the end wall of the insulating housing at the end.

16. The electrical connector according to claim 15, characterized in that: The third and fourth receiving grooves are disposed closer to the end wall in the longitudinal direction, rather than closer to the second partition; and / or The third receiving slot and the fourth receiving slot are aligned with each other in the vertical direction; and / or The plurality of first conductive terminals include a pair of first conductive terminals, one of which is disposed in the third receiving groove and the other in the fourth receiving groove; and / or The third wall segment includes a third inner surface facing the first slot and a third outer surface facing away from the first slot, the fourth wall segment includes a fourth inner surface facing the first slot and a fourth outer surface facing away from the first slot, the third receiving groove extends from the third inner surface along the vertical direction into the third wall segment, the fourth receiving groove extends from the fourth inner surface along the vertical direction into the fourth wall segment, and the third outer surface and the fourth outer surface are flat surfaces.

17. The electrical connector according to claim 14, characterized in that, For each of the first conductive terminals: The mating end of the first conductive terminal includes a plurality of third contact fingers, each of the plurality of third contact fingers having a mating contact portion disposed in the first slot; At least a portion of the middle portion of the first conductive terminal is disposed in corresponding receiving grooves in the third and fourth receiving grooves; and Each of the plurality of third contact fingers includes a straight section, a curved section, and a contact section. The straight section extends from the middle portion toward the mating surface in the corresponding receiving groove along the lateral direction. The curved section connects the straight section and the contact section. The contact section extends from the curved section away from the mating surface along the lateral direction and into the first slot. The mating contact portion is located on the contact section.

18. The electrical connector according to claim 17, characterized in that, For each of the first conductive terminals: The mating contact portions of the plurality of third contact fingers are aligned with each other and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, and the contact surfaces of the mating contact portions of the plurality of third contact fingers are coplanar with each other. and / or The straight segments of the plurality of third contact fingers are aligned with each other and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction; and / or The straight segment, curved segment, and contact segment of each of the third contact fingers have the same width in the longitudinal direction; and / or The plurality of third contact fingers are aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction, and the cross-sectional profiles of the plurality of third contact fingers perpendicular to the longitudinal direction are the same; and / or The first conductive terminal is formed from a single piece of conductive material; and / or The number of the plurality of third contact fingers is at least eight; and / or The electrical connector is configured to establish a separable electrical connection with a circuit board, the circuit board including an insertion portion configured to be inserted into the first slot, the insertion portion including a plurality of continuous conductive regions, and mating contacts of a plurality of third contact fingers of the first conductive terminal being configured to establish electrical contact with a corresponding continuous conductive region of the plurality of continuous conductive regions of the insertion portion when the insertion portion of the circuit board is inserted into the first slot.

19. The electrical connector according to claim 10, characterized in that: The insulating housing further includes a fourth slot, a fifth slot, and a sixth slot, each recessed into the insulating housing from the mating surface along the transverse direction. The first slot, the second slot, the third slot, the fourth slot, the fifth slot, and the sixth slot are arranged sequentially along the longitudinal direction and are spaced apart from each other by corresponding partitions of the plurality of partitions of the insulating housing. as well as The plurality of conductive terminals of the electrical connector further include: A plurality of fifth conductive terminals, wherein mating contacts of mating ends of the plurality of fifth conductive terminals are disposed in the fourth slot, and at least a portion of the plurality of fifth conductive terminals are configured for transmitting signals; A plurality of sixth conductive terminals, wherein mating contacts of mating ends of the plurality of sixth conductive terminals are disposed in the fifth slot, and at least a portion of the plurality of sixth conductive terminals are configured for transmitting signals; and A plurality of seventh conductive terminals, wherein mating contacts of mating ends of the plurality of seventh conductive terminals are disposed in the sixth slot, and at least a portion of the plurality of seventh conductive terminals are configured for transmitting signals.

20. The electrical connector according to claim 19, characterized in that, The electrical connector includes at least one terminal assembly disposed in the insulating housing, each of the at least one terminal assembly comprising: (i) at least some of the corresponding conductive terminals of the plurality of second conductive terminals, (ii) the plurality of fourth conductive terminals, (iii) the plurality of fifth conductive terminals, (iv) the plurality of sixth conductive terminals and (iv) the plurality of seventh conductive terminals, wherein the middle portion of each of the at least some conductive terminals includes a first segment and a second segment, the first segment being closer to the mating end than the second segment, and the at least some conductive terminals include a plurality of signal terminals and a plurality of ground terminals; An insulating retaining member is provided around a second section of the intermediate portion of the at least some conductive terminals to retain the at least some conductive terminals within the insulating housing, such that the at least some conductive terminals are arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction, and such that a first section of the intermediate portion and a mating end of the at least some conductive terminals are located outside the retaining member and oriented along the transverse direction; and A shielding member comprising a body and a plurality of cantilever beams, the body being disposed on the retaining member, and each of the plurality of cantilever beams extending beyond the retaining member from the body along the lateral direction and extending above a first segment of a corresponding set of signal terminals in the plurality of signal terminals.

21. A terminal assembly for an electrical connector, characterized in that, The terminal assembly includes: Multiple conductive terminals, each of the multiple conductive terminals including a mating end, a tail end opposite to the mating end, and an intermediate portion extending between the mating end and the tail end, the intermediate portion including a first segment and a second segment, the first segment being closer to the mating end than the second segment, the multiple conductive terminals including multiple signal terminals and multiple ground terminals; An insulating retaining member is provided around a second section of the middle portion of the plurality of conductive terminals to retain the plurality of conductive terminals, such that the plurality of conductive terminals are arranged in a row along a longitudinal direction, and such that a first section of the middle portion of the plurality of conductive terminals and a mating end are located outside the retaining member and oriented along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and A shielding member comprising a body and a plurality of cantilever beams, the body being disposed on the retaining member, and each of the plurality of cantilever beams extending beyond the retaining member from the body along the lateral direction and extending above a first segment of a corresponding set of signal terminals in the plurality of signal terminals.

22. The terminal assembly according to claim 21, characterized in that: The plurality of cantilever beams are spaced apart from the first segment of the middle portion of the plurality of conductive terminals in a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions.

23. The terminal assembly according to claim 22, characterized in that: The second segment of the middle portion of the plurality of conductive terminals extends along the lateral direction and is aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction, the second segment together defining a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction; The plurality of cantilever beams extend parallel to the plane on a first side of the plane; as well as The first segment of the middle portion of the plurality of conductive terminals extends obliquely from the second segment away from the plane to the second side of the plane opposite to the first side.

24. The terminal assembly according to claim 22, characterized in that: The plurality of signal terminals are arranged in multiple groups of signal terminals spaced apart along the longitudinal direction, and a grounding terminal is provided between adjacent groups of signal terminals; and Each of the plurality of cantilever beams is located above, in the vertical direction, a first segment of the middle portion of the corresponding set of signal terminals in the plurality of sets of signal terminals, without extending above the grounding terminal adjacent to the corresponding set of signal terminals.

25. The terminal assembly according to any one of claims 21 to 24, characterized in that: The retaining member includes a first surface and a plurality of recesses, each of the plurality of recesses being recessed into the retaining member from the first surface along a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions, thereby exposing at least a portion of a second segment corresponding to one of the plurality of grounding terminals; and The main body of the shielding member includes a plurality of platform portions, a plurality of valley portions, and side portions connecting adjacent platform portions and valley portions. The plurality of platform portions are disposed on the first surface. Each valley portion and a corresponding side portion are received in a corresponding recess among the plurality of recesses. The valley portion is electrically coupled to at least a portion of the second segment of the corresponding grounding terminal exposed by the corresponding recess.

26. The terminal assembly according to claim 25, characterized in that: The plurality of signal terminals are arranged in multiple groups of signal terminals spaced apart along the longitudinal direction, and a grounding terminal is provided between adjacent groups of signal terminals; and Each of the plurality of platform sections is located above the second section of the middle section of the corresponding set of signal terminals in the vertical direction, and is spaced apart from the second section of the middle section of the corresponding set of signal terminals by the retaining member. Each of the plurality of cantilever beams extends from a corresponding platform section in the horizontal direction and extends above the first section of the middle section of the corresponding set of signal terminals.

27. The terminal assembly according to claim 26, characterized in that, For each of the multiple sets of signal terminals: The second segment of the middle portion of the signal terminal is spaced apart from the corresponding platform portion by a first distance in the vertical direction; The center of the second segment of the middle portion of the signal terminal is spaced a second distance from the edge of the second segment of the middle portion of the corresponding adjacent ground terminal in the longitudinal direction; as well as The first distance is less than or equal to the second distance.

28. The terminal assembly according to claim 26, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of platform portions includes an opening extending through the platform portion along the vertical direction, the opening being aligned in the vertical direction with a second segment of the middle portion of the corresponding set of signal terminals.

29. The terminal assembly according to claim 28, characterized in that: The retaining member further includes a plurality of protrusions projecting from the first surface along the vertical direction, each of the plurality of protrusions extending through the opening of a corresponding platform portion of the plurality of platform portions.

30. The terminal assembly according to claim 25, characterized in that: The second section of the main body of the shielding member extends in the longitudinal direction and covers the middle portion of the plurality of signal terminals and the plurality of ground terminals; and / or The main body of the shielding member extends in the lateral direction and covers at least a portion of the second section of the middle part of the plurality of signal terminals and the plurality of ground terminals; and / or For each of the plurality of conductive terminals, the first segment connects the second segment and the mating end; each of the plurality of cantilever beams extends from the corresponding platform portion along the lateral direction above the connection point between the first segment and the mating end of the middle portion of a set of signal terminals corresponding to the corresponding platform portion; and / or The valley portion is in direct contact with at least a portion of the second segment of the corresponding grounding terminal exposed by the corresponding recess, and the direct contact is a surface contact; and / or The valley is attached to at least a portion of the second segment of the corresponding grounding terminal exposed by the corresponding recess; and / or The retaining member is a member that covers and molds onto a second section of the middle portion of the plurality of conductive terminals.

31. An electrical connector, characterized in that, The electrical connector includes: An insulating housing, the insulating housing including a mating surface and a slot recessed into the insulating housing from the mating surface; and The terminal assembly according to any one of claims 21 to 30 is disposed in the insulating housing such that mating contacts of mating ends of the plurality of conductive terminals are disposed in the slots of the insulating housing.

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