Thin electrical connector

Abstract

To provide a thin electrical connector for electrically interconnecting two circuit boards.SOLUTION: An electrical connector includes an insulating housing, a conductive power terminal, and a conductive signal terminal. A housing has an engaging interface for engaging a mating connector. A power terminal and a signal terminal are attached to the housing and exposed at the engaging interface. The housing is configured to be mounted on a circuit board such that side surfaces of the housing are aligned with edge portions of the circuit board. A connector may have a right angle configuration and mate with a right angle mating connector. The edge portion of the circuit board of the connector and the edge portion of the circuit board of the mating connector may be aligned with each other, and face each other directly to form a flat pair, or the connector may be bonded to a vertical mating connector to form a corner pair. The power terminals and the signal terminals may be arranged in an array of columns and rows.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 273,323, filed on October 29, 2021, entitled "LOW - PROFILE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR" (Attorney Docket No. A1156.70779US00), the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to electrical interconnection systems, and more specifically to low - profile electrical connectors for electrically interconnecting two circuit boards.

Background Art

[0003] Electrical connectors are used in many electronic systems. Generally, various electronic devices (such as smartphones, tablet computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, digital cameras, etc.) are equipped with a variety of types of connectors mainly for enabling separable connections for the exchange of power, data, instructions, and / or other signals between sub - assemblies of the electronic device. Electrical connectors are fundamental components necessary for the functioning of several electrical systems. There are many commercially available connectors with different designs based on the device configuration in the intended application and other usage parameters such as the number and speed of data signals passing through the connector and / or the amount of current or the number of power circuits. The mechanical parameters of connector operation, such as the desired engagement force or contact force, can also vary from connector to connector.

[0004] As a result of the range of parameters that can affect connector selection and performance, designers of electronic systems may spend a considerable amount of time selecting and fitting connectors. When creating a design for a new device, designers may investigate available connectors to select a particular connector as a candidate for use in manufacturing the device. However, before mass production of the device, designers may also fit the selected connector, including testing its performance and reliability to ensure that it functions within the device when mass-produced. This selection and fitting process is time-consuming and may be repeated for each new device design, as well as for changes to existing device designs that require the selection of a different connector.

[0005] As electronic devices become smaller and smaller, it may become necessary to place electrical connectors in very small spaces. One factor that designers can consider when producing small electronic devices is whether there is enough room to accommodate all the electrical connections necessary for the electronic device to function properly. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to aspects of this technology, an electrical connector is provided. The electrical connector may include an insulating housing having a mating interface configured to face a mating connector when the electrical connector and a mating connector are in a mating position; a plurality of conductive power terminals mounted on the housing and exposed at the mating interface; and a plurality of conductive signal terminals mounted on the housing and exposed at the mating interface. The housing may be configured to be mounted on a circuit board such that the sides of the housing are aligned with the edges of the circuit board.

[0007] In one embodiment, the side surface of the housing may be configured to align with the edge of the circuit board such that, when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in a mating position, the circuit board is parallel to the corresponding circuit board on which the mating connector is mounted so that the edges of the circuit boards face each other. In some embodiments of this embodiment, the housing may be configured to be mounted on the circuit board such that the bottom surface of the housing faces the surface of the circuit board and the top surface of the housing faces away from the surface of the circuit board, the side surface of the housing may be perpendicular to the bottom surface of the housing, and the height of the housing extending vertically from the bottom surface to the top surface of the housing may be in the range of 5.0 mm to 14.0 mm. For example, the height of the housing may be in the range of 6.0 mm to 12.0 mm.

[0008] In some embodiments of this design, each power terminal may comprise a body portion, a mounting portion extending from the body portion in a first direction, and a contact portion extending from the body portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The mounting portion of the power terminal may be configured to be mounted on a circuit board, and the contact portion of the power terminal may be configured to contact the corresponding power terminal of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in a mating position. The contact portions of the power terminals may be aligned in a row parallel to the bottom surface of the housing, and the height of the housing may be in the range of 6.5 mm to 8.5 mm. In some embodiments, the power terminal may comprise a pair of a first power terminal and a second power terminal. For each pair of the first and second power terminals, the contact portion of the first power terminal and the contact portion of the second power terminal may be mirror images of each other. In some embodiments, the contact portions of the power terminals may be arranged in an array comprising several rows aligned perpendicular to the bottom surface of the housing and several rows aligned parallel to the bottom surface of the housing, and the height of the housing may be in the range of 10.0 mm to 12.0 mm. In some embodiments, each row of the array may comprise a pair of a first power terminal and a second power terminal, with the first power terminals of the array aligned in the first row and the second power terminals of the array aligned in the second row. For each row of the array, the contact portions of the first power terminals and the contact portions of the second power terminals may be mirror images of each other.

[0009] In some embodiments of this model, each signal terminal may comprise a mounting portion extending in a first direction and a contact portion extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the mounting portion of the signal terminal may be configured to be mounted on a circuit board, and the contact portion of the signal terminal may be configured to contact a corresponding signal terminal of a mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in a mating position. In some embodiments, the contact portions of the signal terminals may be arranged in an array comprising a plurality of rows aligned perpendicular to the bottom surface of the housing and a plurality of rows aligned parallel to the bottom surface of the housing.

[0010] In some embodiments of this model, the housing may comprise a first mounting end on one side of the housing and a second mounting end on the opposite side, and may be configured to be attached to a circuit board by first and second retainer clips disposed at the first and second mounting ends, respectively. In some embodiments, each of the first and second mounting ends of the housing may comprise an alignment structure configured to engage with a corresponding alignment structure of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in a mating position.

[0011] In another embodiment, the electrical connector may be a receptacle connector. In some embodiments of this embodiment, the mating interface of the housing may have a protruding engagement portion that extends beyond the side surface of the housing, and the engagement portion of the mating interface may have a plurality of first contact openings into which power terminals are exposed and a plurality of second contact openings into which signal terminals are exposed. In some embodiments, when the housing is mounted on a circuit board, the direction of joining of the electrical connector to the mating connector may be parallel to the surface of the circuit board. In some embodiments, the engagement portion of the mating interface may be configured to be housed in the housing space of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in the mating position.

[0012] In some embodiments of this configuration, the contact portions of power terminals and signal terminals may be arranged in the engagement section of the mating interface. The contact portions of power terminals may include power tabs. For each power terminal, the power tabs and mounting portions may extend vertically from the main body portion. In some embodiments, the power terminals may be aligned in the row direction as pairs comprising a first power terminal and a second power terminal, and for each pair of power terminals, the row distance between the midpoint of the first contact opening corresponding to the first power terminal and the midpoint of the first contact opening corresponding to the second power terminal may be in the range of 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm. For adjacent pairs of power terminals, the distance between the midpoints of the first contact openings corresponding to the first power terminal may be in the range of 5.5 mm to 6.5 mm. In some embodiments, for each pair of power terminals, the contact surfaces of the power tabs of the first power terminal and the contact surfaces of the power tabs of the second power terminal may face in opposite directions.

[0013] In some embodiments of this configuration, the power terminals may be arranged such that the power tabs of the power terminals are arranged in rows and columns in the engagement section of the mating interface, with each row comprising a pair of first and second power terminals of the power terminal, where the length of the mounting portion of the first power terminal may be shorter than the length of the mounting portion of the second power terminal. In some embodiments, for each pair of first and second power terminals, the curved section of the power tab of the first power terminal and the curved section of the power tab of the second power terminal may be mirror images of each other. The power tabs of the power terminals may be configured to press against the corresponding power terminals of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in the mating position. In some embodiments, for each row of power terminals, the distance in the row direction between the midpoint of the first contact opening corresponding to the first power terminal and the midpoint of the first contact opening corresponding to the second power terminal may be in the range of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm. For adjacent pairs of first and second power terminals, the row-direction distance between the midpoints of the first contact openings corresponding to the first power terminals may be in the range of 6.5 mm to 7.5 mm. In some embodiments, for each row of power terminals, the contact surfaces of the power tabs of the first power terminals and the contact surfaces of the power tabs of the second power terminals may face in opposite directions.

[0014] In some embodiments of this model, the contact portion of the signal terminal may include a contact clip, each of which may be configured to receive a corresponding signal pin of the mating connector when the mating connector and the electrical connector are in a mating position. In some embodiments, each of the contact clips of the signal terminal may include a first arm having a first contact surface and a second arm having a second contact surface. For each of the contact clips, the first and second contact surfaces may be configured to face each other and receive a corresponding signal pin of the mating connector between them, such that when the mating connector and the electrical connector are in a mating position, the distance between the first and second contact surfaces is such that the corresponding signal pin is sandwiched between the first and second contact surfaces. In some embodiments, for each of the signal terminals, the contact clip and mounting portion may extend vertically. In some embodiments, the signal terminals may be arranged such that the contact clips of the signal terminals are arranged in columns and rows in the engagement section of the mating interface, with each column comprising at least two contact clips of the signal terminals. For each row of signal terminals, at least two mounting portions of the signal terminals may have different lengths. In some embodiments, each row of signal terminals may comprise a first signal terminal and a second signal terminal, and the shape of the mounting portion of the first signal terminal may differ from the shape of the mounting portion of the second signal terminal.

[0015] In some embodiments of this configuration, each of the alignment structures at the first and second mounting ends of the housing may include a multi-level projection configured to be received into a corresponding mating recess of the mating connector when the mating connector and the electrical connector are in a mating position. The engagement section of the mating interface may extend beyond a first distance from the side of the housing, and each of the multi-level projections may extend beyond a second distance greater than the first distance from the side of the housing. In some embodiments, each of the multi-level projections may include a sub-level extending beyond a third distance from the side of the housing, where the third distance is greater than the first distance and less than the second distance. In some embodiments, the multi-level projections at the first and second ends may be adjacent to the engagement section of the mating interface, and in the mating operation, the multi-level projections may be received into the corresponding mating recess of the mating connector, and then the engagement section may be received into the housing space of the mating connector.

[0016] In another embodiment, the electrical connector may be a plug connector. In some embodiments of this embodiment, the side of the housing may be the outermost surface of the housing and may be configured to align with the edge of the circuit board so that no portion of the housing extends beyond the edge of the circuit board when the housing is mounted on the circuit board. The mating interface of the housing may include a housing space configured to receive the protruding engagement portion of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in a mating position. When the housing is mounted on the circuit board, the direction of joining of the electrical connector to the mating connector may be parallel to the surface of the circuit board. The contact portions of the power terminals and the contact portions of the signal terminals may be arranged in the housing space.

[0017] In some embodiments of this design, for each power terminal, the contact portion may comprise a set of fingers extending in a first direction from the body portion. The fingers may be configured to press against the corresponding power tab of the mating connector when the mating connector and the electrical connector are in a mating position. For each power terminal, the fingers and the mounting portion may extend perpendicularly from the body portion. In some embodiments, the power terminals may be aligned in the row direction as a pair comprising a first power terminal and a second power terminal. For each pair of power terminals, the row distance between the midpoint of the body portion of the first power terminal and the midpoint of the body portion of the second power terminal may be in the range of 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm. For adjacent pairs of power terminals, the distance between the midpoints of the first power terminals may be in the range of 5.5 mm to 6.5 mm. In some embodiments, for each pair of power terminals, the contact surfaces of the set of fingers of the first power terminal and the contact surfaces of the set of fingers of the second power terminal may face in opposite directions.

[0018] In some embodiments of this configuration, the power terminals may be arranged such that the sets of power terminal fingers are arranged in rows and columns within the housing space of the mating interface, with each row comprising a pair of first and second power terminals. For each row of power terminals, the length of the mounting portion of the first power terminal may be shorter than the length of the mounting portion of the second power terminal. In some embodiments, for each row of power terminals, the curved sections of the fingers of the first power terminal and the curved sections of the fingers of the second power terminal may be mirror images of each other. In some embodiments, for each row of power terminals, the distance in the row direction between the midpoint of the first power terminal and the midpoint of the second power terminal may be in the range of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm. In some embodiments, for adjacent rows of power terminals, the distance in the row direction between the midpoints of the first power terminals may be in the range of 6.5 mm to 7.5 mm. In some embodiments, for each row of power terminals, the contact surfaces of the first set of fingers for the power terminals and the contact surfaces of the second set of fingers for the power terminals may face in opposite directions.

[0019] In some embodiments of this model, the contact portion of the signal terminal may comprise contact pins, each of which may be configured to be inserted into a corresponding signal clip of the mating connector when the mating connector and the electrical connector are in a mating position. In some embodiments, for each of the signal terminals, the contact pins and mounting portion may extend vertically. In some embodiments, the signal terminals may be arranged such that the contact pins of the signal terminals are arranged in rows and columns in the housing space of the mating interface, with each row comprising at least two contact pins of the signal terminal. For each row of the signal terminals, at least two mounting portions of the signal terminal may have different lengths. For each row of the signal terminals, at least two contact pins of the signal terminal may have different lengths.

[0020] In some embodiments of this model, each of the alignment structures at the first and second mounting ends of the housing may include a multi-level recess configured to receive the corresponding joining projection of the mating connector when the mating connector and the electrical connector are in a mating position. The housing space of the mating interface may extend a first distance inward from the side of the housing, and each of the multi-level recesses may extend a second distance greater than the first distance inward from the side of the housing. In some embodiments, each of the multi-level recesses may include a sub-level extending a third distance inward from the side of the housing, the third distance being greater than the first distance and less than the second distance. In some embodiments, the multi-level recesses at the first and second ends may be adjacent to the housing space of the mating interface. During the mating operation, the multi-level recesses may receive the corresponding joining projection of the mating connector, and then the housing space may receive the engagement portion of the mating connector.

[0021] In another embodiment, the electrical connector may be a plug connector. Each power terminal may comprise a body portion, a mounting portion extending from the body portion in a first direction and configured to be attached to the circuit board when the housing is mounted on the circuit board, and a contact portion extending from the body portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction and configured to contact the corresponding power terminal of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in a mated position. Each signal terminal may comprise a mounting portion extending in a first direction and configured to be attached to the circuit board when the housing is mounted on the circuit board, and a contact portion extending in a second direction and configured to contact the corresponding signal terminal of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in a mated position. The mating interface of the housing may comprise a housing space configured to receive a protruding engagement portion of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in a mated position. When the housing is mounted on the circuit board, the direction of joining of the electrical connector to the mating connector may be perpendicular to the surface of the circuit board. The contact portions of the power terminals and the contact portions of the signal terminals may be arranged within the housing space.

[0022] In some embodiments of this design, when the housing is mounted on the circuit board, the sides of the housing may face the surface of the circuit board, the bonding surfaces of the housing may face away from the surface of the circuit board, and the top and bottom surfaces of the housing may be perpendicular to the circuit board. The height of the housing, extending vertically from the bottom surface to the top surface, may be in the range of 5.0 mm to 14.0 mm.

[0023] In some embodiments of this configuration, for each power terminal, the contact portion may comprise a set of fingers extending from the body portion in a first direction, the fingers configured to press against the corresponding power tab of the mating connector when the mating connector and the electrical connector are in a mating position. In some embodiments, for each power terminal, the set of fingers and the mounting portion may extend from the body portion in opposite directions. In some embodiments, the power terminals may be aligned in the row direction as pairs comprising a first power terminal and a second power terminal. For each pair of first and second power terminals, the row distance between the midpoint of the first power terminal and the midpoint of the second power terminal may be in the range of 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance between the set of fingers of the first power terminal of adjacent pairs of power terminals may be in the range of 5.5 mm to 6.5 mm. In some embodiments, for each pair of power terminals, the contact surfaces of the fingers of the first power terminal and the contact surfaces of the fingers of the second power terminal may face in opposite directions. In some embodiments, the power terminals may be arranged such that the sets of fingers of the power terminals are arranged in rows and columns within the mating interface's housing space, with each row comprising a pair of first and second power terminals. In some embodiments, for each row of power terminals, the curved sections of the fingers of the first power terminal and the curved sections of the fingers of the second power terminal may be mirror images of each other. In some embodiments, for each row of power terminals, the distance in the row direction between the midpoint of the first power terminal and the midpoint of the second power terminal may be in the range of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm. In some embodiments, for adjacent pairs of power terminals, the distance in the row direction between the midpoints of the first power terminals may be in the range of 6.5 mm to 7.5 mm. In some embodiments, for each row of power terminals, the contact surfaces of the fingers of the first power terminal and the contact surfaces of the fingers of the second power terminal may face in opposite directions.

[0024] In some embodiments of this aspect, the contact portion of the signal terminal may include contact pins, and each of the contact pins may be configured to be inserted into a corresponding signal clip of the mating connector when the mating connector and the electrical connector are in the mating position. In some embodiments, the signal terminals may be arranged such that the contact pins of the signal terminals are arranged in rows and columns in the accommodation space of the fitting interface such that each row includes at least two contact pins of the signal terminals.

[0025] In some embodiments of this aspect, each of the alignment structures of the first and second mounting ends of the housing may include multiple-level recesses configured to receive corresponding joining protrusions of the mating connector when the mating connector and the electrical connector are in the mating position. The accommodation space of the fitting interface may extend inward from the joining surface of the housing by a first distance, and each of the multiple-level recesses may extend inward from the joining surface of the housing by a second distance greater than the first distance. In some embodiments, each of the multiple-level protrusions may include sub-levels that extend inward from the joining surface of the housing by a third distance, and the third distance is greater than the first distance and less than the second distance. In some embodiments, the multiple-level recesses at the first and second ends may be adjacent to the accommodation space of the housing. In the joining operation, after the multiple-level recesses receive the corresponding joining protrusions of the mating connector, the accommodation space may receive the engaging section of the mating connector.

[0026] In another embodiment, the housing may have a segmented structure such that the housing comprises a plurality of first housing portions aligned in rows, each of which is configured to support at least one of the power terminals; a plurality of second housing portions aligned in rows, each of which is configured to support a group of signal terminals; and first and second end housing portions at both ends, with the first and second housing portions sandwiched between them. In some embodiments of this embodiment, each of the first housing portions may be configured to support at least two of the power terminals aligned in rows.

[0027] A further embodiment of the present technology provides an electrical connector. The electrical connector comprises: a plurality of power segments aligned in rows, each power segment having at least one conductive power terminal attached to a first insulating housing portion, each power terminal configured to be attached to a circuit board; a plurality of signal segments aligned in rows, each signal segment having a plurality of conductive power terminals attached to a second insulating housing portion, each signal terminal configured to be attached to a circuit board; a first termination segment having a first insulating end and a first retainer clip attached to the first insulating end, the first retainer clip configured to be attached to a circuit board; and a second termination segment having a second insulating end and a second retainer clip attached to the second insulating end, the second retainer clip configured to be attached to a circuit board. Power segments and signal segments may be arranged between the first termination segment and the second termination segment. Each of the first and second termination segments may have a mating structure configured to engage with the corresponding mating structure of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in a mating position. Power segments and signal segments may be sandwiched between the first and second termination segments. The first and second housing portions and the first and second ends may be attached to each other to form a housing having a mating interface configured to engage with the mating interface of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in a mating position. When the first and second termination segments are attached to the circuit board by the first and second retainer clips, the sides of the housing may be aligned with the edges of the circuit board.

[0028] In some embodiments of this aspect, when the first and second terminal segments are attached to the circuit board, the side surface of the housing may be aligned with the edge of the circuit board, and when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in the mating position, the circuit board is parallel to the corresponding circuit board to which the mating connector is attached such that the edge of the circuit board faces the corresponding edge of the circuit board. In some embodiments, when the first and second terminal segments are attached to the circuit board, the bottom surface of the housing may face the surface of the circuit board, and the top surface of the housing may face away from the surface of the circuit board. The side surface of the housing may be perpendicular to the bottom surface of the housing. The height of the housing extending vertically from the bottom surface of the housing to the top surface of the housing may be in the range of 5.0 mm to 14.0 mm. In some embodiments, the height of the housing may be in the range of 6.0 mm to 12.0 mm.

[0029] In some embodiments of this aspect, each of the power terminals may include a body portion, a mounting portion extending from the body portion in a first direction, and a contact portion extending from the body portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The mounting portion of the power terminal may be configured to be attached to the circuit board. The contact portion of the power terminal may be configured to contact the corresponding power terminal of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in the mating position. In some embodiments, the height of the housing may be in the range of 6.5 mm to 8.5 mm.

[0030] In some embodiments of this aspect, the power segment may include a pair of a first power segment and a second power segment, each of the first power segments includes a first power terminal among the power terminals, and each of the second power segments includes a second power terminal among the power terminals. In some embodiments, the first power segment and the second power segment may be alternately arranged in the row direction. In some embodiments, for each pair of the first power segment and the second power segment, the contact portion of the first power terminal and the contact portion of the second power terminal may be in a mirror image relationship.

[0031] In some embodiments of this design, each power segment may be provided with a pair of power terminals, which may be arranged in an array comprising several rows aligned perpendicular to the bottom surface of the housing and several rows aligned parallel to the bottom surface of the housing. In some embodiments, the height of the housing may be in the range of 10.0 mm to 12.0 mm. In some embodiments, for each row of the array, the contact portions of the power terminal pairs may be mirror images of each other.

[0032] In some embodiments of this model, each signal terminal may comprise a mounting portion extending in a first direction and a contact portion extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The mounting portion of the signal terminal may be configured to be mounted on a circuit board, and the contact portion of the signal terminal may be configured to contact the corresponding signal terminal of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in a mating position. In some embodiments, the contact portions of the signal terminals may be arranged in an array comprising a plurality of rows aligned perpendicular to the bottom surface of the housing and a plurality of rows aligned parallel to the bottom surface of the housing.

[0033] In one embodiment, the electrical connector may be a receptacle connector. In some embodiments, the power segment and signal segment may be configured such that the mating interface of the housing has a protruding engagement portion that extends beyond the side surface of the housing, and the engagement portion of the mating interface has a plurality of first contact openings into which power terminals are exposed and a plurality of second contact openings into which signal terminals are exposed. When the housing is mounted on a circuit board, the direction of joining of the electrical connector to the mating connector may be parallel to the surface of the circuit board. The engagement portion of the mating interface may be configured to be received into the housing space of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in the mating position.

[0034] In some embodiments of this configuration, contact portions for power terminals and contact portions for signal terminals may be arranged in the engagement section of the mating interface. The contact portions for power terminals may include power tabs. For each power terminal, the power tabs and mounting portions may extend vertically. In some embodiments, the power segment may comprise a pair of first and second power segments, each of the first power segments comprising a first power terminal and each of the second power segments comprising a second power terminal. For each pair of first and second power segments, the distance in the row direction between the midpoint of the first contact opening corresponding to the first power terminal and the midpoint of the first contact opening corresponding to the second power terminal may be in the range of 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm. For adjacent pairs of first and second power segments, the distance between the midpoints of the first contact openings corresponding to the first power segment may be in the range of 5.5 mm to 6.5 mm. In some embodiments, for each pair of first and second power segments, the contact surfaces of the power tabs of the first power terminal and the contact surfaces of the power tabs of the second power terminal may face in opposite directions.

[0035] In some embodiments of this design, the power terminals may be arranged in an array comprising several rows aligned perpendicular to the bottom surface of the housing and several rows aligned parallel to the bottom surface of the housing. Each power segment may correspond to a row in the array and may comprise a first power terminal and a second power terminal. The length of the mounting portion of the first power terminal in the array may be shorter than the length of the mounting portion of the second power terminal in the array. In some embodiments, for each power segment, the curved section of the power tab of the first power terminal and the curved section of the power tab of the second power terminal may be mirror images of each other. The power tab of the power terminal may be configured to press against the corresponding power terminal of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in a mating position. In some embodiments, for each power segment, the distance in the row direction between the midpoint of the first contact opening corresponding to the first power terminal and the midpoint of the first contact opening corresponding to the second power terminal may be in the range of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm. In some embodiments, for pairs of adjacent power segments, the row distance between the midpoints of the first contact openings corresponding to the first power terminals may be in the range of 6.5 mm to 7.5 mm. In some embodiments, for each power segment, the contact surfaces of the power tabs of the first power terminal and the contact surfaces of the power tabs of the second power terminal may face in opposite directions.

[0036] In some embodiments of this model, the contact portion of the signal terminal may be provided with a contact clip, each of which may be configured to receive a corresponding signal pin of the mating connector when the mating connector and the electrical connector are in a mating position. In some embodiments, each of the contact clips of the signal terminal may comprise a first arm having a first contact surface and a second arm having a second contact surface. For each of the contact clips, the first and second contact surfaces may be configured to face each other and receive a corresponding signal pin of the mating connector between them, and when the mating connector and the electrical connector are in a mating position, the distance between the first and second contact surfaces will be such that the corresponding signal pin is sandwiched between them. In some embodiments, for each of the signal terminals, the contact clip and mounting portion may extend vertically. In some embodiments, the signal terminals may be arranged such that the contact clips of the signal terminals are arranged in rows and columns in the engagement section of the mating interface, such that each row comprises at least two contact clips of the signal terminals. Each signal segment may correspond to a row of an array, and for each signal segment, at least two mounting portions of the signal terminals may have different lengths. In some embodiments, each signal segment may comprise a first signal terminal and a second signal terminal, and the shape of the mounting portion of the first signal terminal may differ from the shape of the mounting portion of the second signal terminal.

[0037] In some embodiments of this configuration, each of the mating structures of the first and second terminal segments may include a multi-level projection configured to be received in a corresponding mating recess of the mating connector when the mating connector and the electrical connector are in a mating position. The engagement section of the mating interface may extend beyond a first distance from the side of the housing, and each of the multi-level projections may extend beyond a second distance greater than the first distance from the side of the housing. In some embodiments, each of the multi-level projections may include a sub-level extending beyond a third distance from the side of the housing, where the third distance is greater than the first distance and less than the second distance. In some embodiments, the multi-level projections of the first and second terminal segments may be adjacent to the engagement section of the mating interface. During the mating operation, the multi-level projections are received in the corresponding mating recess of the mating connector, and then the engagement section may be received in the housing space of the mating connector.

[0038] In another embodiment, the electrical connector may be a plug connector. In some embodiments, the side of the housing may be the outermost surface of the housing and may be configured to align with the edge of the circuit board so that no portion of the housing extends beyond the edge of the circuit board when the first and second termination segments are mounted on the circuit board. The mating interface of the housing may include a housing space configured to receive the protruding engagement portion of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in a mating position. When the first and second termination segments are mounted on the circuit board, the joining direction of the electrical connector to the mating connector may be parallel to the surface of the circuit board. Contact portions for power terminals and contact portions for signal terminals may be arranged in the housing space.

[0039] In some embodiments of this design, for each power terminal, the contact portion may include a set of fingers extending in a first direction from the main body, the fingers configured to press against the corresponding power tab of the mating connector when the mating connector and the electrical connector are in a mating position. For each power terminal, the set of fingers and the mounting portion may extend perpendicularly from the main body. In some embodiments, the power segment may include a pair of first and second power segments, each of the first power segments including a first power terminal and each of the second power segments including a second power terminal. For each pair of first and second power segments, the distance in the row direction between the midpoint of the first power segment and the midpoint of the second power segment may be in the range of 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm. For adjacent pairs of first and second power segments, the distance between the midpoints of the first power segments may be in the range of 5.5 mm to 6.5 mm. In some embodiments, for each pair of first and second power segments, the contact surfaces of the set of fingers for the first power terminal and the contact surfaces of the set of fingers for the second power terminal may face in opposite directions.

[0040] In some embodiments of this configuration, the power terminals may be arranged in an array comprising several rows aligned perpendicular to the bottom surface of the housing and several rows aligned parallel to the bottom surface of the housing. Each power segment may correspond to a row in the array and may comprise a first power terminal and a second power terminal. The length of the mounting portion of the first power terminal in the array may be shorter than the length of the mounting portion of the second power terminal in the array. In some embodiments, for each power segment, the curved section of the set of fingers of the first power terminal and the curved section of the set of fingers of the second power terminal may be mirror images of each other. The fingers of the power terminals may be configured to press against the corresponding power terminals of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in a mating position. In some embodiments, for each power segment, the distance in the row direction between the midpoint of the body portion of the first power terminal and the midpoint of the body portion of the second power terminal may be in the range of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm. In some embodiments, for pairs of adjacent power segments, the row distance between the midpoints of the body portions of the first power terminal may be in the range of 6.5 mm to 7.5 mm. In some embodiments, for each power segment, the contact surfaces of the set of fingers of the first power terminal and the contact surfaces of the set of fingers of the second power terminal may face in opposite directions.

[0041] In some embodiments of this model, the contact portion of the signal terminal may comprise contact pins, each of which may be configured to be inserted into a corresponding signal clip of the mating connector when the mating connector and the electrical connector are in a mating position. In some embodiments, for each signal terminal, the contact pins and mounting portion may extend vertically. In some embodiments, the signal terminals may be arranged such that the contact pins of the signal terminals are arranged in rows and columns within the housing space of the mating interface, with each row comprising at least two contact pins of the signal terminals. Each signal segment may correspond to a row in the array. For each signal segment, at least two contact pins of the signal terminals may have different lengths from each other.

[0042] In some embodiments of this model, each of the mating structures of the first and second end segments may include a multi-level recess configured to receive the corresponding joining projection of the mating connector when the mating connector and the electrical connector are in a mating position. The housing space of the mating interface may extend a first distance inward from the side of the housing, and each of the multi-level recesses may extend a second distance inward from the side of the housing that is greater than the first distance. In some embodiments, each of the multi-level recesses may include a sub-level extending a third distance inward from the side of the housing, the third distance being greater than the first distance and less than the second distance. In some embodiments, the multi-level recesses of the first and second ends may be adjacent to the housing space of the mating interface. In the mating operation, the multi-level recesses may receive the corresponding joining projection of the mating connector, and then the housing space may receive the engagement portion of the mating connector.

[0043] In another embodiment, the electrical connector may be a plug connector. Each power terminal may comprise a body portion, a mounting portion extending from the body portion in a first direction and configured to be mounted on a circuit board, and a contact portion extending from the body portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction and configured to contact the corresponding power terminal of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in a mated position. Each signal terminal may comprise a mounting portion extending in a first direction and configured to be mounted on a circuit board, and a contact portion extending in a second direction and configured to contact the corresponding signal terminal of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in a mated position. The mating interface of the housing may comprise a housing space configured to receive a protruding engagement portion of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in a mated position. When the first and second termination segments are mounted on the circuit board, the direction of joining the electrical connector to the mating connector may be perpendicular to the surface of the circuit board. The contact portions of the power terminals and the contact portions of the signal terminals may be arranged in the housing space.

[0044] In some embodiments of this design, when the first and second termination segments are mounted on the circuit board, the sides of the housing may face the surface of the circuit board, the bonding surfaces of the housing may face away from the surface of the circuit board, and the top and bottom surfaces of the housing may be perpendicular to the circuit board. The height of the housing, extending vertically from the bottom surface to the top surface, may be in the range of 5.0 mm to 14.0 mm.

[0045] In some embodiments of this configuration, for each power terminal, the contact portion may include a set of fingers extending from the body portion in a first direction, the fingers being configured to press against the corresponding power tab of the mating connector when the mating connector and the electrical connector are in a mating position. In some embodiments, for each power terminal, the set of fingers and the mounting portion may extend from the body portion in the opposite direction. In some embodiments, the power segment may include a pair of first and second power segments, each of the first power segments including a first power terminal and each of the second power segments including a second power terminal. For each pair of first and second power segments, the distance in the row direction between the midpoint of the first power segment and the midpoint of the second power segment may be in the range of 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm. In some embodiments, for adjacent pairs of first and second power segments, the distance between the midpoints of the first power segments may be in the range of 5.5 mm to 6.5 mm. In some embodiments, for each pair of first and second power segments, the contact surfaces of the set of fingers for the first power terminal and the contact surfaces of the set of fingers for the second power terminal face in opposite directions.

[0046] In some embodiments of this configuration, the power terminals may be arranged in an array comprising several rows aligned perpendicular to the bottom surface of the housing and several rows aligned parallel to the bottom surface of the housing. Each power segment may correspond to a row in the array and may comprise a first power terminal and a second power terminal. The length of the mounting portion of the first power terminal in the array may be shorter than the length of the mounting portion of the second power terminal in the array. In some embodiments, for each power segment, the curved section of the set of fingers of the first power terminal and the curved section of the set of fingers of the second power terminal may be mirror images of each other. The fingers of the power terminals may be configured to press against the power tab of the corresponding power terminal of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in a mating position. In some embodiments, for each power segment, the distance in the row direction between the midpoint of the body portion of the first power terminal and the midpoint of the body portion of the second power terminal may be in the range of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm. In some embodiments, the row distance between the midpoints of the body portions of the first power terminals of adjacent pairs of power segments may be in the range of 6.5 mm to 7.5 mm. In some embodiments, for each of the power segments, the contact surfaces of the fingers of the first power terminal and the contact surfaces of the fingers of the second power terminal may face in opposite directions.

[0047] In some embodiments of this model, the contact portion of the signal terminal may comprise contact pins, each of which may be configured to be inserted into a corresponding signal clip of the mating connector when the mating connector and the electrical connector are in a mating position. In some embodiments, for each signal terminal, the contact pins and the mounting portion may extend in opposite directions. In some embodiments, the signal terminals may be arranged such that the contact pins of the signal terminals are arranged in a row-and-column arrangement within the housing space of the mating interface, with each row comprising at least two contact pins of the signal terminals. Each signal segment may correspond to a row in the arrangement.

[0048] In some embodiments of this model, each of the mating structures of the first and second end segments may include a multi-level recess configured to receive the corresponding joining projection of the mating connector when the mating connector and the electrical connector are in a mating position. The housing space of the mating interface may extend a first distance inward from the mating surface of the housing, and each of the multi-level recesses may extend a second distance greater than the first distance inward from the mating surface of the housing. In some embodiments, each of the multi-level projections may include a sub-level extending a third distance inward from the mating surface of the housing, the third distance being greater than the first distance and less than the second distance. In some embodiments, the multi-level recesses of the first and second ends may be adjacent to the housing space of the mating interface. During mating operation, the multi-level recesses may receive the corresponding joining projection of the mating connector, and then the housing space may receive the engagement portion of the mating connector.

[0049] The aforementioned features may be used individually or in any combination in any embodiment discussed herein.

[0050] Various aspects and embodiments of the technology disclosed herein are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Items appearing in multiple drawings may be indicated by the same reference number. For clarity, not all components in all drawings are labeled. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0051] [Figure 1] These are elevation side views of exemplary embodiments of a right-angle receptacle connector and an exemplary embodiment of a right-angle plug connector, respectively, mounted on a circuit board and in a mating position. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows an elevation side view of the right-angle receptacle connector mounted on each circuit board, and an illustrative embodiment of a vertical plug connector in mating position. [Figure 3]This is an upper front perspective view of the receptacle connector shown in Figure 1, mounted on a circuit board. [Figure 4] This is an upper front perspective view of the plug connector shown in Figure 1, mounted on a circuit board. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is an upper front perspective view of the receptacle connector in a partially disassembled state. [Figure 6A] Figure 1 is an upper front perspective view of the receptacle connector. [Figure 6B] Figure 1 is an elevation side view of the receptacle connector. [Figure 6C] Figure 1 is a lower front perspective view of the receptacle connector. [Figure 6D] Figure 1 is a front elevation view of the receptacle connector. [Figure 7A] Figure 1 is a vertical front view of an exemplary embodiment of a pair of power segments of a receptacle connector. [Figure 7B] Figure 1 is an upper front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a pair of power segments of a receptacle connector. [Figure 7C] Figure 7A is a lower front perspective view of a partially decomposed pair of power segments. [Figure 7D] Figure 7A is an upper front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a pair of power terminals for a pair of power segments. [Figure 8A] Figure 1 is a vertical front view of an exemplary embodiment of the signal segment of a receptacle connector. [Figure 8B] Figure 1 is an upper front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the signal segment of a receptacle connector. [Figure 8C] Figure 8A is a lower front perspective view of a partially decomposed signal segment. [Figure 8D] Figure 8A is an upper rear perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the signal terminals of the signal segment. [Figure 9A] Figure 1 is a vertical front view of an exemplary embodiment of the terminal segment of a receptacle connector. [Figure 9B] Figure 1 is an upper front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the terminal segment of a receptacle connector. [Figure 9C] Figure 9A is a lower front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the housing portion of the terminal segment. [Figure 9D] Figure 9A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the retainer clip for the terminal segment. [Figure 10] Figure 1 is an upper front perspective view of a partially disassembled plug connector. [Figure 11A] Figure 1 is an upper front perspective view of the plug connector. [Figure 11B] Figure 1 is an elevation view of the plug connector. [Figure 11C] Figure 1 is a lower front perspective view of the plug connector. [Figure 11D] Figure 1 is a front view of the plug connector. [Figure 12A] Figure 1 is a vertical front view of an exemplary embodiment of a pair of power segments in a plug connector. [Figure 12B] Figure 1 is an upper front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a pair of power segments in a plug connector. [Figure 12C] Figure 12A is a lower front perspective view of a partially decomposed pair of power segments. [Figure 12D] Figure 12A is an upper rear perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a pair of power terminals for a pair of power segments. [Figure 13A] Figure 1 is a vertical front view of an exemplary embodiment of the signal segment of a plug connector. [Figure 13B] Figure 1 is an upper front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the signal segment of a plug connector. [Figure 13C] Figure 13A is an upper front perspective view of a partially decomposed signal segment. [Figure 14A] Figure 1 is a vertical front view of an exemplary embodiment of the terminal segment of a plug connector. [Figure 14B] Figure 1 is an upper front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the termination segment of a plug connector. [Figure 14C]Figure 14A is a lower front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the housing portion of the terminal segment. [Figure 14D] Figure 14A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the retainer clip for the terminal segment. [Figure 15] Figure 2 is a side perspective view of a partially disassembled vertical plug connector. [Figure 16A] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the plug connector. [Figure 16B] Figure 2 is an elevation view of the plug connector. [Figure 16C] Figure 2 is a top view of the plug connector. [Figure 16D] Figure 2 is an elevation view of the plug connector. [Figure 17A] Figure 2 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a pair of power segments in a plug connector. [Figure 17B] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a pair of power segments in a plug connector. [Figure 17C] Figure 17A is a perspective view of a partially decomposed pair of power segments. [Figure 17D] Figure 17A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a pair of power terminals for a pair of power segments. [Figure 18A] Figure 2 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the signal segment of a plug connector. [Figure 18B] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the signal segment of a plug connector. [Figure 18C] Figure 18A is a perspective view of a partially decomposed signal segment. [Figure 19A] Figure 2 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the terminal segment of a plug connector. [Figure 19B] Figure 19A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment outside the terminal segment. [Figure 19C] Figure 19A is a perspective view of an inside exemplary embodiment in a partially disassembled state of the terminal segment. [Figure 20A] This is a vertical front view of an exemplary embodiment of a receptacle connector. [Figure 20B] Figure 20A is a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment in which two power segments of the receptacle connector are "stacked". [Figure 21] This is a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment in which four power segments of a receptacle connector are "arranged" side by side. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0052] The inventors have recognized and understood connector design techniques that can alleviate the burden of connector selection and certification. These techniques can enable connectors that can be easily configured for any of several applications using harmonized mating interfaces and other characteristics. Designers of electronic devices can create a design using one connector configuration and then confidently and easily adapt that design using the connector to another configuration based on the same design techniques, thereby alleviating the burden of selection and certification. As an example, these design techniques can easily change the amount of power transmitted by the circuit and / or the number of circuits inside the connector.

[0053] The inventors have recognized and understood electrical connector design techniques that enable connectors between bonded plugs and receptacles to have a thin profile while providing reliable operation for highly consistent electrical interconnections. The techniques and technologies described herein may lead to compact, ultra-thin connectors that can interconnect two circuit boards with high-density terminals. As an example, circuit boards fitted with these electrical connectors may be oriented edge-to-edge, enabling ultra-thin "flat" interconnections that may be advantageous for fitting into narrow, flat spaces. In another example, circuit boards fitted with these electrical connectors may be oriented vertically, enabling ultra-thin corner interconnections that may be advantageous for fitting into narrow corner spaces.

[0054] In some embodiments, receptacle connectors and plug connectors can form a board-to-board type flat connection configuration. The receptacle connector may be a right-angle connector mounted on a first circuit board such that the edge of the first circuit board aligns with the mating surface or interface of the receptacle connector. The plug connector may be a right-angle connector mounted on a second circuit board such that the edge of the second circuit board aligns with the mating surface or interface of the receptacle connector. When the receptacle connector and plug connector are in the mating position, the edges of the first circuit board and the edges of the second circuit board may face each other and may be in contact. It will be understood that the mating surface of the receptacle connector does not have to be the outermost surface, and a portion of the connector may protrude beyond the mating surface and be configured to be inserted into the space of the plug connector. Similarly, the mating surface of the plug connector does not have to be the outermost surface, and a portion of the connector may protrude beyond the mating surface and be configured to be inserted into the space of the receptacle connector.

[0055] In some embodiments, a receptacle connector and a plug connector can form a corner-type connection configuration. The receptacle connector may be a right-angle connector mounted on a first circuit board such that at least one edge of the first circuit board aligns with at least one surface of the receptacle connector. The plug connector may be a vertical connector mounted on a second circuit board such that the edge of the second circuit board aligns with at least one surface of the receptacle connector. When the receptacle connector and the plug connector are in a mating position, the edge of the first circuit board may align with a surface forming one side of the corner of the receptacle connector, and the edge of the second circuit board may align with a surface forming the other side of the corner of the receptacle connector.

[0056] In some embodiments, the connector may have a segmented structure, which can provide flexibility in configuring the segments, for example, to obtain a desired number of signal terminals and / or power terminals in each connector. In some embodiments, the connector may comprise multiple segments connected in series. For example, the connector may comprise multiple signal segments and multiple power segments aligned in rows. Each power segment may comprise one power terminal or a row of two or more power terminals. Similarly, each signal segment may comprise one signal terminal or a row of two or more signal terminals.

[0057] In some embodiments, the segments of a connector may be joined to each other by forming them separately and then fusing the insulating housing of each segment with the insulating housing of an adjacent segment, and / or by joining or bonding each segment to an adjacent segment. Alternatively, the insulating portion of a segment may be formed from a mold made of segments corresponding to the segments of the connector. The molded segments may be held in a common fixture, or they may be held together to produce a molded housing having the desired configuration of the segments. The corresponding terminals may then be inserted into the segments of the molded housing. In this way, a connector may be formed with an insulating housing that holds an array of signal terminals and at least one array of power terminals.

[0058] Alternatively, or in addition to the above, a mold may be constructed for forming an insulating housing for some or all of the desired connector configurations. Such a housing may also have signal and power portions, as well as any or all of the structures that may be derived from forming the connector housing from a plurality of segments as described herein. For example, the signal portion may comprise signal terminals inserted into the insulating housing and arranged in rows and columns. The power portion may comprise a plurality of rows of first power terminals and a plurality of rows of second power terminals inserted into the insulating housing.

[0059] Next, looking at the figures, Figure 1 shows mating pairs 1 of electrical connectors mounted on each circuit board 3, 4 in a board-to-board configuration according to several embodiments. Mating pair 1 may comprise a right-angle receptacle connector 100 mounted on circuit board 3 and a right-angle plug connector 200 mounted on circuit board 4. Connectors 100, 200 can be called “right-angle” connectors because the mounting portions 5 for power terminals and 6 for signal terminals (discussed below) may be oriented perpendicular to the joining direction represented by the dashed arrows above each of connectors 100, 200 in Figure 1. In some embodiments, connector 100 may be configured so that its side or edge 7 aligns with the edge 3A of circuit board 3, and connector 200 may be configured so that its side or edge 8 aligns with the edge 4A of circuit board 4. In some embodiments, the side 7, 8 may function as part of the mating interface of connectors 100, 200. In some embodiments, in such a board-to-board configuration, when the connectors 100 and 200 are in the mating position as shown in Figure 1, the circuit board 3 of connector 100 may be aligned parallel to the circuit board 4 of connector 200 such that its edges 3A and 4A face each other and may even be in contact. In some embodiments, advantageously, such a configuration may allow the connectors 100 and 200 to be supported by the circuit boards 3 and 4 on or near their sides 7 and 8. The additional rigidity provided by the circuit boards 3 and 4 on or near their sides 7 and 8 may make the electrical connection between connectors 100 and 200 robust, for example, even under conditions where the mating pair 1 may experience vibrations or shocks that can occur when the mating pair 1 is part of an electronic system that is shaken and / or moved during normal use.

[0060] According to some embodiments, mating pairs 1 may be deployed in electronic systems intended for portability. Portable systems are generally compact to facilitate handling and minimize weight, and therefore have little room for electrical connectors. In situations where the available space for electrical connections is flat and narrow, a board-to-board configuration of mating pairs 1 may be particularly suitable. In some embodiments, the maximum height H1 of connectors 100, 200 from the first surfaces 9A, 10A facing the circuit boards 3, 4 to the second surfaces 9B, 10B opposite the first surfaces 9A, 10A may be in the range of 5.0 mm to 14.0 mm (e.g., 6.0 mm to 12.0 mm, 6.5 mm to 7.5 mm, 10.5 mm to 11.5 mm, 7.0 mm to 9.0 mm). In some embodiments, the height H1 may have a value of approximately 8.0 mm. Thus, connectors 100, 200 may be considered to have a thin profile.

[0061] Figure 2 shows a mating pair of electrical connectors 2, comprising a receptacle connector 100 and plug connectors 300 mounted on their respective circuit boards 3 and 11 and oriented vertically. Connector 300 can be called a “vertical” connector because the mounting portions 12 for power terminals and signal terminals (discussed below) may be oriented parallel to the joining direction as shown in Figure 2 by dashed arrows on the connector 300. Connector 300 may be similar to connector 200 except for the configuration of power terminals and signal terminals. In some embodiments, connector 300 may be configured so that a first side surface 13A aligns with the edge 11A of circuit board 11. In some embodiments, the first side surface 13A may also align with a second surface 9B of connector 100, as shown in Figure 2. In some embodiments, connector 300 may be configured so that a second side surface 13B aligns with the edge 11B of circuit board 11. In some embodiments, the second side surface 13B may also be aligned with the first surface 9A of the connector 100, as shown in Figure 2.

[0062] In some embodiments, the connector 100 may be configured such that its third surface 9C can align with the edge 3B of the circuit board 3, as shown in Figure 2. In some embodiments, its second side surface 13B can also align with the first surface 9A of the connector 100, as shown in Figure 2. Similarly, although not specifically shown in the drawings, the connector 200 may be configured such that its third surface 10C aligns with the edge of the circuit board 4 opposite to the edge 4A.

[0063] In some embodiments, the height from the first side surface 13A to the second side surface 13B of the connector 300 may be the height H1 of the connector 100.

[0064] According to some embodiments, the vertical-to-right-angle configuration of the mating pair 2 allows the mating pair 2 to provide a robust electrical connection even in situations where the available space at the corner of an electronic system is limited.

[0065] Figure 3 shows perspective views of a receptacle connector 100 mounted on a circuit board 3 according to several embodiments. The connector 100 may have a thin profile relative to the circuit board 3 and may be oriented so that a plurality of power terminals (described below) are aligned along the row direction, i.e., the X direction. In some embodiments, the connector 100 may have multiple rows of power terminals, which may be aligned or stacked in the column direction, i.e., the Y direction, so that the power terminals may be arranged in a row-and-column arrangement. Similarly, the connector 100 may have a plurality of signal terminals (described below) arranged in a single row aligned in the X direction, or arranged in an arrangement of rows aligned in the X direction and columns aligned in the Y direction.

[0066] For clarity of illustration, the connectors described herein may be shown with multiple segments aligned side by side. Such illustrations will make it clear that a connector (e.g., connector 100) may have multiple segments of a limited number of types. As previously stated, the housing of the connector may be constructed by forming the segments separately and then joining the insulating housing portions to these segments, or it may be formed from one or more sections containing multiple such segments. For example, in some embodiments, a segmented connector may be constructed by joining a single or integrated insulating power housing configured to house power terminals with a single or integrated insulating signal housing configured to house signal terminals. In other embodiments, the entire housing of the connector may be formed integrally from molded plastic, nylon, or another insulating material, etc.

[0067] Figure 4 shows perspective views of plug connectors 200 mounted on a circuit board 4 according to several embodiments. Connectors 200 may be constructed using materials and techniques similar to those used for connector 100, and the components of connector 200 may be molded complementary to the corresponding components of connector 100 so that the two connectors join together. Connectors 200 may have a thin profile relative to the circuit board 4 and may be oriented so that a plurality of power terminals (described below) are aligned in a single row along the X direction, or so that the columns and rows are aligned in the X and Y directions. Similarly, connectors 200 may have a plurality of signal terminals (described below) arranged in a single row aligned in the X direction, or in a column and row arrangement aligned in the X and Y directions. The power terminals of connector 200 may be configured to engage with the corresponding power terminals of connector 100 to transmit power between connectors 100 and 200. Similarly, the signal terminals of connector 200 may be configured to engage with the corresponding signal terminals of connector 100 in order to transmit signals between connectors 100 and 200.

[0068] Arrow A in Figures 3 and 4 indicates the direction of connection between connectors 100 and 200.

[0069] Right-angle receptacle connector Figure 5 shows a partially disassembled receptacle connector 100 according to several embodiments. Figures 6A to 6D show a top front perspective view, a vertical side view, a bottom front perspective view, and a vertical front view of the receptacle connector 100 according to several embodiments, respectively. The connector 100 may comprise an insulating housing 102, a plurality of conductive power terminals 130, a plurality of conductive signal terminals 160, and at least two fixing clips 190. Each of the terminals 130, 160, and fixing clips 190 may be at least partially disposed within the housing 102. Each of the terminals 130, 160, and clips 190 may have a mounting portion configured to be mounted on a circuit board 3. In some embodiments, the circuit board 3 may have holes configured to receive the mounting portions of the terminals 130, terminals 160, and clips 190, and these mounting portions may be fixedly attached to the circuit board 3. The power terminals 130 and signal terminals 160 may be formed from a metal or other material having high conductivity and may be fixed to the circuit board by soldering, for example, but other attachment techniques may also be used. The fixing clips 190 may be formed from a metal that can be soldered to the circuit board 3, or, in addition to soldering, from a rigid plastic or other material configured to engage or latch into corresponding holes in the circuit board 3 by interference fit.

[0070] According to some embodiments, the contact portions of the power terminal 130 and the signal terminal 160 may be exposed through contact openings 132, 162 in the engaging projection 110 of the housing 102. The engaging projection 110 may be configured to be received by the corresponding engaging portion (e.g., a housing space) of the mating connector (e.g., plug connectors 200, 300) when the connector 100 and the mating connector are joined together. In some embodiments, the engaging projection 110 may be part of the mating interface of the connector 100 and may protrude from the side 7 of the connector 100 as shown in Figure 6B. In some embodiments, the contact portions of the power terminal 130 and the signal terminal 160 may extend into the engaging projection 110 in the joining direction A, and the mounting legs of the power terminal 130 and the mounting legs of the signal terminal 160 may extend in the Y direction perpendicular to the joining direction A.

[0071] According to some embodiments, the connector 100 may comprise a power portion 104 and a signal portion 106 sandwiched between two ends 108, as shown in Figure 6A. In some embodiments, a spacer portion may separate the power portion 104 from the signal portion 106. Each of the ends 108 may comprise an alignment structure configured to facilitate proper alignment of the connector 100 with respect to a mating connector (e.g., connectors 200, 300). In some embodiments, the alignment structure may be a multi-level projection 112 comprising a first portion 112a extending a first distance from the side 7 and a second portion 112b extending a second distance greater than the first distance from the side 7. In some embodiments, the first portion 112a and the second portion 112b may be shaped to facilitate their placement into corresponding recesses in the mating connector. For example, each of the first and second portions may comprise any of the following, or any combination thereof: a slope, a curve, an incline, etc. In some embodiments, the first portion 112a may be the outermost portion of the housing 102 in the X direction. Although not shown in Figures 6A to 6C, each of the ends 108 may be attached to the circuit board 3 by at least one of the retaining clips 190. In some embodiments, the clips 190 may have a U-shaped structure configured to secure the ends 108 to the circuit board 3. The ends 108 may be configured to have the same configuration but be oriented in opposite directions so that they can be mirror images of each other.

[0072] According to some embodiments, the connector 100 may have a segmented structure. That is, the connector 100 may be formed from segments that are coupled together to form a housing 102, and terminals 130, 160 and fixing clips 190 are at least partially disposed within these segments. In some embodiments, the power portion 104 may comprise a plurality of coupled power segments 104A, 104B, the signal portion 106 may comprise a plurality of coupled signal segments 106A, and each of the ends 108 may comprise a termination segment 108A. In some embodiments, the power segments 104A and 104B may alternate in the X direction and may be grouped as pairs 104AB, as shown in Figures 6C and 6D.

[0073] According to some embodiments, the power section 104 of the connector 100 may have 12 power terminals 130A, 130B extending over a distance X1, as shown in Figure 6D. In some embodiments, the distance X1 may be in the range of 30mm to 40mm (e.g., 32mm to 38mm). In some embodiments, the distance X1 may have a value of approximately 36mm, and each of the power terminals 130A, 130B may have an average distance of 3mm. In some embodiments, the height H1 may have a value of approximately 8mm. Therefore, in some embodiments, the front surface area (X1 × H1) of the power section is approximately 288mm². 2 This is possible. In some embodiments, the height of the engaging projection 110 may be in the range of 5 mm to 7 mm, and the standard value of this height may be about 6 mm. Therefore, in some embodiments, the front surface area of ​​the power section of the engaging projection 110 is about 216 mm². 2 It is possible.

[0074] According to some embodiments, the signal portion 106 of the connector 100 may have 10 signal terminals 160A, 160B extending over a distance X2, as shown in Figure 6D. In some embodiments, the distance x2 may be in the range of 10mm to 15mm (e.g., 11mm to 14mm). In some embodiments, the distance X2 may have a value of approximately 12.5mm, and the average distance between each row of the two power terminals 160A, 160B is 2.5mm. Therefore, in some embodiments, the front surface area (X2 × H1) of the signal portion is approximately 100mm². 2 The front surface area of ​​the signal section of the engaging projection 110 is approximately 75 mm². 2 It is possible.

[0075] Figure 7A shows a vertical front view of power segments 104A, 104B grouped as a pair 104AB in some embodiments, and Figure 7B shows an upper front perspective view of the pair 104AB. Figure 7C shows a lower front perspective view of the pair 104AB in a partially exploded state. The power segments 104A, 104B may be aligned in the X direction and arranged in an alternating pattern. In some embodiments, each of the power segments 104A may comprise a conductive power terminal 130A attached to an insulating housing portion 102A. The power terminal 130A may comprise a body portion 130a, a contact portion 130b, and a mounting portion 130c. The mounting portion 130c may comprise one or more legs extending from the body portion 130a in the Y direction, and the contact portion 130b may comprise a power tab extending from the body portion 130a in a bonding direction A perpendicular to the Y direction. As shown in Figures 7A to 7D, the contact portion (power tab) 130b may have a plate-like shape. In some embodiments, the contact portion (power tab) 130b of the power segment 104A may be oriented vertically so that their contact surfaces can be aligned in the Y direction.

[0076] The contact portion 130b may be positioned on an engaging portion 110A protruding from the side 7 so as to be able to contact the corresponding contact portion of the mating connector through the contact hole 132 of the power segment 104A. The mounting portion 130c may comprise a part of the mounting portion 5 in Figure 1.

[0077] According to some embodiments, each of the power segments 104B may include a conductive power terminal 130B attached to the insulating housing portion 102B. The power terminal 130B may include a body portion 130a, a contact portion 130b, and a mounting portion 130c, similar to the power terminal 130A. In some embodiments, the power segment 104B may be identical to the power segment 104A. In some other embodiments, as shown in Figure 7A, the power segment 104B may be a mirror image of the power segment 104A. In such mirror image embodiments, the power terminals 130A and 130B may include respective curved sections 130d that are mirror images of each other, as shown in the perspective view of Figure 7D.

[0078] Figure 8A shows an upright front view of the signal segment 106A according to several embodiments, and Figure 8B shows an upper front perspective view of the signal segment 106A. Figure 8C shows a lower front perspective view of the signal segment 106A in a partially disassembled state. In some embodiments, the signal segment 106A may comprise a first conductive signal terminal 160A and a second conductive signal terminal 160B mounted on an insulating housing portion 102C. Each of the first signal terminal 160A and the second signal terminal 160B may comprise a contact portion 160b, a mounting portion 160c, and a right-angled connector portion 160d connecting the contact portion 160b and the mounting portion 160c. The mounting portion 160c may comprise legs extending in the Y direction from the connector portion 160d, and the contact portion 160b may comprise a contact clip extending in a joining direction A perpendicular to the Y direction from the connector portion 160d. The first signal terminal 160A and the second signal terminal 160B may be arranged in the housing portion 102C such that their contact portions 160b are aligned in a row in the Y direction or stacked. The contact portions 160b of the first signal terminal 160A and the second signal terminal 160B may be arranged on the engaging portion 110B of the housing portion 102C protruding from the side 7 so that they can contact the corresponding contact portion of the mating connector through the contact hole 162 of the signal segment 106A. The mounting portion 160c may comprise a part of the mounting portion 5 in Figure 1. In some embodiments, the structure of the connector portion 160d of the first signal terminal 160A may differ from the structure of the connector portion 160d of the second signal terminal 160B. For example, as shown in Figure 8D, the total length of the connector portion 160d of the first signal terminal 160A is longer than the total length of the connector portion 160d of the second signal terminal 160B. In another example, as shown in Figure 8D, the edge shape of the connector portion 160d of the first signal terminal 160A may differ from the edge shape of the connector portion 160d of the second signal terminal 160B. In further examples (not shown), the first signal terminal 160A and the second signal terminal 160B of the mounting portion 160c may have different appearances from each other.

[0079] According to some embodiments, each of the contact portions 160b of the first signal terminal 160A and the second signal terminal 160B may be provided with a contact clip having a pair of contact surfaces extending from the connector portion 160d via a pair of arms, as shown in Figure 8D. In some embodiments, the contact clip may be analogous to a pair of tweezers and may be configured to grasp or pinch the corresponding contact terminals (e.g., contact pins) of the mating connector when the connector 100 and the mating connector are in a mating position.

[0080] Figures 9A and 9B show a vertical front view and an upper front perspective view of one of the termination segments 108A according to several embodiments. As previously stated, the termination segment 108A may be located on the opposite end of the connector 100 that sandwiches the power segments 104A, 104B and the signal segment 106A. Another termination segment 108A may be a mirror image of the one shown in Figure 9A and will therefore not be described separately. In some embodiments, the termination segment 108A may comprise an insulating housing portion 102D to which at least one of the retaining clips 190 is attached. Figure 9C shows a lower front perspective view of the housing portion 102D. For example, the mounting portion 190c of the retaining clip 190 may extend through a recess 102d of the housing portion 102D. In some embodiments, the retaining clip 190 may be a retainer clip having a plurality of legs (190c) extending from a bridge (190a), as shown in Figure 9D. In some embodiments, the fixing clip 190 may be attached to the housing portion 102D such that the legs forming the mounting portion 190c extend from the housing portion 102D in the Y direction. The terminal segment 108A may have an alignment structure similar to that described above with respect to the end 108 and is therefore not described separately.

[0081] Right-angle plug connector Next, looking at the plug connector 200, Figure 10 shows the connector 200 in a partially disassembled state according to several embodiments. Figures 11A to 11D show a top front perspective view, a vertical side view, a bottom front perspective view, and a vertical front view of the connector 200 according to several embodiments, respectively. The connector 200 may comprise an insulating housing 202, a plurality of conductive power terminals 230, a plurality of conductive signal terminals 260, and at least two retaining clips 290. Each of the terminals 230, 260, and retaining clips 290 may be at least partially disposed within the housing 202. Each of the terminals 230, 260, and clips 290 may have a mounting portion configured to be mounted on a circuit board 4. In some embodiments, the circuit board 4 may have holes configured to receive the mounting portions of the terminals 230, terminals 260, and clips 290, and these mounting portions may be fixedly attached to the circuit board 4. The power terminals 230 and signal terminals 260 may be formed from a metal or other material having high conductivity and may be fixed to the circuit board 4 by soldering, for example, but other attachment techniques may also be used. The fixing clips 290 may be formed from a metal that can be soldered to the circuit board 4, or, in addition to soldering, from a rigid plastic or other material configured to engage or latch into corresponding holes in the circuit board 4 by interference fit.

[0082] According to some embodiments, the contact portions of the power terminals 230 and the signal terminals 260 may be located in the engagement space 210 of the housing 202. The engagement space 210 may be a housing space configured to receive the corresponding engagement portion (e.g., engagement projection) of the mating connector (e.g., receptacle connector 100) when the connector 200 and the mating connector are joined together. In some embodiments, the engagement space 210 may be part of the mating interface of the connector 200, or it may be a cavity in the housing 202, and may extend from the side 8 of the connector 200 into the housing 202, as shown in Figure 11B. In some embodiments, the contact portions of the power terminals 230 and the signal terminals 260 may extend into the engagement space 210 in the joining direction A, and the mounting portions of the power terminals 230 and the signal terminals 260 may extend in the Y direction perpendicular to the joining direction A.

[0083] According to some embodiments, the connector 200 may comprise a power portion 204 and a signal portion 206 sandwiched between two ends 208, as shown in Figure 11A. Each end 208 may have an alignment structure configured to facilitate proper alignment of the connector 200 with respect to a mating connector (e.g., connector 100). In some embodiments, the alignment structure may be a multi-level recess 212 comprising a first portion 212a extending a first distance into the housing 202 from the side 8, and a second portion 212b extending a second distance greater than the first distance into the housing 202 from the side 8. In some embodiments, the first portion 212a and the second portion 212b of the recess 212 may be shaped to facilitate the placement of the corresponding multi-level joining projection of the mating connector. For example, each of the first portion 212a and the second portion 212b may comprise any of the following, or any combination thereof: a slope, a curve, an incline, etc.

[0084] Although not shown in Figures 11A to 11C, each of the ends 208 can be attached to the circuit board 4 by at least one of the fixing clips 290. In some embodiments, the fixing clips 290 may have a U-shaped structure configured to secure the ends 208 to the circuit board 4.

[0085] According to some embodiments, the connector 200 may have a segmented structure. That is, the connector 200 may be formed from segments coupled to each other to form a housing 202, in which terminals 230, 260 and a retaining clip 290 are at least partially disposed. In some embodiments, the power portion 204 may comprise a plurality of coupled power segments 204A, 204B, the signal portion 206 may comprise a plurality of coupled signal segments 206A, and each of the ends 208 may comprise a termination segment 208A. In some embodiments, the power segments 204A and 204B may alternate in the X direction and may be grouped as pairs 204AB, as shown in Figures 11C and 11D.

[0086] Figure 12A shows an elevation front view of power segments 204A, 204B grouped as a pair 204AB in some embodiments, and Figure 12B shows an upper front perspective view of the pair 204AB. Figure 12C shows a lower front perspective view of the pair 204AB in a partially exploded state. The power segments 204A, 204B may be aligned in the X direction and arranged in an alternating pattern. In some embodiments, each of the power segments 204A may comprise a conductive power terminal 230A attached to an insulating housing portion 202A. The power terminal 230A may comprise a body portion 230a, a contact portion 230b, and a mounting portion 230c. The mounting portion 230c may comprise one or more legs extending in the Y direction from the body portion 230a, and the contact portion 230b may comprise fingers extending in a bonding direction A perpendicular to the Y direction from the body portion 230a. The contact portion 230b may be located in the engagement space 210A and extends from the side 8 into the housing portion 202A so as to be able to contact the corresponding contact portion of the mating connector when the connector 200 and the mating connector are in the mating position. The mounting portion 230c may comprise a part of the mounting portion 6 in Figure 1. In some embodiments, each of the power segments 204B may comprise a conductive power terminal 230B attached to the insulating housing portion 202B. The power terminal 230B, like the power terminal 230A, may comprise a body portion 230a, a contact portion 230b, and a mounting portion 230c, with the contact portion 230b located in the engagement space 210B of the power terminal 230B. In some embodiments, the power segment 204B may be identical to the power segment 204A. In some embodiments, the power segments 204B and 204A may be mirror images of each other. In some embodiments, power terminals 230A and 230B may have respective curved sections 230d that are mirror images of each other, as shown in Figure 12D.

[0087] Figure 13A shows an upright front view of the signal segment 206A according to several embodiments, and Figure 13B shows an upper front perspective view of the signal segment 206A. Figure 13C shows a front perspective view of the signal segment 206A in a partially exploded state. In some embodiments, the signal segment 206A may comprise a first conductive signal terminal 260A and a second conductive signal terminal 260B mounted on an insulating housing portion 202C. Each of the first signal terminal 260A and the second signal terminal 260B may comprise a contact portion 260b, a mounting portion 260c, and a right-angled connector portion 260d connecting the contact portion 260b and the mounting portion 260c. The mounting portion 260c may comprise legs extending in the Y direction from the connector portion 260d, and the contact portion 260b may comprise contact pins extending in a joining direction A perpendicular to the Y direction from the connector portion 260d. The first signal terminal 260A and the second signal terminal 260B may be arranged in the housing portion 202C such that their contact portions 260b are aligned in a row in the Y direction or stacked. The contact portions 260b of the first signal terminal 260A and the second signal terminal 260B may be located in the engagement space 210B of the housing portion 202C and may extend into the housing portion 202C so as to be able to contact the corresponding contact portions of the mating connector. The mounting portion 260c may comprise a part of the mounting portion 6 in Figure 1. In some embodiments, the structure of the connector portion 260d of the first signal terminal 260A may differ from the structure of the connector portion 260d of the second signal terminal 260B. For example, as shown in Figure 13D, the total length of the connector portion 260d of the first signal terminal 260A is longer than the total length of the connector portion 260d of the second signal terminal 260B.

[0088] Figure 14A shows a vertical front view of one of the termination segments 208A according to several embodiments. As previously mentioned, the termination segment 208A may be located on the opposite end of the connector 200 that sandwiches the power segments 204A, 204B and the signal segment 206A. Another termination segment 208A may be a mirror image of the one shown in Figure 14A and will therefore not be described separately. In some embodiments, the termination segment 208A may comprise an insulating housing portion 202D to which at least one of the retaining clips 290 is attached. Figures 14B and 14C show an upper front perspective view and a lower front perspective view of the housing portion 202D, respectively. For example, the mounting portion 290c of the retaining clip 290 may extend through a recess 202d of the housing portion 202D. In some embodiments, the retaining clip 290 may be a U-shaped retainer clip having a plurality of legs (290c) extending from the bridge (290a), as shown in Figure 14D. In some embodiments, the retaining clip 290 may be attached to the housing portion 202D such that the legs forming the mounting portion 290c extend from the housing portion 202D in the Y direction. The terminal segment 208A may have the same alignment structure as described above with respect to the end 208. That is, in some embodiments, the alignment structure of the terminal segment 208A may comprise a first portion 212a and a second portion 212b that form a multi-level recess 212 that may extend from the side 8 into the housing 202D. In some embodiments, the depth of the second portion 212b measured from the side 8 may be greater than the depth of the first portion 212a from the side 8.

[0089] According to some embodiments, as shown in Figures 10 and 11C, the engagement spaces 210A, 210B, and 210C of the power segments 204A and 204B and the signal segment 206A may be adjacent to each other to form a housing space 210 of the housing 200. In some embodiments, the housing space 210 may include a multi-level recess 212 of the termination segment 208A, and the engagement spaces 210A, 210B, and 210C and the multi-level recess 212 may form adjacent cavities within the housing 200.

[0090] Vertical plug connector Next, looking at the vertical plug connector 300, Figure 15 shows the connector 300 in a partially disassembled state according to several embodiments. Figures 16A to 16D show perspective views, elevation side views, top views, and elevation side views of the connector 300 according to several embodiments, respectively. The connector 300 may comprise an insulating housing 302, a plurality of conductive power terminals 330, a plurality of conductive signal terminals 360, and at least two retaining clips 390. Each of the terminals 330, 360, and retaining clips 390 may be at least partially disposed within the housing 302. Each of the terminals 330, 360, and clips 390 may have a mounting portion configured to be mounted on a circuit board 11. In some embodiments, the circuit board 11 may have holes configured to receive the mounting portions of the terminals 330, terminals 360, and clips 390, and these mounting portions may be fixedly attached to the circuit board 11. The power terminals 330 and signal terminals 360 may be formed from a metal or other material having high conductivity and may be fixed to the circuit board 11 by soldering, for example, but other attachment techniques may also be used. The fixing clips 390 may be formed from a metal that can be soldered to the circuit board 11, or, in addition to soldering, from a rigid plastic or other material configured to engage or latch into corresponding holes in the circuit board 11 by interference fit.

[0091] According to some embodiments, the contact portions of the power terminal 330 and the signal terminal 360 may be located in the engagement space 310 of the housing 302. The engagement space 310 may be part of the mating interface of the connector 300 and may be a housing space configured to receive the corresponding engagement portion (e.g., engagement projection) of the mating connector (e.g., receptacle connector 100) when the connector 300 and the mating connector are joined together. In some embodiments, the engagement space 310 may be a cavity in the housing 302, as shown in Figures 16A and 16B, and may extend into the housing 302 from a side or edge 14 of the connector 300. The side 14 may be part of the mating interface of the connector 300. In some embodiments, the contact portions of the power terminal 330 and the signal terminal 360 may extend into the engagement space 310 in the joining direction A, and the mounting portion 12 of the power terminal 330 and the mounting portion of the signal terminal 360 may extend in the Z direction parallel to the joining direction A.

[0092] According to some embodiments, the connector 300 may comprise a power portion 304 and a signal portion 306 sandwiched between two ends 308, as shown in Figure 16A. Each of the ends 308 may have an alignment structure configured to facilitate proper alignment of the connector 300 with respect to a mating connector (e.g., connector 100). In some embodiments, the alignment structure may be a multi-level recess similar to the multi-level recess 212 of the connector 200 discussed above, and therefore will not be described separately.

[0093] According to some embodiments, the connector 300 may have a segmented structure and may be formed from segments coupled to each other to form a housing 302, in which terminals 330, 360 and retaining clips 390 are at least partially disposed. In some embodiments, the power portion 304 may comprise a plurality of coupled power segments 304A, 304B, the signal portion 306 may comprise a plurality of coupled signal segments 306A, and each of the ends 308 may comprise a termination segment 308A. In some embodiments, the power segments 304A and 304B may alternate in the X direction and may be grouped as pairs 304AB, as shown in Figure 16C. As shown in Figure 16D, the terminals 330, 360, 390 collectively extend in the Z direction parallel to the bonding direction A.

[0094] Figure 17A shows an elevation front view of power segments 304A, 304B grouped as a pair 304AB in some embodiments, and Figure 17B shows a perspective view of the pair 304AB. Figure 17C shows a partially exploded perspective view of the pair 304AB. The power segments 304A, 304B may be aligned in the X direction and arranged in an alternating pattern. In some embodiments, each of the power segments 304A may comprise a conductive power terminal 330A attached to an insulating housing portion 302A. The power terminal 330A may comprise a body portion 330a, a contact portion 330b, and a mounting portion 330c. The mounting portion 330c may comprise one or more legs extending from the body portion 330a in the Z direction parallel to the bonding direction A, and the contact portion 330b may comprise fingers extending from the body portion 330a in the Z direction. The contact portion 330b may be located in the engagement space 310A and extend from the side 14 into the housing portion 302A so as to be able to contact the corresponding contact portion of the mating connector when the connector 300 and the mating connector are in the mating position. The mounting portion 330c may comprise a part of the mounting portion 12 in Figure 2. In some embodiments, each of the power segments 304B may comprise a conductive power terminal 330B attached to the insulating housing portion 302B. The power terminal 330B may comprise a body portion 330a, a contact portion 330b, and a mounting portion 330c, similar to the power terminal 330A. In some embodiments, the power segment 304B may be identical to the power segment 304A. In some other embodiments, the power segment 304B may be a mirror image of the power segment 304A. For example, as shown in the perspective view of Figure 17D, the power terminals 330A and 330B may comprise their respective curved sections 330d that are mirror images of each other.

[0095] Figure 18A shows a top view of a signal segment 306A according to several embodiments, and Figure 18B shows a top front perspective view of a signal segment 306A. Figure 18C shows a front perspective view of a signal segment 306A in a partially disassembled state. In some embodiments, the signal segment 306A may comprise a plurality of conductive signal terminals 360A mounted on an insulating housing portion 302C. Each of the signal terminals 360A may comprise contact pins that are generally linear and aligned in the Z direction parallel to the bonding direction. The signal terminals 360A may be arranged in the housing portion 302C aligned in a row in the Y direction or stacked. The contact portions of the signal terminals 360A may be located in an engagement portion 310B of the housing portion 302C, which may be a recessed space extending from the side 14 into the housing portion 302C, such that the contact portions of the signal terminals 330A may contact the corresponding contact portions of the mating connector.

[0096] Figure 19A shows a top view of one of the termination segments 308A according to several embodiments. As previously mentioned, the termination segment 308A may be located on the opposite end of the connector 300 that sandwiches the power segments 304A, 304B and the signal segment 306A. Another termination segment 308A may be a mirror image of the one shown in Figure 19A and will therefore not be described separately. In some embodiments, the termination segment 308A may comprise an insulating housing portion 302D to which at least one of the retaining clips 390 is attached. Figure 19B shows an external perspective view of the termination segment 308A, and Figure 19C shows an internal perspective view of the termination segment 308A. In some embodiments, the retaining clip 390 of the mounting portion 390c may extend in the Z direction through a recess (not shown) of the housing portion 302D. In some embodiments, the retaining clip 390 may be a U-shaped retainer clip having a plurality of legs (390c) extending from the bridge (390a). In some embodiments, the retaining clip 390 may be attached to the housing portion 302D such that the legs forming the mounting portion 390c extend from the housing portion 302D in the Z direction. The terminal segment 308A may have the same alignment structure as described above with respect to the end 308. That is, in some embodiments, the alignment structure of the terminal segment 308A may comprise a first portion 312a and a second portion 312b that form a multi-level recess 312 that can extend from the side 14 into the housing 302D. In some embodiments, the depth of the second portion 312b measured from the side 14 may be greater than the depth of the first portion 312a from the side 14.

[0097] According to some embodiments, as shown in Figures 15 and 16A, the engagement spaces 310A, 310B, and 310C of the power segments 304A and 304B and the signal segment 306A may be adjacent to each other to form a housing space 310 of the housing 300. In some embodiments, the housing space 310 may include a multi-level recess 312 of the termination segment 308A, and the engagement spaces 310A, 310B, and 310C and the multi-level recess 312 may form adjacent cavities within the housing 300.

[0098] Stacked receptacle connectors In some small electronic systems, there may be very little space for wide electrical connectors. Therefore, it can be advantageous to arrange power terminals and signal terminals in a dense, or tightly packed, configuration. According to some embodiments, the density of power terminals in an electrical connector can be increased by arranging the power terminals in a row-and-column arrangement. That is, rather than aligning a single row of power terminals in the X direction, the connector may have at least two rows of power terminals stacked in the Y direction, with each power terminal being part of a Y-direction column of at least one other power terminal.

[0099] Figure 20A shows a vertical front view of a stacked receptacle connector 1000 according to several embodiments. The connector 1000 may be a right-angle connector and may be similar in various ways to the connector 100 described above, and therefore only the differences related to stacking will be described. The connector 1000 may comprise an insulating housing 1102, a plurality of conductive power terminals 1130, and a plurality of conductive signal terminals 1160. The power terminals 1130 may be arranged in rows and columns in the power portion 1104 of the connector 1000, and the signal terminals 1160 may be arranged in rows and columns in the signal portion 1106 of the connector 1000. The signal portion 1104 may be similar to the signal portion 104 described above, and therefore will not be described separately.

[0100] Figure 20B shows a vertical front view of a section of a power unit 1104 having four power terminals 1130A, 1130B arranged in two rows and two columns according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the connector 1000 may have a segmented structure similar to the connector 100 described above, and each power segment 1104A may have a row or stack of two power terminals 1130A, 1130B. The height H2 of the connector 1000 may be in the range of 9.0 mm to 13.0 mm (e.g., 10.0 mm to 12.0 mm). In some embodiments, the typical value of the height H2 may be about 11.0 mm.

[0101] According to some embodiments, each of the power terminals 1130A and 1130B may be provided with a power tab, the power tab oriented horizontally such that its contact surface aligns with the X direction. In some embodiments, power terminals 1130A and 1130B may be identical. In some other embodiments, power terminals 1130A and 1130B may have power tabs that are mirror images of each other, as shown in Figure 20B. In such arrangements, the distance D1 between the center points in the row of contact openings for power terminals 1130A and 1130B (i.e., in the Y direction) may be in the range of 1.5 mm to 4 mm (e.g., 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm). In some embodiments, a typical value of distance D1 may be about 2.0 mm. In some embodiments, the distance D2 between the center points of adjacent rows in the same row of contact openings for power terminals may be in the range of 6.0 mm to 8.0 mm (e.g., 6.5 mm to 7.5 mm). In some embodiments, a typical value of distance D2 may be about 7.0 mm. In some embodiments, the distance D2 may be the width of the power segment 1104A in the X direction.

[0102] For comparison, Figure 21 shows a cross-sectional elevation front view of the power portion 104 of a connector 100, comprising four consecutive power segments 104A-1, 104B-1, 104A-2, and 104B-2 arranged in a single row, according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, power segments 104A-1 and 104A-2 may correspond to power segment 104A, and power segments 104B-1 and 104B-2 may correspond to power segment 104B. As described above in relation to Figure 7A, the height H1 of the connector 100 may be in the range of 5.0 mm to 14.0 mm. In some embodiments, the standard value of the height H1 may be about 8.0 mm. As shown in Figure 21, the power terminals 130A and 130B may be oriented vertically, i.e., their contact surfaces (e.g., power tabs) are aligned in the Y direction. In such configurations, the distance D3 between the contact openings of adjacent power segments (e.g., power segments 104A-1 and 104B-1) may be in the range of 2.0 mm to 4.0 mm (e.g., 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm). In some embodiments, a typical value of distance D3 may be about 3.0 mm. In some embodiments, the distance D4 from the center point of the contact opening of one power segment (e.g., power segment 104A-1) to the center point of the contact opening of the furthest power segment (e.g., 104A-2) may be in the range of 8.0 mm to 10.0 mm. In some embodiments, a typical value of distance D4 may be about 9.0 mm.

[0103] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the power terminals of a connector can be arranged relatively densely by stacking the power terminals in a row such that the power tabs of the power terminals are arranged in a horizontal row. By stacking in this manner, an isolation distance of about 2 mm (corresponding to D1) may be possible. In contrast, without stacking, the isolation distance may be greater, about 3 mm (corresponding to D3).

[0104] It should be understood that various modifications, changes, and improvements may be made to the structures, configurations, and methods discussed above, and that these are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention disclosed herein. Furthermore, while the advantages of the invention are shown, it should be understood that not all embodiments of the invention will include all of the advantages described. Some embodiments may not implement any features described as advantageous herein. Therefore, the foregoing description and accompanying drawings are merely examples.

[0105] As an example, the terminal is illustrated to have mounting legs for connection to a circuit board such as a printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the mounting legs may be suitable for through-hole soldering to holes in the circuit board. In other embodiments, the terminal may have tails for mounting to the circuit board, such as press-fit tails or surface-mount solder tails.

[0106] It should be understood that several aspects of this technology may be embodied in one or more methods, and that the actions performed as part of the methods of this technology may be ordered in any suitable manner. Therefore, even if in various embodiments the actions are described and / or shown to be performed sequentially, the embodiments may be constructed to perform the actions in a different order than shown and / or described, and may include performing several actions simultaneously.

[0107] The various embodiments disclosed herein may be used individually, in combination, or in various configurations not specifically discussed in the embodiments described above, and are therefore not limited in their use to the components specified in the above description or the details and arrangement of components shown in the drawings. For example, an embodiment described in one embodiment may be combined in any way with an embodiment described in another embodiment.

[0108] The use of sequential terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” to modify elements in descriptions and claims does not, by itself, imply priority, order, or sequence of one element relative to another, or the temporal order in which the actions of the method are performed, but is used merely as a label to distinguish an element or action having a particular name from another element or action having the same name (other than the use of sequential terms), thereby distinguishing the elements or actions.

[0109] All definitions defined and used herein should be understood to be governed by dictionary definitions, definitions in literature incorporated by reference, and / or the common meanings of the defined terms.

[0110] In the specification and claims, the indefinite articles such as "a" and "an" used herein should be understood to mean "at least one" unless explicitly indicated otherwise.

[0111] When used herein in a specification or claims, the idiom “at least one” in relation to a list of one or more elements should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of every element specifically enumerated in the list of elements, nor excluding any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for the presence of elements other than those specifically identified in the list of elements referred to by the idiom “at least one,” whether related to the specifically identified elements or not, at the discretion of the list.

[0112] In the specification and claims, the idiomatic expressions “equal” or “identical” used in reference to two values ​​(e.g., distance, width) mean that the two values ​​are identical within the manufacturing tolerance range. Therefore, if two values ​​are equal or identical, it may mean that the two values ​​differ from each other by only ±5%.

[0113] The idiomatic expression “and / or” as used in the specification and claims should be understood to mean “one or both” of such elements, that is, that these elements exist sometimes as a combination and sometimes separately. Multiple elements enumerated using “and / or” should be interpreted similarly, that is, as “one or more” elements thus combined. Other elements other than those specifically identified by the “and / or” clause may exist at will, whether related to the specifically identified element or not. Thus, as a non-restrictive example, when a reference to “A and / or B” is used in relation to unrestricted language such as “equipped with,” in one embodiment it may refer only to A (including elements other than B at will), in another embodiment it may refer only to B (including elements other than A at will), and in yet another embodiment it may refer to both A and B (including other elements at will), and so on.

[0114] It should be understood that “or” as used in the specification and claims has the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, “or” or “and / or” when separating items in a list shall be interpreted comprehensively, that is, including not only at least one, but two or more of some of the elements or lists, and optionally additional items not listed. Terms that explicitly indicate the opposite, such as “one of” or “exactly one of,” or “consisting of” as used in the claims, refer to containing exactly one element from multiple elements or lists. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall be interpreted to indicate an exclusive choice (i.e., “one or the other, but not both”) only when followed by terms of exclusivity such as “either,” “one of,” “one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting of” as used in the claims shall have the ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0115] Furthermore, the language and terminology used herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting. The use of terms such as “include,” “equipped,” “possess,” “have,” “contain,” and “inclusive,” and variations thereof, herein means to include the items listed before them, their equivalents, and additional items.

[0116] When used herein, terms such as “approximately” or “about” may be interpreted to mean, in some embodiments, within ±20% of the target value, in some embodiments, within ±10% of the target value, in some embodiments, within ±5% of the target value, and in some embodiments, within ±2% of the target value. The terms “approximately” or “about” may also be equal to the target value.

[0117] When used herein, the term “substantially” may be interpreted to mean, in some embodiments, within 95% of the target value, in some embodiments, within 98% of the target value, in some embodiments, within 99% of the target value, and in some embodiments, within 99.5% of the target value. In some embodiments, the term “substantially” may be equal to 100% of the target value. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0118] 1. Mating pair of electrical connectors 2. Mating pairs of electrical connectors 3 Circuit board 3A,3B Edge 4 Circuit boards 5. Power terminal mounting area 6. Signal terminal mounting area 7,8 Side view 9A connector 100 first surface 9B Second surface of connector 100 Third surface of 9C connector 100 First surface of 10A connector 200 Second surface of 10B connector 200 Third surface of 10C connector 200 11 Circuit board 11A,11B Edge 12 Power terminal mounting area, signal terminal mounting area First side of 13A connector 300 13B Second side of connector 300 Third side of 13C connector 300 14 Side view of connector 300 100 Receptacle Connectors 102 Insulating Housing 102A~D Insulation housing section 102d recess 104 Power part 104A Power Segment 104B Power Segment 106 Signal part 108 End 110 Engagement protrusion 112 Multiple Level Protrusions 130 Conductive power terminal 132 Contact opening 160 Conductive signal terminals 162 Contact opening 190 Fixing Clips 200 Plug Connectors 202 Insulating Housing 204 Power part 204A,B Power Segment 206 Signal part 210 Engagement space 212 Multiple level recess 230 Conductive power terminal 260 Conductive signal terminals 290 Fixing Clips

Claims

1. 1. An electrical connector comprising: an insulating housing including a mating interface configured to face the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in a mated position; a plurality of conductive power terminals mounted on the housing and exposed at the mating interface; a plurality of conductive signal terminals mounted on the housing and exposed at the mating interface; Equipped with the housing is configured to be mounted to the circuit board so that a side of the housing is aligned with an edge of the circuit board; Electrical connector.

2. when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in the mating position, the side surface of the housing is configured to be aligned with the edge of the circuit board so that the edge of the circuit board faces the edge of the corresponding circuit board and the circuit board is parallel to the corresponding circuit board to which the mating connector is attached, the housing is configured to be attached to the circuit board such that a bottom surface of the housing faces a surface of the circuit board and a top surface of the housing faces away from the surface of the circuit board; the side surface of the housing is perpendicular to the bottom surface of the housing; The height of the housing, extending vertically from the bottom surface of the housing to the top surface of the housing, is in the range of 5.0 mm to 14.0 mm.

2. The electrical connector of claim 1.

3. Regarding the power terminal: each of the power terminals includes a body portion, a mounting portion extending from the body portion in a first direction, and a contact portion extending from the body portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; The mounting portion of the power terminal is configured to be attached to the circuit board; the contact portion of the power terminal is configured to contact a corresponding power terminal of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in the mated position; Regarding the signal terminal, each of the signal terminals includes a mounting portion extending in the first direction and a contact portion extending in the second direction; The mounting portion of the signal terminal is configured to be attached to the circuit board; the contact portions of the signal terminals are configured to contact corresponding signal terminals of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in the mated position; 3. The electrical connector of claim 2.

4. the contact portions of the power terminals are aligned in a row direction parallel to the bottom surface of the housing; The height of the housing is in the range of 6.5 mm to 8.5 mm.

3. The electrical connector of claim 2.

5. the contact portions of the power terminals are arranged in an array including a plurality of columns aligned perpendicular to the bottom surface of the housing and a plurality of rows aligned parallel to the bottom surface of the housing; The height of the housing is in the range of 10.0 mm to 12.0 mm.

3. The electrical connector of claim 2.

6. each of the rows of the array includes a pair of a first power terminal and a second power terminal among the power terminals; the first power terminals of the array are aligned in a first row; the second power terminals of the array are aligned in a second row; 6. The electrical connector of claim 5.

7. 3. The electrical connector of claim 2, wherein the contact portions of the signal terminals are arranged in an array including a plurality of columns aligned perpendicular to the bottom surface of the housing and a plurality of rows aligned parallel to the bottom surface of the housing.

8. the electrical connector is a receptacle connector, the mating interface of the housing includes a protruding engagement section that extends beyond the side of the housing; the engagement section of the mating interface includes a plurality of first contact openings through which the power terminals are exposed and a plurality of second contact openings through which the signal terminals are exposed; 4. The electrical connector of claim 3.

9. the contact portion of the power terminal is disposed in the engagement section of the mating interface; the contact portions of the power terminals include power tabs, and for each of the power terminals, the power tabs and the mounting portions extend perpendicularly from the body portion; the power terminals are arranged such that the power tabs of the power terminals are disposed in columns and rows in the engagement section of the mating interface, with each column comprising a pair of a first power terminal and a second power terminal of the power terminals; 9. The electrical connector of claim 8.

10. the contact portion of the signal terminal is disposed in the engagement section of the mating interface; the contact portion of the signal terminal comprises a contact clip; each of the contact clips is configured to receive a corresponding signal pin of the mating connector when the mating connector and the electrical connector are in the mated position; the signal terminals are arranged such that the contact clips of the signal terminals are disposed in columns and rows at the engagement section of the mating interface, with each column comprising at least two of the contact clips of the signal terminals; For each of the rows of the signal terminals, the mounting portions of the at least two of the signal terminals have different lengths.

9. The electrical connector of claim 8.

11. the electrical connector is a plug connector, the side surface of the housing is an outermost surface of the housing and is configured to align with the edge of the circuit board when the housing is attached to the circuit board so that no portion of the housing extends beyond the edge of the circuit board; the mating interface of the housing includes a receiving space configured to receive a protruding engagement section of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in the mated position; When the housing is attached to the circuit board, a joining direction of the electrical connector to the mating connector is parallel to a surface of the circuit board, the contact portions of the power terminals and the contact portions of the signal terminals are disposed in the accommodating spaces; 4. The electrical connector of claim 3.

12. for each of the power terminals, the contact portion includes a set of fingers extending from the body portion in the first direction, the fingers configured to press against corresponding power tabs of the mating connector when the mating connector and the electrical connector are in the mated position; For each of the power terminals, the fingers and the mounting portion extend perpendicularly from the body portion; the power terminals are arranged such that the sets of fingers of the power terminals are arranged in columns and rows in the receiving space of the mating interface, with each column including a pair of a first power terminal and a second power terminal among the power terminals; 12. The electrical connector of claim 11.

13. the contact portion of the signal terminal comprises a contact pin; each of the contact pins is configured to be inserted into a corresponding signal clip of the mating connector when the mating connector and the electrical connector are in the mated position; 12. The electrical connector of claim 11.

14. the electrical connector is a plug connector, each of the power terminals includes a body portion, a mounting portion extending from the body portion in a first direction and configured to be attached to the circuit board when the housing is mounted to the circuit board, and a contact portion extending from the body portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction and configured to contact a corresponding power terminal of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in the mated position; each of the signal terminals includes a mounting portion extending in the first direction and configured to be attached to the circuit board when the housing is mounted on the circuit board, and a contact portion extending in the second direction and configured to contact a corresponding signal terminal of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in the mated position; the mating interface of the housing includes a receiving space configured to receive a protruding engagement section of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in the mated position; When the housing is attached to the circuit board, a joining direction of the electrical connector to the mating connector is perpendicular to a surface of the circuit board, the contact portions of the power terminals and the contact portions of the signal terminals are disposed in the accommodating spaces; 2. The electrical connector of claim 1.

15. When the housing is attached to the circuit board, the side surface of the housing faces the surface of the circuit board, the joining surface of the housing faces away from the surface of the circuit board, and the top and bottom surfaces of the housing are perpendicular to the circuit board; a height of the housing extending vertically from the bottom surface of the housing to the top surface of the housing is in the range of 5.0 mm to 14.0 mm; For each of the power terminals, the contact portion includes a set of fingers extending from the body portion in the first direction, the fingers configured to press against corresponding power tabs of the mating connector when the mating connector and the electrical connector are in the mated position.

15. The electrical connector of claim 14.

16. The housing includes: a plurality of first housing portions aligned in a row, each of the first housing portions configured to support at least one of the power terminals; a plurality of second housing portions aligned in the row direction, each second housing portion configured to support a group of the signal terminals; a first end housing portion and a second end housing portion at opposite ends thereof, sandwiching the first and second housing portions therebetween; The housing has a segmented structure, Each of the first housing portions is configured to support at least two of the power terminals aligned in a row.

2. The electrical connector of claim 1.

17. An electrical connector system comprising:

2. The electrical connector of claim 1, the electrical connector is a receptacle connector; The receptacle connector further includes a circuit board to which the housing is vertically attached, The side of the housing is aligned with an edge of the circuit board. an electrical connector; A plug connector, the mating connector includes the plug connector, The plug connector comprises: an insulating plug housing; a plug circuit board to which the plug housing is attached in a vertical direction; a plurality of conductive plug power terminals supported by the plug housing; a plurality of conductive plug signal terminals supported by the plug housing; an edge of the plug circuit board facing the edge of the circuit board of the receptacle connector when the receptacle connector and the plug connector are in a mated position; A plug connector, An electrical connector system comprising:

18. The receptacle connector further comprises a first alignment structure having a protrusion with a first inclined portion; the plug connector further comprises a second alignment structure comprising a recess having a second sloped portion; When the plug connector is mated with the electrical receptacle connector along a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, the second angled portion of the plug connector is configured to seat on the first angled portion of the electrical receptacle connector, so that when the plug connector and the electrical receptacle connector are in a mated position, the edge of the plug circuit board: the electrical receptacle connector is aligned along the perpendicular direction relative to the edge of the circuit board; 20. The electrical connector system of claim 17, wherein the electrical receptacle connector is horizontally adjacent to the edge of the circuit board.

19. Regarding the power terminal: each of the power terminals includes a body portion, a mounting portion extending from the body portion, and a contact portion extending from the body portion; The mounting portion of the power terminal is configured to be attached to the circuit board; the contact portion of the power terminal is configured to contact a corresponding power terminal of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in the mated position; Regarding the signal terminal, each of the signal terminals includes a mounting portion and a contact portion; The mounting portion of the signal terminal is configured to be attached to the circuit board; the contact portions of the signal terminals are configured to contact corresponding signal terminals of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in the mated position; the mating interface of the housing includes an engagement section; the engagement section of the mating interface includes one or more contact openings through which the power terminals and the signal terminals are exposed; the contact portions of the signal terminals are disposed on the engagement sections of the mating interface; the contact portion of the signal terminal comprises a contact clip; each of the contact clips is configured to receive a corresponding signal pin of the mating connector when the mating connector and the electrical connector are in the mated position; the signal terminals are arranged such that the contact clips of the signal terminals are disposed in columns and rows at the engagement section of the mating interface, with each column comprising at least two of the contact clips of the signal terminals; 2. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein for each of the rows of signal terminals, the mounting portions of the at least two of the signal terminals have different lengths.

20. 1. An electrical connector comprising: a plurality of row-aligned power segments, each of the power segments including at least one conductive power terminal attached to an insulative first housing portion, each of the power terminals configured to be attached to a circuit board; a plurality of signal segments aligned in the row direction, each of the signal segments comprising a plurality of conductive signal terminals attached to an insulative second housing portion, each of the signal terminals configured to be attached to the circuit board; a first termination segment having a first insulating end and a first retainer clip attached to the first insulating end, the first retainer clip configured to be attached to the circuit board; a second termination segment including a second insulating end and a second retainer clip attached to the second insulating end, the second retainer clip configured to be attached to the circuit board; Equipped with the power segment and the signal segment are disposed between the first termination segment and the second termination segment; each of the first and second termination segments including a mating structure configured to engage a corresponding mating structure of a mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in a mated position; the power segment and the signal segment are sandwiched between the first termination segment and the second termination segment; the first and second housing portions and the first and second ends are attached to one another to form a housing having a mating interface configured to engage a mating interface of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in the mated position; when the first and second end segments are attached to the circuit board by the first and second retainer clips, a side of the housing is aligned with an edge of the circuit board; Electrical connector.

21. The height of the housing is in the range of 6.5 mm to 8.5 mm; the power segments comprise pairs of first and second power segments, each of the first power segments comprising a first one of the power terminals, and each of the second power segments comprising a second one of the power terminals; the pairs of the first power segments and the second power segments are aligned such that the first power segments and the second power segments are alternately arranged in the row direction; 21. The electrical connector of claim 20.

22. each of the power segments includes a pair of the power terminals; the pairs of power terminals are arranged in an array having a plurality of columns aligned perpendicular to a bottom surface of the housing and a plurality of rows aligned parallel to the bottom surface of the housing; The height of the housing is in the range of 10.0 mm to 12.0 mm.

21. The electrical connector of claim 20.

23. the electrical connector is a plug connector, each of the power terminals comprises: a body portion; a mounting portion extending from the body portion in a first direction and configured to be attached to a circuit board; and a contact portion extending from the body portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction and configured to contact a corresponding power terminal of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in the mated position; each of the signal terminals includes a mounting portion extending in a first direction and configured to be attached to the circuit board, and a contact portion extending in the second direction and configured to contact a corresponding signal terminal of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in the mated position; the mating interface of the housing includes a receiving space configured to receive a protruding engagement section of the mating connector when the electrical connector and the mating connector are in the mated position; when the first and second termination segments are attached to the circuit board, a mating direction of the electrical connector relative to the mating connector is perpendicular to a surface of the circuit board; the contact portions of the power terminals and the contact portions of the signal terminals are disposed in the accommodating spaces; 21. The electrical connector of claim 20.

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