High Speed ​​Hybrid Card Edge Connector

Abstract

A miniature card edge connector for transmitting power and high speed signals. The connector has a housing having a first portion for holding a first conductor and a second portion for holding a second conductor. A mounting end of the first conductor extends from the first portion and is configured for mounting to a printed circuit board for power transmission. A mounting end of the second conductor extends from the second portion and is configured for mounting with a cable for signal transmission. The mounting ends of the second conductors are recessed from their respective intermediate portions. The housing has a bottom member having a protrusion that abuts the mounting end of the second conductor of the first type, and a lossy member that electrically couples the second conductor of the second type. Such a configuration meets signal integrity requirements for connectors designed for 32 Gbps and 64 Gbps and beyond while complying with standards that constrain mating and mounting interfaces.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Field This application relates generally to electrical interconnection systems, such as those including electrical connectors, used to interconnect electronic assemblies. [Background technology]

[0002] background

[0002] Electrical connectors are used in many electronic systems. It is generally easier and more cost effective to manufacture a system as separate electronic subassemblies, such as printed circuit boards (PCBs), which can be joined together with electrical connectors. Having separable connectors allows for easy assembly of components of an electronic system made by different manufacturers. Separable connectors also allow for easy replacement of components after the system is assembled, allowing for replacement of defective components or upgrading the system with higher performance components.

[0003]

[0003] A known configuration for joining several printed circuit boards is to have one printed circuit board act as a backplane. A known backplane is a PCB on which many connectors can be attached. The conductive traces of the backplane can be electrically connected to the signal conductors of the connectors, and thus signals can be passed between the connectors. Other printed circuit boards, called "daughter boards" or "daughter cards", can be connected through the backplane. For example, the daughter cards can also have connectors mounted on top of them. The connectors mounted on the daughter cards can be plugged into connectors mounted on the backplane. In this way, signals can be passed between the daughter cards through the connectors and the backplane. The daughter cards can be plugged into the backplane at right angles. Connectors used in these applications can therefore have right-angle bends and are often called "right-angle connectors".

[0004]

[0004] Connectors may also be used in other configurations for interconnecting printed circuit boards. Sometimes, one or more printed circuit boards may be connected to another printed circuit board, called a "motherboard," which carries electronic components and interconnects the daughterboards. In such configurations, the printed circuit boards connected to the motherboard may be called daughterboards. Daughterboards are often smaller than the motherboard and may sometimes be aligned parallel to the motherboard. Connectors used for this configuration are often called "stacking connectors" or "mezzanine connectors." In other systems, the daughterboards may be perpendicular to the motherboard.

[0005]

[0005] For example, this configuration is often used in computers where a motherboard may have a processor and a bus configured to pass data between the processor and peripheral devices such as a graphics processor or memory. A connector may be attached to the motherboard and connected to the bus. The peripheral devices may be implemented on daughter cards having connectors that mate with connectors on the bus, thus allowing separately manufactured peripheral devices to be easily incorporated into a computer built with the motherboard.

[0006]

[0006] To increase the availability of peripheral devices, buses and connectors used to physically connect peripheral devices over the bus may be standardized. In this way, there may be a large number of peripheral devices available from many manufacturers. All such products may be used in computers having a bus that complies with the standard, so long as they comply with the standard. Examples of such standards include Serial ATA (SATA), Serial Attached SCSI (SAS), Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) or SFF-8639, which are commonly used in computers. These standards have undergone multiple revisions to accommodate the increasing performance expectations of computers over time. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] overview Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a hybrid electrical connector capable of simultaneously transmitting power and high speed signals.

[0008]

[0008] Some embodiments relate to an electrical connector. The electrical connector may include a housing including a first portion having a first slot and a second portion separated from the first portion by a rib and having a second slot, a plurality of first conductors in the first portion of the housing, each of the plurality of first conductors including a mating end including a mating contact portion that curves into the first slot and a mounting end extending from the first portion of the housing and configured to mount to a printed circuit board, and a plurality of second conductors in a second portion of the housing, each of the plurality of second conductors including a mating end including a mating contact portion that curves into the second slot, a mounting end extending from the second portion of the housing, and an intermediate portion joining the mating end and the mounting end. The mounting end may be thinner than the intermediate portion and may be configured such that a cable is attached to the mounting end.

[0009]

[0009] Optionally, for each of the plurality of second conductors, the intermediate portion may include a first side and a second side on opposite sides, the mounting end may include a third side and a fourth side on opposite sides, the third side of the mounting end may extend from the first side of the intermediate portion, and the fourth side of the mounting end may be offset from the second side of the intermediate portion.

[0010]

[0010] Optionally, the bonding contact portions of the multiple first conductors may have a first width in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the bonding direction, the bonding contact portions of the multiple second conductors may have a second width in the longitudinal direction, and the first width may be greater than the second width.

[0011]

[0011] Optionally, an intermediate portion of the plurality of first conductors may have a third width in the longitudinal direction, and the third width may be equal to the first width.

[0012]

[0012] Optionally, an intermediate portion of the plurality of second conductors may have a fourth width in the longitudinal direction, and the fourth width may be greater than the second width.

[0013]

[0013] Optionally, the first portion of the housing may include a plurality of first channels each configured to hold one of the plurality of first conductors and a plurality of first separators at least partially dividing the plurality of first channels, each of the plurality of first separators may include one or more slots, each of the plurality of first conductors may include a wider portion adjacent the mounting end, and the wider portion may extend into the slots of the plurality of first separators.

[0014]

[0014] Optionally, the electrical connector may include a subassembly housing that holds a plurality of second conductors in a row in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the mating direction. A second portion of the housing may include a plurality of second channels, each configured to hold one of the plurality of second conductors, and a plurality of second separators at least partially dividing the plurality of second channels, and the subassembly housing may be disposed between the plurality of second separators and a wall of the housing.

[0015]

[0015] Optionally, the multiple first conductors may include a multiple first conductors of a first type and a multiple first conductors of a second type, an intermediate portion of each of the multiple first conductors of the second type may include a portion that is curved toward the first slot, and the multiple first conductors of the first type and the multiple first conductors of the second type may be arranged alternately in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the bonding direction.

[0016]

[0016] Optionally, the bonding ends of the plurality of first conductors may be aligned in a first line parallel to the longitudinal direction, the attachment ends of the plurality of first conductors of a first type may be aligned in a second line parallel to the first line, and the attachment ends of the plurality of first conductors of a second type may be aligned in a third line parallel to the first line and offset from the second line in a transverse direction perpendicular to the bonding direction and the longitudinal direction.

[0017]

[0017] Optionally, the coupling end of each of the plurality of first conductors may include a tip portion disposed on a shelf of the first portion of the housing.

[0018]

[0018] Optionally, the coupling end of each of the multiple first conductors may include a tip portion disposed on a shelf of the second part of the housing, and the shelf of the second part of the housing may be below the shelf of the first part of the housing in the coupling direction.

[0019] Optionally, a tip portion of each of the plurality of first conductors may be thinner than a respective coupling contact portion.

[0020]

[0020] Optionally, the plurality of second conductors may include a plurality of second conductors of a first type and a plurality of second conductors of a second type, wherein an intermediate portion of each of the plurality of second conductors of a first type may include a surface that is inclined toward an adjacent second conductor of the first type, and wherein an intermediate portion of each of the plurality of second conductors of a second type may include a portion that is curved toward an adjacent second conductor of the first type.

[0021]

[0021] Optionally, an intermediate portion of each of the plurality of second conductors of the second type may include a protrusion that protrudes toward the second slot.

[0022]

[0022] Some embodiments relate to an electrical connector. The electrical connector may include a housing including a first portion having a first slot, a second portion separated from the first portion by a rib and having a second slot, and a bottom member attached to the second portion; a plurality of first conductors held by the first portion of the housing, each of the plurality of first conductors including a mating end including a mating contact portion that curves into the first slot and an attachment end extending from the first portion of the housing and beyond the bottom member in a mating direction; and a plurality of second conductors held by the second portion of the housing, each of the plurality of second conductors including a mating end including a mating contact portion that curves into the second slot and an attachment end extending from the second portion of the housing and within the bottom member in a mating direction. The plurality of first conductors may be configured to attach to a printed circuit board, and the plurality of second conductors may be configured to attach with a cable.

[0023]

[0023] Optionally, the bottom member may include a main body, a plurality of posts extending from the main body toward the second portion of the housing, and a plurality of protrusions extending from the posts and toward the mounting ends of the plurality of second conductors.

[0024]

[0024] Optionally, a portion of the multiple protrusions may include multiple recesses, each of the multiple second conductors may include a transition region between the intermediate portion and the mounting end, the multiple second conductors may include a multiple first type second conductors and a multiple second type second conductors, and the transition regions of the multiple first type second conductors may be disposed in respective recesses of the multiple recesses.

[0025]

[0025] Optionally, the housing may further include a lossy member configured to electrically couple the plurality of second conductors of the second type.

[0026]

[0026] Optionally, the loss member may include a main body, a plurality of first struts extending from the main body toward the second portion of the housing, and a plurality of second struts extending from the main body away from the second portion of the housing and positioned between adjacent struts of the bottom member.

[0027]

[0027] Optionally, the multiple second struts of the lossy member may include multiple recesses, and the transition regions of the multiple second types of second conductors may be disposed in respective recesses among the multiple recesses of the multiple second struts of the lossy member.

[0028]

[0028] Optionally, the plurality of first struts of the lossy member may include a plurality of protrusions protruding towards the plurality of second conductors of the second type.

[0029]

[0029] Optionally, for each of the plurality of second conductors of the second type, the corresponding recess of the second pillar may be offset from the protrusion of the first pillar in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the bonding direction.

[0030]

[0030] Optionally, the loss member may include a plurality of first openings, the bottom member may include a plurality of second openings stacked below respective ones of the plurality of first openings of the loss member in the coupling direction, and the second portion of the housing may include a plurality of protrusions each extending through the first opening of the loss member and the second opening of the bottom member.

[0031]

[0031] Optionally, the electrical connector may further include a subassembly housing that holds a plurality of second conductors in a row in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the coupling direction, the subassembly housing including a plurality of protrusions disposed in matching openings in the second portion of the housing.

[0032]

[0032] Optionally, an intermediate portion of each of the plurality of second type second conductors may include a protrusion protruding toward the second slot, and the subassembly housing may include a plurality of openings arranged to correspond to the protrusions of the plurality of second type second conductors.

[0033]

[0033] Some embodiments relate to an electronic system, which may include a printed circuit board, an electrical connector, the electrical connector including a housing including a first portion and a second portion, a plurality of first conductors in the first portion of the housing, each of the plurality of first conductors including a mounting end extending from the first portion of the housing and attached to the printed circuit board, and a plurality of second conductors in the second portion of the housing, each of the plurality of second conductors including a mounting end extending from the second portion of the housing, and a plurality of cables, each of the plurality of cables including a pair of signal wires and at least one ground wire disposed adjacent to the pair of signal wires, each wire of the pair of signal wires and the at least one ground wire are welded to one mounting end of each of the plurality of second conductors.

[0034]

[0034] Optionally, the printed circuit board may include a recess or opening so that multiple cables pass through the recess or opening.

[0035]

[0035] Optionally, the housing of the electrical connector may be secured to the printed circuit board at locations on either side of the recess or opening.

[0036]

[0036] Optionally, the printed circuit board may be a first printed circuit board, the electronic system may include a second printed circuit board, and the second printed circuit board may be electrically coupled to the first printed circuit board through a plurality of first conductors of the electrical connector and may be electrically coupled to a plurality of cables through a plurality of second conductors of the electrical connector.

[0037]

[0037] Some embodiments relate to an electrical connector. The electrical connector may include a housing including a first portion having a first slot and a second portion separated from the first portion by a rib and having a second slot, a plurality of first conductors in the first portion of the housing, each of the plurality of first conductors including a mating end including a mating contact portion curved into the first slot and an attachment end including a flat surface configured to mate with a third conductor, and a plurality of second conductors in the second portion of the housing, each of the plurality of second conductors including a mating end including a mating contact portion curved into the second slot and an attachment end extending from the second portion of the housing and configured to attach with a cable.

[0038] Optionally, the mounting ends of the plurality of first conductors may be within the first portion of the housing.

[0039]

[0039] Optionally, the attachment ends of the plurality of first conductors may be aligned in a line along the longitudinal direction.

[0040]

[0040] Optionally, the electrical connector may include a power adapter including an adapter housing and a plurality of third conductors carried by the adapter housing.

[0041]

[0041] Optionally, each of the plurality of third conductors may include a mating end including a mating contact portion configured to mate with a planar surface of a respective first conductor, a mounting end configured for attachment to a printed circuit board, and an intermediate portion between the mating end and the mounting end and secured within the adapter housing.

[0042]

[0042] Optionally, the plurality of first conductors may be arranged in two rows, and the power adapter may be disposed between the two rows of the first conductors.

[0043]

[0043] Optionally, each of the plurality of third conductors may include a coupling contact portion that curves toward the plane of the respective first conductor.

[0044]

[0044] Optionally, each of the plurality of third conductors may include a mounting contact portion configured for surface mounting to a printed circuit board.

[0045]

[0045] These techniques may be used alone or in any suitable combination. The above summary is presented by way of example and not by way of limitation.

[0046] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] The accompanying drawings may not be drawn to scale. In the drawings, identical or nearly identical components shown in various figures may be represented by like numerals. For clarity, not every component is labeled in every drawing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0047] [Figure 1A]

[0047] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the top of a portion of an electronic system showing a hybrid card edge connector having power conductors mounted on a printed circuit board according to some embodiments. [Figure 1B]

[0048] FIG. 1B is a bottom front perspective view of the electronic system of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2A]

[0049] FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of the top of the hybrid card edge connector of the electronic system of FIG. 1A according to one embodiment. [Figure 2B]

[0050] FIG. 2B is a front perspective view of the bottom of the hybrid card edge connector of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2C]

[0051] FIG. 2C is a partially exploded perspective view of the hybrid card edge connector of FIG. 2B, showing an example in which the power conductors, signal conductors and boardlocks are hidden and an optional lossy member is attached to the bottom member. [Figure 2CA]

[0052] FIG. 2C is an enlarged view of a first portion of the hybrid card edge connector of FIG. 2B with some power conductors hidden. [Figure 2D]

[0053] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the hybrid card edge connector of FIG. 2A with the housing hidden. [Figure 2E]

[0054] FIG. 2B is a side view of the power conductors of the hybrid card edge connector of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2F]

[0055] 2B is a perspective view of a group of signal conductors of the hybrid card edge connector of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2G]

[0056] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the hybrid card edge connector of FIG. 2A with the housing, boardlocks, power conductors, and some signal conductors hidden. [Figure 2H]

[0057] FIG. 2H is a partial exploded perspective view of the hybrid card edge connector of FIG. 2G showing the loss member and the bottom member. [Figure 3A]

[0058] FIG. 2B is a front perspective view of a conductor subassembly of the hybrid card edge connector of FIG. 2A according to some embodiments. [Figure 3B]

[0059] FIG. 3B is a rear perspective view of the conductor subassembly of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4A]

[0060] 4A is a cross-sectional view of the hybrid card edge connector of FIG. 2A taken along the line designated "4A-4A" in FIG. 2A, showing the power conductors. [Figure 4B]

[0061] 4B is a cross-sectional view of the hybrid card edge connector of FIG. 2A taken along the line designated "4B-4B" in FIG. 2A, showing signal conductors. [Figure 4C]

[0062] 4B is a cross-sectional view of the hybrid card edge connector of FIG. 2A taken along a line parallel to the line designated "4B-4B" in FIG. 2A, showing the top of a first type of signal conductor and a second type of signal conductor. [Figure 4D]

[0063] 4B is a cross-sectional view of the hybrid card edge connector of FIG. 2A taken along another line parallel to the line indicated by "4B-4B" in FIG. 2A, showing the lower portion of the second type of signal conductor of FIG. 4C. [Figure 4E]

[0064] 2E is a cross-sectional view of the hybrid card edge connector of FIG. 2A taken along a separator of a channel in the housing, shown as the line designated "4E-4E" in FIG. 2C. [Diagram 5]

[0065] 1 is a bottom side perspective view of a portion of an electronic system showing a hybrid card edge connector having signal conductors attached with a cable according to some embodiments. [Figure 6]

[0066] FIG. 6 is a side view of the bottom of the housing of the hybrid card end connector of the electronic system of FIG. 5. [Figure 7]

[0067] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of an inner portion of the hybrid card edge connector of the electronic system of FIG. 5. [Figure 8]

[0068] 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the loss member of the hybrid card end connector of the electronic system of FIG. 5. [Figure 9]

[0069] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a signal conductor of the hybrid card edge connector of the electronic system of FIG. 5. [Figure 10]

[0070] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the power conductors of the hybrid card edge connector of the electronic system of FIG. [Figure 11]

[0071] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a top of a portion of an electronic system showing a hybrid card edge connector having power conductors mounted on a printed circuit board according to some embodiments. [Figure 12]

[0072] FIG. 12 is a bottom front perspective view of a portion of the electronic system of FIG. [Figure 13]

[0073] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the top of the housing of the hybrid card end connector of FIG. 11. [Figure 14]

[0074] FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the bottom of the housing of FIG. 13. [Figure 15]

[0075] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the top of a portion of the electronic system of FIG. 11 with the housing of FIG. 13 hidden. [Figure 16]

[0076] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the power conductors of the hybrid card edge connector of FIG. [Figure 17]

[0077] 12 is an enlarged view of a portion of the body of the signal conductor subassembly of the hybrid card edge connector of FIG. 11. [Figure 18]

[0078] 12 is a perspective view of a second type of signal conductor of the hybrid card edge connector of FIG. 11. [Figure 19]

[0079] 12 is a perspective view of a first type of signal conductor of the hybrid card edge connector of FIG. 11. [Figure 20]

[0080] 12 is a perspective view of the bottom member and loss member of the hybrid card edge connector of FIG. 11. [Figure 21]

[0081] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a top of a portion of an electronic system illustrating a hybrid card edge connector having power conductors electrically coupled to a printed circuit board according to some embodiments. [Figure 22]

[0082] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the electronic system of FIG. 21 with the housing of the hybrid card edge connector hidden. [Diagram 23]

[0083] FIG. 23 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the electronic system of FIG. 22. [Figure 24]

[0084] 22 is a perspective view of a first type of signal conductor of the hybrid card edge connector of the electronic system of FIG. 21. [Diagram 25]

[0085] 22 is a perspective view of a second type of signal conductor of the hybrid card edge connector of the electronic system of FIG. 21. [Figure 26]

[0086] FIG. 23 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the electronic system of FIG. 22 showing the power conductors of the hybrid card edge connector coupled to a power adapter. [Figure 27]

[0087] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the power conductors of the hybrid card edge connector of the electronic system of FIG. 21. [Figure 28]

[0088] FIG. 27 is an enlarged perspective view of the power adapter of FIG. 26. [Figure 29]

[0089] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the conductors of the power adapter of FIG. 28. [Diagram 30]

[0090] 22 is an enlarged view of a portion of the hybrid card end connector of the electronic system of FIG. 21 showing the bottom member and the loss member. [Diagram 31]

[0091] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the bottom of the housing of the hybrid card end connector of the electronic system of FIG. 21. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0048] Detailed Description

[0092] The present inventors have recognized and appreciated a connector design that supports the use of high speed add-in cards in small electronic systems. Such a connector can overcome challenges in system design associated with conflicting requirements in power and signal transmission, and can maintain and / or improve signal integrity of signals passing through the hybrid connector at higher speeds while ensuring that the add-in cards receive adequate power without significantly increasing the size of the electronic system. Such a connector may be capable of passing power and high speed signals simultaneously.

[0049]

[0093] Such a connector may have a first portion having conductors configured to carry power and a second portion having conductors configured for high speed signals. The conductors of the first portion may have a mounting end configured to be connected to a printed circuit board to which the connector is attached. The second portion of the connector may be configured to align with an opening through the PCB, and the high speed conductors of the second portion may have a mounting end configured to terminate a cable passing through the opening in the PCB. The first and second portions may be integrated together to provide a mating interface that is compliant with PCIe or other standards. An example of a connector to which these techniques are applied is a connector that meets the mechanical requirements of the PCIe specification at performance requirements of 32 Gbps and 64 Gbps and beyond. The connector may also support speed rates lower than 32 Gbps, such as PCIe Gen1-Gen4.

[0050]

[0094] Such electrical connectors may have one or more rows of conductors. Some conductors in a row may act as power conductors and some conductors may act as high speed signal conductors. Optionally, some conductors may act as low speed signal conductors. Some of the low speed signal conductors and / or power conductors may also be designated as grounds, which refer to signals carried on the signal conductors or provide a return path for such signals. It should be understood that ground conductors need not be connected to earth ground, but may carry a reference potential, which may include earth ground, a DC voltage, or other suitable reference potential.

[0051]

[0095] The connector may have a housing having a first portion configured to hold a power conductor and a second portion configured to hold a subassembly of signal conductors, some of which may carry high speed signals. The first and second portions may be separated from one another, for example, by a rib. The mounting surface of the first portion may be disposed beyond the mounting surface of the second portion in the mating orientation. The housing may include a bottom member disposed on the mounting surface of the second portion. The housing may further include a lossy member having a body disposed between the mounting surface of the second portion and the body of the bottom member. With such a configuration, the power conductors in the first portion may be attached to a printed circuit board (PCB) and the conductors in the second portion may transmit high speed signals with high integrity over a cable terminated to such conductors.

[0052]

[0096] The first and second portions may each include a channel configured to hold a power conductor and a signal conductor. The first portion may include a bar disposed adjacent to the mating surface of the connector and configured to act as a shelf for holding a tip portion of the power conductor. The second portion may include a bar disposed adjacent to the mating surface of the connector and a protrusion extending from the bar and elongated in the mating direction. The protrusion may be configured to act as a shelf for holding a tip portion of the signal conductor. With such a configuration, the power conductor may be coupled / discoupled to / from an electronic card that engages / disengages with the connector before the signal conductor. With such a configuration, the tip portion of the signal conductor may be shorter, thus improving signal integrity.

[0053]

[0097] Each power conductor may include a mating end having a mating contact portion, a mounting end opposite the mating end, and a middle portion joining the mating end and the mounting end. The mating end may have the same longitudinal width as the middle portion, which may provide a larger contact area for transmitting power to an add-in card. The mating ends of the power conductors in a row may be aligned in a line. In some embodiments, the mounting end may be configured to mount to a PCB. The middle portion of every other power conductor may include a portion that bends toward an adjacent row such that the mounting ends of the power conductors in a row may be aligned in two different lines that are parallel to each other. Such a configuration may allow more power conductors to be used in the connector and may not require a larger mounting area on the PCB than specified by the standard. In some embodiments, the mounting end may be configured to mate with a power adapter that may be configured to mount to a PCB. Such a configuration may allow the power conductors to be electrically coupled to the PCB via the power adapter, which may eliminate the need to solder the power conductors on the PCB, thus facilitating and reducing maintenance costs later.

[0054]

[0098] Each signal conductor may include a mating end having a mating contact portion, a mounting end configured for mounting with a cable, and an intermediate portion joining the mating end and the mounting end. The mating end may be narrower in a longitudinal direction than the intermediate portion, which allows for greater separation between the mating ends and therefore reduces crosstalk at the mating interface. The intermediate portion may include a transition portion such that the mounting end is recessed from the intermediate portion, which provides space for the protrusion of the bottom member or lossy member to protrude and thus provide mechanical support for the mounting end. The resulting thinner mounting end may reduce the impedance effect of the added mass at the cable attachment and therefore reduces impedance imbalance at the mounting interface. The mounting ends of the first type of signal conductor may abut the protrusion of the bottom member and therefore may be electrically isolated from each other. The mounting ends of the second type of signal conductor may abut the protrusion of the lossy member and therefore may be electrically coupled by the lossy member.

[0055]

[0099] The first type signal conductors and the second type signal conductors may be arranged in groups. Each group may be configured to be attached using wires of a cable. A group may include a pair of first type signal conductors each configured to transmit a differential signal and a pair of second type signal conductors configured to provide a reference path or return path for the pair of first type signal conductors carrying the differential signal. The pair of second type signal conductors may be arranged on either side of the pair of first type signal conductors. The intermediate portions of the pair of first type signal conductors may include faces that are angled toward each other to improve coupling between the pairs. The intermediate portions of the pair of second type signal conductors may each include a portion that is bent toward the pair of first type signal conductors such that the attachment end of the pair of second type signal conductors may be positioned closer to the attachment end of the pair of first type signal conductors. Such a configuration may enable a mating end of the signal conductors having a first pitch configured to mate with an electronic card and an attachment end of the signal conductors having a second pitch configured to be attached using a cable. Such a configuration can compensate for the impedance effects of added mass at the cable attachment point and therefore reduce impedance imbalance.

[0056]

[0100] The techniques described herein may be used alone or in any suitable combination, and the following embodiments provide examples of combinations of these techniques.

[0057]

[0101] First embodiment

[0102] 1A-4D are an example of the techniques described herein integrated into a hybrid card edge connector 200 that may be disposed in an electronic system 100. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the electronic system 100 may include a PCB 102 to which the connector 200 may be attached, and a PCB 104 that may have edges that are inserted into one or more slots in the connector 200 in a mating direction 116. In this example, the PCB 102 is shown partially cut away so that only portions of the PCB 102 adjacent the connector 200 are visible. The cut away portions of the PCB 102 may include other components of the system, such as semiconductor components, power regulators, etc. Additionally, for ease of illustration, conductive structures within the PCB 102 are not explicitly illustrated. However, such a PCB may include power and / or ground planes that may be coupled to power conductors within the connector 200.

[0058]

[0103] The PCB 102 may include contact locations 106 configured to receive power conductors of the connector 200 and recesses 108 or openings (not shown) for cables attached to signal conductors of the connector 200 to pass through, thereby allowing the cables to be routed to designed locations on the PCB 102 and / or another component of the system 100. Because the area of ​​the contact locations 106 may be smaller than the area of ​​the recesses 108, the PCB 102 may include features for securing the housing 202 of the connector 200 to the PCB 102 when the connector 200 is attached to the PCB 102. In the illustrated example, the PCB 102 includes a boardlock receiver 110 on one side of the recess 108 and configured to receive a boardlock 226 of the connector 200, a guidepost receiver 112 on the opposite side of the recess 108 and configured to receive a guidepost 224 of the connector 200, and a pair of openings 114 on either side of the recess 108 configured for, for example, screws to pass through.

[0059]

[0104] As shown in FIGS. 2A-2D , the connector 200 may include a housing 202 having a mating surface 124 into which the PCB 104 may be inserted. The housing 202 may include a first portion 204 and a second portion 206 separated from the first portion 204 by a rib 216. The first portion 204 may include a first slot 212 elongated in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the mating direction 116 and a first channel 208 at least partially divided by a separator 233. Each first channel 208 may be configured to hold a power conductor 236 such that a mating contact portion 244 of the power conductor 236 may be curved into the first slot 212 to contact the PCB 104 when inserted into the PCB 104. Each separator 233 may include one or more slots 235 configured for a wider portion 237 of the power conductor 236 to extend thereinto, thereby securely securing the power conductor 236 in the respective channel 208. The first portion 204 may include a bar 276 adjacent the mating surface 124 and configured to act as a shelf for retaining the tip portion 248 of the power conductor 236 (see FIG. 4A ).

[0060]

[0105] The second portion 206 may include a longitudinally elongated second slot 214 and a second channel 210 at least partially divided by a separator 231. Each second channel 210 may be configured to hold a signal conductor 238 or 240 such that a mating contact portion 254 of the signal conductor 238 or 240 may bend into the second slot 214 to contact the PCB 104 when inserted into the PCB 104. The second portion 206 may include a bar 278 adjacent the mating surface 124 and a protrusion 218 extending from the bar 278 in the mating direction 116 such that the protrusion 218 may act as a shelf for holding a tip portion 258 of the signal conductor 238, 240 (see FIG. 4B ). Such a configuration may allow the mating contact portions 254 of the signal conductors 238, 240 to be positioned lower in the mating direction 116 than the mating contact portions 244 of the power conductors 236, which may allow power to be turned on / off before connecting the signals. The protrusions 218 may have an inclined surface 402 toward the second slots 214, such that the signal conductors 238, 240 may have shorter tip portions 258, which may improve signal integrity.

[0061]

[0106] The first portion 204 may have a mounting surface 120 opposite the bonding surface 124. A first channel 208 may extend through the bonding surface 124 and the mounting surface 120. The second portion 206 may have a mounting surface 122 opposite the bonding surface 124 and disposed above the mounting surface 120 of the first portion 204 in the bonding direction 116. A second channel 210 may extend through the bonding surface 124 and the mounting surface 122.

[0062]

[0107] 2D and 2E , the power conductors 236 carried by the first portion 204 of the housing 202 may each include a mating end 242 including a mating contact portion 244 and a tip portion 248, a mounting end 246 that extends beyond the mounting surface 120 of the first portion 204, and an intermediate portion 248. The mating end 242 may have a longitudinal width equal to the width of the intermediate portion 248, thereby providing a larger contact area for carrying sufficient power to an add-in card (e.g., PCB 104). Each of the power conductors 236 may include a wider portion 237 adjacent the mounting end 246.

[0063]

[0108] The power conductors 236 may include alternating first and second type power conductors 236A and 236B. An intermediate portion 248 of each of the first type power conductors 236A may have an inwardly curved portion 250. Such a configuration allows more power conductors to be held by the first portion 204 without requiring a larger footprint.

[0064]

[0109] Although the power conductors 236 are illustrated as separate conductors, it should be understood that the power conductors in the row may be stamped from the same sheet of metal and joined at their midsections. Thus, instead of several separate power conductors, there may be one power conductor on each side of the first slot 212.

[0065]

[0110] 2C , the housing 202 may include a bottom member 222 and a loss member 228, both of which may be attached to the second portion 206. The second portion 206 may have a protrusion 230 extending from the mounting surface 122. The bottom member 222 may have an opening 234 and the loss member 228 may have an opening 232 that is stacked with each opening 234 of the bottom member 222, such that each protrusion 230 of the second portion 206 may extend through the opening 232 of the loss member 228 and the opening 234 of the bottom member 222.

[0066]

[0111] 2H-2G, the bottom member 222 may include a body 282, a post 284 extending from the body 282 toward the second portion 206, and a protrusion 286 extending outwardly from the post 284. A portion of the protrusion 286 may have a recess 290 that may be configured to receive the transition region 268 of the first type of signal conductor 238.

[0067]

[0112] The lossy member 228 may include a body 291, an upper strut 292 extending from the body 291 toward the second portion 206, and a lower strut 294 extending from the body 291 away from the second portion 206 and configured to be disposed between the struts 284 of the bottom member 222. The upper strut 292 may include an outwardly projecting protrusion 298. The lower strut 294 may include a recess 296 that may be configured to receive the transition region 268 of the second type signal conductor 240. As shown, each upper strut 292 may have a corresponding lower strut 294 that may be longitudinally offset from the upper strut 292 depending on the configuration of the respective second type signal conductor 240.

[0068]

[0113] As shown in FIG. 2F, the signal conductors 238, 240 carried by the second portion 206 of the housing 202 may each include a mating end 252 including a mating contact portion 254 and a tip portion 258, a mounting end 256 extending beyond the mounting surface 122 of the second portion 206, and an intermediate portion 260. The mating end 252 may have a narrower longitudinal width than the intermediate portion 260, which may increase the separation between adjacent mating ends 252 and thus reduce crosstalk at the mating interface. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2D, the mating end 252 of the signal conductor 238 or 240 may have a narrower longitudinal width than the mating end 242 of the power conductor 236. With such a configuration, the connector 200 may carry sufficient power via the power conductor 236 and transmit high-speed signals with high integrity via the signal conductors 238, 240.

[0069]

[0114] The intermediate portion 260 of each of the signal conductors 238, 240 may include a transition region 268 such that the attachment end 256 may be recessed from the intermediate portion 260. In each of the signal conductors 238, 240, the intermediate portion 260 may include a first face 265 and a second face 267 on either side. The attachment end 256 may include a third face 269 and a fourth face 271 on either side. The third face 269 of the attachment end 256 may extend from the first face 265 of the intermediate portion 260. The fourth face 271 of the attachment end 256 may be offset from the second face 267 of the intermediate portion 260. Such a configuration may provide space for the protrusion 286 of the bottom member 222 or the lower strut 294 of the loss member 228 to protrude inwardly, thus providing mechanical support to the attachment end 256. The resulting thinner attachment end 256 can reduce the impedance effect of the added mass of the cable wires attached to the attachment end 256, thus reducing impedance imbalance at the attachment interface.

[0070]

[0115] The signal conductors 238, 240 may include a first type signal conductor 238 and a second type signal conductor 240. The first type signal conductor 238 may be configured to transmit high speed or low speed signals. The second type signal conductor 240 may be configured to provide a reference path or a return path for the signal. As shown in FIGS. 4B-4D, the attachment end 256 of the first type signal conductor 238 may abut against the protrusion 286 of the bottom member 222. The protrusion 286 of the bottom member 222 may be configured to assist and improve impedance imbalance at the cable attachment. The attachment end 256 of the second type signal conductor 240 may abut against the lower strut 294 of the lossy member 228. Each portion of the intermediate portion 260 of the second type signal conductor 240 may abut against the protrusion 298 of the upper strut 292 of the lossy member 228. Such a configuration can support the cable attachment and provide sufficient coupling for the second type of signal conductors 240, thereby improving signal integrity at higher speeds.

[0071]

[0116] 2F, the first type signal conductors 238 and the second type signal conductors 240 may be arranged in groups 280. The groups 280 may include one or more pairs of the first type signal conductors 238, each of which may be configured to carry a pair of differential signals. The intermediate portions 260 of each pair of the first type signal conductors 238 may have faces 266 that are angled toward each other to enhance coupling between each other.

[0072]

[0117] The group 280 may include a second type signal conductor 240 disposed on both sides of each pair of the first type signal conductors 238. The intermediate portion 260 of each of the second type signal conductors 240 may include a portion 262 that is bent toward the adjacent first type signal conductor 238 so that the corresponding attachment end 256 may be disposed closer to the adjacent first type signal conductor 238 and thus realize shielding. Some of the second type signal conductors 240 may be shared by two pairs of the first type signal conductors. The intermediate portion 260 of each of these second type signal conductors 240 may include two portions 262 that are bent toward the adjacent first type signal conductor 238. The intermediate portion 260 of each of the second type signal conductors 240 may include a protrusion 260 configured to contact a protrusion 298 of the upper strut 292 of the lossy member 228.

[0073]

[0118] As shown, the mating ends 252 of the signal conductors 238, 240 of the group 280 may have a first center-to-center pitch p1 configured to mate with an electronic card (e.g., PCB 104), which may have contact pads aligned uniformly spaced along its edge. The mounting ends of the signal conductors 238, 240 of the group 280 may have a second center-to-center pitch p2 configured to mount with a cable, which may include a pair of signal wires and a pair of ground wires disposed on either side of the pair of signal wires (see, e.g., FIG. 9). In some embodiments, the mounting ends 256 of the second type of signal conductors 240 may be wider than the mounting ends 256 of the first type of signal conductors 238, which may provide enhanced shielding and thus improved signal integrity. Thus, the second center-to-center pitch p2 between the two signal conductors 238 of the first type may be different from the second center-to-center pitch p2 between the first type of signal conductors 238 and the second type of signal conductors 240.

[0074]

[0119] 2D and 3A-3B, the aligned signal conductors 238, 240 may be held by a subassembly housing 302, which may allow for more precise spacing between the signal conductors 238, 240, thus reducing impedance imbalance along the length of the signal conductors 238, 240 and improving signal integrity at higher speeds. The subassembly housing 302 may include protrusions 304 configured to be positioned in corresponding openings in the housing 202 (see FIG. 4B). The subassembly housing 302 may include openings 306 and 308 positioned and sized to correspond to the protrusions 264 of the second type of signal conductors 240, such that the protrusions 264 may contact the protrusions 298 of the upper struts 292 of the lossy member 228.

[0075]

[0120] 2C and 4E, the second portion 206 of the housing 202 may include a space 404 between the separator 231 and a wall 406. The space 404 may be sized and shaped to hold the respective subassembly housing 302. Such a configuration may ensure accurate positioning of the subassembly 300 in the second portion 206 of the housing 202. Such a configuration may also ensure accurate relative positioning of the subassembly 300 with respect to the bottom member 222 and the loss member 228, for example, in combination with the matching protrusion 230 of the housing 202 and the opening 232 of the loss member 228 and the opening 234 of the bottom member 222.

[0076]

[0121] In some embodiments, the bottom member 222 and / or loss member 228 may be inserted into place after the subassembly 300 is inserted. The bottom member 222 and / or loss member 228 described herein may support the signal conductors 238, 240 to maintain coplanarity between the signal conductors 238 and 240 of each subassembly 300. The bottom member 222 and / or loss member 228 described herein may reduce the risk of distortion when the cable is welded to the signal conductors 238, 240. The bottom member 222 and / or loss member 228 described herein may also prevent gas solder flux or other contaminants, such as dust, moisture, etc., from entering the inside of the housing 202.

[0077]

[0122] Second embodiment

[0123] As shown in Fig. 5, this embodiment provides a connector including a connector housing 501 and a first type signal conductor 502 (which may be configured to transmit a signal), a second type signal conductor 503 (which may be configured to provide a reference path or return path for the signal), and a power conductor 504 disposed in the connector housing 501. The first type signal conductors 502 and the second type signal conductors 503 are disposed at a distance from each other. Every second first type signal conductor 502 is disposed close to each other to enhance coupling, and one or two second type signal conductors 503 are disposed on both sides of every second first type signal conductor 502. The power conductor 504 is disposed on one side of the first type signal conductors 502 and the second type signal conductors 503 in the connector housing 501.

[0078]

[0124] As shown in FIG. 6, the connector housing 501 is an elongated stepped structure having a slot 611 along its length.

[0079]

[0125] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, a lossy member 505 may be provided in the connector housing 501. The lossy member 505 may include a first portion 551 and a second portion 552. The second portion 552 is inserted into the first portion 551. The first portion 551 and the second portion 552 are provided with protruding support blocks 553. The first type signal conductors 502 and the second type signal conductors 503 are supported by the support blocks 553. The first portion 551 is provided with grooves 554. The first type signal conductors 502 extend to the grooves 554 of the first portion 551.

[0080]

[0126] As shown in Fig. 9, the first type signal conductors 502 each include a body 521. A connecting arm 522 is integrally formed on one side of the body 521. A contact end 523 is integrally formed on one side of the connecting arm 522. A weld end 524 is integrally formed on the other side of the body 521. In the illustrated example, the width of the contact end 523 is narrower than the width of the connecting arm 522, which increases the impedance at the contact location. There is an inclined step between the body 521 and the weld end 524.

[0081]

[0127] There is also a groove 506 on either side of the body 521. The groove 506 has a corresponding barb protrusion 507 on either side. In the example shown, the barb protrusion 507 on one side of the body 521 is larger than the barb protrusion 507 on the other side of the body 521.

[0082]

[0128] The body 521 is also provided with a protrusion 508 for contacting the connector housing 501 .

[0083]

[0129] The second type of two signal conductor 503 includes a body 531. A connecting arm 532 is integrally formed on one side of the body 531. A contact end 533 is integrally formed on one side of the connecting arm 532. A weld end 534 is integrally formed on the other side of the body 531. In the example shown, the width of the contact end 533 is narrower than the width of the connecting arm 532, which increases the impedance at the contact location. Between the body 531 and the weld end 534 there is an inclined step.

[0084]

[0130] There is also a groove 506 on either side of the body 531. On two sides of the groove 506 there are corresponding barbed projections 507.

[0085]

[0131] The body 531 is also provided with a protrusion 508 for contacting the lossy member 505 .

[0086]

[0132] 10, each power conductor 504 includes a body 541. One side of the body 541 is integrally formed with a connecting arm 542. The connecting arm 542 is integrally formed with a contact end 543. The other side of the body 541 is integrally formed with a weld end 544. In the illustrated example, the connecting arm 542 has a bent portion 545. On both sides of the body 541, a barb block 507 is provided.

[0087]

[0133] Third embodiment

[0134] 11, 12 and 15, this embodiment provides a PCIe cable connector including a housing 1101, and a power conductor 1102 and a signal conductor subassembly 1103 disposed in the housing 1101. A lower end of the power terminal 1102 is attached to a PCB 1104.

[0088]

[0135] Each signal conductor subassembly 1103 includes a body 1131 and signal conductors 1132 insert molded into the body 1131. The signal conductors 1132 may include a first type of signal conductor configured to carry high speed or low speed signals and a second type of signal conductor configured to provide a reference or return path for the signal. A cable is welded to the signal conductors 1132 by a laser. The signal terminal assembly 1103 with the cable welded is inserted into the housing 1101.

[0089]

[0136] The housing 1101 has a lossy member 1105 and a bottom member 1106 disposed therein. The lossy member 1105 is removably disposed on the bottom member 1106. The lossy member 1105 contacts a second type of signal conductor of the signal conductor subassembly 1103.

[0090]

[0137] 13 and 14, a plurality of connection posts 1111 are provided at the lower end of the housing 1101. The connection posts 1111 are inserted into the PCB 1104. The housing 1101 has connection sheets 1112 on both ends. The connection sheets 1112 are connected to the PCB 1104 via bolts.

[0091]

[0138] The upper end of the housing 1101 is provided with a return-shaped slot 1113. A partition 1114 is disposed in the slot 1113 to divide the slot 1113 into two portions corresponding to the power conductors 1102 and the signal conductors 1132, respectively.

[0092]

[0139] The lower end of the housing 1102 is also provided with a number of connecting rods 1115 configured to connect with the bottom member 1106 .

[0093]

[0140] 16, each power conductor 1102 includes a body 1121. One end of the power conductor 1102 is provided with a fish-eye type soldering end 1122. The other end of the power conductor 1102 is provided with a connecting arm 1123. The end with the connecting arm 1123 has a Z-shaped contact end 1124.

[0094]

[0141] Two sides of the body 1121 of the power conductor 1102 have ridges 25 configured to fit into the housing 1101 .

[0095]

[0142] 17, the body 1131 of the signal conductor subassembly 1103 has a groove 1133 disposed corresponding to the second type of signal conductor. The lossy member 1105 is inserted into the groove 1133 so as to contact the second type of signal conductor of the signal conductor 1132.

[0096]

[0143] The body 1131 of the signal conductor subassembly 1103 has a number of limiting ridges 1134 configured to prevent the body 1131 from moving.

[0097]

[0144] 18 and 19, each signal conductor 1132 includes a body 1135. One end of the body 1135 is provided with a contact end 1136. The other end of the body 1135 has a connecting arm 1137. A portion of the connecting arm 1137 extending from the body 1131 serves as a welding portion to which a cable is to be welded.

[0098]

[0145] The connecting arm 1137 of the second type of signal conductor has a protrusion 1138 configured to contact the lossy member 1105 .

[0099]

[0146] 20, the loss element 1105 is disposed in the housing 1101 between the two signal subassemblies 1103. The loss element 1105 includes a body 1151 and connecting arms 1152 symmetrically disposed on two sides of the body 1151.

[0100]

[0147] The bottom member 1106 includes a body 1161. The body 1161 includes a plurality of posts 1162 symmetrically disposed on the body 1161. The body 1131 of the signal conductor subassembly 1103 is disposed outside the support plate 1162.

[0101]

[0148] Fourth embodiment

[0149] As shown in Figures 21-23, this embodiment provides a connector for transmitting power from a board and signals from a cable. The connector includes a connector housing 2101 that holds two rows of first conductors 2103 and second conductors 2102. The housing 2101 is removably positioned on a PCB 2104. In the illustrated example, like the PCB 102 of the electronic system 100, the PCB 2104 may include a recess 2171 or opening (not shown) for the passage of a cable attached to the second conductors 2102 of the connector so that the cable can be routed to a designed location on the PCB 2104 and / or another component.

[0102]

[0150] The PCB 2104 may have a power adapter 2105 disposed thereon. The first conductor 2103 may contact the power adapter 2105. With such a configuration, the first conductor 2103 may be electrically coupled to the PCB 2104 through the power adapter 2105, which eliminates the need to solder the first conductor 2103 to the PCB 2104, thus facilitating future maintenance and reducing maintenance costs.

[0103]

[0151] 22 and 26, the power adapter 2105 is soldered to the PCB 2104. As shown in FIG.

[0104]

[0152] In the illustrated example, the PCB 2104 also has a recess that facilitates connecting the second conductor 2102 to an external cable 2108.

[0105]

[0153] 22 and 23, in the illustrated example, the second conductors 2102 are evenly inserted into the subassembly housing 2121. The distance between two adjacent second conductors is 0.75 mm. The lower end of a portion of the second conductor 2102 contacts the lossy member 2106. The lossy member 2106 is disposed on the bottom member 2107.

[0106]

[0154] The cable 2108 is welded to the second conductor 2102 by a laser. To avoid the high heat during the welding process affecting the subassembly housing 2121, the cable 2108 may be welded to the second conductor 2102 first, then the second conductor 2102 with the cable 2108 welded thereto may be inserted into the subassembly housing 2121, and finally the subassembly may be inserted into the housing 2101 from the bottom.

[0107]

[0155] The subassembly housing 2121 includes a groove that corresponds to the lossy element 2106. A contact portion 2161 of the lossy element 2106 extends into the groove and contacts selected conductors of the second conductor 2102.

[0108]

[0156] Subassembly housing 2121 is also provided with a number of stop blocks for close fit with housing 2101 .

[0109]

[0157] The second conductors 2102 include a first type of second conductor 2122 and a second type of second conductor 2123. The second type of second conductor 2123 is configured as a ground conductor for contacting the lossy member 2106.

[0110]

[0158] As shown in FIG. 24, the first type of second conductor 2122 includes a body 2124 and a contact end 2125 and a solder end 2126 at opposite ends of the body 2124, respectively.

[0111]

[0159] 25, the second type of second conductor 2123 includes a body 2127 and a contact end 2128 and a solder end 2129 at either end of the body 2127. The solder end 2129 is Z-shaped and has a protrusion 2130 configured to contact the lossy member 2106. The protrusion 2130 is disposed in a groove in the subassembly housing 2121.

[0112]

[0160] 26 and 27, the first conductor 2103 includes a body 2131 and contact ends 2132 and 2133 at both ends of the body 2131. The contact end 2132 has a flat structure and contacts the power adapter 2105. The body 2131 has a plurality of V-shaped bent portions 2134.

[0113]

[0161] As shown in FIGS. 26 and 28, the power adapter 2105 includes an adapter housing 2151 and a plurality of third conductors 2152 carried by the adapter housing 2151 .

[0114]

[0162] 29, the third conductors 2152 each have a triangle-like ring structure. The third conductors 2152 include a body 2153 and a soldering end 2154 and a contact end 2155 at either end of the body 2153, respectively. The soldering end 2154 is soldered to the PCB 2104. The contact end 2155 contacts the first conductor 2103. The third conductors 2152 have a retaining portion 2156 configured to fit closely with the adapter housing 2151.

[0115]

[0163] As shown in FIG. 28, the adapter housing 2151 has posts 2158 on both ends and is configured to connect with the PCB 2104 .

[0116]

[0164] As shown in FIG. 30, the lossy member 2106 is disposed on the bottom member 2107 and has a plurality of contact portions 2161 .

[0117]

[0165] Further considerations

[0166] In some embodiments, housing components such as the housing 202 and bottom member 228 may be dielectric members molded from a dielectric material such as plastic or nylon. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high temperature nylon, i.e., polyphenylene oxide (PPO) or polypropylene (PP). Aspects of the present disclosure are not limited in this regard and may utilize other suitable materials.

[0118]

[0167] In some embodiments, conductive elements such as power conductors 236 and signal conductors 238, 240 may be made from metal or any other material that is electrically conductive and provides suitable mechanical properties for conductive elements in an electrical connector. Phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, and other copper alloys are non-limiting examples of materials that may be used. Conductive elements may be formed from such materials in any suitable manner, including by stamping and / or forming.

[0119]

[0168] In some embodiments, a lossy member, such as lossy member 228, may be made from a material that dissipates a sufficient portion of the electromagnetic energy that interacts with the material to have a significant effect on the performance of the connector and be considered lossy. The significant effect occurs as a result of attenuation across the frequency range of interest for the connector. In some configurations, the lossy material may suppress resonances in the ground structure of the connector, and the frequency range of interest may include the natural frequency of the resonating structure without the lossy material in place. In other configurations, the frequency range of interest may be all or a portion of the operating frequency range of the connector.

[0120]

[0169] To test whether a material is lossy, the material may be tested over a frequency range that may be narrower than or different from the frequency range of interest for the connector in which the material is used. For example, the test frequency range may span from 10 GHz to 25 GHz or from 1 GHz to 5 GHz. Alternatively, a lossy material may be identified from measurements performed at a single frequency, such as 10 GHz or 15 GHz.

[0121]

[0170] Losses may occur as a result of the interaction of the electric field component of electromagnetic energy with the material, in which case the material may be referred to as electrically lossy. Alternatively or additionally, losses may occur as a result of the interaction of the magnetic field component of electromagnetic energy with the material, in which case the material may be referred to as magnetically lossy.

[0122]

[0171] The electrically lossy material may be formed from dielectric and / or low conductivity lossy materials. The electrically lossy material may be formed from materials traditionally considered to be dielectric materials, such as materials having an electrical loss tangent greater than approximately 0.01, greater than 0.05, or between 0.01 and 0.2 in the frequency range of interest. The "electrical loss tangent" is the ratio of the imaginary part to the real part of the complex dielectric constant of a material.

[0123]

[0172] Electrically lossy materials can also be formed from materials that are generally considered conductors, but are relatively poor conductors over the frequency range of interest. These materials can be conductive, albeit with some loss, over the frequency range of interest, and thus are less conductive than the conductors of electrical connectors, but more conductive than the insulators used in the connectors. Such materials may contain well-dispersed conductive particles or regions, and thus do not achieve high conductivity, or are otherwise formulated with properties that result in relatively poor bulk conductivity compared to good conductors such as pure copper over the frequency range of interest. For example, die-cast metals or metal alloys with low conductivity may be sufficiently lossy in some configurations.

[0124]

[0173] Electrically lossy materials of this type typically have a bulk conductivity of about 1 Siemens / meter to about 100,000 Siemens / meter, or about 1 Siemens / meter to about 30,000 Siemens / meter, or about 1 Siemens / meter to about 10,000 Siemens / meter. In some embodiments, materials having a bulk conductivity of about 1 Siemens / meter to about 500 Siemens / meter may be used. As a specific example, materials having a conductivity of about 50 Siemens / meter to 300 Siemens / meter may be used. However, it should be understood that the conductivity of the material may be selected empirically or by electrical simulation using known simulation tools to determine the conductivity that achieves suitable signal integrity (SI) characteristics in the connector. The measured or simulated SI characteristics may be, for example, low crosstalk combined with low attenuation or insertion loss in the signal path or low insertion loss deviation as a function of frequency.

[0125]

[0174] It should also be understood that a lossy member need not have uniform properties throughout its volume. A lossy member may have, for example, an insulating skin or a conductive core. A member may be identified as lossy if the average properties of the member in the region interacting with the electromagnetic energy are sufficient to attenuate the electromagnetic energy.

[0126]

[0175] In some embodiments, the lossy material is formed by adding a filler containing particles to the binder. In such embodiments, the lossy member may be formed by molding or otherwise shaping the binder with the filler into a desired shape. The lossy material may be molded over and / or through an opening in the conductor, which may be the ground conductor or shield of the connector. Molding the lossy material over or through an opening in the conductor may ensure intimate contact between the lossy material and the conductor, which may reduce the likelihood that the conductor will encourage resonance at the frequency of interest. This intimate contact may, but need not, result in an ohmic contact between the lossy material and the conductor.

[0127]

[0176] Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material may be molded throughout or injected into the insulating material, such as in a two-cavity molding operation, or vice versa. The lossy material may press against or be placed close enough to the ground conductor so that coupling with the ground conductor is significant. Close contact is not a requirement for electrical coupling between the lossy material and the conductor when sufficient electrical coupling between the lossy material and the conductor, such as capacitive coupling, can produce the desired results. For example, in some situations, a coupling of 100 pF between the lossy material and the ground conductor may have a significant effect on suppressing resonance in the ground conductor. In other examples using frequencies in the range of approximately 10 GHz or greater, reduction in the amount of electromagnetic energy in the conductor may be achieved by sufficient capacitive coupling between the lossy material and the conductor with a mutual capacitance of at least about 0.005 pF, such as in the range of about 0.01 pF to about 100 pF, in the range of about 0.01 pF to about 10 pF, or in the range of about 0.01 pF to about 1 pF. To determine whether the lossy material is coupled to the conductor, the coupling may be measured at a test frequency, such as 15 GHz, or over a test range, such as 10 GHz to 25 GHz.

[0128]

[0177] To form an electrically lossy material, the filler may be a conductive particle. Examples of conductive particles that may be used as fillers to form an electrically lossy material include carbon or graphite formed as fibers, flakes, nanoparticles, or other types of particles. Various types of fibers may be used, coated or uncoated, in woven or non-woven formats. Non-woven carbon transitions are one suitable material. Metals in the form of powders, flakes, fibers, or other particles may also be used to achieve suitable electrical loss properties. Alternatively, combinations of fillers may be used. For example, metal plated carbon particles may be used. Silver and nickel are suitable metal platings for fibers. Coated particles may be used alone or in combination with other fillers, such as carbon flakes.

[0129]

[0178] The filler is preferably present in a volume percentage sufficient to form conductive paths between particles. For example, when metal fibers are used, the fibers may be present at about 3% to 30% by volume. The amount of filler may affect the conductive properties of the material, and the volume percentage of filler may be lower in this range to obtain sufficient loss.

[0130]

[0179] The binder or matrix may be any material that can be used to solidify, harden, or otherwise position the filler material. In some embodiments, the binder may be a thermoplastic material that is conventionally used in the manufacture of electrical connectors to facilitate molding the electrically lossy material into a desired shape and location as part of the manufacture of the electrical connector. Examples of such materials include liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) and nylons. However, many alternative forms of binder material may be used. A curable material such as an epoxy may perform the function of the binder. Alternatively, materials such as a thermoset resin or a thermoset adhesive may be used.

[0131]

[0180] The aforementioned binder materials can be used to create the electrically lossy material by forming a binder around a filler of conductive particles, although the lossy material may be formed with other binders or in other manners. In some examples, the conductive particles may be impregnated into a formed matrix material or coated into a formed matrix material, such as by applying a conductive coating to a plastic or metal component. As used herein, the term "binder" encompasses materials that encapsulate, are impregnated into, or otherwise act as a matrix to hold the filler.

[0132]

[0181] The magnetic loss material may be formed from materials conventionally considered to be ferromagnetic, for example, materials with a magnetic loss tangent greater than approximately 0.05 in the frequency range of interest. The "magnetic loss tangent" is the ratio of the imaginary part to the real part of the complex electrical permeability of a material. Materials with even higher loss tangents may be used.

[0133]

[0182] In some embodiments, the magnetic loss material may be formed from a binder or matrix material filled with particles that impart magnetic loss properties to the layer. The magnetic loss particles may be in any convenient form, such as flakes or fibers. Ferrite is a common magnetic loss material. Materials such as magnesium ferrite, nickel ferrite, lithium ferrite, yttrium garnet, or aluminum garnet may be used. Ferrites generally have a loss tangent greater than 0.1 over the frequency range of interest. Currently preferred ferrite materials have a loss tangent of approximately 0.1 to 1.0 over the entire frequency range of 1 GHz to 3 GHz, and more preferably a magnetic loss tangent greater than 0.5 over the entire frequency range.

[0134]

[0183] A useful magnetically lossy material or mixture containing a magnetically lossy material may also exhibit useful amounts of dielectric or conductive loss effects over a portion of the frequency range of interest. Suitable materials may be formed by adding magnetically lossy fillers to a binder, similar to the manner in which electrically lossy materials can be formed, as discussed above.

[0135]

[0184] It is possible for a material to simultaneously be a lossy dielectric or conductor and a magnetically lossy material. Such materials can be formed, for example, by using magnetically lossy fillers that are partially conductive, or by using a combination of magnetically and electrically lossy fillers.

[0136]

[0185] The lossy portion may also be formed in several ways. In some examples, a binder material with a filler may be formed into a desired shape and then solidified in that shape. In other examples, a binder material may be formed into a sheet or other shape from which a lossy member of the desired shape may be cut. In some embodiments, the lossy portion may be formed by alternating layers of lossy material and conductive material, such as metal foil. The layers may be firmly attached to each other, such as using an epoxy or other adhesive, or may be held together in any other suitable manner. The layers may be of the desired shape before being affixed to each other, or may be stamped or otherwise shaped after being held together. As a further option, the lossy portion may be formed by plating a plastic material or other insulating material with a lossy coating, such as a diffused metal coating.

[0137]

[0186] Although details of particular configurations of conductive elements and housings are set forth above, it should be understood that such details are presented for illustrative purposes only, as other implementations of the concepts disclosed herein are possible, and in that regard, the various connector designs described herein may be used in any suitable combination, as aspects of the disclosure are not limited to the particular combinations shown in the drawings.

[0138]

[0187] Although several embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that various alterations, modifications, and improvements may be readily suggested to those skilled in the art.

[0139]

[0188] For example, the techniques described herein may be implemented in card edge connectors or connectors configured exclusively for high speed signals.

[0140]

[0189] As another example, high speed and low speed signal conductors may be configured similarly to signal conductors in the same row having the same shape. Nevertheless, the high speed and low speed signal conductors may be differentiated based on the ground structures and insulation around them. Alternatively, some or all of the high speed signal conductors may be configured differently from the low speed signal conductors in the same row. For example, the high speed signal conductors may have closer edge-to-edge spacing.

[0141]

[0190] A connector is shown having mating and mounting locations that may be compatible with the PCIe standard. The techniques described herein may be used to increase the operating speed of connectors designed according to other standards.

[0142]

[0191] As another example, the exemplary connector is shown in the figures with an entire row of signal conductors formed as a subassembly, whereas in other examples there may be multiple subassemblies per row.

[0143]

[0192] Such alterations, modifications and improvements are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.

[0144]

[0193] Further, while the techniques for increasing the operating speed of a connector, even when constrained by dimensions specified by industry standards, are shown and described with reference to card edge connectors, it should be understood that the aspects of the disclosure are not limited in this respect, as any of the inventive concepts may be used, alone or in combination with one or more other inventive concepts, in other types of electrical connectors, such as receptacle connectors, backplane connectors, right angle connectors, stacking connectors, mezzanine connectors, I / O connectors, chip sockets, etc.

[0145]

[0194] In some embodiments, the mounting ends are illustrated as press-fit "needle eyes" designed to be inserted into a printed circuit board, although other configurations such as surface mount contacts, spring contacts, solderable pins, etc. may be used.

[0146]

[0195] Any definitions defined and used should be understood to take precedence over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meaning of the defined term.

[0147]

[0196] Numerical values ​​and ranges may be described in the specification and claims as approximate values ​​or ranges or exact values ​​or ranges. For example, in some instances, the terms "about," "approximately," and "substantially" may be used in reference to values. Such references are intended to encompass the referenced value as well as reasonable variations of that value, plus and minus.

[0148]

[0197] In the claims and the above specification, all transitional phrases such as "comprise," "include," "carry," "have," "contain," "accompany," "hold," "comprise," and the like, are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean inclusive but not limited. Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" are intended to be exclusive or semi-exclusive transitional phrases, respectively.

[0149]

[0198] In the claims and the above specification, the use of ordinal terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc. does not, in itself, imply any priority, precedence, or temporal order in which acts of a method are performed of one element relative to another element, but is merely used as a label to distinguish one element having a particular name from another element having the same name (but for the purposes of using ordinal terms).

[0150]

[0199] The claims should not be construed as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. It should be understood that various changes in form and detail may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. All embodiments that come within the spirit and scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto are claimed.

Claims

1. a housing including a first portion having a first slot and a second portion separated from the first portion by a rib and having a second slot; a plurality of first conductors in the first portion of the housing, each of the plurality of first conductors including a mating end including a mating contact portion that bends into the first slot and a mounting end extending from the first portion of the housing and configured for mounting to a printed circuit board; a plurality of second conductors in the second portion of the housing, each of the plurality of second conductors including a mating end including a mating contact portion that curves into the second slot, an attachment end extending from the second portion of the housing, and an intermediate portion joining the mating end and the attachment end, the attachment end being thinner than the intermediate portion, and configured such that a cable is attached to the attachment end; an electrical connector including

2. For each of the plurality of second conductors, the intermediate portion includes opposing first and second surfaces; the mounting end includes a third surface and a fourth surface on opposite sides; the third surface of the mounting end extends from the first surface of the intermediate portion; and The electrical connector of claim 1 , wherein the fourth surface of the mounting end is offset from the second surface of the intermediate portion.

3. the coupling contact portions of the plurality of first conductors have a first width in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to a coupling direction; the coupling contact portions of the plurality of second conductors have a second width in the longitudinal direction; and The electrical connector of claim 1 , wherein the first width is greater than the second width.

4. an intermediate portion of the plurality of first conductors having a third width in the longitudinal direction; and The electrical connector of claim 3 , wherein the third width is equal to the first width.

5. the intermediate portions of the plurality of second conductors have a fourth width in the longitudinal direction; and The electrical connector of claim 4 , wherein the fourth width is greater than the second width.

6. the first portion of the housing includes a plurality of first channels, each configured to hold one of the plurality of first conductors, and a plurality of first separators at least partially dividing the plurality of first channels; each of the plurality of first separators includes one or more slots; each of the plurality of first conductors includes a wider portion adjacent the attachment end; and The electrical connector of claim 5 , wherein the wider portions extend into the slots of the plurality of first separators.

7. a subassembly housing that holds the plurality of second conductors in a row in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the coupling direction; the second portion of the housing includes a plurality of second channels, each configured to hold one of the plurality of second conductors, and a plurality of second separators at least partially dividing the plurality of second channels; and The electrical connector of claim 5 , wherein the subassembly housing is disposed between the plurality of second separators and a wall of the housing.

8. the plurality of first conductors includes a plurality of first conductors of a first type and a plurality of first conductors of a second type; an intermediate portion of each of the plurality of second-type first conductors includes a portion that is bent toward the first slot; and The electrical connector of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of first conductors of a first type and the plurality of first conductors of a second type are alternately arranged in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to a coupling direction.

9. the coupling ends of the plurality of first conductors are aligned in a first line parallel to the longitudinal direction; the attachment ends of the plurality of first conductors of a first type are aligned in a second line parallel to the first line; and 9. The electrical connector of claim 8, wherein the attachment ends of the plurality of first conductors of a second type are aligned in a third line parallel to the first line and offset from the second line in a transverse direction perpendicular to the mating direction and the longitudinal direction.

10. The electrical connector of claim 1 , wherein the mating end of each of the plurality of first conductors includes a tip portion disposed on a ledge of the first portion of the housing.

11. the mating end of each of the plurality of first conductors includes a tip portion disposed on a shelf of the second portion of the housing; and The electrical connector of claim 10 , wherein the shelf of the second portion of the housing is below the shelf of the first portion of the housing in a mating orientation.

12. The electrical connector of claim 11 , wherein the tip portion of each of the plurality of first conductors is thinner than the respective mating contact portion.

13. the plurality of second conductors includes a plurality of second conductors of a first type and a plurality of second conductors of a second type; the intermediate portion of each of the plurality of first-type second conductors includes a surface that slopes toward an adjacent first-type second conductor; and 2. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the intermediate portion of each of the plurality of second conductors of a second type includes a portion that is bent toward an adjacent second conductor of a first type.

14. 14. The electrical connector of claim 13, wherein the intermediate portion of each of the plurality of second conductors of a second type includes a protrusion that projects toward the second slot.

15. a housing including a first portion having a first slot, a second portion separated from the first portion by a rib and having a second slot, and a bottom member attached to the second portion; a plurality of first conductors carried by the first portion of the housing, each of the plurality of first conductors including a mating end including a mating contact portion that curves into the first slot and an attachment end that extends from the first portion of the housing and beyond the bottom member in a mating direction; a plurality of second conductors carried by the second portion of the housing, each of the plurality of second conductors including a mating end including a mating contact portion that curves into the second slot and an attachment end that extends from the second portion of the housing and within the bottom member in the mating direction; 1. An electrical connector comprising: the plurality of first conductors are configured for attachment to a printed circuit board; and The electrical connector, wherein the plurality of second conductors are configured for attachment with a cable.

16. 16. The electrical connector of claim 15, wherein the bottom member includes a body, a plurality of posts extending from the body toward the second portion of the housing, and a plurality of protrusions extending from the posts and toward the mounting ends of the plurality of second conductors.

17. A portion of the plurality of protrusions includes a plurality of recesses, each of the plurality of second conductors includes a transition region between an intermediate portion and the attachment end; the plurality of second conductors includes a plurality of second conductors of a first type and a plurality of second conductors of a second type; and 17. The electrical connector of claim 16, wherein the transition regions of the plurality of second conductors of a first type are disposed in respective recesses of the plurality of recesses.

18. 20. The electrical connector of claim 17, wherein the housing further comprises a lossy member configured to electrically couple the plurality of second conductors of a second type.

19. 20. The electrical connector of claim 18, wherein the loss member includes a body, a plurality of first struts extending from the body toward the second portion of the housing, and a plurality of second struts extending from the body away from the second portion of the housing and disposed between adjacent struts of the bottom member.

20. the second struts of the lossy member include a plurality of recesses; and 20. The electrical connector of claim 19, wherein the transition regions of the plurality of second conductors of a second type are disposed in respective recesses of the plurality of recesses of the plurality of second struts of the lossy member.

21. 21. The electrical connector of claim 20, wherein the plurality of first struts of the lossy member include a plurality of protrusions that protrude toward the plurality of second conductors of a second type.

22. 22. The electrical connector of claim 21, wherein for each of the plurality of second conductors of a second type, the corresponding recess of the second post is offset from the protrusion of the first post in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the coupling direction.

23. the loss member includes a plurality of first openings; the bottom member includes a plurality of second openings stacked below a respective one of the plurality of first openings of the loss member in the coupling direction; and 20. The electrical connector of claim 18, wherein the second portion of the housing includes a plurality of projections each extending through a first opening in the loss member and a second opening in the bottom member.

24. 24. The electrical connector of claim 15, further comprising a subassembly housing that holds the plurality of second conductors in a row in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the coupling direction, the subassembly housing including a plurality of protrusions disposed in matching openings in the second portion of the housing.

25. the intermediate portion of each of the plurality of second conductors of a second type includes a protrusion that protrudes toward the second slot; and 25. The electrical connector of claim 24, wherein said subassembly housing includes a plurality of openings positioned to correspond to said protrusions of said plurality of second conductors of a second type.

26. A printed circuit board; 1. An electrical connector comprising: a housing including a first portion and a second portion; a plurality of first conductors in the first portion of the housing, each of the plurality of first conductors extending from the first portion of the housing and including a mounting end attached to the printed circuit board; and a plurality of second conductors in the second portion of the housing, each of the plurality of second conductors including a mounting end extending from the second portion of the housing; an electrical connector including: a plurality of cables, each of the plurality of cables including a pair of signal wires and at least one ground wire disposed adjacent the pair of signal wires, each wire of the pair of signal wires and the at least one ground wire being welded to the attachment end of a respective one of the plurality of second conductors; An electronic system comprising:

27. 27. The electronic system of claim 26, wherein the printed circuit board includes a recess or opening whereby the plurality of cables pass through the recess or opening.

28. 28. The electronic system of claim 27, wherein the housing of the electrical connector is affixed to the printed circuit board at locations on either side of the recess or opening.

29. the printed circuit board is a first printed circuit board; the electronic system includes a second printed circuit board; and 27. The electronic system of claim 26, wherein the second printed circuit board is electrically coupled to the first printed circuit board through the plurality of first conductors of the electrical connector and is electrically coupled to the plurality of cables through the plurality of second conductors of the electrical connector.

30. a housing including a first portion having a first slot and a second portion separated from the first portion by a rib and having a second slot; a plurality of first conductors in the first portion of the housing, each of the plurality of first conductors including a mating end including a mating contact portion that curves into the first slot and an attachment end including a flat surface configured to mate with a third conductor; a plurality of second conductors in the second portion of the housing, each of the plurality of second conductors including a mating end including a mating contact portion that curves into the second slot and an attachment end extending from the second portion of the housing and configured for attachment with a cable; an electrical connector including

31. 31. The electrical connector of claim 30, wherein the mounting ends of the plurality of first conductors are within the first portion of the housing.

32. 31. The electrical connector of claim 30, wherein the mounting ends of the plurality of first conductors are aligned in a line along a longitudinal direction.

33. An adapter housing; a plurality of the third conductors carried by the adapter housing; 31. The electrical connector of claim 30, comprising a power adapter comprising:

34. 34. The electrical connector of claim 33, wherein each of the plurality of third conductors includes a mating end including a mating contact portion configured to mate with the planar surface of a respective first conductor, a mounting end configured for mounting to a printed circuit board, and an intermediate portion between the mating end and the mounting end and secured within the adapter housing.

35. the plurality of first conductors are arranged in two rows; and 34. The electrical connector of claim 33, wherein the power adapter is disposed between two rows of the first conductors.

36. 36. The electrical connector of claim 35, wherein each of the plurality of third conductors includes a mating contact portion that curves toward the plane of the respective first conductor.

37. 36. The electrical connector of claim 35, wherein each of the plurality of third conductors includes a mounting contact portion configured for surface mounting to a printed circuit board.

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