RF connector including conductor with compression end

Abstract

An electrical connector, such as an RF or coaxial connector, can include a housing that can be electrically conductive. An electrically conductive conductor can be positioned in the electrically conductive connector housing. The electrically conductive conductor can define a compression end that defines a preformed bend. The preformed bend can be elastically compliant in a direction perpendicular to a mating substrate.

Description

RF CONNECTOR INCLUDING CONDUCTOR WITH COMPRESSION ENDBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention generally relates to electrical connectors, such as radiofrequency (RF) or coaxial-board compression connectors.2. Description of the Related Art

[0002] A vertical 2.4-mm RF connector 100 is shown in Figs. 3A-3D. The RF connector 100 shown in Figs. 3A-3D includes an electrically conductive connector housing 110 and an electrically conductive conductor 124 carried in the electrically conductive connector housing 110. The electrically conductive conductor 124 of the connector 100 shown in Figs. 3A-3D includes a pogo or spring-loaded pin at a compression end 128 of the electrically conductive conductor 124.

[0003] As another example, Figs. 4A-4D show a vertical RF connector 200, and Fig. 4E shows a mating footprint for the vertical RF connector 200. The RF connector 200 shown in Figs. 4A-4D includes an electrically conductive connector housing 210 and an electrically conductive conductor 224 carried in the electrically conductive connector housing 210. The electrically conductive conductor 224 of the connector 200 shown in Figs. 4A-4D includes a pogo or spring- loaded pin at a compression end 228 of the electrically conductive conductor 224.

[0004] Pogo or spring-loaded pins have many advantages compared to other types of connectors, including flexibility on mating height, maintaining a positive force against a mating surface, tolerating lateral mating misalignment, providing durability, and reducing height.

[0005] However, compared to electrically conductive conductors without a pogo or spring- loaded pin at the compression end of the electrically conductive conductors, electrically conductive conductors with pogo or spring-loaded pins at the compression end included, as in the RF connectors 100 and 200 in Figs. 3A-3D and 4A-4D, are also (i) more complex to manufacture than; (ii) more difficult to make within a consistent tolerance; and (iii) more expensive to manufacture.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] To overcome the problems described above, example embodiments of the present invention provide electrically conductive conductors that include a compressible and restorable compression end that retains many or all of the benefits of pogo or spring-loaded pins, while also addressing deficiencies of pogo or spring-loaded pins.

[0007] According to an example embodiment of the present invention, an electrical connector includes a connector housing and a conductor that is positioned inside the connector housing.

[0008] The electrical connector can further include an electrical insulator. The connector housing can be electrically conductive; the conductor can define a first conductor end; the first conductor end can be opposed to the compression end; the conductor can pass through the electrical insulator; the electrical insulator can be positioned on the conductor between the first conductor end and the second conductor end; and the first conductor end and the compression end can both be formed from a monolithic piece of electrically conductive material.

[0009] The conductor can be electrically conductive. The conductor can be machined. The conductor can be stamped or stamped and formed. The conductor can include or define a first conductor end and an opposed compression end. The electrical connector can include an electrical insulator. The connector housing can be electrically conductive. The conductor can be configured to pass through an electrical insulator. The electrical insulator can be positioned on the conductor between the first conductor and the second conductor end. The first conductor end and the compression end can both be formed from a monolithic piece of electrically conductive material. The conductor can be made from a metal or a metal alloy, such as copper, nitinol, phosphor bronze, and the like.

[0010] The compression end can be machined. The compression end can be electrically conductive. The compression end can define at least one bend. The compression end can define at least one preformed bend. The compression end can define at least two bends. The compression end can define at least two preformed bends. The at least two bends can at least partially define, in cross-section, a generally sinusoidal, a generally S-shape, or a generally W-shape. The compression end can define at least three bends. The compression end can define at least three preformed bends. The at least three bends can at least generally define, in crosssection, a generally sinusoidal, a generally S-shape, or a generally W-shape. The compression end can define a flat surface configured to physically contact, electrically contact, or both physically and electrically contact a corresponding surface pad on a mounting substrate. The compression end can be configured to only surface mount to a corresponding surface pad on a mounting substrate.

[0011] The compression end can be made from a metal or a metal alloy, such as copper, phosphor bronze, nitinol, and the like. The compression end can define a rounded surface, a point, a scalloped surface, a flat surface, or some other surface configured to physically contact, electrically contact, or both physically and electrically contact a corresponding contact pad on a mating substrate. The conductor and the compression end can both be formed from a monolithic piece of electrically conductive material. The compression end can be mechanically attached to the conductor. The compression end can be devoid of a pogo pin or a FUZZBUTTON connection. The connector housing can include a connector base that has a bottom base surface. The compression end can be configured to only extend approximately 0.15 mm (approximately 0.006 inches) from the bottom base surface of the connector base. Other compression extension dimensions are known. A grounding ring can be carried by the bottom base surface of the connector base. The grounding ring can include a bottom ground ring surface. The compression end can be configured to only extend approximately 0.07 mm (approximately 0.003 inches) from the bottom grounding ring surface of a grounding ring. Other compression extension dimensions are known. The compression end can compress approximately 0.076 mm to approximately 0.152 mm (approximately 0.003 inches to approximately 0.006 inches) in a first direction.

[0012] The compression end can be configured to not make a fluid tight seal with a corresponding through hole defined in a mating substrate. The compression end can be at least partially surrounded by the connector housing. The compression end can entirely (or substantially entirely) be surrounded by the connector housing, entirely circumscribed by an internal diameter surface of a hole defined in the connector housing, or both. The compression end can be configured to only be compressed against a contact pad of a mounting substrate.Means plus function disclosure and claims presented in means plus function format are hereby expressly interpreted under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Applicant expressly makes no admissions, either expressly or implied, by exercising its statutory rights to describe and submit one or more claims in 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) permitted format. Any limitations read in to a means plus function disclosure or a means plus function claim or claims recited herein are not to be read into any non-means plus function claim recited (i) in this application, (ii) any applications that claim the benefit of this application, or any claims filed outside the United States. Under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), an electrical connector can include a connector housing. The electrical connector can include an electrically conductive conductor positioned in the connector housing. The conductor can have a compression end. Preformed compression means or a preformed compression structure can be defined by the compression end.

[0013] According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a vertical, RF compression connector includes a connector housing, such as an electrically conductive housing, and a conductor positioned in the connector housing. The conductor can be electrically conductive. The compression end of the conductor can define compression means, preformed compression means, a compression structure, or a preformed compression structure at a compression end of the conductor. The compression means, preformed compression means, compression structure, or preformed compression structure can include at least one preformed bend. The compression means, preformed compression means, compression structure, preformed compression structure, or at least one preformed bend can be one or more of the following: (i) configured to compress and relax or (ii) configured to elastically compress without taking a set (i.e., without being permanently deformed); (iii) configured to compress from a rest or non-compressed position under a force and generally return to the rest or non-compressed position after the force is removed; and (iv) travel in a first direction, an opposed second direction, or both the first and second directions.

[0014] The conductor can extend between a mating end and a mounting end such that the conductor does not bend back on itself (i.e., starting at the mating end of the conductor, moving along the path defined by the conductor toward the mounting end does not decrease the distance from the mating end) and / or such that the conductor does not touch itself (i.e., noportion of the exterior surface of the conductor contacts another portion of the exterior surface of the conductor). The conductor can be entirely machined, including the compression end. The compression end can include at least one machined, preformed bend that is not a Fuzz Button and does not include a spring. The compression end can be mechanically attached to the conductor or can be monolithically formed as part of the conductor. The conductor can be electrically conductive. The compression end can be electrically conductive. Any mechanical attachment device that joins the conductor or the first conductor end to the compression end can be electrically conductive. The compression end can define at least one bend, which can be a preformed bend. The compression end can define at least two bends, which can both be preformed bends. The at least two bends can at least partially define, in cross-section, a generally sinusoidal, a generally S-shape, or a generally W-shape. The compression end can define at least three bends, which can each be preformed bends. The at least three bends can at least generally define, in cross-section, a generally sinusoidal, a generally S-shape, or a generally W-shape. The compression end can be configured to not include a pogo or coil-spring loaded compression end. The compression end can be configured to be non-linear. The compression end can be configured to be asymmetrical about a longitudinal axis that the compression end runs or extends along.

[0015] Jepson-type disclosure and claims presented in Jepson format are hereby expressly interpreted in the United States under 37 C.F.R. § 1.75(e). Applicant expressly makes no admissions, either expressly or implied, by exercising its statutory rights to describe and submit one or more claims in a 37 C.F.R. §1.75(e) format. Any limitations read in to a Jepson-type disclosure or Jepson-type claim or claims recited herein are not to be read into any non-Jepson- type claim recited (i) in this application, (ii) any applications that claim the benefit of this application or in any application filed outside the United States. Under 37 C.F.R. § 1.75(e) only, an electrical connector can include an electrically conductive connector housing and an electrically conductive conductor positioned in the electrically conductive connector housing, wherein the improvement comprises the electrically conductive conductor defines a fixed first conductor end and an opposed compression end monolithic with the electrically conductive conductor and the compression end defines at least one preformed bend, at least two preformedbends, or at least three preformed bends. A preformed bend can include one or more of a curve or radius or angle or a change in direction. The bend or bends can alone or in combination define, in cross-section, one or more of a generally sinusoidal shape and / or a generally C-shape and / or a generally V-shape and / or a generally U-shape and / or a generally S-shape and / or a generally W- shape.

[0016] According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a method to make an electrical connector includes a step of providing an electrically conductive connector housing. Another step can include providing an electrically conductive conductor with any one or more of a machined or stamped or printed or mechanically attached or stamped and formed compression end that defines at least one predefined bend or curve or radius or point.

[0017] According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a method to make an electrical connector includes one or more steps of providing an electrically conductive connector housing, providing an electrically conductive conductor, providing a compression end on the electrically conductive conductor, and providing preformed bends on the compression end.

[0018] An example embodiment of the present invention includes a conductor including a single monolithic piece. The single monolithic piece extends between a mating end and a mounting end such that the single monolithic piece does not bend back on itself and / or such that the single monolithic piece does not touch itself, and the single monolithic piece includes a compression end that defines the mounting end.

[0019] The compression end can include a preformed bend. The conductor can be devoid of a pogo pin and a FUZZBUTTON.

[0020] An example embodiment of the present invention includes an electrical connector including a connector housing including a conductor hole and the conductor of one of the various other example embodiments of the present invention in the conductor hole.

[0021] The compression end does not have to contact a surface of the conductor hole.

[0022] An example embodiment of the present invention includes an electrical connector including a housing mounted to a substrate and a conductor carried by the housing. The conductor includes a mating end that mates with another connector and a mounting end thattouches the substrate, the mounting end includes a preformed bend, and the conductor is made of a monolithic material.

[0023] The above and other features, elements, characteristics, steps, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an electrical connector, such as a vertical, compression RF connector.

[0025] Fig. 2 is a close-up cross-sectional view of an end of the electrical connector shown in Fig. 1.

[0026] Figs. 3A-3D show views of a known RF connector.

[0027] Figs. 4A-4D show views of another known RF connector, and Fig. 4E shows a mating footprint for the known RF connector shown in Figs. 4A-4D.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Fig. 1 shows an example embodiment of an electrical connector, which can be, but is not limited to, a vertically mounted, RF compression connector 10. The RF compression connector 10 can include a connector housing 12. The connector housing 12 can be electrically conductive, electrically non-conductive, or both electrically conductive and electrically non- conductive. The connector housing 12 can define a connector base 14. The connector housing 12 and the connector base 14 can be unitary with one another, can be formed, machined, or cast as a single body, and can be made from an electrically conductive material, such as metal. The connector housing 12 can define external threads 16 adjacent to at least one port 18 of the RF compression connector 10. At least one or at least two connector fastener holes 20 can be defined by the connector housing 12 or the connector base 14.The electrical connector, such as the vertically mounted, RF compression connector 10, can also include an insulator 22, such as an electrical insulator, and a conductor 24. The conductor 24 can be positioned inside the connector housing 12. A plug 19 can also be inserted in the electricalconnector, such as the vertically mounted, RF compression connector 10, and can be spaced from the conductor 24 to electrically, physically, or both electrically and physically insulate the conductor 24 from the electrically conductive connector housing 12. The plug 19 can include a non-electrically conductive material, for example, plastic or a dielectric material, or an electrically conductive material. The plug 19 can be press-fit into the electrically conductive connector housing 12. The insulator 22 can also electrically insulate the conductor 24 from the electrically conductive connector housing 12. Alternatively or in addition, the insulator 22 can locate the conductor 24 within an interior void space of the plug 19. The conductor 24 can include a first conductor end 26 and a compression end 28. The first conductor end 26 can be positioned in or immediately adjacent to the port 18 that can be defined by the connector housing 12. The first conductor end 26 can be at least partially surrounded by the plug 19 and can be located within an interior void space of the plug 19. The first conductor end 26 can be configured to not protrude beyond the port 18. The first conductor end 26 can be fixed with respect to one or more of the electrically conductive connector housing 12, the port 18, the plug 19, and the insulator 22. The first conductor end 26 can be configured as a receptacle. The first conductor end 26 can be configured to receive a mating plug or mating conductor of a mating connector. For example, the first conductor end 26 can include a hole to receive a conductor from a cable (not shown). Any cable can be connected to the electrical connector 10, including, for example, a coaxial cable. If a coaxial cable is connected to the electrical connector 10, then the center conductor of the coaxial cable can be inserted into the hole in the first conductor end 26.

[0029] The compression end 28 can be positioned adjacent to the connector base 14. Alternatively, the compression end 28 can be positioned anywhere along a length of the conductor 24, for example, between the insulator 22 and the connector base 14. The compression end 28 can extend a first distance FD along a first direction DI, a second direction D2, or both the first direction DI and the second direction D2. Substrate alignment features (not shown) can be defined by the connector base 14. The substrate alignment features can align with corresponding fiducials defined one a major surface MS of a mounting substrate S to align the conductor 24, the compression end 28, or both the conductor 24 and the compression end 28 with at least one corresponding contact pad (not shown) carried by the major surface MS ofthe mounting substrate S, as described in WO 2023 / 049281, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0030] The compression end 28 can be formed from, be a part of, and / or be mechanically attached to the conductor 24. More specifically, the conductor 24, the compression end 28, or both the conductor 24 and the compression end 28 can be machined, rather than stamped and formed. The compression end 28 can include at least one machined, preformed bend that is not a Fuzz Button and does not include a spring. The compression end 28 can be machined into a shape that is slightly compressible along a first direction DI. The first direction DI can be in a direction approximately perpendicular to a major surface MS of a mounting substrate S (shown schematically, in cross-section in Fig. 1). The compression end 28 can be compressed in the first direction DI from a state of rest or a state of non-compression. The compression end 28 can be compressed in the first direction DI and can return to a state of rest or non-compression by moving in a restorative direction, that is, by moving in the second direction D2. The second direction D2 can be opposite to the first direction DI. The first direction DI can be opposite to the second direction D2. The compression end 28 can be compressed approximately 0.076 mm to approximately 0.152 mm (approximately 0.003 inches to approximately 0.006 inches), within manufacturing and / or measurement tolerances, along the first direction DI. The compression end 28 can expand by approximately 0.076 mm to approximately 0.152 mm (approximately 0.003 inches to approximately 0.006 inches), within manufacturing and / or measurement tolerances, in the second direction D2. The insulator 22 can hold the conductor 24 fixed with respect to the connector housing 12. Accordingly, the compression end 28 can be cantilevered to flex or compress when a force is applied to a planar surface or flat surface 36 of the compression end 28 or a tip or flat surface of the conductor 24.

[0031] The compression end 28 can be configured to extend a first distance FD along the first direction DI, the second direction D2, or both the first direction DI and the second direction D2. The compression end 28 can be configured to extend approximately 0.15 mm (approximately 0.006 inches), within manufacturing and / or measurement tolerances, from a bottom base surface 30 of the connector base 14. The compression end 28 can be configured to extend approximately 0.07 mm (approximately 0.003 inches), within manufacturing and / ormeasurement tolerances, from a bottom grounding ring surface 32 of a grounding ring 34. In board surface mount applications, the compression end 28 can be configured to sit on a corresponding surface pad (not shown) carried by the major surface MS of the mounting substrate S and compress in a direction generally perpendicular to the major surface MS of the substrate S. That is, the compression end 28 can be configured to not frictionally engage a sidewall of a press-fit hole or create a fluid tight fit with a press-fit hole defined in the mounting substrate S. The compression end 28 can be configured to not physically engage a through hole defined in the mounting substrate S. The compression end 28 can be configured to not extend into a plated through hole defined in the mounting substrate S. The compression end 28 can be configured to not penetrate through an exterior surface of the mounting substrate S. The compression end 28 can be configured to extend along an axis and not reverse its longitudinal direction with respect to the axis. Stated another way, the compression end 28 can define portions that lie on or pass above or pass below an axis, but do not reverse direction in a direction towards the first conductor end 26

[0032] As shown in Fig. 2, the electrical connector, such as the RF compression connector 10, includes the connector housing 12. The compression end 28 can define at least one preformed bend 38. The at least one preformed bend 38 can include one or more of a preformed curve or radius or angle or a change in direction of the compression end 28. As described herein, "preformed" can mean that the bend is present in the electrical connector when the compression end 28 is not under compression (subjected to a compression force) or when the compression end 28 is either under compression or not under compression. The compression end 28 or the at least one preformed bend 38 can be configured to be compressed against a corresponding surface pad carried by a mounting substrate S (shown in Fig. 1). For example, the compression end 28 can define a rounded tip, a serrated tip, a point or, as shown in Fig. 2, a planar surface or a flat surface 36. The planar surface or flat surface 36 can define an end width Wl. The end width Wl can be approximately equal to, approximately less than, or approximately greater than a corresponding pad width (not shown) of a corresponding surface pad carried by a mating substrate such as the mounting substrate S. The compression end 28 can be configured to only surface mount to a corresponding surface pad on a mounting substrate S.

[0033] The compression end 28 can compress or expand approximately 0.076 mm to 0.152 mm (approximately 0.003 inches to 0.006 inches), within manufacturing and / or measurement tolerances, in the first direction DI and the second direction D2, respectfully. The planar surface or flat surface 36 can move approximately 0.076 mm to 0.152 mm (approximately 0.003 inches to approximately 0.006 inches), within manufacturing and / or measurement tolerances, in the first direction DI from a rest position and approximately 0.076 mm to approximately 0.152 mm (approximately 0.003 inches to approximately 0.006 inches) in the second direction D2 from a compressed position.

[0034] The conductor 24 can be defined by a single monolithic piece that includes a mating end and a mounting end. The mating end of the conductor 24 can be defined by the first conductor end 26 and can mate with a mating cable or a mating connector of the electrical connector 10. The mounting end of the conductor 24 can be defined by the compression end 28 and can be connected to a substrate to which the electrical connector is mounted. In Fig. 1, the mounting end is defined by the compression end 28 that can be connected to a contact pad on the major surface MS of the substrate S. The conductor 24 can extend between the mating end and the mounting end such that the conductor 24 does not bend back on itself (i.e., starting at the mating end of the conductor 24, moving along the path defined by the conductor 24 toward the mounting end does not decrease the distance from the mating end) and / or such that the conductor 24 does not touch itself (i.e., no portion of the exterior surface of the conductor 24 contacts another portion of the exterior surface of the conductor 24). As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the compression end 28 does not contact the surface of the hole 40. In contrast to a conductor 24 that is defined by single monolithic piece, a pogo pin is not a single monolithic piece because a pogo pin requires separate plunger, spring, and barrel, and a Fuzz Button provides a single wire that defines a compressed wire structure that is bent back on itself and that does touch itself.

[0035] The electrical connector 10 can include the conductor 24 positioned in a hole 40 defined by the connector housing 12. The hole 40 can define an internal diameter surface or surfaces 42. The hole 40 can define a stepped structure, with sequentially widening or sequentially narrowing areas or widths. The first conductor end 26 can be positioned in, can be positioned adjacent to, can extend along, and / or can overlap a hole width W2 defined by theinternal diameter surface 42 of the hole 40. The hole width W2 can be smaller or narrower or have a smaller width than at least one other area or width within the hole 40. As shown in Fig. 2, the compression end 28 is at least partially positioned in a narrowest portion of the hole width W2, which corresponds to a portion of the hole 40 positioned closest in distance to the bottom base surface 30. The compression end 28 of the conductor 24 can define a preformed bend 38 and can be entirely circumscribed by the internal diameter surface 42 of the hole 40. That is, the compression end 28 can extend beyond a bottom base surface 30 of the connector housing 12, but not cross over the internal diameter surface 42. The compression end 28 can extend beyond a bottom base surface 30 (shown in Fig. 1) of the connector housing 12, but not extend past an outer perimeter 44 of the ground ring 34 or not extend parallel to the bottom ground ring surface 32 of the ground ring 34.

[0036] The compression end 28 can define a generally S-shape, a generally sinusoidal shape, a generally W-shape, a generally sawtooth shape, a generally corkscrew shape, a generally coil spring shape, and the like. However, the remainder of the conductor 24 can define a generally cylindrical shape or a generally hourglass shape. The general S-shape, generally sinusoidal shape, generally W-shape, generally sawtooth shape, generally corkscrew shape, a coil spring shape, and the like can begin at the rounded tip, serrated tip, point, rounded, or flat surface 36. In particular, the conductor 24 can define a generally cylindrical shape between the first conductor end 26 and the compression end 28. The compression end 28 can be monolithic with a remainder of the conductor 24. The compression end 28 can make up at least one percent and no more than approximately fifty percent of the total length of the conductor 24, measured end-to-end, in an uncompressed state. The compression end 28 can make up at least one percent and no more than approximately forty percent of the total length of the conductor 24, measured end- to-end, in an uncompressed state. The compression end 28 can make up at least one percent and no more than approximately thirty percent of the total length of the conductor 24, measured end-to-end, in an uncompressed state. While the disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particularsystem, device, or component thereof to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Any disclosure described in one paragraph herein is hereby incorporated by reference into all other paragraphs herein, so that any claim is fully supported even if one element is taken from one paragraph and another element is taking from another paragraph.

[0037] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0038] The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The described embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An electrical connector comprising: a connector housing; and a conductor that is positioned inside the connector housing and that includes a compression end.

2. The electrical connector of claim 1, further comprising: an electrical insulator, wherein the connector housing is electrically conductive; the conductor defines a first conductor end; the first conductor end is opposed to the compression end; the conductor passes through the electrical insulator; the electrical insulator is positioned on the conductor between the first conductor end and the second conductor end; and the first conductor end and the compression end are both formed from a monolithic piece of electrically conductive material.

3. The electrical connector of claim 1 or 2, wherein the compression end defines at least one preformed bend.

4. The electrical connector of claim 1 or 2, wherein the compression end defines at least two preformed bends.

5. The electrical connector of claim 1 or 2, wherein the compression end defines at least three preformed bends.

6. The electrical connector of claim 4, wherein the at least two bends at least partially define, in cross-section, a generally sinusoidal, a generally S-shape, or a generally W-shape.

7. The electrical connector of claim 5, wherein the at least three bends define, in crosssection, at least one of a generally sinusoidal shape, a generally S-shape, and a generally W- shape.

8. The electrical connector of one of claims 2-7, wherein the compression end defines a flat surface configured to physically contact, electrically contact, or both physically and electrically contact a corresponding surface pad on a mounting substrate.

9. The electrical connector of one of claims 2-7, wherein the compression end is configured to only surface mount to a corresponding surface pad on a mounting substrate.

10. The electrical connector of one of claims 2-9, wherein the compression end is devoid of a pogo pin or a FUZZBUTTON connection.

11. The electrical connector of one of claims 1-10, wherein the connector housing includes a connector base that has a bottom base surface.

12. The electrical connector of claim 11, wherein the compression end only extends approximately 0.15 mm (approximately 0.006 inches) from the bottom base surface of the connector base.

13. The electrical connector of claim 12, further comprising a grounding ring carried by the bottom base surface of the connector base, wherein the grounding ring includes a bottom ground ring surface.

14. The electrical connector of claim 13, wherein the compression end only extends approximately 0.07 mm (approximately 0.003 inches) from the bottom grounding ring surface of a grounding ring.

15. The electrical connector of one of claims 1-14 wherein the compression end is not configured to make a fluid tight seal with a corresponding through hole defined in a mounting substrate.

16. The electrical connector of one of claims 1-15 wherein the compression end travels approximately 0.076 mm to approximately 0.152 mm (approximately 0.003 inches to approximately 0.006 inches) in a first direction, an opposed second direction, or both the first direction and the opposed second direction.

17. The electrical connector of one of claims 1-16 wherein the compression end is entirely circumscribed by the connector housing.

18. A vertical, RF compression connector comprising: an electrically conductive connector housing; and an electrical conductor positioned in the connector housing, the electrical conductor being entirely machined and defining a preformed compression means at a compression end of the electrical conductor.

19. An electrical connector comprising: an electrically conductive connector housing; and an electrically conductive conductor positioned in a hole defined by the electrically conductive connector housing, the hole defining an internal diameter surface, wherein the conductor defines a compression end that: defines a preformed bend; is entirely circumscribed by the internal diameter surface of the hole; and is not configured to penetrate through an exterior surface of a mounting substrate.

20. An electrical connector comprising: an electrically conductive connector housing; an electrically conductive conductor positioned in the connector housing, the electrically conductive conductor having a compression end; and a preformed compression means defined by the compression end.

21. An electrical connector comprising: an electrically conductive connector housing; and an electrically conductive conductor positioned in the electrically conductive connector housing, wherein the improvement comprises: the electrically conductive conductor includes a first conductor end that is fixed with respect to the electrically conductive connector housing and an opposed compression end; and the compression end includes a machined, preformed bend.

22. A method to make an electrical connector comprising: providing an electrically conductive connector housing; providing an electrically conductive conductor including a compression end; and bending the electrically conductive conductor such that the compression end includes preformed bends.

23. A conductor comprising a single monolithic piece, wherein the single monolithic piece extends between a mating end and a mounting end such that the single monolithic piece does not bend back on itself and / or such that the single monolithic piece does not touch itself, and the single monolithic piece includes a compression end that defines the mounting end.

24. The conductor of claim 23, wherein the compression end includes a preformed bend.

25. The conductor of claim 23 or 24, wherein the conductor is devoid of a pogo pin and a FUZZBUTTON.

26. An electrical connector comprising: a connector housing including a conductor hole; and the conductor of one of claims 23-25 in the conductor hole.

27. The electrical connector of claim 26, wherein the compression end does not contact a surface of the conductor hole.

28. An electrical connector comprising: a housing mounted to a substrate; a conductor carried by the housing, wherein the conductor includes a mating end that mates with another connector and a mounting end that touches the substrate; the mounting end includes a preformed bend; and the conductor is made of a monolithic material.

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