Mix-mode high speed interconnect system

Abstract

A high-speed interconnect system is suitable for various connector envelopes using a common insulator without a need for a contact outer body to be contained inside the connector envelope. Thus, implementations provide reduction in connector size, increased connector reliability, and reduction in manufacturing cost. In addition to crimped (non-removable) configurations, the contact subassembly may also be removable making the connector field serviceable.

Description

MIX-MODE HIGH. STEED INTERCONNECT SYSTEM?C ROSS-RI T1.RI .NU1. IO RI TA I I .1) AI’PI .IUA 1 IONS

[0001] This application claims priority to l .S. Pro\ i.sional Patent Application Ser. No. 6V665,685 Hied on June 2X. 2024. I he disclosures of the Provisional Application arc hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Unless otherw ise indicated herein, the materials described in tins section arc not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted as prior art by inclusion in this section.

[0003] Connector systems provide electrical interGonnection between different devices allowing exchange of data, control information, power, andiother electrical signals. depending on implementation, size, shape, pin numbers, and other characteristics of the connectors may vary. Some connector systems arc for special environments such as hazardous environments and may therefore include special sealing properties. Others may he shielded against electromagnetic interference. Pin numbers and sizes may also differ depending on the implementation such as expected current levels, number of signals to be exchanged, ete. ;SUMMARY

[0004] T he present disclosure generally describes a mix-mode, high-speed interconnect .system employ ing a common insulator.

[0005] Examplcs described herein introduce a high-speed interconnect sy stem into various connector envelopes using a common insulator without a need for a contact outer body to be contained inside the connector envelope. 1 hits, implementations prov ide reduction in connector size, increased connector reliability, and reduction in manufectaring cost. In addition to crimped (non-removable) configurations, the contact subassembly may also be removable making the cotnector field serviceable.

[0006] According to some examples, a mix-mode, high-speed interconnect system may include a receptacle connector with one or more socket type contacts; a first insulator encapsulating the one or more socket type contacts: and a tirsl conductiv e shell encapsulating the first insulator, where the first conductive shell is configured to prov ide shield and ground functionality for the one or more socket type contacts, and the first insulator w ith the one or more socket type contacts is removably Inserted into the first conductive / shell. The interconnect system may also include a plug connector with one or more pin type contacts; a : second insulator encapsulating the one or more pin ty pe contacts; and a second conductiv e shell encapsulating the insulator, where the second conductive shell isoonfigured to provide -shield Mid ground functionality for the one or more pin type contacts, the second insulator with the one or more pin ty pe contacts is removably inserted into the second conductive shell, and the Hist conductive shell of the receptacle connector and the second conductive shell of the plug connector are coupled to corresponding cables in a shielded manner.

[0007] .According to other examples, a mix-mode, high-speed interconnect system may include a receptacle connector with one or more single pair cthemei ( SPE ) socket contact assemblies. Each SPI . socket contact assembly may include tw o socket type contacts: a Hist insulator encapsulating the two socket type contacts; and a first conductive shell encapsulating the first insulator, where the first conductive shell is configured to provide shield and ground functionality for the two socket type contacts, and the Hist insulator with the tw o socket type contacts is removably inserted into the first conductive shell. The interconnect system may also include a plug connector w ith one or more SPI pin comae! assemblies. I inch SPI pin contact assembly may include two pin ty pe contacts; a second insulator encapsulating the two pin type contacts; and a second conductive shell encapsulating the insulator, where the second conductive shell is configured to provide shield and ground functionality for the two pin ty pe contacts, the second insulator with the two pin type contacts is remov ably inserted into the second conductive shell, and the first conductive shell of the ^receptacle connector and the second ^conductive shelf of the plug connector arc coupled to corresponding cables in a shielded manner.

[0008] According to further examples, a contact subassembly for a mix-mode, high-speed interconnect system may include one or more contacts arranged to be electrically coupled to corresponding wiring of a cable; and an insulator encapsulating the one or more contacts. The insulator may he arranged to be removably inserted into a cavity inside a conductive shell of aconnector independent of a connector type or size. I he insulator may he affixed to the conductive shell through one or more of a light weight crimp ferrule, a direct crimp, a compression nut with grommet, or a snap cap with grommet. 1 he conductive shell may act as a shield and ground for the one or more contacts.

[0009] I he foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative; aspects, embodiments, and / features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the follow ing detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OFI! DRAWINGS

[0010] I he foregoing and other features of this disclosure w ill become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken an conjunction: with the accompany ing draw ings. I nderslanding that these draw ings depict only several embodiments m accordance with the disclosure and are. therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompany ing draw ings, in which:F IG. I illustrates a comparison of a crimp contact subassembly and an insert subassembly according tooxamplesyI K i. 2A through 21. illustrate radial and longitudinal cross-section and perspectiv e views of various mix-mode high speed interconnect system configurations:FIG. 3 A and 3B illustrate various mix-mode cavity options for different interconnect systems;FIG. 4A and 4B illustrate an example assembly process; antiI K i. 5A through 5C illustrate an example metal w eb design for multiple contact connectors. all arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.DETAILED DESCRITION

[0011] In (he follow ing detailed description, reference is made io the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similarcomponents, unless context dictates otherw ise. The illustrativ e embodiments described in the detailed description, draw ings, and claims arc not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, vv ithotil departing from the spirit or scope oi the subject matter presented herein. The aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures. can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designer! in a wide variety of different configurations, all of w hich are explicitly contemplated herein.

[0012] Ths disclosure is generally drawn, inter alia. to mix-mode, high-speed interconnect systems employing a common insulator.

[0013] FIG 1 illustrates a comparison of a crimp contact subassembly and an insert subassembly according to examples, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.

[0014] Diagram 100 shows a conv entional tw inax connector pair (male and female connectors) at the lop of the figure with the female housing 102 and male housing 104 for the contact subassembly along with contacts 106 (pins and sockets). The housing not only adds to the component count for a connector but also causes size increase. As shown in the bottom:draw ings of a tvv inax connector pair according to examples, the contacts 1 16 may be positioned inside a small form iitsukilor ( insulator 1 12 for the female connector and insulator 1 14 for the male connector), which is then inserted directly into a connector env elope. I he connector envelope (or shell) may be used as shigld / grouni Thus, the housing may be eliminated allowing smaller form factor lor the connector, lighter weight, and increased reliability through reduction of parts count.

[0015] High-speed data transmission requirements affect a v ariety of technologies and industries such as factory Hour installation using of the Internet of 1'hings ( Io I ), w hich, can deliv er the v ast amounts of data required to power analy ties, machine learning, prev entiv e maintenance and Al applications that are needed. Increased use of backup cameras, w arning systems, adaptiv e control systems and all the other sy stems in v ehicles such as automobiles, trains, planes, and ships arc also profligate users of data. Designers for systems on various vehicles aim for low weight, inexpensive media, and standard connectivity, fhus, connector assemblies using mix-mode, high-speed, replaceable contact subassemblies address the needs of the proliferating data technologies and varying use environment conditions.

[0016] As; mentioned herein, examples introduce a high-speed interconnect system into various conductive connector envelopes using a common insulator without a need tor a conductiv e contact outer body to be contained inside the connector env elope. I hus. implementations provide reduction in connector size and reduction in manufacturing cost, while also allowing in-fied sen iceabil itv for some configurations.

[0017] FIG 2A through 21 illustrate radial and longitudinal cross-section and perspective views of various m ix-mode high speed interconnect system configurations, arranged in accordance with al least some embodiments described herein.

[0018] As discussed abov e, high-speed data technologies are proliferating and are expected to be used even more in various environments, where robust performance in various levels of hazardous conditions such as mechanical challenges, chemical, and others may be expected. Despite the larger lengths of single cable pieces that can deliv er higher amounts of data, interconnection is a significant part of data transmission systems. Thus, in addition to the cabling, connectors lor such data transmission systems are also needed to SUB tv e the challenging «viKmmeats, meet restrictive size ^andzwight requirenieots, and^provide robust perftmiaoce that allows easy coimect / disconnect and fewer replacements. Examples described herein are directed to small form factor, robust, mix-mode interconnect system suitable for challenging and / or hazardous environments.

[0019] Diagram 200A shows a front v icw 201 of a round iw inax receptacle connector (CBA shell size 5), a perspective view 203 of a matching plug connector, and a longitudinal cross-section v iew 205 of the two tw ina.x connectors in mated state. I'hc receptacle and plug connectors each include a conductiv e shell 20S. a shield 206. and the small form m>ukilor 204 that may he common between the receptacle and plug contact assemblies. The insulators contain a pair of contacts 202 (sockets and pins). 1 he receptacle and plug connectors also include matching keying features 210. 1 he longitudinal cross-section v iew 205 of the two twmax connectors in mated state also shows a festemngmechamsm 212 to fasten one of toe comiectors. to a device w all or a mechanical hub. I he fastening mechanism 212 max include an ( bring for environmental scaling purposes. Another O-ring may be used between the two mating connectors to seal the mated connectors against environmental aspects such as water, moisture, dust, gases, etc.

[0020] The shell of the connectors is conductive and may act as shield / ground. The contact subassembly with the dual contacts and insulator maybe crimped to the shell or affixed through a sealing gland (e.g.. a nut) such that the subassembly may be removed from the connector envelope and replaced in case of damage. As shown in the radial and longitudinal cross-section views, key ing may be prox ided on the connector .shell for polarization. Additional features of the connectorshell may include a dual locking mechanism, environiiiental sealing (e.g., through O- ring(s)), etc. The connector pair in an interconnect system according to examples may be coupled through bayonet, latch, lex er, push-pull, screw, snap-in. or similar median isms.

[0021] Diagram 200B show s a front v iew 21 I of a round, screw-on type twinax receptacle connector (MKJ5 shell size 5), a perspective view 213 of a matching plug connector, and a longitudinal cross-section view 215 of the two tw inax connectors in mated state. I he small formfactor contact assembly is inserted into a screw-on type connector envelope with braiding on the outside surface to allow manual interconnection.

[0022] Diagram 200C C shows a front v iew 221 of a round, snap-in type twinax receptacle connector (MKJ4 shell size 6), a perspective view 223 of a matching plug connector, and a longitudinal cross-section view 225 of the two tw inax connectors in mated stale, fhe configuration in diagram 2001 is a similar tw inax configuration to the one shown in diagram 200A with a different polarization implementation and an additional O-ring for sealing.

[0023] l.xamplc contact subassemblies are not limited to tw inax configurations. Diagram 200D shows a single contact configuration with a front view 231 of a round, snap-in type single cositact receptacle connector (MK.I4 shell size 6). a perspectiv e \ iew 233 of a matching plug connector, and a longitudinal cross-section view 235 of the two connectors in mated state. I his example configuration may be used in RF implementations, for example, substantially reducing a size of the R1 connector assembly .

[0024] Diagram 2001 show', a perspcctixe x iew 241 of a triangular strong-latch receptacle connector (I T 3) with twinax contact assembly 242. a perspective view 243 of a matching plug connector with matching contact assembly 244. and a longitudinal cross- sect ion \ iew 245 of the two connectors in mated state, fhe example triangular strong-latch connector assembly configuration may be used in challenging environments such as military use, automotive, hazardous environments, etc.

[0025] Other configurations may include 3« 4, 5, or any number of practical contacts. In some examples, the same contact subassembly ma\ be used in any number of connector env elopes. thus reducing manufacturing and service costs and complexity. An interconnect system according to examples may be for connecting a cable to a device (or a mechanical hub) or for connecting two cables together. In case of connection to a dev ice or a hub. one of the connectors may include a fastening mechanism such as a (listening nut to fasten the connector to a hole in an enclosure.

[0004] in some examples, the connector shells of the connector pair may be made from conductiv e material and act a< shield (and ground) electrically coupling to the shields of die cables on both side's. In other examples, an inside surface of the shells may be cm cred w ith conductive materials (c.g.. plating, spraying, or similar methods) and act as the shield and ground.

[0004] EIG. 3 \ and 3B illustrate v arious mix-mode car ity options for different interconnect systems, arranged in accordance with at leasi some embodiments described herein.

[0004] As mentioned above, a high-speed, mix-mode contact assembly with small formfactor may be implemented in any number of contact configurations starting w ith a single contact (c.g.. RF connectors) and only limited by the practical number that may he implemented. I o lit multiple contact assemblies (e.g., single pair ethernet “SPE" subassemblies) into a multiple ca\ ity connector shell. a metal w eb may be used to prov ide mechanical and electrical (shielding) integrity. Diagram 300 A shows example configurations 30? (shell size 10 w ith -I contacts). 304 (shell size 12 with 8 contacts). 306 (shell size 14 with 12 contacts). 308 (shell size 16 with 19 contacts ). 310 (-shell size I S with 7 contacts). 312 (shell size I S w ith 23 contacts). 3 14 (shell size 20 with 28 contacts). 314 (shell size 22 with 35 contacts), and 316 (shell size 24 with 48 contacts).

[0004] T he small-form insulator based contact subassemblies may also be used in connectors with mix-mode configurations, that is, connectors with signal and:power carrying comacis. Diagram 300B show s example configurations 322 (shell size 10. 4 signal contacts, no power contacts). 324 (shell size 12. 8 signal contacts, no power contacts). 326 (shell size 14. 12 signal contacts, no power contacts), 328 (shell size 14, 3 signa! contacts, 3 powercontacts), 330 / (shell size 14. 4 signal contacts. 3 pow er contacts). 33? (shell size 16. 19 signal contacts, no power contacts), and 334 (shell size 16. no signal contacts. 4 pow er contacts).

[0030] A common point ofthe various examples described herein is thata ^common insulator may be used to house a given number of contacts and the contact assembly of the insulator and the contacts may be inserted into any number ol connector cm elope configurations. I Environmental protection (e.g. sealing. I Ml protection, w ater resistance, etc.) may be pro\ ided w ithin the connector cm elope allow ing the use of the same contact subassembly for different environmental requirements.

[0031] FIG. 4A and 4B illustrate an example assembly process, arranged in accordance w ith at least some embodiments described herein.

[0032] Diagram 400A shows the assembly process beginning! with stripping of w ires ol'the cable (402), tor example a SPE cablecNext, contacts may be crimped onto the stripped wires (404). follow ed by insertion of the crimped contacts into a first half of insulator body (406). It should be noted that the insulator may be use lor one or more pairs. I he examples abov e show the insulator w ith a single pair (2 contacts), but two pairs (quadrax or 4 contacts), or more may be implemented as well. Next, second half of the insulator body may be inserted (408. followed by installation of the ferrule (410).

[0033] Diagram 400B shows additional steps in the assembly process with insertion of the insulator subassembly into a connector body (412 showing a generic coimector body, 414 showing a SPE connector body). The conductive connector body may be crimped onto a shield of the cable ( 4 I b show ing generic iw ina.x connector. 418 showing SPl connector). In one implementation example, the assembled SPE connector body may be inserted removably (e.g using a settling gland) into a plastic connector shell 420 making the connector serviceable, where the connector body may be replaced post-manufacturing.

[0034] FIG. 5 A through 5C illustrate an example metal w eb design for multiple contact connectors, arranged in accordance with al least some embodiments described herein.

[0035] Diagram 500A shows a cross-section v iew of a pair of mulli-cavily connectors with multiple SPE subassemblies in a mated state, where the SPE subassemblies are supported by a metal w eb pros iding shielding integrity . Plug co ineclor 502 with its SIT. contact subassemblies 50b and receptacle connector 504 w ith its SIT. subassemblies 508 are secured in mated state through a threaded mechanism. A metal (conductive) web 512 provides mechanical support and enhanced shield integrity lor plug connector 502. Another metal (conductive) web 514 provides mechanical support and enhanced shield integrity for receptacle connector 504. A redundantsystem of shielding connections comprising mcial-to-metal contact in the shell, a large grounding clip surrounding the web. and smaller grounding clips around each Si’li subassembly allow the use of the connector body as SIT body w ith improv ed shielding.

[0036] Diagram 500B shows detail of the cross-section view of the multi-cavity connectors 502. 504 with multiple SI’L subassemblies s pins and sockets connected) 51 b in the mated slate. The redundant system of shielding connections for improved shielding include the metal-to- metal contact (A) on the connector shell, the large grounding clip (B) surrounding the web, and the smaller grounding clips (( ) surrounding each subassembly.

[0037] Diagram 500C shows front v iew s of a plug multi-cavity connector 502 am! a receptable multi-cavity connector 504 with five S PE subassemblies 506, 508 (pin and socket ty pes, w here the connector shells prov ide grounding and shielding to the subassemblies instead of each one having its own shielding.

[0038] In addition to being able to accommodate any number of contacts, a contact subassembly according to examples may be affixed into a connector env elope through a number of techniques, l or example, conncvtors with light weight crimp ferrule, direct crimp, compression nut with grommet, snap cap with grommet may be used as some illustrativ e, but not limiting, implementation examples. By using a small fomi-kictor contact subassembly, v arious coonectorvnvetopes may be reduced in size (and weightfas well, as the housing of the contact : assembly is eliminated. I samples of possible circular multi-cav ity connectors, where SPE subassemblies may he incorporated w ith a metal w eb as mentioned abov e. The contact subassemblies may be polarized according to an application, f urthermore. contact placement and si / e may be varied loo. l or example, the contacts may be ev enly distributed or placed according to an industry standard or implementation specification. Some or all of the contacts may be same size or different sizes, l or example, contact carrying power may be larger than contacts carry ing communication signals. Other multi-cavity connector shells that may incorporate contact subassemblies as discussed herein may hav e squ ire or other shapes, as w ell.

[0039] According to some examples, a mix-mode, high-speed interconnect system may include a receptacle connector with one or more socket ty pe contacts; a first insulator encapsulating the one or more socket type contacts; and a first conductive shell encapsulating the first insulator, where the first conductive shell is configured to provide shield and ground functionality for the one or more socket type contacts, and the first insulator w ilh the one or moresocket type contacts is removably / inserted into the first conductive shell. The interconnect system may also include a plug connector with. one or more pin type contacts: a second insulator encapsulating the one or more pm type contacts: and a second conductive shell encapsulating the insulator, where the second conductive shell is configured to prov ide shield and ground functionality for the one or more pin type contacts, the second insulator w ith the one or more pin type contacts is removably inserted into the second conductive shell, and the first conductive shel l of the receptacle connector and the second conductive shell of the plug connector are coupled to corresponding cables in a shielded manner.

[0040] According to other examples, the plug connector and the receptacle connector may be configured to couple mechanically through one of a bayonet, a latch, a lex er, a push-pull, a screw , or a snap-in coupling mechanism. I he plug connector and the receptacle connector may have a round, an elliptical, a rectangular, or a triangular form; and the first insulator and the second insulator may have a same shape and size. The first insulator and the second insulator may he affixed to the first conductiv e shell and t ic second conductiv e shell, respectiv ely, through one or more of a light weight crimp ferrule, a direct crimp* a compression nut with grommet, or a snap cap with grommet.

[0041] According to further examples, the interconnect system may further include an environmental protection mechanism within at least one of the first conductive shell and the second conductive shell. I he first conductive shell arid the second conductive shell may be made from a conductive material or covered with a conductive material on an inside surface. A number, a size, or a placement of the one or more socket or pin contacts may be selected based on an industry standard or an implementation specification. I he first insulator and the second insulator may include a polarization mechanism. The first conductive shell and the second conductiv e shell may include a polarization mechanism.

[0042] According to some examples, a mix-mode, high-speed interconnect system may include a receptacle connector with one or more single pair elhernet (Sl’E) socket contact assemblies. E ach SIM . socket contact assembly may include two socket type con acts: a first insulator encapsulating the two socket type contacts: and a first conductive shell encapsulating the first insulator, where :the first conductive shell is configured to provide shield and ground functionality for the two socket type contacts, and the first insulator with, the tw o socket type contacts is removably inserted into (he first conductive shell. The interconnect system may alsoinclude a plug connector with one or more SIT pin contact assemblies. I nch SIT pin contact assembly may include tw o pin type contact'.; a second insulator encapsulating the two pin type contacts: and a second conductive shell encapsulating the insulator, w here the second conductiv e shell is configured to provide shield and ground functionality for the two pin ty pe contacts, the second insulator w ith the two pin type contacts is remov ably inserted into the second conductive shell, and the first conductive shell of the receptacle connec tor and the second conductive shell of the plug connector are coupled to corresponding cables in a shielded manner.

[0043] According to other examples, the first insulator and the second insulator may hav e a same shape and size. One or both of the first insulator and the second insulator pair and the first conductive shell and the second conductive shell pair may include a polarization mechanism. One or both of the receptacle connector and the plug connector may include a metal web to provide shielding integrity. The metal web may provide mclal-to-metal contact within the first conductive shell or the second conductiv e .shell, and one or both of the receptacle connector and the plug connector may further include a large grounding clip surrounding the metal web and small grounding clips around each contact subassembly.

[0044] According to further examples, a contact subassembly for a mix-mode, high-speed interconnect system may include one or more contacts arranged to be electrically coupled to corresponding wiring of a cable; and an insulator encapsulating the one or more contacts. The insulator may be arranged to be remov ably insured into a cav ily inside a conductiv e shell of a connecter independent of a connector type or size. The insulator inay be affixed to the conductive shell through one or more of a light weight crimp ferrule, a direct crimp, a compression nut with grommet, or a snap cap with grommet. I he conductiv e shell may act as a shield and ground for the one or more contacts.

[0045] The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application, w hich are intended as illustrations of v arious aspects. Many modifications and variations can he made without departing from its spirit and scope, functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, arc possible from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is: to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along w idi the lull scope of equiv ulenlsto which such claims are entitled. The terminology wed herein is fonthopurposeof describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.The herein described subject mater sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. Such depicted architectures are merely examples, and in fact, many other architectures may be implemented w hich achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively "associated" such that the desired functionality is achieved. I lence, any tw o components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality may be .seen as "associated w ith" each other such, thin the desired functionality is achiev ed, irrespectiv e <>| architectures or intermediate components. Likew ise. any tw o components so associated may also be viewed as being "operably connected”, or "operably coupled", to each other to achiev e the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated may also be viewed as being “operably couplable'', to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include bm are not limited to phy sically connectable and or physically interacting components and / or wirelessly interactablc and / or wirelessly interacting components and or logically interacting and or logically interactablc components.

[0047] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and / or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and / or application. The various singulariplural pennutations may be expressly set forth; herein for sake of clarity .

[0048] In general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (c.g.. bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g.. the term "including" should be interpreted as “including but not limited to." the term “having" should be interpreted as "hav ing al least," the term “includes" should be interpreted as ’•includes bm is not limited to." etc.). It will he further understood by those w ithin the an that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent w ill be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intent is present, f or example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “tone or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases x should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation toembodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "al least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g.. “a” and or "an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more"): the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those^skillednn^the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean al least die recited number (e.g.. the bare recitation of "two recitations,*' without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).

[0049] f urthermore, in those instances w here a convention analogous to “at least one of A. B, and (.', etc." is used, in general, such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in (he art w ould understand the conv ention tc.g.. “a system hav mg at least one of A. B. and ( ” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone. B alone. C alone. A and B together. A and C together. B and C together, and- or A. B. and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the an that virtually any disjunctive w ord and or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms, For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or“B ’ or “A and B.”

[0050] For any and all purposes, sucli as in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompassany and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken dow n into at least equal halv es, diirds. quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. \s w ill also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as “up to," “at least.” “greater than." "less than." and the like include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally . a range includes each iudiv idual member. I hus, for example, a group hav ing 1-3 cells refers to groups hav ing 1 . 2. or 3 cells. Similarly, a group hav ing I -5 cells refers to groups hav mg I , 2. 3, 4, or 5 cells, and so forth.

[0051] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments arc possible. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are lorpurposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSI / WE Claim:

1. A mix-mode, high-speed interconnect system, comprising: a receptacle connector comprising: one or more socket type contacts; a first insuMor encapsulating the one or more socket type contacts; and a first conductive shell encapsulating the first insulator, wherein the first: conductive shell is configured to provide ahielcl and ground fonctionality for the one or more socket type contacts, and the first insulator w ith (he one or more socket ty pe contacts is removably inserted into the ifiist conductive shelfoand a plug connector comprising: one or more pin type contacts; a second insulator encapsulating the one or more pin type contacts; and a second conductiv e shell encapsulating the insulator. vv herein the second conductive shell is configured to prov ide shield and ground functionality lor the one or more pin type contacts, the second insulator with the one or more pin type contacts is remov ably inserted into the second conductiv e shell, and the first conductiv e shell of the receptacle conneetor and:the second conductive shell of the plug connector are coupled to corresponding cables in a shielded manner.

2. The interconnect system of claim 1. wherein the plug connector and the receptacle connector are configured to couple mechanically through one of a bayonet, a latch, a lev er, a push-pull, a screw, or a snap-in coupling mechanism.

3. I he interconnect sy stem of claim I . w herein the plug connector and the receptacle connector have a round, an elliptical, a rectangular, or a triangular form, and the first insulator and the second insulator have a same shape anil ri / c.<1 Tie interconnect system of claim 1, wherein the fipt insulator and tile second insulator arc affixed to (he first conductive shell and the second conductive shell, respecii'. ely. through one or more of a light weight crimp ternile. a direct crimp, a compression nut w itli grommet, or a snap cap with grommet.

5. The interconnect systemof claim 1, further comprising: an environmental protection mechanism within at least one of the first conductive shell and the second conductive shell.

6. I he interconnect system of claim 1. w herein the first conductiv e shell and the second conductive shell arc made horn a conductiv e material or covered with a conductiv e material on an insicle surface.

7. 1 he interconnect system of claim I . wherein a number, a size, or a placement of the one or more socket or pin contacts is selected based on an industry standard or an implementation specification.& The interconnect system of claim 1 , wherein the first insulator and the second insulator include a polarization mechanism.

9. The interconnect system of claim 1. w herein the first conductiv e shell and the second conductive shell include a polarization mechanism.

10. A mix-mode, high-speed interconnect system, comprising: a receptacle connector comprising: one or more single pair elhernel ( SPI ) socket contact assemblies, each SP1 socket contact assembly comprising: two socket type contacts: a first insulator encapsulating the two socket type contacts; and a first conductive shell encapsulating the first insulator, w herein (he first conductive shell is configured to provide shield and ground functionality for thetwo socket type contacts, and the first insulator with the two socket type contacts is removably inserted into the first conductive shell: and a plug connector comprising: one or more SPE pin contact assemblies, each SIT pin contact assemble comprising: two pin type contacts; a second insulator encapsulating the two pin type contacts; and a second conductive shell encapsulating the insulator, wherein the second conductiv e shell is configured to prov ide shield and ground functionality lor the two pin type contacts, the second insulator With the two pin type contacts is: remov ablv inserted into the second conductiv e shell, and the Inst conductiv e shell of the receptacle connector and the second conductive shell of the plug connector are coupled to corresponding cables in a shielded manner.Id. The interconnect system of claim 10, wherein the first insulator and thosecond insulator have a same shape andisize.

12. The interconnect system of claim 10, wherein one or both of the first insulator and the second insulator pair and the first conducti ve shell and the second conductive shell pair include a polarization mechanism .

13. 1 he interconnect system of claim 10. vv herein one or both of the receptacle connector and the plug connector include a metal web to provide shielding integrity.

14. The interconnect system of claim 13, wherein the metal web provides metal-to-metal contact within the first conductive shell or the second conductive shell, and one or both of the receptacle connector and the plug connector further comprise: a large grounding clip surrounding the metal web’ and small grounding clips around each contact subassemblv .

15. A contact subassembly for a mix-mode, high-speed interconnect system, comprising: one or more contacts arranged to be electrically coupled to corresponding wiring of a cable: and an insulator encapsulating the one or more contacts, wherein the insulator is arranged to be removably inserted into a cav ily inside a conductive shell of a connector independent of a connector type or size,; the insulator is affixed to the conductive shell through one or more of a light w eight crimp ferrule, a direct crimp, a compression mil w ith grommet. or a snap cap w ilh groinniet, and the conductive shell acts as a shield and ground for the one or more contacts.

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