Two-piece small form-factor RF contact assembly

Abstract

Contact assemblies for multi-contact, high density connectors are provided with a front body to contain a contact and an insulator surrounding the contact and a rear body mechanically affixed to the front body, the rear body containing a cable. A wire within the cable may be exposed and crimped into the contact within the front body, and the rear body may include a flange on an outer surface of the rear body to hold the contact assembly in place within a connector cavity of the connector. The rear body may have a same form and size for a pin contact assembly or a socket contact assembly. The contact assembly may further include a finger retaining clip on an outside surface of the contact assembly to allow front release of the contact assembly from the connector cavity.

Description

Docket No. 3100.0159WOU1TWO-PIECE SMALL FORM-FACTOR RE CONTACT ASSEMBLYCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63 / 707,773 filed on October 16, 2024. The disclosures of the Provisional Application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND

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

[0003] In conventional multi -contact connectors, contact extraction (replacement) is usually through rear-release and involves release of wire bundle in the back of a connector, insertion of a special-purpose tool (typically size-dependent), and extraction of wired contact. Thus, the process can take a long time, requires specialty tools, and carries a high risk of damage to the connector and / or contacts. Furthermore, depending on application environment (e.g., aircraft paneling), there may not be sufficient space to perform the above-described operations.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure generally describes a two-piece, small form-factor contact assembly for placement in multi-contact connectors.

[0005] According to some examples, a contact assembly for a connector may include a front body to contain a contact and an insulator surrounding the contact and a rear body mechanically affixed to the front body, the rear body to contain a cable. A wire within the cable may be exposed and crimped into the contact within the front body. The rear body may include a flange on an outer surface of the rear body to hold the contact assembly in place within a connector cavity.

[0006] According to other examples, a connector assembly may include a connector housing; a connector body within the connector housing; and a plurality of connector cavities within the connector body. The connector assembly may include, in each of the connectorDocket No. 3100.0159WOU1 cavities, a contact assembly. The contact assembly may include a front body to contain a contact and an insulator surrounding the contact and a rear body mechanically affixed to the front body, the rear body to contain a cable. A wire within the cable may be exposed and crimped into the contact within the front body. The rear body may include a flange on an outer surface of the rear body to hold the contact assembly in place within a connector cavity.

[0007] The 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 following detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The foregoing and other features of this disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in 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 accompanying drawings, in which:FIG. 1A and IB illustrate cross-sectional views of two-piece, small form-factor pin and socket contact assemblies in two different configurations;FIG. 1C and ID illustrate example dimensions of two-piece, small form-factor pin and socket contact assemblies;FIG. 2A illustrates two-piece, small form-factor pin and socket contact assemblies within respective plug and receptacle dual-contact connectors;FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of example two-piece pin and socket contact assemblies within a pair of coupled dual-contact connectors;FIG. 2C illustrates how the example two-piece pin and socket contact assemblies can replace power, signal, or coaxial contacts in existing dual-contact connector assemblies;FIG. 3 illustrates front release of example two-piece, small form-factor pin and socket contact assemblies in a dual-contact connector;Docket No. 3100.0159WGU1FIG. 4A illustrates two-piece, small form-factor pin and socket contact assemblies within respective plug and receptacle multi-contact connectors;FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view of example two-piece pin and socket contact assemblies within a pair of coupled multi-contact connectors;FIG. 4C illustrates how the example two-piece pin and socket contact assemblies can replace power and signal contacts with coaxial contacts in existing multi-contact connector assemblies; andFIG. 5 illustrates front release of an example two-piece, small form-factor contact assembly from a multi-contact connector using a removal tool, all arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of 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 designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

[0010] This disclosure is generally drawn, inter alia, to a two-piece, small form-factor contact assembly for placement in multi-contact connectors.

[0011] FIG. 1A and IB illustrate cross-sectional views of two-piece, small form-factor pin and socket contact assemblies in two different configurations, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.

[0012] Diagram 100A shows components of a two-piece, small form-factor pin contact assembly 101 and socket contact assembly 111. Both assemblies include a front body 102 and a rear body 108. The front body 102 contains pin or socket contact 104 (depending on configuration) and surrounding insulator 106. A wire of the cable 110 carrying power or signal (e.g. RF signal) is affixed to each contact through crimping for example. The wire is exposedDocket No. 3100.0159WOU1 from the cable 110 and a portion of the cable 110 are within the front body 102. The rear body 108 contains the cable 110. A shrink tube 112 may be placed over the cable 110 and a rear portion of the rear body 108 to affix the cable to the rear body (in addition to the mechanical force holding the cable inside the rear body). The front body 102 and the rear body 108 may be affixed together through mechanical coupling (e.g., push-on or screw-on type). The rear body 108 may include a circular protrusion (flange) on its outer surface to hold the contact assembly within a connector cavity. Example contact assemblies may be used in circular, rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, or any practical shape connectors with low (e.g., dual -contact) or high (multi-contact) density of contacts. The example assemblies in diagram 100A may be released through the front or rear of a connector.

[0013] A two-piece, small form-factor contact assembly for placement in multi-contact connectors according to examples may provide support for long and small diameter (e.g., size 16 or smaller) RF contacts. For example, a length to diameter ratio of a two-piece, small form-factor contact assembly may be 5:1. Thus, in an example practical implementation, the length may be up to 0.300 inches. Other diameter and length values and ratios may also be implemented. The two-piece configuration with mid-section crimp may allow machined contacts, which provide the robustness required for military and similar applications. Furthermore, the example assemblies support small contacts for dense connector applications (military or commercial) and long contacts while matching impedance. Varying speeds, feeds, constant coolant, and depth of drill in incremental steps may allow for constant chip removal to maintain concentricity and less wandering of the small diameter drill bits within the small cavity. In some examples, hardened steel alloys such as carbide, cobalt, titanium may be used for the contacts depending on the material, depth ratio, drill size, cost per part, and / or resharpening ability.

[0014] Diagram 100B shows components of a two-piece, small form-factor pin and socket contact assemblies 101, 111 with finger retaining clip 114. Similar to the assemblies in diagram 100A, these assemblies also include a front body 102 and a rear body 108. The front body 102 contains pin or socket contacts 104 and surrounding insulators 106. A wire of the cable 110 carrying power or signal (e.g. RF signal) is affixed to each contact through crimping for example. The wire is exposed from the cable 110 and a portion of the cable 110 are within the front body 102. The rear body 108 contains the cable 110. A shrink tube 112 may be placed over the cable 110 and a rear portion of the rear body 108 to affix the cable to the rear body (inDocket No. 3100.0159WOU1 addition to the mechanical force holding the cable inside the rear body). The front body 102 and the rear body 108 may be affixed together through mechanical coupling (e.g., push-on or screw- on type). The rear body 108 may include a circular protrusion (flange) on its outer surface to hold the contact assembly within a connector cavity. In addition, the illustrated configuration includes a finger retaining clip 114 on the outer surface of the assembly at the coupling location of the front and rear bodies to hold the assembly inside the connector cavity. The finger retaining clip may be easily deflected to allow front release of the assembly from the connector.

[0015] As discussed below, example two-piece, small form-factor contact assemblies may be drop-in replacements for small size contacts (e.g., size 16). Thus, they support a small diameter vs. a considerable length. Therefore, machining the contacts as a single piece may be impossible or impractical. However, the illustrated two-piece design may allow mitigation of the small diameter drill for a long depth distance. The rear body may be common for pin and socket types contact assemblies reducing part count and increasing manufacturing efficiency. In some examples, a micro-miniature pin and sleeve may be used for center conductor (contact). In addition to being balanced for alignment and support, the example two-piece contact assemblies may provide a positive stop plane and surface to reduce air gap and maintain an impedance matched section. The rear body crimp cable support may have an adjustable length to fit any clip-to-clip dimension to support various connector types including, but not limited to, D-Sub, Micro-D, Rack and Panel, Circular, Trident®, IT®, while having a common tuned impedance interface for mating. While RF contact assemblies are mentioned herein, a two-piece, small form-factor contact assembly according to examples may be used for power, non-RF signals, and RF signals. Thus, the example contact assemblies may be used in RF-only or mix mode connectors.

[0016] FIG. 1C and ID illustrate example dimensions of two-piece, small form-factor pin and socket contact assemblies, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.

[0017] The example dimensions illustrated in diagrams 100C and 100D show how very high length vs. diameter ratios may be achieved while maintaining impedance matching and easy replaceability. The example dimensions illustrated in diagrams 100C and 100D are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to impose limitations on embodiments. Other dimensions and component ratios may be implemented using the principles discussed herein.Docket No. 3100.0159WGU1

[0018] FIG. 2A illustrates two-piece, small form-factor pin and socket contact assemblies within respective plug and receptacle dual -contact connectors, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.

[0019] Diagram 200A shows a pair of dual-contact IT Series® connectors by ITT Cannon®. These standard connectors are designed for rugged environments and include two contacts. Example two-piece, small form-factor contact assemblies may be drop-in replacements for existing contacts of these or similar contacts allowing power, non-RF, and RF signal connections with easy replacement and impedance matching. Shown in the diagram are two socket contact assemblies 204 within a plug connector 202 and two pin contact assemblies 208 within a receptacle connector 206.

[0020] FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of example two-piece pin and socket contact assemblies within a pair of coupled dual-contact connectors, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.

[0021] Diagram 200B shows placement of pin and socket type two-piece contact assemblies 204, 208 within a mated pair of IT Series® plug and receptacle connectors 202, 206 with their center conductors, insulating sleeves, front and rear bodies of the assemblies, and corresponding cables 212, 214. As mentioned above, a length of the two-piece contact assemblies may be adjustable. Thus, for other connector types with longer cavity length, longer assemblies may be easily provided.

[0022] FIG. 2C illustrates how the example two-piece pin and socket contact assemblies can replace power, signal, or coaxial contacts in existing dual-contact connector assemblies, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.

[0023] Diagram 200C shows a plug type dual -contact connector with a plug body 202, end cap 228, end seal 226, interface gasket 224 (for environmental sealing purposes), and wedge lock 222, along with a pair of socket contacts 204. A matching receptacle type dual -contact connector with its receptacle body 206, end cap 232, end seal 234, and wedge lock 236 is also shown along with its pair of pin contacts 208. As shown in the diagram, the pin and socket type two-piece contact assemblies are a drop-in replacement for standard contacts matching the dimensions.

[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates front release of example two-piece pin and socket contact assemblies in a dual-contact connector, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.Docket No. 3100.0159WGU1

[0025] In some examples, finger retaining clips 314 may be used for easy release of the contact assemblies. This may be more practical in less dense connector types such as dualcontact connectors as the ones shown in diagram 300. In such configurations, a non-special purpose tool such as a screwdriver may be used to remove the wedge lock 312 from the connector body 302, then inserted into the contact cavity 306 under the locking finger and the contact assembly 304 may be released by deflecting the finger retaining clip 314. Next, the corresponding wire may be disconnected from the contact assembly and pulled at the rear of the connector removing the contact assembly from the connector.

[0026] FIG. 4A illustrates two-piece, small form-factor pin and socket contact assemblies within respective plug and receptacle multi-contact connectors, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.

[0027] Diagram 400A shows a pair of multi -contact, high density Trident® Series or IT® Series connectors by ITT Cannon®. These standard connectors are designed for rugged environments and include multiple contacts (e.g., 12). Example two-piece, small form-factor contact assemblies may be drop-in replacements for existing contacts of these or similar contacts allowing power, non-RF, and RF signal connections with easy replacement and impedance matching. Some multi-contact connectors may be mix mode. Thus, some of the two-piece contact assemblies may carry power, while others may carry non-RF and / or RF signal within the connector. Shown in the diagram are a plug type round connector 406 with its contact cavities and an example socket contact assembly 408 in one of the cavities. Also shown in a receptable type round connector 402 with an example pin contact assembly 404 in one of the plurality of contact cavities.

[0028] FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view of example two-piece pin and socket contact assemblies within a pair of coupled multi-contact connectors, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.

[0029] Diagram 400B shows placement of pin and socket type two-piece contact assemblies 408, 404 within a mated pair of Trident® Series plug 406 and receptacle 402 connectors with their center conductors, insulating sleeves, front and rear bodies of the assemblies, and corresponding cables 412, 416. Also shown is another example contact cavity 416. As discussed above, such connectors may include any number of contacts (and contactDocket No. 3100.0159WOU1 cavities) depending on application. Such connectors may also have any shape (e.g., round, rectangular, oblong, triangular, trapezoidal, etc ), size, or form.

[0030] FIG. 4C illustrates how the example two-piece pin and socket contact assemblies can replace power, signal, or coaxial contacts in existing multi-contact connector assemblies, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.

[0031] Diagram 400C shows how example two-piece contact assemblies 404, 408 may be drop-in replacements for standard contacts of multi -contact, high density connectors. While the IT® Series and the Trident® Series connectors (422) are shown as example implementations, the two-piece, small form-factor contact assemblies may be implemented in any shape, size, and contact density connector.

[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates front release of an example two-piece contact assembly from a multi-contact connector using a removal tool, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.

[0033] Diagram 500 shows a removal tool 510 that can be placed over the contact assembly 504 for removal. The removal tool 510 includes a handle 512, a spring 514, a knob 516, and a sleeve 518. The sleeve 518 of the tool is placed over the contact assembly and rotated slightly as it is pushed to release the spring. Light pressure on the tool knob 516 may then eject the contact assembly 504 from the rear of the connector housing. In high density connectors, limited space may not allow non-special tool (e.g., screwdriver) removal by deflecting finger retaining clips. Thus, a simple removal tool such as the one described herein may be used to quickly release and eject multiple contact assemblies without damaging the connector or the wiring.

[0034] Example connector pairs with two-piece, small form-factor contact assemblies may be coupled through bayonet, latch, lever, push-pull, screw, snap-in, or similar mechanisms. In some examples, the shells (housings) of the connector pair may be made from conductive material and act as shield (and ground) electrically coupling to the shields of the cables on both sides. In other examples, inside surfaces of the shells may be covered with conductive materials (e.g., plating, spraying, or similar methods) and act as the shield and ground. In some examples, crimpable brass, a lightweight aluminum alloy, electroless or sulfamate nickel, black or zinc nickel, and similar non-reflective coatings / platings may be employed. Embodiments may be implemented using any connector form such as circular, trapezoid, triangular, etc.Docket No. 3100.0159WOU1

[0035] According to some examples, a contact assembly for a connector may include a front body to contain a contact and an insulator surrounding the contact; and a rear body mechanically affixed to the front body, the rear body to contain a cable. A wire within the cable may be exposed and crimped into the contact within the front body, and the rear body may include a flange on an outer surface of the rear body to hold the contact assembly in place within a connector cavity of the connector.

[0036] According to other examples, the contact assembly may further include a shrink tubing partially covering the outside surface of the rear body to affix the cable and the rear body. The contact may be a pin contact or a socket contact. The rear body may have a same form and size for a pin contact assembly or a socket contact assembly. The front body and the rear body may be affixed together through a push-on mechanism or a screw-on mechanism. The contact assembly may further include a finger retaining clip on an outside surface of the contact assembly to allow front release of the contact assembly from the connector cavity. The finger retaining clip may be positioned on an outside surface of the front body. The contact may be a micro-miniature pin or a micro-miniature sleeve. A rear body cable support portion may have an adjustable length to fit for different sizes of connector cavities.

[0037] According to further examples, a connector assembly may include a connector housing; a connector body within the connector housing; a plurality of connector cavities within the connector body; and in each of the connector cavities, a contact assembly. The contact assembly may include a front body to contain a contact and an insulator surrounding the contact; and a rear body mechanically affixed to the front body, the rear body to contain a cable. A wire within the cable may be exposed and crimped into the contact within the front body, and the rear body may include a flange on an outer surface of the rear body to hold the contact assembly in place within a connector cavity of the connector.

[0038] According to yet other examples, the contact may be a pin contact or a socket contact. The rear body may have a same form and size for a pin contact assembly or a socket contact assembly. The front body and the rear body may be affixed together through a push-on mechanism or a screw-on mechanism. The contact assembly may further include a finger retaining clip on an outside surface of the front body to allow front release of the contact assembly from the connector cavity. A rear body cable support portion may have adjustable length to fit for different sizes of connector cavities. The contact assembly may be configured toDocket No. 3100.0159WOU1 carry power, non-RF signal, or RF signal. The contact may be a micro-miniature pin or a microminiature sleeve.

[0039] According to some examples, methods of assembling the contact assembly and the connector as described herein are also provided.

[0040] The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations can be 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, are 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 with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0041] The herein described subject matter 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 which 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. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality may be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermediate components. Likewise, any two components so associated may also be viewed as being “operably connected”, or “operably coupled”, to each other to achieve 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 but are not limited to physically connectable and / or physically interacting components and / or wirelessly interactable and / or wirelessly interacting components and / or logically interacting and / or logically interactable components.

[0042] 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 singular / plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.Docket No. 3100.0159WOU1

[0043] In general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.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 “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases 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 to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at 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 skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).

[0044] Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general, such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” 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 art that virtually any disjunctive word 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.”

[0045] For any and all purposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations ofDocket No. 3100.0159WOU1 subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, 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. As will 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 individual member. Thus, for example, a group having 1-3 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, or 3 cells. Similarly, a group having 1-5 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cells, and so forth.

[0046] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are possible. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

Docket No. 3100.0159WOU1CLAIMSI / WE Claim:

1. A contact assembly for a connector, the contact assembly comprising: a front body to contain a contact and an insulator surrounding the contact; and a rear body mechanically affixed to the front body, the rear body to contain a cable, wherein a wire within the cable is exposed and crimped into the contact within the front body, and the rear body comprises a flange on an outer surface of the rear body to hold the contact assembly in place within a connector cavity of the connector.

2. The contact assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a shrink tubing partially covering the outside surface of the rear body to affix the cable and the rear body.

3. The contact assembly of claim 1, wherein the contact is one of a pin contact or a socket contact.

4. The contact assembly of claim 3, wherein the rear body has a same form and size for a pin contact assembly or a socket contact assembly.

5. The contact assembly of claim 1, wherein the front body and the rear body are affixed together through a push-on mechanism or a screw-on mechanism.

6. The contact assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a finger retaining clip on an outside surface of the contact assembly to allow front release of the contact assembly from the connector cavity.Docket No. 3100.0159WOU17. The contact assembly of claim 6, wherein the finger retaining clip is positioned on an outside surface of the front body.

8. The contact assembly of claim 1, wherein the contact is a micro-miniature pin or a microminiature sleeve.

9. The contact assembly of claim 1, wherein a rear body cable support portion has an adjustable length to fit for different sizes of connector cavities.

10. A connector assembly, comprising: a connector housing; a connector body within the connector housing; a plurality of connector cavities within the connector body; and in each of the connector cavities, a contact assembly comprising: a front body to contain a contact and an insulator surrounding the contact; and a rear body mechanically affixed to the front body, the rear body to contain a cable, wherein a wire within the cable is exposed and crimped into the contact within the front body, and the rear body comprises a flange on an outer surface of the rear body to hold the contact assembly in place within a connector cavity.

11. The connector assembly of claim 10, wherein the contact is one of a pin contact or a socket contact.

12. The connector assembly of claim 11, wherein the rear body has a same form and size for a pin contact assembly or a socket contact assembly.

13. The connector assembly of claim 10, wherein the front body and the rear body are affixed together through a push-on mechanism or a screw-on mechanism.Docket No. 3100.0159WOU114. The connector assembly of claim 10, wherein the contact assembly further comprises: a finger retaining clip on an outside surface of the front body to allow front release of the contact assembly from the connector cavity.

15. The connector assembly of claim 10, wherein a rear body cable support portion has adjustable length to fit for different sizes of connector cavities.

16. The connector assembly of claim 10, wherein the contact assembly is configured to carry one of power, non-RF signal, or RF signal.

17. The connector assembly of claim 10, wherein the contact is a micro-miniature pin or a micro-miniature sleeve.

18. A method of assembling the contact assembly according to claims 1-9.

19. A method of assembling the connector assembly according to claims 10-17.

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