Device for biasingly and / or compressively providing enhanced single pair ethernet cable connectivity during operation

Abstract

A device for providing enhanced single pair ethernet cable connectivity during operation. The device may comprise a biasingly compressive connectivity assembly that may include a connectivity body portion having a first body end portion and a second body end portion. The first body end portion may be structured and arranged to be connected to a single pair ethernet cable conductor portion of a single pair ethernet cable. The device also may include a printed circuit board structured and arranged to be connected to the second body end of the connectivity body portion, and a biasing portion structured and arranged to bias the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion against the contact portion. The biasingly compressive connectivity assembly may be structured and arranged to provide enhanced electrical single pair ethernet cable connectivity by biasingly and compressively maintaining a single pair ethernet electrical connection with the single pair ethernet cable during operation.

Description

DEVICE FOR BIASINGLY AND / OR COMPRESSIVELY PROVIDING ENHANCED SINGLE PAIR ETHERNET CABLE CONNECTIVITY DURING OPERATIONCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.63 / 764,845, filed February 28, 2025, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to a device for providing enhanced cable connectivity during operation, and for instance, a device for biasingly and / or compressively maintaining enhanced single pair ethernet connectivity during operation.BACKGROUND

[0003] Growing demand for data transfer reliability, speed, and capacity has emphasized the capabilities of a distributed network. As more users of a distributed network utilize signal carrying components to transfer data, network delays and errors may occur more frequently, which prompts consistent expansion and improvement of assorted aspects of the distributed network to provide sufficient bandwidth and reliability. Such network expansion and improvement may include the installation of wired cables that provide robust environmental resistance and reliable signal carrying performance.

[0004] With more cables being utilized in distributed networks, cables of different sizes, types, and capabilities have been developed to accommodate diverse installation environments, such as residential, commercial, and industrial sites, as well as diverse connectivity and signal carrying capabilities. However, the diversity of cables and cable connections that may be employed to form a distributed network may present installation efficiency and accuracy issues along with potential for degraded operation over time as cables, and cable connections, incur movement and environmental conditions.

[0005] For example, to make a jack or plug connection, it is often needed to basically splice cables together. For single pair ethernet cables, for example, data signals and power must be transferred to a printed circuit board that will serve a mating to another printed circuit board.

[0006] Thus, it may be desirable to provide the assorted embodiments of the present disclosure, which are generally directed to provide a secure connection between a cable and a printed circuit board in field terminated applications.SUMMARY

[0007] According to certain embodiments, a device providing enhanced single pair ethernet cable connectivity during operation may be provided. The device may include a biasingly compressive single pair ethernet connectivity assembly. The single pair ethernet connectivity assembly may include a single pair ethernet connector portion having a first connector end portion structured to be connected to a single pair ethernet cable conductor portion of a single pair ethernet cable during operation and a second connector end portion, a printed circuit board structured to be connected to the second connector end of the single pair ethernet connector portion during operation, and a biasingly compressive portion structured to biasingly compress the single ethernet pair cable conductor portion toward the signal ethernet pair contact portion during operation so as to biasingly maintain a single pair ethernet electrical path during operation. The printed circuit board portion may include a single pair ethernet contact portion that may be structured to be electrically connected to the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion during operation. The single pair ethernet connector portion may include an arm portion structured to receive at least a portion of the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion and the single pair ethernet contact printed circuit board portion, and an inner housing portion that may be structured and arranged to selectively receive the arm portion and the single pair ethernet contact portion so as to biasingly compress the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion received in the arm portion toward the single pair ethernet contact portion during operation. The single pair ethernet conductor portion may include a plurality of single pair ethernet cable conductor portions. The single pair ethernet contact portion may include a plurality of single pair ethernet contact portions that are structured and arranged to form a single pair ethernet electrical connection with each of the plurality of single pair ethernetcable conductor portions during operation. The arm portion may include a pair of arm portions structured and arranged to receive at least a portion of each of the single pair ethernet cable conductor portions so as to biasingly compress the single pair ethernet cable conductor portions toward the contact portion during operation. The biasingly compressive single pair ethernet connectivity assembly may be structured and arranged to provide enhanced single pair ethernet cable electrical connectivity with the single pair ethernet cable by biasingly and compressively maintaining single pair ethernet connectivity with the single pair ethernet cable during operation.

[0008] According to certain embodiments, the printed circuit board may include an edge contact portion and a tapered portion that is structured and arranged to bias the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion toward the edge contact portion so as to biasingly and compressively maintain single pair ethernet connectivity with the single pair ethernet cable during operation.

[0009] According to certain embodiments, a device for providing enhanced single pair ethernet connectivity during operation may be provided. The device may include a biasingly compressive connectivity assembly. The biasingly compressive connectivity assembly may include a connectivity body portion having a first body end portion structure to be connected to a single pair ethernet cable conductor portion of a single pair ethernet cable and a second body end portion during operation, a printed circuit board structured to be connected to the second body end portion of the connectivity body portion during operation, and a biasing portion structured to bias the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion toward the contact portion during operation. The printed circuit board may include a contact portion that is structured to be electrically connected to the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion during operation. The connectivity body portion may include an arm portion structured and arranged to receive the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion and the printed circuit board, and an inner housing portion that may be structured and arranged to selectively engage the arm portion and the printed circuit board so to biasingly compress the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion received by the arm portion toward the contact portion. The biasingly compressive connectivity assembly may be structured and arranged to provide enhanced electrical single pair ethernet cable connectivity by biasingly and compressively maintaining single pair ethernet electrical connectivity with the single pair ethernet cable during operation.

[0010] According to certain embodiments, the single pair ethernet conductor portion may include a plurality of single pair ethernet cable conductor portions. The contact portion may include a plurality of single pair ethernet contact portions that are structured and arranged to form a single pair ethernet electrical connection with each of the plurality of single pair ethernet cable conductor portions during operation. The arm portion may include a pair of arm portions structured and arranged to receive at least a portion of the single pair ethernet cable conductor portions so as to biasingly compress the single pair ethernet cable conductor portions against the single pair ethernet contact portion during operation.

[0011] According to certain embodiments, the connectivity body portion may include a housing portion having a center portion having a first side portion and a second side portion, and a pair of door portions of the housing portion structured and arranged to interlock with each other and compress the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion against the contact portion during operation. Each side of the center portion may be structured and arranged to receive the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion.

[0012] According to certain embodiments, the biasingly compressive connectivity assembly may include a biasing clip portion comprising a receiving portion structured and arranged to receive the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion and a foot portion of the biasing clip portion structured and arranged to compress the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion against the contact portion during operation.

[0013] According to certain embodiments, the arm portion may be structured and arranged to receive at least a portion of the printed circuit board there between and be connected to a threaded base portion. The inner housing portion may be structured and arranged to receive at least a portion of the printed circuit board through a slit portion defined through a surface of the inner housing portion.

[0014] According to certain embodiments, the device may include a cap portion structured and arranged to receive the inner housing portion, the printed circuit board, and the arm portion. The cap portion may be structured and arranged to engage with the threaded base portion so as to biasingly and compressively maintain single pair ethernet connectivity with the single pair ethernet cable during operation.

[0015] According to certain embodiments, the inner housing portion may include a plurality of inner surfaces structured and arranged to compress the arm portionagainst the contact printed circuit board portion when the cap portion is engaged with the threaded base portion during operation.

[0016] According to certain embodiments, the inner housing portion may be structured and arranged to receive the printed circuit board and compress the single pair ether cable conductor portion against the contact portion when the pair of door portions are selectively engaged with each other or with the printed circuit board itself during operation.

[0017] According to certain embodiments, the receiving portion of the biasing clip portion may be structured and arranged to receive the single pair ether cable conductor portion on a first side of the printed circuit board. The foot portion of the biasing clip portion may be structured and arranged to provide a biasing force against the contact portion from a second side of the printed circuit board. The first side of the printed circuit board may oppose the second side of the printed circuit board.

[0018] According to certain embodiments, a device for providing enhanced single pair ethernet cable connectivity during operation may be provided. The device may include a biasingly compressive connectivity assembly. The biasingly compressive connectivity assembly may include a connectivity body portion having a first body end portion and a second body end portion. The first body end portion may be structured and arranged to be connected to a single pair ethernet cable conductor portion of a single pair ethernet cable. The biasingly compressive connectivity assembly may also include a printed circuit board structured and arranged to be connected to the second body end of the connectivity body portion and a biasing portion structured and arranged to bias the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion against the printed circuit board. The biasingly compressive connectivity assembly may be structured and arranged to provide enhanced electrical single pair ethernet cable connectivity by biasingly and compressively maintaining a single pair ethernet electrical connection with the single pair ethernet cable during operation.

[0019] According to certain embodiments, the single pair ethernet conductor portion may include a plurality of single pair ethernet cable conductor portions. The single pair ethernet contact portion may include a plurality of single pair ethernet contact portions that are structured and arranged to form a single pair ethernet electrical connection with each of the plurality of single pair ethernet cable conductor portions during operation. The arm portion may include a pair of arm portionsstructured and arranged to receive at least a portion of the single pair ethernet cable conductor portions so as to biasingly compress the single pair ethernet cable conductor portions against the single pair ethernet contact portion during operation.

[0020] According to certain embodiments, the biasing portion may include a plurality of biasing portions disposed in the second body end portion of the connectivity body portion. Each of the plurality of biasing portions may be structured and arranged to biasingly maintain an electrical pathway between the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion and an edge contact disposed on the printed circuit board during operation.

[0021] According to certain embodiments, the biasing portion may include a plurality of biasing portions embedded in the printed circuit board. Each of the plurality of biasing portions may be structured and arranged to compress the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion against a contact portion disposed on the printed circuit board during operation.

[0022] According to certain embodiments, the connectivity body portion may include a threaded base portion structured and arranged to connect to the single pair ethernet cable and a pair of arm portions coupled to the threaded base portion. Each of the pair of arm portions may be structured and arranged to receive the single pair ethernet conductor portion. The pair of arm portions may be structured and arranged to receive the printed circuit board there between during operation. The biasing portion may include an inner housing portion structured and arranged to receive the printed circuit board and the pair of arm portions and a cap portion structured and arranged to receive the inner housing portion and engage with the threaded base portion. The inner housing portion may include a slit portion structured and arranged to accommodate an end portion of the printed circuit board there through during operation.

[0023] According to certain embodiments, the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion may include a plurality of single pair ethernet cable conductor portions. The pair of arm portions may be structured and arranged to hold at least a portion of the plurality of single pair ethernet cable conductor portions therebetween. The inner housing portion may include a plurality of inner surfaces structured and arranged to compress the plurality of single pair ethernet conductor portions held by the pair ofarm portions against the printed circuit board when the cap portion engages the threaded base portion during operation.

[0024] According to certain embodiments, the connectivity body portion may include a housing portion structured and arranged to receive the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion. The biasing portion may include a pair of doors coupled to the housing portion. The pair of doors may be structured and arranged to engage with each other and compress the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion against the printed circuit board during operation.

[0025] According to certain embodiments, the device may also include a ground portion having a first end structured and arranged to connect to the single pair ethernet cable and a second end structured and arranged to contact an outside edge of the printed circuit board. The ground portion may be structured and arranged to biasingly maintain a ground path between the single ethernet cable and the printed circuit board during operation.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Further advantages and features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, to which reference is made.

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates portions of a distributed network in which assorted embodiments can be practiced.

[0028] FIG. 2 represents portions of a wired cable connection that may be employed in the distributed network of FIG. 1 in some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 3A illustrates an end view of connector including a wire manager portion coupled to an end of a cable, according to certain embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of the wire manager portion coupled to an end of a cable as seen in FIG. 3A, according to certain embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 4A illustrates a lateral view of a connector including signal carrying wires making contact with edge plating disposed in a lateral edge of a printed circuit board, according to certain embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 4B illustrates a magnified view of signal carrying wires making contact with edge plating disposed in a lateral edge of a printed circuit board seen in FIG. 4A, according to certain embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a connector having biasing portions applying a force to signal carrying wires in order to make contact with edge plating disposed in a lateral edge of a printed circuit board, according to certain embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 5B illustrates a magnified cross-sectional view of a biasing portion applying a force to signal carrying wires in order to make contact with edge plating disposed in a lateral edge of a printed circuit board seen in FIG. 5A, according to certain embodiments.

[0035] FIG. 50 illustrates a magnified cross-sectional view of a biasing portion applying a force to signal carrying wires in order to make contact with edge plating disposed in a lateral edge of a printed circuit board seen in FIG. 5B, according to certain embodiments.

[0036] FIG. 6A illustrates an exploded perspective view of a connector including a biasing portion and a cap portion used to apply a force to signal carrying wires in order to make contact with a contact pad disposed on a longitudinal surface of a printed circuit board, according to certain embodiments.

[0037] FIG. 6B illustrates an exploded partially transparent perspective view of the connector including a biasing portion and a cap portion seen in FIG. 6A, according to certain embodiments.

[0038] FIG. 60 illustrates an exploded cross sectional side view of the connector including a biasing portion and a cap portion seen in FIG. 6A, according to certain embodiments.

[0039] FIG. 6D illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the connector including a biasing portion and a cap portion seen in FIG. 6C, according to certain embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 6E illustrates a magnified perspective view of the arms portion of the connector seen in FIG. 6A, according to certain embodiments.

[0041] FIG. 7 illustrates a side cross sectional view of a connector including wires that are compressed between a printed circuit board and a wire manager portion, according to certain embodiments.

[0042] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a connector including a printed circuit board having tapered contact portions structurally structured and adapted to engage wires therein, according to certain embodiments.

[0043] FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective view of a connector including a housing portion used to compress wires against a contact pad disposed on a printed circuit board, the housing portion being in an open configuration and rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the printed circuit board, according to certain embodiments.

[0044] FIG. 9B illustrates a perspective view of the connector seen in FIG. 9A, the housing portion being in a closed configuration and rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the printed circuit board, according to certain embodiments.

[0045] FIG. 9C illustrates a perspective view of the connector seen in FIG. 9A, the housing portion being in an open configuration and rotatable about a lateral axis of the printed circuit board, according to certain embodiments.

[0046] FIG. 9D illustrates a perspective view of the connector seen in FIG. 9C, the housing portion being in a closed configuration and rotatable about a lateral axis of the printed circuit board, according to certain embodiments.

[0047] FIG. 9E illustrates a partially transparent perspective view of the connector seen in FIG. 9D, the housing portion being in a closed configuration and rotatable about a lateral axis of the printed circuit board, according to certain embodiments.

[0048] FIG. 10A illustrates a perspective view of a connector including a biasing portion used to compress a printed circuit board against wires from the cable, according to certain embodiments.

[0049] FIG. 10B illustrates a side view of the connector seen in FIG. 11 A, the biasing portion used to compress the wires against the printed circuit board, according to certain embodiments.

[0050] FIG. 10C illustrates a side view of the connector seen in FIG. 11 A, the biasing portion having a foot portion disposed on the same side as the contact pads of the printed circuit board, according to certain embodiments.

[0051] FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of a connector including a ground portion, according to certain embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Embodiments provide connectivity for a single pair ethernet cable by employing a connector structured and adapted to connect to the single pair Ethernet cable. The use of a printed circuit board to as a portion of the connector may providereliable, and repeatable, physical engagement for cable connections that promote stable signal carrying pathways in a relatively small form factor.

[0053] Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments and methods of the present disclosure, which constitute the best modes of practicing the present disclosure presently known to the inventors. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the present disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for any aspect of the present disclosure and / or as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

[0054] It is also to be understood that this present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments and methods described below, as specific components and / or conditions may, of course, vary. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is used only for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0055] The proliferation of wired cables and connections has allowed distributed networks to provide reliable signal transmission to greater numbers of users. The availability of different signal carrying cables, and cable terminations, allows for customized physical arrangements and signal carrying capabilities. However, such diversity in cable configurations may present a variety of different termination, and connection, options that have different installation efficiencies and / or reliability risks over time. Accordingly, various embodiments are directed to a wired cable termination that employs a printed circuit board to provide increased installation efficiency and robust reliability over time.

[0056] The assorted embodiments of a connector may be practiced in a distributed network. FIG. 1 is a block representation of a distributed network environment 100 that may employ one or more connectors to form signal pathways 110 between one or more sources 120 and one or more destinations 130. The distributed network 100 may employ any number, and type, of signal pathway 110 to supply one-way or two-way signal transmission.

[0057] In some embodiments, a wireless signal pathway 112 is utilized to transmit data while other embodiments employ a wired signal pathway 114. It is noted that thewired signal pathway 114 is not limited to a particular type, size, or signal carrying speed. As such, the wired signal pathway 114 may transfer signals with fiber optic aspects or conductive wires packaged in an environmentally protected jacket. In contrast to the wireless signal pathway 112 that converts signals into a form that may be distributed without physical aspects of wired signal pathway 114, transmitting data via a wired cables may provide greater performance and / or capabilities, such as signal integrity, reliability, speed, and cost.

[0058] While wired signal pathways 114 may provide some operational advantages over wireless signal pathways 112, the presence of a physical cable to house, guide, and protect signal carrying aspects may present operational challenges. For instance, a wired cable may not be long enough, or physically compatible with, some installation sites, such as multi-residence complexes. Multiple wired cables may form a stable wired signal pathway 116 with the incorporation of an interconnect 140, such as a server, switch, cassette, or splitter. The use of an interconnect 140 may provide the ability to employ different wired cables to customize the physical delivery and electrical capabilities, provided to a destination 130. However, employing separate wired cables to form a signal pathway 114 introduces additional physical connections that may present installation and / or operational challenges.

[0059] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional line representation of a wired cable connection 200 that may be present in the distributed network 100 of FIG. 1 to establish a stable signal pathway 114. A first wired cable 210 is physically and electrically connected to a second wired cable 220 via a coupling interconnect 230. The respective wired cables 210 / 220 may have matching, or dissimilar, constructions and / or capabilities. In the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 2, each wired cable 210 / 220 is structurally adapted as an ethernet cable that presents a single pair of signal conducting wires 240. Such cable construction may be characterized as a single pair ethernet (SPE) cable that may provide a relatively small physical form factor and sufficient signal carrying capabilities to service a diverse variety of destinations, such as sensors, devices, components, and computing systems.

[0060] The coupling interconnect 230, in some embodiments, has conducting portions 232 that provide a transition between wires 240 of the respective cables 210 / 220. However, the physical attachment of a cable 210 / 220 to the coupling interconnect 230 may present an electrical connection that has limited capabilities.Even with an ideal installation of the cables 210 / 220 on the coupling interconnect 230, environmental conditions, such as movement and vibrations over time, may degrade the physical and electrical connections from cable 210 to cable 220.

[0061] These installation and operational concerns for a cable connection may be addressed by various embodiments of a connector structured and adapted to connect to a cable, such as a single pair Ethernet cable. In some embodiments, a connector portion may be structured and adapted to connect to a cable at a first end and receive a printed circuit board at a second end. In certain embodiments, the printed circuit board may be a printed circuit board or lead frame. FIGS. 3A and 3B respectively illustrate perspective views of portions of a connector portion 300 that may be employed in the cable connection 200 of FIG. 2 and the distributed network 100 of FIG. 1 and other embodiments to provide enhanced installation and operational efficiency, accuracy, and reliability. To clarify, the perspective view of FIGS. 3A conveys a frontal side of the connector portion 300 while the perspective view of FIG.3B conveys a side or perspective view of the connector portion 300.

[0062] The connector portion 300 may be structured and adapted to connect to the cable (cable portion) 310, which in some embodiments may be a single pair Ethernet cable. The connector portion 300 may include a wire manager portion 320. The cable 310 may be any size, type, or construction of signal carrying component while the wire manager portion 320 of the connector portion 300 may be structured and adapted to connect to any number of signal carrying wires 322, 324 present in the cable 310. The wire manager portion 320 may be structurally adapted to physically engage with the signal carrying wires 322, 324. For instance, the cable 310 may be an SPE cable having a pair of signal carrying conductors or wires 322, 324 packaged within a jacket 316. In various embodiments, the jacket 316 may be insulating, reinforced, flexible, or rigid to allow for diverse installation capabilities.

[0063] While not required or limiting, in some embodiments, the wires 322, 324 of the cable 310 may be structured and adapted to partially, or completely, surround at least a portion of the wire manager portion 320. The wire manager portion 320 may be in line or parallel with the direction of the cable 310. The conductors or wires 322, 324 may make a turn to be substantially perpendicular relative to the wire manager portion 320 which in some embodiments may by a printed circuit board (PCB) or other printed circuit board. The perpendicular turn of the wires 322, 324 may be structurallyadapted to assist with cable strain relief. In certain embodiments, the wires 322, 324 may be turned or bent towards each other as seen in FIG. 3A, or alternatively the wires 322, 324 may be turned or bent away from each other. The wire manager portion 320 may, in some embodiments, provide structural support for the wires 322, 324. In some embodiments, the wire manager portion 320 may include attachment features, such as tabs, grooves, ridges, or indentations 326 defined in either lateral side of the end portion 320, that may aid the physical attachment, and retention, of each of the wires 322, 324 to the wire manager portion 320. The wire manager portion 318 may also include contact portions 328 defined in a distal end of the end portion 320, each contact portion 328 being structured and adapted to accommodate or hold a respective one of the wires 322, 324 of cable 310 therein. In certain embodiments and seen in FIG. 3A, the wires 322, 324 are seen as being disposed within an indentation 326 and extending around the contact portion 328 and are structurally adapted to substantially wrap or “hug” the end portion 320. In certain embodiments, the end portion 320 may include a collar portion 330 which is structurally adapted to connect or couple the wire manager portion 320 to the cable 310.

[0064] The wire manager portion 320 may be a rigid substrate and, in some embodiments, may be formed form a material, such as a glass, silicon, or resin, which provides physical strength conducive to repeated engagement, and removal, with one or more receiving portions. For instance, the wire manager portion 320 may be structurally adapted to physically mate with a matching end portion of a separate cable, with another connector or, in some embodiments, with a port of an electronic device or network interconnect. The construction of the wire manager portion 320, which in some embodiments may be a printed circuit board, allows for various lithography and other manufacturing techniques to create electrical leads that may be directed to any number, and type, of electrical contacts. With the ability to construct stable and precise electrical leads through, or atop of, the wire manager portion 320 may be arranged with multiple different electrical contacts for each signal carrying conductor or wires 322, 324. In certain embodiments, the contact portions 328 may include one or more contact pads disposed therein which are structurally adapted to make electrical contact with the wires 322, 324.

[0065] According to certain embodiments and as seen in FIGS.4A and 4B, the connector portion 400 may include wires 422, 424 of a cable 410 that may bestructured and adapted to make partial or complete contact with a printed circuit board 420 having a plurality of edge contacts or edge plating 426 disposed on a plurality of edges which form a lateral edge of the printed circuit board 420 itself. In certain embodiments, the printed circuit board 420 may be a PCB. The printed circuit board 420 may include a number of connection portions 428 defined in a lateral edge of the printed circuit board 420, wherein each of the connection portions 428 are plated or include edge contacts 426 that are structurally adapted to make an electrical connection with each of the conductors or wires 422, 424. The edge plating 426 may be disposed on each of the internal surfaces of the connection portions 428, for example, as seen in the magnified view of FIG. 4B, edge plating 426 may be disposed on an upper surface 430a of the connection portion 428, a lower surface 430b of the connection portion 428, and / or on an inner surface 430c of the connection portion 428. In certain embodiments, the conductor or wires 422, 424 make direct contact with the edge plating 426, for example with the edge plating 426 disposed on the inner surface 430c of the connection portion 428 as seen in FIG.4B. The conductors or wires 422, 424 may be forced against the edge plating 426 of the printed circuit board 420, while in certain embodiments the edge plating 426 of the printed circuit board 420 may be forced against the conductors or wires 422, 424. In certain embodiments, both the printed circuit board 420 and the conductors or wires 422, 424 are forced against each other.

[0066] According to certain embodiments and as shown by the views of FIGS. 5A-5C and 6A-6D, the connector portion 500, 600 may include means for guiding, supporting, applying, biasing, or compressing electrical conductors or wires 522, 622 from the cable 510, 610 to at least one contact pad disposed on the printed circuit board 520, 620. In certain embodiments, the means for guiding, biasing, or compressing include at least one intermediary element, the conductor or wire 522, 622 being structurally adapted to make contact with the intermediary element before the intermediary element itself makes contact with the printed circuit board 520, 620. According to certain embodiments, the intermediary element may include but is not limited to solder, springs, insulation-displacement contact (IDC) blades, piercing blades, or a combination thereof.

[0067] For example, in certain embodiments as seen in FIGS. 5A-5C, and although not required or limiting, each conductor or wire 522 of the connector portion500 may make contact with a biasing portion 530 disposed in the wire manager portion 512. Each biasing portion 530 may at least be partially disposed within each connection portion 528 when in use, namely after the printed circuit board 520 has been connected to the wire manager portion 512. In accordance with some embodiments, the respective biasing portions 530 are positioned in the wire manager portion 512 in order to make contact with the conductors or wires 522 and provide an efficient application of force onto the edge plating 526 of the printed circuit board 520 as the printed circuit board 520 and a base or wire manager portion 512 are brought together.

[0068] Hence, according to certain embodiments, the biasing portion 530 may provide enhanced connectivity between the cable 510 and the printed circuit board 520 which may include a consistent or reliable electrical connection between the edge plating 526 and the corresponding conductor or wire 522. For example, the connector 500 may be structured and adapted to provide a secured physical connection of the conductor portions or wires 522 between the printed circuit board 520 and the cable 510 which in turn ensures that an established electrical pathway between the cable 510 and the connector 500 is maintained while the connector 500 is in use, even during movement of the cable 510, the printed circuit board 520, and / or the connector 500. In certain embodiments, each connection portion 528 may be structured and adapted with a shape to mate with, and make electrical connection with, both the biasing portion 530 and the conductor or wire 522.

[0069] According to certain embodiments, the biasing portion may be a compressive biasing portion 532 as seen in FIG. 50. The compressive biasing portion 532 may include a first end 534 that is connected or embedded into the printed circuit board 520 and a second end 536 that is structured and adapted to provide a biasing force against the conductor portion 522 so as to maintain physical contact between it and the compressive biasing portion 532 and press the conductor portion 522 against the edge plating 526. As such, the compressive biasing portion 532 may reliably provide both physical and electrical connections from each conductor or signal carrying wire 522 to the edge plating 526 disposed in each respective connection portion 528.

[0070] According to certain embodiments and as seen in FIGS. 6A-6E, and although not required or limiting, each conductor or wire 622 of the connector portion600 may be disposed within or coupled to an arm portion 626 that is disposed on a threaded base portion 628 that is in turn coupled to a distal end of the cable 610. In accordance with some embodiments and as best seen in Fig. 6E, the respective arm portions 626 may be positioned on either lateral side of the printed circuit board 620, the printed circuit board 630 including a contact pad 624 disposed on each lateral side that is in close proximity to the conductor or wire 622 held by each respective arm portion 626.

[0071] In certain embodiments, the connection portion 600 may also include an inner housing portion 632 and a cap portion 634 that may be fitted over the arm portions 626 and the printed circuit board 630. As seen in FIGS. 6C and 6D, the inner housing portion 632 may include a plurality of inner surfaces or contours 636 which engage or interact with each of the arm portions 626. The inner housing portion 632 may also include a slit portion 638 defined in its distal end so as to allow a distal end of the printed circuit board 630 there through when the inner housing portion 632 has fully enveloped or has been disposed over the printed circuit board 630 and the arm portions 626. In certain embodiments, in order to provide for efficient application of force of the conductors or wires 622 onto the contact pad 624 of the printed circuit board 630, the inner contours 636 of the inner housing portion 632 may press or push against each of the arm portions 626 which each in turn may press or otherwise forcibly engage the conductors or wires 622 with the contact pad 624. The cap portion 634 which may include an internal threaded surface 640 may be brought down over the inner housing portion 632 and threadedly engaged with the base portion 628 and lock or hold the inner housing portion 632 in place, thereby ensuring that the conductors or wires 622 remain in contact with the respective contact pads 624. In certain embodiments, the contact pads 624 disposed on opposite longitudinal sides of the printed circuit board 630 may respectively connect to different conductors or signal carrying wires 622. That is, each conductor or wire 622 may electrically connect to a contact pad 624 physically located on opposite lateral or vertical extents of the printed circuit board 630.

[0072] According to certain embodiments and as seen in FIGS. 7-9E, and although not required or limiting, the connection may include multiple means for securing a conductor or signal carrying wires against the printed circuit board or otherthe intermediary element. The means for securing may be either perpendicular or parallel to the printed circuit board and the conductor or wire.

[0073] For example, according to certain embodiments and as seen in FIG. 7, each conductor or wire 722, 724 of the connector portion 700 may be disposed within or between a substantially “U” or “V” shaped printed circuit board 730 and a wire manager portion 720 that is structurally adapted to secure the conductors or wires 722, 724 there between using a substantially vice or guillotine-like motion. For example, according to certain embodiments, the “U” or“V” shaped printed circuit board 730 may include a plurality of contact portions 732 which are structurally adapted to maintain at least one of the conductors or wires 722, 724 therein. The wire manager portion 720 may include a corresponding plurality of apertures 734 that are structurally adapted to accommodate the contact portions 732 therein. The printed circuit board 730 and the wire manager portion 720 may be structurally adapted so that when the wire manager portion 720 and the printed circuit board are moved or slid toward each other, the space between the printed circuit board 730 and the wire manager portion 720 may be gradually reduced, thereby decreasing a size of a resulting hole 736 and securing the conductors or wires 722, 724 therein. In certain embodiments, in addition to physically securing the conductors or wires 722, 724, the printed circuit board 730 and wire manager portion 720 may cooperate to establish and maintain sufficient electrical contact between the conductors or wires 722, 724 with edge plating or edge contacts 738 disposed on the inner surfaces of the contact portions 732 of the printed circuit board 730.

[0074] In certain embodiments, and as seen in FIG. 8, each conductor or wire 822, 824 of the connector portion 800 may be disposed around or within a printed circuit board 830. In certain embodiments, the printed circuit board 830 may be structurally adapted to secure the conductors or wires 822, 824 which may emanate from a wire manager portion 820. For example, according to certain embodiments, the printed circuit board 830 may include a tapered portion 832 for each conductor or wire 822, 824. In certain embodiments, each tapered portion 832 may be substantially tapered in shape, namely with an opening 834 that gradually narrows or becomes smaller the further into a width of the printed circuit board 830 it is defined. Each tapered portion 832 may be structurally adapted to catch and retain a conductor or wire 822, 824 therein, namely wherein the conductor or wire 822, 824 is firmly in position due to thesubstantially tapered shape of each tapered portion 832. In certain embodiments, in addition to physically securing the conductors or wires 822, 824, the printed circuit board 830 may establish and maintain sufficient electrical contact between the conductors or wires 822, 824 and the printed circuit board 830 with edge plating or edge contacts 838 disposed on the inner surfaces of the tapered portions 832 of the printed circuit board 830.

[0075] In certain embodiments, and as seen in FIGS. 9A-9E, each conductor or wire 922, 924 of the connector portion 900 may be disposed parallel to a printed circuit board 930. In certain embodiments, the connector portion 900 may also include a housing portion 920 disposed about or around the printed circuit board 930. The housing portion 920 may be structurally adapted to secure the conductors or wires 922, 924 which may emanate from a cable 910 to the printed circuit board 930. For example, according to certain embodiments, the housing portion 920 may include a pair door portions 926, each door portion 926 being disposed on either lateral side of a center portion 932 coupled to or surrounding the printed circuit board 930. Each door portion 926 may include an internal contact portion 928 for each conductor or wire 922, 924. In certain embodiments, each contact portion 928 may be substantially shaped or contoured to press against the conductor or wire 922, 924 when the door portion 926 is in a closed configuration. Each door portion 926 may be structurally adapted to selectively close, thereby catching and retaining the conductor or wire 922, 924 and firmly pressing the conductor or wire 922, 924 into a contact pad disposed on the printed circuit board 930.

[0076] In certain embodiments and as seen in FIGS. 9A and 9B, each conductor or wire 922, 924 is disposed in parallel to the printed circuit board 930 with the center portion 932 disposed there between. When each door portion 926 is closed, the door portion 926 may be rotated about a longitudinal axis of the printed circuit board 930 so as to enclose the corresponding conductor or wire 922, 924. In certain embodiments, each door portion 926 includes a plurality of hook portions 934 that may cooperate or engage with a corresponding edge portion 936 defined in an opposing door portion 926 as seen in FIG. 9B. In certain embodiments, in addition to physically securing the conductors or wires 922, 924, the housing portion 920 may establish and maintain sufficient electrical contact between the conductors or wires 922, 924 and acontact pad (not seen) that is disposed on a longitudinal surface of the printed circuit board 930.

[0077] In certain embodiments and as seen in FIGS. 9C-9E, each conductor or wire 922, 924 is disposed in parallel to the printed circuit board 930 with the center portion 932 disposed there between. When each door portion 926 is closed, the door portion 926 may be rotated about a lateral axis of the printed circuit board 930 so as to enclose the corresponding conductor or wire 922, 924 and a distal portion of the cable 910. In certain embodiments, each door portion 926 includes a key portion 938 that may cooperate or engage with a corresponding notch portion 940 defined in an opposing door portion 926 as seen in FIGS. 9D and 9E. In certain embodiments, in addition to physically securing the conductors or wires 922, 924, the housing portion 920 may establish and maintain sufficient electrical contact between the conductors or wires 922, 924 and a contact pad 942 that is disposed on a longitudinal surface of the printed circuit board 930 by pressing the conductor portions 922, 924 against the contact pad 942 when the door portions 926 are engaged with each other as seen in FIG. 9E.

[0078] In certain embodiments, and as seen in FIGS. 10A-C, each conductor or wire 1022, 1024 of the connector portion 1000 may be disposed parallel to a printed circuit board 1030. In certain embodiments, the printed circuit board 1030 may have a contact pad 1032 disposed on a longitudinal surface for each conductor or wire 1022, 1024 present within cable 1010. A biasing clip portion 1020 may be coupled to the printed circuit board 1030 and be structurally adapted to force contact between the conductors or wires 1022, 1024 and the contact pads 1032 disposed on the printed circuit board 1030. For example, the biasing clip portion 1020 may include a pair of receiving portions 1026, one for each conductor or wire 1022, 1024 to be inserted therein as seen in FIG. 10A. The biasing clip portion 1020 may also include a foot portion 1028 that is disposed on an opposing side of the printed circuit board 1030 relative to the contact pads 1032. According to certain embodiments, the foot portion 1028 may provide a sufficient biasing force against the printed circuit board 1030, thereby compressing the conductors or wires 1022, 1024 against the respective contact pads 1032. In certain embodiments, the biasing clip portion 1020 may be disposed on an opposing side of the printed circuit board 1030 as seen in FIG. 10B, thereby forcing the printed circuit board 1030 onto the conductors or wires 1022, 1024.In certain embodiments, the biasing clip portion 1020 may be disposed on the printed circuit board 1030 as seen in FIG. 10C, wherein afoot portion 1028 is disposed on the same side of the printed circuit board 1030 as the conductors or wires 1022, 1024, and wherein the receiving portion 1026 is disposed around an opposing side of the printed circuit board 1030, thereby forcing the conductors or wires 1022, 1024 onto the biasing clip portion 1020 itself. In certain embodiments as seen in FIG. 10C, the biasing clip portion 1020 may be comprised of a conductive material and be in electrical contact with the printed circuit board 1030 or a contact pad 1032 disposed on the printed circuit board 1030 in addition to the conductors or wires 1022, 1024. In certain embodiments, the biasing clip portion 1020 may be soldered onto the printed circuit board 1030, wherein the foot portion 1028 of the biasing portion 1020 may grab and transfer a signal from the conductors or wires 1022, 1024 to the printed circuit board 1030.

[0079] In certain embodiments, and as seen in FIG. 11 , the connector portion 1100 may include a ground portion 1120. Each conductor or wire 1122, 1124 of the connector portion 1100 may be disposed parallel to a printed circuit board 1130 and are coupled or electrically connected thereto, namely through edge plating or edge contacts disposed on the internal surfaces of a corresponding pair of contact portions 1128 as discussed above and substantially similar to what is seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B. In certain embodiments, the ground portion 1120 may provide a ground connection between the cable 1110 and the printed circuit board 1130 as indicated by the path 1126 seen in FIG. 11. The ground portion 1120 may make contact with the printed circuit board 1130 at an edge contact or edge plating 1132 disposed along the outside edges of the printed circuit board 1130. In certain embodiments, the ground portion 1120 may include a housing that then makes contact to the printed circuit board 1130 which in turn carries it to the next point of connection. Alternatively, the ground connection may be carried by biasing members 1134 or other intermediary elements or components that may then make contact with the printed circuit board 1130 which in turn may carry it to the next point of connection. In this manner, the ground connection may be carried to the next point of connection without sharing it with other connections and allow each cable 1110 and printed circuit board 1130 to carry its own ground connection.

[0080] Through the use of an end portion that utilizes efficient wire capture and connection, electrical contact may be reliably established and maintained. Customization of an end portion substrate may provide multiple different electrical contacts and capture portions that allow for cyclic wire interchanging along with consistent physical and electrical engagement. As a result, an end portion may optimally terminate a signal carrying cable, such as an SPE cable, with a substrate, such as a printed circuit board, that allows for efficient and reliable connection with a corresponding port, terminal, or coupler.

[0081] Additional embodiments include any one of the embodiments described above, where one or more of its components, functionalities or structures is interchanged with, replaced by, or augmented by one or more of the components, functionalities or structures of a different embodiment described above. It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

[0082] Although several embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to which the disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein above, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the present disclosure, nor the claims which follow.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A device for providing enhanced single pair ethernet cable connectivity during operation comprising:a biasingly compressive single pair ethernet connectivity assembly comprising:a single pair ethernet connector portion having a first connector end portion structured to be connected to a single pair ethernet cable conductor portion of a single pair ethernet cable during operation, and a second connector end portion;a printed circuit board portion structured to be connected to the second connector end of the single pair ethernet connector portion during operation;wherein the printed circuit board portion comprises a single pair ethernet contact portion that is structured to be electrically connected to the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion during operation;a biasingly compressive portion structured to biasingly compress the single ethernet pair cable conductor portion toward the signal ethernet pair contact portion during operation so as to biasingly maintain a single pair ethernet electrical path during operation;wherein the single pair ethernet connector portion comprises an arm portion structured to receive at least a portion of the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion and the printed circuit board portion, and an inner housing portion structured and arranged to selectively receive the arm portion and the single pair ethernet contact portion so as to biasingly compress the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion received in the arm portion toward the single pair ethernet contact portion during operation;wherein the single pair ethernet conductor portion comprises a plurality of single pair ethernet cable conductor portions, the single pair ethernet contact portion comprises a plurality of single pair ethernet contact portions that are structured and arranged to form a single pair ethernet electrical connection with each of the plurality of single pair ethernet cable conductor portions during operation, and the arm portioncomprises a pair of arm portions structured and arranged to receive at least a portion of each of the single pair ethernet cable conductor portions so as to biasingly compress the single pair ethernet cable conductor portions toward the contact portion during operation; and wherein the biasingly compressive single pair ethernet connectivity assembly is structured and arranged to provide enhanced single pair ethernet cable electrical connectivity with the single pair ethernet cable by biasingly and compressively maintaining single pair ethernet connectivity with the single pair ethernet cable during operation.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board portion comprises an edge contact portion and a tapered portion that is structured and arranged to bias the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion toward the edge contact portion so as to biasingly and compressively maintain single pair ethernet connectivity with the single pair ethernet cable during operation.

3. A device for providing enhanced single pair ethernet connectivity during operation comprising:a biasingly compressive connectivity assembly comprising:a connectivity body portion having a first body end portion structure to be connected to a single pair ethernet cable conductor portion of a single pair ethernet cable and a second body end portion during operation;a printed circuit board portion structured to be connected to the second body end portion of the connectivity body portion during operation;wherein the printed circuit board portion comprises a contact portion that is structured to be electrically connected to the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion during operation;a biasing portion structured to bias the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion toward the contact portion during operation;wherein the connectivity body portion comprises an arm portion structured and arranged to receive the single pair ethernet cableconductor portion and the printed circuit board portion, and an inner housing portion structured and arranged to selectively engage the arm portion and the printed circuit board portion so to biasingly compress the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion received by the arm portion toward the contact portion; andwherein the biasingly compressive connectivity assembly is structured and arranged to provide enhanced electrical single pair ethernet cable connectivity by biasingly and compressively maintaining single pair ethernet electrical connectivity with the single pair ethernet cable during operation.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the single pair ethernet conductor portion comprises a plurality of single pair ethernet cable conductor portions, the contact portion comprises a plurality of single pair ethernet contact portions that are structured and arranged to form a single pair ethernet electrical connection with each of the plurality of single pair ethernet cable conductor portions during operation, and the arm portion comprises a pair of arm portions structured and arranged to receive at least a portion of the single pair ethernet cable conductor portions so as to biasingly compress the single pair ethernet cable conductor portions against the single pair ethernet contact portion during operation5. The device of claim 3, wherein the connectivity body portion comprises:a housing portion comprising a center portion having a first side portion and a second side portion;a pair of door portions of the housing portion structured and arranged to interlock with each other and compress the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion against the contact portion during operation; and wherein each side of the center portion is structured and arranged to receive the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion.

6. The device of claim 3, wherein the biasingly compressive connectivity assembly comprises:a biasing clip portion comprising a receiving portion structured and arranged to receive the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion; anda foot portion of the biasing clip portion structured and arranged to compress the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion against the contact portion during operation.

7. The device of claim 3, wherein the arm portion is structured and arranged to receive at least a portion of the printed circuit board portion there between and be connected to a threaded base portion, and wherein the inner housing portion is structured and arranged to receive at least a portion of the printed circuit board portion through a slit portion defined through a surface of the inner housing portion.

8. The device of claim 7, further comprising a cap portion structured and arranged to receive the inner housing portion, the printed circuit board portion, and the arm portion, and wherein the cap portion is structured and arranged to engage with the threaded base portion so as to biasingly and compressively maintain single pair ethernet connectivity with the single pair ethernet cable during operation.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the inner housing portion comprises a plurality of inner surfaces structured and arranged to compress the arm portion against the printed circuit board portion when the cap portion is engaged with the threaded base portion during operation.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the inner housing portion is structured and arranged to receive the printed circuit board portion and compress the single pair ether cable conductor portion against the contact portion when the pair of door portions are selectively engaged with each other or with the printed circuit board portion itself during operation.

11. The device of claim 6, wherein the receiving portion of the biasing clip portion is structured and arranged to receive the single pair ether cable conductor portion on a first side of the printed circuit board portion, the foot portion of the biasing clip portion is structured and arranged to provide a biasing force againstthe contact portion from a second side of the printed circuit board portion, and the first side of the printed circuit board portion opposes the second side of the printed circuit board portion.

12. The device of claim 3, further comprising a ground portion comprising a first end structured and arranged to connect to the single pair ethernet cable and a second end structured and arrange to contact an outside edge of the printed circuit board, and wherein the ground portion is structured and arranged to biasingly maintain a ground path between the single pair ethernet cable and the printed circuit board during operation.

13. A device for providing enhanced single pair ethernet cable connectivity during operation comprising:a biasingly compressive connectivity assembly comprising:a connectivity body portion having a first body end portion and a second body end portion, the first body end portion structured and arranged to be connected to a single pair ethernet cable conductor portion of a single pair ethernet cable;a printed circuit board portion structured and arranged to be connected to the second body end of the connectivity body portion; a biasing portion structured and arranged to bias the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion against the printed circuit board portion; andwherein the biasingly compressive connectivity assembly is structured and arranged to provide enhanced electrical single pair ethernet cable connectivity by biasingly and compressively maintaining a single pair ethernet electrical connection with the single pair ethernet cable during operation.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the single pair ethernet conductor portion comprises a plurality of single pair ethernet cable conductor portions, the single pair ethernet contact portion comprises a plurality of single pair ethernet contact portions that are structured and arranged to form a single pair ethernet electrical connection with each of the plurality of single pair ethernet cable conductorportions during operation, and the arm portion comprises a pair of arm portions structured and arranged to receive at least a portion of the single pair ethernet cable conductor portions so as to biasingly compress the single pair ethernet cable conductor portions against the single pair ethernet contact portion during operation15. The device of claim 13, wherein the biasing portion comprises a plurality of biasing portions disposed in the second body end portion of the connectivity body portion, and wherein each of the plurality of biasing portions is structured and arranged to biasingly maintain an electrical pathway between the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion and an edge contact disposed on the printed circuit board portion during operation.

16. The device of claim 13, wherein the biasing portion comprises a plurality of biasing portions embedded in the printed circuit board portion, and wherein each of the plurality of biasing portions is structured and arrange to compress the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion against a contact portion disposed on the printed circuit board portion during operation.

17. The device of claim 13, wherein the connectivity body portion comprises a threaded base portion structured and arranged to connect to the single pair ethernet cable, a pair of arm portions coupled to the threaded base portion, wherein each of the pair of arm portions is structured and arranged to receive the single pair ethernet conductor portion, wherein the pair of arm portions are structured and arranged to receive the printed circuit board portion there between during operation, wherein the biasing portion comprises an inner housing portion structured and arranged to receive the printed circuit board portion and the pair of arm portions, a cap portion structured and arranged to receive the inner housing portion and engage with the threaded base portion, and wherein the inner housing portion comprises a slit portion structured and arranged to accommodate an end portion of the printed circuit board portion there through during operation.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion comprises a plurality of single pair ethernet cable conductor portions and the pair of arm portions are structured and arranged to hold at least a portion of the plurality of single pair ethernet cable conductor portions therebetween, and the inner housing portion comprises a plurality of inner surfaces structured and arranged to compress the plurality of single pair ethernet conductor portions held by the pair of arm portions against the printed circuit board portion when the cap portion engages the threaded base portion during operation.

19. The device of claim 13, wherein the connectivity body portion comprises a housing portion structured and arranged to receive the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion, the biasing portion comprises a pair of doors coupled to the housing portion, and the pair of doors are structured and arranged to engage with each other and compress the single pair ethernet cable conductor portion against the printed circuit board portion during operation.

20. The device of claim 13, further comprising a ground portion comprising a first end structured and arranged to connect to the single pair ethernet cable and a second end structured and arrange to contact an outside edge of the printed circuit board portion, and wherein the ground portion is structured and arranged to biasingly maintain a ground path between the single pair ethernet cable and the printed circuit board portion during operation.

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