Abstract: A solderless electrical connector in which the contact members provide at least two modes of compliance. The first mode of compliance is determined primarily by the resilience of the encapsulating material. The contact members rotates and/or translates within the encapsulating material during the first mode of compliance, although elastic deformation of the contact members may also be factors. The encapsulating material provides a relatively large range of motion at a low force, allowing for the contact to achieve continuity and planarity despite a significant mismatch. Once the encapsulating material between the contact members and a surface of the housing is substantially compressed, further movement is constrained to promote elastic bending of the contact members in the second mode of compliance. A replaceable chip module using the present solderless connector is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrical connector for electrically connecting a first circuit members to a second circuit member. The electrical connector includes an electrically insulative connector housing having one or more apertures. A first contact member is located in the aperture. The first contact member has at least one helical portion and a first circuit interface portion configured to engage with the first circuit member at a first circuit interface. A resilient, dielectric encapsulation material defines a first compliant member surrounding a portion of the first contact member within the aperture. The first compliant member provides a first mode of compliance. At least one aperture side wall is positioned to engage with the first contact member in a compressed mode. The first contact member defines a second compliant member. The first and second compliant members exhibit a second mode of compliance in response to engagement with the aperture side wall.

Abstract: A solderless connector with multiple modes of compliance providing an initial insertion force differing from the secondary insertion force. The connector has multiple compliant members that can be independently adjusted to accommodate a wide range of circuit members. The connector allows the contact members to be arranged with a fine pitch without shorting. The multiple compliant members accommodate a wide range of thermal and vibrational effects, and can be configured to accommodate a wide range of compression distances. An electrically insulative connector housing is positioned substantially between the first and second circuit members. A resilient contact member is positioned generally within the connector housing. The contact member has resilient first and second circuit interface portions. The resilient contact member comprises a first compliant member. At least one end stop is provided for engaging with the contact member in a second mode of compliance.

Abstract: A replaceable chip module for electrically connecting one or more first circuit members to a second circuit member. The replaceable chip module includes a module housing has a plurality of device sites each capable of receiving at least one first circuit member. A first connector is located in each of the device sites. The first connector includes one or more first contact members having a first compliant member defining a first circuit interface engageable with the first circuit member, a resilient, dielectric encapsulating material defining a second compliant member surrounding a portion of the first contact member, the first and second compliant members providing a first mode of compliance, and at least one end stop positioned to engage with the first contact member in a second mode of compliance. A second connector is positioned to electrically connect the first connector to the second circuit member.

Abstract: A solderless connector with multiple modes of compliance providing an initial insertion force differing from the secondary insertion force. The connector has multiple compliant members that can be independently adjusted to accommodate a wide range of circuit members. The connector allows the contact members to be arranged with a fine pitch without shorting. The multiple compliant members accommodate a wide range of thermal and vibrational effects, and can be configured to accommodate a wide range of compression distances. An electrically insulative connector housing is positioned substantially between the first and second circuit members. A resilient contact member is positioned generally within the connector housing. The contact member has resilient first and second circuit interface portions. The resilient contact member comprises a first compliant member. At least one end stop is provided for engaging with the contact member in a second mode of compliance.

Abstract: A solderless connector with multiple modes of compliance providing an initial insertion force differing from the secondary insertion force. The connector has multiple compliant members that can be independently adjusted to accommodate a wide range of circuit members. The connector allows the contact members to be arranged with a fine pitch without shorting. The multiple compliant members accommodate a wide range of thermal and vibrational effects, and can be configured to accommodate a wide range of compression distances. An electrically insulative connector housing is positioned substantially between the first and second circuit members. A resilient contact member is positioned generally within the connector housing. The contact member has resilient first and second circuit interface portions. The resilient contact member comprises a first compliant member. At least one end stop is provided for engaging with the contact member in a second mode of compliance.

Abstract: A replaceable chip module for electrically connecting one or more first circuit members to a second circuit member. The replaceable chip module includes a module housing has a plurality of device sites each capable of receiving at least one first circuit member. A first connector is located in each of the device sites. The first connector includes one or more first contact members having a first compliant member defining a first circuit interface engageable with the first circuit member, a resilient, dielectric encapsulating material defining a second compliant member surrounding a portion of the first contact member, the first and second compliant members providing a first mode of compliance, and at least one end stop positioned to engage with the first contact member in a second mode of compliance. A second connector is positioned to electrically connect the first connector to the second circuit member.