Abstract: A cable connector module includes a circuit card having signal contact pads on an upper surface and signal mating pads on a lower surface configured to be mated with interposer contacts of a socket connector. Signal vias extend directly through the circuit card electrically connecting the signal contact pads and the corresponding signal mating pads in the shortest path possible. The cable connector module includes cable assemblies terminated to the upper surface having a cable and a ground structure coupled to an end of the cable.

Abstract: A socket connector includes a substrate having signal and ground contact channels between upper and lower surfaces and ground bar slots. The socket connector includes signal socket contacts received in signal contact channels and ground socket contacts received in ground contact channels. The socket connector includes ground bars received in corresponding ground bar slots. The ground bars electrically connect the corresponding ground socket contacts.