Abstract: A novel backplane interconnection system that is useful in the telecommunication and data process industries for ultra high speed backplane systems. It is capable of transmitting digital signals with bandwidths of 10 GHz and beyond. The invention provides high performance at a low cost of manufacture. It is suitable for use in a wide variety of system applications. One embodiment of the invention comprises an air dielectric and copper conductor matched impedance transmission line system that interconnects daughter cards in a conventional backplane configuration. The high speed transmission-line structure is continuous through the backplane-daughter card and return path. Such embodiment are also integrated with conventional printed circuit backplanes or be a stand-alone device.

Abstract: Waveguides and backplanes systems are disclosed. A waveguide according to the present invention includes a first conductive channel, and a second conductive channel disposed generally parallel to the first channel. A gap is defined between the first and second channels that allows propagation along a waveguide axis of electromagnetic waves in a TE n,0 mode, wherein n is an odd number, but suppresses electromagnetic waves in a TE m,0 mode, wherein m is an even number. An NRD waveguide is disclosed that includes an upper conductive plate and a lower conductive plate, with a dielectric channel disposed between the conductive plates. A second channel is disposed adjacent to the dielectric channel between the conductive plates. The upper conductive plate has a gap above the dielectric channel that allows propagation along a waveguide axis of electromagnetic waves in an odd longitudinal magnetic mode, but suppresses electromagnetic waves in an even longitudinal magnetic mode.

Abstract: An electrical connector, comprising: a dielectric base; a plurality of ground or power contacts in the dielectric base; a plurality of signal contacts in the dielectric base and angled relative to the ground or power contacts; and a plurality of solder balls secured to the mounting ends of the ground or power contacts and the signal contacts. An electrical connector, comprising: an insulative housing having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough; a plurality of contacts in the apertures; and a plurality of solder balls secured to the mounting ends of the contacts. An electrical connector, comprising: an insulative housing with a mating face positionable adjacent a mating connector and a mounting face positionable adjacent a substrate; at least one contact extending between the mating face and the mounting face of the insulative housing and including a tail portion; and a solder mass secured to the tail portion for securing the electrical connector to the substrate.

Abstract: Waveguides and backplanes systems are disclosed. A waveguide according to the present invention includes a first conductive channel, and a second conductive channel disposed generally parallel to the first channel. A gap is defined between the first and second channels that allows propagation along a waveguide axis of electromagnetic waves in a TE n,0 mode, wherein n is an odd number, but suppresses electromagnetic waves in a TE m,0 mode, wherein m is an even number. An NRD waveguide is disclosed that includes an upper conductive plate and a lower conductive plate, with a dielectric channel disposed between the conductive plates. A second channel is disposed adjacent to the dielectric channel between the conductive plates. The upper conductive plate has a gap above the dielectric channel that allows propagation along a waveguide axis of electromagnetic waves in an odd longitudinal magnetic mode, but suppresses electromagnetic waves in an even longitudinal magnetic mode.

Abstract: Waveguides and backplanes systems are disclosed. A waveguide according to the present invention includes a first conductive channel, and a second conductive channel disposed generally parallel to the first channel. A gap is defined between the first and second channels that allows propagation along a waveguide axis of electromagnetic waves in a TE n,0 mode, wherein n is an odd number, but suppresses electromagnetic waves in a TE m,0 mode, wherein m is an even number. An NRD waveguide is disclosed that includes an upper conductive plate and a lower conductive plate, with a dielectric channel disposed between the conductive plates. A second channel is disposed adjacent to the dielectric channel between the conductive plates. The upper conductive plate has a gap above the dielectric channel that allows propagation along a waveguide axis of electromagnetic waves in an odd longitudinal magnetic mode, but suppresses electromagnetic waves in an even longitudinal magnetic mode.

Abstract: Waveguides and backplanes systems are disclosed. A waveguide according to the present invention includes a first conductive channel, and a second conductive channel disposed generally parallel to the first channel. A gap is defined between the first and second channels that allows propagation along a waveguide axis of electromagnetic waves in a TE n,0 mode, wherein n is an odd number, but suppresses electromagnetic waves in a TE m,0 mode, wherein m is an even number. An NRD waveguide is disclosed that includes an upper conductive plate and a lower conductive plate, with a dielectric channel disposed between the conductive plates. A second channel is disposed adjacent to the dielectric channel between the conductive plates. The upper conductive plate has a gap above the dielectric channel that allows propagation along a waveguide axis of electromagnetic waves in an odd longitudinal magnetic mode, but suppresses electromagnetic waves in an even longitudinal magnetic mode.

Abstract: A novel backplane interconnection system that is useful in the telecommunication and data process industries for ultra high speed backplane systems. It is capable of transmitting digital signals with bandwidths of 10 GHz and beyond. The invention provides high performance at a low cost of manufacture. It is suitable for use in a wide variety of system applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for using frequency domain loss functions, such as Impedance, Z, or Admittance, Y, parameters, in a time-based simulator. The Z or Y parameters are either calculated by an electromagnetic field solver, or are empirically measured, at selected frequencies. Preferably, the selected frequencies are related to one another by a logarithmic scale, providing for the determination of a finite series transfer function of the system which is accurate across a very wide range of frequencies, from near zero Hertz, to frequencies on the order of a hundred Gigahertz. The transfer function preferably takes the form of a fitted series, with the residues of the series evaluated using the DREF technique.

Abstract: An electrical cable assembly in which the conductive and dielectric elements are arranged in a composite with a conductive I-beam shaped geometry in which the conductive element is perpendicularly interposed between two parallel dielectric and ground plane elements. Low cross talk and controlled impedance are found to result from the use of this geometry.

Abstract: An air dielectric backplane interconnection system is disclosed. The interconnection system disclosed is a high speed backplane interconnection system having a plurality of conductor matched impedance transmission line elements and an air dielectric surrounding the plurality of transmission line elements. An interconnection system also having spacers disposed between the transmission line elements and a ground plate is disclosed.

Abstract: An interconnect structure for connecting electrical components that includes a plurality of micromachined silicon cantilever beams. The cantilever beams are formed having a shape dictated by predetermined scaling rules that determine the mechanical and electrical properties of the cantilever beam. The cantilever beams are arranged in two generally parallel rows and are mounted to a dielectric material to form a recess between the rows. An electrical component may be inserted into the recess to create a contact force against the cantilever beams to place the component and the interconnect into electrical communication. Also, an electrical connector system may be constructed having a first electrical connector comprising a contact formed of metalized silicon and a base supporting the contact, and a second electrical connector mateable with the first electrical connector that comprises a contact formed of metalized silicon and a base supporting the contact.

Abstract: Waveguides and backplanes systems are disclosed. A waveguide according to the present invention includes a first conductive channel, and a second conductive channel disposed generally parallel to the first channel. A gap is defined between the first and second channels that allows propagation along a waveguide axis of electromagnetic waves in a TE n,0 mode, wherein n is an odd number, but suppresses electromagnetic waves in a TE m,0 mode, wherein m is an even number. An NRD waveguide is disclosed that includes an upper conductive plate and a lower conductive plate, with a dielectric channel disposed between the conductive plates. A second channel is disposed adjacent to the dielectric channel between the conductive plates. The upper conductive plate has a gap above the dielectric channel that allows propagation along a waveguide axis of electromagnetic waves in an odd longitudinal magnetic mode, but suppresses electromagnetic waves in an even longitudinal magnetic mode.

Abstract: In an electrical connector having a strip line arrangement of a plurality of signal contacts flanked by ground planes, the improvement comprising the signal contacts having an elongated cross-section defined by minor surfaces and major surfaces, with the major surfaces extending transversely between the ground planes. An electrical connector for reducing cross-talk and controlling impedance, comprising: an insulative housing; a ground plane; and a plurality of contacts. Each contact has having an elongated cross-section and a mating portion for engaging a contact of a mating connector. The elongated cross-section, at least in the mating portion, extends transverse to the ground plane. An electrical connector for reducing cross-talk and controlling impedance, comprising: an insulative housing; a ground plane; and a plurality of contacts. Each contact has an elongated cross-section and a mating portion for engaging a contact of a mating connector.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrical connector in which the conductive and dielectric elements are arranged in a composite I-beam shaped geometry in which the conductive element is perpendicularly interposed between two parallel dielectric and ground plane elements. Low cross talk and controlled impedance are found to result from the use of this geometry.

Abstract: An electrical cable assembly in which the conductive and dielectric elements are arranged in a composite with a conductive I-beam shaped geometry in which the conductive element is perpendicularly interposed between two parallel dielectric and ground plane elements. Low cross talk and controlled impedance are found to result from the use of this geometry.

Abstract: A linear attenuation equalizer and a method for designing such an equalizer using the cable attenuation curve to determine the D.C. attenuation and the lower or first corner frequency. The D.C. attenuation and the lower corner frequency are used to fix the design. A curve fit technique is used to determine the cable attenuation parameter which fixes the D.C. attenuation of the equalizer. The lower corner frequency is set at between about 10% and less than about 50% of the data rate, and preferably at approximately 20% of the data rate.

Abstract: An electrical cable assembly in which the conductive and dielectric elements are arranged in a composite with a conductive I-beam shaped geometry in which the conductive element is perpendicularly interposed between two parallel dielectric and ground plane elements. Low cross talk and controlled impedance are found to result from the use of this geometry.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrical connector in which the conductive and dielectric elements are arranged in a composite I-beam shaped geometry in which the conductive element is perpendicularly interposed between two parallel dielectric and ground plane elements. Low cross talk and controlled impedance are found to result from the use of this geometry.

Abstract: A zero insertion force connector includes a pair of spring clamp jaws, each having a flexible circuit attached thereto. The clamp jaws are confrontationally arranged so that a portion of each clamp jaw adjacent to the rearward end thereof define a channel through which the flexible circuits pass. Each flexible circuit is attached to a spring clamp jaw within a region on the circuit that is free of tracings. An actuator provided within concave portions of each jaw to open the same and bring the conductive tracings on the flexible circuits into registration with the conductive tracings on a substrate. Wiping action between the tracings is generated by engagement between an abutment surface on a fixture and a camming surface carried on the connector. A centering action to register the tracings is simultaneously generated.

Abstract: A terminator for multiple electrical conductors has a forwardly projecting ground contact provided on the ground structure thereof. A corresponding receptacle has a die cast frame to which nosepieces are attached. Cantilevered contact elements extend from contact blocks and are received in windows provided in the nosepieces.