Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an electrical connector on a PCI bracket comprising a base containing a plurality of apertures and at least one spring loaded eject pin, a contact support plate having a plurality of slots used to position contact tails on the connectors, a vertical clamp used to hold the connectors in place and a spring loaded plunger positioned in the base such that the PCI bracket is accurately positioned with respect to the connectors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for mounting an electrical connector on a printed wiring board. The printed wiring board is initially positioned on locating projections on a tooling plate. Eyelets are positioned in hold down apertures in the connector. The hold down apertures initially engage the locating projections to align the connector pins with pin receiving apertures on the printed wiring board. Engagement continues until the pins are positioned in the apertures and the lower end of the eyelet is deformed to engage the innerside of the down aperture and the lower side of the printed wiring board.

Abstract: A cable connector having improved strain relief and cable retention qualities disclosed. A separate strain relief member includes a ferrule or anvil. This member is placed on a cable. The connector is then assembled and the shields are then attached to the connector parts, including the strain relief member. Latches are provided on a connector that mates with the cable connector. The latches engage the strain relief directly. In one embodiment, the latches engage lugs formed on the strain relief member. In another embodiment, the latches have a plurality of protrusions that engage openings in a facing side wall of the cable connector to aid in maintaining the connectors in mated condition, under forces imparted by the cable. The latches can be removed by inserting latch parts or tools into removal openings in side walls or at the top of the connector on which the latch is mounted. Alternatively, latches are mounted to the cable connector to engage latching elements on the mating connector.

Abstract: An interconnection system having a first connector with a plurality of contacts; and a second connector with a plurality of contacts. The contacts of the first connector engage the contacts on the second connector, creating unbalanced resultant forces an the contacts of the second connector. The unbalanced resultant forces caused by a set of the contacts of the second connector generally offset the unbalanced forces caused by another set of contacts on the second connector. Thus, the contacts balance the forces created during mating, providing a generally balanced interconnection system.

Abstract: An assembly which includes a jack having an insulative housing with first and second longitudinal walls positioned such that said second longitudinal wall is positioned over said first longitudinal wall in spaced parallel relation. At least one lateral wall is interposed between said first and second longitudinal wall. The jack is positioned such that the PCB is interposed between said first and second longitudinal wall. The first planar surface of the PCB faces the first longitudinal wall to form a first section of the jack, and the second planar surface of the PCB faces the second longitudinal wall to form a second section of the jack. Conductive terminals extend from the jack in said second section. An LED is located in the first section of the jack so that it does not interfere with signals passing through the conductive terminals.

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: Assembly provided with at least one shielded connector (2, 12, 17, 50) and a board (1), each shielded connector being connected to a predetermined side of said board (1) and being provided with at least one signal contact member (3) fitted in a hole (7) of the board (1), the connector having a shielded housing (61) to shield each signal contact member (3), wherein the board (1), except in areas where connectors (2, 12, 17, 50) are fitted to the board (1), is provided with a first continuous electrically conductive layer (9) on one side and a second continuous electrically conductive layer (10) on the opposite side, each of the shielded connector housings being electrically connected to one of said layers (9, 10), in order to prevent electromagnetic radiation generated by any of said signal contact members (3) from propagating to the outside world.

Abstract: A contact for use in an electrical connector that interconnects a first circuit substrate and a second circuit substrate. The contact can have an intermediate portion; a mounting portion extending from the intermediate portion for securing the contact to the first circuit substrate; and a mating portion extending from the intermediate portion and adapted to provide a non-linear wiping action to the second circuit substrate upon deflection of the mating portion by the second circuit substrate. The contact may be formed from a sheet of material and comprises: a mounting portion for mounting the connector to a first circuit substrate; and a mating portion for engaging a second circuit substrate. The mating portion has an edge that engages the second circuit substrate.

Abstract: A power port terminal formed by stamping from a blank of conductive material comprises a contact receiving socket portion (12) and an integral mounting portion (14). The socket includes a web with a plurality of beams (20) thereon. The inner surface of the beams on the bends thereof define a substantially continuous cylindrical contact surface at a predetermined point along the reference axis of the terminal. The contact surface has a predetermined constricted dimension (36) measured in a plane perpendicular to the reference axis, this dimension being the most constricted dimension along the reference axis of the terminal. The terminal is thereby able to accommodate a pin of any desired axial length. The trailing mounting legs (46) thereon, that in the preferred instance, extend generally perpendicular to the reference axis of the terminal. Latch tabs (38) may be provided on one or more of the beams.

Abstract: A receptacle adapted to be mounted on a printed wiring board (PWB). The receptacle includes an insulative member comprising a first section extending from a base to an upper side and a second section extending perpendicularly from said vertical section to a terminal edge and said second section having a plurality of longitudinal slots. A plurality of conductive contact means extends first parallel to the second section of the insulative contact in the longitudinal slots and then parallel to the first section of the insulative member. A conductive shield has a first side superimposed in spaced relation over the second section of the insulative member and a second side positioned in spaced relation beneath the second section of the insulative member. A rear side of the shield extend downwardly from the first side. Opposed spaced lateral sides connect the first and second sides of the shield to form a plug receiving cavity between the first side and the second side of the insulative member.

Abstract: An electrical shield is disclosed for shielding a conductor. The shield includes a top wall having an opening formed therein for the conductor. A first wall, integrally formed with the top wall includes first and second panels. One edge of the first panel is attached to the top wall and one edge of the second panel is attached to the first panel. A lead is integrally formed with the first panel. A second wall is also integrally formed with the top wall, so that a cavity is defined by the top wall, the first and second panels and the second wall. In a preferred embodiment, the shield further includes third, fourth and fifth walls, integrally formed with the top wall. The third wall includes third and fourth panels, wherein one edge of the third panel is attached to the top wall and wherein one edge of the fourth panel is attached to the third panel.

Abstract: A connector is formed of printed circuit board (PCB) modules (10). The PCB modules are provided at a mounting interface with surface engaging terminals (22) for interconnecting traces (16) on the PCBs (12) with traces on the mounting substrate. The terminals may comprise compressible or deformable elements formed of conductive elastomeric rods or solder balls fitted into recesses (36) in the board edges. A shield terminal (28) functions as a hold down that is alternately convertible from a through-hole mounting position to a surface mounting position by bending the terminal.

Abstract: A cable clamp assembly which is adapted for use with a range of cable diameters. The assembly includes a tubular base section, a first finger extending axially from the tubular base section and having a cable engagement projection and a second finger extending axially from the tubular base section and having a cable engagement projection. The assembly also provides flex relief and strain relief at any adjacent crimp to wire or solder to wire interconnections.

Abstract: A terminal frame at least partially locatable within an insulative housing of an electrical connector and having: a plurality of contacts and bridges extending between adjacent contacts. An electrical connector formed from a plurality of modules, each module having: an insulative housing; a plurality of first contacts at least partially surrounded by said insulative housing; bridges extending between adjacent first contacts; a plurality of second contacts; and a substrate having conductive traces thereon extending between at least some of the first and second contacts. A method of making an electrical connector, including the steps of: providing a plurality of modules and arranging the modules.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular jack assembly comprising an outer insulative housing having top and bottom walls and opposed lateral walls which define an interior section of the housing having front and rear open ends, and an insulated insert having a first section superimposed over the rear open end of the insulated housing and a second section extending generally perpendicular from the first section into the interior section of the housing. There are engagement points on both the top wall and the opposed lateral walls of the outer insulated housing. Latches may be positioned on the insulated insert on either their first section or their second section depending on the specific configuration of the insulated insert. If latches are positioned on the first section, the opposed lateral walls will be engaged. If latches are positioned on the top section, the top wall will be engaged. A common housing may, therefore, be used for a number of different types of insulated inserts.

Abstract: Electrical connectors capable of being mounted on circuit substrates by BGA techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing such connectors. There is at least one recess on the exterior side of the connector elements. A conductive contact extends from adjacent the interior side of the into the recess on the exterior side of the housing. A controlled volume of solder paste is introduced into the recess. A fusible conductive element, in the form of solder balls is positioned in the recess. The connector is subjected to a reflow process to fuse the solder ball to the portion of the contact extending into said recess. Contacts are secured in the insulative housing of the connector by deformable sections that minimize stress imposed on the housing, thereby reducing warpage. Solder resist areas are formed on central portions of the contacts to promote uniformity of solder volume.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic card comprising a printed circuit board interposed between card shields having edges. Tabs on an edge of one shield engage recesses on the edge of the other shield. The jointed shields of the card provide high levels of rigidity, sufficient to exceed applicable bending and torsional resistance specification. Adequate rigidity is thereby provided. Also included is an I/O connector grounded without a separate ground contact and shielded over its length. The tabs include an arcuate member having a medial oblique projection which engages a ledge of the other shield near the recess. A frame bar is interposed between the shields. Also included is an "oil can" resistant shield in which a deep-draw recess is peripherally surrounded by a groove.

Abstract: An electrical connector link adapted to movably couple with at least one other link to form a chain that is adapted to releasably receive and transport an electrical connector from a first station to a second station is provided. The link comprises a base portion having a relative first end and a second end. The base portion is adapted to moveably couple with a second link. A first wall is integrally connected with, and extends upwardly from, the base portion proximate the first end. The first wall has an outside surface, inside surface, and top surface. The first wall is adapted to communicate with a first electrical connector and retain the connector between the first wall and a second link. A latching arm is integrally connected with, and protrudes from, the outside surface of the first wall. The latching arm is adapted to movably engage a third link. A second wall is integrally connected with, and extends upwardly from, the base portion proximate the second end.

Abstract: A connector for electrically connecting an electrical component having a plurality of conductive elements extending therefrom to a substrate. The connector comprises a first base and a second base. The first base has at least one aperture therein and a hinge assembly. The second base comprises a plurality of contacts that correspond to the conductive elements in the electrical component and a hinge assembly. The hinge assemblies of the first and second bases allow movement of the first base relative to the second base. A method of securing the electrical component to the substrate including the steps of: inserting the component into a cassette; mounting the housing to the substrate; connecting a portion of the conductive elements of the electrical component with a portion of the contacts; and connecting the remainder of the conductive elements of the electrical component with the remainder of the contacts. A contact having a retention portion, a tail portion and a pair of beams.

Abstract: An electrical connector which includes an insulative body which has a leg portion and a top portion which extends generally perpendicularly from the leg second portion. A conductive contact which includes a retention section and a resilient section is also included in the electrical connector. The contact is fixed to the top section and the resilient section extends along the leg section. The connector may be interposed between a electrical device and a printed circuit board.