Abstract: A connector insertion and removal tool for an electrical system including a circuit board and at least one electrical connector therefor includes a first portion configured for coupling to a first surface of the circuit board, and a second portion configured for coupling to the first portion. At least one of the first portion and the second portion comprises an actuator adapted for movement toward and away from the circuit board to contact at least a portion of the connector.

Abstract: An electrical connector is disclosed having a housing with first and second sides configured to be joined to first and second circuit boards, respectively. The electrical connector also includes a wafer held in the housing. The wafer has first and second card edges and has electrical traces extending between the first and second card edges. The first card edges are divided into upper and lower sections configured to be received in separate upper and lower connectors mounted on the first circuit board.

Abstract: An electrical connector is disclosed having a housing with first and second sides configured to be joined to first and second circuit boards, respectively. The electrical connector also includes a wafer held in the housing. The wafer has first and second card edges and has electrical traces extending between the first and second card edges. The first card edges are divided into upper and lower sections configured to be received in separate upper and lower connectors mounted on the first circuit board.

Abstract: An electrical connector has been provided that includes a housing having a base having a rear end and an interface end. The base includes at least one channel extending between the rear and interface ends. The electrical connector also includes at least one conductive wafer configured to engage electrical contacts. Each conductive wafer is divided into a rear portion and an interface portion. The rear portion is received and securely retained in a channel with the interface portion extending beyond the interface end of the base. The interface portion moves in a direction transverse to a plane of the conductive wafer to facilitate alignment with a mating structure.

Abstract: A latch assembly is provided for latching a ground shield around an electrical connector. The latch assembly comprises a latch receptacle portion and a latch insert portion. The latch receptacle portion comprises a receptacle main body, and a strap that is offset from the receptacle main body. The strap defines a slot between the strap and the receptacle main body. The latch receptacle portion also includes a window that is formed within the receptacle main body. The latch insert portion comprises a latch insert portion having an insert main body and a tongue, which is offset from the plane of the main body, with a latching projection formed on, and extending from, one side of the tongue. The strap exerts a normal, uniform force on the tongue thereby biasing the latching projection into the window. Consequently, the latch assembly remains fully engaged because of the force exerted on the tongue by the strap. A method is also provided for manufacturing a ground shield for an electrical connector.

Abstract: An electrical connector has been provided that includes a housing having a base having a rear end and an interface end. The base includes at least one channel extending between the rear and interface ends. The electrical connector also includes at least one conductive wafer configured to engage electrical contacts. Each conductive wafer is divided into a rear portion and an interface portion. The rear portion is received and securely retained in a channel with the interface portion extending beyond the interface end of the base. The interface portion moves in a direction transverse to a plane of the conductive wafer to facilitate alignment with a mating structure.

Abstract: A latch assembly is provided for latching a ground shield around an electrical connector. The latch assembly comprises a latch receptacle portion and a latch insert portion. The latch receptacle portion comprises a receptacle main body, and a strap that is offset from the receptacle main body. The strap defines a slot between the strap and the receptacle main body. The latch receptacle portion also includes a window that is formed within the receptacle main body. The latch insert portion comprises a latch insert portion having an insert main body and a tongue, which is offset from the plane of the main body, with a latching projection formed on, and extending from, one side of the tongue. The strap exerts a normal, uniform force on the tongue thereby biasing the latching projection into the window. Consequently, the latch assembly remains fully engaged because of the force exerted on the tongue by the strap. A method is also provided for manufacturing a ground shield for an electrical connector.

Abstract: An electrical connector 2, suitable for use as a plug for a Universal Serial Bus cable assembly, includes a plurality of terminals 4 that are partially insert molded in a nonconductive housing 36. A distal end 6 of each terminal 4 is recessed from the front end 38 of the housing 36. The terminals 4 are insert molded while still on a carrier and a weakened section 14 is formed at the distal end 6. After the housing 36 is molded, a tensile force is applied to fracture each terminal 4 at the weakened section 14 so that the distal end 6 of each terminal is recessed where it cannot inadvertently contact shields 54, 64 on the plug 2 or a mating receptacle 62. The rear of the housing is overmolded, and the insert molded housing 36 includes sections completely surrounding the terminals 4 so that the overmolded material cannot flow onto a housing mating surface 42 or onto a terminal mating section 10.

Abstract: A connector with spring contacts extending through openings in opposed surfaces of a dielectric housing. The contacts are positioned to engage conductive pads on leadless circuit elements and to establish wiped connections when the elements are located on the opposed surfaces of the housing.