Abstract: A connector assembly has a receptacle module and a pin module that interconnect. Stiffener engagement projections and recesses are provided along the sides of the receptacle and pin modules in an alternating fashion. The recesses are sized and shaped to receive the stiffener engagement projections of a respective neighboring module. Stainless steel elongated stiffener plates removably engage the pin and receptacle modules in both an X-direction and/or a Y-direction. The stiffener plates have slots that extend partly through the plates and align with the stiffener engagement projections and receiving recesses. The slots receive respective ones of the projections of the neighboring pin and receptacle modules.

Abstract: A connector assembly has a receptacle module and a pin module that interconnect. Stiffener engagement projections and recesses are provided along the sides of the receptacle and pin modules in an alternating fashion. The recesses are sized and shaped to receive the stiffener engagement projections of a respective neighboring module. Stainless steel elongated stiffener plates removably engage the pin and receptacle modules in both an X-direction and/or a Y-direction. The stiffener plates have slots that extend partly through the plates and align with the stiffener engagement projections and receiving recesses. The slots receive respective ones of the projections of the neighboring pin and receptacle modules.

Abstract: A connector for printed circuit boards. Electrical connections are made between two printed boards through flex circuits which have contact pads pressed against contact pads on each of the printed circuit boards. Sufficient, uniform pressure is maintained on the contacts through the use of compressible tubes behind the contact pads on the flex circuits. The compressible tubes are spring biased towards the flex circuits. When a circuit board is engaged in the connector, it compresses the compressible tube and the spring biasing mechanism, thereby generating sufficient contact force. The connector is easy to manufacture in a variety of sizes because its pieces are modular. Many of the pieces are of uniform cross section, facilitating use of low cost extrusion operations. An embodiment is disclosed in which one printed circuit board is pivoted into contact with the contact pads.

Abstract: A connector for printed circuit boards. Electrical connections are made between two printed boards through flex circuits which have contact pads pressed against contact pads on each of the printed circuit boards. Sufficient, uniform pressure is maintained on the contacts through the use of compressible tubes behind the contact pads on the flex circuits. The compressible tubes are spring biased towards the flex circuits. When a circuit board is engaged in the connector, it compresses the compressible tube and the spring biasing mechanism, thereby generating sufficient contact force. The connector is easy to manufacture in a variety of sizes because its pieces are modular. Many of the pieces are of uniform cross section, facilitating use of low cost extrusion operations. An embodiment is disclosed in which one printed circuit board is pivoted into contact with the contact pads.