Abstract: A high frequency modular connector (1) for use with a circuit board (2) to interconnect the circuit board with a backplane (3) of equipment mounting apparatus. The connector apparatus comprises connector modules (10, 12) each having a row and column configuration of first contacts (1014) for engaging the backplane with each first contact connected by a shielded conductor path (1010) with a corresponding second contact (1013) for engaging the circuit board. A conducting member (13) surrounds the first contacts and engages a spring conducting member (11) positioned between and electrically engaging the connector modules. The spring conducting member is biased in engagement with grounding apparatus of the backplane to provide a common ground for shielding the connector apparatus.

Abstract: A connector (10) for directly connecting a coaxial cable (32) to the terminal pins (11, 12) of an interconnection system backplane (14). A two-part assembly comprises an outer conductive housing (15) having a narrow hollow stem (16) and an inner insulative plug (17) having a central aperture opening on an inner cavity (22) and at least one other aperture (18) opening on a slot (26) formed in the surface of the plug (17). A contact (23) fitted within the cavity (22) is adapted to receive at one end a backplane terminal pin (12) and at the other end to receive the stripped central conductor (33) of the coaxial cable (3) which conductor (33) is passed through the hollow stem (16). The shielding (35) of the cable (32) is drawn over the stem (16) for electrical contact and the outer housing (15) has stamped in its surface an arcuate detent (28) to present a contacting surface in the slot (26) for a terminal pin (11) when the connector (10) is assembled with the pins (11, 12).

Abstract: An arrangement for keying plug-in circuit boards and their receptacles such that a board cannot be inserted into an incorrect receptacle. First and second projections (FIG. 1:10, 11) are located on a board (1) at ones of a plurality of first and second encoded locations (FIG. 2:A-D and A'-D'). The locations are proximate to and parallel to one edge of the board associated with a receptacle guide rail (FIG. 1:2). The guide rail contains first and second stops (12, 13) associated individually with the first and second projections. The initial projection (10) to enter the receptacle during board insertion and the initial stop (13) encountered by the initial projection and associated with the other projection (11) are dimensionally offset with respect to each other so that the initial projection bypasses the initial stop.

Abstract: A keying arrangement is disclosed for circuit boards (FIG. 1:1) and receptacles (2, 3, 4) to prevent the insertion of boards into any but correct receptacles.The two guide rails (2, 3) of a circuit board receptacle aggregately comprise at least two spring devices (13, 37) located at prescribed coded locations (A through H, A' through H') along the guide rails. Each spring device comprises a projection (15) and each board contains indentations (FIG. 1:17, FIG. 2:22) associated individually with different ones of the projections. The indentations are located on the board such that one receives its associated projection during insertion of an incorrect type of board to prohibit further insertion.

Abstract: A connector is disclosed for interconnecting multiple conductive layers in a printed circuit board. The connector includes a pair of elongated electrical terminals and a compliant section in between. A plurality of generally parallel raised pressure ridges are included on an outer surface of the compliant section. The connector may be advantageously divided into a plurality of semiseparate segments thereby enabling interconnection of an axially aligned track of printed circuit boards.