Abstract: A plug module is provided that includes a first mating end and a second mating end. The first mating end is configured to mate with a predefined port, such as a QSFP port. The second mating end can support two or more micro receptacles that allow the plug module to provide an octopus-like cable assembly without requiring the predetermination of a particular length of cable.

Abstract: A connector assembly is provided, which includes a cage that defines a port and a card slot positioned in the port. Also included is a wafer set aligned with the card slot, the wafer set including a plurality of wafers that each support at least four terminals. The terminals are arranged so that two rows of contacts are provided, one row on a first side and one row on a second side of the card slot. Each wafer of the plurality of wafers includes an insulative frame, each terminal includes a beam portion cantilevered from the insulative frame supporting that terminal, and the cantilevered beam portion of at least one terminal of the at least four terminals has a molded material thereon.

Abstract: A connector assembly is provided, which includes a cage that defines a port and a card slot positioned in the port. Also included is a wafer set aligned with the card slot, the wafer set including a plurality of wafers that each support at least four terminals. The terminals are arranged so that two rows of contacts are provided, one row on a first side and one row on a second side of the card slot. Each wafer of the plurality of wafers includes an insulative frame, each terminal includes a beam portion cantilevered from the insulative frame supporting that terminal, and the cantilevered beam portion of at least one terminal of the at least four terminals has a molded material thereon.

Abstract: A plug module is provided that includes a first mating end and a second mating end. The first mating end is configured to mate with a predefined port, such as a QSFP port. The second mating end can support two or more micro receptacles that allow the plug module to provide an octopus-like cable assembly without requiring the predetermination of a particular length of cable.

Abstract: A connector system includes a plurality of housing mounted on a circuit board and a plurality of cages are provided, each cage enclosing one of the housings, each of the cages including a front face that defines a first port, the cages being spaced apart a predetermined distance. A thermal washer is positioned around the cages, the thermal washer including a front portion and a main portion with air apertures that allow air to flow through the thermal washer and along a gap between the cages.

Abstract: A connector system includes a plurality of housing mounted on a circuit board and a plurality of cages are provided, each cage enclosing one of the housings, each of the cages including a front face that defines a first port, the cages being spaced apart a predetermined distance. A thermal washer is positioned around the cages, the thermal washer including a front portion and a main portion with air apertures that allow air to flow through the thermal washer and along a gap between the cages.

Abstract: A connector includes a housing (130) with stacked elongated ports (110a, 110b). Each of port includes terminals (150a, 150b) aligned along a vertical side. The top port and the bottom port can be configured so that the terminals are aligned along opposite vertical sides. The terminals can be supported by wafers (170a, 170b) and the wafer for the top and bottom port can be substantially different heights. The ports can be configured to provide a higher density such as port to port pitch of less than 14 mm.

Abstract: A connector includes a housing (130) with stacked elongated ports (110a, 110b). Each of port includes terminals (150a, 150b) aligned along a vertical side. The top port and the bottom port can be configured so that the terminals are aligned along opposite vertical sides. The terminals can be supported by wafers (170a, 170b) and the wafer for the top and bottom port can be substantially different heights. The ports can be configured to provide a higher density such as port to port pitch of less than 14 mm.

Abstract: A pedestal connector that incorporates one or more grouped element channel link transmission lines is seen to have a dielectric body and two opposing contact ends that are intended to contact opposing contacts or traces. The dielectric body has an S-shaped configuration such that the transmission lines supported thereon make at least one change in direction, thereby permitting the use of such connector to interconnect elements lying in two different planes. The transmission lines include slots that extend within the frame and which define opposing, conductive surfaces formed on the dielectric body which are separated by an intervening air gap.

Abstract: A shielded housing that provides a shield to a circuit board connector of the SFP-style includes a conductive body that encompasses the connector. The housing has an opening that defines an entrance of the housing through which an opposing mating connector may be inserted. The housing entrance includes one or more guide members that extend into the center of the housing and provide a guide for guiding an opposing mating connector into engagement with the circuit board connector.

Abstract: A shielded housing that provides a shield to a circuit board connector of the SFP-style includes a conductive body that encompasses the connector. The housing has an opening that defines an entrance of the housing through which an opposing mating connector may be inserted. The housing entrance includes one or more guide members that extend into the center of the housing and provide a guide for guiding an opposing mating connector into engagement with the circuit board connector.

Abstract: A shielded housing that provides a shield to a circuit board connector of the SFP-style includes a conductive body that encompasses the connector. The housing has an opening that defines an entrance of the housing through which an opposing mating connector may be inserted. The housing entrance includes one or more guide members that extend into the center of the housing and provide a guide for guiding an opposing mating connector into engagement with the circuit board connector.

Abstract: A slot transmission line patch connector, capable of bridging one or more slot transmission lines is comprised of an elongated dielectric connector body. The dielectric connector body is formed to have one or more slot transmission lines. Each transmission line formed in the dielectric body has first and second ends, each of which mates with corresponding first and second slot transmission lines. Alternate embodiments contemplate a dielectric body to which is attached one or more slot transmission line substrates, each of which supports one or more slot transmission lines. Each of the slot transmission line substrates provide one or more slot transmission lines that each bridge or “patch” together two, separate slot transmission lines together.

Abstract: A connector provides mechanical strength and impedance-conforming coupling between conductors in a cable and conductors on a circuit board. The conductors in the cable and the circuit board carry differential signals. The connector is comprised of a dielectric plug that has conductive terminals installed in it which comprise an electrical triad. A dielectric inner body has at least one triplet of three conductive terminals that extend into corresponding slots of the dielectric plug. The dielectric inner body has latching arm slots that receiving a latching arm of a mechanical coupling link member. A protective cover extends over a wire management support member and the dielectric inner body portion and at least partially over the dielectric plug member. The protective cover has retention openings that engage an actuator leg of a latching member. The protective cover also has at least one bias leg recess, for receiving a bias leg of the latching member.

Abstract: A connector provides mechanical strength and impedance-conforming coupling between conductors in a cable and conductors on a circuit board. The conductors in the cable and the circuit board carry differential signals. The connector is comprised of a dielectric plug that has conductive terminals installed in it which comprise an electrical triad. A dielectric inner body has at least one triplet of three conductive terminals that extend into corresponding slots of the dielectric plug. The dielectric inner body has latching arm slots that receiving a latching arm of a mechanical coupling link member. A protective cover extends over a wire management support member and the dielectric inner body portion and at least partially over the dielectric plug member. The protective cover has retention openings that engage an actuator leg of a latching member. The protective cover also has at least one bias leg recess, for receiving a bias leg of the latching member.

Abstract: A sensing terminal system is disclosed for an electrical connector. The system includes a first terminal adapted for connection to a voltage potential. A second terminal includes a first part and a second part, with the two parts being electrically isolated. The first part is adapted for connection to a sensing line. The two parts are electrically coupled in response to mating of a mating terminal with the second terminal. The second part of the second terminal is electrically coupled with the first terminal to complete a sensing circuit therethrough.

Abstract: An electrical connector system is provided for electrically coupling a plurality of conductors with a printed circuit board. The system includes a main housing for mounting on one side of the printed circuit board, the board having an IC chip on the opposite side thereof. Main terminals are mounted on the main housing for coupling the conductors to circuits of the printed circuit board. A unitary secondary housing is adapted for mounting on the opposite side of the printed circuit board and includes an integral shield portion for covering the IC chip and providing electrostatic discharge protection therefor. Apertures are provided in the shield portion to allow for cooling of the IC chip. The unitary secondary housing includes at least one integral header portion defining a receptacle for receiving a complementary electrical connector.

Abstract: A backplane signal connector assembly includes a header connector adapted for mounting on a backplane and a receptacle connector adapted for mounting on a daughter printed circuit board. Each connector includes a conductive housing having a cavity for receiving at least two signal terminals and at least one ground terminal. The signal terminal has an insert molded insulating mounting body about a portion thereof to provide a module for mounting in the cavity to insulate the terminal from the conductive housing. The ground terminal is in direct conductive engagement with the housing. The terminals are stamped and formed metal components. At least one ground clip is mounted on each conductive housing in direct conductive engagement therewith and is adapted for commoning to a ground on the respective backplane and daughter printed circuit board, whereby the housing establishes a primary ground reference for the connector.

Abstract: A backplane signal connector assembly includes a header connector adapted for mounting on a backplane and a receptacle connector adapted for mounting on a daughter printed circuit board. Each connector includes a conductive housing having a cavity for receiving at least two signal terminals and at least one ground terminal. The signal terminal has an insert molded insulating mounting body about a portion thereof to provide a module for mounting in the cavity to insulate the terminal from the conductive housing. The ground terminal is in direct conductive engagement with the housing. The terminals are stamped and formed metal components. At least one ground clip is mounted on each conductive housing in direct conductive engagement therewith and is adapted for commoning to a ground on the respective backplane and daughter printed circuit board, whereby the housing establishes a primary ground reference for the connector.

Abstract: A surface mount electrical connector assembly is provided for electrically connecting a plurality of terminals of an electrical connector to circuit traces on a printed circuit board. The terminals are mounted on a dielectric housing of the connector and have contact ends exposed exteriorly on one side of the housing. A flexible circuit sheet is mounted on the side of the housing, with conductive circuit paths being electrically terminated to the contact ends of the terminals. The flexible circuit sheet has an edge for surface engaging the printed circuit board, with contact pads at the edge for electrical termination to the circuit traces on the printed circuit board.