Abstract: An electrical connector adapted to receive a mating plug utilizes low-profile jack terminal contacts that can flex in their PCB-anchored base portions, which are substantially parallel to the PCB. Any bend in the distal connecting portion or in the intermediate transition portion of each terminal contact is gradual and forms an obtuse angle, thus minimizing stress concentrations. The contacts preferably are arranged in two oppositely facing and interdigitating rows of four contacts each. In one embodiment, the terminal contacts are anchored to the PCB by a contact cradle that constrains the base portion of each terminal contact at two spaced anchoring locations, allowing the base portion to flex therebetween. In another embodiment, the base portions of the terminal contacts are embedded in at least one elastomeric member, which is fitted to the PCB.

Abstract: A conductive cover or shield for reducing crosstalk between a plurality of connectors arranged adjacent one another. A cover having a non-conductive interior surface and a conductive outer surface. The non-conductive surface is adhered to the exterior surface of a connector or a plurality of IDC towers for preventing crosstalk between adjacent connectors. Also, the cover can be form fitted and secured to the connectors, specifically, adhering to the corners to insulate any loose wires.

Abstract: An electrical connector adapted to receive a mating plug utilizes low-profile jack terminal contacts that can flex in their PCB-anchored base portions, which are substantially parallel to the PCB. Any bend in the distal connecting portion or in the intermediate transition portion of each terminal contact is gradual and forms an obtuse angle, thus minimizing stress concentrations. The contacts preferably are arranged in two oppositely facing and interdigitating rows of four contacts each. In one embodiment, the terminal contacts are anchored to the PCB by a contact cradle that constrains the base portion of each terminal contact at two spaced anchoring locations, allowing the base portion to flex therebetween. In another embodiment, the base portions of the terminal contacts are embedded in at least one elastomeric member, which is fitted to the PCB.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a housing having a plug receiving cavity with an open end for receiving a plug and with an inner end spaced from the open end, and having a forward chamber outside of the cavity and adjacent the open end. A mounting circuit board is in the housing adjacent the inner end. A plurality of pairs of electrical jack contacts have mounting ends engaging the mounting circuit board, plug contacting portions extending through the cavity from the mounting end toward the open end, and free ends extending from the contacting portion into the forward chamber. A compensation circuit board is mounted in the forward chamber of the housing outside of the plug receiving cavity, and has a compensation circuit with conductive pads. The free ends of the jack contacts engage the conductive pads. A spring in the forward chamber biases the compensation circuit board towards the free ends of the jack contacts.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a housing having a plug receiving cavity with an open end for receiving a plug and with an inner end spaced from the open end, and having a forward chamber outside of the cavity and adjacent the open end. A mounting circuit board is in the housing adjacent the inner end. A plurality of pairs of electrical jack contacts have mounting ends engaging the mounting circuit board, plug contacting portions extending through the cavity from the mounting end toward the open end, and free ends extending from the contacting portion into the forward chamber. A compensation circuit board is mounted in the forward chamber of the housing outside of the plug receiving cavity, and has a compensation circuit with conductive pads. The free ends of the jack contacts engage the conductive pads. A spring in the forward chamber biases the compensation circuit board towards the free ends of the jack contacts.

Abstract: A multi-port telecommunications connector panel has an electrically conductive housing that defines a plurality of ports, each with a plug receiving cavity aligned with a respective set of jack contacts. The housing surrounds the sets of jack contacts individually and collectively to separate and isolate adjacent ports. Electrically conductive isolation barriers, which are electrically connected to and may be integral with the housing, separate adjacent sets of insulation displacement contacts, which are arranged in an offset pattern.

Abstract: A connector for a communications system concentrates crosstalk in the front of a plug housing. The plug housing has front and rear ends. An internal chamber opens on the rear end and is defined by housing walls. A plurality of slots extend through one of the housing walls adjacent the front end and into the internal chamber. A plurality of contacts are mounted in the slots for movement between retracted positions spaced from the internal chamber and inserted positions extending into the internal chamber. An insert assembly has at least one insert member disposed adjacent at least one of the plurality of contacts. The insert assembly is made of a higher dielectric material than the plug housing.

Abstract: A connector for a communications system concentrates crosstalk in the front of a plug housing. The plug housing has front and rear ends. An internal chamber opens on the rear end and is defined by housing walls. A plurality of slots extend through one of the housing walls adjacent the front end and into the internal chamber. A plurality of contacts are mounted in the slots for movement between retracted positions spaced from the internal chamber and inserted positions extending into the internal chamber. An insert assembly has at least one insert member disposed adjacent at least one of the plurality of contacts. The insert assembly is made of a higher dielectric material than the plug housing.

Abstract: A conductive cover or shield for reducing crosstalk between a plurality of connectors arranged adjacent one another. A cover having a non-conductive interior surface and a conductive outer surface. The non-conductive surface is adhered to the exterior surface of a connector or a plurality of IDC towers for preventing crosstalk between adjacent connectors. Also, the cover can be form fitted and secured to the connectors, specifically, adhering to the corners to insulate any loose wires.

Abstract: A connector for a communications system concentrates crosstalk in the front of a plug housing. The plug housing has front and rear ends. An internal chamber opens on the rear end and is defined by housing walls. A plurality of slots extend through one of the housing walls adjacent the front end and into the internal chamber. A plurality of contacts are mounted in the slots for movement between retracted positions spaced from the internal chamber and inserted positions extending into the internal chamber. An insert assembly has at least one insert member disposed adjacent at least one of the plurality of contacts. The insert assembly is made of a higher dielectric material than the plug housing.

Abstract: A connector for a communications system provides desired levels of crosstalk by controlling the positions and lengths of the wires. A plurality of insulation displacement contacts are movable between retracted positions and inserted positions extending into an internal chamber of the connector. A first insert disposed in the internal chamber has a front end proximal the front end of the plug housing. A second insert is partially disposed in the internal chamber and has a front end proximal the first insert rear end. Four pairs of wires extend from a cable sheath. Each pair of wires pass through one of the first, second, third and fourth channels of the second insert and through the first passageway of the first insert to the insulation displacement contacts in the internal chamber.

Abstract: A command module is provided to couple and manage one or more patch panels having advanced features such as assets and/or PoE and/or power supply functions. The command module can query attached patch panels having additional capabilities, synchronize data, and act as an administrative server. The system and method can be provided for managing such patch panels via a communication path and/or protocol, such as a serial communication protocol or a serial communication path that is star topology (direct connect) or daisy chained, and managing a patch panel including an IP network connection, and through this Ethernet interface, all manner of active management is performed such that management resides in command module.

Abstract: A compensating advanced feature patch panel that can include removable modular or fixed electronic components located directly on the patch panel which are separately or in combination capable of providing advanced features such as device detection and power insertion. The patch panel provides communications between an insulation displacement connector (IDC) at a PD/User end, and any standard interface type using unshielded twisted pair cables, such as an RJ45 connector at a switch end at performance levels of at least category 3, 5, 6 e, 6 and/or higher (e.g. 6 e or 7) and equivalent performance levels by compensating for the active electronics used in providing advanced features. Compensation is achieved in part through the separation and isolation of active and communication circuit elements.

Abstract: A connector for a communications system provides desired levels of crosstalk by controlling the positions and lengths of the wires. A plurality of insulation displacement contacts are mounted in slots in the plug housing for movement between retracted positions and inserted positions extending into the internal chamber. A first insert is disposed in the internal chamber. A second insert is partially disposed in the internal chamber and has a front end proximal the first insert rear end. The second insert has first, second, third and fourth channels extending from the rear end to the front end of the second insert. Four pairs of wires extend from a cable sheath and pass through one of the first, second, third and fourth channels of the second insert and through a first passageway in the first insert to the insulation displacement contacts in an internal chamber of the connector.

Abstract: A connector for a communications system concentrates crosstalk in the front of a plug housing. The plug housing has front and rear ends. An internal chamber opens on the rear end and is defined by housing walls. A plurality of slots extend through one of the housing walls adjacent the front end and into the internal chamber. A plurality of contacts are mounted in the slots for movement between retracted positions spaced from the internal chamber and inserted positions extending into the internal chamber. An insert assembly has at least one insert member disposed adjacent at least one of the plurality of contacts. The insert assembly is made of a higher dielectric material than the plug housing.

Abstract: A connector for a communications system provides desired levels of crosstalk by controlling the positions and lengths of the wires. The connector has an internal chamber opening on the rear end of the plug housing and defined by housing walls. A plurality of slots extend through one of the housing walls adjacent its front end and into the internal chamber. A plurality of insulation displacement contacts are mounted in the slots for movement between retracted positions and inserted positions extending into the internal chamber. A first insert is disposed in the internal chamber. The first insert has a front end proximal the front end of the plug housing. A first passageway extends from the front end of the first insert to the rear end of the first insert. A plurality of openings in a first insert wall adjacent the front end are aligned with the plurality of slots in the plug housing and extend into the first passageway.

Abstract: A connector for a communications system provides desired levels of crosstalk by controlling the positions and lengths of the wires. The connector has an internal chamber opening on the rear end of the plug housing and defined by housing walls. A plurality of slots extend through one of the housing walls adjacent its front end and into the internal chamber. A plurality of insulation displacement contacts are mounted in the slots for movement between retracted positions and inserted positions extending into the internal chamber. A first insert is disposed in the internal chamber. The first insert has a front end proximal the front end of the plug housing. A first passageway extends from the front end of the first insert to the rear end of the first insert. A plurality of openings in a first insert wall adjacent the front end are aligned with the plurality of slots in the plug housing and extend into the first passageway.

Abstract: A connector for a communications system provides desired levels of crosstalk by controlling the positions and lengths of the wires. The connector has an internal chamber opening on the rear end of the plug housing and defined by housing walls. A plurality of slots extend through one of the housing walls adjacent its front end and into the internal chamber. A plurality of insulation displacement contacts are mounted in the slots for movement between retracted positions and inserted positions extending into the internal chamber. A first insert is disposed in the internal chamber. The first insert has a front end proximal the front end of the plug housing. A first passageway extends from the front end of the first insert to the rear end of the first insert. A plurality of openings in a first insert wall adjacent the front end are aligned with the plurality of slots in the plug housing and extend into the first passageway.

Abstract: An electrical connector is provided that protects the electrical connector and associated components from harsh mechanical, electrical and environmental requirements. A jack is received by a jack housing, and a plug is received by a plug housing. The jack is adapted to receive the plug. A first seal member is positioned between the plug housing and the jack housing to form a seal therebetween when the jack and the plug are connected. A coupling member is attached to the plug housing and is adapted to receive the jack housing. A spring member is positioned between the coupling member and the plug housing to compress the first seal member between the jack housing and the plug housing.

Abstract: A compensating advanced feature patch panel that can include removable modular or fixed electronic components located directly on the patch panel which are separately or in combination capable of providing advanced features such as device detection and power insertion. The patch panel provides communications between an insulation displacement connector (IDC) at a PD/User end, and any standard interface type using unshielded twisted pair cables, such as an RJ45 connector at a switch end at performance levels of at least category 3, 5, 6e, 6 and/or higher (e.g. 6e or 7) and equivalent performance levels by compensating for the active electronics used in providing advanced features. Compensation is achieved in part through the separation and isolation of active and communication circuit elements.