Abstract: A connector assembly includes a housing and substantially identical contacts. The housing is configured to mate with a mating connector. The contacts are arranged in a plurality of sets in the housing. The contacts are configured to electrically couple with the mating connector. Each set of contacts is arranged to communicate a different type of data signal with the mating connector. Optionally the contacts are formed as substantially identical pins. The different sets of contacts may concurrently communicate the different types of data signals.

Abstract: A heat relief socket is provided where a contact carrier substrate is provided carrying a plurality of contacts, and is supported by a frame. The frame has an open area therethrough which can receive air flow to cool the bottom of a chip carried by the socket and the contacts themselves.

Abstract: A high speed signal connector having a plurality of signal conductors disposed within the housing and a ground bus or plane disposed within the housing and including a plurality of coextensive layers of different conductive materials including at least a first conductive base layer having predetermined conductivity and permeability and a second conductive top layer have predetermined conductivity and permeability. A multiple layer common ground provides for improved current flow within the common ground so as to minimize cross talk between signal contacts. As a result, the present invention provides a connector for high frequency signal transmission which exhibits an attenuation characteristic which is substantially independent of frequency within a predetermined and selectable frequency range and which permits the tailoring of the attenuation and phase response of the connector as a function of frequency.

Abstract: An arrangement whereby a passive line concentrator (100) can be connected in a managed token ring network includes a special concentrator port (200) in an active concentrator (10) which is adapted to have inserted the ring-in port (130) of the passive line concentrator. The special concentrator port of the active concentrator supplies a small phantom current to the passive concentrator, which returns the phantom current only if it has at least one active port. Detection of the returned phantom current controls insertion of the special concentrator port into the network.

Abstract: The present invention involves a connector for inductively coupling to a multi-wire data bus utilizing a magnetic core and associated coil for inducing signals upon the bus and for sensing such signals on the bus. The connector includes a pair of magnetic members disposed on either side of the magnetic core for attenuating common mode energy generated within the connector at about the same frequency as that of the primary signal appearing on the data bus.