Abstract: Plug and jack connector assemblies (20, 24) having internal shields (34, 108) separating pairs of connections, and grounding arrangements insuring continuity of ground between the mated assemblies. Within each assembly an interior shield comprises a unitary conductive member having a cross-shaped cross section dividing the interior of the assembly into quadrants. The assemblies are adapted to make eight separate connections, divided into pairs, for use with cabling made up of four twisted pairs (44). Each set of two connections is disposed within one of the quadrants defined by the interior shield, so that it is isolated from all the other connection pairs. The plug connector assembly includes a grounding bracket (32) securely attached to the outer shield (42) of its associated cable (22). The grounding bracket securely engages the conductive housing (102) of the mating jack connector assembly, which in turn is in contact with the outer shield (114) of its associated cable (26).

Abstract: A modular plug electrical connector includes a housing and a circuit board having an array of circuit holes. Terminals in the housing have legs that extend into the circuit holes for electrical connection with the circuit board and mechanical retention of the circuit board to the housing. The circuit board carries contacts for terminating wires in a communications system. A stuffer cap has wire channels that receive the wires, and the stuffer cap is pivotable to urge the wires into engagement with the contacts. The wire channels are arranged in siamesed pairs that each receive a twisted wire pair.

Abstract: Plug and jack connector assemblies (20, 24) having internal shields (34, 108) separating pairs of connections, and grounding arrangements insuring continuity of ground between the mated assemblies. Within each assembly an interior shield comprises a unitary conductive member having a cross-shaped cross section dividing the interior of the assembly into quadrants. The assemblies are adapted to make eight separate connections, divided into pairs, for use with cabling made up of four twisted pairs (44). Each set of two connections is disposed within one of the quadrants defined by the interior shield, so that it is isolated from all the other connection pairs. The plug connector assembly includes a grounding bracket (32) securely attached to the outer shield (42) of its associated cable (22). The grounding bracket securely engages the conductive housing (102) of the mating jack connector assembly, which in turn is in contact with the outer shield (114) of its associated cable (26).

Abstract: Electrical connector 10 is used to terminate individual wires 6, 8 in two twisted wire pairs 2, 4. The connector includes an insulated housing with terminals 50 located in terminal receiving cavities 34 in the housing. The terminals 50 are inclined relative to parallel wire receiving channels 34 and paired terminals 50 for terminating individual wires of a the same twisted wire pair, 2 or 4 are spaced closer together than adjacent intermediate terminals associated with different wire pairs. Pairing inclined terminals 50 increases the coupling between wires in the same wire pair and increasing the spacing between terminals of different wire pairs reduces the capacitive cross talk between adjacent wire pairs. High frequency performance of the electrical connector 10 is thereby increased. A central cavity between terminal pairs increases the effective dielectric constant to further reduce crosstalk.

Abstract: Plug and jack connector assemblies (20, 24) having internal shields (34, 108) separating pairs of connections, and grounding arrangements insuring continuity of ground between the mated assemblies. Within each assembly an interior shield comprises a unitary conductive member having a cross-shaped cross section dividing the interior of the assembly into quadrants. The assemblies are adapted to make eight separate connections, divided into pairs, for use with cabling made up of four twisted pairs (44). Each set of two connections is disposed within one of the quadrants defined by the interior shield, so that it is isolated from all the other connection pairs. The plug connector assembly includes a grounding bracket (32) securely attached to the outer shield (42) of its associated cable (22). The grounding bracket securely engages the conductive housing (102) of the mating jack connector assembly, which in turn is in contact with the outer shield (114) of its associated cable (26).

Abstract: A communications outlet comprises a base which is mountable on an outlet box to permit interconnections with wires in the outlet box. The base has a mounting cage in which an electrical connector having insulation displacement terminals can be mounted after the wires are terminated to the terminals, and a support platform on which the connector can be seated during insulation displacement termination of the wires to the terminals.