Integrated signal pair element and connector using same

摘要

Integrated signal pair elements are disclosed that can be inserted into and removed from a backplane connector housing as a single piece. Each element includes an insulative frame that supports a pair of conductive terminals in a spaced-apart arrangement. The frame is attached to a ground shield that provides a ground plane that extends around three sides of the signal pair. Cable wires are terminated to tail portions of the signal pair and an insulative material is molded over the cable wire termination area to form an integrated signal pair element. The individual signal pair elements may also be commoned together in a linear array of signal pair elements by a commoning member that contacts the ground shields of the array of signal pair elements.

主权项

1. A signal pair element for insertion into a connector housing, the signal pair element comprising:
a pair of elongated, conductive terminals, each terminal extending longitudinally and spaced apart from each other, each terminal including respective contact portions and tail portions disposed at opposite ends thereof, the contact and tail portions being interconnected by body portions; an insulative support frame supporting the terminals, the support frame including at least first and second portions, each portion extending tranversely with respect to the terminals and engaging the terminals to fix them in a spaced apart arrangement, the first and second support portions being spaced longitudinally apart from each other, the first and second portions supporting the terminals in the spaced-apart relationship; and an elongated ground shield, the elongated ground shield having a channel configuration and including a base flanked by two sidewalk, the support frame being disposed in the channel and extending transversely between the sidewalk, the support frame spacing the terminal pair above the base, the ground shield, the support frame and the terminal pair being held together as a single piece which can be inserted into a single, common opening of a connector housing.