Modular connector assembly utilizing a generic lead frame

摘要

An electrical connector is provided having a housing and multiple contact modules loaded in the housing. Each contact module includes an array of contacts held in a dielectric carrier. Each array of contacts includes multiple contacts formed as part of a generic lead frame. The contacts in each array are spaced-apart from each other in a respective contact pattern. At least two contact modules hold different first and second patterns of the contacts, wherein the contacts in the first pattern have a first spaced-apart relationship and the contacts in the second pattern have a different second spaced-apart relationship. The generic lead frame includes both the first and second patterns of contacts such that either one of the first and second patterns may be selectively obtained from the generic lead frame.