Patent ID: 6042390
Filing Date: 2000-03-28
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
A connector element for connecting network hubs, comprising:a substantially planar connector body having first and second surfaces and one or more edges and comprising an electrically insulating material and an even number of layers, the connector body including at least one grounding plane layer contained within the electrically insulating material of the connector body and substantially electrically insulated from the first and second surfaces of the connector body by the electrically insulating material; anda plurality of electrically conducting signal lines printed on one or more surfaces of the connector body, the signal lines extending substantially across the connector body and including ground lines and information lines,wherein the connector element fits into receiving slots located on each of two network hubs, the receiving slots including signal contacts and ground contacts, such that the signal contacts and signal lines, and ground contacts and ground lines, are brought into electrical contact to form a substantially continuous signal bus, wherein the even number of layers operates to reduce warping and the effect of RF interference.