Patent ID: 6102742
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: H01R,H05K,Y10S

Abstract:
A ribbon style electrical connector having a variable resistance contact such that an electrical resistance between the variable resistance contact and a corresponding mating contact of a second mating connector varies from a relatively high resistance to a relatively low resistance as the first and second connectors transition from an unmated to a mated position, the ribbon style connector comprising:a housing having a first end and a second end;a shroud depending from the first end defining a contact chamber;a circuit board mounted within the contact chamber and communicating with the second end of the housing;a plurality of signal contacts adhered to a surface of the circuit board, at least one of the signal contacts including a resistive portion and a conductive portion, the resistive portion and conductive portion being arranged such that the corresponding mating contact of the second connector engages the resistive portion first and engagedly moves along the resistive portion toward the conductive portion as the ribbon style connector and the second connector are intermated;the corresponding mating contact directly engaging the conductive portion when the ribbon style connector and the second mating mating connector are in a fully mated position.