Electrical contact assemblies and connectors including retention clips

An electrical connector that includes a plug insert having a dielectric body and having a pair of contact channels. The contact channels have central axes that extend parallel to each other in a common direction. The contact channels are defined by respective channel walls and are separated by an inter-channel portion of the dielectric body. The channel walls have wall perimeters that extend around the corresponding central axes. The electrical connector also has a contact sub-assembly that includes mating contacts that are received in the contact channels and retention clips that are positioned within the contact channels between the mating contacts and the channel walls. Each of the retention clips has a concave body with an open side. The concave body extends partially about the wall perimeter with the open side positioned along a portion of the wall perimeter. The retention clips are oriented to face one another.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to electrical connectors, and more particularly to electrical connectors for high-speed signal transmission.

Electrical connectors used to plug a communication cable into an electrical system may include a housing that contains several conductors that form differential pairs. The differential pairs are configured to connect with corresponding differential pairs in a mating connector of the electrical system when the pluggable and mating connectors are engaged. However, pluggable connectors that are currently used may have certain limitations due to unwanted electromagnetic coupling between the differential pairs. For example, the operating speeds of some known pluggable connectors are limited to transmission rates of less than those of gigabit Ethernet. If these pluggable connectors were to operate at speeds above gigabit Ethernet, unwanted electromagnetic coupling between the differential pairs would harm signal integrity and the performance of the connector. More specifically, increasing the operating speeds of the pluggable connectors may increase unwanted near-end crosstalk (NEXT), far-end crosstalk, and/or return loss such that the connector is unable to meet industry requirements for applications, such as gigabit Ethernet.

Accordingly, there is a need for pluggable connectors that are configured to reduce the negative effects of electromagnetic coupling. There is also a general need for pluggable connectors that are capable of operating at higher signal-transmission speeds and/or obtaining desired electrical performances.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, an electrical connector is provided that includes a plug insert that has a dielectric body and a pair of contact channels extending therethrough. The contact channels have central axes that extend parallel to each other in a common direction. The contact channels are defined by respective channel walls and are separated by an inter-channel portion of the dielectric body. The channel walls have wall perimeters that extend around the corresponding central axes. The electrical connector also includes a contact sub-assembly that is held by the pair of contact channels. The contact sub-assembly includes mating contacts that are received in the contact channels and retention clips that are positioned within the contact channels between the mating contacts and the channel walls. Each of the retention clips have a concave body with clip edges separated by an open side. The concave body extends partially about the wall perimeter with the open side positioned along a portion of the wall perimeter. The retention clips are oriented to face one another such that the inter-channel portion extends directly between the open sides of the retention clips.

In another embodiment, an electrical connector is provided that includes a plug insert comprising a dielectric body and a plurality of contact channels extending therethrough. The contact channels have central axes that extend parallel to each other in a common direction. The contact channels are defined by respective channel walls. The channel walls have wall perimeters that extend around the corresponding central axes. The plurality of contact channels include associated pairs of contact channels. The contact channels of each of the associated pairs being separated by a corresponding inter-channel portion of the dielectric body. The electrical connector also includes a set of contact sub-assemblies that are held by the plug insert. Each of the contact sub-assemblies includes mating contacts that are received in one associated pair of contact channels. A contact plane extends through the central axes of said associated pair of contact channels. Each of the contact sub-assemblies also includes retention clips that are positioned within the contact channels. Each of the retention clips has a concave body with clip edges separated by an open side. The concave body extends partially about the corresponding wall perimeter with the open side positioned along a portion of the corresponding wall perimeter. The retention clips are oriented to face one another such that the inter-channel portion extends directly between the open sides of the retention clips. The set of contact sub-assemblies includes two adjacent contact sub-assemblies. The contact planes of the adjacent contact sub-assemblies extend perpendicular to each other.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments described herein include electrical connectors having mating contacts configured to transmit data signals. The mating contacts may form differential pairs that are arranged to improve the performance of the electrical connectors with respect to other known connectors. For example, embodiments described herein have differential pairs arranged to reduce, control, or improve upon at least one of insertion loss, near-end crosstalk (NEXT), far-end crosstalk, and return loss. Furthermore, embodiments described herein utilize retention clips that facilitate assembling the electrical connectors and also facilitate holding the mating contacts when mating the electrical connector to another connector. In particular embodiments, the retention clips that engage adjacent mating contacts may be oriented with respect to each other to improve the performance of the electrical connector. For example, the retention clips may be symmetrically oriented in such a way that near-end crosstalk (NEXT) performance is optimized between the adjacent differential pair. Moreover, as compared to known electrical connectors, the retention clips may allow a uniform amount of dielectric material located between the mating contacts while, in some cases, permitting a tighter arrangement (or higher density) of mating contacts.

In particular embodiments, the electrical connectors are pluggable connectors. A “pluggable connector,” as used herein, is an electrical connector that is configured to mate with another electrical connector (also referred to as a mating connector) through a pluggable engagement. A pluggable engagement is a removable engagement such that the two electrical connectors may be readily separated without damage to either of the connectors. Pluggable connectors described herein may include a plug insert that is configured to be inserted into a cavity of a mating connector. The pluggable connectors may also be receptacle connectors having a cavity that receives a plug insert from a mating connector. Accordingly, a connector assembly of two pluggable connectors may include a first pluggable connector having a plug insert that is inserted into a cavity of a second pluggable connector that has a cavity configured to receive the plug insert. By way of example only, embodiments described herein may be similar to: (a) a modular connector having a 16-contact, size 13 MIL-38999 insert; (b) a modular connector having an eight (8) contact insert in a size 7 or 9 MIL-38999 plug shell; (c) a modular connector having an eight (8) contact insert in a Quadrax-like metal shell; and (d) a modular connector having a 16+ contact insert in a Quadrax-like metal shell. In some embodiments, the electrical connectors may have circular cross-sections, such as the electrical connector100inFIG. 1. However, in alternative embodiments, the electrical connectors may have non-circular cross-sections, such as a polygonal cross-sections (e.g., rectangular, pentagonal) or semi-circle cross-sections.

In addition, the pluggable connectors may operate at high-speeds, such as those applied in gigabit Ethernet. In particular embodiments, the pluggable connectors may transmit signals at speeds such as those applied in 10G Ethernet. However, in other embodiments, the pluggable connectors may not operate at high speeds. Although various embodiments described herein are applicable for transmitting data signals, other embodiments may be configured to transmit electrical power in addition to data signals or only electrical power.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of an electrical connector100formed in accordance with one embodiment. The electrical connector100may include a connector housing102that extends along a longitudinal axis190between a mating end196and a loading end198. The connector housing102may be connected to a cable104at the loading end198. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connector100has a substantially linear structure such that the entire connector housing102extends in a direction along the longitudinal axis190. In alternative embodiments, the entire connector housing102might not extend along the longitudinal axis190, but may be shaped as desired. For example, the connector housing102may have a right-angle structure. As shown, the connector housing102includes a main body106that includes the loading end198and is connected to the cable104. The connector housing102also includes a mating wall108that projects from the main body106and extends along the longitudinal axis190to the mating end196. The mating wall108also extends about or surrounds the longitudinal axis190to provide a housing cavity110. The mating wall108includes a front edge109that defines an opening111of the housing cavity110. The mating wall108, the opening111, and the housing cavity110may be sized and shaped to mate with a mating connector (not shown).

The mating wall108may have a cross-section taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis190that is sized and shaped to engage the mating connector. More specifically, the cross-section of the mating wall108may be substantially circular. The mating wall108may also include a keying feature115to facilitate aligning the electrical connector100and the mating connector. Furthermore, the housing cavity110may be sized and shaped to receive a plug body from the mating connector. As shown, the mating wall108has an outer surface112and an inner surface114that defines the housing cavity110. The outer surface112may be configured to fasten to the mating connector. For example, the outer surface112may be threaded and configured to engage complementary threads on an inner surface of the mating connector. However, in other embodiments, the inner surface114may be threaded and configured to engage complementary threads on an outer surface of the mating connector. In alternative embodiments, the electrical connector100may have other mechanisms for engaging the mating connector.

The electrical connector100also includes an organizer or plug insert118held by the connector housing102. The plug insert118is located within the housing cavity110and includes a plurality of contact channels125(shown inFIG. 2) that extend through a dielectric body119of the plug insert118. The dielectric body119comprises a dielectric material. The contact channels125are configured to hold mating contacts120of the electrical connector100in a predetermined arrangement. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating contacts120extend from the plug insert118toward the opening111and parallel to the longitudinal axis190. The mating contacts120may be arranged in a predetermined configuration so that the mating contacts120electrically connect with mating contacts (not shown) of the mating connector. As shown inFIG. 1, the mating contacts120may be pin contacts. However, in other embodiments, the mating contacts120may be socket contacts that are configured to receive pin contacts.

FIG. 2is an enlarged cross-section of a portion of the plug insert118taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis190(FIG. 1) and illustrates a pair of contact channels125A and125B. More specifically,FIG. 2illustrates cross-sections of the contact channels125A and125B where retention clips150A and150B (shown inFIG. 3) may be located. The contact channels125A and125B extend through a portion of the dielectric body119. In particular embodiments, the pair of contact channels125A and125B may also be referred to as an associated pair of contact channels in that the contact channels125A and125B are configured to receive a differential pair of mating contacts120A and120B (shown inFIG. 3). As shown, each of the contact channels125A and125B has a central axis192A and192B, respectively, that extends through a center of the respective contact channel. The central axes192A and192B extend parallel to each other in a common direction and also parallel to the longitudinal axis190(FIG. 1). InFIG. 2, the central axes192A and192B extend in a direction that is into and out of the page.

The contact channels125A and125B may be sized and shaped to receive the mating contacts120A and120B (FIG. 3) and the retention clips150A and150B (FIG. 3). As shown, the contact channels125A and125B are defined by respective channel walls126A and126B. The channel walls126A and126B include interior surfaces128A and128B of the dielectric body119. The channel walls126A and126B and the interior surfaces128A and128B extend around the respective central axes192A and192B. Also, the channel walls126A and126B have wall perimeters WPAand WPBthat extend around the corresponding central axes192A and192B, respectively. The wall perimeters WPAand WPBdefine cross-sections of the contact channels125A and125B taken perpendicular to the central axes192A and192B (or taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis190(FIG. 1)). In other words, the wall perimeters WPAand WPBare viewed in a direction along the respective central axes192A and192B. The wall perimeters WPAand WPBmay form a closed-plane curve (e.g. circle, ellipse, rectangle, and the like, or a combination of geometric shapes). For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the wall perimeters WPAand WPBinclude two semi-circles that are differently sized.

As shown, each of the channel walls126A and126B may include an inner wall section130and an outer wall section132. The inner wall sections130of the different contact channels125A and125B are located adjacent to each other. The outer wall sections132are located away from each other.

Also shown, an inter-channel portion134of the dielectric body119may separate the contact channels125A and125B. The inter-channel portion134extends directly between the inner wall sections130. The inter-channel portion134includes the interior surfaces128A and128B that define the inner wall sections130. More specifically, the inter-channel portion134may be defined from the interior surface128A of the inner wall section130of the contact channel125A to the interior surface128B of the inner wall section130of the contact channel125B. Furthermore, the inter-channel portion134may partially define the wall perimeters WPAand WPB. In the illustrated embodiment, the inter-channel portion134is substantially I-shaped. Also shown, the contact channels125A and125B may be symmetric with respect to a body plane BP1that extends between the contact channels125A and125B and bisects the inter-channel portion134. The body plane BP1may be perpendicular to a contact plane CP1(shown inFIG. 3).

In the illustrated embodiment, the inner wall sections130and the outer wall sections132have semi-circle shapes (or semi-circle contours). More specifically, the inner wall sections130and the outer wall sections132may have respective radiuses of curvature. The radiuses of curvature of the inner wall section130and the outer wall section132may be different. As shown, a radius RA1is measured from a common center CAand extends to the interior surface128A of the outer wall section132, and a radius RA2is measured from the center CAthat extends to the interior surface128A of the inner wall section130. The radius RA1is greater than the radius RA2. The radiuses RA1and RA2may define different radiuses of curvature. In addition, the inner and outer wall sections130and132of the contact channel125B may have similar radiuses RB1and RB2that are measured from a common center CBof the contact channel125B. The radius RB1is greater than the radius RB2.

The outer wall sections132of the contact channels125A and125B may be substantially C-shaped. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer wall sections132are half-circles. However, in other embodiments, the outer wall sections132may be slightly more than half-circles or may be less than half-circles. For example, the outer wall sections132may be quarter-circles. The outer wall sections132may also have other shapes that are not circular.

The outer wall sections132may include body segments152and radial segments154and156. The radial segments154and156extend in a radial direction (i.e., away from the central axis192) with respect to opposite ends of the corresponding body segments152. The body segments152may be defined by the respective radiuses of curvature of the outer wall sections132of the contact channels125A and125B. More specifically, curves made by rotating the radiuses RA1and RB1from the centers CAand CB, respectively, may form a shape of the body segments152. In the illustrated embodiment, the radiuses RA1and RB1are substantially equal and the radiuses RA2and RB2are substantially equal. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the radiuses RA1and RA2and the radiuses RB1and RB2are measured from the common center CAand the common center CB, respectively. However, in alternative embodiments, the radiuses RA1and RA2and the radiuses RB1and RB2may have different centers of the radiuses of curvature.

FIG. 3is the enlarged cross-section of the portion of the plug insert118shown inFIG. 2illustrating a contact sub-assembly180. The contact sub-assembly180is held by the pair of contact channels125A and125B. The contact sub-assembly180includes the mating contacts120A and120B and the retention clips150A and150B disposed within the contact channels125A and125B. The retention clips150A and150B are positioned within the contact channels125A and125B between the corresponding mating contacts120A and120B and the respective channel walls126A and126B. More specifically, the outer wall sections132of the contact channels125A and125B may engage the retention clips150A and150B within the contact channels125A and125B.

As shown inFIG. 3, each of the retention clips150A and150B has a concave body160. Each of the concave bodies160extends between clip edges184and186. The clip edges184and186are separated by an open side188. The open side188may also be characterized as an air gap formed in the contact channel125that is located generally between the clip edges184and186, the mating contact120, and inner wall section130of the channel wall126. Each of the concave bodies160extends partially about the corresponding wall perimeter WPAand WPBwith the open side188positioned along a portion of the wall perimeter WPAand WPB. The retention clips150A and150B are oriented to face one another such that the inter-channel portion134extends directly between the open sides188of the retention clips150A and150B. The retention clips150A and150B may diametrically oppose each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention clips150A and150B have identical structures. However, in alternative embodiments, the retention clips150A and150B may have different structures.

The outer wall sections132are configured to accommodate or fit the corresponding retention clips150A and150B so that the retention clips150A and150B permit the mating contacts120A and120B to be inserted therethrough. The outer wall sections132may have various shapes to hold the retention clips150A and150B. Thus, embodiments are not limited to having contact channels (or outer wall sections) with semi-circular shapes, but may have other shapes to accommodate the retention clip.

Also shown inFIG. 3, the central axes192A and192B of the contact sub-assembly180may extend parallel to and within a contact plane CP1. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact plane CP1intersects the mating contacts120A and120B, the inter-channel portion134, the open sides188, and the concave bodies160of the retention clips150A and150B. Moreover, the only matter (or material other than air or gas) that may be located between the mating contacts120A and120B may exclusively be the dielectric material of the dielectric body119. In such cases, electromagnetic coupling between the mating contacts120A and120B may be optimized. Thus, as compared to known electrical connectors, the retention clips150A and150B may allow a uniform amount of dielectric material located between adjacent mating contacts120A and120B. In some embodiments, the retention clips150A and150B also permit a tighter arrangement (or density) of mating contacts120in the electrical connector100(FIG. 1).

In alternative embodiments, the retention clips150A and150B may also be used to improve a dielectric breakdown strength between mating contacts that transmit electrical power. For example, the retention clips150A and150B may reduce the proximity of the mating contacts with respect to each other. Moreover, as compared to known electrical connectors, the retention clips150A and150B may allow an increased amount of dielectric material located between the mating contacts. As such, the retention clips150A and150B may prevent or reduce arcing between the mating contacts that transmit electrical power.

FIGS. 4-6illustrate an exemplary retention clip150in greater detail. As shown, the retention clips150have a concave body160that extends longitudinally between leading and trailing ends162and164. The concave body160also extends between opposite clip edges184and186. As shown, the retention clip150may have a length L1(FIG. 4) measured between the leading and trailing ends162and164, and the retention clip150may have a thickness T1(FIG. 6) measured between an outer or wall surface170and an inner or channel surface182(FIG. 6). In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness T1is substantially uniform, but the thickness T1may vary in other embodiments. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, the retention clip150may be stamped and formed from a resilient and deformable sheet material. However, other manufacturing processes may be used.

Also shown inFIGS. 4-6, the retention clip150may include a resilient flex finger172that extends from the leading end162and toward the trailing end164. The flex finger172may be outlined by a stamped void173. The flex finger172is configured to engage the corresponding mating contact120when the mating contact120is inserted into the corresponding contact channel125. The flex finger172may extend to a distal edge176. In a relaxed condition, the flex finger172extends away from the inner surface182.

With specific reference toFIG. 6, the retention clip150may define a contact-reception space174that is located along the inner surface182and between the clip edges184and186. As the flex finger172extends longitudinally from the leading end162to the trailing end164, the flex finger172may extend into the contact-reception space174such that the distal edge176is located within the contact-reception space174. With respect to the central axis192(FIG. 2) of a corresponding contact channel125, the flex finger172may extend at least partially toward the central axis192(i.e., at least partially in a radial direction). For example, the flex finger172may curve into the contact-reception space174or extend in a linear manner from the leading end162.

Returning toFIG. 3, the retention clips150A and150B are shaped to permit the mating contacts120A and120B to be freely moved through the contact channels125A and125B. The retention clips150A and150B and the wall perimeters WPAand WPBmay be configured to permit the mating contacts120A and120B to be inserted therethrough so that the mating contacts120A and120B are not obstructed (e.g., so that the mating contacts120A and120B are not snagged or do not catch parts of the retention clips150A and150B). For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the inner surfaces182A and182B of the retention clips150A and150B are substantially flush with the interior surfaces128A and128B, respectively. When the mating contacts120A and120B are inserted through the contact channels125A and125B, the flex fingers172may engage the mating contacts120A and120B and facilitate holding (e.g., retaining) the mating contacts120A and120B within the contact channels125A and125B. For example, the flex fingers172may prevent the mating contacts120from moving in at least one direction along the central axis192.

FIG. 7is a cross-section of an electrical connector assembly200formed in accordance with one embodiment. The connector assembly200includes a first pluggable connector202and a second pluggable connector204. The first and second pluggable connectors202and204may be similar to the electrical connector100shown inFIG. 1. The pluggable connector202includes a plug insert206that comprises a base body210and a cap body212that interface with each other to form the plug insert206. The plug insert206includes a plurality of contact channels214that are configured to hold mating contacts208(herein referenced as pin contacts208) and retention clips216. The pin contacts208and the retention clips216may be similar to the mating contacts120(FIG. 1) and the retention clips150(FIG. 3) described above.

Likewise, the pluggable connector204includes a plug insert226that comprises a base body230and a cap body232that interface with each other to form the plug insert226. The plug insert226includes a plurality of contact channels234configured to hold mating contacts228(herein referenced as socket contacts228) and retention clips236. The socket contacts228and the retention clips236may be similar to the mating contacts120(FIG. 1) and the retention clips150(FIG. 3) described above. However, as shown inFIG. 7, when the pluggable connectors202and204are properly aligned and engaged, the socket contacts228receive and engage the pin contacts208to establish an electrical connection therebetween.

FIG. 8is an enlarged side cross-section of the connector assembly200(FIG. 7) illustrating the pin and socket contacts208and228engaged with each other. As shown, the contact channels214and234of the base bodies210and230, respectively, include corresponding clip regions240and242. The clip regions240and242are sized and shaped to receive the retention clips216and236, respectively. The clip regions240and242may, for example, have wall perimeters that are similar to the wall perimeters WPAand WPBdescribed with respect toFIGS. 2 and 3. In addition, the base body210has a forward-facing surface244that includes openings238. The base body230has a forward-facing surface254that includes openings258. As shown, the clip regions240and242extend depths D2and D3, respectively, into the base bodies210and230from the forward-facing surfaces244and254. The depths D2and D3are approximately equal to or greater than a length of the retention clips216and236(such as the length L1of the retention clip150(FIG. 4)).

To construct the pluggable connector202, the retention clips216are inserted through the openings238of the base body210, which provide access to the clip regions240. The cap body212may then be engaged to the forward-facing surface244of the base body210. The cap body212may have corresponding holes239that align with the openings238of the base body210. When the cap body212is attached to the forward-facing surface244of the base body210to form the plug insert206, the retention clips216may be confined within the clip regions240of the plug insert206. The pin contacts208may then be advanced into the contact channels214. As the pin contacts208are received by the contact channels214, the pin contacts208engage flex fingers250of the retention clips216and deflect the flex fingers250radially outward. The flex fingers250slide along a surface of the pin contact208. When the flex finger250clears a recess or groove252that extends along the pin contact208, the flex finger250may move (e.g., resile) into the groove252to engage the pin contact208. Once engaged, the pin contact208is not permitted to move rearwardly in an axial direction unless a removal tool is inserted into the contact channel234and used to deflect the flex finger250. For example, when the pluggable connector202engages the pluggable connector204, the retention clip216or, more particularly, the flex finger250may provide a positive stop to rearward movement of the pin contacts208when the pin contacts208engage the socket contacts228. The pluggable connector204may be constructed in a similar manner as the pluggable connector202.

FIG. 9is a front-end view of the electrical connector202illustrating pin contacts208arranged in a set282of contact sub-assemblies280. Although the following is with specific reference to pin contacts, the following description of arranging the pin contacts with respect to each other may similarly be applied to socket contacts. As shown inFIG. 9, two pin contacts208may form a differential pair P. More specifically, a plurality of pin contacts208may form a plurality of differential pairs P1-P8. Each differential pair P has one pin contact208having a positive polarity and another pin contact208having a negative polarity (i.e., one pin contact208transmits a signal current that is about 180° out-of-phase with the other pin contact208). Each differential pair P1-P8may comprise a contact sub-assembly280that includes the pin contacts208A and208B and corresponding retention clips216A and216B. Also shown, the plug insert206may have an air dielectric or plug cavity215extending through a center of the plug insert206.

The differential pairs P1-P8(or contact sub-assemblies280) may be arranged with respect to each other in order to minimize unwanted electromagnetic coupling between the pin contacts208of the differential pairs P1-P8. For example, in some embodiments, adjacent differential pairs P (or contact sub-assemblies280) may have predetermined orientations with respect to each other. As used herein, two differential pairs are “adjacent” to one another when the two differential pairs of mating contacts do not have (a) any other mating contact of another differential pair located between the two differential pairs or (b) an air dielectric located between the two differential pairs. Furthermore, adjacent differential pairs are relatively close to one another as compared to other differential pairs. For example, inFIG. 9, the differential pair P1is adjacent to the differential pairs P2and P8. However, the differential pairs P2and P8are not adjacent to each other.

In the illustrated embodiment, adjacent differential pairs P (or contact sub-assemblies280) are oriented substantially perpendicular to one another. For example, each of the differential pairs P5and P6have a contact plane CP5and CP6, respectively, that extends through central axes of the contact channels as described above with respect toFIG. 3. The contact sub-assembly280of the differential pair P5and the contact sub-assembly280of the differential pair P6are adjacent to each other and the respective contact planes CP5and CP6are perpendicular to each other. In particular embodiments, the contact plane CP6may not only extend through an inter-channel portion, open sides, and concave bodies as described above with respect to the contact plane CP1, but may also extend through an inter-channel portion of the adjacent differential pair P5. Furthermore, in some embodiments, one contact sub-assembly280may be adjacent to two contact sub-assemblies280and perpendicular to both. For example, the contact sub-assembly280of the differential pair P5is also oriented perpendicular to the contact sub-assembly280of the differential pair P4.

In some embodiments, a number of contact sub-assemblies280in the set282of contact sub-assemblies280may be a multiple of four. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, there are eight (8) contact sub-assemblies280comprising 16 pin contacts. In other embodiments, there may be four (4) contact sub-assemblies280comprising eight (8) contacts. Moreover, other embodiments may include twelve and sixteen contact sub-assemblies280. However, in alternative embodiments, the contact sub-assemblies are not a multiple of four.

FIG. 10is a front-end view of an electrical connector402formed in accordance with another embodiment that is similar to the electrical connector100. The electrical connector402has a set404of contact sub-assemblies406that are similar to the contact sub-assemblies280described above. The contact sub-assemblies406constitute differential pairs P9-P12. As shown, each of the contact sub-assemblies406may be adjacent to only two other contact sub-assemblies406. Moreover, each of the contact sub-assemblies406may be oriented perpendicular to the two other contact sub-assemblies406.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. As such, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. For example, the description of the pin contacts above may be similarly applied to socket contacts. Contact sub-assemblies may include socket contacts and retention clips. As such, if the following claims reference mating contacts, the mating contacts may be, for example, pin contacts and socket contacts.