Card edge connector assembly with support structure

A card edge connector assembly includes a card edge connector having a housing defining a card slot receiving a paddle card of a pluggable module having a base mounted to a host circuit board holding contacts in the card slot to electrically connect to the paddle card. Support hardware is coupled to the housing having a base including a cavity receiving the card edge connector and a support beam extending from the base having a pocket receiving the pluggable module. The support beam has a support surface configured to support the pluggable module independent of the card edge connector. The support hardware has a latch coupled to the support beam latchably coupled to the pluggable module to secure the pluggable module in the support hardware electrically coupled to the card edge connector.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter herein relates generally to card edge connector assemblies.

Card edge connectors are used in various system applications. For example, card edge connectors are typically mounted to a host circuit board. The card edge connectors include card slots for receiving a card edge of a paddle card of a pluggable module. The pluggable modules are typically stand-alone modules including electrical components thereon, such as memory, processors and the like forming electrical circuits and interacting with the host circuit board. The card edge connectors are designed for supporting the stand-alone pluggable modules.

Some system components need to be electrically connected to other components by cables. For example, header connectors may be mounted to the circuit board that electrically connect to cabled receptacle connectors. The header connectors and receptacle connectors typically have different footprints, different characteristics and different requirements than card edge connectors. For example, when installed, the cabled receptacle connectors may be subjected to stresses and strains, such as pulling forces on the cables, which are transferred to the header connector. The header connector is mounted to the host circuit board with sufficient structural stability to withstand the forces from the cabled receptacle connectors. Conventional card edge connectors are not mounted to the circuit board with sufficient structural stability to withstand forces from cable mounted pluggable modules.

Because real estate on the host circuit board is precious, it may be expensive to provide both card edge connectors and header connectors on the same circuit board to accommodate both non-cabled pluggable modules and cabled receptacle connectors. A need remains for an electrical connector that accommodates non-cabled pluggable modules and cabled receptacle connectors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a card edge connector assembly is provided including a card edge connector having a housing defining a card slot configured to receive a paddle card of a pluggable module. The housing has a base configured to be mounted to a host circuit board and holds contacts in the card slot to electrically connect to the paddle card. Support hardware is coupled to the housing having a base including a cavity receiving the card edge connector. The support hardware has a support beam extending from the base having a pocket receiving the pluggable module. The support beam has a support surface configured to support the pluggable module independent of the card edge connector such that the paddle card is oriented in the card slot relative to the contacts for electrical connection therewith. The support hardware has a latch coupled to the support beam latchably coupled to the pluggable module to secure the pluggable module in the support hardware electrically coupled to the card edge connector.

In another embodiment, a card edge connector assembly is provided including a card edge connector having a housing defining a card slot configured to receive a paddle card of a pluggable module. The housing has a base configured to be mounted to a host circuit board and holds contacts in the card slot to electrically connect to the paddle card. The housing having a locating surface on an exterior of the housing. Support hardware is coupled to the housing having a base including a cavity receiving the card edge connector. The support hardware includes a locating surface in the cavity engaging the locating surface of the housing to register the location of the support hardware to the card edge connector. The support hardware has a support beam extending from the base having a pocket receiving the pluggable module. The support beam has a support surface configured to support the pluggable module independent of the card edge connector such that the paddle card is oriented in the card slot relative to the contacts for electrical connection therewith. The support hardware has a latch coupled to the support beam latchably coupled to the pluggable module to secure the pluggable module in the support hardware electrically coupled to the card edge connector.

In another embodiment, a card edge connector assembly is provided including a card edge connector having a housing defining a card slot configured to receive a paddle card of a pluggable module. The housing has a base configured to be mounted to a host circuit board and holds contacts in the card slot to electrically connect to the paddle card. Support hardware is coupled to the housing having a base including a cavity receiving the card edge connector. The support hardware has a support beam extending from the base having a pocket receiving the pluggable module. The support beam has a support surface configured to support the pluggable module independent of the card edge connector such that the paddle card is oriented in the card slot relative to the contacts for electrical connection therewith. The support hardware has a latch coupled to the support beam latchably coupled to the pluggable module to secure the pluggable module in the support hardware electrically coupled to the card edge connector. The latch is pivoted toward the pluggable module to release from the pluggable module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1is a perspective view of an electrical system100showing various card edge connector assemblies102,104,106,108in accordance with an exemplary embodiment showing the card edge connector assemblies102,104,106,108in mated positions.FIG. 2is a perspective view of the electrical system100showing the card edge connector assemblies102,104,106,108in unmated positions. The card edge connector assemblies102,104,106,108are mounted to a host circuit board110. WhileFIGS. 1 and 2illustrate four different types of card edge connector assemblies having some similar components, it is realized that any number of any of the card edge connector assemblies102,104,106,108may be utilized within the system100. For example, in various embodiments, only one card edge connector assembly102,104,106or108may be used; only one type of card edge connector assembly102,104,106or108may be used with multiple of such card edge connector assembly102,104,106or108mounted to the circuit board110; or more than one type of card edge connector assemblies102,104,106and/or108may be mounted to the circuit board110.

In the illustrated embodiment, the card edge connector assembly102is a vertical, non-cabled card edge connector assembly; the card edge connector assembly104is a horizontal, non-cabled card edge connector assembly; the card edge connector assembly106is a vertical, cabled card edge connector assembly; the card edge connector assembly108is a horizontal, cabled card edge connector assembly. Other types of card edge connector assemblies may be utilized in alternative embodiments. The card edge connector assemblies102,104,106,108include similar components and like components may be identified using like names and like reference numbers. Not every card edge connector assembly102,104,106,108is described herein in the same amount of detail and components described herein with reference to one of the card edge connector assemblies102,104,106,108may be applicable to other card edge connector assemblies102,104,106,108.

The card edge connector assembly102includes a card edge connector120and a non-cabled pluggable module122(which may be referred to hereinafter simply as pluggable module122). The card edge connector120is configured to be mounted to the host circuit board110, such as by soldering contacts124of the card edge connector120to the host circuit board110. The card edge connector120has a mating end126configured to receive a mating end128of the non-cabled pluggable module122. The mating end126is provided at a top of the card edge connector120to receive the non-cabled pluggable module122in a generally vertical mating direction, such as a mating direction perpendicular to the host circuit board110represented by arrow A.

The card edge connector assembly102includes a support member for the pluggable module122, such as support hardware150configured to be mounted to the host circuit board110adjacent the card edge connector120to provide guidance and support for the pluggable module122. The support hardware150may be referred to as vertical support hardware because the supporting portion of the support hardware150extends generally vertically. The support hardware150may alleviate stress or strain on the card edge connector120from the pluggable module122. The support hardware150includes a latch152for latchably securing the pluggable module122in the support hardware150and the card edge connector120.

The card edge connector assembly104includes a card edge connector130and the non-cabled pluggable module122(while the same pluggable module122is illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, it is realized that the card edge connector assembly104may be configured to mate with a different type of pluggable module). The card edge connector130is configured to be mounted to the host circuit board110, such as by soldering contacts134of the card edge connector130to the host circuit board110. The card edge connector130has a mating end136configured to receive the mating end128of the non-cabled pluggable module122. The mating end136is provided at a front of the card edge connector130to receive the non-cabled pluggable module122in a generally horizontal mating direction, such as a mating direction parallel to the host circuit board110represented by the arrow B.

The card edge connector assembly104includes a support member for the pluggable module122, such as support hardware160configured to be mounted to the host circuit board110adjacent the card edge connector130to provide guidance and support for the pluggable module122. The support hardware160may be referred to as horizontal support hardware because the supporting portion of the support hardware160extends generally horizontally. The support hardware160may alleviate stress or strain on the card edge connector130from the pluggable module122. The support hardware160includes a latch162for latchably securing the pluggable module122in the support hardware160and the card edge connector130.

The card edge connector assembly106includes the card edge connector120and the support hardware150(while the same card edge connector120and support hardware150are illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2as part of the card edge connector assembly102and the card edge connector assembly106, it is realized that the card edge connector assembly106may include a different type of card edge connector or a different type of support hardware in alternative embodiments) and a cabled pluggable module142having cables144extending therefrom (which may be referred to hereinafter simply as pluggable module142). The support hardware150may alleviate stress or strain on the card edge connector120from the cable pluggable module142, such as from pulling forces on the cables144. The mating end126of the card edge connector120is configured to receive a mating end148of the cabled pluggable module142. The mating end126receives the cabled pluggable module142in a generally vertical mating direction, such as a mating direction perpendicular to the host circuit board110shown by arrow C. The cables144exit the pluggable module142generally opposite the card edge connector120, such as vertically from the top thereof; however, the cables144may exit from other portions of the pluggable module142or in other directions, such as horizontally.

The card edge connector assembly108includes the card edge connector130and the support hardware160(while the same card edge connector130and the support hardware160are illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2as part of the card edge connector assembly104and the card edge connector assembly108, it is realized that the card edge connector assembly108may include a different type of card edge connector or a different type of support hardware160in alternative embodiments). The card edge connector assembly108includes the cabled pluggable module142having the cables144extending therefrom (while the same cabled pluggable module142is illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2as part of the card edge connector assembly104and the card edge connector assembly108, it is realized that the cabled pluggable module142may include a different type of card edge connector in alternative embodiments). The support hardware160may alleviate stress or strain on the card edge connector130from the cable pluggable module142, such as from pulling forces on the cables144. The cables144exit the pluggable module142generally opposite the card edge connector130, such as horizontally; however, the cables144may exit from other portions of the pluggable module142or in other directions, such as vertically away from the host circuit board110.

FIG. 3is a perspective view of the card edge connector assembly102showing the card edge connector120, the support hardware150and the non-cabled pluggable module122in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the non-cabled pluggable module122is a standalone pluggable module configured to be mated with the card edge connector120(or the card edge connector130shown inFIGS. 1 and 2) without being electrically connected to another component, such as through a cabled connection. In various embodiments, the only interface the pluggable module122has with another component is through the card edge connector120. The pluggable module122includes a paddle card170having a card edge172at the mating end128configured to be loaded into the card edge connector120or130. The paddle card170has a plurality of contact pads174at the card edge172configured to be electrically connected to the card edge connector120. In an exemplary embodiment, the paddle card170includes one or more alignment slots176in the card edge172for locating the paddle card170within the card edge connector120. The paddle card170is configured to be latchably secured in the support hardware150(or the support hardware160) by the latch152. In an exemplary embodiment, the paddle card170includes one or more latching features177for latch of the engaging the latch152. In the illustrated embodiment, the latching features177are openings in the paddle card170. The latching features177have latching surfaces179configured to engage the latch152.

The non-cabled pluggable module122includes one or more electrical components178mounted to the paddle card170. For example, the electrical components178may include a memory, a processor, or other types of electrical components. The electrical components178are electrically connected to corresponding contact pads174. The paddle card170includes various circuits transmitting data and/or power between the contact pads174and the electrical components178. In various embodiments, in a simple form, the pluggable module122simply includes the paddle card170with the various electrical components178without any other structure. In other various embodiments, the pluggable module122may include a pluggable body, such as a housing, surrounding the paddle card170and/or the electrical components178. The pluggable body may include one or more heat sinks for dissipating heat from the electrical components178.

FIG. 4is a perspective view of the card edge connector assembly106showing the card edge connector120, the support hardware150and the cabled pluggable module142in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.FIG. 5is a front perspective view of a portion of the cabled pluggable module142in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.FIG. 6is a rear perspective view of the cabled pluggable module142in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

The cabled pluggable module142includes the cables144to electrically connect the pluggable module142to another component remote from the pluggable module142within the electrical system100. The pluggable module142interfaces with the cables144and with the corresponding card edge connector120(or the card edge connector130shown inFIGS. 1 and 2) to electrically connect the card edge connector120with another component, such as another connector, through the cables144.

The pluggable module142includes a paddle card180having a card edge182at the mating end148configured to be loaded into the card edge connector120. The paddle card180has a plurality of contact pads184at the card edge182configured to be electrically connected to the card edge connector120. In an exemplary embodiment, the paddle card180includes one or more alignment slots186in the card edge182for locating the paddle card180within the card edge connector120.

The cables144are terminated to a cable end188of the paddle card180generally opposite the mating end148. For example, the cables144may be soldered to the paddle card180. The paddle card180includes various circuits transmitting data and/or power between the contact pads184and the cables144. In various embodiments, the pluggable module142does not include separate electrical components (for example, memory, processors, and the like) on the paddle card180, but rather is electrically connected to corresponding electrical components via the cables144. In other various embodiments, the paddle card180may include electrical components thereon.

The pluggable module142includes a pluggable body200configured to hold the paddle card180and/or the cables144. For example, the pluggable body200may be an overmolded body molded around the cable end188of the paddle card180and ends of the cables144. In other various embodiments, the pluggable body200is a housing, pre-molded and receiving the paddle card180and the ends of the cables144. Optionally, the housing may be a multi-piece housing, such as two pieces coupled together around the paddle card180and the cables144. The pluggable body200provides strain relief for the cables144. In an exemplary embodiment, the card edge182of the paddle card180is exposed beyond an end of the pluggable body200.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable body200includes a first side202and a second side204extending between a first end206and a second end208. The pluggable body200extends between the mating end148and a cable end210opposite the mating end148. The cable end210may be truncated or narrower than the mating end148. The cables144exit the pluggable body200at the cable end210. In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable body200includes a first mounting arm212at the first end206and a second mounting arm214at the second end208. The mounting arms212,214are used for mounting the pluggable module142to the support hardware150. For example, the mounting arms212,214may include ribs216,218, respectively, that are received in slots or tracks in the support hardware150. In an exemplary embodiment, the ribs216,218have the same thickness as the card edge182of the paddle card180to simulate the paddle card170(shown inFIG. 3) so that the support hardware150is able to receive both the ribs and the paddle card170.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable module142includes first and second latching features220,222(FIG. 6) at the first and second ends206,208, respectively. The latching features220,222interact with the latch152to latchably secure the pluggable module142in the support hardware150.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable body200includes a front edge236at the mating end148. The card edge182of the paddle card180extends forward of the front edge236. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting arms212,214extend forward of the front edge236along opposite ends of the paddle card180. The pluggable body200includes one or more front stop surfaces238, such as at the front edge236. The front stop surfaces238are configured to engage the card edge connector120when the pluggable module122is mated thereto. The front stop surfaces238may rest against the support hardware150and/or the card edge connector120.

FIG. 7is a front perspective view of a portion of the card edge connector assembly106in accordance with an exemplary embodiment showing the card edge connector120and the support hardware150(the card edge connector120and the support hardware150may be used as part of the card edge connector assembly102in various embodiments).FIG. 8is a rear perspective view of the support hardware150in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Optionally, the support hardware150may be similar to the support hardware160(shown inFIGS. 1 and 2) and thus features of the support hardware160may be described herein with reference to the support hardware150. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the support hardware150,160are configured to be mounted 90° relative to each other on the host circuit board110and thus have mounting features for mounting to the host circuit board that are oriented 90° relative to each other; however, the positioning of the support hardware150,160relative to the circuit card connectors120,130may be similar and the mating with the pluggable modules122,142may be similar. As such, similar molds may be used for manufacturing the support hardware150and160to reduce design and manufacturing costs.

The support hardware150includes a base300at a bottom of the support hardware150configured to be mounted to the host circuit board110(shown inFIGS. 1 and 2) and a support beam302above the base300. The base300is the portion of the support hardware150surrounding the circuit card connector120and the support beam302is the portion of the support hardware150above the circuit card connector120that supports the pluggable module122or142. In an exemplary embodiment, the support hardware150is vertical support hardware configured to extend vertically (for example, perpendicular to the host circuit board110) and be coupled to the pluggable module122or142in a vertical mating direction. The support beam302extends to a distal end or top304of the support hardware150. The top304is generally opposite a bottom306of the support hardware150at the base300, which is configured to be mounted to the host circuit board110. In an exemplary embodiment, the bottom306includes a mounting feature308for mounting the base300to the host circuit board110. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting feature308is a threaded opening configured to receive mounting hardware, such as a fastener, such as a threaded screw. Other types of mounting features may be provided in alternative embodiments, such as a non-threaded opening, a post, a barb, a solder feature, and the like.

The base300includes a cavity310configured to receive the card edge connector120and one or more openings312providing access to the cavity310. In an exemplary embodiment, the support hardware150includes opposite first and second sides314,316extending between ends318,320and between the top304and the bottom306. In the illustrated embodiment, openings312are provided at the first and second sides314,316. The card edge connector120is exposed at the first side314. The second side316may cover at least part of the opposite side of the card edge connector120and ties the ends318,320together. In an exemplary embodiment, the support hardware150is generally box-shaped; however, the support hardware150may have other shapes in alternative embodiments including other portions. The support hardware150has a footprint defined by the bottom306between the ends318,320and the sides314,316configured to occupy a space above the host circuit board110.

The base300includes one or more locating surfaces322configured to locate the support hardware150relative to the card edge connector120. In an exemplary embodiment, the locating surfaces322are provided in the cavity310at the ends318,320and at the second side316to locate the support hardware150relative to the card edge connector120in two directions. The locating surfaces322are configured to engage the card edge connector120to register the location of the support hardware150relative to the card edge connector120. The locating surfaces322may guide side-to-side positioning of the support hardware150and end-to-end positioning of the support hardware150relative to the card edge connector120.

The support beam302extends between the opposite ends318,320of the support hardware150. The support beam302is used to guide mating of the pluggable module122or142to the support hardware150. The support beam302supports the pluggable module122or142to alleviate stresses and strains on the card edge connector120, such as from pulling on the cables144of the pluggable module142by transferring the stresses and strains to the base300and the host circuit board110. In an exemplary embodiment, the support beam302includes a lead-in332for guiding the pluggable module122or142during mating.

In an exemplary embodiment, the support beam302includes a pocket334configured to receive the pluggable module122or142. The pocket334is located above the cavity310and above the card edge connector120. Optionally, the pocket334is open at the first side314and enclosed by the body of the support beam302at the second side316. In an exemplary embodiment, the support beam302includes guide channels336at the ends318,320that receive portions of the pluggable module122or142. The guide channels336may guide and position the pluggable module122or142in the pocket334, such as for mating with the card edge connector120. The support beam302around the guide channels336may support the pluggable module122or142, such as by providing support surfaces338to support the pluggable module122or142.

The latch152is coupled to the support beam302, such as at the second side316and extends into the pocket334for interfacing with the pluggable module122or142when received therein. The latch152includes a latch handle340for actuating the latch152. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch handle340is at the second side316. The latch handle340may be grasped by the operator to release the latch152, such as in a pulling direction away from the second side316. In other embodiments, the latch handle340may be coupled to a tether (a portion is shown in phantom inFIG. 8) that may be pulled to release the latch152. The latch152includes latching fingers342for latchably engaging the pluggable module122or142. The latching fingers342extend into the pocket334to directly engage the pluggable module122or142. Optionally, the latching fingers342may be wedge shaped to passively deflect the latching fingers342as the pluggable module122or142is loaded into the support hardware150. The latching fingers342include latching surfaces344configured to engage and latchably couple to the pluggable module122or142to resist removal of the pluggable module122or142from the pocket334. Other types of latching features may be provided in alternative embodiments. The latching features may be located at a different position on the support beam302or may be located on the base300in alternative embodiments.

FIG. 9is a perspective view of the latch152in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The latch152includes the latch handle340and a latch tab346coupled to the latch handle340. Optionally, the latch tab346may be embedded in the latch handle340. For example, the latch handle340may be overmolded on the latch tab346. In an exemplary embodiment, the latch tab346is a stamped and formed latch tab stamped from a sheet metal plate and then formed to a predefined shape; however, the latch tab346may be manufactured from other processes and/or materials in alternative embodiments. The latch tab346includes embedded portions348in the latch handle340. The latch tab346includes a mounting beam350between tabs352of the latch handle340. The tabs352are provided at opposite ends of an opening354. The mounting beam350is used for mounting the latch tab346in the support hardware150. The latch tab346includes latching arms356at opposite ends of the latch152. The latching fingers342are provided at distal ends of the latching arms356. The latching fingers342may be bent out of plane from the latching arms356. Optionally, the latching arms356may include biasing plates358.

Biasing members360engage the biasing plates358to force the latch152forward in a biasing direction, such as to return the latch152to a latched position. Plugs362, which are configured to be coupled to the support hardware150, may be used to hold the biasing members360. The biasing members360may be compressed between the plugs362and the biasing plates358when the latch152is pulled to the released position. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing members360are coil springs; however, other types of biasing members360may be used in alternative embodiments. Optionally, the biasing members360may be integral with the latch tab346, such as stamped and formed from the latch tab346in the form of cantilevered beams or other types of biasing members360.

FIG. 10is a perspective view of the support hardware150and the latch152in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.FIG. 11is a bottom perspective view of the support hardware150and the latch152in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The latch152is coupled to the support beam302of the support hardware150. For example, the support beam302includes a channel370at the bottom of the support beam302that receives the mounting beam350and pockets372that receive the tabs352. The support beam302includes openings374that receive the latching fingers342and openings376that receive the plugs362. The latch152is movably coupled to the support beam302. For example, the latch152may be pulled rearward to release the latch152. The mounting beam350may slide rearward in the channel370and the tabs352may slide rearward in the pockets372.

In an exemplary embodiment, the support hardware150includes locating posts380at the bottom306extending from the base300. The locating posts380may be located proximate to the mounting features308. The locating posts380are configured to be received in the host circuit board110(shown inFIGS. 1 and 2) to locate the support hardware150relative to the host circuit board110. Other types of locating features may be used in alternative embodiments.

FIG. 12is a front perspective view of a portion of the card edge connector assembly106in accordance with an exemplary embodiment showing the pluggable module142poised for coupling with the circuit card connector120and the support hardware150.FIG. 13is a rear perspective view of a portion of the card edge connector assembly106in accordance with an exemplary embodiment showing the pluggable module142poised for coupling with the circuit card connector120and the support hardware150.

The card edge connector120includes a housing390having a card slot392configured to receive the paddle card180of the pluggable module142. In an exemplary embodiment, the card slot392is configured to receive the paddle card170(shown inFIG. 3) of the pluggable module122(shown inFIG. 3). The housing390has a base394configured to be mounted to the host circuit board110. The base394includes a locating surface396engaging the locating surface322of the support hardware150to register the location of the support hardware150to the housing390. The housing390holds the contacts124in the card slot392to electrically connect to the paddle card180.

The pluggable module142is positioned above the pocket334and the cavity310and lowered into the pocket334for mating with the circuit card connector120. The mounting arms212,214of the pluggable body200are aligned with the guide channels336at the ends318,320of the support beam302. The ribs216,218are configured to be received in the guide channels336. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting arms212,214include keying features382to key mating of the pluggable module142with the support hardware150. For example, the keying features382may extend from one side of the pluggable body200, such as proximate to the ribs216,218. The support hardware150includes blocking surfaces284that interfere with the keying features382if the pluggable module142is attempted to be loaded in the wrong direction (for example, 180 degrees). In the illustrated embodiment, the keying features382are received in the opening312at the first side314. Other types of keying features may be provided in alternative embodiments.

During mating, the pluggable module142is loaded into the pocket334through the open top304. The mounting arms212,214are received in the pocket334with the ribs216,218received in the guide channels336. The mounting arms212,214engage the support beam302to locate the paddle card180relative to the card edge connector120. The card edge182of the paddle card180is aligned with and received in the card slot of the card edge connector120. As the pluggable module142is loaded into the pocket334, the pluggable module142deflects the latching fingers342outward to allow the pluggable module142to fully load into the card edge connector120. When fully mated, the latching fingers342spring back to a latched position and are latchably coupled to the pluggable module142. For example, the latching fingers342are received in latching features220(shown in phantom inFIG. 12),222(FIG. 13). The latching features220,222include latching surfaces390configured to engage the latching fingers342. In the illustrated embodiment, the latching features220,222are openings in the paddle cared180; however, the latching features220,222may be openings in the pluggable body200rather than the paddle card180. In other alternative embodiments, other types of latching features may be provided for latchably coupling to the latching fingers342.

In an exemplary embodiment, the card edge connector120is able to be coupled to either the pluggable module142or the pluggable module122(shown inFIG. 3). For example, the card edge connector120and the support hardware150have a mating interface that interfaces with either of the pluggable modules122,142. Because the cabled pluggable module142tends to move around, such as when the cables144are manipulated or pulled, the support hardware150provides additional support to ensure that the card edge connector120is not damaged. Excessive movement of the card edge connector120may cause the contacts124to separate from the host circuit board110. For example, the solder between the contacts124and the host circuit board110may break causing electrical shorts. The support hardware150is coupled to the card edge connector120and the host circuit board110to alleviate stresses and strains on the card edge connector120. For example, the cabled pluggable module142is mounted to the support beam302and movement of the cabled pluggable module142is transferred from the support beam302to the base300and to the host circuit board110through the fastener used to secure the mounting feature308to the host circuit board110.

When assembled, the support hardware150registers the pluggable module142relative to the card edge connector120and supports the pluggable module142to hold the paddle card180relative to the contacts124. The support hardware150is registered to the housing390of the card edge connector120by the locating surface322of the support hardware150engaging the locating surface396of the housing390. The base300of the support hardware150is secured to the host circuit board110independent of the card edge connector120.

In various embodiments, the latch152is arranged with the latch handle340at the first side316of the support hardware150. The latch tab346is coupled to the latch handle340and positioned relative to the support hardware150such that the latching finger342is able to engage the pluggable module142to latchably secure the pluggable module142in the support hardware150. For example, in various embodiments, the latching finger342extends into the pocket334to engage the pluggable module142to latchably secure the pluggable module142in the support hardware150. The latching fingers342are configured to directly engage the paddle card180of the pluggable module142to latchably secure the pluggable module142in the support hardware150. The latch152is actuated to retract the latching finger342out of the pocket334to remove the pluggable module142from the pocket334. In various embodiments, the latch handle340has a tether398(FIG. 13) coupled thereto configured to pull the latch handle340and the latch tab346to release the pluggable module142. The latch152may be pulled away from the support hardware150in a release direction perpendicular to a mating direction of the pluggable module142with the card edge connector120. The biasing members360(shown inFIG. 9) bias the latch152to a latched position.

In various embodiments, the support beam302is positioned vertically above the base300to receive the pluggable module142in a mating direction perpendicular to the host circuit board110. However, in alternative embodiments, the support beam302may extend from the base300generally parallel to the host circuit board110, such as with the pocket346between the host circuit board110and the support beam302. The support hardware150transfers forces from the pluggable module142to the host circuit board110independent of the card edge connector120. In various embodiments, the pluggable body200has the ribs216,218at the ends thereof that are received in the guide channels336in the pocket334of the support hardware150to position the pluggable module142in the pocket334. The keying features382provide keyed mating of the pluggable module142with the support hardware150.

FIG. 14is a perspective view of the card edge connector assembly108showing the card edge connector130, the support hardware160and the cabled pluggable module142in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.FIG. 15is a perspective view of the card edge connector assembly108without the cabled pluggable module142showing the card edge connector130and the support hardware160.

In an exemplary embodiment, the card edge connector130includes similar dimensions as the card edge connector120(shown inFIGS. 12 and 13); however, the card edge connector130is rotated 90° on its side for mating with the cabled pluggable module142in a mating direction generally parallel to the host circuit board110rather than the vertical or perpendicular mating direction of the card edge connector120. The card edge connector130and the card edge connector120may have similar or identical mating interfaces for mating with the same cabled pluggable module142(or the non-cabled pluggable module122). While the card edge connector130is similar to the card edge connector120, the card edge connector130may include different mounting features for mounting to the host circuit board110and different contacts for electrical connection to the host circuit board110; however, the mating interface may be similar or identical to the mating interface of the card edge connector120.

The card edge connector130includes a housing490having a card slot492configured to receive the paddle card180of the pluggable module142. In an exemplary embodiment, the card slot492is configured to receive the paddle card170(shown inFIG. 3) of the pluggable module122(shown inFIG. 3). The housing490has a base494configured to be mounted to the host circuit board110. The base494includes a locating surface496to register the location of the support hardware160to the housing490. The housing490holds the contacts134in the card slot492to electrically connect to the paddle card180.

In an exemplary embodiment, the support hardware160include similar dimensions as the support hardware150(shown inFIGS. 12 and 13); however, the support hardware160is rotated 90° on its side for receiving the card edge connector130and for mating with the cabled pluggable module142in a mating direction generally parallel to the host circuit board110rather than the vertical or perpendicular mating direction of the support hardware150. While the support hardware160is similar to the support hardware150, the support hardware160may include different mounting features for mounting to the host circuit board110. For example, the mounting features may be rotated approximately 90° compared to the mounting features of the support hardware150. The support hardware160includes the latch162at the top configured to be pulled upward or in another pulling direction to release the latch162. The latch162latchably secures the pluggable module122in the support hardware160and the card edge connector130.

FIG. 16is a top view of the card edge connector assembly108in accordance with an exemplary embodiment showing the card edge connector130and the support hardware160(the card edge connector130and the support hardware160may be used as part of the card edge connector assembly104in various embodiments).FIG. 17is a front view of the card edge connector assembly108in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.FIG. 18is a rear view of the card edge connector assembly108in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.FIG. 19is an end view of the card edge connector assembly108in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The card edge connector assembly108is mounted to the host circuit board110and is configured to receive the pluggable module122or142(both shown inFIGS. 1 and 2) in a mating direction parallel to the host circuit board110.

Optionally, the support hardware160may be similar to the support hardware150(shown inFIGS. 1 and 2) and thus features of the support hardware150may be described herein with reference to the support hardware160. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the support hardware150,160are configured to be mounted 90° relative to each other on the host circuit board110and thus have mounting features for mounting to the host circuit board that are oriented 90° relative to each other; however, the positioning of the support hardware150,160relative to the circuit card connectors120,130may be similar and the mating with the pluggable modules122,142may be similar. As such, similar molds may be used for manufacturing the support hardware150and160to reduce design and manufacturing costs.

With additional reference toFIGS. 20-23,FIGS. 20-23show views of the support hardware160.FIG. 20is a front perspective view of the support hardware160.FIG. 21is a top perspective view of the support hardware160.FIG. 22is a bottom perspective view of the support hardware160.FIG. 23is a rear perspective view of the support hardware160.

The support hardware160includes a base400at a back of the support hardware160configured to be mounted to the host circuit board110(shown inFIGS. 1 and 2) and a support beam402forward of the base400. The base400is the portion of the support hardware160surrounding the circuit card connector130and the support beam402is the portion of the support hardware160forward of the circuit card connector130that supports the pluggable module122or142. In an exemplary embodiment, the support hardware160is horizontal support hardware configured to extend horizontally (for example, parallel to the host circuit board110) and be coupled to the pluggable module122or142in a horizontal mating direction. The support beam402extends to a distal end at a front404of the support hardware160. The front404is generally opposite a rear406of the support hardware160at the base400. The base400is configured to be mounted to the host circuit board110suing mounting features408at the rear406for mounting the base400to the host circuit board110. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting feature408is a threaded opening configured to receive mounting hardware, such as a fastener, such as a threaded screw. Other types of mounting features may be provided in alternative embodiments, such as a non-threaded opening, a post, a barb, a solder feature, and the like.

The base400includes a cavity410configured to receive the card edge connector130and one or more openings412providing access to the cavity410. In an exemplary embodiment, the support hardware160includes opposite first and second sides414,416, which in the illustrated embodiment define a bottom side414and a top side416extending between ends418,420. The bottom side414rests on the host circuit board110. In the illustrated embodiment, openings412are provided at the first and second sides414,416. The card edge connector130is exposed at the first side414for mounting to the host circuit board110. The second side416may cover at least part of the opposite side of the card edge connector130and ties the ends418,420together. In an exemplary embodiment, the support hardware160is generally box-shaped; however, the support hardware160may have other shapes in alternative embodiments including other portions. The support hardware160has a footprint defined by the bottom side414between the ends418,420and between the front404and the rear406configured to occupy a space above the host circuit board110.

The base400includes one or more locating surfaces422configured to locate the support hardware160relative to the card edge connector130. In an exemplary embodiment, the locating surfaces422are provided in the cavity410at the ends418,420and/or at the second side416to locate the support hardware160relative to the card edge connector130in two directions. The locating surfaces422are configured to engage the card edge connector130to register the location of the support hardware160relative to the card edge connector130. The locating surfaces422may guide front-to-rear positioning of the support hardware160and end-to-end positioning of the support hardware160relative to the card edge connector130.

The support beam402extends between the opposite ends418,420of the support hardware160. The support beam402is used to guide mating of the pluggable module122or142to the support hardware160. The support beam402supports the pluggable module122or142to alleviate stresses and strains on the card edge connector130, such as from pulling on the cables144of the pluggable module142by transferring the stresses and strains to the base400and the host circuit board110. In an exemplary embodiment, the support beam402includes a lead-in432.

In an exemplary embodiment, the support beam402includes a pocket434configured to receive the pluggable module122or142. The pocket434is located forward of the cavity410and the card edge connector130. Optionally, the pocket434is open at the first side414and enclosed by the body of the support beam402at the second side416. In an exemplary embodiment, the support beam402includes guide channels436at the ends418,420that receive portions of the pluggable module122or142. The guide channels436may guide and position the pluggable module122or142in the pocket434, such as for mating with the card edge connector130. The support beam402around the guide channels436may support the pluggable module122or142, such as by providing support surfaces438to support the pluggable module122or142.

The latch162is coupled to the support beam402, such as at the top side416and extends into the pocket434for interfacing with the pluggable module122or142when received therein. The latch162may be similar to or identical to the latch152(shown inFIG. 9). The latch162includes a latch handle440for actuating the latch162and a latch tab446coupled to the latch handle440. The latch handle440may be grasped by the operator to release the latch162, such as in a pulling direction away from the second side416. In other embodiments, the latch handle440may be coupled to a tether that may be pulled to release the latch162. The latch162includes latching fingers442for latchably engaging the pluggable module122or142. The latching fingers442extend into the pocket434to directly engage the pluggable module122or142. The latching fingers442include latching surfaces444configured to engage and latchably couple to the pluggable module122or142to resist removal of the pluggable module122or142from the pocket434. Other types of latching features may be provided in alternative embodiments. The latching features may be located at a different position on the support beam402or may be located on the base400in alternative embodiments.

FIG. 24is a perspective view of the card edge connector assembly102showing the card edge connector120, support hardware450and the non-cabled pluggable module122in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The support hardware450illustrated inFIG. 24differs from the support hardware150illustrated inFIGS. 1-13. The support hardware450includes a different type of latch452than the latch152. The latch452is latchably secured to the non-cabled pluggable module122to secure the pluggable module122in the support hardware450and the card edge connector120. For example, the latch452is configured to engage the latching features177of the paddle card170of the pluggable module122.

FIG. 25is a perspective view of the card edge connector assembly106showing the card edge connector120, the support hardware450and the cabled pluggable module142in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.FIG. 26is an exploded view of the support hardware450and the latch452.

The support hardware450includes a base500at a bottom of the support hardware450configured to be mounted to the host circuit board110(shown inFIGS. 1 and 2) and a support beam502above the base500. The base500may be similar to the base300and the support beam502may be similar to the support beam302. In an exemplary embodiment, the support hardware450is vertical support hardware configured to extend vertically (for example, perpendicular to the host circuit board110) and be coupled to the pluggable module122or142in a vertical mating direction. The support beam502extends to a distal end or top504of the support hardware450. The top504is generally opposite a bottom506of the support hardware450at the base500, which is configured to be mounted to the host circuit board110. In an exemplary embodiment, the bottom506includes a mounting feature508for mounting the base500to the host circuit board110.

The base500includes a cavity510configured to receive the card edge connector120and one or more openings512providing access to the cavity510. In an exemplary embodiment, the support hardware450includes opposite first and second sides514,516extending between ends518,520and between the top504and the bottom506. In the illustrated embodiment, openings512are provided at the first and second sides514,516. The card edge connector120is exposed at the first side514. The second side516may cover at least part of the opposite side of the card edge connector120and ties the ends518,520together. The base500includes one or more locating surfaces522configured to locate the support hardware450relative to the card edge connector120.

The support beam502extends between the opposite ends518,520of the support hardware450. The support beam502is used to guide mating of the pluggable module122or142to the support hardware450. The support beam502supports the pluggable module122or142to alleviate stresses and strains on the card edge connector120, such as from pulling on the cables144of the pluggable module142by transferring the stresses and strains to the base500and the host circuit board110. In an exemplary embodiment, the support beam502includes a pocket534configured to receive the pluggable module122or142. The pocket534is located above the cavity510and above the card edge connector120. Optionally, the pocket534is open at the first side514and enclosed by the body of the support beam502at the second side516. In an exemplary embodiment, the support beam502includes guide channels536at the ends518,520that receive portions of the pluggable module122or142.

The latch452is coupled to the support beam502, such as at the second side516and extends into the pocket534for interfacing with the pluggable module122or142when received therein. The latch452includes a latch handle540for actuating the latch452. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch handle540is at the second side516. The latch handle540may be grasped or pushed by the operator to release the latch452, such as in a direction toward the second side516; however, the latch handle540may be moved in other directions, such as in a direction away from the second side516. In other embodiments, the latch handle540may be coupled to a tether that may be pulled to release the latch452.

The latch452includes latch tabs546configured to be coupled to the support beam502and/or the base500. The latch tabs546have latching fingers542for latchably engaging the pluggable module122or142. The latching fingers542extend into the pocket534to directly engage the pluggable module122or142. Optionally, the latching fingers542may be wedge shaped to passively deflect the latching fingers542as the pluggable module122or142is loaded into the support hardware450. The latching fingers542include latching surfaces544configured to engage and latchably couple to the pluggable module122or142to resist removal of the pluggable module122or142from the pocket534. Other types of latching features may be provided in alternative embodiments. The latching features may be located at a different position on the support beam502or may be located on the base500in alternative embodiments.

In an exemplary embodiment, the latch handle540and the latch tabs546are a stamped and formed from sheet metal plates; however, the latch handle540and/or the latch tabs546may be manufactured from other processes and/or materials in alternative embodiments. The latch handle540includes arms548configured to be mounted to the support hardware450. For example, the arms548may be pivotably coupled to pivots extending from or coupled to the support hardware450. The arms548are configured to engage the latch tabs546. When the latch handle540is moved, such as rotated, the arms548press against the latch tabs546to move the latch tabs to a released position. For example, the arms548press against the latch tabs546to move the latching fingers542out of the pocket534to release the pluggable module122or142. The latch tabs546may spring back to last positions when the latch handle540is released.

FIG. 27is a front perspective view of the support hardware450showing the latch452in a latched position.FIG. 28is a rear perspective view of the support hardware450showing the latch452in the latched position.FIG. 29is a rear perspective view of the support hardware450showing the latch452in an unlatched or released position.FIG. 30is a front perspective view of the support hardware450showing the latch452in the unlatched or released position. The latching fingers542extend into the pocket534in the latched position. The latching fingers542are removed from the pocket534and the unlatched or released position. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch handle540is pressed forward to pivot or rotate the arms548into the latch tabs546to release the latching fingers542.

FIG. 31is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the card edge connector assembly106showing the pluggable module142poised for coupling to the support hardware450and the card edge connector120.FIG. 32is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the card edge connector assembly106showing the pluggable module coupled to the support hardware450and the card edge connector120showing the latch452in the latched position.FIG. 33is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the card edge connector assembly106showing the pluggable module142coupled to the support hardware450and the card edge connector120showing the latch452in the unlatched or released position to allow the pluggable module142to be removed from the support hardware450.

FIG. 34illustrates a portion of the card edge connector assembly106showing the support hardware450and the latch452with a tether454coupled to the latch452. The tether454may be pulled to actuate the latch452.

FIG. 35illustrates a portion of the card edge connector assembly106showing the support hardware450and the latch452with a button456coupled to the latch452. The button456may be pressed to actuate the latch452.