Abstract:
Connectors and methods to couple packages and dies are shown. Selected examples include plugs and receptacles having two or more terraces with contacts provided along the terraces. Examples of connectors and methods include configurations where the connector is usable with a package including a die coupled along a substrate. In selected examples a heat sink is coupled over the die, and a package includes a side access port between the heat sink and the substrate configured to receive the connector, such as one or more of a plug or receptacle through the side access port.

Description:
PRIORITY APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/711,187, filed Dec. 11, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments pertain to interconnects and connector assemblies for the same. Some embodiments relate to topside package connector assemblies that provide high-speed connection between components. 
     BACKGROUND 
     One issue with processors is the limited bandwidth of data transmission available through the socket connection of a processor to a motherboard. With increasing processor power the socket connection between the processor and the motherboard is becoming a constraint to otherwise available greater data transmission bandwidth. 
     Connections other than socket connections provide additional data transmission capability. However, such supplemental connections are limited by the size of the processor and further limited by integrated heat spreaders and heat sinks bonded to the processor. For example, side cable connections extend along their width to provide multiple contacts for data transmission. The limited size of a processor correspondingly limits the size of the cable and the bandwidth for data transmission. 
     Another issue with processors is the limited access provided to the processor for one or more of aftermarket installation or repair, or during initial assembly. In at least some examples the processor is provided on site or during assembly as a package assembly including the processor bonded to an integrated heat spreader and an overlying heat sink. After installation of the package assembly in a motherboard, additional access (e.g., with cable connections) to the processor is limited. Further, it is undesirable to remove the heat sink from the package because the heat sink is semi-permanently bonded with thermal interface material (TIM) and removal may damage the processor or heat sink. Moreover, the dimensions of the package assembly may be important in space constrained environments, and the removal and rebonding of the heat sink after connection of a data cable may undesirably alter a dimension, such as package height. 
     Improved device and interconnection designs are desirable that address these and other technical challenges. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a scalable connector and package assembly having top side access in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the scalable connector and package assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a detailed perspective view of the scalable connector including a plug and a receptacle in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the plug in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective bottom view of the plug in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a plug pin in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of another plug pin in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross sectional view of the plug and the receptacle in an assembled configuration; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the receptacle in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective rear view of the receptacle in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a receptacle pin in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of another receptacle including a receptacle insertion arm in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 13A  is a perspective view of a package clip in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 13B  is a top view of the package clip of  FIG. 13A ; 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of scalable connector and package assembly in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 15  is a block diagram of a method of interconnecting a package along a top side of a package in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description and the drawings sufficiently illustrate specific embodiments to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may incorporate structural, logical, electrical, process, and other changes. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in, or substituted for, those of other embodiments. Embodiments set forth in the claims encompass all available equivalents of those claims. 
       FIG. 1  shows one example of a package assembly  100  including a side access port  110  therein. As shown in  FIG. 1  the package assembly  100  includes a die  104  and a heat sink  106  over the die. In an example, the die  104 , its substrate and an integrated heat spreader coupled over the die  104  from a package. The passage assembly  100  accordingly includes the package (die  104 ), and the heat sink  106  coupled with a socket  108 , such as a socket  108  coupled with a motherboard. As will be described herein below the socket  108  includes a bottom side access port configured to receive a plurality of land side capacitors and further includes sufficient space to accommodate board components. The substrate of the package (substrate of the die  104 ) includes a contact array on a package bottom side  116  of the die  104  for connection with a circuit board (e.g., a motherboard), for instance by way of intervening contacts on the socket  108 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , a connector  102  is shown in an exploded view at the package side  112  of the package assembly  100 . In one example, the connector  102  is configured to extend through a side access port  110  formed at the package side  112  for instance on the package top side  114  (the package top side  114  underlies the heat sink  106  and includes the upper surface of the substrate  210  shown below). The connector  102  is in one example a scalable connector including a plug and a receptacle configured to interconnect with one another. As will be described herein, the connector  102  provides a system for connecting the package (e.g., the die  104  and the substrate described herein) by way of a data cable with components of an assembly, such as components on a circuit board. In one example, the connector  102  is scalable, such as by the addition of terraces with contacts thereon to provide sufficient data bandwidth for the package (e.g., a processor) to deliver and received data to and from one or more components without the cable connection being a bottleneck. Additionally, the scalable connector  102  provides a reliable connection between the package and components with minimal loss of signal integrity by way of reliable low insertion force connections between individual contacts. As previously described, the optional bottom side contacts of the die  104  are provided through the socket  108 , for instance on a package bottom side  116 , and accordingly provide another mechanism for connecting the package with one or more components by direct coupling with a circuit board. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the connector  102  includes at least two components including a plug  118  and a receptacle  120 . In the example shown the plug  118  is coupled with the die  104  and the receptacle  120  is coupled with a cable  122 . In another example the plug  118  and the receptacle  120  are reversed. That is to say, the receptacle  120  is positioned within the side access port  110  and in electrical communication with the die  104 . The plug  118  is conversely coupled with the cable  122 . Accordingly, a recitation of a plug or receptacle herein (in the specification, claims or the like) is considered to also include the converse. In other words, the recitation of a plug includes the converse receptacle and the recitation of a receptacle likewise includes the plug. 
     When the plug  118  and the receptacle  120  are coupled to form an assembled connector  102  the cable  122 , such as a micro coaxial cable, optical cable or the like, directly couples the die  104  with one or more components, for instance components separately mounted on a motherboard. The direct connection of the components with the die  104  allows for direct coupling of those components without intervening traces, leads and the like extending through the board. The direct coupling allows for greater signal integrity and fewer bandwidth constraints for communication between the die  104  and the one or more components. 
     Additionally and as will be described herein the side access port  110  and the connector  102  extending there through allow for supplemental connections with the die  104  beyond those provided by the die connection on the package bottom side  116 , for instance by a contact array or the like. That is to say, the side access port  110  between the heat sink  106  and a portion of the die  104 , such as a substrate, allows for a supplemental connection with the die  104  and accordingly facilitates the use of increased processor power otherwise unavailable with a single connection provided between the die  104  and a circuit board by way of a contact array on the package bottom side  116 . 
     As will also be further described herein the side access port  110  provides access to the die  104  after assembly of the package assembly  100  including the coupling of the heat sink  106  with the die  104 . That is to say, for infield installation the side access port  110  allows for coupling of a connector  102  and a cable  122  with one or more components without requiring removal of the heat sink  106  from the die  104 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the package assembly  100  is provided in an exploded view. As shown, the heat sink  106  is above a package clip  200  which in turn is above the package including the die  104  coupled with a substrate  210  (e.g., the package includes the die  104  and the substrate  210 ). The socket  108  configured to couple the die  104  and substrate  210  with a circuit board is provided beneath the package (e.g., the die  104  and the substrate  210 ). 
     The die  104  is coupled along a substrate  210  and an integrated heat spreader  208  is provided over the die  104  (optionally, the package includes the die  104 , the substrate  210  and the integrated heat spreader  208 ). The package clip  200  includes heat sink retaining flanges  202  and substrate retaining flanges  204  that cooperatively connect the heat sink  106  with the substrate  210  of the die  104 . For instance, the substrate retaining flanges  204  engage with the substrate  210  and similarly the heat sink retaining flanges  202  engage with and retain the heat sink  106  adjacent to the die  104  (e.g. the integrated heat spreader  208 ). 
     As further shown in  FIG. 2 , the package clip  200  further provides a receptacle guide  206  sized and shaped to guide the receptacle  120  connected with the cable  122  as shown in  FIG. 1  into coupling with the plug  118 . That is to say, with the limited access provided between the heat sink  106  and the substrate  210  the receptacle guide  206  provides ready access and a guiding and alignment feature to the receptacle  120  (or the plug  118  in a reversed configuration) to the plug (or the receptacle  120  where the components are reversed). Optionally, the receptacle guide  206  cooperates with the space between the heat sink  106  and the substrate  210  to form the side access port  110 . 
     Additionally the receptacle guide  206  guides the receptacle  120  relative to the plug  118  to ensure the proper interfitting of each of the terraces of the receptacle  120  with the plug  118 . As shown in  FIG. 2  and further shown herein each of the plug  118  and the receptacle  120  includes stepped terraces including a plurality of contacts thereon. The contacts are arranged to interfit as the stepped terraces of each of the plug  118  and the receptacle  120  are engaged. The terraced interface provides a plurality of contacts within the limited space provided by the side access port  110  between the substrate  210  and the heat sink  106 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the socket  108  previously shown in  FIG. 1  is provided exploded from the die  104  and the substrate  210  (the package). As shown the socket  108  includes a bottom side access port  212  sized and shaped to pass a contact array  214  on the package bottom side  116  (e.g., having land side capacitors and space to accommodate components on the board). The contact array  214  is sized and shaped to extend through the bottom side access port  212  for coupling with corresponding contacts on a circuit board coupled with the socket  108 . Accordingly, with the side access port  110  and the contact array  214  shown in  FIG. 2  the package (including the die  104  and the substrate  210 ) and the connector  102  provide a plurality of connection options for the package. 
     As will be described in detail herein, the connector  102  with scalable terraces each having a plurality of contacts (e.g., on the plug  118  and the receptacle  12 ) as shown in  FIG. 2  provides a low profile connector  102  sized and shaped to extend through the limited space provided between the heat sink  106  and the substrate  210  to accordingly provide a plurality of contacts for connection with one or more components on the board without requiring removal of the heat sink  106  to couple a cable connector or the like to the die  104  (thereby maintaining the dimensions of the original package assembly  100 ). 
       FIG. 3  shows a detailed perspective view of the connector  102  including the plug  118  and the receptacle  210 . Referring first to the plug  118  a plurality of plug terraces  300  having a stepped configuration and a plurality of receptacle contacts  304  on each of the terraces is provided on the plug. As shown, the plug terraces  300  and the plug  118  are recessed within the side access port  110  (in one example at least partially formed by the receptacle guide  206 ). 
     As further shown in  FIG. 3 , receptacle terraces  302  are provided on the receptacle  120 . In one example, the plurality of receptacle terraces  302  include two or more terraces having a corresponding configuration to the plug terraces  300 . As will be described herein, the receptacle terraces  302  in one example include a corresponding arrangement and number of plug contacts sized and shaped for engagement with the receptacle contacts  304 . The guided insertion of the receptacle  120  by the receptacle guide  206  aligns the receptacle terraces  302  with the plug terraces  300 . The receptacle contacts  304  of the plug terraces  300  and the plug contacts of the receptacle terraces  302  are similarly guided to ensure the proper interfitting of each of the respective contacts of the plug  118  and the receptacle  120 . The guiding of the receptacle  120  into engagement with the plug  118  is possible with this arrangement even with the limited space provided between the heat sink  106  and the substrate  210 . Stated another way and referring again to  FIG. 2 , the receptacle guide  206  as well as the corresponding surfaces of the substrate  210  and the heat sink  106  in at least one example cooperate to provide guiding surfaces for the connector  102  including one or more of the receptacle  120  or the plug  118  (if reversed) for an aligned connection between the plug terraces  300  and the receptacle terraces  302  as well as their respective contacts. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 3  the heat sink  106  is shown positioned above the connector  102  and the side access port  110 . The heat sink  106  has an expanded perimeter relative to the die  104  (see  FIG. 2 ). That is to say, the heat sink  106  has a heat sink overhang  306  relative to the die  104  and the corresponding portion of the plug  118  coupled with the die. With the coupling of the heat sink  106  to the die  104  as shown in  FIG. 1  the accessibility of a side access port of the die  104  is limited. For instance, as shown in  FIG. 2  the side access port  110  is recessed relative to the enlarged perimeter of the heat sink  106 . With the connector  102  shown in  FIGS. 1, 2 and 3  a receptacle such as the receptacle  120  is configured for positioning between the heat sink  106  and the substrate  210  shown in  FIG. 2 . The receptacle  120  is connectable with the plug  118  despite the heat sink overhang  306  shown in  FIG. 3 . Further, the receptacle  120  with its plurality of terraces  302  and plug contacts is able to provide a connection with the plug  118  having the corresponding terraces  300  and receptacle contacts  304 . That is to say, despite the small space provided between the heat sink  106  and the substrate  210  as well as the inaccessibility provided by the expanded perimeter of the heat sink  106  the scalable connector  102  (e.g., a low profile stepped connector with rows of contacts) is able to readily connect the receptacle  120  with the plug  118  and also provide a connection with a high data bandwidth. 
     The stepped configuration of the plurality of plug terraces  300  and the receptacle terraces  302  allows for the scalability of contacts such as the plug contacts and receptacle contacts  304  shown in  FIG. 3 . That is to say, with a connector configuration having a single row a set number of contacts are provided for that row. By multiplying the rows, for instance by way of adding additional recessed and stepped plug terraces  300  and receptacle terraces  302  the corresponding number of contacts of the connector  102  is multiplied relative to those provided with a single row. The connector  102  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3  is thereby able to provide a scalable number of contacts according to the number of plug and receptacle terraces  300 ,  302 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the plug  118  is shown in perspective. The plug  118  includes a plug body  400  and one or more alignment flanges  402  optionally provided at either end of the plug body  400 . As previously described, the plug  118  includes two or more plug terraces  300  having a corresponding set of receptacle contacts  304  provided on each of the terraces  300 . The terraces  300  are provided in a corresponding configuration to a number of receptacle terraces  302  provided on the receptacle  120 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 4 , the alignment flanges  402  in one example are provided near the ends of the plug body  400 . Optionally, the alignment flanges  402  include one or more guide bevels  404 . The alignment flanges  402  cooperate with the receptacle  120  to guide the receptacle and its plurality of receptacle terraces  302  into corresponding engagement with the plug terraces  300  of the plug  118 . For instance, the receptacle  120  is fit through the side access port  110  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  and then engages the alignment flanges  402  immediately before coupling between the plug terraces  300  and the receptacle terraces  302  begins. The alignment flanges  402  include dimensions (e.g., such as the length of the space between the flanges) corresponding to those of the receptacle  120  to ensure that the receptacle terraces  302  are accurately and precisely delivered into engagement with the plug terraces  300  so that the receptacle contacts  304  of the plug  118  are engaged with the corresponding plug contacts of the receptacle  120 . 
       FIG. 5  shows a bottom perspective view of the plug  118 . As shown the plug body  400  includes a substrate planar mounting surface  500  in one example. The substrate planar mounting surface  500  provides a planar surface for the reception and presentation of a plurality of substrate contacts  502  corresponding to the plurality of receptacle contacts  304  previously described herein. The plurality of receptacle contacts  304  extend through the plug body  400  (e.g., by way of plug pins including the contacts  304 ,  502 ) to the corresponding substrate contacts  502 . The substrate contacts  502  are engaged with corresponding contacts of the die for instance along the substrate  210  shown in  FIG. 2 . The substrate planar mounting surface  500  thereby provides a planar surface that facilitates easy connection between the plurality of substrate contacts  502  of the plug  118  having the plurality of plug terraces  300  and a corresponding number and arrangement of contacts on the substrate  210 . 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  show two examples of plug pins  600 ,  700  useable with the plug body  400  of the plug  118  previously described herein. In the first example shown in  FIG. 6 , the plug pin  600  has an angled configuration including an elbow  606 . Additionally, the plug pin  600  includes one or more anchors  602 ,  604  sized and shaped to hold the plug pin  600  in a static position within the plug body  400 . In one example, the anchor  602  is provided adjacent to the elbow  606  and the receptacle contact  304 . While the anchor  602  is engaged with the plug body  400  for instance by a process of stitching (interference fitting), molding or the like the anchor  602  provides support for the elbow  606  and the receptacle contact  304  for instance as the receptacle contact  304  is received within a corresponding plug contact of the receptacle  120 . Additionally, the anchor  604  provides similar support to the substrate contact  502  of each of the plug pins  600  as the substrate contact  502  is engaged with a corresponding contact of the substrate  210 . The anchors  602 ,  604  cooperate to reliably hold the contacts in place and thereby ensure accurate reception with corresponding contacts on the substrate  210  and in the receptacle  120 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , another example of a plug pin  700  having a linear configuration is provided. In a similar manner to the plug pin  600  the plug pin  700  includes first and second anchors  602 ,  604 . The first anchor  602  provides support to the receptacle contact  702  extending in a vertical fashion from the remainder of the plug pin  700 . In a similar manner to the anchor  604  of the plug pin  600  the anchor  604  of the plug pin  700  provides support to the substrate contact of the linear plug pin  700 . Additionally and with regard to each of these examples the anchors  602 ,  604  provide for a static anchoring of the plurality of plug pins  600 ,  700  within the plug body  400  of the plug  118 . The corresponding receptacle contacts  304  and substrate contacts  502  are thereby held in a tight aligned configuration to accordingly present an array of contacts whether on the substrate planar mounting surface  500  shown in  FIG. 5  or on the plug terraces  300  shown in  FIG. 4  for corresponding electrical communication with the arranged contacts of the receptacle  120  or the substrate  210  respectively. 
       FIG. 8  shows the connector  102  in an assembled configuration with the plug  118  coupled with the receptacle  120 . The plug and the receptacle  118 ,  120  are shown in a cross-sectional configuration thereby exposing the plug pin, such as the angled pin  600  shown in  FIG. 6 , engaged with corresponding plug contacts  800  of a receptacle pin further described herein. As shown in  FIG. 8  the plurality of receptacle contacts  304  are received and coupled with a corresponding plurality of plug contacts  800 . The receptacle contacts  304  and the plug contacts  800  are provided in a stepped configuration for instance in rows along each of the respective plug terraces  300  and receptacle terraces  302 . The interfitting relationship of the plug terraces  300  relative to the receptacle terraces  302  is shown in  FIG. 8 . Stated another way, the plug  118  and the receptacle  120  are shown in an interfitted relationship according to the matching configuration of the plurality of plug terraces  300  and receptacle terraces  302  that arrange the corresponding plurality of plug contacts  800  and receptacle contacts  304  in one or more rows. The staggered relationship of the plurality of plug terraces  300  and receptacle terraces  302  assist in the accurate positioning and alignment to achieve corresponding mechanical engagement and electrical communication between each set of contacts for each of the plug terraces  300  and the receptacle terraces  302 , respectively. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 8 , the plurality of plug pins  600  are arranged in a staggered formation having a horizontal contact pitch  804 . The plurality of receptacle contacts  304  of the plug pins  600  of each of the plug terraces  300  are staggered according to the horizontal contact pitch  804 . Orientation of the contacts in this staggered (stepped) manner allows for recessing of the corresponding recessed plug terraces  300  as well as the respective receptacle terraces  302 . In another example and as shown in  FIG. 8 , the plurality of receptacle contacts  304  are staggered with a vertical contact pitch  802 . The plurality of receptacle contacts  304  are staggered in this fashion to ensure the plurality of plug terraces  300  may be arranged vertically relative to one other without requiring lateral staggering of the plug pins such as the plug pin  600  shown in  FIG. 8  (i.e., lateral staggering into and out of the page). Stated another way, if the plurality of receptacle contacts  304  were arranged with a horizontal or vertical contact pitch  804 ,  802  approaching zero each of the plurality of receptacle contacts  304  would be positioned directly on top of one another, and the plug pins  600  would necessarily require staggering into and out of the page to allow for room for each of the receptacle contacts  304 . 
     In contrast, with the configuration shown in  FIG. 8  with the horizontal and vertical contact pitches  804 ,  802  the plurality of plug pins  600  are staggered from left to right (as shown on the page) thereby allowing each of the respective receptacle contacts  304  in two or more terraces  300  to reside above or below one another. The provision of the vertical contact pitch  802  to the plurality of receptacle contacts  304  of each of the plug terraces  300  spaces the contacts and ensures that the contacts of each of the terraces  300  are positioned above or below adjacent receptacle contacts  304  according to the pitch  802 . That is to say, the vertical and horizontal contact pitches  802 ,  804  facilitate the staggering of a plurality of receptacle contacts  304  (above and below each other) in the small space provided by the side access port  110  for each of the rows corresponding to the plug terraces  300 . Similarly, the plug contacts  800  of the receptacle terraces  302  are similarly staggered in the same manner and for similar reasons. The staggering of the contacts  304 ,  800  thereby allow for the provision of multiple contacts and corresponding enhanced data bandwidth in the limited amount of space provided by the side access port  110  ( FIGS. 1 and 3 ). The staggering provided by the vertical and horizontal contact pitches  802 ,  804  similarly positions the contacts of each of the plug  118  and the receptacle  120  in a low profile arrangement that ensures the connector  102  correspondingly has a low (small) profile that fits between the small access provided by the heat sink  106  and the substrate  210  ( FIG. 2 ). Additionally, the horizontal contact pitch  804  and the vertical contact pitch  802  ensure that a plurality of contacts such as the receptacle contacts  804  and the plug contacts  800  are provided with the connector  102  within the limited width of the side access port  110  by providing the contacts in vertically aligned columns crossing each of the receptacle terraces  302  and the plug terraces  300 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , one example of the receptacle  120  is provided. The receptacle  120  includes a receptacle body  900  having a plurality of receptacle terraces  302 , as previously shown in  FIG. 3 . In the example shown in  FIG. 9 , the plug contacts  800  are positioned within plug contact recesses  904  formed in each of the receptacle terraces  302 . That is to say, the plug contacts  800  are provided in one or more rows corresponding to the receptacle terraces  302 . In one example, the plug contact recesses  904  are sized and shaped to provide the plug contacts  800  therein and allow for at least some amount of deflection of a portion of the plug contacts  800 , for instance arms of the plug contacts, to allow for reception of the receptacle contacts  304  therein. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 9  and shown in greater detail in  FIG. 10 , a plurality of cable support terraces  902  are provided for coupling with one or more layers of a corresponding cable such as the cable  122  shown in  FIG. 1  (e.g., a multi-layer cable such as a ribbon cable). Referring now to  FIG. 10  the cable support terraces  902  are shown in greater detail and include a plurality of cable contacts  1000  corresponding to the plug contacts  800  shown in  FIG. 9 . Stated another way, for each of the plug contacts  800  shown in  FIG. 9  a corresponding cable contact  1000  is provided at an opposed end of a receptacle pin on each of the cable support terraces  902 . 
     The cable support terraces  902  are optionally staggered in a similar fashion to the receptacle terraces  302  shown in  FIG. 3 . The staggered cable support terraces  902  provide line of sight to each of the cable contacts  1000  of each of the cable support terraces  902 . Accordingly a cable having one or more layers (e.g., a multi-ribbon cable) is applied along each of the cable contacts  1000  for instance along each of the cable support terraces for easy coupling with the cable contacts  1000  along each of the terraces. Stated another way, during assembly of the receptacle  120  with the cable  122  a first layer of the cable  122  is provided for coupling with the rightmost cable support terrace  902  (e.g., by solder connection). After coupling of the first layer of the cable with the rightmost cable support terrace  902  optional second, third, fourth and fifth layers of the cable are subsequently applied to each of the respective cable support terraces  902  (e.g. by soldering, mechanical engagement and the like). The stepped cable support terraces  902  thereby provide ready coupling of the contacts of the cable with the corresponding cable contacts  1000  during assembly of the receptacle  120  with the cable  122 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , one example of a receptacle pin  1100  is provided. The receptacle pin  1100  shown in the figure includes a plug contact  800  shown in  FIG. 8  as well as a cable contact  1000  shown in  FIG. 10 . As shown, the plug contact  800  is in communication with the cable contact  1000 . In one example the plug contact  800  includes one or more female plug contacts such as the female plug contacts  1104  having a prayer arm configuration. The female plug contacts  1104  are configured to deflect relative to the remainder of the receptacle pin  1100  for instance during insertion of the receptacle contact  304  therein. The deflectable nature of the female plug contacts  1104  allows for a low insertion force coupling between the receptacle contacts  304  and the plug contacts  800  of the respective plug  118  and receptacle  120 . The deflection and clamping of the receptacle contacts  304  provided by the female plug contacts  1104  provide reliable communication and low signal noise between the contacts This reliable engagement between the contacts is achieved with a low insertion force, for instance an insertion force provided by pushing the receptacle  120  into engagement with the plug  118  as described herein (for instance by engagement and interfitting of the correspondingly arranged plug terraces  300  and receptacle terraces  302  having the corresponding contacts thereon). 
     In another example shown in  FIG. 11 , optionally the receptacle pin  1100  includes a second female plug contact  1106 . In one example for instance where the receptacle contact includes the receptacle contact  702  of the plug pin  700  shown on  FIG. 7  the receptacle contact  702  is engaged between both of the female plug contacts  1104  as well as the female plug contact  1106  to provide supplemental support to the receptacle pin  1100  in the receptacle housing. 
     The plug pins  600 ,  700  as well as their corresponding contacts and the receptacle pin  1100  described herein are in one example constructed with, but not limited to, conductive components including but not limited to copper, gold and the like. Further, as provided herein in one example one or more of the plug pins  600 ,  700  and the receptacle pin  1100  are molded with the corresponding plug body  400  and the receptacle body  900  shown in respective  FIGS. 4 and 9 . In another example one or more of the plug pins  600 ,  700  or the receptacle pin  1100  are mechanically engaged with the corresponding plug body  400  and receptacle body  900  for instance by inserting each of the respective pins into the corresponding bodies and utilizing the respective anchors  602 ,  604  and  1102  to anchor or stitch the pins within those bodies. In still another example, one or both of the plug body  400  and the receptacle body  900  are formed by molding of the bodies as single integral components. Optionally, the bodies  400 ,  900  are overmolded onto the pins  600 ,  700 ,  1100 . In another example, the terraces of one or more of the plug  118  and the receptacle are separately formed (e.g., by molding) and then assembled. Accordingly, the plug  118  and the receptacle  120  are scalable at the time of assembly according to the processing needs and dimensions of a particular die  104 . 
       FIG. 12  shows another example of the receptacle  120  including a receptacle insertion arm  1200  extending away from the receptacle body  900 . As will be described herein the receptacle insertion arm  1200  provides mechanical assistance to move the receptacle  120  through the side access port  110  (e.g., the receptacle guide  206 ) beneath an overhanging portion of the heat sink  106  shown in  FIG. 2 . Stated another way, the receptacle insertion arm  1200  assists in the positioning of the receptacle  120  in a coupling configuration with the plug  118  of the connector  102 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12  the receptacle insertion arm  1200  extends away from the receptacle body  900 . In one example, the receptacle insertion arm  1200  includes one or more cable clips  1204  sized and shaped to retain a cable along a cable support surface  1202 . As previously described herein, the cable support terraces  902  allow for the individual coupling of ribbon cables with one or more of the cable contacts formed in rows along the cable support terraces  902 . The cable clips  1204  in cooperation with the cable support surface  1202  provide a feature to retain the cables along the cable support surface  1202  and minimize stresses at the interface between the cables and the corresponding cable contacts extending along the cable support terraces  902 . 
     The dimensions of the receptacle insertion arm  1200  such as the receptacle length  1206 , the receptacle width  1208  and the receptacle height  1210  (of the receptacle body  900 ) facilitate the positioning as well as the alignment and guidance of the receptacle terraces  302  into coupling with the corresponding plug terraces  300  of the plug  118 . That is to say, the receptacle length  1206 , the receptacle width  1208  and the receptacle height  1210  are in at least one example dimensioned to engage with and slide along the corresponding surfaces of the receptacle guide  206  (and optional alignment flanges  402  of the side access port  110  to align and guide the receptacle  120  into engagement with the plug  118 . Accordingly, the contacts of each of the receptacle  120  and the plug  118  are aligned and interfitted according to the arrangements of the receptacle length, width and height as well as the corresponding dimensions of the side access port  110  (including for instance the receptacle guide  206 ) and the interfitting of the receptacle terraces  302  with the plug terraces  300 . 
     In one example, the receptacle insertion arm  1200  is molded with the receptacle body  900 . In another example the receptacle insertion arm  1200  is a separate component coupled with the receptacle body  900 . The receptacle insertion arm  1200  is dimensioned to extend between the substrate  210  and the heat sink  106  shown in  FIG. 2  and shown in the assembled configuration of  FIG. 1 . In one example the receptacle insertion arm  1200  has a length extending at least as long as the heat sink overhang relative to the plug  118  in the side access port  110 . Accordingly, handling of the receptacle insertion arm  1200  including insertion of the receptacle  120  according to movement of the receptacle insertion arm  1200  allows for the coupling of the receptacle  120  with the plug  118  by translational movement (e.g., horizontal movement) of the receptacle  120  by way of the insertion arm  1200  into engagement with the plug  118 . 
     In another example, and as previously described herein the configuration of the plug  118  and the receptacle  120  are reversed. In such an orientation the plug  118  is coupled optionally with the insertion arm  1200  shown in  FIG. 12  while the receptacle  120  is coupled along the substrate  210  of the die  104 . In this arrangement an operator would use the insertion arm  1200  to push the plug  118  into engagement with the receptacle  120  coupled with the die  104  by way of the substrate  210 . 
       FIGS. 13A and 13B  show one example of the package clip  200  previously shown in  FIG. 2 . As previously described, in one example the package clip  200  includes heat sink retaining flanges  202  and substrate retaining flanges  204  each configured for coupling with the corresponding heat sink  106  and the substrate  210  of the die  104  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     In another example, the package clip  200  includes the receptacle guide  206 . As previously described, the receptacle guide  206  includes one or more surfaces sized and shaped to engage with the receptacle  120  as the receptacle is inserted between the heat sink  106  and the substrate  210  for connection with the die  104  in a top side fashion such as along the package top side  114  shown in  FIG. 1  (the top surface of the die  104  and the substrate underlying the heat sink  106 ). For instance, in one example the receptacle guide  206  includes one or more of lateral guide surfaces  1300  and one or more of bottom or top guide surfaces  1302 . The lateral guide surfaces  1300  and the bottom guide surfaces  1302  in the example shown in  FIG. 13A , B cooperate in sliding engagement with the corresponding portions of the receptacle body  900  to guide and align the receptacle body so the plug contacts  800  mate with the receptacle contacts  304  of the plug  118 . The receptacle guide  206  formed along the edges of the side access port  110  thereby provides an alignment and guiding function to the receptacle  120  as the receptacle is inserted into the side access port  110 . 
     In one example, the receptacle guide  206  includes a side access port length  1306 , a side access port width  1308  and a side access port height  1310  corresponding to the dimensions provided for the receptacle  120  shown in  FIG. 12 . Stated another way, the side access port length  1306  and the receptacle length  1206  correspond while the side access port width  1308  and the receptacle width  1208  similarly correspond. In much the same fashion, the receptacle height  1210  and the side access port height  1310  correspond as well. By substantially matching these dimensions between the receptacle  120  and the side access port  110  the receptacle is received in sliding engagement within the receptacle guide  206  and guided and aligned with the plug  118 . 
     As previously described the plug  118  includes plug terraces  300  while the receptacle  120  includes receptacle terraces  302  there along. By aligning these portions of the receptacle  120  with those of the plug  118  the stepped terraces are readily engaged with one another thereby arranging the corresponding contacts  800  and  304  of each of the terraces to similarly engage in an aligned and organized fashion. 
     In another example, package clip  200  shown in  FIGS. 13A and 13B  includes a second receptacle guide such as a receptacle guide  1312  (shown in phantom lines) provided on an opposed or another side of the package clip  200 . A supplemental receptacle guide provides an additional means for connection of the die  104  for instance by way of a plug positioned along the substrate  210  with another component positioned on a board coupled with the package (the die  104 ). By providing a supplemental connection in this fashion increased data bandwidth capabilities of the die  104  are realized by way of a separate cable coupling with these components. The coupling of the die  104  includes but is not limited to electrical coupling by way of a bottom side access port  212  including the contact array  214  thereon (see  FIG. 2 ) as well as connection by way of the side access port  110  and a supplemental side access port  1312  of the type described immediately above. 
       FIG. 14  shows a top view of the package assembly  100  in an assembled configuration with the receptacle  120  coupled with the plug  118  to form the assembled connector  102 . In this example, the heat sink  106  is shown in phantom lines to correspondingly expose the substrate  210  as well as the connector  102  in the assembled configuration. As shown in  FIG. 14  the heat sink  106  includes a heat sink perimeter  1402  and a heat sink overhang  1400  extending from the plug  118  to the heat sink perimeter  1402 . As shown the receptacle  120  including the receptacle insertion arm  1200  has a receptacle length  1206  as shown in  FIG. 12  substantially matching the heat sink overhang  1400  (optionally extending immediately beyond the perimeter  1402  to facilitate insertion and grasping of the receptacle insertion arm  1200 ). As previously described and shown in  FIGS. 12, 13A and 13B  the receptacle  120  including the receptacle insertion arm  1200  has a corresponding length, width and height  1206 ,  1208 ,  1210  that correspond to the side access port length  1306 , side access port width  1308  and the side access port height  1310 . The close dimensioning of these features allows for the aligned reception of the receptacle  120  relative to the plug  118 . Stated another way, as the receptacle  120  is inserted into the side access port  110  the receptacle guide  206  including one or more of the lateral guide surfaces  1300  and the bottom guide surface  1302  shown in  FIGS. 13A and 13B  guide the receptacle  120  into coupling with the plug  118  so that the receptacle contacts  304  and the plug contacts  800  of the respective plug  118  and the receptacle  120  engage in a desired arrangement. In another example the receptacle terraces  302  correspond with the plug terraces  300  to align the contacts  304  and  800  and thereby further ensure that the contacts are coupled between the plug  118  and the receptacle  120  as desired. That is to say, the receptacle terraces  302  interfit with the plug terraces  300  to substantially ensure the contacts are engaged in the arrangement desired. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , the side access port  110  is shown between the heat sink  106  and a portion of the die  104  such as the substrate  210  shown in  FIG. 2 . The distance between the heat sink  106  and the substrate  210 , for instance the top surface of the substrate, in one example corresponds to the receptacle height  1210  shown in  FIG. 12  as well as the side access port height  1310  shown in  FIGS. 13A and 13B . That is to say, the receptacle guide  206  in one example uses at least a portion of the heat sink  106  and the substrate  210  (or a portion of the package clip  200  level or flush with the substrate  210 ) to guide at the receptacle  120  into engagement through the side access port  110  with the plug  118 . The guided reception of the receptacle  120  with the plug  118  by way of any of the guide surfaces described herein whether between the heat sink  106  and the substrate  210  (or a bottom guide surface  1302 ) as well as the lateral guide surfaces  1300  of the package clip  200  ensures that the low profile receptacle  120  shown in  FIG. 1  is correspondingly received and reliably engaged with the plug  118 . That is to say the contacts on each of the rows of the respective terraces of the plug  118  and the receptacle  120  are affirmatively and reliably engaged despite the low profile of the connector  102  relative to the height between the heat sink  106  and the substrate  210 . 
     The arrangement of the connector  102  including the receptacle  120  and the plug  118  having the stepped terraces  302 ,  300  as previously described herein allows for the coupling of the receptacle  120  and the plug  118  including a plurality of contacts to increase data bandwidth of the connector while each of the components has a low profile. Accordingly, these components are positionable between the heat sink overhang  1400  shown in  FIG. 14  and the top surface of the substrate  210  shown in  FIG. 2 . The connector  102  allows for the coupling of the cable such as the cable  122  with the die  104  without removal of the heat sink  106  from the package assembly  100 . That is to say, the heat sink  106  (in a preinstalled configuration with the package, such as the die  104  and the substrate  210 ) is not removed during assembly with the connector  102 . Instead, the package assembly  100  is in one example coupled with the board for instance along a bottom side access port  212  as shown in  FIG. 2  and then engaged in a supplemental connection through the connector  102  by insertion of the receptacle  120  between the heat sink overhang  1400  shown and the substrate  210  ( FIG. 14 ). Dimensional considerations, for instance of the overall height of the package assembly  100  between the top surface of the heat sink  106  and the bottom surface of the substrate  210  (an overall package assembly height) are thereby maintained as the heat sink  106  coupled with the integrated heat spreader  208  (or the die) by way of thermal interface material remains coupled with the package in the factory provided configuration. Additionally, the supplemental connection provided by the connector  102  for instance horizontally and along the package top side  114  (e.g. at a package side  112  shown in  FIG. 1 ) allows for in-the-field installation of the package assembly  100  and supplemental coupling of the package by way of the cable  122  with other components without removal of the heat sink  106  or removal of the package assembly  100  from a circuit board. 
       FIG. 15  shows one example of a method  1500  for interconnecting a package along a top side of a package. In describing the method  1500  reference is made to one or more components, features, functions and the like described herein. Where convenient reference is made to the components and features with reference numerals. Reference numerals provided are exemplary and are not exclusive. For instance, the features, components, functions and the like described in the method  1500  include, but are not limited to, the corresponding numbered elements, other corresponding features described herein (both numbered and unnumbered) as well as their equivalents. 
     At  1502  the method  1500  includes installing the package (e.g., an assembly including a die  104  on a substrate  210 ) in a socket  108 . In one example the package includes a package assembly  100  having a die  104  coupled along a substrate  210  ( FIG. 2 ) and a heat sink  106  coupled over the die  104 . In one example, the heat sink  106  is coupled with the die  104  with a package clip  200  that couples the heat sink  106  and a substrate  210  of the die  104 . 
     At  1504  a connector, such as the connector  102 , is connected at a side access port  110  of the package. The side access port  110  is formed between the heat sink  106  and the substrate  210  on a top side of the package, such as the package top side  114 , shown in  FIG. 1 . In one example, the connector  102  when assembled is positioned between a heat sink overhang  1400  shown in  FIG. 14  and the substrate  210 . Stated another way, the connector  102  has a low-profile, for example by virtue of having two or more stepped terraces such as the terraces  300 ,  302  on the respective receptacle and plug  120 ,  118 , to facilitate the coupling of a plurality of contacts in various rows within the limited space provided between the heat sink  106  and the substrate  210 . 
     In one example, connecting the connector  102  includes inserting a receptacle, such as the receptacle  120  previously shown in  FIG. 1  coupled with a cable  122  (e.g. a micro coaxial cable, optical cable, ribbon cable and the like) into the side access port  110 . In another example connecting the connector  102  includes engaging plug contacts  800  on two or more receptacle terraces  302  of the receptacle  120  with receptacle contacts  304  along two or more plug terraces  300  of the plug  118 . Optionally, the plug  118  is coupled with the substrate  210  at the side access port  110 , for instance at a package side  112 . In contrast, the receptacle  120  is coupled with the cable  122  as described above. In another example, the receptacle  120  and the plug  118  are reversed. That is to say, the plug  118  is coupled with the cable  122  and the receptacle  120  is in turn coupled with the substrate  210  of the die  104 . 
     Several options for the method  1500  follow. In one example, installing the package in the socket  108  includes connecting the package to a circuit board underlying the socket  108 . In one example the package includes a contact array, such as the contact array  214  shown in  FIG. 2  on a package bottom side  116  of the substrate  210 . 
     In another example, connecting the connector  102  at the side access port  110  includes interfitting the two or more receptacle terraces  302  of the receptacle  120  with the two or more plug terraces  300  of the plug  118 . Stated another way, the terraces have corresponding shapes and thereby engage in an interfitting relationship when coupled together for instance as the receptacle  120  is delivered through the side access port  110 . In another example, connecting the connector  102  at the side access port  110  includes guiding the receptacle (or in a converse arrangement the plug) with the receptacle guide  206  between the substrate  210  and a heat sink overhang  1400  of the heat sink  106 . That is to say, in one example the receptacle guide  206  includes one or more of a bottom guide surface  1302  or lateral guide surfaces  1300  of the package clip  200 , a portion of the substrate  210  or the bottom surface of the heat sink, such as the heat sink overhang  1400 . Optionally, guiding the receptacle  120  with the receptacle guide  206  includes guiding with the receptacle guide  206  formed in a package clip  200  including for instance the arrangement shown in  FIGS. 13A and 13B . 
     In still another example, the method  1500 , for instance the portion of the method including connecting the connector  102 , includes connecting the connector  102  while the heat sink  106  is coupled with the package, such as the die  104 . As previously described herein, the heat sink  106  in at least one example has a heat sink perimeter  1402  that presents a heat sink overhang  1400  extending beyond the perimeter of the corresponding die  104  positioned underneath. That is to say, the side access port  110  extends underneath the heat sink overhang  1402  and above the substrate  210 . In such an example the method  1500  includes connecting the connector, such as the receptacle  120  through the side access port  110 , for instance by insertion of the receptacle  120  with the receptacle insertion arm  1200  through the side access port  110  (See  FIG. 12 ). In one example, the receptacle guide  206  guides the receptacle  120  through the side access port underneath the heat sink overhang  1402  to align and guide the plug contacts  800  to the receptacle contacts  304  of the plug  118 . 
     In yet another example, the method  1500  further comprises connecting a second connector at a second side access port, such as the side access port  1312  shown in  FIG. 13A . In one example the second side access port  1312  is formed between the heat sink  106  and the substrate  210  on the package top side  114  previously shown in  FIG. 1  in a manner similar to the side access port  110  described herein. 
     As previously described herein, in one example connecting the connector  102  includes pushing the receptacle  120  through the side access port  110  for instance, according to the alignment provided by the receptacle guide  206  to the receptacle  120  with the receptacle insertion arm  1200  previously shown in  FIG. 12 . The receptacle insertion arm  1200  extends from a receptacle body  900  having two or more of the receptacle terraces  302  thereon. In another example the method  1500  includes retaining two or more cables, such as ribbon cables, along the receptacle insertion arm for instance by way of one or more cable clips  1204  extending along the receptacle insertion arm  1200 . Retaining the two or more cables decreases the interface stress between the two or more cables and a plurality of receptacle pins including cable contacts  1000  positioned along the receptacle body  900  of the receptacle  120 . 
     The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the disclosure can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein. 
     In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. 
     The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, disclosed subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.