Patent Publication Number: US-2011059652-A1

Title: Multi-pathway connector for circuit boards

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to electrical connectors. In particular, the present invention relates to electrical connectors configured to couple circuit boards and adapted to transmit power, low frequency signals, or radiofrequency signals between the circuit boards. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     When one printed circuit board must be electrically connected to another printed circuit board, several pathways must be provided between the two printed circuit boards. The several pathways include pathways for power signals, reference potentials, direct current signals, low frequency signals, or higher frequency radiofrequency signals. Each type of signal requires a connector with a specific construction to provide the optimal pathway for that type of signal with low signal loss. Such connectors include soldered wires, cable assemblies, or radiofrequency coaxial connectors. 
     However, there is a need in the art for a connector that can combine one or more of the pathways for different kinds of signals in a single housing. The connector should also be scalable to accommodate the various signals that must be transmitted between circuit boards. Furthermore, there is a need for a connector that can be mated when the circuit boards are not precisely aligned with each other. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, one aspect of the invention may provide a connector that includes a contact and a housing that receives the contact. The contact includes at least first and second prongs and a tension portion joining the first and second prongs that biases the prongs away from one another. The housing includes a slot shaped to receive the contact such that the first and second prongs are forced together against the bias of the tension portion. 
     Another aspect of the present invention may provide a connector that includes a contact, a housing having a slot that receives the contact, and a flange that extends from the housing. The contact includes a mating portion shaped substantially as a blade, and a coupling portion opposite the mating portion. The housing has a printed circuit board engaging surface, and the flange extends beyond the printed circuit board engaging surface of the housing. The flange substantially surrounds the mating portion of the contact. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention may provide a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector adapted to mate with the first connector. The first connector has a contact and a housing that receives the contact. The contact of the first connector includes a mating portion shaped substantially as a blade and a coupling portion opposite the mating portion. The second connector has a mating contact configured to mate with the contact of the first connector and a housing that receives the mating contact. The mating contact includes at least first and second prongs and a tension portion joining the first and second prongs that biases the prongs away from one another. The housing that receives the mating contact includes a slot shaped to receive the mating contact such that the first and second prongs are forced together against the bias of the tension portion. 
     Other objects, advantages and salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a connector assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the connector assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of a first connector of the connector assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a front elevational view of the first connector shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevational view of the first connector shown in  FIG. 3  with a partial sectional view; 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom plan view of the first connector shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a rear top perspective view of the first connector shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a front bottom perspective view of the first connector shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a top plan view of a second connector of the connector assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a front elevational view of the second connector shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a side elevational view of the second connector shown in  FIG. 9  with a partial sectional view; 
         FIG. 12  is a bottom plan view of the second connector shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a rear top perspective view of the second connector shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a front bottom perspective view of the second connector shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a sectional, rear bottom perspective view of the second connector shown in  FIG. 9  showing contacts received in the connector; 
         FIG. 16  is a side elevational view of the connector assembly shown in  FIG. 1  showing the first and second connectors coupled in a first orientation; 
         FIG. 17  is a side elevational view of the connector assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention showing the first and second connectors coupled in a second orientation; and 
         FIG. 18  is a side elevational view of the connector assembly in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention showing the first and second connectors coupled in a third orientation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-18 , the present invention provides a connector assembly  100  that can provide one or more pathways for several different kinds of signals. The connector assembly  100  has a first connector  102  and a second connector  104 . The connectors  102  and  104  are designed to float, that is they easily mate with one another even though the connectors  102  and  104  may not be perfectly aligned with one another. The first connector  102  and the second connector  104  may be scaled to provide one pathway for a signal or several pathways for one or more different kinds of signals, such as radiofrequency (RF), power, or ground. The connectors  102  and  104  are designed to allow for effective electrical and mechanical connection of printed circuit boards, such as mother and daughter circuit boards. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the connector assembly  100  is shown with the first connector  102  mated to the second connector  104 . The first connector  102  is coupled to a first circuit board  106 , and the second connector  104  is coupled to a second circuit board  108 . The first circuit board  106  has a first surface  110 . One or more first conductors  112 , such as, but not limited to, conductive traces, surface mounts, vias, conductive through-holes, combinations of the aforementioned, or some other conductor, are placed on the first surface  110  of the first circuit board  106 . Similarly, the second circuit board  108  also has a second surface  114  with one or more second conductors  116 , such as, but not limited to, conductive traces, surface mounts, vias, conductive through-holes, combinations of the aforementioned, or some other conductor. 
     When the first connector  102  is mated to the second connector  104 , the connector assembly  100  provides one or more pathways for signals, preferably RF signals, between the first circuit board  106  and the second circuit board  108 . In particular, when the first connector  102  is mated to the second connector  104 , the first connector  102  and the second connector  104  provide an electrical pathway between one or more of the first conductors  112  on the first surface  110  of the first circuit board  106  and one or more of the second conductors  116  on the second surface  114  of the second circuit board  108 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first surface  110  of the first circuit board  106  and the second surface  114  of the second circuit board  108  are shown substantially parallel to each other. However, in other embodiments, the first surface  110  and the second surface  114  need not be parallel to each other. Also, as best seen in  FIG. 1 , the first surface  110  and the second surface  114  are generally not coplanar with each other. Because of the design of the connector assembly  100 , in such an embodiment in which the first surface  110  and the second surface  114  are not co-planar, the first connector  102  can still mate with the second connector  104  to provide an effective pathway between the first circuit board  106  and the second circuit board  108 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3-8 , the first connector  102  may include at least one contact  120 ,  122 , or  124 ; and a housing  118  that receives the at least one contact  120 ,  122 , or  124 . The at least one contact  120 ,  122 , or  124  provides an electrical pathway between the one or more first conductors  112  of the first circuit board  106  and the second connector  104  of the connector assembly  100 . Each contact  120 ,  122 , and  124  is made from a conductive metal, alloy, compound, or some other material that conducts. Each contact  120 ,  122 , and  124  may also have a plating or coating. 
     Preferably, each contact  120 ,  122 , and  124  is first formed with a geometry that provides adequate mechanical integrity for each contact  120 ,  122 , and  124 . Then, while maintaining the mechanical integrity of each contact  120 ,  122 , and  124 , the shape of the contacts  120 ,  122 , and  124  are further optimized for the type of electrical signal for which each contact  120 ,  122 , and  124  provides a pathway. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 7-8 , each contact  120 ,  122 , and  124  includes a mating portion  126  for mating with the second connector  104  and a coupling portion  128  for coupling with a first conductor  112  of the first circuit board  106 . The mating portion  126  is shaped to be received by one of the mating contacts  150 ,  152 , or  154  of the second connector  104  (shown in  FIGS. 9-15 ). Each mating portion  126  of the contacts  120 ,  122 , and  124  can be shaped substantially the same or differently to mate with the mating contacts  150 ,  152 , or  154  of the second connector  104 . The coupling portion  128  is shaped to form a mechanical and conductive coupling with a first conductor  112  on the first surface  110  of the first circuit board  106 . The coupling portion  128  can be a joint for soldering, a press-fit contact, a joint for a conductive adhesive, combinations of the aforementioned, or some other coupling that provides a mechanical and conductive coupling. Each coupling portion  128  of the contacts  120 ,  122 , and  124  can be a different type of coupling. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the first connector  102  has at least three contacts  120 ,  122 , and  124 . The outer contacts  120  and  124  preferably provide a pathway for a ground signal or a reference potential signal. The middle contact  122  provides a pathway for an electrical signal, such as an RF signal. Thus, the first connector  102  has contacts  120 ,  122 , and  124  that are arranged to form a “ground-signal-ground” configuration. Such a “ground-signal-ground” configuration is useful for when the middle contact  122  provides a pathway for an RF signal. However, the number of contacts  120 ,  122 , and  124  is not meant to be limiting. In other embodiments, the first connector  102  can have more than or less than the three contacts  120 ,  122 , and  124  shown. The number of contacts  120 ,  122 , and  124  is determined by the number of pathways that may be needed between the first circuit board  106  and the second circuit board  108 . Also, in the embodiment shown, each contact  120 ,  122 , and  124  includes a mating portion  126  that is shaped substantially as a blade and a coupling portion  128  that is adapted for soldering with one of the first conductors  112  of the first circuit board  106 . The contacts  120 ,  122 , and  124  are placed adjacent to each other such that the blade-shaped mating portions  126  are substantially parallel to each other. Furthermore, each contact  120 ,  122 , and  124  is preferably made from beryllium copper with a gold plating. In an alternate embodiment, the plating may be made from silver. 
     The contacts  120 ,  122 , and  124  are received in the housing  118 . The contacts  120 ,  122 , and  124  can be coupled to the housing  118  such that the mating forces that arise as the first connector  102  and the second connector  104  are mated are not substantially transmitted to the coupling portions  128  of each of the contacts  120 ,  122 , and  124 . Thus, in an embodiment where, for example, the coupling portion  128  is soldered to the first circuit board  106 , the mating forces that arise between the first and second connectors  102  and  104  as they are mated are not substantially transmitted to the soldered joints between the contacts  120 ,  122 , and  124  and the first circuit board  106 . In one embodiment, the housing  118  has one or more slots  128  that each receives one of the contacts  120 ,  122 , or  124 . The slots  128  align the contacts  120 ,  122 , and  124  relative to each other. The housing  118  can be made from an insulative material, such as, but not limited to insulative plastic such as liquid crystal polymers, thermoset, thermoset polyethylene, thermoplastic such as acrylic or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, thermoplastic polymer such as polycarbonate, thermoplastic fluoropolymer, fluorocarbon-based polymer, polyethylene, polyvinyl chlorides, polyvinylidene fluoride, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, polyaryletheretherketone (PEEK), silicone, glass, combinations of the aforementioned, or any other generally rigid material that is substantially insulative. In the embodiment shown, the housing  118  is preferably made from liquid crystal polymers (LCP). In an alternate embodiment, the housing  118  may be made from PEEK. 
     The housing  118  may also include a flange  130  that extends from the housing  118  and substantially around the mating portions  126  of the contacts  120 ,  122 , and  124 . The flange  130  can guide the second connector  104  to ensure proper alignment between the first connector  102  and the second connector  104  as they are being mated. In one embodiment, the flange  130  can be formed to receive the extending portion  172  of the second connector  104  (best seen in  FIGS. 9 ,  12 , and  13 - 15 ), thereby ensuring proper alignment between the first connector  102  and the second connector  104 . The flange  130  may provide protection to the contacts  120 ,  122 , and  124  of the first connector  120  when the first connector  120  and the second connector  104  are unmated. In the embodiment shown, the flange  130  surrounds the mating portions  126  except around the bottom near where the first connector  102  couples with the first circuit board  106 . Also, as best seen in  FIGS. 3-8 , the flange  130  extends past the surface of the housing  118  that engages the first circuit board  106 , and thus, the flange  130  extends past the first surface  110  of the first circuit board  106 . 
     The housing  118  may also include one or more tabs  132 . Each tab  132  may have one or more apertures  134 . Each aperture  134  receives a pin  136 . The tabs  132  extend from the housing  118  such that the first connector  102  can be coupled to the first surface  110  of the first circuit board  106  by the pin  136  extending through the aperture  134  in each tab  132 . Alternatively, the housing  118  of the first connector  102  may be coupled to the first circuit board  106  by soldering; press-fit couplings; interference-fit couplings; interlocking mechanical parts, such as nuts and bolt or rivets; adhesives; combinations of the aforementioned; or some other coupling the mechanically couples the housing  118  to the first circuit board  106 . 
     In the embodiment shown, the pin  136  includes a pin head  138  and a post  140  extending from the pin head  138 . The post  140  is sized to be received in and extend through the aperture  134 ; however, the pin head  138  is preferably sized so that it cannot fit through the aperture  134 . Thus, when each aperture  134  receives the pin  136 , the post  140  extends through the aperture  134  to the first surface  110  of the first circuit board  106 ; however the post  140  does not extend any further because the pin head  138  cannot pass through the aperture  134 . The post  140  extends past the aperture so that it can be coupled to the first surface  110 . In the embodiment shown, an interference-fit preferably couples the post  140  to the first surface  110 . Also, in the embodiment shown, the housing  118  has two tabs  132  on opposite sides of the housing  118 , and each tab  132  has one aperture  134 . With such a construction, when the apertures  134  receive the pins  136 , the pins  136  can also align the housing  118 , and thus the first connector  102 , properly with respect to the first circuit board  106 . Furthermore, the depicted pin  136  is preferably made from brass with a tin plating with a thickness of approximately 2.5 micrometer. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9-14 , the second connector  104  of the connector assembly  100  is shown. The second connector  104  includes at least one mating contact  150 ,  152 , or  154  that mates with a corresponding contact  120 ,  122 , or  124  of the first connector  102 ; and a housing  155 . The at least one mating contact  150 ,  152 , or  154  provides an electrical pathway between at least one of the contacts  120 ,  122 , or  124  and a second conductor  116  of the second circuit board  108 . Each mating contact  150 ,  152 , and  154  is preferably made from a conductive metal, alloy, compound, or some other material that conducts. Each mating contact  150 ,  152 , and  154  may also have a plating or coating. 
     Preferably, each mating contact  150 ,  152 , and  154  is first formed with a geometry that provides adequate mechanical integrity for each mating contact  150 ,  152 , and  154 . Then, while maintaining the mechanical integrity of each mating contact  150 ,  152 , and  154 , the shape of the mating contacts  150 ,  152 , and  154  are further optimized for the type of electrical signal for which each mating contact  150 ,  152 , and  154  provides a pathway. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 13-15 , each mating contact  150 ,  152 , and  154  includes a mating portion  156  ( FIG. 13 ) for mating with the contact  120 ,  122 , or  124 ; and a coupling portion  158  for coupling to the circuit board  108 . The mating portion  156  is shaped to receive one of the contacts  120 ,  122 , or  124  of the first connector  102  (shown in  FIGS. 3-8 ). Each mating portion  156  of the mating contacts  150 ,  152 , and  154  can be shaped substantially the same or differently to mate with the contacts  120 ,  122 , or  124  of the first connector  102 . The coupling portion  158  is shaped to form a mechanical and conductive coupling with a second conductor  116  on the second surface  114  of the second circuit board  108 . The coupling portion  158  can be a joint for soldering, a press-fit contact, a joint for a conductive adhesive, combinations of the aforementioned, or some other coupling that provides a mechanical and conductive coupling. Each coupling portion  158  of the contacts  150 ,  152 , and  154  can be a different type of coupling. 
     In the embodiment shown, the second connector  104  has at least three mating contacts  150 ,  152 , and  154 . The outer mating contacts  150  and  154  preferably provide a pathway for a ground signal or a reference potential signal. The middle mating contact  152  preferably provides a pathway for an electrical signal. Thus, the second connector  104  has mating contacts  150 ,  152 , and  154  that are arranged to form a “ground-signal-ground” configuration. Such a “ground-signal-ground” configuration is useful for when the middle mating contact  152  provides a pathway for an RF signal. However, the number of mating contacts  150 ,  152 , and  154  is not meant to be limiting. In other embodiments, the second connector  104  can have more than or less than the three mating contacts  150 ,  152 , and  154  shown. The number of mating contacts  150 ,  152 , and  154  is determined by the number of pathways that may be needed between the first circuit board  106  and the second circuit board  108 . 
     In an embodiment where, at least, one of the mating contacts  150 ,  152 , and  154  provides a pathway for an RF signal, the spacing between and geometries of the mating contacts  150 ,  152 , and  154  determine impedance to the RF signal in the connector assembly  100 . The pathway for an RF signal should have an impedance substantially similar to the expected nominal impedance of the application in which the connector assembly  100  is to be used to minimize signal loss. If the impedance of the pathway is not substantially similar to the expected nominal impedance, then the RF signal experiences some signal reflection and thus signal loss. For example, in an application where the nominal impedance is expected to be approximately 50 Ohms, the contact assembly  100  should also have an impedance of approximately 50 Ohms between the contacts  120 ,  122 , and  124  and the mating contacts  150 ,  152 , and  154 . Otherwise, the signal experiences signal reflection and thus signal loss. Low impedance or a capacitive impedance can be compensated for by a high impedance or an inductive impedance. 
     Also, in the embodiment shown, each mating contacts  150 ,  152 , and  154  may include a mating portion  156  that may include two opposed prongs  160  with an area  161  between the prongs  160  adapted to receive a corresponding mating portion  126  of the first connector  102 . The prongs  160  are joined at a tension portion  162  for each mating contact  150 ,  152 , and  154 . The tension portion  162  biases the opposed prongs  160  in a spaced apart manner. Furthermore, as best shown in  FIGS. 10 ,  13 , and  14 , each prong  160  includes a wing  164  that extends upward from the prong  160  and away from the area  161 . Thus, when a corresponding contact  120 ,  122 , or  124  with a blade-shaped mating portion  126  approaches the mating contact  150 ,  152 , or  154 , one or more wings  164  on the mating contact  150 ,  152 , or  154  guides the contact  120 ,  122 , or  124  towards the area  161  between the prongs  160 . Also, because two wings  164  can be placed on opposed prongs  160  with an air gap in between, the wings  164  can form a capacitor and thus a capacitive impedance to compensate for a high or inductive impedance. Thus, the wings  164  can be tuned to adjust the capacitance that compensates for the inductance formed from the board gap. 
     In the embodiment shown, each mating contact  150 ,  152 , and  154  includes the coupling portion  158  that is adapted for soldering with one of the second conductors  116  of the second circuit board  108 . Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, each mating contact  150 ,  152 , and  154  is preferably made from beryllium copper with a gold plating. In an alternate embodiment, the plating may be made from silver. 
     The mating contact  150 ,  152 , and  154  are received in the housing  166 , as best seen in  FIG. 15 . The mating contacts  150 ,  152 , and  154  can be coupled to the housing  166  such that the mating forces that arise as the first connector  102  and the second connector  104  are mated are not substantially transmitted to the coupling portions  158  of each of the mating contacts  150 ,  152 , and  154 . Thus, in an embodiment where, for example, the coupling portion  158  is soldered to the second circuit board  108 , the mating forces that arise between the first and second connectors  102  and  104  as they are mated are not substantially transmitted to the soldered joints between the mating contacts  150 ,  152 , and  154  and the second circuit board  108 . In one embodiment, the housing  166  has one or more slots  168  that each receives one of the mating contacts  150 ,  152 , and  154 . The slots  168  align the mating contacts  150 ,  152 , and  154  relative to each other and press the prongs  160  of each mating contact  150 ,  152 , and  154  together against the force of the tension portion  162 . Also, between the slots  168  are shields  170 . Because the shields  170  are between the slots  168  and thus the mating contacts  150 ,  152 , and  154 , the shields  170  can provide impedance balancing when one or more of the mating contacts  150 ,  152 , and  154  provide a pathway for an RF signal. The housing  166  can be made from an insulative material, such as, but not limited to insulative plastic such as liquid crystal polymers, thermoset, thermoset polyethylene, thermoplastic such as acrylic or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, thermoplastic polymer such as polycarbonate, thermoplastic fluoropolymer, fluorocarbon-based polymer, polyethylene, polyvinyl chlorides, polyvinylidene fluoride, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, polyaryletheretherketone (PEEK), silicone, glass, combinations of the aforementioned, or any other generally rigid material that is substantially insulative. In the embodiment shown, the housing  166  is preferably made from liquid crystal polymers (LCP). In an alternate embodiment, the housing  118  may be made from PEEK. 
     The housing  166  may also include an extending portion  172  that is shaped to fit substantially within the partial flange  130  (best shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  6 , and  8 ) that extends from the housing  118  of the first connector  102 . The extending portion  172  contains the mating contacts  150 ,  152 , and  154 ; the slots  168  that receive the mating contacts  150 ,  152 , and  154 ; and the shields  170  between the slots  168 . Thus, when the partial flange  130  contacts the extending portion  172 , the first connector  102  is properly aligned with the second connector  104 , and the contacts  120 ,  122 , and  124  of the first connector  102  are properly aligned and mated with the mating contacts  150 ,  152 , and  154  of the second connector  104 . Also, the partial flange  130  and the extending portion  172  provide substantially one direction for mating the first connector  102  with the second connector  104 . Furthermore, as best seen in  FIG. 14 , the extending portion  172  extends past the second surface  114  of the second circuit board  108 . 
     The housing  166  may also include one or more tabs  174 . Each tab  174  has one or more apertures  176 . Each aperture  176  receives a pin  178 . The tabs  174  extend from the housing  166  such that the second connector  104  can be coupled to the second surface  114  of the second circuit board  108  by the pin  178  extending through the aperture  176  in each tab  174 . Alternatively, the housing  166  of the second connector  104  can be coupled to the second circuit board  108  by soldering, press-fit couplings, interference-fit couplings; interlocking mechanical parts such as nuts and bolt or rivets, adhesives, combinations of the aforementioned, or some other coupling the mechanically couples the housing  166  to the second circuit board  108 . 
     In the embodiment shown, the pin  178  preferably includes a pin head  180  and a post  182  extending from the pin head  180 . The post  182  is sized to be received in and extend through the aperture  176 ; however, the pin head  180  is sized so that it cannot fit through the aperture  176 . Thus, when each aperture  176  receives the pin  180 , the post  182  extends through the aperture  176  to the second surface  114  of the second circuit board  108 , but the post  182  cannot extend any further because the pin head  180  cannot pass through the aperture  176 . The post  182  extends past the aperture so that it can be coupled to the second surface  114 . In the embodiment shown, an interference-fit preferably couples the post  182  to the second surface  114 . Also, in the embodiment shown, the housing  166  has two tabs  174  on opposite sides of the housing  166 , and each tab  174  has one aperture  176 . With such a construction, when the apertures  176  receive the pins  178 , the pins  178  can also align the housing  166 , and thus the second connector  104 , properly with respect to the second circuit board  108 . Furthermore, the depicted pin  178  is preferably made from brass with a tin plating with a thickness of approximately 2.5 micrometer. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 16-18 , with construction described above, the connector assembly  100  can be coupled to the first circuit board  106  and the second circuit board  108 ; however the first circuit board  106  and the second circuit board  108  need not be perfectly co-planar with each other. Turning to  FIG. 16 , the connector assembly  100  is shown coupling the first circuit board  106  and the second circuit board  108  in a substantially parallel orientation but not perfectly co-planar with respect to each other. As shown in the figure, the first surface  110  of the first circuit board  106  is relatively higher than the second surface  114  of the second circuit board  108 . Referring to  FIG. 17 , the connector assembly  100  is shown coupling the first circuit board  106  and the second circuit board  108  in a substantially parallel and substantially co-planar orientation with respect to each other. As shown in the figure, the first surface  110  of the first circuit board  106  is aligned with the second surface  114  of the second circuit board  108 . Referring to  FIG. 18 , the connector assembly  100  is shown coupling the first circuit board  106  and the second circuit board  108  in a substantially parallel but not co-planar orientation with respect to each other. Unlike the first circuit board  106  and the second circuit board  108  of  FIG. 16 , the first surface  110  of the first circuit board  106  is relatively lower than the second surface  114  of the second circuit board  108 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 16-18 , when the first and second connectors  102  and  104  are mated, the contacts  120 ,  122 , and  124  of the first connector  102  and the mating contacts  150 ,  152 , and  154  of the second connector  104  are not exposed. Because the contacts  120 ,  122 , and  124  of the first connector  102  are substantially surrounded by the flange  130  and the mating contacts  150 ,  152 , and  154  of the second connector  104  are disposed in the extending portion  172 , when the connectors  102  and  104  are mated, the flange  130  substantially surrounds and covers the extending portion  172 . Thus, when the connectors  102  and  104  are mated, the contacts  120 ,  122 , and  124  and the mating contacts  150 ,  152 , and  154  are not exposed. In each orientation of the circuit boards  106  and  108  as shown in  FIGS. 16-18 , the contacts  120 ,  122 , and  124  and the mating contacts  150 ,  152 , and  154  are covered by the flange  130  and the extending portion  172 . Furthermore, there is only a small gap between the first and second connectors  102  and  104  when coupled, as shown in  FIG. 16-18 . 
     As apparent from the foregoing description, the connector assembly  100  can provide one or more pathways for several different kinds of signals. The connector assembly  100  has a first connector  102  and a second connector  104 . The first connector  102  can be mated to the second connector  104  even when the second connector  104  is not completely aligned with the first connector  102 . The first connector  102  and the second connector  104  can be scaled to provide one pathway for a single signal or several pathways for one or more different kinds of signals, such as power, low frequency signals, or radiofrequency signals. 
     While particular embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.