Patent Publication Number: US-8113851-B2

Title: Connector assemblies and systems including flexible circuits

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/428,851 (filed Apr. 23, 2009) now U.S. Pat. No. 7,789,669; Ser. No. 12/428,806 (filed Apr. 23, 2009), now U.S. Pat. No. 7,789,668; Ser. No. 12/686,484 (filed Jan. 13, 2010); and Ser. No. 12/686,518 (filed Jan. 13, 2010). Each of the above applications is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject matter herein relates generally to connector assemblies, and more particularly, to connector assemblies that are configured to communicatively couple different communication components through at least one of electrical and optical connections. 
     Some communication systems, such as servers, routers, and data storage systems, utilize connector assemblies for transmitting signals and/or power through the system. Such systems typically include a backplane or a midplane circuit board, a motherboard, and a plurality of daughter cards. The connector assemblies include one or more connectors that attach to the circuit boards or motherboard for interconnecting the daughter cards to the circuit boards or motherboard when the daughter card is inserted into the system. Each daughter card includes a header or receptacle assembly having a mating face that is configured to connect to a mating face of the connector. The header/receptacle assembly is typically positioned on or near a leading edge of the daughter card. Prior to being mated, the mating faces of the header/receptacle assembly and the connector are aligned with each other and face each other along a mating axis. The daughter card is then moved in an insertion direction along the mating axis until the mating faces engage and mate with each other. 
     The conventional backplane and midplane connector assemblies provide for interconnecting the daughter cards to the backplane or midplane circuit board by moving the daughter card in an insertion direction, which is the same as the mating direction. In some cases, it may be desirable to mate the daughter card in a mating direction that is perpendicular to the insertion direction. By way of one specific example, the header/receptacle assembly may be on a surface of the daughter card and face a direction that is perpendicular to the insertion direction (e.g., perpendicular to the surface of the daughter card), and the connector may be on the backplane circuit board and also face a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. In such a case, it may be difficult to properly align and mate the header/receptacle assembly and the connector. Other examples exist in communication systems where it may be difficult to properly align and mate two communication components that have complementary arrays of terminals. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a connector that facilitates interconnection of communication components (e.g., circuit boards, other connectors) when the communication components are oriented in an orthogonal relationship. Furthermore, there is a general need for various connectors capable of establishing an electrical and/or optical connection between different components. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, a connector assembly is provided that includes a base frame extending along a longitudinal axis between a pair of frame ends. The connector assembly also includes a moveable side that is supported by the base frame and extends in a direction along the longitudinal axis. The moveable side includes a mating array of terminals. The connector assembly also includes a flex connection that is communicatively coupled to the mating array. The flex connection and the mating array are configured to transmit data signals. The connector assembly also includes a coupling mechanism that is supported by the base frame and is operatively coupled to the moveable side. The coupling mechanism is configured to be actuated to move the moveable side between retracted and engaged positions along a mating direction. The mating array is spaced apart from a complementary array of terminals in the retracted position and communicatively coupled to the complementary array in the engaged position. 
     At least one of the flex connection and the mating array may be configured to transmit optical signals. The mating array of terminals may include at least one of optical terminals for transmitting optical signals and contact terminals for transmitting electrical current. Optionally, the flex connection may include a plurality of optical fibers for transmitting optical signals. Also optionally, the connector assembly may include a signal converter that is configured to convert electrical signals into or from optical signals. 
     In another embodiment, a connector assembly is provided that includes a base frame and a moveable side supported by the base frame. The moveable side is moveable relative to the base frame and includes a mating array of terminals. The connector assembly also includes a flex connection that is communicatively coupled to the mating array. The flex connection and the mating array are configured to transmit data signals. The connector assembly also includes a coupling mechanism having an operator-controlled actuator. The actuator is operatively coupled to the moveable side. The actuator is configured to drive the moveable side between retracted and engaged positions along a mating direction. The mating array is spaced apart from a complementary array of terminals in the retracted position and communicatively coupled to the complementary array in the engaged position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a communication system formed in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a top cross-sectional view of a mating array and a complementary array in retracted and engaged positions with respect to each other. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a connector assembly formed in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is another perspective view of the connector assembly shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly taken along the line  5 - 5  shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an end of the connector assembly shown in  FIG. 3  while in retracted and engaged positions. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-section of a portion of the connector assembly shown in  FIG. 6  as the connector assembly is moved between the retracted and engaged positions. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a connector assembly formed in accordance with an alternative embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the connector assembly shown in  FIG. 8  while in an engaged position. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a connector assembly formed in accordance with another embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded view of the connector assembly shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a bottom cross-sectional view of a coupling mechanism used with the connector assembly shown in  FIG. 10  when in an engaged position. 
         FIG. 13  is the bottom cross-sectional view of the coupling mechanism of  FIG. 10  when in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates other connector assemblies formed in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates cross-sections of two of the connector assemblies shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  illustrates other connector assemblies formed in accordance with various embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments described herein include connector assemblies that are configured to establish at least one of an electrical and optical connection to transmit data signals between different communication components. Connector assemblies described herein may also establish an electrical connection to transmit power between the communication components. Communication components that may be interconnected by such connector assemblies include printed circuits (e.g., circuit boards or flex circuits), other connector assemblies (e.g., optical and/or electrical connector assemblies), and any other components that are capable of establishing an electrical or optical connection. The connector assemblies can include one or more moveable sides that include mating arrays of terminals. Each mating array of terminals may be configured to engage a complementary array of terminals of a communication component to establish an electrical and/or optical connection. In some embodiments, the terminals may be contact terminals for establishing an electrical connection or optical terminals for establishing an optical connection. 
     In some embodiments, the connector assemblies include one or more signal converters that convert data signals in one transmitting form to data signals in another transmitting form. The signal converters may convert electrical signals into or from optical signals. For example, a signal converter may include a modulator that encodes electrical signals and drives a light source (e.g., light-emitting diode) for creating optical signals. A signal converter may also include a detector that detects optical signals and converts the optical signals into electrical signals. 
     As used herein, the term “mating array” includes a plurality of terminals arranged in a predetermined configuration. The terminals may be held in a fixed relationship with respect to each other. The terminals of a mating array may be held together by a common structure or base material. By way of example, the mating array may be a contact array having a plurality of contact terminals configured to establish an electrical connection. The mating array may also be an optical terminal array having optical terminals configured to establish an optical connection. In some embodiments, the mating array may include both contact terminals and optical terminals. 
     The contact terminals (or mating contacts) of a contact array may be held together by a common base material or structure, such as a board substrate that includes a dielectric material. For example, a contact array may include or be a component of a printed circuit. A variety of contact terminals may be used in the contact arrays, including contact terminals that are stamped and formed, etched and formed, solder ball contacts, contact pads, and the like. In some embodiments, the contact terminals form a planar array (i.e., the contact terminals are arranged substantially co-planar with respect to each other and face a common direction). In other embodiments, the contact array may have multiple sub-arrays of contact terminals that are not co-planar. Optical terminal arrays may have similar configurations and features as described with respect to the contact arrays. 
     As used herein, the term “printed circuit,” includes any electric circuit in which the conducting connections have been printed or otherwise deposited in predetermined patterns on an insulating base or substrate. For example, a printed circuit may be a circuit board, an interposer made with printed circuit board (PCB) material, a flexible circuit having embedded conductors, a substrate having one or more layers of flexible circuit therealong, and the like. The printed circuit may have contact terminals arranged thereon. 
     A “flex connection,” as used herein, includes flexible pathways that are capable of transmitting electric current and/or optical signals. The flex connection includes a flexible material (e.g., bendable or twistable) and may permit movement of one of the components, such as the mating array. A flex connection may include at least one of an electrical conductor and a fiber optic communication line and may be used to interconnect different mating arrays and/or power contacts. For example, a flex connection may be a flexible circuit configured to convey a current through conductors (e.g., conductive traces) embedded within a flexible substrate. Such a flexible circuit may transmit data and/or power between first and second components, which may include printed circuits and/or mating arrays. Furthermore, a flex connection may include one or more fiber optic communication lines (e.g., fiber optic cables) having optical waveguides that transmit light, for example, by total internal reflection. The optical waveguides may include a flexible cladding. The fiber optic cables may be configured to have a limited bend radius so that optical waveguides may transmit light through total internal reflection. In addition, a flex connection may include electrical conductors (e.g., wires) that are configured to transmit power therethrough. The electrical conductors may have predetermined dimensions (e.g., a predetermined gauge) that are suitable for transmitting a desired amount of electrical power. 
     A “flexible circuit” (also called flex circuit), as used herein, is a type of flex connection that comprises a printed circuit having an arrangement of conductors embedded within or between flexible insulating material(s). For example, flexible circuit(s) may be configured to convey an electric current between first and second communication components, such as printed circuits. A “fiber optic ribbon” includes a plurality of optical fibers held together by a common layer or ribbon of material. A fiber optic ribbon may include more than one layer or ribbon. 
     An “interposer,” as used herein, includes a planar body having opposite sides with corresponding contact terminals and a plurality of conductive pathways extending therebetween to connect the contact terminals. An interposer may be a circuit board where contact terminals are etched and formed along two opposing sides of the circuit board. The circuit board may have conductive pathways coupling each contact terminal to a corresponding contact terminal on the other side. However, in other embodiments, the interposer might not be a circuit board or another printed circuit. For example, an interposer may include a carrier having a planar body with a plurality of holes extending therethrough. Stamped and formed contact terminals may be arranged by the carrier such that each contact terminal is positioned within a corresponding hole. The contact terminals may interface with one circuit board on one side of the carrier and have ball contacts that are soldered to another circuit board on the other side of the carrier. An interposer may also take other forms. 
     As used herein, an “alignment feature” includes alignment projections, apertures, and edges, or frames that may cooperate with each other in aligning the terminals. When a mating array is moved toward a communication component and approach the communication component in a misaligned manner, alignment features of the communication component and the connector assembly may cooperate with each other to redirect and align the mating array. 
     As used herein, a “coupling mechanism” generally includes an operator-controlled actuator and one or more intermediate components that facilitate holding and selectively moving a mating array. For example, the actuator may include an axle that rotates about an axis or a sliding member that slides in an axial direction. The intermediate components include mechanical parts that facilitate operatively coupling the actuator to the moveable side and/or the mating array. For example, the intermediate components may include cams, cam fingers, roll bars, panels, springs, and the like. The intermediate components may facilitate converting a force provided by the actuator into a force that drives the moveable side and/or the mating array between different positions (e.g., retracted and engaged positions). 
     As used herein, “removably coupled” means that two coupled parts or components may be readily separated from and coupled (electrically, optically, or mechanically) to each other without destroying or damaging either of the two. By way of example, a removable card assembly may be removably coupled to a communication system such that the removable card assembly may be repeatedly inserted and removed from the communication system. The two coupled parts or components may be communicatively coupled. Furthermore, the mating arrays and complementary arrays described herein may be removably coupled such that the mating and complementary arrays are readily separated from and coupled to each other. 
     As used herein, when two components are “communicatively coupled” or “communicatively connected,” the two components can transmit electric current (e.g., for data signals or power) and/or light (e.g., optical data signals) therebetween. 
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a communication system  10  formed in accordance with one embodiment that includes a first communication component  12  and a second communication component  14  that are communicatively coupled to one another through an interconnect assembly  16 . The system  10  may be a variety of communication systems, such as a server system, router system, or data storage system. The first and second communication components  12  and  14  are illustrated as printed circuits and, more specifically, circuit boards. However, the first and second communication components  12  and  14  may be other connectors or other components that are capable of communicating electrical and/or optical signals. 
     The interconnect assembly  16  may form a transmission pathway between the first and second communication components  12  and  14 . As shown, the interconnect assembly  16  includes one or more mating arrays  18  that are configured to engage the second communication component  14 , one or more mating arrays  20  that are configured to engage the first communication component  12 , and one or more flex connections  22  that interconnect the mating arrays  18  and  20 . The mating arrays  18  and  20  may include optical terminals and/or contact terminals. The mating arrays  18  and  20  may be configured to engage complementary arrays of terminals (not shown) along the first and second communication components  12  and  14 , respectively. In some embodiments, at least one of the mating arrays  18  and  20  may be moved to and from the first and second communication components  12  and  14 , respectively, as described in greater detail below. The flex connections  22  may be configured to transmit data signals. For example, the flex connections  22  may be flexible circuits for transmitting electrical current and/or fiber optic cables for transmitting optical signals. A single flex connection  22  may include one or more optical fibers and one or more conductive pathways. 
     In some embodiments, the first communication component  12  may be a motherboard and the second communication component  14  may be a removable daughter card, e.g., a line or switch card, that may be removably coupled to or engaged with the interconnect assembly  16 . The interconnect assembly  16  is configured to allow the mating array  18  to be moved from a retracted position to an engaged position where the first and second communication components  12  and  14  are communicatively coupled through the interconnect assembly  16 . The mating array  18  may be selectively held and moved by, for example, coupling mechanisms  204  (shown in  FIG. 4 ),  304  ( FIG. 8 ), and  404  ( FIG. 10 ), which will be described in further detail below. When the mating array  18  is in the retracted position, the second communication component  14  may be inserted into or removed from the system  10 . In some embodiments, the mating array(s)  20  are also selectively held and moved between retracted and engaged positions. 
     The mating arrays  20  may be mounted to the first communication component  12  by, for example, using press-fit contacts. Alternatively, the mating arrays  20  may be soldered or attached to the first communication component  12  using a fastener and a compressible interface. Also, in other embodiments, the mating array  20  may be part of a removable card assembly and may be moved from a retracted position to an engaged position along the first communication component  12 . Such embodiments are described in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/428,851, which is incorporated by reference in the entirety. 
     The first and second communication components  12  and  14  may be in fixed or locked positions and substantially orthogonal to one another before the mating array  18  is moved toward and engages the second communication component  14 . More specifically, the first communication component  12  extends along a horizontal plane defined by a longitudinal axis  80  and a horizontal axis  82 , and the second communication component  14  extends along a vertical or longitudinal plane defined by the longitudinal axis  80  and a vertical axis  84 . However, in other embodiments, the first and second communication components  12  and  14  may be substantially orthogonal (or perpendicular) to one another (e.g., 90°+/−20°), parallel to one another, or may form some other angle or some other positional relationship with respect to each other. For example, the first and second communication components  12  and  14  may be oblique to one another. 
     Also, in some embodiments, the second communication component  14  may include a handle  40  affixed to an edge of the second communication component  14 . The handle  40  may facilitate a technician or machine in removing the second communication component  14  from the system  10 . 
       FIG. 2  is a top cross-sectional view illustrating exemplary mating and complementary arrays  50  and  60 , respectively, that may be used in accordance with various embodiments. A communication component  52  may include the mating array  50  and a communication component  62  may include the complementary array  60 .  FIG. 2  illustrates the mating array  50  in a retracted position  46  (shown in dashed lines) and in an engaged position  48  (solid lines) with respect to the complementary array  60 . Although not shown, the mating array  50  may be communicatively coupled to flex connections that permit the mating array  50  to be moved bi-directionally along a mating axis  44  between the retracted and engaged positions  46  and  48 . In particular embodiments, the mating array  50  may be moved along the mating axis  44  in a linear manner between the retracted position  46  and the engaged position  48 . When the mating array  50  moves in a direction along the mating axis  44 , the mating array  50  moves along a mating direction M 1 . The mating direction M 1  may be substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis  45 . 
     By way of example, the mating array  50  of terminals may include contact terminals  51 A, optical terminals (or fiber terminals)  51 B, and optical terminals (or fiber terminals)  51 C. The complementary array  60  of terminals may include contact terminals  61 A, optical terminals (or fiber terminals)  61 B, and optical terminals (or fiber terminals)  61 C. Each terminal of the mating array  50  is configured to engage an associated terminal of the complementary array  60 . Associated terminals are a pair of terminals that are configured to communicatively couple to each other when the mating and complementary arrays  50  and  60  are engaged. 
     As shown, the communication component  52  may have a mating or array surface  54  having the mating array  50  thereon, and the communication component  62  has a mating or array surface  64  having the complementary array  60  of terminals thereon. In particular embodiments, the mating surfaces  54  and  64  may extend adjacent to and substantially parallel to each other in the retracted and engaged positions  46  and  48 . For example, the mating surfaces  54  and  64  may extend in a direction along a longitudinal axis  45 . The longitudinal axis  45  may be substantially orthogonal to the mating axis  44 . The mating surfaces  54  and  64  may face each other in the retracted and engaged positions  46  and  48 . As will be discussed further below, the mating array  50  may be selectively held and moved by a coupling mechanism (e.g., by coupling mechanisms  204 ,  304 , and  404  shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  8 , and  10 , respectively) until the associated terminals are engaged. As such, the mating array  50  may be removably coupled to or engaged with the complementary array  60 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the mating surface  54  and the mating surface  64  extend substantially parallel to one other while in the engaged and retracted positions  48  and  46 , respectively, and in any position therebetween. The associated terminals are spaced apart from each other by substantially the same distance D 1  in the retracted position. When the mating array  50  is moved toward the second communication component  62  in a linear manner along the mating axis  44 , the distance D 1  that separates the associated terminals decreases until the associated terminals are engaged. 
     The contact terminals  51 A may include resilient beams that flex to and from the mating surface  54 . The resilient beams resist deflection and exert a resistance force F R  in a direction away from the mating surface  54 . The contact terminals  61 A are configured to engage the contact terminals  51 A. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact terminals  61 A are contact pads that are substantially flush with the mating surface  64 . However, the contact pads are not required to be substantially flush with the mating surface  64 . Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, the contact terminals  51 A and  61 A may take on other forms including other stamped and formed contacts, etched and formed contacts, solder ball contacts, contact pads, and the like. 
     The optical terminals  51 B include fiber ends  70  that project a distance D 2  beyond the mating surface  54 . The fiber ends  70  may be sized and shaped relative to fiber cavities  72  of the optical terminals  61 B so that the fiber ends  70  are received by the fiber cavities  72  when the mating array  50  is moved into the engaged position  48 . In the engaged position  48 , the fiber ends  70  are aligned with fiber ends  74  of the optical terminals  61 B within the fiber cavities  72 . Associated fiber ends  70  and  74  may abut each other to transfer a sufficient amount of light for transmitting optical signals. For example, associated fiber ends  70  and  74  may be configured to minimize any gaps between each other. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 2 , the optical terminals  51 C include fiber ends  76  located within corresponding fiber channels  77  and alignment features  92  that surround the fiber ends  76  and define the fiber channels  77 . The optical terminals  61 C include fiber ends  78  and edge surfaces  94  that surround the fiber ends  78 . The edge surfaces  94  define fiber cavities  79 . The alignment features  92  are projections or caps that are configured to engage the edge surfaces  94 . The edge surfaces  94  are shaped to engage the alignment features  92  to align the fiber ends  76  and  78 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the fiber ends  76  are withdrawn and held within the fiber channels  77  when the mating array  50  is in the retracted position  46 . When the mating surfaces  54  and  64  are interfaced with each other in the engaged position  48 , the alignment features  92  are received within associated fiber cavities  79 . The fiber ends  76  may then advance through the corresponding fiber channels  77  to abut the fiber ends  78  within the fiber cavities  79 . 
     In alternative embodiments, the mating array  50  may be moved toward and engage the complementary array  60  in other manners. In some embodiments, the mating surface  64  and the mating surface  54  may be parallel in the retracted position  46 , but the mating and complementary arrays  50  and  60  may be misaligned. In such embodiments, as the mating array  50  approaches the complementary array  60 , the mating array  50  may shift or move so that the associated terminals become aligned when the mating array  50  reaches the engaged position  48 . In another alternative embodiment, the mating surface  54  and the mating surface  64  may not be parallel when in the retracted position. For example, the mating array  50  may rotate about an axis that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis  45  when the mating array  50  is moved to the engaged position  48 . 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  are isolated perspective views of a connector assembly  110  formed in accordance with one embodiment. The connector assembly  110  includes a moveable side  112  having a mating array  118  ( FIG. 3 ) of terminals  132  ( FIG. 3 ) thereon. The terminals  132  of the mating array  118  may be, for example, the contact terminals and optical terminals described above with respect to  FIG. 2 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the connector assembly  110  is oriented with respect to mutually perpendicular axes  180 ,  182 , and  184  that include a longitudinal axis  180 , a mating axis  184 , and an orientation axis  182 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the connector assembly  110  has a substantially rectangular shape that includes a width W 1  that extends along the orientation axis  182 , a length L 1  that extends along the longitudinal axis  180 , and a height H 1  that extends along the mating axis  184 . The connector assembly  110  may include a base frame  208  and a coupling mechanism  204  ( FIG. 4 ) that is supported by the base frame  208 . The base frame  208  is configured to be mounted to a communication component or other structure and, as such, may have various shapes and sizes. In the illustrated embodiment, the base frame  208  extends along the longitudinal axis  180  between opposite frame ends  224  and  226 . The coupling mechanism  204  is operatively coupled to the moveable side  112  and is configured to be actuated by an operator to move the moveable side  112  in a mating direction M 2  along the mating axis  184 . The operator that actuates the coupling mechanism  204  may be an individual or a machine. 
     Also, the connector assembly  110  includes an interconnect assembly  114  that includes flex connections  116  (indicated by phantom lines in  FIG. 4 ), the mating arrays  118 , and a mating array  213  ( FIG. 5 ). The flex connections  116  are communicatively coupled to the mating arrays  118  and  213  and are configured to transmit data signals therebetween. The flex connections  116  may include at least one of optical fibers and conductive pathways for transmitting the data signals between the mating arrays  118  and  213 . The flex connections  116  are coupled to the mating array  213  at a mounting side  296  of the connector assembly  110  and extend around the connector assembly  110  to the moveable side  112 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the moveable side  112  includes the mating array  118  having a mating surface  128  thereon. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , the coupling mechanism  204  is configured to move the moveable side  112  between the retracted and engaged positions. The coupling mechanism  204  includes an operator-controlled actuator  230 . In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator  230  includes an axle. However, the actuator  230  may comprise other mechanical elements in alternative embodiments, such as a sliding member. As shown, the actuator  230  extends along a central axis  290  that, in the illustrated embodiment, extends parallel to the longitudinal axis  180 . The coupling mechanism  204  also includes a plurality of cam fingers  232  that are coupled to the actuator  230  and a header  209  having multiple header sections  210  that are coupled to the moveable side  112 . The actuator  230  has an engagement end  231  that is configured to be engaged by an operator for rotating the actuator  230  about the central axis  290 . Furthermore, the base frame  208  includes a plurality of axle supports  222  that support the actuator  230 . More specifically, the base frame  208  supports the actuator  230  and permits the actuator  230  to be moved (e.g., rotated) with respect to the base frame  208  for driving the moveable side  112 . 
       FIG. 5  is cross-sectional view of the connector assembly  110  taken along the line  5 - 5  shown in  FIG. 4 . As shown, the flex connection  116  extends around the coupling mechanism  204  to communicatively couple the mating array  213  on the mounting side  296  to the mating array  118  of the moveable side  112 . More specifically, the flex connection  116  extends around a perimeter of the cross-section of the connector assembly  110  from the mating array  213  along connector sides  252  and  253 . The flex connection  116  of the interconnect assembly  114  may also include rigid substrates or board stiffeners  256  for supporting and providing a shape to the flex connection  116 . More specifically, the board stiffeners  256  may extend along portions of the flex connection  116  that extend along connector sides  252  and  253 . Furthermore, the flex connection  116  may have a longer length than the perimeter of the connector sides  252  and  253  to allow the moveable side  112  to be moved between retracted and engaged positions  190  and  192  (shown in  FIG. 6 ). 
     The mounting side  296  may be configured to be mounted to a communication component, such as a circuit board or another connector assembly. The mating arrays  118  and  213  and the flex connection  116  of the interconnect assembly  114  may be molded together into one unit. The mating array  213  may be an interposer that engages the flex connection  116  on one side of the interposer and engages the communication component on the other side of the interposer. The terminals of the mating array  213  may include compressive contacts (e.g., resilient beams), press-fit contacts, or solder-ball contacts that are affixed to a communication component  102  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) to facilitate holding the connector assembly  110  thereto. Alternatively, other terminals, such as optical terminals, may be used. 
     The moveable side  112  includes the mating array  118 , a substrate  260 , and a panel  262  that are all fastened together (e.g., with screws or adhesives) and extend substantially parallel to the central axis  290  of the actuator  230 . The mating array  118  in  FIG. 5  is an interposer, but the mating array  118  may take other forms in alternative embodiments. As shown, the substrate  260  is sandwiched between the panel  262  and the flex connection  116 . The substrate  260  may be configured to prevent friction and damage to the flex connection  116 . The panel  262  supports the substrate  260  and the mating array  118  and is floatably attached to the header sections  210  (only one header section  210  is shown in  FIG. 5 ). For example, a plurality of springs  264  may be attached at one end to the panel  262  (e.g., through screw or pin shaft) and attached at an opposite end to a corresponding header section  210 . The moveable side  112  also includes an alignment feature  288  that projects away from the mating array  118 . 
     Also shown in  FIG. 5 , the coupling mechanism  204  includes a roll bar  266  that is coupled to and extends through the header sections  210  parallel to the central axis  290 . The roll bar  266  has a roll surface  267  that contacts a finger surface  233  of the cam finger  232 . In  FIG. 5 , the coupling mechanism  204  and the moveable side  112  are in the retracted position  190 . In the retracted position  190 , the cam finger  232  extends longitudinally toward the mounting side  296  and the finger surface  233  is shaped to provide a mechanical advantage when the cam finger  232  is rotated about the central axis  290 . The cam finger  232  may be shaped to initially accelerate movement of the moveable side  112  before the alignment feature  288  and terminals  132  engage the communication component  102  and then reduce movement as the alignment feature  288  and terminals  132  engage the communication component  102 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a portion of the connector assembly  110  in the retracted position  190  and in the engaged position  192 . In  FIG. 6 , the connector assembly  110  has been rotated about 90° in a clockwise direction about the central axis  290  ( FIG. 4 ) with respect to  FIG. 3 . When the actuator  230  is rotated in a direction as indicated by the arrow R 1 , the cam fingers  232  push the roll bar  266  ( FIG. 5 ) away from the actuator  230  in the mating direction M 2 . The header section  210 , likewise, moves in the mating direction M 2  thereby moving the moveable side  112  away from the actuator  230  and toward a complementary array  120  of a communication component  104 . Although not shown, the coupling mechanism  204  may be biased (e.g., by a spring force) such that a force F B  biases the header section  210  and the roll bar  266  in a direction toward the actuator  230 . (The mating direction M 2  and the biasing force F B  are also shown in  FIG. 5 .) When the actuator  230  is rotated in a direction opposite R 1 , the biasing force F B  moves the header section  210  and the roll bar  266  toward the actuator  230  and away from the communication component  104 . Accordingly, the moveable side  112  may be moved between the engaged and retracted positions  192  and  190 . 
     Also shown in  FIG. 6 , when the moveable side  112  moves from the retracted position  190  to the engaged position  192 , the moveable side  112  pulls the flex connection  116  therealong. Due to the board stiffeners  256  ( FIG. 5 ) that extend along the connector sides  252  and  253  ( FIG. 5 ) the shape of the flex connection  116  changes in a predetermined manner. 
     Returning to  FIG. 5 , in particular embodiments in which the flex connections  116  include optical fibers, the board stiffeners  256  and an operative length L o  of the flex connections  116  may be configured to maintain a minimum bend radius of the optical fibers. For example, the operative length L o  of the flex connection  116  may extend between distal and base ends  240  and  242  of the flex connection  116 . The distal end  240  is attached to the moveable side  112 , and the base end  242  is attached to the mounting side  296 . The distal and base ends  240  and  242  have fixed positions. The operative length L o  of the flex connection  116  represents a portion of the flex connection  116  that may be moved when the moveable side  112  is moved between the retracted and engaged positions  190  and  192 . The operative length L o  of the flex connection  116  may be configured to limit a bend radius of the optical fibers in the flex connection  116 . In alternative embodiments, the base end  242  is attached to another structure. For example, the base end  242  may be attached to the communication component  102 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an interaction between the alignment feature  288  of the mating array  118  and an aperture  280  of the communication component  104  as the moveable side  112  is moved between retracted and engaged positions  190  and  192  ( FIG. 6 ). Embodiments described herein may utilize one or more alignment mechanisms to facilitate aligning the terminals  132  ( FIG. 3 ) of the mating array  118  and the terminals (not shown) of the communication component  104 . As used herein, an “alignment feature” includes a physical structure, such as an alignment projection, an aperture, an edge, or a frame, that may engage another alignment feature to redirect a mating array. The alignment feature may have a fixed relationship with respect to the terminals  132  of the mating array  118 . By way of example, the alignment feature  288  may be a conical projection coupled to and extending from the mating array  118 . The aperture  280  may be a cavity or passage that is sized and shaped to receive the alignment feature  288  when the mating array  118  is moved from the retracted position  190  to the engaged position  192 . 
     In some embodiments, the mating array  118  may float with respect to the base frame  208  ( FIG. 3 ). For example, the springs  264  ( FIG. 5 ) may allow movement in various directions when a force redirects the mating array  118 . More specifically, when the mating array  118  is moved toward the communication component  104 , a surface  289  of the alignment feature  288  may engage a wall of the corresponding aperture  280 . Due to the shape of the surface  289 , the alignment feature  288  and corresponding aperture  280  cooperate with each other to align and communicatively couple the terminals  132  of the mating array  118  and the terminals of the complementary array (not shown). 
     Returning to  FIG. 6 , because the communication component  104  is stationary and the mating array  118  is floatable, the mating array  118  may be moved along at least one of the orientation axis  182  and the longitudinal axis  180  ( FIG. 3 ). In other words, the mating array  118  may be floatable in at least one direction that is perpendicular to the mating direction M 2  as indicated by the arrows projecting from the moveable side  112 . (Although movement of the moveable side  112  along the longitudinal axis  180  is indicated by only one arrow in  FIG. 6 , the moveable side may also move in an opposite direction along the longitudinal axis  180 .) In addition, the springs  264  ( FIG. 5 ) may also allow slight rotation of the mating array  118  about any one or more of the axes  180 ,  182 , and  184  if the mating array  118  and the communication component  104  are not oriented properly when the mating array  118  and the communication component  104  begin to engage. Also, the springs  264  may facilitate holding the mating array  118  parallel to the communication component  104  when in the retracted position. 
     Other moveable sides, coupling mechanisms, and connector assemblies including floatable mating arrays that are similar to the moveable sides, coupling mechanisms, and connector assemblies described herein are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/757,835, filed Apr. 9, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference in the entirety. 
     Furthermore, in embodiments where the terminals  132  include contact terminals having resilient beams, the springs  264  may work in conjunction with the resilient beams to electrically couple the mating array  118  to the communication component  104 . The combined resilient forces of the terminals  132  and the floatable capability of the mating array  118  may cooperate in properly aligning the mating array  118  with the communication component  104 . 
     However, alternative alignment mechanisms may be used. For example, the alignment feature  288  ( FIG. 7 ) may be a cylindrical pin that projects from the mating array  118 . The communication component  104  may have a conical or funnel-like aperture with a hole at the bottom configured to receive the pin. When the mating array  118  is moved toward the communication component  104 , the pin may engage the surface of the conical aperture and be directed toward the hole where the pin is eventually received. This alternative alignment mechanism may operate similarly to the illustrated mechanism described above. In addition, the alignment feature  288  may have other shapes (e.g., pyramid, semi-spherical, and the like). 
     In other embodiments, the communication component  104  may have the alignment feature  288  and the mating array  118  may have the corresponding aperture  280  ( FIG. 7 ). Furthermore, alternative embodiments may use multiple alignment features with the communication component  104  and the mating array  118 . For example, the mating array  118  may have one alignment feature  288  configured to engage an aperture  280  in the communication component  104  and also one aperture configured to receive an alignment feature from the communication component  104 . 
     Accordingly, if the terminals  132  are misaligned as the mating array  118  approaches the communication component  104 , the floatable mating array  118  may be redirected in order to align and engage the associated terminals. The springs  264  allow the mating array  118  to move in various directions. Moreover, the springs  264  may be configured to provide an outward mating force in the mating direction M 2  to maintain the connection between the terminals  132  of the mating array  118  and the terminals of the communication component  104 . 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  are perspective views of a communication system  300  that includes a connector assembly  302  formed in accordance with an alternative embodiment.  FIG. 8  shows the connector assembly  302  in a retracted position, and  FIG. 9  shows the connector assembly  302  in an engaged position. The connector assembly  302  includes the coupling mechanism  304  and a interconnect assembly (not shown), which may have similar components and features as the interconnect assembly  16  ( FIG. 1 ) and the interconnect assembly  114  ( FIG. 5 ). The coupling mechanism  304  is configured to move a mating array  314  toward and away from a communication component  315  between the engaged and retracted positions. The communication component  315  is illustrated as a daughter card in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . The coupling mechanism  304  includes a base frame  308 , a header  310  configured to hold the mating array  314 , and an actuator assembly  312  configured to move the header  310  toward and away from the communication component  315 . Also shown, the base frame  308  may include a board holder  311  for holding the communication component  315  proximate to the connector assembly  302 . The board holder  311  is shown as a guide channel in  FIGS. 8 and 9  that receives the communication component  315  and allows the communication component  315  to slide into position proximate to the connector assembly  302 . 
     The actuator assembly  312  includes a lever structure  313  and cam slots  316  that are operatively coupled to the header  310 . The actuator assembly  312  may also include an upright  319  that projects from the base frame  308  and forms a positive stop  318  and holder notch  320 . As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the lever structure  313  cooperates with the cam slots  316  and header  310  in order to move the mating array  314  into the engaged and retracted positions. More specifically, the lever structure  313  has a cylindrical body that includes opposite arms  330  and  332  that project in a common vertical direction and a level portion  334  that extends between the arms  330  and  332  in a longitudinal direction. The level portion  334  connects to the arm  330  through a base portion  331  and connects to the arm  332  through a base portion  333 . The base portions  331  and  333  extend along a base axis  390 , whereas the level portion  334  extends along a separate but parallel level axis  391 . The level portion  334  also extends between and through the cam slots  316 . In alternative embodiments, the lever structure  313  may include only one arm  330  or arm  332 . 
     In the retracted position shown in  FIG. 8 , the arm  330  may rest against the positive stop  318 . When the lever structure  313  is moved such that the arms  330  and  332  and the level portion  334  rotate about the base axis  390 , the level portion  334  pushes the header  310  toward the communication component  315 . As the level portion  334  pushes the header  310 , the cam slots  316  allow the body of the level portion  334  to slide upward therein. As shown in  FIG. 9 , when the header  310  is in the engaged position, the arm  330  of the lever structure  313  may rest within the holder notch  320 . The holder notch  320  may provide a locking feature or mechanism that prevents the mating array  314  from being inadvertently disengaged with the communication component  315 . 
       FIGS. 10-13  illustrate a connector assembly  402  that may be formed in accordance with another embodiment.  FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the connector assembly  402 . The connector assembly  402  includes a coupling mechanism  404  that is configured to move two moveable sides  410  ( FIG. 11) and 412  toward a communication component (not shown) that is positioned between the moveable sides  410  and  412 . Each of the moveable sides  410  and  412  includes matting arrays  450  having terminals  452 . The communication component has complementary arrays of terminals (not shown) on both sides of the communication component that engage the corresponding mating arrays  450  on the moveable sides  410  and  412 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the connector assembly  402  includes a base frame  408 . The coupling mechanism  404  includes a pair of headers  416  and  418  that are slidably coupled to the base frame  408  and a sliding member  420  that is operatively coupled to the pair of headers  416  and  418  for moving the moveable sides  410  and  412  toward and away from the communication component. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the sliding member  420  is configured to move between an inserted position  492  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) and a withdrawn position  489  (shown in  FIG. 13 ). When the sliding member  420  is in the inserted position  492 , the mating arrays  450  of the moveable sides  410  and  412  are in an engaged position and are communicatively coupled to the communication component. When the sliding member  420  is in the withdrawn position  489 , the mating arrays  450  are in a retracted position (shown in  FIG. 10 ) and the communication component may be removed from the connector assembly  402 . 
     The moveable sides  410  and  412  oppose each other across a gap G where the communication component is held. Each of the moveable sides  410  and  412  or headers  416  and  418  may include an alignment projection  488  that projects from the corresponding surface and a bore  490  that is configured to receive the alignment projection  488  from the opposing mating array or header. With reference to the moveable side  412  in  FIG. 10 , each end of the moveable side  412  may include one alignment projection  488  and one bore  490 . Although not shown, the opposing moveable side  410  may also include an alignment projection  488  and bore  490 . When in the engaged position, the alignment projection  488  of the moveable side  410  extends through an aperture (not shown) of the communication component and into the corresponding bore  490  of the opposing moveable side  412 . Likewise, the alignment projection  488  of the moveable side  412  extends through an aperture of the communication component and into the corresponding bore  490  of the opposing moveable side  410 . As such, the communication component is sandwiched between the moveable sides  410  and  412 . The alignment projections  488  and the bores  490  of the moveable sides  410  and  412  may cooperate with each other to facilitate aligning the associated terminals. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the base frame  408  may include a top portion  422  and a bottom portion  424 . When the base frame  408  is constructed, the sliding member  420  is inserted between the top and bottom portions  422  and  424 , respectively, and held therebetween. The bottom portion  424  may have tabs or latches  426  that project toward the top portion  422  and are configured to engage apertures  428  within the top portion  422  when the top and bottom portions  422  and  424  are combined. Also shown, the top portion  422  may include passages  430  distributed along each side of the top portion  422 . Each passage  430  is configured to receive a leg support  432  of one of the headers  416  and  418 . The leg supports  432  may slide within the corresponding passage  430  in a direction that is parallel to a mating axis  482  ( FIG. 10 ) (i.e., orthogonal to a longitudinal axis  484  ( FIG. 10 )). Each leg support  432  includes a cam member  434  that projects downwardly in a direction parallel to a vertical axis  480  ( FIG. 10 ). 
     The connector assembly  402  includes interconnect assemblies  440  and  442 . The interconnect assembly  442  includes the mating array  450  of the moveable side  412  and a flex connection  446  that is coupled to the mating array  450 . When the connector assembly  402  is fully assembled, the flex connection  446  may wrap around a top  454  of the header  418  and the mating array  450  may be floatably coupled to a face  456  of the header  418 . The flex connection  446  has a length that is configured to allow the corresponding mating array  412  to be moved between the engaged and retracted positions. Similarly, the interconnect assembly  440  includes the mating array  450  of the moveable side  410  and a flex connection  444 , which may be assembled as described above with respect to the interconnect assembly  442 . 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  are bottom cross-sectional views of the connector assembly  402  when the sliding member  420  is in the inserted and withdrawn positions  492  and  489 , respectively. The sliding member  420  has a substantially flat body configured to slide in and out of the base frame  408  a distance D 3  ( FIG. 13 ). The sliding member  420  substantially extends along a length of the base frame  408  and includes two series of cam slots  460  and  462  that extend lengthwise along the body of the sliding member  420 . Each cam slot  460  forms an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis  484  (indicated as an angle θ) and projects in a common direction with respect to the other cam slots  460 . Likewise, each cam slot  462  forms an angle (indicated as an angle β) with respect to the longitudinal axis  484  and projects in a common direction with respect to the other cam slots  462 . As shown, the angle β has an equal value as θ, but extends away from the longitudinal axis  484  in a different direction (i.e., downward instead of upward). 
     When a withdrawing force F W  ( FIG. 12 ) pulls the sliding member  420  in a direction along the longitudinal axis  484  and away from the base frame  408 , the cam slots  460  and  462  are configured to move the cam members  434  away from the communication component causing the corresponding headers  416  ( FIG. 10) and 418  ( FIG. 10 ) to be moved away from the communication component (i.e., along the mating axis  482 ). As such, the withdrawing force F W  is translated into a separating force or movement that simultaneously moves the headers  416  and  418  and corresponding moveable sides  410  and  412  ( FIG. 11 ) away from the communication component. Furthermore, because the series of cam slots  460  and  462  are symmetrical, the corresponding headers  416  and  418  move an equal distance D 4  ( FIG. 13 ) away from the communication component. 
     However, alternative embodiments are not required to have symmetrical series of cam slots  460  and  462  and the angles θ and β are not required to be equal. Furthermore, the headers  416  and  418  are not required to move an equal distance. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the angle θ may be greater than the angle β. When the sliding member  420  is withdrawn, the header  416  moves at a greater speed and/or to a greater distance than the header  418 . Various other configurations of cam slots  460  and  462  can be used to control movement of the headers  416  and  418  as desired. 
       FIGS. 14-16  illustrate various embodiments of connector assemblies that include moveable sides having mating arrays that are configured to establish electrical and/or optical connections.  FIG. 14  shows connector assemblies  501 - 503 . The connector assemblies  501 - 503  are mounted to a common motherboard  590 , which may be another type of communication component in alternative embodiments. The connector assemblies  501 - 503  include moveable sides  511 - 513 , respectively, that have mating arrays  521 - 523 , respectively. The connector assemblies  501 - 503  include mounting sides  531 - 533 , respectively. As shown in  FIG. 14 , the connector assemblies  501 - 503  are in retracted positions and are configured to communicatively couple to corresponding daughter cards  591 - 593 , respectively. However, in alternative embodiments, the daughter cards  591 - 593  may be other communication components. To this end, the connector assemblies  501 - 503  may include flex connections  541 - 543  that include at least one of optical fibers and conductive pathways. The flex connections  541 - 543  may communicatively couple the mating arrays  521 - 523  to the motherboard  590 . 
     Each of the connector assemblies  501 - 503  may form signal pathways that interconnect the daughter cards  591 - 593 , respectively, to the motherboard  590 . For example, the connector assembly  501  may have a signal pathway that extends from the mating array  521 , through the flex connection  541 , and to a mating array  551  that is mounted to the motherboard  590 . The connector assembly  502  may have a signal pathway that extends from the mating array  522 , through the flex connection  542 , and to an optical connector  552  that is mounted to the motherboard  590 . Furthermore, the connector assembly  503  may have a signal pathway that extends from the mating array  523 , through the flex connection  543 , and to an optical connector  553  that is mounted to the motherboard  590 . 
     In some embodiments, at least a portion of the signal pathway of each connector assembly  501 - 503  may permit optical transmissions. More specifically, at least one of the mating array(s) and the flex connection(s) may be configured to transmit optical signals. For example, the flex connections  541 - 543  may comprise fiber optic cables (or ribbons) that include a plurality of optical fibers. The mating arrays  521 - 523  may include optical terminals including fiber ends that permit optical transmission. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a cross-section of the connector assembly  501  and the connector assembly  502 . As shown, the connector assembly  501  may include a signal converter  561  that is communicatively coupled to the mating array  521  and a signal converter  562  that is communicatively coupled to the mating array  551 . The signal converter  561  may be a part of the moveable side  511 . For example, the signal converter  561  may be have a fixed position with respect to the mating array  521  and move with the mating array  521  and the moveable side  511  when the moveable side  511  is selectively moved by a coupling mechanism, such as the coupling mechanisms described above. The signal converter  561  may be directly attached to the mating array  521 . 
     The signal converters  561  and  562  are configured to receive data signals of a first signal form and convert the data signal into a different second signal form. For example, the signal converter  561  may receive electrical signals from the mating array  521  and convert the electrical signals into optical signals that are transmitted along the flex connection  541 . As such, the signal converter  561  may include a modulator that receives the electrical signals from the mating array  521 . (The electrical signals may be provided to the mating array  521  from the daughter card  591 .) The modulator may encode the data signals for optical transmission. The signal converter  561  may also include a light source (e.g., LED) that is driven by the modulator to produce the optical signals. 
     In such embodiments, the signal converter  562  receives the optical signals from the signal converter  561  through the flex connection  541 . The signal converter  562  may include a detector that detects the optical signals and converts the optical signals into electrical form (i.e., converts the optical signals into electrical signals). The electrical signals may be amplified and decoded to replicate the electrical signals that were originally provided by the mating array  521  to the signal converter  561 . 
     In other embodiments, the signal converter  562  may receive electrical signals from the mating array  551  and convert the electrical signals into optical signals that are transmitted along the flex connection  541 . The signal converter  562  may also include a modulator that receives the electrical signals from a complementary array (not shown) of the motherboard  590  and a light source that is driven by the modulator to produce the optical signals. In such embodiments, the signal converter  561  may receive and decode the optical signals. In other embodiments, each of the signal converters  561  and  562  may convert electrical signals into optical signals and also convert optical signals into electrical signals. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 15 , the connector assembly  502  may include a signal converter  563  that is communicatively coupled to the mating array  522 . The optical connector  552  may be mounted to the motherboard  590  and mounted to the mounting side  532  of the connector assembly  502 . The flex connection  542  of the connector assembly  502  may communicatively couple to the optical connector  552  through a connector interface  571 . For example, the connector interface  571  may include a plurality of optical fiber interconnects  572  that join a fiber optic cable  573  to the optical fibers of the flex connection  542 . Similar to above, the signal converter  563  may receive electrical signals from the mating array  522  and convert the electrical signals into optical signals that are transmitted along the flex connection  542  to the optical connector  552  where the optical signals are transmitted therefrom through the fiber optic cable  573  to a remote communication component (not shown). Likewise, optical signals may also be transmitted from the optical connector  552 , through the flex connection  542 , to the signal converter  563 . 
     Although not shown, the signal pathways may include other optical devices or elements that facilitate optical transmission in addition to the signal converters and flex connections already described. For example, the signal pathways may include amplifiers, receivers, transmitters, splitters, couplers, filters, switches, and the like to facilitate optical communication. Such components may be part of the connector assembly if suitable (e.g., attached to a base frame, a moveable side, or a mating array), or such components may be remotely located with respect to the connector assembly. Furthermore, the signal converter  561  is not required to be within or attached to the moveable side  511 . For example, the signal converter  561  can be mounted to the motherboard  590  or located within the flex connection  541 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 14 , the mating array  523  includes a plurality of optical terminals and is configured to communicatively engage an optical connector  564  of the daughter card  593 . The optical connector  564  may be configured to receive and direct the mating array  523  so that the optical terminals of the mating array  523  are properly aligned with optical terminals of a complementary array (not shown) in the optical connector  564 . The optical connector  564  may include a signal converter similar to those described above. 
       FIG. 16  shows connector assemblies  504 - 507 . The connector assemblies  504 - 507  may be mounted to the common motherboard  590  or another type of communication component. The connector assemblies  504 - 507  include moveable sides  514 - 517 , respectively, that have mating arrays  524 - 527 , respectively. The connector assembly  506  has two opposite moveable sides  516 A and  516 B that include respective mating arrays  526 A and  526 B. The connector assembly  507  has two opposite moveable sides  517 A and  517 B that include respective mating arrays  527 A and  527 B. 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , the connector assemblies  504 - 507  are in retracted positions with respect to daughter cards  594 - 597 . The connector assemblies  504 - 507  are configured to communicatively couple to daughter cards  594 - 597 . Each of the connector assemblies  506  and  507  is configured to communicatively couple to both of the daughter cards  596  and  597 . In alternative embodiments, the daughter cards  594 - 597  may be other communication components. The connector assemblies  504  and  505  may include flex connections  544  and  545 , and the connector assemblies  506  and  507  may include flex connections  546 A,  546 B and  547 A,  547 B, respectively. The flex connections  544 ,  545 ,  546 A,  546 B,  547 A, and  547 B may include at least one of optical fibers and conductive pathways. 
     At least a portion of the signal pathway of each connector assembly  504 - 507  may permit optical transmissions. With respect to the connector assemblies  504  and  505  shown in  FIG. 16 , the flex connections  544  and  545  may pass through the motherboard  590 . For example, the flex connections  544  and  545  may extend from remote locations, such as a remote connector or other communication component (not shown), to respective pass-through point P 1  and P 2  on the motherboard  590 . The flex connections  544  and  545  extend from the respective pass-through points P 1  and P 2  to the respective mating arrays  524  and  525 . In some embodiments, the motherboard  590  has holes or slots at the pass-through points P 1  and P 2  that allow the flex connections  544  and  545  to be freely inserted and moveable therethrough. 
     In other embodiments, the flex connections  544  and  545  may be inserted through the holes or slots and attached thereto (e.g., using an adhesive or clip). In such cases, the pass-through points P 1  and P 2  may represent base ends of the flex connections  544  and  545  (described above) that facilitate limiting a bend radius of the flex connections  544  and  545 . Also, in alternative embodiments, the flex connections  544  and  545  do not extend through a pass-through point located proximate to the respective connector assembly  504  and  505 . Instead, the flex connections  544  and  545  may extend from a remote location and directly attach to the respective connector assembly  504  and  505  or, more specifically, to the respective mating array  524  and  525 . 
     The connector assembly  504  may include a signal converter (not shown) located proximate to the mating array  524  that converts the data signals from a first form to a different second form (e.g., from optical to electrical or from electrical to optical). However, the mating array  525  of the connector assembly  505  may be configured to communicatively engage an optical connector  555  that is mounted to the daughter card  595 . In such embodiments, the optical connector  555  and the mating array  525  may be configured to align optical terminals (not shown) to establish an optical connection. The optical connector  555  may, in turn, include a signal converter (not shown) that is communicatively coupled to the daughter card  595 . 
     The connector assembly  506  may be configured to selectively move the mating arrays  526 A and  526 B in opposite directions simultaneously or according to a predetermined sequence. Likewise, the connector assembly  507  may be configured to selectively move the mating arrays  527 A and  527 B in opposite directions simultaneously or according to a predetermined sequence. Such embodiments are described in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12/686,484 and 12/686,518, which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Furthermore, as described with respect to other connector assemblies, the conversion of the data signals from one form to another may occur within the corresponding connector assembly or within an optical connector that is configured to communicatively engage the mating array of the connector assembly. 
     It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. As such, other connectors and coupling mechanisms may be made as described herein that removably couple a moveable mating array to a complementary array. For example, the connector assemblies and coupling mechanisms may be similar to the connector assemblies and coupling mechanisms described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12/428,851; 12/428,806; 12/686,484; 12/686,518; 12/757,835; 12/646,314; and 12/685,398; all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. By way of one example, the coupling mechanism may include an operator-controlled actuator that is slidable along a longitudinal axis. The actuator may have ramps that engage roll bars or bearings within the connector assembly. When the ramps push the bearings outward, a moveable side is also pushed in a mating direction toward a communication component. Such a coupling mechanism is described in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/685,398, which is incorporated by reference in the entirety. Furthermore, connector assemblies described herein may also be configured to move a plurality of mating arrays in different directions and/or at different times according to a predetermined sequence. Such connector assemblies are described in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12/686,484 and 12/686,518, which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Connector assemblies described herein may also be used with removable card connector assemblies, such as those described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12/428,851 and 12/686,518, which are both incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     In addition, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Dimensions, types of materials, orientations of the various components, and the number and positions of the various components described herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments, and are by no means limiting and are merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” 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. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means—plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.