Patent Publication Number: US-10312633-B2

Title: Dual connector system having a securing strap

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject matter herein relates generally to a dual connector system. 
     Dual connector systems include first and second electrical connectors mounted to a host circuit board that are electrically connected to a dual connector module. The dual connector module includes a module circuit board having connector interfaces for interfacing with the first and second electrical connectors. Typically communication components are mounted to the module circuit board. For example, electrical and/or optical components may be mounted to the module circuit board. In various applications an on-board optics module may be mounted to the module circuit board. Heat dissipation of the communication components may be provided, such as in the form of a heat sink thermally coupled to the communication components and supported by the module circuit board. 
     Mating of the dual connector module to the first and second electrical connectors typically involves loading the dual connector module into a first position in a vertical direction and then sliding the dual connector module to a second position in a horizontal direction to mate with the first and second electrical connectors. However, proper mating of the module circuit board to both electrical connectors simultaneously may be difficult. Additionally, securing the dual connector module to the first and second electrical connectors may be problematic. For example, holding the rear end of the dual connector module downward on the second electrical connector to ensure adequate electrical connection between the dual connector module and the second electrical connector may be problematic. Conventional dual connector systems utilize J-shaped hooks on the outer sides of the second electrical connector to make physical contact with the upper surface of the module circuit board of the dual connector module to hold the module circuit board downward against the contacts of the second electrical connector. Notches are formed in the module circuit board to receive the J-shaped hooks. However, such notches take away potential component area of the module circuit board and narrow the paths for routing electrical traces through the module circuit board. 
     A need remains for a dual connector system that secures the dual connector module with the first and second electrical connectors on the host circuit board for proper mating. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, a dual connector system is provided including a host circuit board having a front mounting area with a first electrical connector at the front mounting area having a housing having a card slot holding first contacts at the card slot being terminated to the host circuit board and a rear mounting area with a second electrical connector at the rear mounting area having a housing having an upper mating surface, a first side and an opposite second side and holding second contacts at the upper mating surface between the first and second sides and with connector latching features at the first and second sides of the housing. The dual connector system includes a dual connector module mated to the first and second electrical connectors having a module circuit board including an upper surface and a lower surface facing the host circuit board having at least one communication component on the upper surface and front contact pads proximate to the front edge for electrically connecting to the first electrical connector and rear contact pads remote from the front edge for electrically connecting to the second electrical connector. The dual connector system includes a securing strap secured to the dual connector module having a first strap latching feature at a first end of the securing strap being latchably coupled to the first connector latching feature to secure the dual connector module to the second electrical connector. 
     In another embodiment, a dual connector system is provided including a host circuit board having a front mounting area with a first electrical connector at the front mounting area having a housing having a card slot holding first contacts at the card slot being terminated to the host circuit board and a rear mounting area with a second electrical connector at the rear mounting area having a housing having an upper mating surface, a first side and an opposite second side and holding second contacts at the upper mating surface between the first and second sides and with connector latching features at the first and second sides of the housing. The dual connector system includes a dual connector module mated to the first and second electrical connectors having a module circuit board including an upper surface and a lower surface facing the host circuit board having at least one communication component on the upper surface and front contact pads proximate to the front edge for electrically connecting to the first electrical connector and rear contact pads remote from the front edge for electrically connecting to the second electrical connector. The dual connector system includes a first securing strap secured to the dual connector module having a first strap latching feature at a distal end of the first securing strap being latchably coupled to the first connector latching feature to secure the dual connector module to the second electrical connector and a second securing strap secured to the dual connector module having a second strap latching feature at a distal end of the second securing strap being latchably coupled to the second connector latching feature to secure the dual connector module to the second electrical connector. 
     In a further embodiment, a dual connector system is provided including a host circuit board having a front mounting area with a first electrical connector at the front mounting area having a housing having a card slot holding first contacts at the card slot being terminated to the host circuit board and a rear mounting area with a second electrical connector at the rear mounting area having a housing having an upper mating surface, a first side and an opposite second side and holding second contacts at the upper mating surface between the first and second sides and with connector latching features at the first and second sides of the housing. The dual connector system includes a dual connector module mated to the first and second electrical connectors having a module circuit board including an upper surface and a lower surface facing the host circuit board having at least one communication component on the upper surface and front contact pads proximate to the front edge for electrically connecting to the first electrical connector and rear contact pads remote from the front edge for electrically connecting to the second electrical connector. The dual connector system includes a securing strap secured to the dual connector module having a first strap latching feature at a first end of the securing strap. The dual connector module is coupled to the host circuit board by lowering the dual connector module in a loading direction generally perpendicular to the host circuit board to a pre-staged position where the first connector interface is adjacent to the first electrical connector and the second connector interface is adjacent to the second electrical connector. The dual connector module is slid forward from the pre-staged position to a mated position in a mating direction generally parallel to the upper surface of the host circuit board to mate the first connector interface to the first electrical connector by loading the front edge of the module circuit board into the card slot of the first electrical connector to mate the first contacts to the first contact pads and to mate the second connector interface to the second electrical connector to mate the second contacts to the second contact pads. The first strap latching feature is aligned with and latchably coupled to the first connector latching feature in the mated position to secure the dual connector module to the second electrical connector. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a dual connector system formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment showing a dual connector module mounted to a host circuit board. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the dual connector system showing the dual connector module mounted to the host circuit board. 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view of the dual connector module in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of the host circuit board in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is an end view of a second electrical connector of the host circuit board in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of a portion of the dual connector system showing a module circuit board partially mated to the host circuit board. 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of a portion of the dual connector system showing the module circuit board fully mated to the host circuit board. 
         FIG. 8  shows the dual connector module poised for coupling to the host circuit board at an elevated positioned above the host circuit board. 
         FIG. 9  shows the dual connector module in a pre-staged position on the host circuit board. 
         FIG. 10  shows the dual connector module in a mated position on the host circuit board. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a dual connector system  100  formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment showing a dual connector module  102  mounted to a host circuit board  110 .  FIG. 2  is a side view of the dual connector system  100  showing the dual connector module  102  mounted to the host circuit board  110 . The host circuit board  110  has a first electrical connector  112  at a front mounting area  114  of the host circuit board  110  and a second electrical connector  116  at a rear mounting area  118  of the host circuit board  110 . 
     When the dual connector module  102  is mounted to the host circuit board  110 , the dual connector module interfaces with both electrical connectors  112 ,  116 . Optionally, the dual connector module  102  may be simultaneously mated with the first and second electrical connectors  112 ,  116  during a mating process. In an exemplary embodiment, the first electrical connector  112  is a different type of electrical connector than the second electrical connector  116 . For example, the first electrical connector  112  may be a front loaded electrical connector, such as a card edge connector. The second electrical connector  116  may be a top loaded electrical connector, such as a—axis or mezzanine connector. The electrical connectors  112 ,  116  may be used for different types of signaling. For example, the first electrical connector  112  may be used for high-speed signaling while the second electrical connector  116  may be used for low speed signaling, powering, or for another type of connection. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, mating of the dual connector module  102  to the host circuit board  110  occurs by loading the dual connector module  102  in a loading direction  124  (for example, Z-axis or downward) to a pre-staged position and then mating the dual connector module  102  in a mating direction  126  (for example, X-axis or forward) to a mated position. The loading direction  124  may be perpendicular to the host circuit board  110 , such as in a vertical direction, and the mating direction  126  may be parallel to the host circuit board  110 , such as in a horizontal direction. 
     The dual connector module  102  includes a module circuit board  130  having an upper surface  132  and a lower surface  134 . The module circuit board  130  extends between a front edge  136  (shown in phantom) and a rear edge  138 . The lower surface  134  faces the host circuit board  110  and may be parallel to and spaced apart from the host circuit board  110  when mated to the electrical connectors  112 ,  116 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the dual connector module  102  includes one or more communication components  140  on the upper surface  132  and/or the lower surface  134 . The communication components  140  may be electrical components, optical components, or other types of components. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the communication components  140  may be on-board optical modules. The communication components  140  may include optical/digital converters for converting between optical and electrical signals. Other types of communication components  140  may be provided on the module circuit board  130 , such as processors, memory modules, antennas, or other types of components. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the dual connector module  102  includes a housing or shell  142  on the upper surface  132 . The shell  142  encloses the communication components  140 . In an exemplary embodiment, the shell  142  extends generally around the perimeter of the module circuit board  130 ; however, portions of the module circuit board  130  may be exposed exterior of the shell  142 . In an exemplary embodiment, the dual connector module  102  includes a heat sink  144  thermally coupled to one or more of the communication components  140 . The heat sink  144  dissipates heat from the communication components  140 . The heat sink  144  may be mounted to the shell  142  and/or the module circuit board  130 . In an exemplary embodiment, the heat sink  144  extends substantially the entire length of the dual connector module  102 . The heat sink  144  may have a plurality of fins having a large surface area for dissipating heat. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the dual connector module  102  includes a latch  146  at a front end of the dual connector module  102  for latchably securing the dual connector module  102  to the first electrical connector  112 . A tether  148  is coupled to the latch  146  and extends to the rear end of the dual connector module  102  for releasing the latch  146 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the dual connector module  102  includes one or more securing straps  150  for securing the dual connector module  102  to the second electrical connector  116 . The securing strap  150  may be removably coupled to the second electrical connector  116 , such as to one or both sides of the second electrical connector  116 . In an exemplary embodiment, the securing strap  150  is latchably coupled to the second electrical connector  116 . The securing strap  150  extends to the top of the dual connector module  102 , such as above the heat sink  144 , to hold the dual connector module  102  down on the second electrical connector  116  in a mated position. The securing strap  150  may wrap at least partially around the dual connector module  102 , such as around the heat sink  144 , to extend along both sides and the top of the dual connector module  102 . In an exemplary embodiment, the securing strap  150  is secured to a top  174  of the heat sink  144  to press a bottom  175  of the heat sink  144  downward. In an exemplary embodiment, the securing strap  150  is secured to a first side  176  of the heat sink  144 , such as for connecting to a first side of the second electrical connector  116  and the securing strap  150  is secured to a second side  178  of the heat sink  144 , such as for connecting to a second side of the second electrical connector  116 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, both first and second ends  152 ,  154  of the securing strap  150  are coupled to the second electrical connector  116  and an upper band  156  of the securing strap  150  wraps around the top of the dual connector module  102 . The upper band  156  extends the entire width of the dual connector module  102 . Optionally, the upper band  156  may be expandable or contractible to accommodate different width dual connector modules  102 . The first and second ends  152 ,  154  extend along the sides of the dual connector module  102  to distal ends, which are configured to be coupled to the second electrical connector  116 . Optionally, the first and second ends  152 ,  154  may be elastically deformable, such as to stretch around a corresponding latching feature on the second electrical connector  116  when the securing strap  150  is coupled to the second electrical connector  116 . Such elastic deformation creates an internal bias in the securing strap  150  to pull the dual connector module  102  downward against the second electrical connector  116 . Optionally, the first end  152  and/or the second end  154  may be expandable or contractible to accommodate different heights of dual connector modules  102  and/or different mounting locations with second electrical connectors  116  in various embodiments. 
     The securing strap  150  may pull downward on the dual connector module  102  to force the dual connector module  102  into electrical connection with the second electrical connector  116 . The securing strap  150  may resist rearward movement of the dual connector module  102  when coupled to the second electrical connector  116 . The securing strap may be coupled to the dual connector module  102  after the dual connector module  102  is slid forward to the mated position and coupled to both the first and second electrical connectors  112 ,  116 . Alternatively, the securing strap  150  may be affixed to the dual connector module  102  and moved with the dual connector module  102  as the dual connector module  102  is slid forward to the mated position. The securing strap  150  is aligned with the second electrical connector  116  when the dual connector module  102  is in the mated position. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the dual connector module  102  includes one or more guide features  158  for locating the securing strap  150  relative to the dual connector module  102 . For example, the guide features  158  may be protrusions, tabs, flanges and the like extending outward from outer surfaces of the dual connector module  102 , such as from the heat sink  144 , to position the securing strap  150 . Optionally, the guide features  158  may be positioned both forward of and rearward of the securing strap  150  to locate the securing strap  150 . The guide features  158  may align the securing strap  150  with the second electrical connector  116 . The guide features  158  may be provided along the top of the heat sink  144 , as in the illustrated embodiment, and/or along other parts of the dual connector module  102 , such as along the sides of the heat sink  144 , along the shell  142  and/or along the module circuit board  130 . Other types of guide features  158  may be provided in alternative embodiments, such as grooves or channels formed in the dual connector module  102 , such as in the heat sink  144 . 
     In alternative embodiments, rather than having a single securing strap  150  extending from one side, across the top and to the other side of the dual connector module  102 , the dual connector module  102  may alternatively include two separate straps (for example, the first end  152  defining a first securing strap  150  and the second end  154  defining a second securing strap  150  without the upper band  156 ). The two securing straps  150  may be individually secured to the dual connector module  102 . The securing straps  150  may be secured using fasteners, adhesive, clips, and the like. 
     In other alternative embodiments, the securing strap  150  may be secured to and extend along the shell  142  and/or the module circuit board  130  rather than extending above the top of the heat sink  144 . For example, the securing strap  150  may be assembled prior to mounting the heat sink  144  to the shell  142  and/or the module circuit board  130 . 
       FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view of the dual connector module  102  and the securing strap  150  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the module circuit board  130  includes front contact pads  160  proximate to the front edge  136  along the lower surface  134  and/or the upper surface  132 . The front contact pads  160  define a first connector interface  162  configured for electrically connecting to the first electrical connector  112  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). For example, the first connector interface  162  may be a card edge interface at the front edge  136  configured to be plugged into a card slot of the first electrical connector  112 . The front contact pads  160  are circuits of the module circuit board  130 . The front contact pads  160  may be electrically connected to corresponding communication components  140  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) via traces on various layers of the module circuit board  130 . In an exemplary embodiment, the front contact pads  160  convey high speed data signals. Optionally, various front contact pads  160  may be arranged in pairs configured to carry differential signals. 
     The module circuit board  130  includes rear contact pads  164  on the lower surface  134  that define a second connector interface  166  configured for electrically connecting to the second electrical connector  116  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). The rear contact pads  164  may be electrically connected to corresponding communication components  140  via traces on various layers of the module circuit board  130 . Optionally, at least some of the rear contact pads  164  may be power pads configured to transmit power between the second electrical connector  116  and the module circuit board  130  for powering the communication components  140 . Optionally, the rear contact pads  164  may be provided in multiple rows along the lower surface  134 . The rear contact pads  164  are provided at an intermediate portion  168  of the module circuit board  130  remote from the front edge  136  and remote from the rear edge  138 . Optionally, the rear contact pads  164  are positioned closer to the rear edge  138  than the front edge  136 . Optionally, the securing strap  150  may be coupled to the dual connector module  102  generally in-line with the rear contact pads  164  for connection with the second electrical connector  116 . The securing strap  150  extends to both side edges  170 ,  172  of the module circuit board  130 . In other various embodiments, separate securing straps  150  may be provided at the opposite sides of the dual connector module  102  extend to the respective side edges  170 ,  172 . 
     The securing strap  150  extends between the first end  152  and the second end  154 . The securing strap  150  may be manufactured from a shape memory material, such as a metal material that is stamped and formed into a predetermined shape corresponding to the shape of the dual connector module  102  to wrap partially around the dual connector module  102 . The securing strap  150  may have other shapes in alternative embodiments. The securing strap  150  may be plastically deformed during the forming process to a predetermined shape. The securing strap  150  may be manufactured from other materials in alternative embodiments, such as a plastic material being molded into a predetermined shape corresponding to the shape of the dual connector module  102  to wrap partially around the dual connector module  102 . 
     The securing strap  150  includes first and second strap latching features  180 ,  182  at distal ends  184 ,  186  of the first and second ends  152 ,  154 , respectively. The first and second strap latching features  180 ,  182  are configured to interact with the second electrical connector  116  to secure the securing strap  150  to the second electrical connector  116 . The first and second strap latching features  180 ,  182  are configured to be latchably coupled to the second electrical connector  116 . For example, the first and second strap latching features  180 ,  182  may be snapably coupled around corresponding latching features of the second electrical connector  116 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second strap latching features  180 ,  182  include openings  188  that receive portions of the second electrical connector  116  to secure the securing strap  150  thereto. Other types of latching features may be provided in alternative embodiments, such as clips, slots, tabs, springs and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal ends  184 ,  186  are curled or flared outward away from the second electrical connector  116 , such as to avoid stubbing during assembly. However, the distal ends  184 ,  186  may be flat or non-flared in alternative embodiments or may be curled or flared inward with the curled end defining the first and second strap latching features  180 ,  182  configured to engage the second electrical connector  116 . 
     When assembled, the securing strap  150  secures the dual connector module  102  to the second electrical connector  116 . Optionally, the securing strap  150  may be coupled to the second electrical connector  116  such that the securing strap  150  induces a downward biasing force on the dual connector module  102  when the first and second strap latching features  180 ,  182  are latchably coupled to corresponding latching features of the second electrical connector  116  to force the rear contact pads  164  downward on corresponding contacts of the second electrical connector  116 . 
       FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of the host circuit board  110  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The host circuit board  110  includes mounting areas for mounting the dual connector module  102  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) to the host circuit board  110 . The mounting area is subdivided into the front mounting area  114  receiving the first electrical connector  112  and the rear mounting area  118  receiving the second electrical connector  116 . 
     With additional reference to  FIG. 3  for reference to components of the dual pluggable module  102 , the first electrical connector  112  includes a housing  300  mounted to the host circuit board  110 . The housing  300  holds a plurality of first contacts  302  configured to be terminated to the host circuit board  110 . The housing  300  has a mating end  304  configured to be mated with the first connector interface  162  ( FIG. 3 ) of the dual connector module  102 . In an exemplary embodiment, the first electrical connector  112  includes a card slot  306  at the mating end  304 . The first contacts  302  are arranged in the card slot  306  for mating with the first connector interface  162 . For example, the first contacts  302  may be arranged in an upper row and a lower row for interfacing with the front contact pads  160  ( FIG. 3 ) on the upper surface  132  and the lower surface  134  at the front edge  136  of the module circuit board  130 . 
     The housing  300  includes locating surfaces  308  at the mating end  304  for locating the module circuit board  130  relative to the card slot  306  during mating. For example, the locating surfaces  308  may be upward facing surfaces configured to support the front edge  136  of the module circuit board  130  in the pre-staged position. The module circuit board  130  may slide along the locating surfaces  308  during mating as the front edge  136  of the module circuit board  130  is loaded into the card slot  306 . The locating surfaces  308  may support the module circuit board  130  in the mated position to prevent damage to the first contacts  302  from the weight of the dual connector module  102 . 
     With additional reference to  FIG. 5 , which is an end view of the second electrical connector  116  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the second electrical connector  116  includes a housing  350  mounted to the host circuit board  110 . The housing  350  holds a plurality of second contacts  352  configured to be terminated to the host circuit board  110 . The housing  350  has a mating end  354  (for example, defining the top) configured to be mated with the second connector interface  166  ( FIG. 3 ) of the dual connector module  102 . In an exemplary embodiment, the second electrical connector  116  includes an upper mating surface  356  at the mating end  354 . The second contacts  352  are arranged along the upper mating surface  356 , such as in one or more rows, for mating with the second connector interface  166 . The second contacts  352  may include deflectable spring beams configured to be resiliently biased against the second connector interface  166  when the dual connector module  102  is mated to the second electrical connector  116 . 
     The housing  350  includes locating surfaces  358  at the mating end  354  for locating the module circuit board  130  during mating. For example, the locating surfaces  358  may be shoulders, flanges, tabs, and the like configured to locate the module circuit board  130  by restricting side-to-side movement of the module circuit board  130 . The locating surfaces  358  may define a pocket that receives the module circuit board  130 . 
     The housing  350  includes first and second connector latching features  360 ,  361  extending from the housing  350  at opposite sides  362 ,  364  of the housing  350 . The first and second connector latching features  360 ,  361  may be integral with the base of the housing  350 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second connector latching features  360 ,  361  include projections, such as latching tabs  365 , extending from the housing  350 . The first and second connector latching features  360 ,  361  have downward facing catch surfaces  366  configured to engage the securing strap  150  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The catch surfaces  366  may be generally horizontal surfaces in various embodiments; however, the catch surfaces  366  may be undercut or angled in alternative embodiments, such as to hold the securing strap  150  on the housing  350 . The first and second connector latching features  360 ,  361  have ramp surfaces  368  opposite the catch surfaces  366 . The ramp surfaces  368  may guide loading of the securing strap  150  onto the latching tab  365 . 
       FIG. 6  is a top view of a portion of the dual connector system  100  showing the module circuit board  130  partially mated to the host circuit board  110 .  FIG. 7  is a top view of a portion of the dual connector system  100  showing the module circuit board  130  fully mated to the host circuit board  110 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, mating of the dual connector module  102  to the host circuit board  110  occurs by loading the dual connector module  102  in the loading direction  124  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) to the pre-staged position ( FIG. 6 ), such as by loading the dual connector module  102  downward onto the first and second electrical connectors  112 ,  116 . Once positioned, the dual connector module  102  is mated to the first and second electrical connectors  112 ,  116  by moving the dual connector module  102  in the mating direction  126  to the mated position ( FIG. 7 ). 
     During mating, the first connector interface  162  is generally aligned above the first electrical connector  112  and the second connector interface  166  is generally aligned above the second electrical connector  116  and the module circuit board  130  is lowered into position on the first and second electrical connectors  112 ,  116  to the pre-staged position. The front edge  136  of the module circuit board  130  rests on, and is supported by, the first electrical connector  112  in the pre-staged position ( FIG. 6 ). The front edge  136  of the module circuit board  130  is aligned with the first electrical connector  112  such that the module circuit board  130  may be loaded straight into the first electrical connector  112 . Optionally, the first and second side edges  170 ,  172  near the front edge  136  are stepped inward to allow the module circuit board  130  to plug in to the first electrical connector  112 . Optionally, the first and second side edges  170 ,  172  near the rear edge  138  are stepped inward to fit within the locating surfaces  358  of the second electrical connector  116 . However, the side edges  170 ,  172  do not include notches or other cutouts at the second electrical connector  116  as is typical of conventional module circuit boards that are connected using J-hooks. As such, the module circuit board  130  has more surface area for mounting components and routing traces as compared to conventional module circuit boards. 
     To complete mating, the dual connector module  102  is moved from the pre-staged position ( FIG. 6 ) to the mated position ( FIG. 7 ) by sliding the module circuit board  130  forward. The front edge  136  is plugged into the card slot  306  to mate with the first electrical connector  112 . In the mated position, the second connector interface  166  of the module circuit board  130  is aligned with the second electrical connector  116 . The securing strap  150  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) is configured to be coupled to the second electrical connector  116  in the mated position. 
       FIGS. 8 through 10  show a mating sequence of the dual connector module  102  to the host circuit board  110 .  FIG. 8  shows the dual connector module  102  poised for coupling to the host circuit board  110  at an elevated positioned above the host circuit board  110 .  FIG. 9  shows the dual connector module  102  in a pre-staged position.  FIG. 10  shows the dual connector module  102  in a mated position. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, mating of the dual connector module  102  to the host circuit board  110  occurs by loading the dual connector module  102  in the loading direction  124  to the pre-staged position ( FIG. 9 ), such as by loading the dual connector module  102  downward onto the first and second electrical connectors  112 ,  116 . Once positioned, the dual connector module  102  is mated to the first and second electrical connectors  112 ,  116  by moving the dual connector module  102  in the mating direction  126  to the mated position ( FIG. 10 ). 
     During mating, the first connector interface  162  is generally aligned above the first electrical connector  112  and the second connector interface  166  is generally aligned above the second electrical connector  116  ( FIG. 8 ) and the module circuit board  130  is lowered into position on the first and second electrical connectors  112 ,  116  to the pre-staged position ( FIG. 9 ). The front edge  136  of the module circuit board  130  rests on, and is supported by, the first electrical connector  112  in the pre-staged position. As the module circuit board  130  is lowered, the securing strap  150  is positioned relative to the second electrical connector  116 , such as partially aligned with or positioned immediately behind the second electrical connector  116 . 
     As the dual connector module  102  is moved from the pre-staged position ( FIG. 9 ) to the mated position ( FIG. 10 ), the dual connector module  102  is moved forward to the mated position. The securing strap  150  is aligned with the second electrical connector  116 . The first and second strap latching features  180 ,  182  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) of the securing strap  150  are aligned with the first and second connector latching features  360 ,  361 . The first and second strap latching features  180 ,  182  are latchably coupled to the first and second connector latching features  360 ,  361  to secure the rear end of the dual connector module  102  to the second electrical connector  116 . The first and second strap latching features  180 ,  182  hold the dual connector module  102  downward on the second electrical connector  116  to prevent lift-off of the module circuit board  130  from the upper mating surface  356  of the second electrical connector  116 . 
     It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. 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(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.