Patent Publication Number: US-9853397-B1

Title: Pluggable module having pull tether for latch release

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject matter herein relates generally to pluggable modules for communication systems. 
     At least some known communication systems include receptacle assemblies, such as input/output (I/O) connector assemblies, that are configured to receive a pluggable connector module and establish a communicative connection between the pluggable connector module and an electrical communication connector of the receptacle assembly. As one example, a known receptacle assembly includes a cage member that is mounted to a circuit board, and the electrical communication connector is disposed within the cage member. The cage member is configured to removably receive a small form-factor (SFP) pluggable connector module in an elongated cavity of the cage member. The pluggable connector module and the electrical communication connector have respective electrical contacts that engage one another to establish a communicative connection. 
     Specialty pluggable modules are used for shielding and/or testing purposes for the communication system. Testing pluggable modules may be used for diagnostic testing of the electrical communication connector within the cage member. Shielding pluggable modules may be used for sealing an elongated cavity of the cage member that does not have a pluggable connector module therein. For example, the cage member may align with, and optionally extend through an opening in a panel of a device. The electrical communication connector is within an interior of the device, and the pluggable connector module is received into the elongated cavity through the opening of the panel from an exterior region outside of the device. When the pluggable connector module is not disposed within the elongated cavity, the shielding pluggable module is loaded into the elongated cavity to plug the elongated cavity to contain electromagnetic interference (EMI) within the cage member and/or the device, and optionally the shielding pluggable module may be used to shield the electrical communication connector and other electronic components within the device from EMI originating outside of the device. The specialty modules, including the testing modules and the shielding modules, are designed to be compatible with standard receptacle assemblies. For example, the specialty modules have similar form factors to the I/O pluggable connector modules. 
     The specialty pluggable modules, as well as the I/O pluggable connector modules, are typically retained in the elongated cavities via the use of releasable latching mechanisms. However, conventional latching mechanisms for pluggable modules may be rather complicated, involving many discrete components that interact with each other to selectively unlatch the pluggable module from the cage member. The complicated latching mechanisms with numerous components can be costly in regard to both parts and assembly, and may be prone to malfunction due to the multitude of interacting components. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for pluggable modules of a communication system that have an improved releasable latching mechanism. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, a pluggable module is provided that includes a plug body, a deflectable beam, and a tether. The plug body extends between a front end and an opposite rear end. The rear end is removably receivable in a module cavity of a cage member. The deflectable beam extends between a fixed end that is fixed to the plug body and a free end that is spaced apart from an outer wall of the plug body by a clearance gap. The deflectable beam includes a catch feature configured to engage a complementary catch feature of the cage member to secure the pluggable module in the module cavity. The tether is disposed within a tether channel of the plug body that extends through the plug body to the clearance gap. The tether has a mounting end secured to the deflectable beam and a handle projecting beyond the front end of the plug body. Movement of the handle in a frontward direction deflects the deflectable beam into the clearance gap such that the catch feature of the deflectable beam is moved for disengaging the complementary catch feature of the cage member to allow the pluggable module to be removed from the module cavity. 
     In another embodiment, a pluggable module is provided that includes a plug body, a deflectable beam, and a tether. The plug body extends between a front end and an opposite rear end. The rear end is removably receivable in a module cavity of a cage member. The deflectable beam extends between a fixed end that is fixed to the plug body and a free end that is spaced apart from an outer wall of the plug body by a clearance gap. The deflectable beam includes a catch feature configured to engage a complementary catch feature of the cage member to secure the pluggable module in the module cavity. The tether is disposed within a tether channel of the plug body that extends along a curved path through the plug body between a first opening at the clearance gap and a second opening at the front end of the plug body. The tether has a mounting end extending from the first opening and secured to the deflectable beam. The tether further includes a handle extending from the second opening at the front end of the plug body. Movement of the handle in a frontward direction deflects the deflectable beam into the clearance gap such that the catch feature of the deflectable beam is moved for disengaging the complementary catch feature of the cage member to allow the pluggable module to be removed from the module cavity. 
     In a further embodiment, a pluggable module is provided that includes a plug body and a tether. The plug body extends between a front end and an opposite rear end. The rear end is removably receivable in a module cavity of a cage member. The rear end of the plug body is closed and defines a rear wall. The plug body includes a deflectable beam that is integral to the plug body. The deflectable beam extends from the plug body between a fixed end attached to the plug body and a free end spaced apart from an outer wall of the plug body by a clearance gap. The deflectable beam includes a catch feature that is configured to engage a complementary catch feature of the cage member to secure the pluggable module in the module cavity. The tether is disposed within a tether channel of the plug body that extends through the plug body to the clearance gap. The tether has a mounting end secured to the deflectable beam and a handle projecting beyond the front end of the plug body. Movement of the handle in a frontward direction deflects the deflectable beam into the clearance gap such that the catch feature of the deflectable beam is moved for disengaging the complementary catch feature of the cage member to allow the pluggable module to be removed from the module cavity. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a communication system in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of a portion of a receptacle assembly of the communication system mounted to a circuit board according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of a pluggable module of the communication system in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of a plug body of the pluggable module according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of a tether of the pluggable module according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the communication system showing the pluggable module in a latched position relative to a cage member. 
         FIG. 7  is a side cross-sectional view of the portion of the communication system of  FIG. 6  showing the pluggable module in an unlatched position relative to the cage member. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments set forth herein include pluggable modules with releasable latching mechanisms used for selectively releasing the pluggable modules from cage members of I/O receptacle assemblies to allow the pluggable modules to be removed from elongated cavities of the cage members. For example, the pluggable modules include a plug body with a deflectable beam that engages a catch feature of the cage member to secure the corresponding pluggable module in the elongated cavity. The pluggable modules further include a tether that is coupled at one end to the deflectable beam. The tether extends through the plug body out of the elongated cavity such that an opposite end of the tether is exposed to an operator. In one or more embodiments, manipulation of the exposed end of the tether by the operator pulling on the tether causes the deflectable beam to deflect due to tension in the tether. The deflectable beam disengages the catch feature of the cage member upon deflecting, allowing the operator to pull the pluggable module out of the elongated cavity with a reasonable amount of force. The releasable latching mechanisms described herein may have fewer components and/or may be more reliable than conventional releasable latching mechanisms for pluggable modules. 
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a communication system  100  in accordance with an embodiment. The communication system  100  includes a circuit board  102 , a receptacle assembly  104  mounted to the circuit board  102 , and a shielding pluggable module  106  (sometimes simply referred to as pluggable module  106 ) that is configured to be received in the receptacle assembly  104 . The circuit board  102  may be a daughter card or a mother board and include conductive traces (not shown) extending therethrough. The communication system  100  may be part of or used with telecommunication systems or devices. For example, the communication system  100  may be part of or include a switch, router, server, hub, network interface card, or storage system. The shielding pluggable module  106  may be substitutable for an input/output (I/O) pluggable connector module that communicatively couples to the receptacle assembly  104 , such as to a communication connector  122  of the receptacle assembly  104 , to send and/or receive data signals with components of the communication system  100 . In various embodiments, the shielding pluggable module  106  does not transmit data signals with the communication connector  122  of the receptacle assembly  104 , but rather is merely physically positioned in the receptacle assembly  104  for other purposes, such as for plugging the receptacle assembly  104  for EMI containment and/or EMI shielding in the communication system  100 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle assembly  104  is illustrated as a single port receptacle assembly configured to receive a single pluggable module  106  (either the shielding pluggable module  106  described herein or a traditional, standard I/O pluggable connector module used for data communication). However, the receptacle assembly  104  in other embodiments may be a multi-port receptacle assembly configured to receive pluggable modules  106  in multiple ports. For example, the multiple ports of the receptacle assembly  104  may be ganged side-by-side and/or stacked vertically. 
     The receptacle assembly  104  includes a cage member  108  that is mounted to the circuit board  102 . The cage member  108  may be arranged at a bezel or panel  109  of a chassis of a device (not shown), such as through an opening  113  in the panel  109 . As such, at least a majority of the cage member  108  is interior of the device (and the corresponding panel  109 ). The pluggable module  106  is loaded into the cage member  108  in a loading direction  111  from outside or exterior of the device (and the corresponding panel  109 ). Optionally, the panel  109  may include a plurality of openings  113  each configured to receive a corresponding pluggable module  106 . In other various embodiments, the opening  113  in the panel  109  may be sized to receive multiple pluggable modules  106 , such as when a multi-port receptacle assembly  104  is used. 
     The cage member  108  includes a front end  110  and an opposite rear end  112 . The front end  110  may be provided at, and optionally extends through, the opening  113  in the panel  109 . As used herein, relative or spatial terms such as “front,” “back,” “rear,” “top,” and “bottom” are used to distinguish the referenced elements and do not necessarily require particular positions or orientations in the communication system  100  or in the surrounding environment of the communication system  100 . For example, the front end  110  may be located in or facing a back portion of a larger telecommunication system or device, such as a server or a computer. In many applications, the front end  110  is viewable to an operator when the operator is inserting the pluggable module  106  into the receptacle assembly  104 . The pluggable module  106  within the receptacle assembly  104  is viewable and accessible to the operator to allow the operator to remove the pluggable module  106  from the receptacle assembly  104  when desirable, such as when the shielding pluggable module  106  is to be replaced in the cage member  108  by an I/O pluggable connector module. 
     The cage member  108  is configured to contain or shield against electromagnetic interference (EMI) that may negatively affect electrical performance of the communication system  100 . The cage member  108  also guides the pluggable module  106  during loading and unloading of the pluggable module  106 . The cage member  108  includes multiple pieces assembled together to enclose the pluggable module  106 . For example, the pieces may be snap-fit together and/or welded together. When the cage member  108  is mounted to the circuit board  102 , the cage member  108  may be electrically connected to the circuit board  102  and, in particular, to ground planes (not shown) within the circuit board  102  for electrically grounding the cage member  108 . As such, the receptacle assembly  104  may reduce EMI transmission across the cage member  108 . The shielding pluggable module  106  may be used to block or plug the cage member  108  in the receptacle assembly  104  to provide additional EMI containment and/or shielding, such as by plugging the opening  113  in the panel  109 . 
     In an embodiment, the cage member  108  defines a housing that includes a plurality of panels or walls  116 , which may be formed from one or more pieces. The various walls  116  provide shielding for vulnerable areas of other components, such as by covering or shielding openings in the walls  116  of the other components. Side walls  116  extend from the front end  110  to the rear end  112  of the cage member  108 . One end wall  116  is disposed at the rear end  112 . The walls  116  are formed from conductive material, such as sheet metal and/or a polymer having conductive particles. In the illustrated embodiment, the walls  116  are stamped and formed from sheet metal. In some embodiments, the cage member  108  is configured to facilitate airflow through the cage member  108  to transfer heat (or thermal energy) away from the receptacle assembly  104 , such as via air holes  117  defined in at least one of the side walls  116 . The air holes  117  may be sized to limit or reduce EMI leakage through the cage member  108 . Fans or other air moving devices may be used to increase airflow through the cage member  108 . 
     The cage member  108  defines a module cavity  120  extending between the front and rear ends  110 ,  112 . The module cavity  120  receives the pluggable module  106 . The module cavity  120  extends lengthwise along a cavity axis  114 , and the loading direction  111  of the pluggable module  106  is parallel to the cavity axis  114 . For a multi-port receptacle assembly  104 , multiple module cavities  120  or ports are defined for receiving multiple pluggable modules  106 . In such embodiments, the module cavities  120  may be stacked vertically and/or ganged horizontally. 
     The communication connector  122  (shown in phantom in  FIG. 1 ) of the receptacle assembly  104  has a mating interface  124  for mating with an I/O pluggable connector module. Optionally, the mating interface  124  does not engage the shielding pluggable module  106 . The communication connector  122  may have multiple mating interfaces when configured to mate with multiple I/O pluggable connector modules, such as when used in a stacked cage member. The communication connector  122  is disposed at a rear end of the module cavity  120  at or near the rear end  112  of the cage member  108 . The communication connector  122  includes electrical contacts (not shown) that are configured to be mated with an I/O pluggable connector module. In an embodiment, the electrical contacts of the communication connector  122  do not engage the shielding pluggable module  106 , as the shielding pluggable module  106  is not configured for data communication and lacks electrical contacts. The communication connector  122  is configured to be mounted and electrically connected to the circuit board  102 . The communication connector  122  may be received in the module cavity  120  through a bottom  126  of the cage member  108 . For example, the cage member  108  is configured to be mounted to the circuit board  102  by lowering the cage member  108  over the communication connector  122  such that the communication connector  122  passes through an opening in the bottom  126  as the cage member  108  is mounted to the circuit board  102 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the module cavity  120  includes an airflow channel  128  that allows airflow through the module cavity  120 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the airflow channel  128  is positioned along a top portion of the module cavity  120  and passes along the top of the pluggable module  106  to cool the pluggable module  106  and/or other components in the communication system. In an exemplary embodiment, the airflow channel  128  is open at the front end  110  and at the rear end  112  to allow airflow through the module cavity  120  along the pluggable module  106 . The airflow channel  128  is fluidly connected to the air holes  117  or vents along the side wall(s)  116  of the cage member  108 . 
     The shielding pluggable module  106  is used for shielding components of the communication system  100 , such as components of the receptacle assembly  104  and/or the circuit board  102 , from EMI and/or debris and other contaminants that could enter the device through the opening  113  in the panel  109 . The shielding pluggable module  106  may also be used to provide EMI containment within the communication system  100 , such as to prohibit EMI generated within the cage member  108  from leaking out of the cage member  108  within the device and/or leaking out of the device through the opening  113  in the panel  109 . The shielding pluggable module  106  in an embodiment is composed of an electrically conductive material to block the transmission of EMI through the module cavity  120 . As described above, the shielding pluggable module  106  may be used in place of an I/O connector module, such as a small form-factor pluggable (SFP) transceiver or quad small form-factor pluggable (QSFP) transceiver satisfying certain technical specifications for SFP or QSFP transceivers, such as Small-Form Factor (SFF)-8431. By way of example, the shielding pluggable module  106  may be used in place of transceivers which are part of the SFP+ product family available from TE Connectivity. The shielding pluggable module  106  has a form factor that complements the form factor of the I/O connector modules such that the shielding pluggable module  106  may be plugged into the receptacle assembly  104  in the same manner as the I/O connector modules. The form factor of the shielding pluggable module  106  complements the size and shape of the module cavity  120  such that the pluggable module  106  occupies most of the cross-sectional area of the module cavity  120  at the front end  110  of the cage member  108 . As a result, the shielding pluggable module  106  at least partially seals or plugs the module cavity  120 , except for spaces in the airflow channel  128  to allow air to flow through the cage member  108 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the shielding pluggable module  106  includes a plug body  130  and a tether  132 . The tether  132  is part of a releasable latching mechanism of the shielding pluggable module  106 . The plug body  130  is fully loaded within the module cavity  120  in  FIG. 1 , although a portion including a front end  136  of the plug body  130  protrudes outward from the cage member  108  in front of the panel  109  of the device, and is accessible to an operator. The front end  136  of the pluggable module  106  includes a solid front wall  137 , and unlike a conventional I/O connector module does not have a cable extending therefrom. 
     The tether  132  has a handle  134  that is outside of the cage member  108  and outside of the device (for example, in front of the panel  109 ). The handle  134  is exposed for manipulation by an operator. In an embodiment, the handle  134  is manipulated by the operator to selectively remove the pluggable module  106  from the cage member  108 . For example, movement of the handle  134  in a frontward direction  138  is configured to release a latching feature of the plug body  130  from engagement with a catch feature of the cage member  108  to allow the operator to pull the pluggable module  106  out of the module cavity  120 . The pluggable module  106  may be removed from the cage member  108  to substitute the shielding pluggable module  106  for an I/O connector module or a testing pluggable module, or to disassemble the communication system  100 . The frontward direction  138  may be parallel to the cavity axis  114  and opposite in direction to the loading direction  111  of the pluggable module  106 . In an embodiment, the tether  132  is flexible and can accommodate the handle  134  being pulled by the operator in various directions that deviate from the frontward direction  138  as long as the direction of pull includes a vector component along the frontward direction  138 . For example, the pluggable module  106  could still be released from the cage member  108  if the handle  134  is pulled vertically upwards or downwards as long as there is sufficient tension in the tether to deflect the deflectable beam. 
     Although the embodiments shown and described herein are directed to a shielding pluggable module  106 , the releasable latching mechanisms of the shielding pluggable module  106  could be used on other specialty pluggable modules, such as testing pluggable modules, or even on I/O pluggable connector modules. The testing pluggable modules are used for testing components of the circuit board  102  and/or the receptacle assembly  104 , such as the communication connector  122 . For example, a testing pluggable module may include sensors for monitoring temperature within the module cavity  120 , electrical characteristics of the communication connector  122  such as voltage, current, impedance, and/or resistance, or the like. Therefore, the releasable latching mechanisms described herein are not necessarily limited to implementation in shielding pluggable modules, but may be used for other pluggable modules configured to be removably loaded into receptacle assemblies similar to the receptacle assembly  104 . 
       FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of a portion of the receptacle assembly  104  mounted to the circuit board  102  according to an embodiment. The cage member  108  of the receptacle assembly  104  includes a catch feature  140  that is configured to engage a complementary catch feature  150  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) of the pluggable module  106  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) when the pluggable module  106  is loaded in the module cavity  120 . The engagement of the catch features  140 ,  150  secures and retains the pluggable module  106  within the module cavity  120 . In the illustrated embodiment, the catch feature  140  of the cage member  108  is a rear-facing surface of an aperture  144  defined in a bottom wall  148  of the of the cage member  108 . The rear-facing catch surface  140  is located along a front edge  146  of the aperture  144 . The aperture  144  may be a depression or groove defined along an inner surface  149  of the bottom wall  148  that faces the module cavity  120  or may extend fully through an entire thickness of the bottom wall  148 . In an alternative embodiment, instead of the aperture  144  extending at least partially through the bottom wall  148 , a plate or insert may be coupled to the bottom wall  148  within the module cavity  120 , and the aperture  144  is defined as the space rearward of a rear edge of the plate. Although the catch feature  140  is located along the bottom wall  148  in the illustrated embodiment, the catch feature  140  may be located along a different wall  116  of the cage member  108  in an alternative embodiment. Furthermore, only one elongated aperture  144  is shown in  FIG. 2 , but in alternative embodiments the cage member  108  may include multiple apertures  144  defining multiple catch features  140 . In yet another alternative embodiment, the catch feature  140  may be a rear-facing surface of a protrusion that extends from the bottom wall  148  (or another wall  116 ) into the module cavity  120 , instead of a surface of an aperture  144 . 
       FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of the shielding pluggable module  106  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The plug body  130  extends between the front end  136  and an opposite rear end  152 . The rear end  152  is configured to be inserted into the module cavity  120  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the rear end  152  defines an opening to a socket  153 . The socket  153  is configured to receive the mating interface  124  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the communication connector  122  ( FIG. 1 ) therein. For example, the mating interface  124  may define a shroud that is received within the socket  153  when the pluggable module  106  is fully loaded within the module cavity  120 . The pluggable module  106  lacks or is devoid of electrical contacts within the socket  153 , so the pluggable module  106  does not electrically connect with the communication connector  122 . In an alternative embodiment, the rear end  152  of the pluggable module  106  may be closed, such that the rear end  152  includes a solid rear wall. In such an alternative embodiment, the rear wall may be spaced apart from the communication connector  122  when the plug body  130  is fully loaded within the module cavity  120 . 
     In an embodiment, the plug body  130  is composed of an electrically conductive material, such as one or more metals, a conductive polymer, or a lossy material having metal particles suspended in a low loss dielectric material, such as an epoxy. The one or more metals may include zinc and/or aluminum, for example. The electrically conductive material allows the plug body  130  to provide EMI containment and/or EMI shielding within the module cavity  120  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). The plug body  130  may be formed via a casting or molding process, such as die-casting, insert molding, or the like. In an alternative embodiment, the plug body  130  may be extruded. The plug body  130  includes outer walls that extend between the front and rear ends  136 ,  152  and define at least portions of an outer perimeter of the plug body  130 . The outer walls include a top wall  154 , a bottom wall  156 , and opposite side walls  158 ,  160 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the plug body  130  includes a plurality of heat transfer fins  162  extending along the top wall  154 . The fins  162  transfer heat from the module cavity  120  (shown in  FIG. 2 ), such as heat generated from the pluggable module  106 , out of the device through the air holes  117  ( FIG. 1 ). The fins  162  are separated by gaps that allow airflow or other cooling flow along the surfaces of the fins  162  to dissipate the heat therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, the fins  162  are parallel plates that extend lengthwise, but the fins  162  may have other shapes in alternative embodiments, such as cylindrical posts, tear-shaped posts, wavy plates, or the like. 
     The plug body  130  includes a deflectable beam  164  that is cantilevered relative to the plug body  130 . The deflectable beam  164  extends between a fixed end  166  that is fixed to the plug body  130 , and a free end  168  that is spaced apart from the plug body  130 . The free end  168  is spaced apart from an outer wall of the plug body  130  by a clearance gap  170 . The deflectable beam  164  is configured to pivot, bend, or deflect about the fixed end  166 , such that the free end  168  moves into the clearance gap  170  towards the outer wall. In the illustrated embodiment the deflectable beam  164  extends from the bottom wall  156  of the plug body  130 , and the clearance gap  170  is defined between the bottom wall  156  and an inner side  174  of the deflectable beam  164 . For example, the deflectable beam  164  extends into a recess  176  defined along the bottom wall  156 . The fixed end  166  of the deflectable beam  164  is located at a back of the recess  176  and the deflectable beam  164  extends frontward towards the front end  136 . In the illustrated embodiment an outer side  178  of the deflectable beam  164  is generally planar with portions of the bottom wall  156  of the plug body  130  on either side of the recess  176 . When the plug body  130  is loaded into the module cavity  120 , the bottom wall  156  of the plug body and the outer side  178  of the deflectable beam  164  may slide along the bottom wall  148  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) of the cage member  108  ( FIG. 2 ). The clearance gap  170  is disposed vertically above the free end  168 , and the deflection of the deflectable beam  164  moves the free end  168  vertically upwards into the clearance gap  170 , reducing the height of the gap  170  between the beam  164  and the plug body  130 . 
     In an embodiment, the deflectable beam  164  has a width that extends an entire width of the plug body  130  between the two side walls  158 ,  160 . In an alternative embodiment, the deflectable beam  164  that is shown in  FIG. 3  may be one of at least two deflectable beams  164  disposed side by side along the width of the plug body  130 . For example, the illustrated deflectable beam  164  proximate to the first side wall  158  may be a first beam, and a second beam (not shown) spaced apart from the first beam may be located proximate to the second side wall  160 . Although the illustrated embodiment shows the deflectable beam  164  coupled to and extending from the bottom wall  156  of the plug body  130 , in other embodiments the deflectable beam  164  may be coupled to one of the side walls  158 ,  160  instead of the bottom wall  156 . 
     In an embodiment, the deflectable beam  164  is integral to the plug body  130 , such that the plug body  130  and the deflectable beam  164  comprise a unitary one-piece structure. The deflectable beam  164  is integrally connected to the plug body  130  such that the deflectable beam  164  cannot be removed from the plug body  130  without damaging the beam  164  and/or the plug body  130 . For example, the deflectable beam  164  may be formed simultaneously with the plug body  130  in the same process, such as in a same die-casting or molding operation. Constructing the plug body  130  with an integral deflectable beam  164  may reduce the number of different components that are assembled together, which can reduce the cost of the pluggable module  106  relative to conventional pluggable modules that include more components and assembly steps. In another example, the deflectable beam  164  may be integrally connected to the plug body  130  subsequent to formation via welding or another permanent joining process. In an alternative embodiment, the deflectable beam  164  is not integral to the plug body  130 , but rather may be non-permanently attached to the plug body  130  via a fastener, an adhesive, or the like. 
     The deflectable beam  164  includes the catch feature  150  that is configured to engage the catch feature  140  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) of the cage member  108  ( FIG. 2 ) to secure the pluggable module  106  in the module cavity  120  ( FIG. 2 ). The catch feature  150  is located on or at least proximate to the free end  168 . In the illustrated embodiment, the catch feature  150  is a front-facing surface of a protrusion  180  that extends from the outer side  178  of the deflectable beam  164 . The protrusion  180  may be a tooth, a tab, a ridge, or the like. The protrusion  180  projects downward from the outer side  178  to be received in the aperture  144  ( FIG. 2 ) of the bottom wall  148  ( FIG. 2 ). Although only one protrusion  180  is visible in  FIG. 3 , the deflectable beam  164  in an embodiment includes at least two protrusions  180  spaced apart laterally along a width of the beam  164 , such that one protrusion  180  is proximate to the first side  158  and another protrusion  180  is proximate to the second side  160 . Alternatively, a single protrusion  180  may extend laterally across a majority of the width of the plug body  130  between the two side walls  158 ,  160 . 
     The plug body  130  defines a tether channel  182  extending through the plug body  130 . The tether channel  182  is connected to the clearance gap  170  at a first opening  184  and extends frontward from the first opening  184  to a second opening  186 . In the illustrated embodiment, the second opening  186  is defined along the front wall  137  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the plug body  130  at the front end  136 . Alternatively, the second opening  186  may be located along the top wall  154  in front of the fins  162 . The tether channel  182  does not extend across the entire width of the plug body  130  between the side walls  158 ,  160 . In an embodiment, the plug body  130  defines a first tether channel  182  extending along or proximate to the first side wall  158  and a second tether channel  182  (partially shown in  FIG. 1 ) along or proximate to the second side wall  160 . The two tether channels  182  extend parallel to each other. As shown in  FIG. 1 , a central portion  131  of the plug body  130  is disposed laterally between the two tether channels  182  to maintain the connection between a top/rear portion of the plug body  130  and a bottom/front portion of the plug body  130  on either side of the tether channels  182 . 
     The tether  132  is disposed within the tether channel  182 . The tether  132  extends from a mounting end  188  to a user end  190 . The mounting end  188  is secured to the deflectable beam  164  at or near the free end  168 . For example, a segment of the tether  132  including the mounting end  188  protrudes from the first opening  184  across the clearance gap  170  and couples to the deflectable beam  164 . In the illustrated embodiment, the tether  132  couples to a front edge  192  of the beam  164  at the free end  168 . At the other end of the tether  132 , a segment including the user end  190  protrudes from the second opening  186  and extends frontward beyond the front end  136  of the plug body  130 . The handle  134  of the tether  132  is disposed outside of the tether channel  182  and defines the user end  190 . In the illustrated embodiment, the tether channel  182  is open along the first side wall  158  of the plug body  130  for an entire length of the tether channel  182 . The open side of the tether channel  182  may support the routing of the tether  132  through the tether channel  182  during assembly of the pluggable module  106 . 
     In an embodiment, movement of the handle  134  by the operator in the frontward direction  138  puts tension on the tether  132 . The mounting end  188  of the tether  132  pulls the deflectable beam  164  towards the first opening  184  of the tether channel  182 , which deflects (for example, pivots or bends) the beam  164  into the clearance gap  170  (located between the beam  164  and the first opening  184 ). The deflection of the beam  164  lifts the free end  168 , and the catch feature  150  thereof, to a lifted position, as shown in  FIG. 7 , which allows the catch feature  150  to disengage and move relative to the catch feature  140  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) of the cage member  108  ( FIG. 2 ) for removing the pluggable module  106  from the module cavity  120  ( FIG. 2 ). In the illustrated embodiment in which the beam  164  is an integral member of the plug body  130 , the pluggable module  106  is composed of only the plug body  130  and the tether  132 . Therefore, the pluggable module  106  with an integrated releasable latching mechanism is assembled by routing the tether  132  through the tether channel  182  and securing the tether  132  to the beam  164 . The pluggable module  106  may have fewer discrete components and/or fewer, less complex assembly steps than conventional shielding pluggable modules. As a result, the pluggable module  106  may be less costly to produce, more reliable, and/or cheaper to repair than conventional shielding pluggable modules. 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of the plug body  130  of the shielding pluggable module  106  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) according to an embodiment. Although only the tether channel  182  located along the side wall  158  is visible in  FIG. 4 , the description of the tether channel  182  may apply to the other tether channel  182  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) located along the side wall  160  ( FIG. 3 ). The tether channel  182  extends along a curved path through the plug body  130  between the first opening  184  at the clearance gap  170  and the second opening  186  at the front end  136  of the plug body  130 . Optionally, the curved path may include an approximately 90-degree curve between the first and second openings  184 ,  186 . For example, due to the 90-degree curve, a cross-sectional plane of the first opening  184  may be approximately orthogonal relative to a cross-sectional plane of the second opening  186 . In other embodiments, the curved path may define a curve of more or less than 90 degrees, such as an 80-degree curve or a 100-degree curve between the first and second openings  184 ,  186 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the first opening  184  of the tether channel  182  aligns vertically above the free end  168  of the deflectable beam  164 , with the clearance gap  170  located therebetween. 
       FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the tether  132  of the shielding pluggable module  106  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) according to an embodiment. The tether  132  includes the handle  134  and a strap  202  that extends from the handle  134  to the mounting end  188 . The strap  202  includes a pair of bands or arms  204  that are spaced apart laterally from each other by a strap opening  206 . The arms  204  extend in a common direction from the handle  134  to the mounting end  188 . The arms  204  are relatively thin to fit within the tether channels  182  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). The tether  132  may be composed of various materials, such as one or more metals and/or plastics. For example, the strap  202  may be composed of a sheet of metal, and the handle  134  may include metal that is overmolded with a dielectric material. In another embodiment, the entire tether  132  is composed of a dielectric material, such as a flexible and/or rubber-like plastic. In yet another embodiment, the tether  132  may be composed of strands of metal or other fibers that are braided or otherwise woven together. 
     Referring now to both  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the arms  204  of the tether  132  at the mounting end  188  are attached to the deflectable beam  164  via fasteners, adhesives, soldering, and/or the like, to secure the tether  132  to the beam  164 . In the illustrated embodiment, the deflectable beam  164  includes mounting projections  208  that are configured to be received within corresponding mounting apertures  210  of the arms  204  of the tether  132 . Only one mounting projection  208  is visible in  FIG. 4 . The mounting projection  208  extends frontward from the front edge  192  of the deflectable beam  164 , but may be located on other surfaces of the beam  164  in other embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the mounting projection  208  aligns vertically with the first opening  184  of the tether channel  182 , such that the tether  132 , when secured to the mounting projection  208 , extends generally vertically between the first opening  184  and the mounting projection  208  across the clearance gap  170 . The mounting projection  208  may be a post (such as a ball-eye post), multiple prongs, a tab, or the like, that is received through the corresponding mounting aperture  210  and engages a back side of the arm  204  to secure the mounting projection  208  within the mounting aperture  210 . In an alternative embodiment, the tether  132  includes a mounting projection that is received into an aperture in the deflectable beam  164  or engages a complementary fastener on the beam  164  to secure the tether  132  to the beam  164 . 
       FIG. 6  is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the communication system  100  showing the shielding pluggable module  106  in a latched position relative to the cage member  108 .  FIG. 7  is a side cross-sectional view of the portion of the communication system  100  of  FIG. 6  showing the shielding pluggable module  106  in an unlatched position relative to the cage member  108 . The pluggable module  106  is fully loaded within the module cavity  120  of the cage member  108  in both  FIGS. 6 and 7 , such that the axial position of the pluggable module  106  relative to the cage member  108  and the circuit board  102  does not change. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , when the pluggable module  106  is initially loaded into the module cavity  120  in the loading direction  111 , the protrusion  180  engages the bottom wall  148  of the cage member  108 , which forces the deflectable beam  164  to deflect into the clearance gap  170 . Once the catch feature  150  of the beam  164  moves (in the loading direction  111 ) beyond the catch feature  140  of the cage member  108 , the deflectable beam  164  resiles towards an undeflected position and the protrusion  180  is received into the aperture  144 . The protrusion  180  entering into the aperture  144  represents the pluggable module  106  attaining the latched position because, thereafter, frontward movement of the pluggable module  106  out of the module cavity  120  is obstructed by the catch features  140 ,  150  abutting against one another. Thus, the pluggable module  106  is secured within the module cavity  120  when in the latched position shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , the pluggable module  106  is removable from the module cavity  120  when in the unlatched position, which is characterized by the deflectable beam  164  deflecting into the clearance gap  170  such that the protrusion  180  is outside of the aperture  144 . In the illustrated embodiment, the tether  132  pulls the free end  168  of the deflectable beam  164  into the clearance gap  170  responsive to the handle  134  being moved by an operator in the frontward direction  138 . For example, the movement of the handle  134  puts tension in the tether  132 , and the mounting end  188  of the tether  132  attached to the beam  164  is pulled towards the first opening  184  of the tether channel  182 . The pull of the tether  132  moves the free end  168  of the beam  164  in an unlatching direction  220  into the clearance gap  170 . The free end  168  is deflected a sufficient distance such that the protrusion  180  exits the aperture  144 . For example, the free end  168  moves farther than a height of an overlapping area between the catch features  140 ,  150 . The unlatching direction  220  is illustrated as being generally linear, although the movement has a slight (for example, negligible) amount of curve due to the deflectable beam  164  pivoting about the fixed end  166 . In an embodiment, the unlatching direction  220  is generally orthogonal to the frontward direction  138  (and the loading direction  111 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the unlatching direction  220  is vertically upwards. With the protrusion  180  lifted out of the aperture  144 , the pluggable module  106  has an unobstructed path out of the module cavity  120 . The operator may grasp the plug body  130  or may continue pulling the handle  134  of the tether  132  to pull the pluggable module  106  frontward out of the module cavity  120 . 
     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.