Patent Publication Number: US-11398694-B2

Title: Flex jumper assembly for a plug connector assembly

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject matter herein relates generally to electrical connector systems. 
     Components of electrical connector systems are interconnected, such as by cable assemblies. For example, cable assemblies may be used to electrically connect circuit boards through electrical connectors. In some electrical connector systems, the cables provide electrical shielding for signal conductors along the lengths of the cables between the electrical connectors to enhance signal performance, such as by reducing crosstalk. However, termination of cables to paddle cards of electrical connectors is an expensive manufacturing process. For short range solutions, the benefit of the shielding provided by the cables may not justify the additional manufacturing costs associated with the termination of the cables to the paddle cards. 
     A need remains for a cost effective and reliable solution for short range electrical connection of electrical connector system components. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, a plug connector assembly is provided. The plug connector assembly includes a first plug connector including a first plug housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall forming a first cavity. The first and second side walls of the first plug housing include a first housing securing feature. The plug connector assembly includes a second plug connector including a second plug housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall forming a second cavity. The first and second side walls of the second plug housing include a second housing securing feature. The plug connector assembly includes a flex jumper assembly coupled between the first plug connector and the second plug connector. The flex jumper assembly includes a first paddle card, a second paddle card and a flex circuit extending between the first paddle card and the second paddle card. The first paddle card has a first rigid substrate including a first mating end and a side edge extending from the first mating end to a first flex circuit end. The first paddle card includes first contacts at the first mating end. The first rigid substrate includes a first plug connector securing feature at the side edge. The first paddle card is received in the first cavity. The first plug connector secures feature engaging the first housing securing feature to retain the first paddle card in the first plug housing. The second paddle card has a second rigid substrate including a second mating end and a side edge extending from the second mating end to a second flex circuit end. The second paddle card includes second contacts at the second mating end. The second rigid substrate includes a second plug connector securing feature at the side edge. The second paddle card is received in the second cavity. The second plug connector securing feature engages the second housing securing feature to retain the second paddle card in the second plug housing. The flex circuit extends between the first flex circuit end and the second flex circuit end. The flex circuit is flexible between the first and second paddle cards. 
     In another embodiment, an electrical connector system is provided. The electrical connector system includes a first receptacle connector having a first receptacle connector housing mounted to a first host circuit board. The first receptacle connector housing has a card slot. The first receptacle connector includes first receptacle contacts held by the first receptacle connector housing at the card slot. The first receptacle contacts is electrically connected to the first host circuit board. The electrical connector system includes a second receptacle connector having a second receptacle connector housing mounted to a second host circuit board. The second receptacle connector housing has a card slot. The second receptacle connector includes second receptacle contacts held by the second receptacle connector housing at the card slot. The second receptacle contacts are electrically connected to the second host circuit board. The electrical connector system includes a plug connector assembly coupled between the first and second receptacle connectors. The plug connector assembly includes a first plug connector, a second plug connector, and a flex jumper assembly coupled between the first plug connector and the second plug connector. The first plug connector includes a first plug housing coupled to the first receptacle connector housing. The first plug housing has a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall forming a first cavity. The first and second side walls of the first plug housing include a first housing securing feature. The second plug connector includes a second plug housing coupled to the second receptacle connector housing. The second plug housing has a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall forming a second cavity. The first and second side walls of the second plug housing include a second housing securing feature. The flex jumper assembly includes a first paddle card, a second paddle card and a flex circuit extending between the first paddle card and the second paddle card. The first paddle card has a first rigid substrate including a first mating end and a side edge extending from the first mating end to a first flex circuit end. The first mating end is received in the card slot of the first receptacle connector housing. The first paddle card includes first contacts at the first mating end. The first rigid substrate includes a first plug connector securing feature at the side edge. The first paddle card is received in the first cavity. The first plug connector securing feature engages the first housing securing feature to retain the first paddle card in the first plug housing. The second paddle card has a second rigid substrate including a second mating end and a side edge extending from the second mating end to a second flex circuit end. The second mating end is received in the card slot of the second receptacle connector housing. The second paddle card includes second contacts at the second mating end. The second rigid substrate includes a second plug connector securing feature at the side edge. The second paddle card is received in the second cavity. The second plug connector securing feature engages the second housing securing feature to retain the second paddle card in the second plug housing. The flex circuit extends between the first flex circuit end and the second flex circuit end. The flex circuit is flexible between the first and second paddle cards. 
     In another embodiment, a flex jumper assembly is provided. The flex jumper assembly includes a first paddle card having a first rigid substrate including an upper surface and a lower surface. The first paddle card has a first mating end. The first paddle card includes side edges extending from the first mating end to a first flex circuit end opposite the first mating end. The first paddle card includes upper contacts on the upper surface at the first mating end. The first paddle card includes lower contacts on the lower surface at the first mating end. The first rigid substrate includes securing features at the side edges configured to engage a first plug housing to retain the first paddle card in the first plug housing. The flex jumper assembly includes a second paddle card having a second rigid substrate including an upper surface and a lower surface. The second paddle card has a second mating end. The second paddle card includes side edges extending from the second mating end to a second flex circuit end opposite the second mating end. The second paddle card includes upper contacts on the upper surface at the second mating end. The second paddle card includes lower contacts on the lower surface at the second mating end. The second rigid substrate includes securing features at the side edges configured to engage a second plug housing to retain the second paddle card in the second plug housing. The flex jumper assembly includes a flex circuit extending between the first flex circuit end of the first paddle card and the second flex circuit end of the second paddle card. The flex circuit is flexible between the first and second paddle cards. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an electrical connector system including a flex jumper assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a portion of the electrical connector system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a portion of the flex jumper assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the flex jumper assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of the flex jumper assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates the electrical connector system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an electrical connector system  100  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The electrical connector system  100  includes a first electrical component  102  and a second electrical component  104 . A flex jumper assembly  200  is used to electrically connect the first and second electrical components  102 ,  104 . The flex jumper assembly  200  includes a flex circuit  202  between a first plug connector  204  and a second plug connector  206 . The first plug connector  204  is coupled to the first electrical component  102  and the second plug connector  206  is coupled to the second electrical component  104 . The flex circuit  202  allows relative movement between the first plug connector  204  and the second plug connector  206 , such as for alignment and mating of the plug connectors  204 ,  206  with the electrical components  102 ,  104 . The flex circuit  202  accommodates for misalignment of the plug connectors  204 ,  206  relative to each other when mated to the electrical components  102 ,  104 . The flex circuit  202  spans the distance between the connectors  204 ,  206 , which may be less than 200 mm in various embodiments, such as less than 150 mm in an exemplary embodiment. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the first electrical component  102  includes a first circuit board  110  and a first receptacle connector  112  mounted to the first circuit board  110 . The second electrical component  104  includes a second circuit board  120  and a second receptacle connector  122  mounted to the second circuit board  120 . The first and second receptacle connectors  112 ,  122  oppose each other across a gap or space  106  between the first and second circuit boards  110 ,  120 . In various embodiments, the first and second circuit boards  110 ,  120  may be oriented parallel to and spaced apart from each other. Other orientations are possible in alternative embodiments. Optionally, the first and second receptacle connectors  112 ,  122  may be identical to each other. In various embodiments, the first and second receptacle connectors  112 ,  122  are card edge connectors; however, other types of electrical connectors may be used in alternative embodiments. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a portion of the electrical connector system  100  showing the first electrical component  102  and the second electrical component  104 . The flex jumper assembly  200  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) is removed for clarity to illustrate the receptacle connectors  112 ,  122  of the electrical components  102 ,  104 . The description herein relates to the first receptacle connector  112 ; however, the second receptacle connector  122  may include similar or identical components. 
     The receptacle connector  112  includes a receptacle connector housing  130  mounted to the circuit board  110 . The receptacle connector housing  130  includes a top wall  132 , a bottom wall  134 , a first side wall  136 , and a second side wall  138 . The receptacle connector housing  130  includes a mating end  140  and a mounting end  142 . The mounting end  142  is mounted to the circuit board  110 . The mating end  140  is configured to be mated with the flex jumper assembly  200 . In the illustrated embodiment, the mating end  140  is opposite the mounting end  142 . However, other orientations are possible in alternative embodiments. For example, the receptacle connector housing  130  may be a right angle housing having the mating end  140  perpendicular to the mounting end  142 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector housing  130  includes a card slot  144  at the mating end  140 . The card slot  144  is configured to receive a paddle card of the flex jumper assembly  200 . The walls of the receptacle connector housing  130  surround the card slot  144 . In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector housing  130  includes a keying wall  146  extending across the card slot  144 . The keying wall  146  may be offset from a center position of the card slot  144  to provide keyed mating with the flex jumper assembly  200 . 
     The receptacle connector  112  includes receptacle contacts  150  held by the receptacle connector housing  130 . The receptacle contacts  150  extend into the card slot  144  for mating with the flex jumper assembly  200 . For example, the receptacle contacts  150  may include spring beams at the mating ends of the receptacle contacts  150  arranged within the card slot  144  for mating with the flex jumper assembly  200 . In various embodiments, the receptacle contacts  150  may be provided along the top and the bottom of the card slot  144  in two different rows. The receptacle contacts  150  are terminated to the circuit board  110 . For example, ends of the receptacle contacts  150  may be surface mounted to the circuit board  110 . Alternatively, the ends of the receptacle contacts  150  may be press-fit into the circuit board  110 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector  112  includes a shroud  160  surrounding at least a portion of the receptacle connector housing  130 . Optionally, the shroud  160  may be a metal shroud. The shroud  160  may provide electrical shielding for the receptacle connector housing  130 . For example, the shroud  160  may be electrically grounded to the circuit board  110 . In various embodiments, the shroud  160  is a stamped and formed metal structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the shroud  160  provide mechanical support for the receptacle connector  112  with the circuit board  110 . For example, the shroud  160  is mechanically coupled to the circuit board  110  to provide strain relief for the receptacle connector housing  130  and/or the receptacle contacts  150 . In various embodiments, the shroud  160  includes mounting tabs  162  coupled to the circuit board  110 . The mounting tabs  162  may be press-fit into openings in the circuit board  110 . Additionally or alternatively, the mounting tabs  162  may be soldered to the circuit board  110 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the shroud  160  includes latch openings  164  configured to receive latching features of the flex jumper assembly  200 . For example, the latches of the plug connector  204  may be secured to the shroud  160  at the latch openings  164 . Other types of latching features may be provided in alternative embodiments to secure the plug connector  204  to the receptacle connector  112 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the shroud  160  includes locating walls  166  to locate the plug connector  204  relative to the receptacle connector  112 . The locating walls  166  may guide mating of the plug connector  204  with the receptacle connector  112 . The locating walls  166  may be used to orient the plug connector  204  relative to the receptacle connector  112  in a straight orientation. For example, the locating walls  166  may prevent skewed mating of the plug connector  204  with the receptacle connector  112  at an angle. In the illustrated embodiment, the locating walls  166  extend along pockets  168  that receive locating features of the plug connector  204 . In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle connector  112  includes both internal pockets and external pockets that receive corresponding locating features of the plug connector  204 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a portion of the flex jumper assembly  200  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 3  shows a circuit assembly  208  of the flex jumper assembly  200 . In an exemplary embodiment, the circuit assembly  208  is a rigid flex circuit including the flex circuit  202 , a first rigid circuit  220 , and a second rigid circuit  320 . The flex circuit  202  extends between the rigid circuits  220 ,  320 . In an exemplary embodiment, the first rigid circuit  220  is a first paddle card  222  and the second rigid circuit  320  is a second paddle card  322 . In various embodiments, the flex circuit  202  and the rigid circuits  220 ,  320  are manufactured during one or more circuit board manufacturing processes. The flex circuit  202  eliminates the need for terminating separate, individual cables to the first and second paddle cards  222 ,  322 , and thus eliminates the assembly cost of terminating the separate, individual cables to the first and second paddle cards  222 ,  322 . 
     The first paddle card  222  includes a first rigid substrate  230  having an upper surface  232  and a lower surface  234 . The first paddle card  222  includes side edges  236 ,  238  extending between a first mating end  240  and a first flex circuit end  242  opposite the first mating end  240 . The first rigid substrate  230  may include multiple layers. The first paddle card  222  includes circuits between the flex circuit  202  and contacts  244  of the first paddle card  222 . In various embodiments, the contacts  244  define upper contacts on the upper surface  232  and lower contacts on the lower surface  234 . The contacts  244  are provided proximate to the first mating end  240 . The contacts  244  are configured to be electrically connected to corresponding receptacle contacts  150  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). In an exemplary embodiment, the first rigid substrate  230  includes a keying slot  246  open at the first mating end  240  configured to mate with the keying wall  146  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) to orient the first paddle card  222  relative to the receptacle connector  112 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the first paddle card  222  includes securing features  250  along the side edges  236 ,  238  for securing the first paddle card  222  in a corresponding plug housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the side edges  236 ,  238  are nonplanar to define the securing features  250 . For example, the securing features  250  may be protrusions or other features extending outward from the side edges  236 ,  238 . Alternatively, the securing features  250  may be notches are cutouts formed along the side edges  236 ,  238 . In various embodiments, the securing feature  250  includes a latching element  252 . Each latching element  252  includes a securing surface  254 . Optionally, the securing surface  254  may be provided at the first flex circuit end  242 . Optionally, the latching element  252  may include a ramp surface  256 . In an exemplary embodiment, the first paddle card  222  includes stop shoulders  258  along the side edges  236 ,  238 . The stop shoulders  258  are configured to locate the first paddle card  222  in the corresponding plug housing. 
     The second paddle card  322  includes a second rigid substrate  330  having an upper surface  332  and a lower surface  334 . The second paddle card  322  includes side edges  336 ,  338  extending between a second mating end  340  and a second flex circuit and  342  opposite the second mating end  340 . The second rigid substrate  330  may include multiple layers. The second paddle card  322  includes circuits between the flex circuit  202  and contacts  344  of the second paddle card  322 . In various embodiments, the contacts  344  define upper contacts on the upper surface  332  and lower contacts on the lower surface  334 . The contacts  344  are provided proximate to the second mating end  340 . The contacts  344  are configured to be electrically connected to corresponding receptacle contacts  150  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). In an exemplary embodiment, the second rigid substrate  330  includes a keying slot  346  open at the second mating end  340  configured to mate with the receptacle connector  122  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the second paddle card  322  includes securing features  350  along the side edges  336 ,  338  for securing the second paddle card  322  in a corresponding plug housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the side edges  336 ,  338  are nonplanar to define the securing features  350 . For example, the securing features  350  may be protrusions or other features extending outward from the side edges  336 ,  338 . Alternatively, the securing features  350  may be notches are cutouts formed along the side edges  336 ,  338 . In various embodiments, the securing feature  350  include latches  352 . Each latch  352  includes a securing surface  354 . Optionally, the securing surface  354  may be provided at the second flex circuit and  342 . Optionally, the latch  352  may include a ramp surface  356 . In an exemplary embodiment, the second paddle card  322  includes stop shoulders  358  along the side edges  336 ,  338 . The stop shoulders  358  are configured to locate the second paddle card  322  in the corresponding plug housing. 
     The flex circuit  202  includes a flexible substrate  210  extending between a first end  212  and a second end  214 . The first end  212  extends into the first paddle card  222 . The second end  214  extends into the second paddle card  322 . The flex circuit  202  includes a plurality of circuits electrically connected to the circuits of the first and second paddle card  322 ,  322  the circuits are electrically connected to the contacts  244  of the first paddle card  222  and the contacts  344  of the second paddle card  322 . The flexible substrate  210  includes side edges  216 ,  218  extending between the first and second ends  212 ,  214 . In various embodiments, the flexible substrate  210  may have a width between the side edges  216 ,  218  approximately equal to widths of the rigid substrates  230 ,  330  between the side edges  236 ,  238  and the side edges  336 ,  338 , respectively. The flexible substrate  210  is relatively thin between upper and lower surfaces of the flexible substrate  210  allowing the flexible substrate  210  flex and move along its length. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible substrate  210  is thinner than the rigid substrates  230 ,  330  between the upper and lower surfaces. The flexible substrate  210  may be approximately centered along the first flex circuit end  242  and approximately centered along the second flex circuit end  342 . 
       FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the flex jumper assembly  200  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of the flex jumper assembly  200  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 4  shows the flex jumper assembly  200  partially assembled.  FIG. 5  shows the flex jumper assembly  200  fully assembled. 
     The flex circuit  202  extends between the first plug connector  204  and the second plug connector  206 . The first plug connector  204  includes the first paddle card  222  and a first plug housing  260 . The first paddle card  222  is received in the first plug housing  260 . The second plug connector  206  includes the second paddle card  322  and a second plug housing  360 . The second paddle card  322  is received in the second plug housing  360 . The flex circuit  202  allows relative movement of the first and second plug housings  260 ,  360 , such as for alignment of the first and second plug housings  260 ,  360  with the first and second receptacle connectors  112 ,  122  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), respectively. 
     The first plug housing  260  includes a top wall  262 , a bottom wall  264 , a first side wall  266 , and a second side wall  268 . The first plug housing  260  extends between a mating end  270  and a card end  272 . The mating end  270  is configured to be mated with the first receptacle connector  112 . The card end  272  is configured to receive the first paddle card  222 . In an exemplary embodiment, the first plug housing  260  includes a first cavity  274  that receives the first paddle card  222 . The first cavity  274  is surrounded by the walls of the first plug housing  260 . In an exemplary embodiment, the first cavity  274  is open at the card end  272  to receive the first paddle card  222  therein. In an exemplary embodiment, the first plug housing  260  includes card supports  276  to locate and support the first paddle card  222  in the first cavity  274 . In an exemplary embodiment, the first plug housing  260  includes a stop wall  278  extending into the first cavity  274 . The first paddle card  222  may be loaded into the first cavity  274  until the stop shoulder  258  engages the stop wall  278 . The stop wall  278  limits loading of the first paddle card  222  into the first cavity  274 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the first plug housing  260  includes housing securing features  280  used to secure the first paddle card  222  in the first plug housing  260 . In the illustrated embodiment, the housing securing features  280  include openings  282  that receive the securing features  250  of the first paddle card  222 . For example, the openings  282  receive the latching elements  252  of the first paddle card  222 . The housing securing features  280  may be deflectable to allow the latching elements  252  to slide into the openings  282 . For example, the housing securing features  280  may be deflectable outward as the ramp surfaces  256  are loaded into the first plug housing  260 . Once the latching elements  252  are received in the openings  282 , the housing securing features  280  may snap closed behind the securing surfaces  254 . As such, the housing securing features  280  are snappably coupled to the securing features  250  of the first paddle card  222 . The housing securing features  280  include retaining tabs  284  located behind the securing surfaces  254  of the securing features  250  of the first paddle card  222  to lock the securing features  250  in the openings  282 . The first paddle card  222  is captured in the first cavity  274  by the stop wall  278  and the retaining tab  284 . The stop wall  278  and the retaining tab  284  limit front to rear movement of the first paddle card  222  in the first cavity  274 . In an exemplary embodiment, the retaining tabs  284  are deflectable to release the securing features  250  from the first plug housing  260 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the first plug housing  260  includes locating features configured to locate the first plug connector  204  relative to the first receptacle connector  112 . In the illustrated embodiment, the locating features include locating tabs  286  separated by slots  288 . The locating tabs  286  are provided along the top wall  262 , such as at the mating end  270 . In an exemplary embodiment, the locating tabs  286  are configured to interface with the locating walls  266  of the shroud  160  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) to orient the first plug connector  204  relative to the first receptacle connector  112 . In the illustrated embodiment, three locating tabs  286  are provided along the top wall  262  separated by corresponding slots  288 . The first plug housing  260  may additionally or alternatively include locating tabs  286  along the side walls  266 ,  268  and/or along the bottom wall  264 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the first plug connector  204  includes a latch  290  coupled to the first plug housing  260 . In the illustrated embodiment, the latch  290  is provided at the top wall  262  of the first plug housing  260 . Other locations are possible in alternative embodiments. The latch  290  is configured to be latchably coupled to the first receptacle connector  112 . For example, the latch  290  may be received in the latch opening  164  in the shroud  160  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). The latch  290  includes latching arms  292  having latch fingers  294  at the distal ends of the latching arms  292 . The latch fingers  294  are configured to be received in the latch openings  164 . The latch  290  includes a latch release  296  to release the latching arms  292  and the latch fingers  294 . For example, the latch release  296  may be a pushbutton style latch release. Other types of latch releases may be used in alternative embodiments, such as a pull tether. 
     The second plug housing  360  includes a top wall  362 , a bottom wall  364 , a first side wall  366 , and a second side wall  368 . The second plug housing  360  extends between a mating end  370  and a card end  372 . The mating end  370  is configured to be mated with the second receptacle connector  122 . The card end  372  is configured to receive the second paddle card  322 . In an exemplary embodiment, the second plug housing  360  includes a second cavity  374  that receives the second paddle card  322 . The second cavity  374  is surrounded by the walls of the second plug housing  360 . In an exemplary embodiment, the second cavity  374  is open at the card end  372  to receive the second paddle card  322  therein. In an exemplary embodiment, the second plug housing  360  includes card supports  376  to locate and support the second paddle card  322  in the second cavity  374 . In an exemplary embodiment, the second plug housing  360  includes a stop wall  378  extending into the second cavity  374 . The second paddle card  322  may be loaded into the second cavity  374  until the stop shoulder  358  engages the stop wall  378 . The stop wall  378  limits loading of the second paddle card  322  into the second cavity  374 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the second plug housing  360  includes housing securing features  380  used to secure the second paddle card  322  in the second plug housing  360 . In the illustrated embodiment, the housing securing features  380  include openings  382  that receive the securing features  350  of the second paddle card  322 . For example, the openings  382  receive the latches  352  of the second paddle card  322 . The housing securing features  380  may be deflectable to allow the latches  352  to slide into the openings  382 . For example, the housing securing features  380  may be deflectable outward as the ramp surfaces  356  are loaded into the second plug housing  360 . Once the latches  352  are received in the openings  382 , the housing securing features  380  may snap closed behind the securing surfaces  354 . As such, the housing securing features  380  are snappably coupled to the securing features  350  of the second paddle card  322 . The housing securing features  380  include retaining tabs  384  located behind the securing surfaces  354  of the securing features  350  to lock the securing features  350  in the openings  382 . The second paddle card  322  is captured in the second cavity  374  by the stop wall  378  and the retaining tab  384 . The stop wall  378  and the retaining tab  384  limit front to rear movement of the second paddle card  322  in the second cavity  374 . In an exemplary embodiment, the retaining tabs  384  are deflectable to release the securing features  350  from the second plug housing  360 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the second plug housing  360  includes locating features configured to locate the second plug connector  206  relative to the second receptacle connector  122 . In the illustrated embodiment, the locating features include locating tabs  386  separated by slots  388 . The locating tabs  386  are provided along the top wall  362 , such as at the mating end  370 . In an exemplary embodiment, the locating tabs  386  are configured to interface with the locating walls  366  of the shroud  160  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) to orient the second plug connector  206  relative to the second receptacle connector  122 . In the illustrated embodiment, three locating tabs  386  are provided along the top wall  362  separated by corresponding slots  388 . The second plug housing  360  may additionally or alternatively include locating tabs  386  along the side walls  366 ,  368  and/or along the bottom wall  364 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the second plug connector  206  includes a latch  390  coupled to the second plug housing  360 . In the illustrated embodiment, the latch  390  is provided at the top wall  362  of the second plug housing  360 . Other locations are possible in alternative embodiments. The latch  390  is configured to be latchably coupled to the second receptacle connector  122 . For example, the latch  390  may be received in the latch opening  164  in the shroud  160  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). The latch  390  includes latching arms  392  having latch fingers  394  at the distal ends of the latching arms  392 . The latch fingers  394  are configured to be received in the latch openings  164 . The latch  390  includes a latch release  396  to release the latching arms  392  and the latch fingers  394 . For example, the latch release  396  may be a pushbutton style latch release. Other types of latch releases may be used in alternative embodiments, such as a pull tether. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the electrical connector system  100  showing the first power connector  204  poised for coupling to the first receptacle connector  112  and showing the second power connector  206  coupled to the second receptacle connector  122 .  FIG. 6  illustrates the electrical connector system  100  coupled to the second receptacle connector  122 . The flex circuit  202  creates the electrical connection between the first and second paddle cards  222 ,  322  and eliminates the need for terminating separate, individual cables to the first and second paddle cards  222 ,  322 . The flex circuit  202  thus eliminates assembly cost associated with terminating separate, individual cables to the first and second paddle cards  222 ,  322 . The flex circuit  202  is flexible to allow the first plug connector  204  to align with the first receptacle connector  112 . The flex circuit  202  is flexible to allow the first plug connector  204  to move upward, to move downward, to move forward, to move rearward, to move side to side, and two twisted or rotated to align the first plug connector  204  with the first receptacle connector  112 . A length of the flex circuit  202  may be appropriately selected based on the spacing between the first and second receptacle connectors  112 ,  122 . 
     During mating, the first paddle card  222  is aligned with the card slot  144 . The first plug connector  204  is mated to the first receptacle connector  112  in the mating direction. The first paddle card  222  is loaded into the card slot  144 . The locating tabs  286  are received in corresponding pockets  168  in the shroud  160 . For example, two of the locating tabs  286  may be received in the interior pockets  168  and the middle locating tab  286  may be received in the exterior pocket  168 . The locating walls  166  engage the locating tabs  286  to position the first plug connector  204  relative to the first receptacle connector  112 . For example, the locating walls  166  may be received in the slots  288  to engage side edges of the locating tabs  286 . In an exemplary embodiment, the locating tabs  286  are aligned with and the pockets  168  before the first paddle card  222  is received in the card slot  144 . As such, the locating tabs  286  may be used to orient and position the first paddle card  222  relative to the card slot  144  prior to the first paddle card  222  being loaded into the card slot  144 . As such, risk of damage to the receptacle contacts  150  and/or the contacts  244  of the first paddle card  222  is reduced. During mating, the latch  290  is latchably coupled to the shroud  160 . For example, the latch fingers  294  configured to be received in the latch openings  164  latchably couple the first plug connector  204  to the first receptacle connector  112  to thereby enable an efficient short-range connection between the first circuit board  110  and the second circuit board  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.