Patent Publication Number: US-10320099-B2

Title: Connector with asymmetric base section

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/348,651, filed Jun. 10, 2016, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     I. Field 
     The present invention relates generally to electrical connectors. More specifically, the present invention relates to a connector with an asymmetric base section. 
     II. Description of Related Art 
     Some electrical systems incorporate a number of electrical modules that are interconnected with one another via a backplane circuit board. Connectors on the modules facilitate insertion of the modules into complementary connectors on the backplane. 
     Each connector may be configured to couple one or more signals between the electrical module and the backplane. Signals transferred via the connector may be relatively high-frequency signals. Special care must be taken in the construction of the connector to minimize degradation of any signals communicated over the connector. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, an electrical contact includes a base that includes first and second side edges, and a forward edge that extends between the first and second side edges. At least one contact arm extends from the forward edge of the base for making electrical contact with a contact pad. Each of the first and second side edges defines one or more protrusions configured to engage an interior portion of a connector housing for securing the electrical contact within the connector housing. The one or more protrusions on the first side edge are asymmetrically arranged with respect to the one or more protrusions on the second side edge, such that respective centers of each of the one or more protrusions on the first side edge are misaligned with respective centers of each of the one or more protrusions on the second side edge. 
     In a second aspect, an electrical connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector configured to be mated to the first connector. The second connector includes a plurality of electrical contacts. At least some of the electrical contacts include first and second side edges, and a forward edge that extends between the first and second side edges. At least one contact arm extends from the forward edge of the base for making electrical contact with a contact pad. Each of the first and second side edges defines one or more protrusions configured to engage an interior portion of a connector housing for securing the electrical contact within the connector housing. The one or more protrusions on the first side edge are asymmetrically arranged with respect to the one or more protrusions on the second side edge, such that respective centers of each of the one or more protrusions on the first side edge are misaligned with respective centers of each of the one or more protrusions on the second side edge. 
     In a third aspect, an electrical product includes an electrical connector assembly. The electrical connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector configured to be mated to the first connector. The second connector includes a plurality of electrical contacts. At least some of the electrical contacts include first and second side edges, and a forward edge that extends between the first and second side edges. At least one contact arm extends from the forward edge of the base for making electrical contact with a contact pad. Each of the first and second side edges defines one or more protrusions configured to engage an interior portion of a connector housing for securing the electrical contact within the connector housing. The one or more protrusions on the first side edge are asymmetrically arranged with respect to the one or more protrusions on the second side edge, such that respective centers of each of the one or more protrusions on the first side edge are misaligned with respective centers of each of the one or more protrusions on the second side edge. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an electrical contact; 
         FIG. 2  is side elevational view of the electrical contact; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the electrical contact; 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of the electrical contact; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the electrical contact; 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates a pair of electrical contacts having base sections having protrusions arranged symmetrically about a center axis of the base section; 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates a pair of electrical contacts having base sections having protrusions arranged asymmetrically about a center axis of the base sections; 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates details of the base sections of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates details of the base sections of  FIG. 6B ; 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view illustrating the electrical contact mated with a mating contact; 
         FIGS. 9 and 10  are a side elevational views illustrating the arm of the electrical contact mated with the mating contact; and 
         FIG. 11  is perspective view of an electrical connector assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an electrical contact  10  that may be an integral component of an electrical connector assembly  100 , as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . The electrical connector assembly  100  may be one of many disposed on a specialized circuit module to facilitate electrically coupling signals on the circuit module with other circuit modules via a back plane circuit board of a product such radio frequency (RF) test equipment and the like. 
     The electrical contact  10  includes a base  12  and one or more arms  14  that extend from the base  12 . The base  12  extends a length along a central longitudinal axis  16  of the base  12 . In the exemplary embodiment, the base  12  extends the length from an arm end  18  of the base  12  to a mounting end  20  of the base  12 . The arms  14  extend outwardly from the arm end  18  of the base  12 . As will be described in more detail below, the arms  14  are configured to mate with a mating contact  22  ( FIGS. 6-9 ) to establish an electrical connection between the electrical contact  10  and the mating contact  22 . 
     The base  12  may include one or more mounting structures for mounting the base  12  within a housing (e.g., the housing  108  shown in  FIG. 11 ) of an electrical connector (e.g., the electrical connector  102  shown in  FIG. 11 ). In the exemplary embodiment, the base  12  includes interference tabs  24  that are configured to engage the housing with an interference-fit to hold the base  12  within the housing. Other structures (e.g., snap-fit structures, latches, fasteners, and/or the like) may be used in addition or alternative to the interference tabs  24  to hold the base  12  within an electrical connector housing. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the electrical contact  10  includes a mounting segment  26  that extends from the mounting end  20  of the base  12 . The mounting segment  26  is configured to mount the electrical contact  10  to a circuit board (not shown). Alternatively, the electrical contact  10  is configured to terminate the end (not shown) of an electrical cable (not shown) at the mounting end  20  of the base  12  or is configured to mate with another mating contact (not shown) at the mounting end  20  of the base  12  (i.e., in addition to mating with the mating contact  22  at the arms  14 ). In the exemplary embodiment, the mounting segment  26  is an eye-of-the needle press-fit pin that is configured to be press fit into an electrical via (not shown) of the circuit board. But the mounting segment  26  may additionally or alternatively include any other structure for mounting the electrical contact  10  to the circuit board such as, but not limited to, solder tail, a surface mount pad (whether or not solder is used), another type of press-fit pin, and/or the like. Although the length of the base  12  is shown as being approximately straight, alternatively the length of the base  12  includes one or more bends such as, but not limited to, an approximately 90° bend and/or the like). For example, in some embodiments, the base  12  includes an approximately 90° bend such that the electrical contact  10  is a right-angle contact designed for use within an orthogonal electrical connector. 
     The electrical contact  10  may include any number of the arms  14 . In the exemplary embodiment, the electrical contact  10  has a fork-like structure that includes two of the arms  14 , namely the arms  14   a  and  14   b . Each of the arms  14   a  and  14   b  extends a length outwardly from the base  12  along the central longitudinal axis  16  of the base  12 . In the exemplary embodiment, the arms  14  extend the lengths outwardly from the arm end  18  of the base  12  to free ends  28  of the arms  14 , as can be seen in  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, the end  28  of one or more of the arms  14  is not free, but rather is connected to another structure such as, but not limited to, the end  28  of another arm  14 . The arms  14   a  and  14   b  may each be referred to herein as a “first” arm and/or a “second” arm. 
     Each of the arms  14   a  and  14   b  includes one or more mating bumps  30  at which the arm  14  mates with the mating contact  22 . In the exemplary embodiment, the arm  14   a  includes two mating bumps  30   a  and  30   b , and the arm  14   b  includes two mating bumps  30   e  and  30   d . But the arm  14   a  may include any number of the mating bumps  30 , and the arm  14   b  may include any number of the mating bumps  30  (whether or not the number of mating bumps  30  of the arm  14   b  is the same as the number of mating bumps  30  of the arm  14   a ). Each of the mating bumps  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   e , and  30   d  may be referred to herein as a “first” mating bump and/or a “second” mating bump. 
     Each mating bump  30  includes a mating surface  32 . Specifically, the mating bumps  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   e , and  30   d  include respective mating surfaces  32   a ,  32   b ,  32   e , and  32   d . Each mating bump  30  engages the mating contact  22  at the mating surface  32  thereof to establish an electrical connection with the mating contact  22 . Each of the mating surfaces  32   a ,  32   b ,  32   e , and  32   d  may be referred to herein as a “first” mating surface and/or a “second” mating surface. In the exemplary embodiment, the mating contact  22  is a contact pad of a circuit board  44  ( FIGS. 6-9 ) and the mating bumps  30  and the mating surfaces  32  are configured to mate with the contact pad. Alternatively, the mating bumps  30  and the mating surfaces  32  are configured to mate with another type of mating contact such as, but not limited to, a blade, a bar, an arm, a spring, and/or the like. 
     The electrical contact  10  may be fabricated from (i.e., include) any electrically conductive material such as, but not limited to, copper, nickel, gold, silver, aluminum, tin, and/or the like. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the electrical contact  10  (e.g., the arms  14   a  and/or  14   b , the base  12 , the mounting segment  26 , the mating bumps  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   e , and/or  30   d , portions thereof, and/or the like) includes a base material that is coated with an electrically conductive surface coating (e.g., a plating and/or the like). The electrically conductive surface coating may be fabricated from any electrically conductive material such as, but not limited to, copper, nickel, gold, silver, aluminum, tin, and/or the like. 
       FIG. 2  is side elevational view of the electrical contact  10 . As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , in the exemplary embodiment, the arms  14   a  and  14   b  each extend outwardly from the base  12  at a non-parallel angle relative to the central longitudinal axis  16  of the base  12 . Specifically, a base segment  34  of each of the arms  14   a  and  14   b  extends outwardly from the base  12  at the non-parallel angle relative to the central longitudinal axis  16 . In some alternative embodiments, the base segment  34  of the arm  14   a  and/or the arm  14   b  extends outwardly from the base  12  at an approximately parallel angle relative to the central longitudinal axis  16  of the base  12 . The base segment  34  of each arm  14  may extend outwardly from the base  12  at any angle relative to the central longitudinal axis  16  of the base  12 . 
     Optionally, one or more of the arms  14  is a spring that is configured to be resiliently deflected from a resting position when the arm  14  is mated with the mating contact  22 . In the exemplary embodiment, each of the arms  14   a  and  14   b  is a resiliently deflectable spring. The arms  14   a  and  14   b  are shown in the resting positions in  FIG. 2 . As the arms  14   a  and  14   b  engage the mating contact  22 , the arms  14   a  and  14   b  are resiliently deflected along an arc A from the resting positions shown in  FIG. 2  to deflected positions, which are shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , respectively. Each arm  14  may deflect by any amount along the arc A. 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the electrical contact  10  illustrating the arm  14   a . The arm  14   a  is shown in the resting position in  FIG. 3 . Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the arm  14   a  includes the mating bumps  30   a  and  30   b , which include the respective mating surfaces  32   a  and  32   b . The mating surface  32   a  of the mating bump  30   a  is spaced apart along the length of the arm  14   a  from the mating surface  32   b  of the mating bump  30   a . In other words, the mating surface  32   a  of the mating bump  30   a  is staggered along the length of the arm  14   a  relative to the mating surface  32   b  of the mating bump  30   b , such that the mating surfaces  32   a  and  32   b  have different axial locations along the central longitudinal axis  16  of the base  12 . The mating surfaces  32   a  and  32   b  may be spaced apart along the length of the arm  14   a  by any amount. 
     Referring now solely to  FIG. 3 , optionally, the mating surfaces  32   a  and  32   b  of the respective mating bumps  30   a  and  30   b  are offset from the central longitudinal axis  16  of the base  12  in the direction of the arrow B when the arm  14   a  is in the resting position. The mating surfaces  32   a  and  32   b  are optionally offset from the central longitudinal axis  16  of the base  12  in the direction of the arrow B by different amounts when the arm  14   a  is in the resting position, as is shown in the exemplary embodiment. In other words, when the arm  14   a  is in the resting position, the mating surfaces  32   a  and  32   b  extend within respective planes PI and P 2  that extend approximately parallel to the central longitudinal axis  16 , wherein the planes PI and P 2  are offset from the central longitudinal axis  16  in the direction of the arrow B by different amounts. Each of the mating surfaces  32   a  and  32   b  may be offset from the central longitudinal axis  16  in the direction of the arrow B by any amount when the arm  14   a  is in the resting position. Moreover, the difference between the offsets of the mating surfaces  32   a  and  32   b  from the central longitudinal axis  16  in the direction of the arrow B when the arm  14   a  is in the resting position may be any amount. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 3 , in the exemplary embodiment, each of the mating bumps  30   a  and  30   b  of the arm  14   a  is defined by a respective bend  36   a  and  36   b  in the arm  14   a . But the mating bumps  30   a  and  30   b  are not limited to being defined by a bend of the arm  14   a . Rather, in alternative to being defined by a bend, each of the mating bumps  30   a  and  30   b  may be defined by another structure such as, but not limited to, a segment of increased thickness and/or the like. 
       FIG. 4  is a plan view of the electrical contact  10 . The arm  14   a  extends a width along a width axis  38  that extends approximately perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis  16  of the base  12 . Optionally, the arm  14   a  includes a necked-down segment  40  wherein the width of the arm  14   a  is reduced as compared to adjacent axial locations along the length of the arm  14   a . The necked-down segment optionally extends at approximately the same axial location along the length of the arm  14   a  (i.e., along the central longitudinal axis  16 ) as the mating bump  30   a , as is shown in the exemplary embodiment. In some alternative embodiments, the necked-down segment  40  extends at approximately the same axial location along the length of the arm  14   a  as the mating bump  30   b  instead of as the mating bump  30   a . Moreover, in some alternative embodiments, the arm  14   a  includes a necked-down segment  40  at both of the mating bumps  30   a  and  30   b . The arm  14   a  may include any number of necked-down segments  40 , each of which may have any axial location along the length of the arm  14   a  and may have a width that is reduced by any amount. Although not shown, in some embodiments, the arm  14   b  includes one or more necked-down segments (not shown) wherein the width of the arm  14   b  is reduced as compared to adjacent axial locations along the length of the arm  14   b . In some embodiments, a necked-down segment of the arm  14   b  extends at a different axial location along the central longitudinal axis  16  than one or more of the necked-down segments  40  of the arm  14   a , and/or vice versa. In the exemplary embodiment, the arms  14   a  and  14   b  have the same length as each other, as is shown in  FIG. 4 . But the arms  14   a  and  14   b  may have different lengths than each other. In embodiments wherein the arms  14   a  and  14   b  have different lengths, the arm  14   a  may be longer than the arm  14   b , or vice versa. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 , the positions, orientations, dimensions, and/or the like of the arm  14   a  and the various components of the arm  14   a  (e.g., the base segment  34 , the necked-down segment(s)  40 , the mating bumps  30   a  and  30   b , the mating surfaces  32   a  and  32   b , and/or the like) provide the arm  14   a  with a predetermined geometry. In other words, the arm  14   a  includes the predetermined geometry. The pre-determined geometry of the arm  14   a  provides the arm  14   a  with a predetermined response to vibration. In other words, the predetermined geometry of the arm  14   a  provides the arm  14   a  with a predetermined response to vibrational forces experienced by the arm  14   a . For example, the predetermined geometry of the arm  14   a  provides the arm  14   a  with a predetermined natural (i.e., resonant) frequency and/or a predetermined response to forced vibration. The terms “response to vibration” and “vibrational response” are used interchangeably herein. The vibrational response of the arm  14   a  may be referred to herein as a “first” vibrational response and/or a “second” vibrational response. 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the electrical contact  10  illustrating the arm  14   b . The arm  14   b  is shown in the resting position in  FIG. 5 . Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the arm  14   b  includes the mating bumps  30   e  and  30   d , which include the respective mating surfaces  32   e  and  32   d . The mating surface  32   e  of the mating bump  30   e  is spaced apart along the length of the arm  14   b  from the mating surface  32   d  of the mating bump  30   d . In other words, the mating surface  32   e  of the mating bump  30   e  is staggered along the length of the arm  14   b  relative to the mating surface  32   d  of the mating bump  30   d  such that the mating surfaces  32   e  and  32   d  have different axial locations along the central longitudinal axis  16  of the base  12 . The mating surfaces  32   e  and  32   d  may be spaced apart along the length of the arm  14   b  by any amount. 
     Referring now solely to  FIG. 5 , optionally, the mating surfaces  32   e  and  32   d  of the respective mating bumps  30   e  and  30   d  are offset from the central longitudinal axis  16  of the base  12  in the direction of the arrow C when the arm  14   b  is in the resting position. As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the mating surfaces  32   e  and  32   d  are optionally offset from the central longitudinal axis  16  of the base  12  in the direction of the arrow C by different amounts when the arm  14   b  is in the resting position. In other words, when the arm  14   b  is in the resting position, the mating surfaces  32   e  and  32   d  extend within respective planes P 3  and P 4  that extend approximately parallel to the central longitudinal axis  16 , wherein the planes P 3  and P 4  are offset from the central longitudinal axis  16  in the direction of the arrow C by different amounts. Each of the mating surfaces  32   e  and  32   d  may be offset from the central longitudinal axis  16  in the direction of the arrow C by any amount when the arm  14   a  is in the resting position. Moreover, the difference between the offsets of the mating surfaces  32   e  and  32   d  from the central longitudinal axis  16  in the direction of the arrow C when the arm  14   b  is in the resting position may be any amount. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, each of the mating bumps  30   e  and  30   d  of the arm  14   b  is defined by a respective bend  36   e  and  36   d  in the arm  14   b . But the mating bumps  30   e  and  30   d  are not limited to being defined by a bend of the arm  14   b . Rather, in alternative to being defined by a bend, each of the mating bumps  30   e  and  30   d  may be defined by another structure such as, but not limited to, a segment of increased thickness and/or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1, 4, and 5 , the positions, orientations, dimensions, and/or the like of the arm  14   b  and the various components of the arm  14   b  (e.g., the base segment  34 , any necked-down segments, the mating bumps  30   e  and  30   d , the mating surfaces  32   e  and  32   d , and/or the like) provide the arm  14   b  with a predetermined geometry. In other words, the arm  14   b  includes the predetermined geometry. The predetermined geometry of the arm  14   b  provides the arm  14   b  with a predetermined response to vibration. In other words, the pre-determined geometry of the arm  14   b  provides the arm  14   b  with a predetermined response to vibrational forces experienced by the arm  14   b . For example, the predetermined geometry of the arm  14   b  provides the arm  14   b  with a predetermined natural (i.e., resonant) frequency and/or a predetermined response to forced vibration. The vibrational response of the arm  14   b  may be referred to herein as a “first” vibrational response and/or a “second” vibrational response. 
     Referring now solely to  FIG. 4 , the mating bump  30   e  and/or the mating bump  30   d  of the arm  14   b  may have a different axial location along the central longitudinal axis  16  of the base  12  than the both of the mating bumps  30   a  and  30   b  of the arm  14   a , and/or vice versa. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, each of the mating bumps  30   e  and  30   d  of the arm  14   b  has a different axial location along the central longitudinal axis  16  of the base  12  than the both of the mating bumps  30   a  and  30   b  of the arm  14   a . In the exemplary embodiment, the mating bumps  30   a  and  30   b  of the arm  14   a  are spaced further apart from each other along the central longitudinal axis  16  than the mating bumps  30   e  and  30   d  are spaced apart from each other along the central longitudinal axis  16 . Alternatively, the mating bumps  30   e  and  30   d  of the arm  14   b  are spaced further apart from each other along the central longitudinal axis  16  than the mating bumps  30   a  and  30   b  are spaced apart from each other along the central longitudinal axis  16 . In another alternative embodiment, the mating bumps  30   a  and  30   b  of the arm  14   a  are spaced apart from each other along the central longitudinal axis  16  by approximately the same amount as the mating bumps  30   e  and  30   d  are spaced apart from each other along the central longitudinal axis  16 . 
     The different axial locations of the mating bumps  30  and the spacing between the mating bumps  30  is selected to provide the arms  14   a  and  14   b  with different predetermined geometries. In addition or alternatively to the different spacings and/or axial locations, the positions, orientations, dimensions (e.g., the lengths, widths, and/or the like), and/or the like of the arms  14   a  and/or  14   b  and/or other various components of the arms  14   a  and/or  14   b  (e.g., the base segment  34 , any necked-down segments, and/or the like) may provide the arms  14   a  and  14   b  with the different predetermined geometries. 
     The different predetermined geometries of the arms  14   a  and  14   b  provide the arms  14   a  and  14   b  with different predetermined vibrational responses than each other. In other words, the arms  14   a  and  14   b  will vibrate differently (e.g., at different frequencies and/or the like) than each other in response to the same vibrational force exerted on the arms  14   a  and  14   b . For example, the arms  14   a  and  14   b  may have different natural frequencies and/or the arms  14   a  and  14   b  may vibrate differently in response to the same forced vibration exerted on the arms  14   a  and  14   b . It should be understood that in embodiments wherein the electrical contact  10  includes more than two of the arms  14 , each arm  14  may be provided with a different vibrational response than each other or at least one of the arms  14  may have the same vibrational response as at least one other arm  14 . 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate exemplary bases  612   a,b  which may form part of electrical contacts  610   a,b , respectively. The bases  612   a,b  and electrical contacts  610   a,b  may correspond to the base  12  and electrical contact  10  described above. The contact arms  605   a,b  (i.e., arms  14 ) extend from the forward edges  615   a,b  of respective bases  612   a,b  for making electrical contact with a contact pad (not shown). 
     Each base  612   a,b  includes first and second side edges  620   a,b  and  625   a,b . The forward edges  615   a,b  extend between respective first and second side edges  620   a,b  and  625   a,b.    
     Each of the first and second side edges  620   a,b  and  625   a,b  defines one or more protrusions  630   a,b  and  635   a,b  (i.e., interference tabs  24 ) configured to engage an interior portion of a housing for securing the electrical contacts  610   a,b  within the housing. 
     In  FIG. 6 a   , the protrusions  630   a ,  635   a  are symmetrically arranged about the center axis  640   a  of the base  612   a . Symmetrical placement of the protrusions  630   a ,  635   a  may be desired to avoid twisting of the electrical contacts  610   a  when inserting the electrical contacts  610   a  into a housing. As illustrated  FIG. 6A , when two electrical contacts  610   a  are arranged side-by-side, the distance between facing edges of the electrical contacts  610   a  are significantly closer in the regions of the protrusions  630   a ,  635   a  than in other regions of the facing edges. The symmetrical arrangement of the protrusions  630   a ,  635   a  not only places a limitation on how close the electrical contacts  610   a  can be placed next to each other, but the closeness of the protrusions  630   a ,  635   a  reduces the impedance between the electrical contacts  610   a  near the protrusions  630   a ,  635   a  which results in a relatively inconsistent impedance along the length of the electrical contacts  610   a . This in turn limits the high-frequency performance characteristics of the connector in which the electrical contacts  610   a  may be arranged. 
     In  FIG. 6B , the protrusions  630   b ,  635   b  are asymmetrically arranged about the center axis  640   b  of the base  612   b . Thus, when two electrical contacts  610   b  are arranged side-by-side as illustrated in  FIG. 6B , the distance between a point on an edge of a first electrical contact  610   b  and a point on the edge opposite the first edge of the second electrical contact  610   b  is more consistent/uniform along the edge, between the forward edge of the base and the edge opposite the forward edge. This in turn results in a more uniform impedance between the electrical contacts  610   b  in the section between the forward edge of the base and the edge opposite the forward edge, as compared to the relatively inconsistent impedance along the same section of the electrical contacts  610   a  with the symmetrically arranged protrusions  630   a ,  635   a . This in turn improves the high-frequency performance characteristics of the connector in which the electrical contacts  610   b  may be arranged in comparison to a connector using the electrical contacts  610   a  of  FIG. 6A . 
     As noted above, symmetrical arrangement of protrusions may be desired to avoid twisting of electrical contacts. However, in this case, applicants have determined that other features of the electrical contacts  610   b  help to prevent twisting, thus allowing for the asymmetrical arrangement of the protrusions  630   b ,  635   b.    
     As more clearly shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , in some implementations, the protrusions  630   b ,  635   b  of the electrical contact  610   b  may have a width W along a respective edge of about 0.5 mm and the center of the protrusion may be offset by a distance, O, from the center of a protrusion on the opposite edge by about 0.59 mm. 
     In an exemplary implementation, where the ideal impedance is about 100 ohms, when a first electrical contact  610   b  is arranged adjacent to a second electrical contact  610   b , such that a distance D 1  between respective center axis of the respective bases sections is about 1.8 mm, an impedance between the base of the first electrical contact  610   b  and the base of the second electrical contact  610   b  may be greater than about 96Ω. In this implementation, the distance, D 2 , between the first edge of the base  612   b  of the first electrical contact  610   b  and the second edge of the base  612   b  of the second electrical contact  610   b  may vary by less than 28%. 
       FIG. 8  is a plan view illustrating the electrical contact  10  mated with the mating contact  22 . In the exemplary embodiment, the mating contact  22  is a contact pad that extends on a side  42  of the circuit board  44 . In the exemplary embodiment, both of the arms  14   a  and  14   b  of the electrical contact  10  mate with the same mating contact  22 . Alternatively, the arms  14   a  and  14   b  mate with different mating contacts. 
     The arms  14   a  and  14   b  are engaged with the mating contact  22 . Specifically, the mating surfaces  32   a ,  32   b ,  32   c , and  32   d  of the mating bumps  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c , and  30   d , respectively, are each engaged with the mating contact  22 . The engagement between the arms  14   a  and  14   b  and the mating contact  22  establishes an electrical connection between the electrical contact  10  and the mating contact  22 . As can be seen in  FIG. 8 , each arm  14   a  and  14   b  includes two separate points of engagement with the mating contact  22 . Specifically, the arm  14   a  include the mating surfaces  32   a  and  32   b , while the arm  14   b  includes the mating surfaces  32   c  and  32   d . The electrical contact  10  thus has four separate points of engagement with the mating contact  22  in the exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that each arm  14   a  and  14   b  may include any number of separate points of engagement with the mating contact  22 , and that the electrical contact  10  may have any overall number of separate points of engagement with the mating contact  22 . For example, in some embodiments, one or more of the arms  14  has three or more separate points of engagement with the mating contact  22 . 
     The different axial locations of the mating bumps  30   a  and  30   b  of the arm  14   a  along the central longitudinal axis  16  may cause the mating bumps  30   a  and  30   b  to have different predetermined vibrational responses than each other. In other words, the mating bumps  30   a  and  30   b  may vibrate differently (e.g., at different frequencies and/or the like) than each other at the different corresponding points of engagement with the mating contact  22 . For example, the mating bumps  30   a  and  30   b  may have different natural frequencies and/or may vibrate differently in response to a forced vibration exerted on the arm  14   a . Similarly, the different axial locations of the mating bumps  30   e  and  30   d  of the arm  14   b  along the central longitudinal axis  16  may cause the mating bumps  30   c  and  30   d  to vibrate differently (e.g., at different frequencies and/or the like) than each other at the different corresponding points of engagement with the mating contact  22 . For example, the mating bumps  30   c  and  30   d  may have different natural frequencies and/or may vibrate differently in response to a forced vibration exerted on the arm  14   b . It should be understood that in embodiments wherein the arm  14   a  and/or the arm  14   b  includes more than two of the mating bumps  30 , each mating bump  30  of each arm  14  may be provided with a different vibrational response than each other mating bump  30  of the same arm or at least one of the mating bumps  30  of an arm  14  may have the same vibrational response as at least one other mating bump  30  of the same arm  14 . 
       FIG. 9  is a side elevational view illustrating the arm  14   a  of the electrical contact  10  mated with the mating contact  22 .  FIG. 9  illustrates the arm  14   a  in the deflected position. The mating surfaces  32   a  and  32   b  of the respective mating bumps  30   a  and  30   b  are engaged with the mating contact  22 . The arm  14   a  has been deflected from the resting position shown in  FIGS. 1-4  to the deflected position shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The mating surfaces  32   a  and  32   b  lie within a plane that extends approximately parallel to the central longitudinal axis  16 . In other words, the mating surfaces  32   a  and  32   b  are offset from the central longitudinal axis  16  by approximately the same amount, which may be zero (i.e., no offset) or may be an offset of any amount. 
       FIG. 10  is a side elevational view illustrating the arm  14   b  of the electrical contact  10  mated with the mating contact  22 . The arm  14   b  is shown in the deflected position in  FIG. 10 . The mating surfaces  32   e  and  32   d  of the respective mating bumps  30   e  and  30   d  are engaged with the mating contact  22 . The arm  14   b  has been deflected from the resting position shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5  to the deflected position shown in  FIGS. 6 and 8 . The mating surfaces  32   e  and  32   d  lie within a plane that extends approximately parallel to the central longitudinal axis  16 . In other words, the mating surfaces  32   e  and  32   d  are offset from the central longitudinal axis  16  by approximately the same amount, which may be zero (i.e., no offset) or may be an offset of any amount. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 8 , by providing at least two separate points of engagement with the mating contact  22  at each arm  14  (i.e., the mating surfaces  32   a  and  32   b  of the arm  14   a ) and the mating surfaces  32   c  and  32   d  of the arm  14   b ), each arm  14 , and thus the electrical contact  10 , may be less likely to be electrically disconnected from the mating contact  22  because of wear to the mating contact  22  and/or wear to the electrical contact  10 . For example, because the two mating surfaces  32  of the same arm  14  are spaced apart from each other, the two mating surfaces  32  may not cause wear to the mating contact  22  and/or to the electrical contact  10  at the same rate as each other. Accordingly, if a first of the mating surfaces  32  of an arm  14  has worn the mating contact  22  such that the arm  14  no longer makes an adequate or any electrical connection with the mating contact  22  at the first mating surface  32 , the second mating surface  32  of the arm  14  may have caused less or no wear to the mating contact  22  such that the arm  14  is adequately electrically connected to the mating contact  22  at the second mating surface. The difference in the wear rates caused by the two mating surfaces  32  of the same arm  14  may be a result, for example, of the different predetermined vibrational responses of the two mating bumps  30  of the same arm  14 . 
     The redundant electrical connection provided by the two mating surfaces of an arm  14  may facilitate preventing or reducing data loss caused by wear to the electrical contact  10  and/or the mating contact  22  such as, but not limited to, wear caused by contact fretting and/or the like. For example, the redundant electrical connection provided by the two arms  14  may facilitate preventing or reducing data transmission errors. The electrical contact  10  may thus be adapted for relatively high-speed data connections such as, but not limited to, data speeds of at least approximately 5 gigabaud (G-baud). 
     In addition or alternatively to providing two or more different wear rates, providing the at least two separate points of engagement with the mating contact  22  may reduce the force exerted on the mating contact  22  by the arm  14  at any single point of engagement with the mating contact  22 . In other words, the force exerted on the mating contact  22  at each of the mating surfaces  32  of the same arm  14  may be less than if the arm  14  only engaged the mating contact  22  at a single point. Such a reduction in the force exerted on the mating contact  22  at any single point of engagement may reduce the amount of wear at such a single point of engagement, which may facilitate preventing the arm  14  from being electrically disconnected from the mating contact  22  because of wear to the mating contact  22 . In addition or alternatively, such a reduction in the force exerted on the mating contact  22  at any single point of engagement (and/or the different axial locations of the mating bumps  30 ) may reduce the insertion and/or extraction force required to mate the electrical contact  10  with the mating contact  22 , which may eliminate or reduce damage to the electrical contact  10  and/or the mating contact  22  as the contacts  10  and  22  are mated together. 
     Moreover, providing two or more different wear rates may facilitate preventing a higher resistance connection between the electrical contact  10  and the mating contact  22  that is caused by wear to the electrical contact  10  and/or the mating contact  22 . For example, providing two or more different wear rates may reduce the amount of wear to an electrically conductive surface coating (e.g., a plating and/or the like) that extends on the mating contact  22  and/or the arm  14 . Reducing the amount of wear to the coating(s) may prevent the coating(s) from being worn through. If the coating(s) is worn through, engagement with a base material of the mating contact  22  and/or the electrical contact  10  may increase the resistance of the electrical connection between the mating contact  22  and/or the electrical contact  10  above a desired level. Accordingly, by reducing the amount of wear to an electrically conductive coating that extends on the mating contact  22  and/or the arm  14 , the at least two separate points of engagement between the arm  14  and the mating contact  22  may prevent the connection between the electrical contact  10  and the mating contact  22  from having a higher resistance than is desired. 
     The different predetermined vibrational responses of the arms  14   a  and  14   b  may facilitate preventing the electrical contact  10  from being electrically disconnected from the mating contact  22  because of wear to the mating contact  22 . For example, the different predetermined vibrational responses of the arms  14   a  and  14   b  may cause wear to the mating contact  22  at the different rates. Accordingly, even if a first of the arms  14  of the electrical contact  10  has worn the mating contact  22  such that the first arm  14  no longer makes adequate or any electrically connected to the mating contact  22 , the second arm  14  may have caused less or no wear to the mating contact  22  such that the second arm  14 , and thus the electrical contact  10 , remains adequately electrically connected to the mating contact  22 . The different predetermined vibrational responses of the arms  14   a  and  14   b  may thus enable one of the arms  14  to provide a backup that maintains the electrical connection with the mating contact  22  upon electrical failure or a reduced quality of electrical connection of the other arm  14 . The redundant electrical connection provided by the two arms  14  may facilitate preventing or reducing data loss caused by wear to the electrical contact  10  and/or the mating contact  22  such as, but not limited to, wear caused by contact fretting and/or the like. For example, the redundant electrical connection provided by the two arms  14  may facilitate preventing or reducing data transmission errors. The electrical contact  10  may thus be adapted for relatively high-speed data connections. 
     Although shown and described herein with respect to a contact pad of a circuit board, it should be understood that the electrical contact  10  may be used with mating contacts having other structures such as, but not limited to, a blade, a bar, an arm, a spring, and/or the like. The embodiments of the electrical contact  10  shown and/or described herein may be used to facilitate preventing the electrical contact  10  from being electrically disconnected from such other mating contact structures because of wear to the mating contact in a substantially similar manner to that described and/or illustrated herein with respect to the mating contact  22 . Moreover, in a substantially similar manner to that described and/or illustrated herein with respect to the mating contact  22 , the embodiments of the electrical contact  10  shown and/or described herein may be used to facilitate preventing a higher resistance connection between the electrical contact  10  and such other mating contact structures caused by wear to the electrical contact  10  and/or the mating contact. 
       FIG. 9  is a partially exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an electrical connector assembly  100  with which the electrical contact  10  may be used. The electrical connector assembly  100  is meant as exemplary only. The electrical contact  10  is not limited to being used with the type of electrical connector assembly shown in  FIG. 11 . Rather, the electrical contact  10  may be used with electrical connector assemblies of other types and/or having other structures. 
     The electrical connector assembly  100  includes an electrical connector  102  and a mating connector  104 . The connectors  102  and  104  are complementary such that the connectors  102  and  104  are configured to mate together to establish an electrical connection therebetween. In the exemplary embodiment, the electrical connectors  102  and  104  are configured to be mounted on circuit boards (not shown). 
     The mating connector  104  includes a housing  106  and a plurality of the circuit boards  44  held by the housing  106 . The circuit boards  44  include a plurality of the mating contacts  22  ( FIGS. 6 -S). The electrical connector  102  includes a housing  105  having a plurality of contact cavities  110 . The contact cavities  110  hold electrical contacts  10 . The electrical contacts  10  are configured to mate with the mating contacts  22  to establish an electrical connection between tile electrical connector  102  and the mating connector  104 . 
     The embodiments described and/or illustrated herein may provide an electrical contact that is less likely to be electrically disconnected from a mating contact because of wear to the mating contact. The embodiments described and/or illustrated herein may provide an electrical contact that experiences less wear and/or causes less wear to a mating contact with which the electrical contact mates. For example, the embodiments described and/or illustrated herein may provide an electrical contact that reduces or eliminates wear caused by contact fretting. The embodiments described and/or illustrated herein may provide an electrical contact that prevents or reduces data loss caused by wear to the electrical contact and/or a mating contact with which the electrical contact mates. The embodiments described and/or illustrated herein may provide an electrical contact that provides a reliable and relatively high-speed data connection in relatively rugged environments. The embodiments described and/or illustrated herein may provide an electrical contact having a reduced insertion and/or extraction force. The embodiments described and/or illustrated herein may provide an electrical contact that causes less or no damage to a mating contact and/or the electrical contact as the mating contact and electrical contact are mated together. 
     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 subject matter described and/or illustrated herein should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure. 
     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 subject matter described and/or illustrated herein should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.