Patent Publication Number: US-2022224060-A1

Title: Lossy material for improved signal integrity

Description:
This claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/842,802 filed May 3, 2019, the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to connectors, connector assemblies, and cable assemblies. More specifically, the present invention relates to manipulating resonance characteristics of connectors and connector assemblies. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Electrical connectors typically include an electrically insulative connector housing and a plurality of electrical contacts supported by the connector housing. The electrical contacts typically define mounting ends and mating ends opposite the mounting ends. The mounting ends are often configured to be mounted to a first complementary electrical device, such as a printed circuit board (PCB), electrical cable, or the like. The mating ends can be configured to mate with a second complementary electrical device, such as a complementary electrical connector. Often, the mating ends define a separable interface with complementary electrical contacts of the complementary electrical connector. In some configurations, the electrical contacts can be configured as electrical power contacts that are configured to transmit electrical power between the first and second electrical devices. In other configurations, some of the electrical contacts can be preassigned as electrical contacts, while others of the electrical contacts can be preassigned as ground contacts. Thus, during operation, the electrical connector can transmit electrical signals along the electrical signal contacts between the first and second complementary electrical devices. 
     One significant consideration when designing electrical connectors is the ability of the electrical connectors to transmit signals at a desired operating frequency while maintaining the integrity of the electrical signals that can be degraded during operation. In some applications, the desired operating frequency is as high possible while mitigating the signal degradation that tends to occur increasingly at high operating frequencies. In other applications, the desired operating frequency is within a range that has a suitable speed for its application and intended to minimize signal degradation. Electrical signal degradation is known to manifest itself in several ways, including crosstalk such as near end crosstalk (NEXT), far end crosstalk (FEXT), insertion loss, skew, common mode issues, stubs on connector contacts and in the PCB, half-wavelength horizontal propagation or resonances, and quarter-wavelength horizontal propagation or resonances; cavity resonances between ground planes on two PCBs, and impedance mismatches within the electrical connector, between the electrical connector and the PCB, and in the breakout region near a connector. 
       FIG. 1  shows the insertion loss of a conventional connector as a function of operating frequency. Insertion loss of the connector increases at the connector&#39;s resonant frequencies. This is a typical resonance characteristic of some connectors. Insertion-loss resonances have many causes, including impedance mismatches within a connector, between a connector and a printed circuit board (PCB), and in the breakout region near a connector; skew/common mode issues; stubs on connector contacts and in the PCB; crosstalk; half- and quarter-wavelength horizontal propagation or resonances; and cavity resonances between ground planes on two PCBs. Design efforts for electrical connectors are ongoing. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,083,553 describes electrically lossy inserts disposed in a wafer for an electrical connector, and positioned near the mating interface of the electrical connector. The electrically lossy inserts are electrically connected to a shield member in the wafer. The lossy inserts are not connected to the electrical contacts of the electrical connector. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,007,316 describes a contact assembly that uses a dielectric material between a conductive body and a conductive layer such that the dielectric material, the conductive body, and the conductive layer form a capacitive element. U.S. Pat. No. 8,007,316 does not disclose a lossy material in the contact assembly. 
     It is also known to incorporate ceramic ferrites to control unwanted electromagnetic interference (EMI) and unwanted resonances in an electrical connector. However, ceramic ferrites can be difficult to process and can have loose mechanical tolerances so that their application in connectors and cable assemblies is often crude. 
     SUMMARY 
     To overcome the problems described above, preferred embodiments of the present invention use lossy materials to modify resonance characteristics of an electrical connector, a connector assembly, or a cable assembly. 
     In one example, an electrical contact for an electrical connector can include includes a contact body and a lossy material located on the contact body. 
     The lossy material can be electrically conductive or electrically non-conductive. In one example, the lossy material is electrically non-conductive. Further, the lossy material can be magnetically absorptive. In one example, the lossy material can include carbon microcoils. In one example, the lossy material can be configured to absorb electromagnetic interference substantially at a first predetermined operating frequency, ±5 GHz. The lossy material z electrically lossy or magnetically lossy. The lossy material can be disposed on a tip of the contact body. Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material can be disposed on a base of the contact body. The base can extend from a first end of an intermediate portion of the contact body toward the mounting end of the electrical contact. In some examples, the base can be at least partially defined or entirely defined by the mounting end. The tip can be disposed such that the intermediate portion is disposed between the tip and the mounting end. The mating end can extend from a second end of the intermediate portion opposite the first end, and the tip can define the distal end of the electrical contact. In some examples, the tip can be at least partially defined or entirely defined by the mating end. The electrical contact can be configured as an electrical ground contact that that can be configured for connection to ground, reference, or power. Alternatively, the electrical contact can be configured as a signal contact that transports electrical signals. The lossy material can be tuned to reduce electrical interference at a predetermined operating frequency. In some examples, the lossy material can be located on only one side of the contact body. 
     An electrical connector can thus include electrical contacts according to examples set forth herein. 
     For instance, a first electrical contact of the electrical connector can include a lossy material tuned substantially to a first frequency, and a second electrical contact of the electrical connector can include a lossy material tuned substantially to a second frequency that is different than the first frequency. In one example, the lossy material can be included at the respective mating ends of the first and second electrical contacts. The lossy material can be disposed on the tip of the contact body. Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material can be disposed on the base of the contact body. In one example, the first and second electrical contacts can be configured as electrical signal contacts. In this regard, in one example, the lossy material can be disposed only on electrical signal contacts of the electrical connector. Alternatively, the first and second electrical contacts can be configured as electrical ground contacts. In this regard, in one example, the lossy material can be disposed only on ground contacts of the electrical connector. In still other examples, the electrical contacts can be unassigned as signal contacts or ground contacts. 
     In still other examples, an electrical contact reel can include electrical contacts according to various examples disclosed herein. 
     According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method of applying a lossy material to a contact for an electrical connector includes providing a contact and applying the lossy material to the contact. 
     The lossy material can be electrically conductive or non-conductive. The lossy material can be non-conductive and can be magnetically absorptive substantially at a first frequency, ±5 GHz. The lossy material can include carbon microcoils. The lossy material can be electrically lossy or magnetically lossy. The lossy material can be applied to the tip of the electrical contact. Alternatively, the lossy material can be applied to the base of the electrical contact. In one example, the lossy material is applied to only one side of the contact, such as opposite to a wiping surface of the electrical contact at the mating end of the electrical contact. 
     Providing an electrical contact can include the step of stamping the electrical contact from a metal sheet. The contact can be included in a reel of contacts. The contact can be connected to a ground or can transport electrical signals. Applying the lossy material can include cutting a sheet of lossy material, and moving the electrical contact into physical contact with the cut sheet such that the lossy material is adhered to the electrical contact. The lossy material can be applied to the electrical contact at the mating end of the electrical contact. The lossy material can be tuned substantially to a specific frequency. The lossy material applied to a first electrical contact can be tuned substantially to a first frequency, and the lossy material applied to a second electrical contact can be tuned substantially to a second frequency different than the first frequency. Lossy material can be applied only to electrical contacts that transport electrical signals in one example. Alternatively, lossy material can be applied only to electrical ground contacts that are connected to ground or configured to be connected to ground. 
     According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an electrical connector includes a connector housing and electrical contacts. In one example, the electrical contacts can be supported directly by the connector housing. In another example, the electrical contacts can be supported indirectly by the connector housing. For instance, the electrical contacts can be supported by a respective leadframe housing that, in turn, is supported by the connector housing. The connector housing can include lossy material adjacent to at least one of the electrical contacts in one example. 
     The lossy material can be located near or at a tip of the at least one electrical contact. In one example, the lossy material can be located at the tip of the at least one electrical contact. Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material can be located on the base of the at least one electrical contact. The lossy material can be electrically conductive or electrically non-conductive. In one example, the lossy material can be electrically non-conductive. Further, the lossy material can be configured to be magnetically absorptive substantially at a first frequency, ±5 GHz. In one example, the lossy material can include carbon microcoils. The lossy material can be electrically lossy or magnetically lossy. The lossy material can be tuned to reduce signal degradation when the electrical signals are transmitted substantially at a specific predetermined operating frequency, ±5 GHz. For instance, the lossy material can be tuned to reduce a maximum amount of signal degradation when electrical signals are transmitted substantially at the specific predetermined operating frequency, ±5 GHz. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the intervertebral implant of the present application, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of examples of the present disclosure, there is shown in the drawings illustrative embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the application is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a graph plotting insertion loss as a function of operating frequency of a conventional electrical connector; 
         FIG. 2  is a graph that plots permittivity and permeability as a function of operating frequency for an electrical connector that includes a lossy material; 
         FIG. 3  is a graph that plots insertion loss as a function of operating frequency both with and without lossy material in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a graph that plots insertion loss as a function of operating frequency both with and without lossy material in accordance with another aspect the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connector with a lossy material vertically oriented in one example; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector illustrated in  FIG. 5 , but showing the lossy material horizontally oriented in another example; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an electrical connector including lossy material disposed along a mounting interface of a connector housing of the electrical connector one example; 
         FIG. 8A  is a sectional side elevation view of an electrical connector including lossy material in accordance with another example; 
         FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of a data communication assembly, including the electrical connector illustrated in  FIG. 8A  shown with portions removed, and shown mounted to a first electrical device and mated to a second electrical device; 
         FIG. 8C  is another perspective view of a portion of the data communication assembly illustrated in  FIG. 8B ; 
         FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of a leadframe assembly of the electrical connector illustrated in  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 9B  is a perspective view of a leadframe housing of the leadframe assembly in  FIG. 9A , the leadframe housing defining a void configured to receive lossy material; 
         FIG. 9C  is a sectional side elevation view of the leadframe assembly illustrated in  FIG. 9A , showing lossy material disposed in the void illustrated in  FIG. 9B ; 
         FIG. 9D  another perspective view of the leadframe assembly illustrated in  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 9E  is a top view of the electrical connector illustrated in  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 9F  is a side view of the electrical connector illustrated in  FIG. 9A , wherein the electrical contacts are shown in a relaxed position, and in a deflected position as when mated to complementary electrical contacts; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an electrical connector housing including a housing body and lossy material disposed on the housing body in one example; 
         FIG. 11A  shows first and second electrical contacts of respective first and second electrical connectors aligned to be mated with each other, wherein the electrical contacts include a lossy material disposed on respective tips of the electrical contacts according to one example; 
         FIG. 11B  shows the first and second electrical contacts illustrated in  FIG. 11A  shown mated with each other; 
         FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of a leadframe assembly including a leadframe housing and electrical contacts supported by the leadframe housing, wherein the leadframe assembly is devoid of lossy material; 
         FIG. 12B  is a perspective view of the leadframe assembly illustrated in  FIG. 12A , but including lossy material in accordance with one example; 
         FIG. 13A  is a perspective view of a plurality of leadframe assemblies of an electrical connector, including lossy material in one example; 
         FIG. 13B  is an end elevation view of one of the leadframe assemblies illustrated in  FIG. 13A ; 
         FIG. 14A  is an edge card connector including a connector housing and a plurality of electrical contacts supported by the connector housing, and lossy material disposed on the ground contacts in one example; 
         FIG. 14B  is a perspective view of leadframe assemblies of the edge card connector illustrated in  FIG. 14A ; 
         FIG. 14C  is another perspective view of the leadframe assemblies illustrated in  FIG. 14B ; 
         FIG. 14D  is a perspective view of a ground contact illustrated in  FIG. 16A ; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an edge card connector with lossy materials disposed on the connector housing in another example; 
         FIG. 16A  is a perspective view of a portion of the edge card connector illustrated in  FIG. 15 , but with lossy materials disposed at other locations; 
         FIG. 16B  is another perspective view the edge card connector illustrated in  FIG. 16A ; 
         FIG. 16C  is a perspective view a select portion of the edge card connector illustrated in  FIG. 16A ; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a portion of a data communication assembly, showing cable terminations with lossy material according to one example; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the portion of the data communication assembly illustrated in  FIG. 17 , but showing cable terminations with lossy material according to another example; 
         FIG. 19A  is a perspective view of an electrical cable connector including lossy material that provides strain relief in accordance with one example; 
         FIG. 19B  is a top plan view of a data communication assembly including the electrical cable connector illustrated in  FIG. 19A , showing the electrical cables mounted to a substrate; 
         FIG. 20A  is an end elevation view of an electrical cable connector including a cover that encapsulates the electrical cables accordance with one example, the housing including a lossy material; 
         FIG. 20B  is a perspective view of the cover illustrated in  FIG. 20A ; 
         FIG. 21A  is a perspective view of an electrical connector assembly including first and second electrical connectors mated to each other and mounted to cables and a substrate, respectively, the first and second electrical connectors including first and second electrical shields, respectively; 
         FIG. 21B  is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connector assembly illustrated in  FIG. 21A ; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the first electrical connector illustrated in  FIG. 21A ; 
         FIG. 23A  is a sectional side elevation view of the electrical connector assembly illustrated in  FIG. 21A ; 
         FIG. 23B  is a sectional side elevation view of the first electrical shield illustrated in  FIG. 21A ; 
         FIG. 23C  is a sectional side elevation view of the second electrical shield illustrated in  FIG. 21A ; 
         FIG. 24  is a schematic sectional side elevation view of the electrical connector assembly illustrated in  FIG. 21A , but constructed in accordance with another example; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of an electrically conductive cage having lossy material disposed about an opening to an interior of the cage in accordance with one example; 
         FIG. 26A  is a perspective view of an electrical connector assembly similar to the electrical connector assembly illustrated in  FIG. 21A , but showing the first and second electrical shields jogged in accordance with another example; 
         FIG. 26B  is a chart that plots NEXT of the electrical connector assembly both with and without electrical shields as a function of operating frequency; 
         FIG. 26C  is a chart that plots FEXT of the electrical connector assembly as a function of frequency both with and without electrical shields; 
         FIG. 27A  is a perspective view of an electrical connector assembly similar to the electrical connector assembly illustrated in  FIG. 26A , but wherein the first and second electrical connectors are electrical cable connectors; 
         FIG. 27B  is a sectional side elevation view of the electrical connector assembly illustrated in  FIG. 27A  with portions removed to illustrate the jogged first and second electrical shields of the first and second electrical connectors, respectively; 
         FIG. 27C  is an enlarged portion of the sectional side elevation view illustrated in  FIG. 27B ; 
         FIG. 27D  is an enlarged portion of the sectional side elevation view similar to  FIG. 27C , but with only the one of the first and second shields shown jogged; 
         FIG. 27E  is a chart that plots NEXT of the electrical connector assembly as a function of frequency without the electrical shields shown in  FIGS. 27A-27C ; 
         FIG. 27F  is a chart that plots NEXT of the electrical connector assembly as a function of frequency with the electrical shields shown in  FIGS. 27A-27C ; 
         FIG. 27G  is a chart that plots FEXT of an otherwise identical electrical connector assembly as a function of frequency without the electrical shields shown in  FIGS. 27A-27C ; 
         FIG. 27H  is a chart that plots FEXT of the electrical connector assembly as a function of frequency with the electrical shields shown in  FIGS. 27A-27C ; 
         FIG. 28  is a schematic view of an electrical shield constructed in accordance with another example; 
         FIG. 29A  is a schematic view of an electrical shield constructed in accordance with yet another example; 
         FIG. 29B  illustrates a first step of fabricating the electrical shield illustrated in  FIG. 29A ; 
         FIG. 29C  illustrates a second step of fabricating the electrical shield illustrated in  FIG. 29A ; 
         FIG. 29D  illustrates a third step of fabricating the electrical shield illustrated in  FIG. 29A ; 
         FIG. 29E  illustrates a fourth step of fabricating the electrical shield illustrated in  FIG. 29A ; 
         FIG. 29F  illustrates a fifth step of fabricating the electrical shield illustrated in  FIG. 29A ; 
         FIG. 29G  illustrates a final step of fabricating the electrical shield illustrated in  FIG. 29A ; 
         FIG. 30A  illustrates a step of a second method for fabricating the electrical shield illustrated in  FIG. 29A ; 
         FIG. 30B  illustrates another step of the second method for fabricating the electrical shield subsequent to the step illustrated in  FIG. 30A ; 
         FIG. 30C  illustrates another step of the second method for fabricating the electrical shield subsequent to the step illustrated in  FIG. 30B ; 
         FIG. 31A  is a schematic view of an electrical shield constructed in accordance with still another example, whereby an electrically conductive layer is patterned onto an electrically insulative layer; 
         FIG. 31B  is a schematic perspective view of the electrical shield illustrated in  FIG. 31A , wherein the electrically conductive layer defines a first pattern; 
         FIG. 31C  is a schematic perspective view of the electrical shield illustrated in  FIG. 31A , wherein the electrically conductive layer defines a second pattern; and 
         FIG. 31D  is a schematic perspective view of the electrical shield illustrated in  FIG. 31A , wherein the electrically conductive layer defines a third pattern. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying figures and examples, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, applications, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the scope of the present disclosure. Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include “at least one” and a plurality. Further, reference to a plurality as used in the specification including the appended claims includes the singular “a,” “an,” “one,” and “the,” and further includes “at least one.” Further still, reference to a particular numerical value in the specification including the appended claims includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     The term “plurality”, as used herein, means more than one. When a range of values is expressed, another example includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another example. All ranges are inclusive and combinable. 
     Lossy materials can be used to change the resonance characteristics of a connector, a connector assembly, a cable assembly, or a data communication assembly that includes any one or more of the above. In general, a material&#39;s electrical and magnetic properties can be defined by permittivity ε and permeability which are both frequency dependent. Permittivity ε and permeability μ are complex numbers: 
     
       
         
           
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             μ 
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                 μ 
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     where the real part (′) is related to energy storage and the imaginary part (″) is related to energy loss. Lossy materials can be chosen to have specific permittivity ε and permeability Dopants can be added to a base material to alter the permittivity ε and permeability μ. Dopants can alter the magnitudes of the permittivity ε and permeability μ of the lossy materials, and thus can selectively increase or decrease the dampening effect of the lossy materials at a given operating frequency of the electrical signals. Thus, the dopants can alter the frequency dependency of the lossy materials, and can shift or tune the frequency at which the lossy material is configured to provide electrical shielding. For instance, the lossy material can be configured to absorb electromagnetic interference (EMI) during operation of the electrical connector. By tuning the frequency dependency of the lossy material, the lossy material can function best to provide electrical shielding or absorption at a predetermined specific frequency or range of frequencies, while allowing energy of different frequencies to pass. 
     The lossy material can be electrically lossy. Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material can be magnetically lossy. Electrically lossy materials can have good broad-band performance over wide frequency ranges, are often electrically conductive (for instance can be made from carbon), can be easy to simulate, and are available as off-the-shelf moldable materials that can be used in static control and plating. Magnetically lossy materials can have a tunable frequency performance. Further, magnetically lossy materials can have greater volumetric efficiency than electrically lossy materials. Thus, a reduced quantity of lossy magnetic material than electrically lossy material can provide a similar effect to that of the electrically lossy material. Further, magnetically lossy materials can be electrically conductive or electrically nonconductive. Conventional magnetically lossy materials are available as crude molded parts and are more complex to simulate.  FIG. 2  is a graph that plots permittivity and permeability as a function of frequency for a typical lossy material. Different lossy materials, of course, will have different plots. 
     Lossy materials are available in many forms. Lossy materials can be injection moldable. For example, the lossy material can be included in an injection moldable resin that acts a binder for the lossy material. The resin with the lossy material can then be injection molded. Lossy materials can also be dispensable such as epoxies and urethanes. If the lossy material is dispensable, then the lossy materials can be applied to a connector after the connector housing is formed, which is typically formed by injection molding. The lossy material can be applied while the injected-molded housing dries, which is usually is a time during which no additional manufacturing steps can be performed until the housing reaches a certain dryness. The connector housing can be dried using ultra-violet light (UV) or using heat. It is also possible to use a two-phase injection molding process in which the first phase uses an injection molding material without a lossy material and the second phase uses an injection molding material with a lossy material. For example, a first phase can form a housing by injection molding using a material without a lossy material, and in a second phase material with a lossy material can be injection molded to the housing. 
     As an example, the lossy material can include carbon microcoils (CMCs). The CMCs can include various sizes and shapes, and different types of CMCs can be used together. For example, the CMCs can include a spiral shape with a coil diameter on the order of a micron, a fiber diameter of about 0.01 μm-about 1.0 μm, a coil pitch of about 0.1 μm-about 5.0 μm, and an overall length of about 10 μm-about 10 mm. The spirals can be left handed and/or right handed. The CMCs can have a single-helix structure or a double-helix structure. The fibers of the coils can have a flat shape or a round shape. The coils of the CMCs can be three dimensional. Alternatively, the coils of CMCs can be two dimensional, and thus defined in a single plane. The CMCs can be made by any suitable method, including using different catalysts grains to grow the coils. 
     In some examples, the lossy material can include CMCs embedded in a dielectric material. For example, the CMCs can be included in a silicon rubber structure. The silicon rubber structure can be configured as a sheet. It is appreciated, however, that other dielectric materials can be used, such as LCP (liquid crystal polymer) or glass reinforced LCP. When the CMCs are mixed with the dielectric material, the CMCs can form a L-C-R circuit network, whereby “L” represents an inductor, “C” represents a capacitor, and “R” represents a resistor. The CMCs and the dielectric material can be used to absorb a portion of the magnetic field produced during operation of an electrical connector. A characteristic of the CMCs in the dielectric material, such as at least one or more up to all of concentration, size, shape, and geometry of the CMCs in the dielectric material can be changed to tune the magnetic absorbing characteristics of the lossy material, including the wavelength (frequency) at which the lossy material is configured to absorb the magnetic field. For example, changing the coil diameter or coil length can tune the frequency at which the lossy material absorbs the magnetic field. Alternatively or additionally, changing the dielectric constant (DK) of the dielectric material of the lossy material can change the frequency at which the lossy material absorbs the magnetic field. 
     In other examples, the lossy material can be configured as a polymer and a plurality of nanoparticles embedded in the polymer. The polymer can be configured as ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) in one example, or any suitable alternative polymer. The particles can be iron in one example, or any alternative material suitable for such that the resulting lossy material is configured to absorb magnetic field at a frequency. The iron particles can be present in a range of approximately 20% to approximately 45% by weight, such as approximately 40% by volume, such that the resulting lossy material is electrically nonconductive. However, it is envisioned that the lossy material can alternatively have a sufficient quantity of iron particles such that the lossy material is electrically conductive. The lossy material can further include graphene embedded in the polymer if desired to increase the electrical conductivity of the lossy material. The iron particles can be iron spheres in one example. For instance all particles can be iron. As an alternative to iron, the lossy material can include ceramic particles embedded in polymer at any desired concentration to produce an electrically nonconductive lossy material. At least one of the size, quantity, shape, and composition of the particles embedded in the polymer can be changed so as to tune the frequency at which the lossy material absorbs the magnetic field. 
     Some electrical connectors include electrically conductive shields to provide electrical shielding between adjacent signal contacts or differential signal pairs. However, such electrically conductive shields typically function by containing electrical fields and directing electrical currents. Thus, such electrically conductive shields are typically ineffective against magnetic fields, can become a source of resonances at some frequencies, and usually work best when grounded. Lossy materials can be electrically conductive or electrically non-conductive. Further, lossy materials function by containing or absorbing fields and by reflecting and/or dissipating energy internally. Thus, lossy materials can provide shielding with respect to magnetic fields. For instance, lossy material can be configured to absorb magnetic fields. Further, the lossy material can be grounded in some examples. In other examples, the lossy material can be ungrounded. 
     Lossy materials can be applied to different portions or locations of an electrical connector to alter the electrical connector&#39;s resonance characteristics. For example, the addition of a lossy material can shift resonant frequency and/or can reduce the resonant peaks as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . In  FIG. 3 , a hot melt, which has a narrow frequency band, is used as the lossy material (identified as “material” in  FIG. 3 ). In  FIG. 4 , a rubberized sheet, which has a wide frequency band, is used as the lossy material (identified as “material” in  FIG. 4 ). The lossy material can shift the resonant frequency to a frequency that is out of the desired operating frequency range of the electrical connector. 
     In some examples, and in all examples described herein, the lossy material can be an epoxy. For instance, the epoxy can be an electrically conductive epoxy. Further, the lossy material can be applied to different locations of an electrical connector. In some examples, the lossy material can be dispensed using computer numerical control (CNC). Thus, the application of the lossy material can be easily and quickly customized, thereby applying the epoxy at predetermined locations of the electrical connector, or components configured to be included in the electrical connector, including one or more of a connector housing, one or more electrical contacts, and a leadframe housing. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an electrical connector  20  can include an electrically insulative connector housing  22  and a plurality of electrical contacts  24  that are supported by the connector housing  22 . In one example, the electrical contacts  24  can be press-fit or otherwise mechanically attached to the connector housing  22 . Alternatively, the electrical contacts  24  can be insert molded in the connector housing  22 . Each of the electrical contacts  24  can include a contact body that defines a mating end  26  and a mounting end  28  opposite the mating end  26 . Each of the contact bodies, and thus the electrical contacts  24  can further include an intermediate portion  27  that extends from the mating end  26  to the mounting end  28 . Thus, the mounting end  28  can extend from a first end of the intermediate portion  27 , and the mating end  26  can extend from a second end of the intermediate portion  27  opposite the first end. The contact bodies, and thus the electrical contacts  24 , can further define a tip  29  that defines a distal end of contact body. The tip  29  can extend out from the mating end  26 , such that the mating end  26  is disposed between the intermediate portion of the contact and the tip  29 . The mounting ends  28  can be configured to be mounted to a first electrical device, which can be configured as a substrate. The substrate, in turn, can be configured as a printed circuit board in some examples. Thus, the connector housing  22  can define a mounting interface  23  that is configured to face the underlying substrate when the electrical connector  20  is mounted to the underlying substrate. 
     The mating ends  26  can be configured to mate with respective electrical contacts of a second electrical connector when the electrical connector  20  is mated with the second electrical connector. In particular, the electrical connector  20  can mate with the second electrical connector along a mating direction. The mating ends  26  can define a separable interface with the respective electrical contacts of the second electrical connector. Thus, the electrical connector  20  can unmate from the second electrical connector along an unmating direction that is opposite the mating direction. Both the mating direction and the unmating direction can be oriented along a longitudinal direction L. 
     The electrical contacts  24  can be arranged along a row  32 , which can be oriented along a lateral direction A that is perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal direction L. The connector housing  22  can include divider walls  30  disposed between the mating ends  26  of adjacent pairs of electrical contacts  24 . The pairs of electrical contacts  24  can define differential signal pairs in one example. Alternatively, the electrical signal contacts can be single ended. In this regard, the divider walls  30  can be disposed between adjacent electrical contacts  24 , or disposed between any number of adjacent electrical contacts  24  as desired. Thus, it can be said that the divider walls  30  can be disposed between at least first and second electrical contacts  24  of the electrical connector  20 . The electrical contacts  24  can be configured as signal contacts. Alternatively, one or more of the electrical contacts  24  can be configured as ground contacts. Alternatively still, the electrical connector  20  can be devoid of ground contacts. The connector housing  22  can further extend along a transverse direction T that is perpendicular with respect to each of the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction A. In some examples, the electrical contacts  24  can be arranged in multiple rows  32  that are spaced from each other along the transverse direction T that is perpendicular with respect to each of the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction A. 
     The connector housing  22  can define a mating interface  25  that is typically either received in or received by a complementary mating interface of the second electrical connector when the electrical connector  20  is mated with the second electrical connector. In this regard, an electrical connector assembly can include the electrical connector  20 , which can be referred to as a first electrical connector, and the second electrical connector. The electrical connector  20  can be mounted to the underlying substrate so as to define a data communication assembly. When the electrical connector is mounted to the underlying substrate and mated with the second electrical connector, the electrical connector  20  can place the substrate and the second electrical connector in data communication with each other. Thus, the electrical contacts  24  can transmit signals between the substrate and the second electrical connector at an operating frequency. 
     The mating ends  26  and mounting ends  28  can be disposed opposite each other along the longitudinal direction L and oriented along the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the electrical contacts  24  can be referred to as vertical contacts, and the electrical connector  20  can be referred to as a vertical electrical connector. Alternatively, the mating ends  26  and mounting ends  28  can be oriented perpendicular to each other, such that the electrical contacts  24  define right-angle contacts, and the electrical connector  20  can be referred to as a right-angle electrical connector as described in more detail below with respect to  FIGS. 8A-9F . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the electrical connector  20  can include a lossy material  64  that is tuned to absorb magnetic field substantially at the operating frequency of the electrical connector  20 . The word “substantially” with respect to frequency includes the stated frequency along with frequencies within five GHz above the stated frequency and five GHz below the stated frequency (+/−5 GHz). In one example, the connector housing  22  can include the lossy material  64 . In particular, the connector housing  22  can include a housing body  31  and the lossy material  64  carried by the housing body  31 . In particular, the lossy material  64  can be embedded in the housing body  31 . Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material  64  can be disposed on an outer surface of the housing body  31 . The lossy material  64  can be magnetically absorbing. In one example, the lossy material  64  can be electrically conductive. For instance, the lossy material  64  can have an electrical conductivity greater than 1 Siemens per meter up to substantially 6.1 times 10{circumflex over ( )}7. Alternatively, the lossy material  64  can be electrically nonconductive. For instance, the lossy material  64  can have an electrical conductivity that ranges from 1 Siemens per meter to substantially 1 times 10{circumflex over ( )}−17. 
     The housing body  31  of the connector housing  22  can be electrically insulative, can support the electrical contacts  24 , and can define the mounting interface  23  and the mating interface  25 . The housing body  31 , and thus the connector housing  22 , can support the electrical contacts directly. Alternatively, as will be described in more detail below, the housing body  31 , and thus the connector housing  22 , can support the electrical contacts indirectly. For instance, the housing body  31  can support at least one leadframe assembly that, in turn, includes at least some or all of the electrical contacts  24 . 
     For instance, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the lossy material  64  can be disposed on at least one of the divider walls, including a plurality up to an entirety of the divider walls  30 . In one example, the lossy material  64  can be embedded in the at least one divider wall  30 . Thus, the lossy material  64  can be disposed between adjacent pairs of electrical contacts  24  in the manner described above. The lossy material  64  can be configured as an insert, or a coating one example. Alternatively, the lossy material  64  can be insert molded in the divider walls  30 . The lossy material  64  can be oriented along the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T. The lossy material  64  can have a largest dimension in the longitudinal direction L. The longitudinal direction L can be oriented perpendicular to the mounting interface  23  of the connector housing  22 . It should be appreciated, of course, that the lossy material  64  can be sized and shaped in any suitable alternative manner as desired. Alternatively, connector housing  22  can have at least one void defined therein, and the lossy material  64  can be inserted into the at least one void. The at least one void can be a single void or a plurality of voids as desired. Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material  64  can be applied to one or both outer surfaces of the divider walls  30  that face a respective one of the electrical contacts  24 . 
     The lossy material  64  can be aligned with at least a portion of the electrical contacts  24  along the lateral direction A. Thus, a straight line that passes through the at least a portion of the electrical contacts  24  also passes through the lossy material  64 . The at least a portion of the electrical contacts  24  can include the mating ends  26 . Alternatively or additionally, the at least a portion of the electrical contacts  24  can include the tips  29 . Thus, the lossy material  64  can be disposed at the tips  29 . In one example, the lossy material  64  can be disposed only at the tips  29 . Alternatively or additionally still, the at least a portion of the electrical contacts  24  can include at least a portion of the intermediate portion  27 , such as an entirety of the intermediate portion  27 . The lossy material  64  can be disposed at the tips of the signal contacts. Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material  64  can be disposed at the tips of the ground contacts. The lossy material can span a majority of the height of the divider walls  30  along the longitudinal direction L. The lossy material at each of the divider walls  30  can be aligned with each other along the lateral direction A. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the lossy material  64  can alternatively or additionally be applied to the connector housing  22  at other locations of the connector housing. For instance, the lossy material  64  can be disposed on one or both of the mounting interface  23  and the mating interface  25 . In particular, the lossy material  64  can have a longest dimension that is parallel to the mounting interface  23 . Thus, the lossy material  64  can have a longest dimension that is parallel to the underlying substrate when the electrical connector  20  is mounted to the underlying substrate. mounting interface  23 . The lossy material  64  can be configured as a plate that is oriented in the lateral direction A and the transverse direction T. In one example, the lossy material  64  can be embedded in one or both of the mounting interface  23  and the mating interface  25 . For instance, the lossy material  64  can be insert molded in one or both of the mounting interface  23  and the mating interface  25 . Alternatively, the lossy material  64  can be molded so as to define the connector housing  22 . Thus an entirety of the connector housing  22  can comprise the lossy material  64 . Alternatively, the lossy material  64  can be applied to an external surface of one or both of the mounting interface  23  and the mating interface  25 . 
     For instance, referring now to  FIG. 7 , the lossy material  64  can be disposed on the mounting interface  23  of the connector housing  22 . In particular, the lossy material  64  can be applied to an outer surface of the connector housing  22  at the mounting interface  23 . Thus, the lossy material  64  can be on a surface of the connector housing  22  that is configured to face the underlying substrate when the electrical connector  20  is mounted to the underlying substrate. Accordingly, the lossy material  64  can face the substrate when the electrical connector  20  is mounted to the substrate. For instance, as described above, the electrical contacts  24  can be arranged in first and second rows  32  that are each oriented along the lateral direction A, and are spaced from each other along the transverse direction T. The lossy material  64  can be disposed on the outer surface of the connector housing at a location between the rows  32 . In one example, the lossy material  64  can be disposed equidistantly between the rows  32 . Further, the lossy material  64  can be disposed equidistantly between the mounting ends  28  of the electrical contacts  24 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8A-9F  generally, the electrical connector  20  can be configured as a right-angle connector. In particular, the mating ends  26  and the mounting ends  28  can be oriented substantially perpendicular to each other. In one example, the mating ends  26  can be oriented along the longitudinal direction L, and the mounting ends  28  can be oriented along the transverse direction T. For instance, the mating ends  26  can extend out from the connector housing  22  along the longitudinal direction L, and the mounting ends  28  can extend out from the connector housing  22  along the transverse direction T. 
     The electrical contacts  24  can be supported by the connector housing  22  indirectly. In particular, the electrical connector  20  can include at least one leadframe assembly  50  that includes a leadframe housing  52  and a respective plurality of the electrical contacts  24  supported by the leadframe housing  52 . The at least one leadframe housings  52 , and thus the at least one leadframe assembly  50 , can be supported by the connector housing  22 . In one example, the electrical connector  20  can include first and second leadframe assemblies  50   a  and  50   b . Each of the first and second leadframe assemblies  50   a  and  50   b  can include respective first and second pluralities of the electrical contacts  24  supported by the respective leadframe housing  52 . The electrical contacts  24  of each leadframe assembly  50  can be aligned along a respective row  32  that is oriented along the lateral direction A as described above. 
     The leadframe assemblies  50   a  and  50   b  can be spaced from each other along the transverse direction T. Thus, the first and second leadframe housings  52  of the first and second leadframe assemblies  50   a  and  50   b , respectively, can be spaced from each other along the transverse direction T. Each of the leadframe housings  52  can define an inner surface  53  that faces the other of the leadframe housings, and an outer surface  55  opposite the inner surface  53  along the transverse direction T. Further, the rows  32  can be spaced from each other along the transverse direction T. In one example, the electrical contacts  24  can be insert molded in the respective leadframe housing  52 . Alternatively, the electrical contacts  24  can be stitched into the respective leadframe housing. While the electrical connector  20  is shown including first and second leadframe assemblies  50   a  and  50   b , it should be appreciated that the electrical connector can include any number of leadframe assemblies as desired. 
     The electrical contacts  24  can include a plurality of electrical signal contacts  54  and a plurality of ground contacts  56 . For instance, adjacent ones of the electrical signal contacts  54  along the row  32  can define a differential signal pair. The electrical contacts  24  can further include a plurality of electrical ground contacts  56 . The electrical ground contacts  56  can be disposed between adjacent differential signal pairs along the row  32 . Thus, each leadframe assembly  50  can include a plurality of signal contacts  54  and a plurality of ground contacts  56  in one example. It should be appreciated that the electrical signal contacts  54  can alternatively be single ended. Further, the electrical ground contacts  56  can be disposed at any alternative suitable locations as desired. 
     Referring now also to  FIGS. 8B-8C , the rows  32  can be arranged such that the mounting ends  28  of the electrical contacts  52  are configured to be mounted to a first electrical device  58 . The first electrical device  58  can be a first substrate  60 , which can be configured as a first printed circuit board. When the first substrate  60  is received between the mating ends of each row  32 , the mating ends  26  can establish an electrical connection with opposed surfaces of the first substrate  60 . The first substrate  60  can belong to an electrical connector, such as a QSFP connector in one example. Thus the first electrical device  58  can be configured as a QSFP connector. It should be appreciated, of course, that the first electrical device  58  can be alternatively configured in any suitable manner as desired. 
     Referring now also to  FIGS. 8B-8C , the rows  32  can be arranged such that the mounting ends  28  of the electrical contacts  52  are configured to be mounted to a first electrical device  58 . The first electrical device  58  can be a first substrate  60 , which can be configured as a first printed circuit board. Thus, the mounting ends  28  are configured to establish an electrical connection with the first substrate  60 . The first substrate  60  can belong to an electrical connector, such as a QSFP connector in one example. Thus the first electrical device  58  can be configured as a QSFP connector. It should be appreciated, of course, that the first electrical device  58  can be alternatively configured in any suitable manner as desired. 
     Referring now also to  FIGS. 8B-8C , the rows  32  can be arranged such that the mating ends  26  of the electrical contacts  52  of the rows  32  are spaced from each other so as to receive a second electrical device  62 . The second electrical device  62  can be a second substrate  63 , which can be configured as a second printed circuit board. When the second substrate  63  is received between the mating ends  26  of each row  32 , the mating ends  26  can establish an electrical connection with opposed surfaces of the second substrate  63 . The second substrate  63  can belong to an electrical connector, such as a QSFP connector in one example. Thus the second electrical device  62  can be configured as a QSFP connector. It should be appreciated, of course, that the second electrical device  62  can be alternatively configured in any suitable manner as desired. 
     A data communication assembly  66  can include the electrical connector  20  and the first and second electrical devices  58  and  62  as described above. Thus, when the electrical connector is mounted to the first electrical device  58  and mated to the second electrical device  62 , the first and second electrical devices  58  can be placed in electrical communication with each other. 
     In one example, the electrical connector  20  shown in  FIG. 8A-8C  can be configured as a UECS-2 electrical connector commercially available from Samtec, having a place of business in New Albany, Ind., USA. However, the electrical connector  20  can further include the lossy material  64  as will now be described. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9A-9E , one or both of the leadframe housings  52  up to all of the leadframe housings of the electrical connector can include the lossy material  64 . For instance, one or both of the leadframe housings  52  can define at least one void  68  that is configured to receive the lossy material  64 . The at least one void  68  can define a single void or a plurality of voids as desired. The void  68  can extend into any suitable surface of the leadframe housing  52  as desired. 
     For instance, the void  68  can extend into the outer surface  55  toward the inner surface  53 . In one example, the void  68  can terminate in the leadframe housing  52  without extending through the inner surface  53  along the transverse direction. Further, the void  68  can terminate along the lateral direction A without extending through either of the lateral side walls of the leadframe housing  52  that are opposite each other along the lateral direction A. Thus, the void can be configured as a pocket in one example. For instance, the pocket can be open only to the outer surface  55  in one example. Alternatively, the void  68  can extend through the inner surface  53  along the transverse direction T. It should therefore be appreciated that the void  68  can alternatively define a through hole that is open to more than one different surface of the leadframe housing  52 . For instance, the through hole can be open to both the inner surface  53  and the outer surface  55  of the leadframe housing  52 . Alternatively or additionally, the void  68  can extend through one or both of the lateral side walls of the leadframe housing  52 . Further still, the void  68  can terminate without extending through either front or rear walls of the leadframe housing  52  that are opposite each other along the longitudinal direction L. Alternatively, the void  68  can extend through one or both of the front and rear walls of the leadframe housing  52 . 
     The lossy material  64  can be disposed in the void  68 . Thus, the lossy material  64  can be disposed between the mating ends  26  and the mounting ends  28  with respect to the longitudinal direction L. The void  68  can be defined by a base  70  that is defined by the leadframe housing  52 . The base  70  can define a plurality of raised regions  72 . In one example, the electrical contacts  52  can extend through the raised regions. The lossy material can be substantially flush with the at least one surface of the leadframe housing  52  that defines the opening to the void  68 . For instance, the lossy material can be substantially flush with the outer surface  55  of the leadframe housing  52  in one example. The term “substantially,” “approximately,” and derivatives thereof, and words of similar import, when used to described sizes, shapes, spatial relationships, distances, directions, and other similar parameters includes the stated parameter in addition to a range up to 10% more and up to 10% less than the stated parameter, including 5% more and 5% less, including 3% more and 3% less, including 1% more and 1% less. However, with respect to a stated frequency, the term “substantially,” “approximately,” and derivatives thereof, and words of similar import includes the stated frequency in addition to a range up to 5 GHz more than the stated frequency and up to 5 GHz less than the stated frequency. 
     With continuing reference to  FIGS. 8A-9F , the leadframe housing  52  can include an insert  57  that projects forward along the mating direction and is configured to be disposed between electrical signal conductors of a respective differential pair. In particular, the insert  57  can contact each of the electrical signal contacts at a location adjacent a concavity and a convexity of the electrical contacts. In one example, the insert  57  can include a forward extending web, and a button at a distal end of the web. The button and the web can be disposed between adjacent electrical contacts  24 , and the button can be in abutment with the adjacent electrical contacts  24 . Because the insert can be part of the leadframe housing  52 , it can be insert molded electrically insulative material monolithic with a remainder of the leadframe housing  52 . The insert  57  can control impedance of the differential signal pairs based on its dielectric constant. Thus, the dielectric constant of the leadframe housing  52 , and thus of the insert  57 , can be selected to provide a desired impedance. In one example, the insert  57  can further include a lossy material disposed thereon or in a void therein. As illustrated in  FIG. 9F , the electrical contacts  24  can deflect when mated with a complementary electrical connector. The inserts  57  can remain between the respective adjacent electrical contacts  24  and in abutment with the respective adjacent electrical contacts  24  as the electrical contacts  24  deflect. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , it is recognized that instead of or in addition to disposing the lossy material to one or more portions of the electrical connector  20 , the connector housing  22  can be made from a lossy material  64 . Thus, an entirety of the connector housing  22  can comprise the lossy material  64 . While certain examples of electrical connectors including the lossy material  64  have been described, it is recognized that any suitable alternative electrical connector as electrical 
     While the lossy material  64  can be disposed on the housing body  31  as described above, it should be appreciated that the electrical connector can include lossy material  64  at other locations. For instance, referring now to  FIGS. 11A-11B , at least one electrical contact  24  of an electrical connector can include lossy material  64  that is disposed on the contact body. For instance, a plurality of electrical contacts  24  up to all of the electrical contacts  24  of the electrical connector can include the lossy material. In one example, the at least one electrical contact  24  can be configured as a ground contact of the electrical connector. Thus, the at least one electrical contact  24  can include a plurality of the ground contacts up to all of the ground contacts of the electrical connector. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one electrical contact  24  can be configured as a signal contact of the electrical connector. Thus, the at least one electrical contact  24  can include a plurality of the signal contacts up to all of the signal contacts of the electrical connector. In one example, the lossy material  64  can be disposed on the mating end  26  of the contact body. Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material  64  can be disposed on the tip  29  of the contact body. As shown in  FIGS. 11A-11B , the lossy material  64  can be disposed on the respective tips  29  of both the at least one electrical contact  24  of the electrical connector and on respective tips  29  of a complementary electrical contact  24 ′ of a complementary electrical connector. The electrical contacts  24  can mate with the complementary electrical contacts  24 ′ when the first and second electrical connectors are mated with each other at their respective mating ends  26 . 
     In particular, the mating ends  26  of the electrical contact  24  and the complementary electrical contact  24 ′ can define respective wiping surfaces  34  that are configured to wipe against each other as the electrical contacts  24  and  24 ′ are mated with each other. As illustrated in  FIG. 11A , the wiping surfaces  34  can be aligned with each other along the longitudinal direction L when the respective electrical connectors are aligned to be mated with each other in the mating direction. Next, as illustrated in  FIG. 11B , the electrical contacts  24  and  24 ′ can be brought toward each other along respective mating directions, thereby causing the wiping surfaces  34  to ride along each other while in abutment with each other. The wiping surfaces  34  ride along each other until the electrical contacts  24  and  24 ′ are mated with each other. The mating ends of the electrical contacts  24  and  24 ′ can deflect away from each other as they mate. In particular, the electrical contacts  24  and  24 ′ can be elastically resilient. Thus, as the bent wiping surfaces  34  ride along each other, the abutment of the wiping surfaces  34  can cause the mating ends  26  of the electrical contacts  24  and  24 ′ to deflect away from each other along the transverse direction T. 
     The tips  29  can constructed to flare away from the wiping surfaces  34  as they extend in a direction away from their respective intermediate portion  27 . For instance, the tips  29  can extend away from respective portions of the electrical contact  24  that define the wiping surfaces  34 . Thus, the tips  29  of the electrical contacts  24  and  24 ′ can be offset from each other along the transverse direction T when the electrical contacts  24  and  24 ′ are aligned to be mated with each other. As a result, the tips  29  of the electrical contacts  24  and  24 ′ can move past each other without contacting each other. The lossy material  64  can be disposed on respective first surfaces  36  of the electrical contacts  24  and  24 ′ that are opposite the wiping surfaces  34 . In particular, the lossy material  64  can be disposed on the first surface  36  at the mating end  26 . Further, the lossy material  64  can be disposed on the first surface  36  and not the second surface  38  at the mating end  26 . Similarly, the lossy material  64  can be disposed on the first surface  36  at the tip  29 . In one example, the lossy material  64  can be disposed on the first surface  36  at the tip  29  and not at the second surface  38 . Alternatively, as described in more detail below with respect to  FIG. 14D , the lossy material  64  can be disposed on the first surface  36  and the second surface  38  at the tip  29 . Further, the lossy material can be disposed on edges  42  that extend between the first and second surfaces  36  and  38 , which can define broadsides  40  of the electrical contact  24 . In one example, the first and second surfaces  36  and  38  can be opposite each other along the transverse direction T. The broadsides  40  of the electrical contact  24  extend between and up to the edges  42  along a plane that is oriented normal to the electrical contact. The plane can also be said to extend along the transverse direction T and the lateral direction A. The edges  42  can be opposite each other along the lateral direction A. The broadsides  40  can define a length that is greater than the length of the edges  42  in the plane. In another example, the broadsides  40  can be opposite each other along the lateral direction A, and the edges  42  can be opposite each other along the transverse direction T. 
     With continuing reference to  FIGS. 11A-11B , the first surface  36  can define a concavity  44 , and the second surface  38  can define a convexity  46  that is opposite and aligned with the concavity  44 . The convexities  46  of the electrical contacts  24  and  24 ′ can ride along each other when the electrical connectors  24  and  24 ′ are mated with each other. Thus, at least a portion of the convexity  46  of each electrical contact can define at least a portion of the wiping surface  36 . The concavity  44  and the convexity  46  of each electrical contact can be opposite each other along the direction along which the first and second surfaces  36  and  38  are opposite each other. Thus, when the first and second surfaces  36  and  38  are opposite each other along the transverse direction T, the concavity  44  and the convexity  46  can be opposite and aligned with each other along the transverse direction T. When the first and second surfaces  36  and  38  are opposite each other along the lateral direction A, the concavity  44  and the convexity  46  can be opposite and aligned with each other along the lateral direction A. In one example, the lossy material  64  can extend along the first surface  36  between the concavity  44  and the distalmost end  48  of the electrical contact. Further the lossy material  64  can extend along a portion of the concavity  44  less than an entirety of the concavity  44 , as illustrated at electrical contact  24 . Alternatively, the lossy material  64  can be disposed only distal of the concavity  44  as illustrated at the electrical contact  24 ′. 
     It has been found that the lossy material  64  disposed at the tips  29  of the electrical contacts can reduce a phenomenon known as a stub effect. In particular, the tips  29  can become a quarter-wave resonator during operation. The lossy material  64  disposed at the tip  29  can absorb at least a portion of the resulting magnetic field emitted from the tip  29 . As illustrated at  FIG. 5 , the convexities  46  of adjacent electrical contacts  24  that define a differential signal pair can face each other. Accordingly, the concavities  44  of electrical contacts  24  of adjacent differential pairs can face each other. Thus, because the lossy material  64  is disposed on the concavities  44 , the lossy material  64  can be disposed between adjacent differential signal pairs. 
     It should be appreciated that the lossy material  64  can be disposed only at the tips  29  in one example. Alternatively, the lossy material  64  can be disposed at other locations of the first surface  36  of the electrical contacts. For instance, the lossy material  64  can alternatively or additionally be disposed at the mating end  26  as described above. Alternatively or additionally still, the lossy material  64  can be disposed at the base  35  of the electrical contact  24  as described below with reference to  FIGS. 14A-14D . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5-11B  generally, the lossy material can be tuned to dampen the resonant frequency of the tips  29  or any other suitable frequency. The lossy material  64  of the electrical contacts of a differential signal pair can be tuned to absorb magnetic fields at first and second different frequencies. In particular, first and second different types of lossy material tuned to absorb magnetic fields at the first and second different frequencies, respectively, can be disposed on first and second signal contacts, respectively, or a differential signal pair. For example, the first type of lossy material configured to absorb frequencies of substantially 10 GHz can be disposed on a first electrical contact  24  of the differential signal pair. The second type of lossy material capable of absorbing frequencies of substantially 15 GHz can be disposed on a second electrical contact  24  of the differential signal pair. While the first frequency can be 10 GHz, and the second frequency can be 15 GHz in one example, it is recognized that the first and second frequencies can be selected as desired to reduce unwanted resonance frequencies. 
     The lossy material  64  can define any suitable volume, size, and shape as desired. Further, the lossy material  64  can be disposed at any suitable location of the electrical contacts  24 . The volume, size, shape, and location of the lossy material  64  can be determined through testing or computer simulations. In some instances, the volume, size, shape, and location can result in manufacturing tradeoffs. The contact with the lossy material can be included any suitable electrical connector. Lossy material can be applied to the signal contacts of the electrical connector that transport, i.e., transmit and/or receive, electrical signals. In some electrical connectors, lossy material can be applied only to the signal contacts. 
     In one example the lossy material  64  can be a dispensed material such as an epoxy. Alternatively, the lossy material  64  can be a stamped material. With a dispensed material, the lossy material can be applied after the electrical contact  24  is formed or housing body  31 , for example, by stamping from a metal sheet. For instance, thin sheets of uncured epoxy can be die cut and applied to a contact through pick and place or other automated process, and then cured after initial attachment to the electrical contact  24  or housing body  31 . When attaching the lossy material  64  to the electrical contacts  24 , the lossy material  64  can be applied to the electrical contacts  24  in a contact reel and a reel-to-reel stage. It should be appreciated, of course, that the lossy material  64  can be fabricated using any suitable alternative fabrication method. 
     It is therefore appreciated that the lossy material  64  can be disposed on or in the housing body  31 , defined by the connector housing  22 , included in a leadframe assembly, carried by an electrical contact, or a combination of one or more of the above. Further, while the leadframe assemblies can define differential signal pairs along the respective row as described above, it is further recognized that leadframe assemblies can define differential signal pairs along columns that are oriented perpendicular to the rows. 
     For instance, referring to  FIGS. 12A-12B , an electrical connector can include a connector housing that supports a plurality of leadframe assemblies  74  constructed in accordance with another example. For instance, the leadframe assembly can include a leadframe housing  76  and a respective plurality of the electrical contacts  24  supported by the leadframe housing  76 . The electrical contacts  24  can be right-angle contacts, whereby the mating ends  26  are oriented along the longitudinal direction L, and the mounting ends  28  are oriented along the transverse direction T. The mating ends  26  of the electrical contacts  24  of each leadframe assembly  74  can be aligned along a respective column that is oriented along the transverse direction T, and thus perpendicular to the row. The mounting ends  28  of the electrical contacts of each leadframe assembly  74  can be aligned along the longitudinal direction L, or mating direction. Adjacent signal contacts of each leadframe assembly  74  define respective differential signal pairs. The leadframe assemblies  74  can further include a plurality of ground contacts, such that at least one ground contact is disposed between adjacent differential signal pairs. Alternatively, the leadframe assemblies  74  can be devoid of ground contacts. A plurality of leadframe assemblies  74  can be supported by the connector housing, such that the leadframe assemblies  74  are arranged along the row that is oriented along the lateral direction A. 
     Each of the leadframe housings  76  can define opposed side surfaces  73  and  75  that are opposite each other along the lateral direction A. As illustrated in  FIGS. 12A-12B , the leadframe assemblies  74  can include a plurality of voids  78  that are configured to receive lossy material  64 . For instance, the voids  78  can extend in at least one or both of the side surfaces  73  and  75 . The voids  78  can terminate in the leadframe housing  76  without extending to the electrical contacts  24  that are supported by the leadframe housing  76 . Thus, the voids  78  can be configured as pockets. Further, at least a portion of the voids  78  can be aligned with respective ones of the electrical contacts  24  that are supported by the leadframe housing  76 . For instance, the voids  78  can define a plurality of front voids  78   a  that are aligned along the lateral direction with a portion of at least some of the electrical contacts that are oriented along the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the front plurality of voids  78   a  can be elongate along the longitudinal direction L, and in alignment with respective ones of the electrical contacts  52  supported by the leadframe housing  76 . The front voids  78   a  can further be aligned with each other along the transverse direction T. As illustrated in  FIG. 12B , lossy material  64  can be disposed in the front voids  78   a , and thus aligned with respective ones of the electrical contacts along the lateral direction A. 
     The voids  78  can further include rear voids  78   b . Respective portions of the rear voids  78   b  can be aligned along the lateral direction A with a bent portion of at least some of the respective electrical contacts  24  that are bent as they extend between the mating end  26  and the mounting end  28 . oriented along the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the rear voids  78   b  can be elongate along the longitudinal direction L. The rear voids  78   b  can further be aligned with each other along the transverse direction T. Certain ones of the rear voids  78   b  can have different lengths along the longitudinal direction L that are different than other ones of the rear voids  78   b  in some examples. 
     As described above, the voids  78  can be configured to receive lossy material  64  as illustrated in  FIG. 12B . In particular, as is the case with the other voids described herein, the voids  78  can be substantially filled with the lossy material  64 . Further, the lossy material  64  can be substantially flush with the at least one of the side surfaces  73  and  75  of the leadframe housing  76  that defines an opening to the voids. In this regard, it should be appreciated that the lossy material  64  can be disposed between columns of electrical contacts along a row, whereby the electrical contacts define differential signal pairs along a direction that is perpendicular to the row. It is recognized that the lossy material  64  disposed in the front voids  78   a  can be tuned to attenuate substantially first frequency, and the lossy material, and the lossy material  64  in the rear voids  78   b  can be configured to attenuate substantially second frequency different than the first frequency. The first frequency can be higher than the second frequency. Alternatively, the second frequency can be higher than the first frequency. Alternatively, the first and second frequencies can be substantially equal to each other. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 13A-13B , first and second leadframe assemblies  74   a  and  74   b  can be positioned adjacent each other in the connector housing. The voids  78  are positioned at different locations in  FIGS. 13A-13B  with respect to the voids in  FIGS. 12A-12B  to illustrated that the voids  78  can be disposed at any suitable location as desired. For instance, the leadframe housings  76  can include lower voids  78   c  that are disposed proximate the mounting interface, whereas the front voids  78   a  can be disposed proximate the mating interface. Thus, the lower voids  78   c  can be elongate along the transverse direction T. Further, the lower voids  78   c  can be aligned along the lateral direction A with portions of respective ones of the electrical contacts  24  that are supported by the leadframe housing  76 , the portions oriented along the transverse direction T. The first side surface  73  of the leadframe housing  76  of the first leadframe assembly  74   a  can face the second side surface  75  of the leadframe housing  76  of the second leadframe assembly  74   b  along the lateral direction A. 
     In one example, the voids  78  in the first side surface  73  of the first leadframe assembly  74   a  can be aligned with the voids  78  in the second side surface  75  of the second leadframe assembly  74   b  along the lateral direction A. Thus, when the lossy material  64  is disposed in the voids  78 , the lossy material  64  carried by the leadframe housing  76  of the first leadframe assembly  74   a  can face the lossy material  64  carried by the leadframe housing  76  of the second leadframe assembly  74   b . In some examples, the lossy material  64  carried by the leadframe housing  76  of the first leadframe assembly  74   a  can be aligned in its entirety with the lossy material  64  carried by the leadframe housing  76  of the second leadframe assembly  74   b . For instance, the lossy material  64  carried by the leadframe housing  76  of the first leadframe assembly  74   a  can abut the lossy material  64  carried by the leadframe housing  76  of the second leadframe assembly  74   b . Alternatively, the lossy material  64  carried by the leadframe housing  76  of the first leadframe assembly  74   a  can be spaced from the lossy material  64  carried by the leadframe housing  76  of the second leadframe assembly  74   b  along the lateral direction A. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 14A-16C  generally, an electrical connector in another example can be configured as an edge card connector  80 . In this regard, it should be appreciated that any suitably constructed electrical connector can include the lossy material  64  in any manner described herein. Further, the placement of the lossy material  80  described in accordance with any examples herein can be incorporated into any other examples unless otherwise indicated. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 14A-14D  in particular, the edge card connector  80  can include an electrically insulative connector housing  82  including a housing body  83  and a plurality of electrical contacts  84  supported by the housing body  83 , and thus the connector housing  82 . The electrical contacts  84  can include electrical signal contacts  86 . The electrical contacts  84  can further include electrical ground contacts  88 . In one example, the edge card connector  80  can include a plurality of leadframe assemblies  112  that each includes a leadframe housing  114  and respective ones of the electrical contacts  84  supported by the leadframe housing  114 . Thus, the electrical contacts  84  can be supported by the respective leadframe housing  114  that, in turn, is supported by the housing body  83 , and thus the connector housing  82 . In this regard, it can be said that the electrical contacts  84  are indirectly supported by the housing body  83 , and thus the connector housing  82 . Alternatively, the edge card connector  80  can be devoid of the leadframe assemblies  112 , such that the electrical contacts  84  can be supported directly by the connector housing  82 . 
     The electrical contacts  84  can define respective mounting ends  28  that are configured to mount to a first complementary electrical component in the manner described above. The electrical contacts  84  can further include mating ends  26  that are configured to mate with a second complementary electrical device in the manner described above. The connector housing can define a mounting interface  100  and a mating interface  102  of the type described above. The edge card connector  80  can be configured as a vertical connector whereby the mounting ends  28  and the mating ends are oriented substantially parallel to each other. Alternatively, the edge card connector  80  can be configured as a right-angle connector whereby the mounting ends  28  and the mating ends are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other. The electrical contacts  84  can each define the wiping surface  34 , the first and second surfaces  36  and  38  that define broadsides  40 , can define the respective edges  42 , the concavity  44 , the convexity  46 , and the tip  29  as described above with respect to the electrical contacts  24  of the electrical connector  20 . 
     In one example, the electrical contacts  84  can be spaced from each other along at least one row  97  that can be oriented along the longitudinal direction L. The mounting ends  28  and the mating ends can be opposite each other along the longitudinal direction L. While the edge card connector  80  is shown as including one row of electrical contacts  84 , it should be appreciated that the edge card connector  80  can include multiple rows of electrical contacts spaced from each other along the transverse direction T. 
     The mounting ends  28  can be configured to be mounted to a first electrical device such as a first substrate as described above. The mating ends  26  can be configured to mate with a second electrical device, such as a card that can be received by the mating ends  26  so as to place the edge card connector  80  in electrical communication with the second electrical device. Thus, the edge card connector  80  can place the first and second electrical devices in electrical communication with each other in the manner described above. Although  FIGS. 14A-16C  show examples of the edge card connector  80  and portions thereof, it should be appreciated that any suitable electrical connector can be used. 
     In one example, the housing body  83 , and thus the connector housing  82 , can include a base  104  and a wall  106  that extends out from the base  104  along the longitudinal direction L. The wall  106  can define the mating interface  102  of the edge card connector  80 . The housing body  83  can further include a plurality of divider walls  108  that define respective cavities  110 . The cavities  110  can, in turn, receive the mating end  26  of at least one of the electrical contacts  84 . The divider walls  108  can be spaced from each other along the lateral direction A, and can extend from the wall  106  along the transverse direction T. The wall  106 , and thus the connector housing  82 , can further include lateral outer side walls  109  that are opposite each other, and cooperate with laterally outermost ones of the divider walls  108  so as to define the laterally outermost cavities  110 . The cavities  110  can include ground cavities and signal cavities. The ground cavities can receive at least one ground contact  88 . In one example, the laterally outermost cavities can be ground cavities. The signal cavities can receive at least one signal contact  86 . For instance, the signal cavities can receive respective pairs of signal contacts  86  that define differential signal pairs. The ground cavities can be disposed between adjacent signal cavities, such that the ground contact  88  received therein can be disposed between adjacent differential signal pairs along the row. The signal contacts  86  and the ground contacts  88  can be aligned with each other along the lateral direction A as described above. 
     The electrical connector can include at least one leadframe assembly  112  that is supported by the connector housing  82 . For instance, the at least one leadframe assembly  112  can be supported by the base  104 . In one example, the edge card connector  80  includes first and second leadframe assemblies  112 , but it should be appreciated that the electrical connector  80  can include any number of leadframe assemblies as desired. Each of the leadframe assemblies  112  can include a leadframe housing  114  and respective ones of the plurality of electrical contacts  84  supported by the leadframe housing  114  in the manner described above. The electrical contacts  84  can be insert molded in the leadframe housing  114 , or can be stitched into the leadframe housing  114  as desired. When the leadframe assemblies  112  are supported by the connector housing  80 , the respective ones of the electrical contacts  84  can be spaced from each other and aligned with each other along the lateral direction A. Further, the leadframe assemblies  112  can be disposed adjacent each other along the lateral direction A. Thus, the electrical contacts  84  of a first one of the leadframe assemblies  112  can be aligned with the electrical contacts of a second one of the leadframe assemblies  112  along the lateral direction A. 
     Each of the leadframe assemblies  112  can include at least a pair of signal contacts  86  disposed adjacent each other. The adjacent signal contacts  86  can define a differential signal pair. Alternatively, the signal contacts  86  can be single ended. Each of the leadframe assemblies  112  can further include at least one ground contact  88  positioned adjacent the differential signal pair. For instance, each of the leadframe assemblies  112  can include a pair of ground contacts  88  disposed such that the differential signal pair is disposed between the ground contacts  88  along the lateral direction. Thus, when the leadframe assemblies  112  are positioned adjacent each other, the card edge connector  80  can include a pair of ground contacts disposed between adjacent differential signal pairs along the lateral direction (S-S-G-G-S-S, wherein “G” represents a ground contact and S represents a signal contact). It should be appreciated that the electrical contacts of all electrical connectors described herein can define this this or any alternative contact pattern of electrical signals as described. For instance, the contact pattern can include G-S-G-S or S-S-G-S-S as examples. Alternatively, the edge card connector  80  can be devoid of ground contacts if desired. The edge card connector  80  can include the insert  57  of the type described above with respect to  FIGS. 8A-9F . 
     As will now be described with respect to  FIGS. 14A-16C , the edge card connector  80  can include the lossy material  64  at any one or more of a number of suitable locations. For instance, as is the case with the electrical connector  20  described above, the lossy material  64  can be carried by at least one or more up to all of the housing body, one or more of the signal contacts, one or more of the ground contacts, and the leadframe housing. The lossy material  84  can be magnetically absorbing and electrically non-conductive in the manner described above, in one example. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 14A-14D  in particular, the lossy material  64  can be disposed on the tip  29  of at least one electrical contact  84  of the electrical contacts  84 . For example, the lossy material  64  can be configured as a cap  113  that is disposed on the respective tip  29  of the at least one electrical contact  84 . In one example, the lossy material  64  can be molded onto the electrical contact. Alternatively, the tip  29  can be press-fit into an opening of the cap defined by the lossy material. Alternatively still, the lossy material  64  can be adhesively attached to the electrical contact  24 . Alternatively still, the lossy material  64  can be sprayed onto the electrical contact  24 . Alternatively still, the electrical contact  24  can be dipped into a liquid bath of the lossy material  64 . The lossy material  64  can be disposed on the first surface  36  that is opposite the wiping surface  34 . The lossy material  64  can further be disposed on the second surface  38  that define the wiping surface  34 . In particular, the lossy material  64  can be disposed distal of the wiping surface  34 . Thus, the lossy material can be disposed on the broadsides  40  of the at least one electrical contact  84 . Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material  64  can further be disposed on one or both of the edges  42 . In one example, the lossy material  64  can be disposed on the distal-most surface of the at least one electrical contact  84 . 
     The lossy material  64  can surround at least three sides of at least a portion up to an entirety of the tip  29  along a plane that is oriented normal to the tip. The plane can alternatively be oriented along the lateral direction A and the transverse direction T. The three sides can be defined by one or both of the broadsides  40  and the edges  38 . The broadsides  40  and edges  38  can similarly be defined along a plane that is oriented along the lateral direction A and the transverse direction T. Alternatively, the lossy material  64  can surround all four sides of the at least one electrical contact  84 , including both broadsides  40  and both edges  38 . However, other arrangements are also possible. For example, the lossy material  64  can be positioned along one, two, three or four sides of the at least one electrical contact  84 . Further, the lossy material  64  can encapsulate the tip  29 , as it can be disposed on an entirety of the distal-most surface of the electrical contact  84 . By placing the lossy material  64  at the tip  29 , distal with respect to the wiping surface  34  of the at least one electrical contact  84 , the lossy material  64 , in addition to reducing the stub effect discussed above, does not mechanically interfere with the mating of the at least one electrical contact  84  to a complementary electrical contact. 
     Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material  64  can be disposed on a base  35  of the at least one electrical contact  84 . The base  35  of the electrical contacts can be supported by, aligned with or disposed in the leadframe housing  114 . The base  35  can be included in the intermediate portion of the electrical contact. The mounting end  28  can extend out from the base  35  along the transverse direction toward the complementary first electrical device. In one example, the lossy material  64  can extend along both the broadsides  40  and the edges  42  of at least a portion of the base  35 . In this regard, the lossy material  64  be configured as a collar  115  that can at least partially or entirely surround the electrical contacts at the base  35  or any suitable alternative location. Thus, the lossy material  64  can surround the base  35  in a plane that is oriented normal to the base  35 . The lossy material  64  that is disposed on the base  35  can be localized only at the base  35 , and thus does not extend along the transverse direction to a location that is not disposed in the leadframe housing  114 . Alternatively, the lossy material  64  that is disposed on the base  35  can further extend outside the leadframe housing  114 . It should be appreciated, however, that the lossy material  64  can be disposed at any suitable position of the at least one electrical contact  84  up to an entirety of the at least one electrical contact  84  as desired. When the electrical contacts  24  are supported directly by a connector housing, the lossy material  64  at the base  35  can be localized to a location, and thus does not extend to a location that outside the connector housing. Alternatively, the lossy material  64  that is disposed on the base  35  can further extend outside the connector housing. 
     In one example, the at least one electrical contact  84  that includes the lossy material  64  can be defined by at least one ground contact  88 . For instance, the at least one electrical contact  84  can be defined by a plurality of ground contacts  88 . In particular, the at least one electrical contact  84  can be defined by all of the ground contacts  88 . By placing lossy material  64  on the ground contacts  84  instead of the signal contacts  86 , there is less attenuation of the desired signal frequency. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one electrical contact  84  can be defined by at least one signal contact  86 . For instance, the at least one electrical contact  84  can be defined by a plurality of signal contacts  86 . In particular, the at least one electrical contact  84  can be defined by all of the signal contacts  86 . Placing lossy material at the base  35  of the ground or signal contacts can help absorb unwanted frequencies near the mounting interface  100 , as it is recognized that substrate footprints can be electrically noisy. 
     The lossy material  64  can have attenuation properties that can be tuned to attenuate a select frequency, within a range of plus or minus 5 GHz in the manner described above. For instance, the lossy material  64  can be configured to attenuate a resonant frequency of the electrical connector and all connectors disclosed herein without attenuating frequencies substantially outside of the resonant frequency (for instance, outside of plus or minus 5 GHz of the resonant frequency). It should be appreciated, of course, that the lossy material  64  can be configured to attenuate other frequencies as desired. The lossy material  64  can further be tuned to attenuate a band of frequencies broader than 10 GHz. The broader band of frequencies can range up to substantially 50 GHz, such as substantially 40 GHz, for instance, substantially 30 GHz, and in one example substantially 20 GHz. Further, the lossy material  64  can be disposed at different locations of the electrical connector and all connectors disclosed herein, for instance as illustrated at  FIGS. 14A-16C . Thus, the lossy material can be tuned to attenuate different frequencies at different locations of the electrical connector and all electrical connectors disclosed herein. The attenuated frequencies different can be any frequency disclosed herein. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 15 , the connector housing  82  can include the lossy material  64 . For instance, the connector housing  82  can define at least one void  68  that extends at least into or through the housing body  83 , that contains the lossy material  64 . The at least one void can include a plurality of voids  68 . Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material  64  can be disposed on an outer surface of the housing body  83 . The voids  68  can be aligned with the tips  29  of the ground contacts  88  along the lateral direction A. In this regard, it should be appreciated that the tips  29  of the signal contacts  86  can be offset with respect to the tips  29  of the ground contacts  88  in the mating direction. Thus, the voids  68  and the lossy material  64  can be offset from the tips  29  of the signal contacts  86  along the longitudinal direction. Thus, a straight line oriented along the lateral direction A that passes the voids  68 , and thus the lossy material  64 , can also pass through the tips  29  of the ground contacts  88  but does not pass through the tips  29  of the signal contacts  86 . Alternatively, the tips  29  of the signal contacts  86  can be aligned with the tips  29  of the ground contacts  88  along the lateral direction A. The voids  68  can extend through at least one or more up to all of the divider walls  108  and the outer side walls  109 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 16A-16C , the electrical connector can include an attenuation wall  116  that can be made of the lossy material  64 , or can define pockets that include the lossy material  64 . The attenuation wall  116  can be aligned with the tips  29  of either or both the electrical signal contacts  86  and the electrical ground contacts  88  along the transverse direction T. For instance, the attenuation wall  116  can face the first surface  36  of the ground contacts  88  that is opposite the wiping surface  34  of the ground contacts  88 . Because the mating ends of some of the signal contacts  86  can be mirror images of others of the signal contacts  86 , the attenuation wall  116  can face the first surface  36  of some of the signal contacts  86  and the second surface  38  of others of the signal contacts  86 . In one example, the attenuation wall  116  can be localized, and thus does not extend past the concavities  44  and convexities  46  of the electrical contacts  84  toward the mounting ends  28  in this example. The attenuation wall  116  can include a back wall  107 , and divider walls  108  and lateral outer side walls  109  of the type described above with respect to the connector housing  82  that extend from the back wall  107  so as to define the respective cavities  110 . At least one or more up to all of the divider walls  108  and lateral outer side walls  109  can be aligned with the tips  29  of the signal contacts  86  and ground contacts  88  along the lateral direction A. Thus, a portion of the attenuation wall  116  can further be aligned with the tips  29  of the signal contacts  86  and ground contacts  88  along the lateral direction A. The attenuation wall  116  can be separate from the housing body  83 , or can be supported by the housing body  83  as desired. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 17-18 , a data communication assembly can be configured as an electrical cable assembly  120  in one example. The electrical cable assembly  120  can include at least one electrical cable  122  such as a plurality of electrical cables  122 , and a complementary electrical device  124 . The electrical cables  122  can be mounted to respective electrical contacts that can be configured as electrical contact pads of the electrical device  124 . In one example, the electrical device  124  can be defined by a substrate  125 , which can be configured as a printed circuit board. It will be appreciated from the description below, however, that the electrical device  124  can be alternatively configured as any suitable electrical device. For instance, the electrical device can be configured as an electrical connector. 
     The electrical cables  122  can be twinaxial cables that include first and second electrical signal conductors  128  surrounded by a common outer electrically insulative jacket  130 . The first and second electrical signal conductors  128  can be disposed in a respective inner electrical insulator and thus electrically insulated from each other inside the outer electrically insulative jacket  130 . Further, the first and second electrical signal conductors  128  can define differential signal pairs in one example. The twinaxial cables can further define an electrical shield  129  that is disposed between the inner electrical insulators  127  and the outer electrically insulative jacket  130 . Alternatively, the electrical cables  122  can be configured as coaxial cables that include a single electrical conductor surrounded by an outer electrically insulative jacket. Exposed portions of the electrical shields  129  can extend out from the outer electrical insulative jacket  130  along the longitudinal direction L, and can terminate at respective ground contact pads  131  of the substrate  125 . Exposed portions of the electrical signal conductors  128  can extend out with respect to the electrical shields  129  along the longitudinal direction L, and can be mounted onto respective electrical contact pads  133  of the substrate  125 . The exposed signal conductors  128  can be aligned with each other along the lateral direction A. 
     The cable assembly  120  can include lossy material  64 . For instance, as illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the electrically nonconductive lossy material  64  can cover the exposed portions of one or more up to all of the electrical signal conductors  128 . Thus, the electrically nonconductive lossy material  64  can be disposed on the substrate  125 , and can cover the electrical contact pads  93  and at least a portion up to a substantial entirety the exposed portions of the respective electrical signal conductors  128 . Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material  64  can be disposed between adjacent pairs of first and second electrical signal conductors  128 . The lossy material  64  can be spaced from the exposed portions of the electrical signal conductors  128  and the respective contact pads  123 , and can thus be electrically conductive or electrically nonconductive. Alternatively, the lossy material  64  can contact one or more of the exposed portions of the electrical conductors  88  and/or the electrical contact pads  123 , in which case it can be desirable for the lossy material  64  to be electrically nonconductive. In one example, the lossy material  64  can be arranged in strips that are disposed between respective pairs of first and second electrical signal conductors  128  along the lateral direction A. Further, the strips can be aligned with the exposed portions of the electrical signal conductors  128  along the lateral direction. 
     The electrical cables  122  can be configured as at least one cable ribbon  89  mounted onto at least one surface of the substrate  125 . In particular, the substrate  125  can define first and second opposed surfaces  134   a  and  134   b  that are opposite each other along the transverse direction T. A first one of the cable ribbons  129  can be mounted to the first surface  134   a , and a second one of the cable ribbons  129  can be mounted to the second surface  134   a . As illustrated in  FIG. 18 , the lossy material  64  can alternatively or additionally be disposed on one or both of the first and second surfaces  134   a  and  134   b  so as to be positioned between the substrate  125  and the cable ribbon  129  that is mounted to the respective one or both of the first and second surfaces  134   a  and  134   b . For instance, the lossy material  64  can be elongated along the lateral direction A, and can span at least a portion up to an entirety of the width of the respective at least one cable ribbon  129  along the lateral direction A. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the lossy material illustrated in  FIGS. 17-18  can reduce crosstalk during operation of the electrical cable assembly  120 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 19A-20B , and as described above, the electrical cable assembly  120  in one example can include the at least one electrical cable  122  such as a plurality of electrical cables  122 , and the complementary electrical device  124 . The complementary electrical device  124  can be configured as an electrical connector  140 , which can also be referred to as a cable connector. 
     The electrical connector  140  can include an electrically insulative connector housing  142  and a plurality of electrical contacts  144  that are supported by the connector housing  142 . In one example, the electrical contacts  144  can be press-fit or otherwise mechanically attached to the connector housing  142 . Alternatively, the electrical contacts  144  can be insert molded in the connector housing  142 . Alternatively still, the electrical contacts  144  can be supported by at respective at least one leadframe housing of a leadframe assembly, that is in turn supported by the connector housing  142  in the manner described above. Each of the electrical contacts  144  can define a mating end  146  and a mounting end  148  opposite the mating end  146 . The mounting ends  148  can be configured to be mounted to a first electrical device, which can be configured as the at least one electrical cable such as a plurality of electrical cables  122 . 
     The electrical contacts  144  can include electrical signal contacts  167  and ground contacts  168 . Adjacent ones of the electrical signal contacts  167  along a respective row  152  can define differential signal pairs. The electrical contacts  144  can include at least one or more ground contacts  168  between differential signal pairs along the row  152 . The mating ends  146  of the electrical contacts  144  can be configured to mate with respective electrical contacts of a second electrical connector when the electrical connector  140  is mated with the second electrical connector. 
     The mating ends  146  can be configured to mate with respective electrical contacts of a second electrical connector when the electrical connector  140  is mated with the second electrical connector. In particular, the electrical connector  140  can mate with the second electrical connector along a mating direction. The mating ends  146  can define a separable interface with the respective electrical contacts of the second electrical connector. Thus, the electrical connector  140  can unmate from the second electrical connector along an unmating direction that is opposite the mating direction. Both the mating direction and the unmating direction can be oriented along a longitudinal direction L. The mounting ends  148  can be configured to be mounted to a first electrical device, which can be configured as the at least one electrical cable  122  such as a plurality of electrical cables  122 . 
     The electrical cables  122  can be mounted to the electrical connector  140  at a cable termination interface. In one example, the mounting ends  148  of the signal contacts  167  can be configured to be mounted to respective ones of the first and second signal conductors  128  of the electrical cables  122 . The mounting ends  148  of the ground contacts  168  can be configured to be mounted to respective electrical shields of the electrical cables  122 , or to drain wires if present. In one example, the lossy material  64  can be disposed adjacent the cable termination interface. In one example illustrated in  FIGS. 9A-9B , the lossy material  64  can be configured as a strain relief member that is configured to provide strain relief to the signal conductors  128  of the electrical cables  122 . The lossy material  64  can cover at least a portion of an overall length of the exposed portion of the electrical shield  129  along with at least a portion of the ground contact  168  to which the exposed portion of the electrical shield is mounted. In this regard, the lossy material can secure the outer insulative jacket  130  to the connector housing. Thus, the lossy material can provide strain relief to the at least one electrical contact. Accordingly, if a tensile force is applied to one or more of the electrical cables  122 , the tensile force will be absorbed by the lossy material  64 , rather than the connection between the electrical signal conductors  128  and the electrical signal contacts  167 . In one example, the lossy material  64  can be molded onto the exposed portion of the electrical shield  129  and the at least a portion of the ground contact  168  to which the exposed portion of the electrical shield is mounted. If desired, the lossy material  64  can alternatively or additionally be configured as described above with respect to  FIGS. 17-18 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 20A-20B , the lossy material  64  can surround one or both of the outer insulative jacket  130 , the exposed portion of the electrical shield, and the exposed portions of the electrical signal conductors  128  as desired. In particular, the lossy material  64  can be configured as a protective cover  154  that is configured to be mounted onto the electrical connector. The protective cover  154  can have an upper wall  155 , and a pair of opposed side walls  156  that extend down from the upper wall  155  toward the electrical connector  140  when the cover  154  is mounted to the electrical connector  140 . The side walls  156  can be opposite each other along the lateral direction A. The cover  154  can further include a divider wall  157  that extends down from the upper wall  155  between the side walls  156 . For instance, the divider wall  157  can be equidistantly spaced from the side walls  156  with respect to the lateral direction A. The divider wall  157  can extend along a portion up to an entirety of an overall length of the cover  154  along the longitudinal direction L. The cover  154  can define at least a pair of cavities  158  that extend from the divider wall  177  to the opposed side walls  156 , respectively. 
     During operation, the electrical connector  140  can include the cover  154  mounted thereon, such that the cover  154  cooperates with a portion of the electrical connector to surround one or more up to all of a portion of the outer electrical insulative jacket  130 , the exposed portion of the electrical shield, and at least a portion up to an entirety of of the exposed portion of the electrical signal conductors  128  of one or more of the electrical cables  122 . For instance, one or more up to all of a portion of the outer electrical insulative jacket  130 , the exposed portion of the electrical shield, and at least a portion of the exposed portion of the electrical signal conductors  128  of a first one of the electrical cables  122  can be disposed in a first one of the cavities  158 , and one or more up to all of a portion of the outer electrical insulative jacket  130 , the exposed portion of the electrical shield, and at least a portion up to an entirety of the exposed portion of the electrical signal conductors  128  of a second one of the electrical cables  122  can be disposed in a second one of the cavities  158 . The divider wall  177  can be disposed between adjacent cables  122  mounted to the electrical connector. The cover  154  can be mechanically rigid, and thus configured to provide a mechanical barrier that protects the cable termination interface. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 21A-24  in general, it is further recognized that near-end cross-talk (NEXT) can be reduced by applying the lossy material to one or more surfaces of an ungrounded electrically conductive substrate of an electrical shield that is disposed between adjacent rows of signal contacts. For instance, the lossy material can be configured to absorb electromagnetic interference that is generated during operation of the electrical connector. It has been found that NEXT can be reduced when the electrically conductive substrate, and thus the electrical shield, is ungrounded (meaning that the no portion of the electrical shield including the electrically conductive substrate is in contact with any electrically grounds of the electrical connector or any grounded electrically conductive structures mated with or mounted to the electrical connector). Further, it has been found that NEXT can be reduced when the electrically conductive substrate, and thus the electrical shield, is not mechanically connected to any other electrically conductive structures of the electrical connector. Of course, it is appreciated that the electrically conductive substrate can alternatively be grounded if desired. However, the ability to reduce NEXT with an ungrounded electrical shield is a surprising result, as ungrounded electrical shields in an electrical connector typically act as antennas that tend to degrade signal integrity, including cross-talk, at data frequencies greater than 5 GHz. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 21A-21B , an electrical connector assembly  220  can include a first electrical connector  222  and a second electrical connector  224  that is configured to be mated to the first electrical connector  222  along the longitudinal direction L, which can define a mating direction. Each of the first and second electrical connectors  222  and  224  can be configured to be mounted to respective first and second electrical devices. For instance, the first electrical connector  222  can be mounted to at least one electrical cable  226  so as to place the first electrical connector  222  in electrical communication with the at least one electrical cable  226 . In this regard, the first electrical connector  222  can be referred to as a cable connector. The second electrical connector  224  can be configured to be mounted to an underlying substrate  228  that can be configured as a printed circuit board (PCB). When the first and second electrical connectors  222  and  224  are mounted to the at least one electrical cable  226  and the substrate  228 , respectively, the first and second electrical connectors  222  and  224  place the at least one electrical cable  226  and the substrate  228  in electrical communication with each other. Thus, the electrical connector assembly  220  can further include that at least one electrical cable  226  and the substrate  228 . 
     Referring also to  FIG. 22 , the first electrical connector  222  can include a first electrically insulative connector housing  230 , and a plurality of first electrical contacts  232  supported by the connector housing  230 . The electrical contacts  32  can be arranged in a first plurality of rows  234 . The rows  234  can be oriented along a lateral direction A that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, and can also be referred to as a row direction. Further, adjacent rows  234  can be spaced from each other along a transverse direction T that is perpendicular to the lateral direction A and the longitudinal direction L. 
     Each of the electrical contacts  232  can define a mating end  236  and a mounting end  238  opposite the mating end. The mounting ends  238  can be configured to be mounted to the first electrical device. The mating ends  236  can be configured to mate with respective electrical contacts  240  of the second electrical connector  224  when the first and second electrical connectors  222  and  224  are mated with each other. The mating ends  236  and mounting ends  238  can be disposed opposite each other along the longitudinal direction L and oriented along the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the electrical contacts  232  can be referred to as vertical contacts, and the first electrical connector  222  can be referred to as a vertical electrical connector. Alternatively, the mating ends  236  and mounting ends  238  can be oriented perpendicular to each other, such that the electrical contacts  232  define right-angle contacts, and the first electrical connector  222  can be referred to as a right-angle electrical connector. 
     As described above, the first electrical connector  222  can be mounted to a plurality of electrical cables  226  so as to define a cable connector. The electrical cables  226  can each include at least one electrical signal conductor  242 , and an electrical insulator  244  that surrounds the signal conductor  242 . The electrical cables  226  can each further include an electrical ground. In one example, the electrical ground can be configured as an electrical shield that at least partially or entirely surrounds the electrical insulator  244 , and thus the at least one signal conductor  242 . Accordingly, it can be said that the at least one signal conductor  242 , and thus the electrical cable  226 , can be electrically shielded. In one example, the electrical cables  226  can be configured as twinaxial cables that each includes a pair of signal conductors  242  surrounded by the electrical insulator  244 . The pair of signal conductors  242  of each of the electrical cables  226  can be arranged along a common one of the rows  234 , or along the lateral direction A. Alternatively, the electrical cables  226  can be configured as coaxial cables, whereby the at least one electrical signal conductor  242  defines only a single electrical signal conductor. Adjacent ones of the electrical signal conductors  242  along the respective rows  234  can define a differential signal pair. Alternatively, the electrical signal conductors  242  can be single ended. A plurality of electrical cables can be disposed adjacent each other along each of the rows  234  as desired. 
     The electrical contacts  232  can include electrical signal contacts  247  and electrical ground contacts  248 . Alternatively, the electrical contacts  232  can define an open pinfield, and not assigned as ground contacts or signal contacts prior to use. The mounting ends  238  of the electrical ground contacts  248  can be configured to contact the electrical ground of the electrical cables  226 , respectively. Further, the electrical ground contacts  248  can be electrically commoned to each other. That is, the electrical ground contacts  248  can all be in electrical communication with each other. In one example, the electrical ground contacts  248  of each row can be defined by a single monolithic electrically conductive structure. The electrically conductive structure can be metallic. The mounting ends  238  of the electrical signal contacts  247  can be configured to contact a respective one of the electrical signal conductors  242  of the electrical cables  226 . The mating ends  236  of the electrical ground contacts  248  can be disposed between adjacent ones of the mating ends  236  of the electrical signal contacts  247 . For instance, at least one mating end  236  of the electrical ground contacts  248  can be disposed between adjacent pairs of the mating ends  236  of the electrical signal contacts  247  along each of the respective rows  234 . In one example, a pair of mating ends  236  of the electrical ground contacts  248  can be disposed between adjacent pairs of the mating ends  236  of the electrical signal contacts  247  along each of the respective rows  234 . Thus, the electrical contacts  232  can be arranged in a repeating S-S-G-G configuration along the respective row, where “S” designates one or more up to all of a mating end  236 , a mounting end  238 , and a body of an electrical signal contact  247 , and “G” designates one or more up to all of a mating end  236 , a mounting end  238 , and a body of an electrical ground contact  248 . The body of the electrical signal contact  247  and the electrical ground contact  248 , respectively, can extend from the respective mating end  236  to the respective mounting end  238 . Alternatively, the electrical contacts  232  can be arranged in a repeating S-S-G configuration along the respective row. In this regard, it should be appreciated, of course, that the electrical contacts  232  can be arranged in any suitable alternative configuration of signal contacts and ground contacts as desired. Further, the mating ends  236  of the electrical ground contacts  248  can be aligned with the mating ends  236  of the electrical signal contacts  247  along the respective rows  234 . Similarly, the mounting ends  238  of the electrical ground contacts  248  can be aligned with the mounting ends of the electrical signal contacts  247  along the respective rows  234 . 
     The second electrical connector  224  includes a second electrically insulative connector housing  250  and a plurality of second electrical contacts  240  supported by the second connector housing  250 . The electrical contacts  232  of the first electrical connector  222  can be insert molded in the first connector housing  230 . Alternatively, electrical contacts  232  of the first electrical connector  222  can be stitched into the first connector housing  230 . Similarly, the electrical contacts  240  of the second electrical connector  224  can be insert molded in the second connector housing  250 . Alternatively, electrical contacts  240  of the second electrical connector  224  can be stitched into the second connector housing  250 . 
     The electrical contacts  240  can be arranged in a second plurality of rows  252 . The rows  252  can be oriented along the lateral direction A. Further, adjacent rows  252  can be spaced from each other along the transverse direction T. Thus, the rows  234  and  252  can be oriented parallel to each other. 
     Each of the electrical contacts  240  of the second electrical connector  224  can define a mating end  254  and a mounting end  256  opposite the mating end. The mounting ends  256  can be configured to be mounted to the substrate  228 , thereby placing the second electrical connector  224  in electrical communication with the substrate  228 . The mating ends  254  can be configured to mate with the mating ends  236  of respective ones of the electrical contacts  232  of the first electrical connector  222  when the first and second electrical connectors  222  and  224  are mated with each other. The mating ends  254  and mounting ends  256  can be disposed opposite each other along the longitudinal direction L and oriented along the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the electrical contacts  240  can be referred to as vertical contacts, and the second electrical connector  224  can be referred to as a vertical electrical connector. Alternatively, the mating ends  254  and mounting ends  256  can be oriented perpendicular to each other, such that the electrical contacts  240  define right-angle contacts, and the second electrical connector  224  can be referred to as a right-angle electrical connector. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 21A-23C , the first electrical connector  222  can include at least one first electrical shield  258  that is configured to reduce near-end crosstalk in the first electrical connector  222 . Further, the electrical shield  258  can be configured to reduce near-end crosstalk in the electrical connector assembly  220 . Similarly, the second electrical connector can include at least one second electrical shield  260  that is configured to reduce near-end crosstalk in the second electrical connector  224 . Further, the second electrical shield  260  can be configured to reduce near-end crosstalk in the electrical connector assembly  220 . The first electrical shield  258  will now be described, followed by a description of the second electrical shield  260 . 
     The first electrical shield  258  can include an electrically conducive substrate  262  that is supported by the connector housing  230 . In one example, the electrically conductive substrate  262  can be configured as a plate. In another example, the electrically conductive substrate  262  can define a mesh. For instance, the electrically conductive substrate  262  can comprise a plurality of electrically conductive fibers. The fibers can be woven so as to define the mesh. It is appreciated that the mesh can define a plurality of openings. The openings can be defined by the interstices of the fibers. Alternatively, it is recognized that openings extending through the substrate  262  can be alternatively defined. For instance, a plurality of openings can be defined in a nonwoven substrate or plate. In one example, the electrically conductive substrate  262  can be metallic. Thus, the plate or fibers can be metallic. For instance, the electrically conductive substrate  262  can be made from copper, which can be pure copper or a copper alloy. It should be appreciated, of course, that the electrically conductive substrate  262  can be made from and comprise any suitable alternative material as desired. The electrical shield  260 , and thus the electrically conductive substrate  262 , can be disposed between first and second signal contacts  247  so as to provide electrical shielding therebetween. For instance, the electrical shield  260 , and thus the electrically conductive substrate  262 , can be disposed between first and second adjacent rows of the plurality of rows  234  of electrical contacts, and can provide electrical shielding between the signal contacts  247  of the first row and the signal contacts  247  of the second row. 
     In one example, the electrically conductive substrate  262 , and thus the electrical shield  258 , can be ungrounded. Accordingly, the electrical shield  258 , and thus the electrically conductive substrate  262 , is not in contact with any electrically conductive structures that, in turn, are in contact with any of the ground contacts  248 . Further, in one example, the electrical connector  222  can be configured such that no portion of the electrical shield  258 , and thus the electrically conductive substrate  262 , is in contact with any grounded electrically conductive structures of the electrical connector  222  and of any electrically conductive structures that are mated with or mounted to the electrical connector  222 . Alternatively, in some examples, the electrically conductive substrate  262  can be in electrical communication with the electrical ground contacts  248  if desired. The electrically conductive substrate  262  can be planar along a plane defined by the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. Further, the electrically conductive substrate  262  can be equidistantly positioned between the first and second rows  234  with respect to the transverse direction T. It should be appreciated, of course, that the electrically conductive substrate can define any suitable shape as desired. While the electrical shield  258  is described as being between the first and second rows, it is recognized that the electrical connector  222  can include a plurality of electrical shields disposed between respective different adjacent ones of the plurality of rows  234 . 
     The electrical shield  258  can further include a lossy material  64  disposed on at least a portion up of the electrically conductive substrate  262 . For instance, as described in more detail below, the lossy material  64  can be disposed on a majority of the electrically conductive substrate  262 . In one example, the lossy material  64  can be disposed on an entirety of the electrically conductive substrate  262 . The lossy material  64  can be electrically conductive in one example. In another example, the lossy material  64  can be electrically nonconductive. In one example, the lossy material  64  can be provided as commercially available by Ecosorb® having a place of business in Houston, Tex. For instance, the lossy material  64  can be Ecosorb® GDS. Alternatively, the lossy material  64  can be Ecosorb® LS-30. In another example, the lossy material can be HM2000 commercially available from Arc Technologies, Inc having a place of business in Massachusetts. In one example, the lossy material  64  can be a broadband lossy material. Thus, the lossy material  64  of the first electrical connector  222  of the electrical connector assembly  220  can be devoid of CMC that can be configured to tune the absorbing frequency of the lossy material  64  as described above. 
     The electrically conductive substrate  262  can define a first side  263   a  and a second side  263   b  opposite the first side  263   a  along the transverse direction T. The first side  263   a  can face the first row  234 , and the second side  263   b  can face the second row  234 . The electrically conductive substrate  262  can further define at least one edge that extends from the first side  263   a  to the second side  263   b . For instance, the electrically conductive substrate  262  can define a first edge  265   a  and a second edge  265   b  that is opposite the first edge  265   a  along the longitudinal direction L. For instance, the first edge  265   a  can be spaced from the second edge  265   b  in the mating direction. Thus, the first edge  265   a  can be disposed adjacent a mating interface of the first electrical connector  222 . Further, the first edge  265   a  can face the second electrical connector  224 . The second edge  265   b  can be disposed adjacent a mounting interface of the first electrical connector  222 . The mounting interface of the first electrical connector  222  can face away from the second electrical connector when the first electrical connector is configured as a vertical connector. The electrically conductive substrate  262  can define side edges  265   c  that are opposite each other along the lateral direction A, and extend from the first edge  265   a  to the second edge  265   b , and from the first side  263   a  to the second side  263   b.    
     In one example, the lossy material  64  can be disposed on at least one of the first side,  263   a , the second side  263   b , and the at least one edge of the electrically conductive substrate  262 . For instance, the lossy material  64  can be disposed on at least one of the first and second sides  263   a  and  263   b . For instance, the lossy material  64  can be disposed on a respective entirety of at least one of the first and second sides  263   a  and  263   b . In one example, the lossy material  64  can be disposed on each of the first and second sides  263   a  and  263   b . The lossy material  64  can extend from the first edge  265   a  to the second edge  265   b , and from and to the opposed side edges  265   c . Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material  64  can be impregnated in the electrically conductive substrate  262  in the manner described above. 
     Thus, the lossy material  64  can extend continuously between a plurality of the electrical contacts  232  of the first row and a plurality of the electrical contacts  232  of the second row. In one example, the lossy material  64  can extend continuously between all signal contacts  247  electrical of the first row  234  and all signal contacts  247  of the second row  234 . For instance, the lossy material  64  can extend continuously between all electrical contacts  232  of the first row  234  and all electrical contacts  232  of the second row  234 . Thus, it will be appreciated that the electrical shield  258 , including the substrate  262  and the lossy material  64 , can extend to a position aligned along the transverse direction T with the mounting ends  238  of the electrical signal contacts  247  of each of the first and second rows. The mounting location can be referred to as a location at the mounting ends  238  of the signal contacts  247  that contact, or are mounted to, the signal conductors  242  of the electrical cables  226 . Further, the electrical shield  258 , including the substrate  262  and the lossy material  64 , can extend to a position aligned along the transverse direction T with the mating locations of the electrical signal contacts  247  of each of the first and second rows. The mating locations can be referred to as locations in the first electrical connector  222  at the mating ends  236  of the signal contacts  247  that contact, or are mated with, the signal contacts of the second electrical connector  224 . 
     The electrically conductive substrate  262  can have a thickness from the first side  263   a  to the second side  263   b  along the transverse direction T. The lossy material  64  disposed on the first side  263   a  can also have a thickness along the transverse direction. The thickness of the lossy material  64  disposed on the first side  263   a  can be greater than, less than, or substantially equal to the thickness of the electrically conductive substrate  262 . In one example, the thickness of the lossy material  64  disposed on the first side  263   a  can be within substantially 50% of the thickness of the electrically conductive substrate  262 . Similarly, the lossy material  64  disposed on the second side  263   b  can also have a thickness along the transverse direction. The thickness of the lossy material  64  disposed on the second side  263   b  can be greater than, less than, or substantially equal to the thickness of the electrically conductive substrate  262 . In one example, the thickness of the lossy material  64  disposed on the second side  263   b  can be within substantially 50% of the thickness of the electrically conductive substrate  262 . 
     In one example, the thickness of the electrical shield  258  can range from substantially 5 microns to substantially 1000 microns, such as from substantially 5 microns to substantially 500 microns. For instance, the thickness of the electrical shield  258  can range from substantially 10 microns to substantially 500 microns, such as from substantially 50 microns to substantially 300 microns. The thickness of the electrically conductive substrate can range from substantially 5 microns to substantially 1000 microns, such as from substantially 5 microns to substantially 500 microns. For instance, the thickness of the substrate  262  can range from substantially 10 microns to substantially 500 microns, such as from substantially 50 microns to substantially 300 microns. It should be appreciated, of course, that the thickness of the electrical conductive substrate  262  and the lossy material disposed on each of the first and second sides  263   a  and  263   b  can vary as desired. For instance, it is recognized that the material or materials used for the lossy material  64  can result in different thicknesses. 
     In some examples, the lossy material  64  can be disposed on one or both of the edges  265   a  and  265   b . Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material  64  can be disposed on one or both of the side edges  265   c . Thus, it will be appreciated that the electrically conductive substrate  262  can be encapsulated by the lossy material  64  as desired. 
     It should be appreciated that a method can include the step of supporting the electrical shield  258  by the first connector housing  230 . For instance, in one example, the lossy material  64  can be applied to the electrically conductive substrate  262  in suitable any manner desired. For instance, the lossy material  64  can be applied to the electrically conductive substrate in any manner described above with respect to the electrical contact, the connector housing, and the leadframe housing. Thus, the lossy material can define a coating on an outer side of the substrate  262 . Alternatively, for instance, the first substrate  262  defines a plurality of openings therethrough, for instance when the first substrate  262  is a mesh, the first substrate  262  can be impregnated with the lossy material  64 . Thus, the thickness of the electrical shield  258  can be less than the sum of the individual thickness of the lossy material and the individual thickness of the substrate  26 . Next, the electrical shield  258  can be insert molded in the first connector housing  230 . Alternatively, the electrical shield  258  can be fastened to the connector housing  230  in any manner as desired. Alternatively, the electrically conductive substrate  262  can be first supported by the first connector housing  230 . For instance, the electrically conductive substrate  262  can be insert molded in the first connector housing. Alternatively, the electrically conductive substrate  262  can be fastened to the connector housing  230  in any manner as desired. Next, the lossy material  64  can be applied to the exposed portions of the electrically conductive substrate  262  as described above. 
     A portion of the electrical shield  258  can be cantilevered in the mating direction. For instance, the connector housing  230  can define a cantilevered portion  231 , and a portion of the electrical shield  258  can be supported by the cantilevered portion. For instance, a first portion of the cantilevered portion  231  can be in contact with the lossy material  64  that is disposed on the first side  263   a  of the electrically conductive substrate  262 , and a second portion of the cantilevered portion  231  can be in contact with the lossy material  64  that is disposed on the second side  263   b  of the electrically conductive substrate  262 . The cantilevered portion  231  can define a plug that is received in a corresponding receptacle  251  defined by the second connector housing  250  of the second electrical connector  224  so as to mate the first and second electrical connectors  222  and  224  to each other. Alternatively, the second electrical connector  224  can define the plug, and the first electrical connector  222  can define the receptacle. 
     With continuing reference to  FIGS. 21A-23C , the second electrical shield  260  can include a second electrically conducive substrate  266  that is supported by the second connector housing  250 . Thus, the electrically conductive substrate  262  can be referred to as a first electrically conductive substrate. The second electrically conductive substrate  266  can be constructed as described above with respect to the electrically conductive substrate  262 . Thus, for example, the substrate  266  can be configured as a plate. Alternatively, the substrate  266  can have openings. For instance, the substrate  266  can be configured as a mesh. The electrical shield  260 , and thus the electrically conductive substrate  266 , can be disposed between first and second electrical contacts  240  so as to provide electrical shielding therebetween. For instance, the second electrical shield  260 , and thus the electrically conductive substrate  266 , can be disposed between adjacent rows of the plurality of second rows  252  of electrical contacts  240 . The electrical contacts  240  can include electrical signal contacts  268  and electrical ground contacts  270 . The mating ends  254  of the electrical signal contacts  268  can be configured to mate with respective ones of the mating ends  236  of the electrical signal contacts  247  of the first electrical connector  222 . The mounting ends  256  of the electrical ground contacts  270  can be mounted to the substrate  228 . Similarly, the mating ends  254  of the electrical ground contacts  270  can be configured to mate with respective ones of the mating ends  236  of the electrical ground contacts  270  of the first electrical connector  222 . The mounting ends  256  of the electrical ground contacts  270  can be mounted to the substrate  228 . 
     The second electrical shield  260  can provide electrical shielding between the signal contacts  268  of the first row and the signal contacts  268  of the second row. In one example, the electrically conductive substrate  266  is metallic. For instance, the electrically conductive substrate  266  can be made from copper, which can be pure copper or a copper alloy. It should be appreciated, of course, that the electrically conductive substrate  266  can be made from any suitable alternative material as desired. 
     In one example, the second electrically conductive substrate  266 , and thus the second electrical shield  260 , can be ungrounded. Accordingly, the second electrical shield  260 , and thus the electrically conductive substrate  266 , is not in contact with any electrically conductive structures that, in turn, are in contact with any of the ground contacts  270 . Further, in one example, the electrical connector  224  can be configured such that no portion of the second electrical shield  260 , and thus the electrically conductive substrate  266 , is in contact with any grounded electrically conductive structures of the electrical connector  224  and of any electrically conductive structures that are mated with or mounted to the electrical connector  224 . Alternatively, in some examples, the electrically conductive substrate  266  can be in electrical communication with the electrical ground contacts  270  if desired. The electrically conductive substrate  266  can be planar along a plane defined by the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. Further, the electrically conductive substrate  266  can be equidistantly positioned between the first and second rows  252  with respect to the transverse direction T. It should be appreciated, of course, that the electrically conductive substrate  266  can define any suitable shape as desired. While the second electrical shield  260  is described as being disposed between the first and second rows  252 , it is recognized that the electrical connector  222  can include a plurality of electrical shields disposed between respective different adjacent ones of the plurality of rows  252 . 
     The second electrical shield  260  can further include a lossy material  272  disposed on at least a portion up of the electrically conductive substrate  266 . The lossy material  272  can be as described above with respect to the lossy material  64 . Thus, the lossy material  272  can be referred to as a second lossy material to the extent that it is included in the second electrical shield  260 , but it can be the same material as the lossy material  64 , which can be referred to as a first lossy material to the extent that it is included in the first electrical shield  258 . The lossy material  272  For instance, as described in more detail below, the lossy material  272  can be disposed on a majority of the electrically conductive substrate  266 . In one example, the lossy material  272  can be disposed on an entirety of the electrically conductive substrate  266 . The lossy material  272  can be electrically conductive in one example. In another example, the lossy material  272  can be electrically nonconductive. In one example, the lossy material  272  can be provide as commercially available by Ecosorb® having a place of business in Houston, Tex. In this regard, the lossy material  272  can be the same material as the lossy material  64  of the first electrical shield  258 . 
     The second electrically conductive substrate  266  can define a first side  267   a  and a second side  267   b  opposite the first side  267   a  along the transverse direction T. The first side  267   a  can face the first row  252 , and the second side  267   b  can face the second row  252 . The second electrically conductive substrate  266  can further define at least one edge that extends from the first side  267   a  to the second side  267   b . For instance, the electrically conductive substrate  266  can define a first edge  269   a  and a second edge  269   b  that is opposite the first edge  269   a  along the longitudinal direction L. For instance, the first edge  269   a  can be spaced from the second edge  269   b  in the mating direction. Thus, the first edge  269   a  can be disposed adjacent a mating interface of the first electrical connector  222 . Further, the first edge  269   a  can face the first electrical connector  222 . The second edge  269   b  can be disposed adjacent a mounting interface of the second electrical connector  224 . Thus, the second edge  269   b  can face the substrate  228 . The second electrically conductive substrate  266  can define side edges that are opposite each other along the lateral direction A, and extend from the first edge  269   a  to the second edge  269   b , and from the first side  267   a  to the second side  267   b.    
     In one example, the lossy material  272  can be disposed on at least one of the first side  267   a , the second side  267   b , and the at least one edge of the electrically conductive substrate  266 . For instance, the lossy material  272  can be disposed on at least one of the first and second sides  267   a  and  267   b . For instance, the lossy material  272  can be disposed on a respective entirety of at least one of the first and second sides  267   a  and  267   b . In one example, the lossy material  272  can be disposed on each of the first and second sides  267   a  and  267   b . The lossy material  272  can extend from the first edge  269   a  to the second edge  269   b , and from and to the opposed side edges. Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material  272  can be impregnated in the second electrically conductive substrate  266  in the manner described above. 
     Thus, the lossy material  272  can extend continuously between a plurality of the electrical contacts  240  of the first row  252  and a plurality of the electrical contacts  240  of the second row  252 . In one example, the lossy material  272  can extend continuously between all signal contacts  268  electrical of the first row  262  and all signal contacts  268  of the second row  262 . For instance, the lossy material  272  can extend continuously between all electrical contacts  240  of the first row  262  and all electrical contacts  240  of the second row  252 . Thus, it will be appreciated that the second electrical shield  260 , including the substrate  266  and the lossy material  272 , can extend to a position aligned along the transverse direction T with the mounting ends  256  of the electrical signal contacts  268  of each of the first and second rows  252 . The mounting location can be referred to as a location at the mounting ends  256  of the signal contacts  268  that contact, or are mounted to, solder balls that, in turn, are mounted to the substrate  228 . The second electrical shield  260  can extend out from a mounting end of the connector housing  250  toward the substrate  228  to a location that is spaced from the substrate  228  along the longitudinal direction L so as to define a gap that extends from the second electrical shield  260  to the substrate  228 . For instance, the gap can extend from the second edge  269   b  to the substrate  28 . In one example, the gap can be less than substantially 0.5 mm. For instance, the gap can be less than substantially 0.3 mm. In one example, the gap can be substantially 0.1 mm. The mounting end of the connector housing  250  can face the substrate  228  when the second electrical connector  224  is mounted to the substrate  228 . It can be desirable to minimize the gaps, and all gaps disclosed herein, in order to enhance the effective shielding of the electrical shields  258  and  260 . It can further be desirable to eliminate the gaps. 
     Further, the second electrical shield  260 , including the substrate  266  and the lossy material  272 , can extend to a position aligned along the transverse direction T with the mating locations of the electrical signal contacts  268  of each of the first and second rows  252 . The mating locations can be referred to as locations in the second electrical connector  24  at the mating ends  254  of the signal contacts  268  that contact, or are mated with, the signal contacts  247  of the first electrical connector  222 . 
     The electrically conductive substrate  266  can have a thickness from the first side  267   a  to the second side  267   b  along the transverse direction T. The lossy material  272  disposed on the first side  267   a  can also have a thickness along the transverse direction. The thickness of the lossy material  272  disposed on the first side  267   a  can be greater than, less than, or substantially equal to the thickness of the electrically conductive substrate  266 . In one example, the thickness of the lossy material  272  disposed on the first side  267   a  can be within substantially 50% of the thickness of the electrically conductive substrate  266 . Similarly, the lossy material  272  disposed on the second side  267   b  can also have a thickness along the transverse direction. The thickness of the lossy material  272  disposed on the second side  267   b  can be greater than, less than, or substantially equal to the thickness of the electrically conductive substrate  266 . In one example, the thickness of the lossy material  272  disposed on the second side  267   b  can be within substantially 50% of the thickness of the electrically conductive substrate  266 . 
     In one example, the thickness of the second electrical shield  260  can range from substantially 5 microns to substantially 1000 microns, such as from substantially 5 microns to substantially 500 microns. For instance, the thickness of the second electrical shield  260  can range from substantially 10 microns to substantially 500 microns, such as substantially 50 microns to substantially 300 microns. Thus, it should be appreciated that the second electrical shield  260  can have substantially the same thickness as the first electrical shield  258 . Further, the lossy material  272  can have the same thickness as the lossy material  64 . The thickness of the second electrically conductive substrate  266  can range from substantially 5 microns to substantially 1000 microns, such as from substantially 5 microns to substantially 500 microns. For instance, the thickness of the substrate  266  can range from substantially 10 microns to substantially 500 microns, such as substantially 50 microns to substantially 300 microns. It should be appreciated, of course, that the thickness of the electrically conductive substrate  266  and the lossy material  272  disposed on each of the first and second sides  267   a  and  267   b  can vary as desired 
     In some examples, the lossy material  272  can be disposed on one or both of the edges  267   a  and  267   b . Alternatively or additionally, the lossy material  272  can be disposed on one or both of the side edges. Thus, it will be appreciated that the electrically conductive substrate  262  can be encapsulated by the lossy material  272  as desired. 
     It should be appreciated that a method can include the step of supporting the second electrical shield  260  by the second connector housing  250 . For instance, in one example, the lossy material  272  can be applied to the electrically conductive substrate  266  as described above with respect to the application of the lossy material  64  to the electrically conductive substrate  262 . Next, the second electrical shield  260  can be insert molded in the second connector housing  250 . Alternatively, the second electrical shield  260  can be fastened to the connector housing  250  in any manner as desired. Alternatively, the electrically conductive substrate  266  can be first supported by the second connector housing  250 . For instance, the electrically conductive substrate  266  can be insert molded in the second connector housing  250 . Alternatively, the electrically conductive substrate  266  can be fastened to the connector housing  250  in any manner as desired. Next, the lossy material  272  can be applied to the exposed portions of the electrically conductive substrate  266  as described above. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 21B and 23A-23C , and as described above, the first and second electrical connectors  222  and  224  are configured to be mated with each other. Further, in one example, the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  can be aligned with each other along the longitudinal direction L. Further, the electrical connector assembly  220  can define a gap that extends from the first electrical shield  258  to the second electrical shield  260  along the longitudinal direction L. In particular, the first electrical shield  258  can extend to a mounting end of the connector housing  230  along the longitudinal direction L. The mounting end of the connector housing  230  can face the second electrical connector  224  when the first and second electrical connectors  222  and  224  are mated with each other. Alternatively, the first electrical shield  258  can be inwardly recessed with respect to the mounting end of the connector housing  30  along the longitudinal direction L. The mounting end of the connector housing  230  can be aligned with the first electrical shield  258 , and in particular with the first edge  265   a , along the longitudinal direction L. Further, the second electrical shield  260  can extend to a mating end of the second connector housing  250 , in particular at a region of the mating end that is aligned with the second electrical shield  260  along the longitudinal direction L. 
     When the first and second electrical connectors  222  and  224  are mated with each other, the mating ends of the respective first and second connector housings  230  and  250  can abut each other. Because the first electrical shield  258  can be recessed from the mating end of the first housing  230 , and the second electrical shield  260  extends to the mating end of the second housing  250 , the electrical connector assembly  220  can define a gap that extends from the first electrical shield  258  to the second electrical shield  258  along the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, the first electrical shield  258  can extend to the mating end of the first housing  230 , and the second electrical shield  260  can be recessed from the mating end of the second housing  250 . Alternatively still, each of the first electrical shield  258  and the second electrical shield  260  can be recessed from the mating end of the first housing  230  and the mating end of the second housing  250 , respectively. In one example, the gap can be less than substantially 0.5 mm. For instance, the gap can be less than substantially 0.3 mm. 
     In one example, each of the first and second electrical connectors  222  and  224  can be configured to transmit signals along the respective electrical signal contact at data transfer speeds of 256 gigabits per second with no more than 4% worst-case asynchronous multiactive crosstalk at a rise time that ranges from substantially 5 picoseconds to substantially 240 picoseconds. For instance, each of the first and second electrical connectors  222  and  224  can be configured to transmit signals along the respective electrical signal contact at data transfer speeds of 256 gigabits per second with no more than 5% worst-case asynchronous multiactive crosstalk at a rise time that ranges from substantially 5 picoseconds to substantially 240 picoseconds. In another example, each of the first and second electrical connectors  222  and  224  can be configured to transmit signals along the respective electrical signal contact at data transfer speeds of 256 gigabits per second with no more than 5% worst-case asynchronous multiactive crosstalk at a rise time that ranges from substantially 5 picoseconds to substantially 240 picoseconds. 
     In one example, the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  can be aligned with each other along the longitudinal direction. For instance, the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  can be coplanar with each other along a plane that is defined by the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. Thus, the first and second electrically conductive substrates  262  and  266  can be aligned with each other along the longitudinal direction L. Further, the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  can be coplanar with each other along a plane that is defined by the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. Additionally, the lossy material  64  disposed on the first side  263   a  of the first electrically conductive substrate  262  can be aligned with the lossy material  272  disposed on the first side  267   a  of the second electrically conductive substrate  266 . For instance, the lossy material  64  disposed on the first side  263   a  of the first electrically conductive substrate  262  can be coplanar with the lossy material  272  disposed on the first side  267   a  along a plane that is defined by the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. Further still, the lossy material  64  disposed on the second side  263   b  of the first electrically conductive substrate  262  can be aligned with the lossy material  272  disposed on the second side  267   b  of the second electrically conductive substrate  266 . For instance, the lossy material  64  disposed on the second side  263   b  of the first electrically conductive substrate  262  can be coplanar with the lossy material  272  disposed on the second side  267   b  along a plane that is defined by the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 24 , in another example, at least respective portions of the first and second shields  258  and  260  can overlap each other along the transverse direction T. In particular, the first and second electrically conductive substrates  262  and  266  can be offset with respect to each other along the transverse direction T. Further, the first electrically conductive substrate  262  can extend out from the connector housing  230  toward the second electrical connector  224 . Further, a portion of the first substrate  262  can be received by the second connector housing  250 . Alternatively or additionally, the second electrically conductive substrate  266  can extend out from the connector housing  250  toward the first electrical connector  222 . Further, a portion of the second substrate  266  can be received by the first connector housing  220 . 
     Thus, a portion of the first substrate  262  can overlap a portion of the second substrate  266 , such that a straight line oriented along the transverse direction T can pass through each of the first substrate  262  and the second substrate  266 . In one example, a portion of the first side  263   a  of the first substrate  262  and the second side  267   b  of the second substrate  266  can face each other along the transverse direction T. The first and second substrates  262  and  266  can overlap each other any suitable distance along the longitudinal direction L as desired. For instance, the first and second substrates  262  and  266  can overlap each other up to substantially 2.5 mm along the longitudinal direction L in one example. For instance, the first and second substrates  262  and  266  can overlap each other up to substantially 1 mm along the longitudinal direction L. In another example, the first and second substrates  262  and  266  can overlap each other substantially 0.5 mm along the longitudinal direction L. 
     Further still, the first electrically conductive substrate  262  can overlap the lossy material  272  that is disposed on one or both of the first and second sides  267   a  and  267   b  of the second electrically conductive substrate  266  at a first region of overlap. Further, the first side  263   a  of the first electrically conductive substrate  262  can abut the lossy material  272  that is disposed on the second side  267   b  of the second electrically conductive substrate  266 . Thus, the lossy material that is disposed on the second side  267   b  of the second electrically conductive substrate  266  can be disposed between the first and second electrically conductive substrates  262  and  266  at the first region of overlap. 
     Similarly, the second electrically conductive substrate  266  can overlap the lossy material  64  that is disposed on one or both of the first and second sides  263   a  and  263   b  of the first electrically conductive substrate  262  at a second region of overlap. Further, the second side  267   b  of the second electrically conductive substrate  266  can abut the lossy material  64  that is disposed on the first side  263   a  of the first electrically conductive substrate  262 . Thus, the lossy material  64  that is disposed on the first side  263   a  of the first electrically conductive substrate  262  can be disposed between the first and second electrically conductive substrates  262  and  266  at the second region of overlap. In one example, the first region of overlap and the second region of overlap can have substantially equal distances along the longitudinal direction L. The distances can range from greater than 0 mm to substantially 1.5 mm. For instance, the distances can range from greater than 0 mm to substantially 1 mm. In particular, the distances can range from greater than 0 mm to substantially 0.5 mm. In one specific example, the distances can be substantially 0.25 mm. 
     Further, the lossy material  64  disposed on the first side  263   a  of the first electrically conductive substrate  262  can be aligned with the lossy material  272  disposed on the second side  267   b  of the second electrically conductive substrate  266  along the longitudinal direction L. Further still, the lossy material  64  disposed on the first side  263   a  of the first electrically conductive substrate  262  can abut the lossy material  272  disposed on the second side  267   b  of the second electrically conductive substrate  266 . Alternatively, a gap can extend along the longitudinal direction L from the lossy material  64  disposed on the first side  263   a  of the first electrically conductive substrate  262  to the lossy material  272  disposed on the second side  267   b  of the second electrically conductive substrate  266 . Otherwise stated, the lossy material  64  and  272  that is disposed on the sides  263   a  and  267   b , of the respective first and second substrates  262  and  266 , that face each other is aligned with each other along the mating direction. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 26A and 27A-27D  at least a portion of the first and second shields  258  and  260  can have aligned portions that are aligned with each other along the longitudinal direction L, and jogged portions that are offset from each other along the longitudinal direction L. For instance, the first and second substrates  262  and  266  can have aligned portions that are aligned with each other along the longitudinal direction L, and jogged portions that are offset from each other. The jogged portions can overlap each other along the transverse direction T. Thus, a straight line oriented along the transverse direction T can intersect the jogged portion of each of the first and second substrates  262  and  266 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 26A and 27A-27D , either or both of the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  as described above, for instance of respective first and second electrical connectors  22  and  24  of an electrical connector assembly  20 , can be jogged. Either or both of the first and second electrical connectors  22  and  24  can be board connectors configured to mount to a respective substrate such as a printed circuit board. Alternatively or additionally, either or both of the first and second electrical connectors  22  and  24  can be electrical cable connectors configured to be mounted to respective electrical cables. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 27B-27D  in particular, each of the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  can define respective first and second substrates  262  and  262 . However, the electrical shields  258  and  260  can be alternative constructed as described herein. The substrates  262  and  266  can be configured as first and second plates that can be electrically conductive. Either or both of the first and second electrical shields can be jogged. 
     For instance, referring in particular to  FIGS. 27B-27C , the first electrical shield  258  can define a respective first portion  271   a  and a respective second portion  271   b  that is offset with respect to the respective first portion  271   a  along the transverse direction T. Thus, the first substrate  262  can define a respective first portion  273   a  and a respective second portion  273   b  that is offset with respect to the respective first portion  273   a  along the transverse direction T. It can therefore be said that when the first electrical shield  258  is disposed between first and second rows of electrical contacts of the first electrical connector  22 , the first electrical shield  258  is jogged toward the first row and away from the second row. 
     The second portions  271   b  and  273   b  can be defined by distal portions of the first electrical shield  258  and first substrate  262 , respectively. Thus, the second portions  271   b  and  273   b  can be spaced from the first portions  271   a  and  273   a , respectively, along the mating direction along which the first electrical connector  22  mates with the second electrical connector  24 . The first portions  271   a  and  273   a  can be longer than the second portions  271   b  and  273   b , respectively, along the mating direction. Thus, as will be described in more detail below, the second electrical shield  260  of the second electrical connector  24  can better nest in the jogged second portion  271   b  of the first electrical shield  258 . The transverse direction T is oriented perpendicular to a direction of elongation of the first electrical shield  258  and the first substrate  262 , which can be either or both of the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. 
     The first and second portions  271   a ,  273   a ,  271   b , and  273   b  can be substantially planar. That is, at least a portion of the respective outer sides of the first and second portions can be substantially planar, for instance along the lateral direction A and the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the first portion  271   a  of the electrical shield  258  can extend parallel to the second portion  271   b  of the electrical shield. Similarly, the first portion  273   a  of the first substrate  262  can extend parallel to the second portion  273   b  of the first substrate  262 . The first electrical shield  258  can define a first jogged transition region  275  that extends from the first portion  271   a  to the second portion  271   b . Thus, the first substrate  262  can define a jogged region  277  that extends from the first portion  273   a  to the second portion  273   b.    
     The first electrically conductive substrate  262 , and thus the first electrical shield  258 , can define the first side  263   a  that faces the first row, the second side  263   b  that is opposite the first side  263   a  and faces the second row. The second portions  271   b  and  273   b  can be offset, or jogged, with respect to the first portions  271   a  and  273   a  along a first direction that is from the first side  263   a  to the second side  263   b . The first electrically conductive substrate  262 , and thus the first electrical shield  258 , further defines at least one edge  263   c  that extends from the first side  263   a  to the second side  263   b  along the transverse direction. In one example, the first electrical shield  258  can define an EMI absorber is disposed on at least one of the first side  263   a , the second side  263   b , and the at least one edge  263   c . In one example, the EMI absorber can be configured as lossy material  64 . However, as is described below, the first electrical shield  258  can have any suitable alternative configuration suitable to absorb EMI at a predetermined frequency within +/−5 GHz. As described herein, the predetermined frequency can be tunable by varying at least one characteristic of the first electrical shield  258 . 
     With continuing reference to  FIGS. 27B-27C , the second electrical shield  260  can similarly define a respective first portion  281   a  and a respective second portion  281   b  that is offset with respect to the respective first portion  281   a  along the transverse direction T. Thus, the second substrate  266  can define a respective first portion  283   a  and a respective second portion  283   b  that is offset with respect to the respective first portion  283   a  along the transverse direction T. The transverse direction T is oriented perpendicular to a direction of elongation of the second electrical shield  260  and the second substrate  266 , which can be either or both of the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. It can therefore be said that when the second electrical shield  260  is disposed between first and second rows of electrical contacts of the second electrical connector  24 , the second electrical shield  260  is jogged toward the first row and away from the second row. 
     The second portions  281   b  and  283   b  can be defined by distal portions of the second electrical shield  260  and first substrate  266 , respectively. Thus, the second portions  281   b  and  283   b  can be spaced from the first portions  281   a  and  283   a , respectively, along the mating direction along which the first electrical connector  22  mates with the second electrical connector  24 . The first portions  281   a  and  283   a  can be longer than the second portions  281   b  and  283   b , respectively, along the mating direction. The mating direction of the second electrical connector  24  can be opposite the mating end of the first electrical connector  22 . Thus, as will be described in more detail below, the second portion  281   b  of the second electrical shield  260  can nest in the jogged second portion  271   b  of the first electrical shield  258 . However, an entirety of the second electrical shield  260  can be spaced from the first electrical shield  258 . Alternatively, the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  can contact each other. 
     The first and second portions  281   a ,  283   a ,  281   b , and  283   b  can be substantially planar. That is, at least a portion of the respective outer sides of the first and second portions can be substantially planar, for instance along the lateral direction A and the longitudinal direction L. Thus, the first portion  281   a  of the second electrical shield  260  can extend parallel to the second portion  281   b  of the second electrical shield  260 . Similarly, the first portion  283   a  of the second substrate  266  can extend parallel to the second portion  283   b  of the second substrate  266 . The second electrical shield  260  can define a second jogged transition region  285  that extends from the first portion  281   a  to the second portion  281   b . Thus, the second substrate  266  can define a jogged region  287  that extends from the first portion  283   a  to the second portion  283   b.    
     The first electrically conductive substrate  262 , and thus the first electrical shield  258 , can define the first side  267   a  that faces the first row of electrical contacts of the second electrical connector  24 , the second side  267   b  that is opposite the first side  263   a  and faces the second row. The first sides  263   a  and  267   a  can face the same direction, and the second sides  263   b  and  267   b  can face the same direction. The second portions  281   b  and  283   b  can be offset, or jogged, with respect to the first portions  281   a  and  283   a  along a second direction that is from the second side  267   b  to the first side  267   a . Thus, the first and second directions can be oriented along the transverse direction, and can further be opposite each other. The second electrically conductive substrate  266 , and thus the second electrical shield  260 , further defines at least one edge  273   c  that extends from the first side  267   a  to the second side  267   b  along the transverse direction T. In one example, the second electrical shield  260  can define an EMI absorber is disposed on at least one of the first side  267   a , the second side  267   b , and the at least one edge  267   c . In one example, the EMI absorber can be configured as lossy material  272 . However, as is described below, the second electrical shield  260  can have any suitable alternative configuration suitable to absorb EMI at a predetermined frequency within +/−5 GHz. As described herein, the predetermined frequency can be tunable by varying at least one characteristic of the second electrical shield  260 . 
     The first side  263   a  of the first substrate  262  can face the second surface  267   b  of the second substrate  266  at the distal ends of the first and second substrates  262  and  266 , or at the second portions  271   b  and  281   b  of the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260 , respectively. Further, the first electrical shield  258  and the second electrical shield  60  can be devoid of lossy material at the first and second sides  263   a  and  267   b  along at least some up to all of the second portions  271   b  and  281   b , respectively. Accordingly, an air gap can extend from the first side  263   a  of the first substrate  262  to the second side  267   b  of the second substrate  266  at the respective second portions  271   b  and  281   b , respectively. 
     At least a portion of the second electrical shield  260  can be substantially coplanar with the first portion  271   a  of the first electrical shield  258  when the first and second electrical connectors  22  and  24  are mated to each other. For instance, the first portion  281   a  of the second electrical shield  260  can be coplanar with the first portion  271   a  of the first electrical shield  258 . Further, when the first and second electrical connectors  22  and  24  are mated with each other, a portion less than an entirety of the lossy material  272  that is disposed on the first side  267   a  of the second substrate  266  at the first portion  281   a  of the second electrical shield  258  can be aligned along the mating direction with lossy material  64  on the first side  263   a  of the first substrate  262  at the second portion of the first electrical shield. Additionally, a portion of the lossy material  272  less than an entirety of lossy material  272  that is disposed on the second side  278   b  of the second substrate  266  at the first portion  281   a  of the second electrical shield  260  can be aligned along the mating direction with lossy material  62  that is on the second side  264   b  of the first substrate  262  at the second portion  281   b  of the first electrical shield  260 . Further still, the second substrate  266  at the first portion  281   a  of the second electrical shield  260  can be coplanar with the first substrate  262  at the first portion  271   a  of the first electrical shield  258  when the first and second electrical connectors are mated to each other. 
     The second portions  271   b  and  281   b  of the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  can overlap each other along the second direction at a region of overlap. Thus, a straight line that extends along the transverse direction can extend through each of the second portions  271   b  and  281   b . In particular, a portion of the second side  263   a  of the first substrate  262  can face a portion of the first side  267   a  of the second substrate  266  at the second portion  281   b  of the second electrical shield  260  along the second direction. The first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  can be devoid of lossy material between the portion of the second side  263   b  of the first substrate  258  and the portion of the first side  267   a  of the second substrate  260 . Accordingly, an air gap can extend from the portion of the second side  263   b  of the first substrate  258  to the portion of the first side  267   a  of the second substrate  260 . The first electrical shield  258  can include lossy material  64  at the first side  263   a  of the first substrate  262  that is opposite the portion of the second side  263   b  of the first substrate  262  and aligned with the portion of the second side  263   b  of the first substrate  262  in the first direction. Similarly, the second electrical shield  260  can include lossy material  272  at the second side  267   b  of the second substrate  266  that is opposite the portion of the first side  267   a  of the second substrate  266  and aligned with the portion of the first side  267   a  of the second substrate  266  in the second direction. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 27D , it is recognized that one of the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  can be jogged as described above, and the other of the first and second shields  258  and  260  is not jogged in one example. Thus, an entirety of the other of the first and second shields  258  and  260  can be substantially planar along the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. In one example, the first electrical shield  258  is jogged and the second electrical shield  260  is not jogged. Thus, a substantial entirety of the second electrical shield  260  can be substantially coplanar with the first portion  271   a  of the first electrical shield  258  when the first and second electrical connectors  22  and  24  are mated to each other. Further, the lossy material  272  disposed on the first side  267   a  of the second substrate  266  can be substantially fully aligned with the lossy material  64  that is disposed on the first side  263   a  of the first substrate  262  at the first portion  271   a  of the first electrical shield  258 . Similarly, the lossy material  272  disposed on the second side  267   b  of the second substrate  266  can be substantially fully aligned with the lossy material  64  disposed on the second side  263   b  of the first electrically conductive substrate  262  at the first portion  271   a  of the first electrical shield  258 . 
     Thus, the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  can define a region of overlap whereby the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  are aligned along the transverse direction T, such that a straight line oriented along the transverse direction T passes through each of the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260 . In particular, the straight line can pass through the second portion  271   b  of the first electrical shield  258 . In the region of overlap, a portion of the first side  263   a  of the second substrate  266  faces a portion of the second side  267   b  of the first substrate  62 . The portion of the second side  267   b  is disposed at the second portion  271   b  of the first electrical shield. The first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  can be devoid of lossy material between the portion of the first side  267   a  of the second substrate  260  and the portion of the second side  263   b  of the first substrate  258 . Thus, an air gap can extend from the portion of the first side  267   a  of the second substrate  260  to the portion of the second side  263   b  of the first substrate  258 . The first electrical shield  258  can include lossy material  64  at the first side  263   a  of the first substrate  262  that is opposite the portion of the second side  263   b  of the first substrate  262  and aligned with the portion of the second side  263   b  of the first substrate  262  in the first direction. The second electrical shield  260  can include lossy material  272  at the second side  267   b  of the second substrate  260  that is opposite the portion of the first side  267   a  of the second substrate  260  and aligned with the portion of the first side  267   a  of the second substrate  260  in the second direction. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 26B , the NEXT of the electrical connector assembly  220  illustrated in  FIG. 26A  is reduced with respect to an otherwise identical electrical connector assembly, but without the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260 , respectively. For instance, NEXT of the electrical connector assembly  220  without the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  reaches −60 dB (decibels) at approximately 3 GHz operating frequency. NEXT of the electrical connector assembly  220  with the first and second electrical shields  258  and  60  reaches −60 dB (decibels) at approximately 26 GHz operating frequency. Thus, the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  can allow the operating frequency to at least double with respect to the operating frequency without the first and second electrical shields while remaining below −60 dB. For instance, the operating frequency can triple. In one example, the operating frequency can be 5 times greater with the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  with respect to the operating frequency without the first and second electrical shields. For instance, the operating frequency can be up to approximately 8 times greater with the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  with respect to the operating frequency without the first and second electrical shields. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 26C , the FEXT of the electrical connector assembly  220  illustrated in  FIG. 26A  is reduced with respect to an otherwise identical electrical connector assembly, but without the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260 , respectively. For instance, FEXT of the electrical connector assembly  220  without the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  reaches −60 dB (decibels) at approximately 5 GHz operating frequency. FEXT of the electrical connector assembly  220  with the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  reaches −60 dB (decibels) at approximately 26 GHz operating frequency. Thus, the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  can allow the operating frequency to at least double with respect to the operating frequency without the first and second electrical shields while remaining below −60 dB. For instance, the operating frequency can triple. In one example, the operating frequency can be approximately 5 times greater with the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  with respect to the operating frequency without the first and second electrical shields. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 27E-27F , the NEXT of the electrical connector assembly  220  illustrated in  FIGS. 27A-27C  is reduced with respect to an otherwise identical electrical connector assembly, but without the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260 , respectively. For instance, NEXT of the electrical connector assembly  220  without the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  reaches −40 dB (decibels) at approximately 11 GHz operating frequency. NEXT of the electrical connector assembly  20  with the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  reaches −40 dB (decibels) at approximately 55 GHz operating frequency. Thus, the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  can allow the operating frequency to at least double with respect to the operating frequency without the first and second electrical shields while remaining below −40 dB. For instance, the operating frequency can triple. In one example, the operating frequency can be approximately 5 times greater with the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  with respect to the operating frequency without the first and second electrical shields. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 27G-27H , the FEXT of the electrical connector assembly  220  illustrated in  FIGS. 27A-27C  is reduced with respect to an otherwise identical electrical connector assembly, but without the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260 , respectively. For instance, FEXT of the electrical connector assembly  220  without the first and second electrical shields  58  and  60  reaches −40 dB (decibels) at approximately 11 GHz operating frequency. FEXT of the electrical connector assembly  220  with the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  reaches −40 dB (decibels) at approximately 65 GHz operating frequency. Thus, the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  can allow the operating frequency to at least double with respect to the operating frequency without the first and second electrical shields while remaining below −40 dB. For instance, the operating frequency can triple. In one example, the operating frequency can be approximately 5 times greater with the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  with respect to the operating frequency without the first and second electrical shields. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 28 , and as described above, either or both of the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  can be constructed in accordance with any suitable alternative embodiment. For instance, while either or both of the first and second electrically conductive substrates  262  and  266  can comprise metallic plates that are homogenous and unitary in one example, the first and second substrates  262  and  266  can be alternatively constructed. For instance, either or both of the first and second substrates  262  and  266  can be configured as a hybrid structure that includes layers of different materials. 
     For instance, either or both of the first and second substrates  262  and  266  can include a respective electrically nonconductive layer  289  that defines a first outer side  290   a  and a second outer side  290   b  opposite the first outer side  290   a . The first and second outer sides  290   a  and  290   b  can be opposite each other along the transverse direction T as described above. Either or both of the first and second substrates  262  and  266  can further include a first electrically conductive layer  292  disposed on the first outer side  290   a , and a second electrically conductive layer  294  disposed on the second outer side  290   b . The first and second electrically conductive layers  292  and  294  can define respective inner sides that face the electrically nonconductive layer  289 , and outer sides opposite the inner sides. The outer sides of the electrically conductive layers  292  and  294  can define respective outer sides of the one or both of the first and second substrates  262  and  266 . The electrical shield  258  or  260  can further include a lossy material  64  or  272  that is disposed on each of the outer sides of the first and second electrically conductive layers  292  and  294 . 
     The electrically nonconductive layer  289  can be configured as any suitable electrical insulator. For instance, the electrically nonconductive layer  289  can be configured as a plastic. In one example, the electrically nonconductive layer  289  can be an epoxy. In another example, the electrically nonconductive layer can be configured as glass. Thus, it is appreciated that the electrically nonconductive layer  289  can be made of any suitable electrically nonconductive material as desired. The electrically conductive layers  292  and  294  can be configured as any suitable electrically conductive material. For instance, the electrically conductive layers  292  and  294  can be configured as electrically conductive ink. The electrically conductive ink can be printed onto the outer sides of the electrically nonconductive layer  289 . In one example, the electrically conductive ink can be a silver ink. However, the electrically conductive ink can be made from any suitable alternative material as desired. 
     As described above, the resulting electrical shield can be configured to absorb an electromagnetic interference frequency within +/−5 GHz. Further, the interference frequency that is absorbed can be tuned in any manner described above. In this regard, the lossy material  64  or  272  can be constructed in accordance with any example described herein. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 29A , either or both of the first and second electrical shields  258  and  260  can be constructed in accordance with still another alternative embodiment. For instance, either or both of the first and second substrates  262  and  266  can be configured as a hybrid structure that includes layers of different materials. In particular, either or both of the first and second substrates  262  and  266  can include a respective inner electrically conductive layer  291  that defines a first outer side  293   a  and a second outer side  293   b  opposite the first outer side  293   a . The first and second outer sides  293   a  and  293   b  can be opposite each other along the transverse direction T as described above. Either or both of the first and second substrates  262  and  266  can further include a first electrically conductive layer  296  disposed on the first outer side  293   a , and a second electrically conductive layer  298  disposed on the second outer side  293   b . The first and second electrically conductive layers  292  and  294  can define respective inner sides that face the electrically nonconductive layer  289 , and outer sides opposite the inner sides. Thus, the electrically conductive layer  291  can be disposed between the first and second electrically conductive layers  292  and  294 . The outer sides of the electrically conductive layers  292  and  294  can define respective first outer sides  263   a  or  267   a , respectively, and second outer sides  263   b  or  267   b , respectively, of the first or second substrates  262  and  266 . The electrical shield  258  or  260  can further include a lossy material  64  or  272  that is disposed on each of the outer sides of the first and second electrically conductive layers  292  and  294 . The lossy material  64  or  272  can be constructed in accordance with any example described herein. 
     The electrically conductive layer  291  can be configured as any suitable electrically conductive material, such as an electrically conductive adhesive in some examples. In one example, the electrically conductive adhesive can be pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA). Thus, the electrically conductive layer s  292  and  294  can be pressure bonded to the electrically conductive layer  291 . The electrically conductive layers  292  and  294  can be configured as any suitable electrically conductive material. For instance, each of the electrically conductive layers  292  and  294  can be configured as electrically conductive coating, which can be any electrically conductive metal such as a silver, or any suitable electrically conductive material. The electrically conductive coatings. The electrically conductive coatings can extend along respective inner sides of the lossy material  64  or  272 . 
     The inner electrically conductive layer  291  can be thicker along the transverse direction T than each of the electrically conductive layers  292  and  294 . Further, each of the first and second layers of lossy material  64  or  272  can be thicker than each of the electrically conductive layers  292  and  294  along the transverse direction T. In one example, the inner electrically conductive layer  291  can have a thickness in a range from approximately 10 micrometers to approximately 50 micrometers. For instance, the thickness of the inner electrically conductive layer  291  can be approximately 30 micrometers. Each of the first and second electrically conductive layers  292  and  294  can have a thickness along the transverse direction T that is in a range from approximately 1 micrometer to approximately 5 micrometers. For instance, the thickness of each of the first and second electrically conductive layers can be approximately 2 micrometers. Each of the first and second layers of lossy material  62  or  272  can have a thickness along the transverse direction T that is in a range from approximately 100 micrometers to approximately 400 micrometers. For instance, the thickness of each of the first and second layers  62  or  272  of lossy material can be approximately 250 micrometers. It should be appreciated that these thicknesses are described by way of example, and that other thicknesses are envisioned. 
     As described above, the resulting electrical shield  258  or  260  can be configured to absorb an electromagnetic interference frequency within +/−5 GHz. Further, the interference frequency that is absorbed can be tuned in any manner described above. 
     The electrical shield  258  or  260  can be fabricated in accordance with any suitable method as desired. In one example, referring to  FIGS. 29B-29G , the method can begin by providing a layer of lossy material  64  or  272  at  FIG. 29B . Next, at  FIG. 29C , the layer of lossy material  64  or  272  can be cut and separated into first and second layers of lossy material  64  or  272 . Next at  FIG. 29D , the first and second electrically conductive layers  296  and  298  can be applied to, for instance coated onto, the respective inner sides of the first and second layers of lossy material  64  or  272 . Next, at  FIG. 29E , the material of the inner electrically conductive layer  291  can be applied, for instance sprayed, to one or both of the inner sides of the first and second electrically conductive layers  296  and  298 . Next, at  FIG. 29F , the first and second electrically conductive layers  296  and  298  can then be brought toward each other, with the inner electrically conductive layer  291  therebetween. Because the inner electrically conductive layer  291  can be a pressure-sensitive adhesive, the first and second electrically conductive layers  296  and  298  can be pressure-bonded to each other. Finally, at  FIG. 29G , the resulting structure can be cut as desired to produce the final electrically conductive shields  258  or  260  having desired dimensions along the lateral and longitudinal directions. 
     Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIGS. 29B and 30A , the layer of lossy material  64  or  272  can be cut as desired to produce the desired final dimensions of the resulting electrical shields  258  or  260  along the lateral and longitudinal directions. Next, at  FIG. 30B , the electrically conductive material that defines first and second electrically conductive layers  296  and  298  can be applied to, for instance coated onto, the inner side of the lossy material  64  or  272 . Next, at  FIG. 30C , the material of the inner electrically conductive layer  291  can be applied, for instance sprayed, onto the inner side of at least one of the first and second electrically conductive layers  296  and  298 . The first and second electrically conductive layers can then be bonded to each other in the manner described above with respect to  FIG. 29G . 
     It should be appreciated that either of the methods described with respect to  FIGS. 20B-29G and 30A-3C  can also be used to fabricate the electrical shields  258  or  260  shown at  FIG. 28 , whereby the inner electrically conductive layer  291  would be replaced by the electrically nonconductive layer  289 , which can be an epoxy as described above. Further, the first and second electrically conductive layers  292  and  294  replace the first and second electrically conductive layers  296  and  298 , respectively. The epoxy can be applied to the first and second electrically conductive layers  292  and  294  using any known suitable technique. Alternatively, the first and second electrically conductive layers  292  and  294  can be applied to glass in any suitable manner, when the inner electrically conductive layer  289  defines a glass. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 31A-31D , either or both of the electrical shields  258  or  260  can be fabricated without lossy material. In particular, and as described above with respect to  FIG. 28 , the electrical shields  258  or  260  can include a respective substrate  262  or  266  that includes the inner electrical insulator, or electrically nonconductive layer  289  described above, and the first electrically conductive layer  292  described above disposed on the first outer side of the electrically nonconductive layer  289 , and the second electrically conductive layer  294  described above disposed on the second outer side of the electrically nonconductive layer  289 . The first and second sides of the electrical insulator  289  can be planar and parallel to each other. As described above, the inner electrically nonconductive layer  289  and the first and second electrically conductive layers  292  and  294  can combine to define the respective substrate  262  or  266 . However, instead of including a lossy material, either or both of the first and second electrically conductive layers  292  and  294  can be patterned on the inner electrically nonconductive layer  289  so as to define the electrical shield  258  or  260 . In this regard, the respective outer sides of the first and second electrically conductive layers  292  and  294  can define the outer surfaces of the respective shield  258  or  260 . Accordingly, in the electrical connectors  22  and  24  described above, the respective substrate can be replaced with the electrically nonconductive layer  289 , and the first and second lossy material can be replaced by the first and second patterned electrically conductive layers  292  and  294 , respectively. 
     The first and second electrically conductive layers  292  and  294  can be patterned as desired. For instance, the first and second electrically conductive layers  292  and  294  can coat the opposed surfaces of the electrically nonconductive layer  289 , and then can be patterned using a masking and etching process. Alternatively, the first and second electrically conductive layers  292  and  294  can be patterned onto the respective outer surfaces of the electrically nonconductive layer  289 . The pattern of the first and second electrically conductive layers  292  and  294  can be tuned to determine the frequency of electromagnetic interference which the electrical shield  258  and  260  is configured to shield, +/−5 GHz as described above. In this regard, the first electrically conductive layer  292  can be patterned so as to define a first frequency at which the electrical shield is configured to shield the electromagnetic interference at the first side of the electrical shield. The second electrically conductive layer  292  can be patterned so as to define a second frequency at which the electrical shield is configured to shield the electromagnetic interference at the second side of the electrical shield. In some examples, the first and second electrically conductive layers  292  and  294  are identically patterned so as to define a common pattern, such that the first frequency is substantially equal to the second frequency. Alternatively, the first electrically conductive layer  292  can define a different pattern than the second electrically conductive layer  294 , such that the first and second sides of the electrical shield are configured to shield electromagnetic interference substantially at first and second different frequencies, within. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 31B , the pattern defined by either or both of the first and second electrically conductive layers  292  and  294  can be a grid with a plurality of interconnected links. The grid can define a plurality of openings that extend through the respective electrically conductive layer along the transverse direction. The openings can be the same size and shape along an entirety of the respective first and second electrically conductive layer. Further, the openings can have a first dimension and a second dimension, wherein the first dimension is greater than the second dimension. The first and second dimensions can be oriented perpendicular to each other. The first dimension can oriented along the longitudinal direction and the second dimension can be oriented along the lateral direction. Alternatively, the second dimension can oriented along the longitudinal direction and the first dimension can be oriented along the lateral direction. Alternatively still, each of the first and second dimensions can be angled with respect to each of the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction. Alternatively still, the openings defined by the respective electrically conductive layer can have different sizes and/or shapes along the respective side of the inner electrically insulative layer  289 . While the openings can define the same size and shape in one example, it should be appreciated that the openings can alternatively have different sizes and/or shapes as desired. It is recognized that the sizes and shapes of the openings can determine the frequency at which the electrical shield is configured to shield electromagnetic interference between electrical contacts of an electrical connector. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 31C , in another example, the pattern can be defined by a plurality of geometric shapes disposed on the electrical insulator. The geometric shapes can define the same size and shape. Alternatively, the geometric shapes can be different along the side of the electrically insulative layer  289 . At least some up to all of the geometric shapes can be spaced from all other geometric shapes on the respective side of the electrically insulative layer  289 . The shapes can be squares, rectangles, triangles, other polygons, or any regular geometric shapes. Alternatively, the shapes can define irregular geometric shapes. Further, the geometric shapes can be spaced from each other at the same distances or at varying distances across the side of the electrically insulative layer  289 . 
     Alternatively still, referring to  FIG. 31D , the pattern can be configured such that the electrically conductive layer defines a plurality of rings. The rings can be concentric with each other, or non-concentric. In some examples, the rings can be discontinuous so as to define ring segments that are spaced from each other. The ring segments can be spaced from each other radially and/or circumferentially. Radially spaced rings can be spaced from each other in their respective entireties in one example. Alternatively, the electrically conductive layer can join two or more radially spaced rings to each other. It should be appreciated that the patterns illustrated in  FIGS. 31B-D  are presented by way of example only, and that other patterns are envisioned. It is further appreciated that the shielding frequency of the resulting electrical shield can be tuned based on the pattern of the electrically conductive layer, which can be a metallic layer as described above. 
     It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the present invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variances that fall within the scope of the appended claims.