Patent Publication Number: US-2023163502-A1

Title: Cable connector

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of International Application Serial No. PCT/CN2021/132983, filed Nov. 25, 2021, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic connectors such as plugs and receptacles are widely used to couple one device or component to another device/component or power source. Various types of cable connectors, such as removable plug receptacles, include a flexible printed circuit (FPC) that is mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) of a device or component using board-to-board connectors and/or other additional connections. 
     SUMMARY 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure. 
     Examples are disclosed that relate to cable connectors for attachment to a printed circuit board (PCB). In one example, a cable connector comprises a flexible printed circuit (FPC) comprising a plurality of FPC alignment apertures, a stiffener plate comprising a plurality of stiffener alignment apertures, and a plurality of alignment pins extending through the plurality of stiffener alignment apertures and the plurality of FPC alignment apertures and into a plurality of PCB apertures in the PCB. The plurality of alignment pins align the FPC to the PCB. 
     In another example, a cable connector comprises a tongue that comprises a plurality of first bonding surfaces extending from a proximal end of the tongue to a distal end of the tongue, with the first bonding surfaces affixed to a first ribbon of a flexible printed circuit (FPC). The first tongue surface also includes a plurality of first slots extending between the first bonding surfaces from the proximal end of the tongue to the distal end of the tongue. The tongue also comprises a second tongue surface that is opposite the first tongue surface. The second tongue surface includes a plurality of second bonding surfaces extending from the proximal end of the tongue to the distal end of the tongue, with the second bonding surfaces affixed to a second ribbon of the FPC. The second tongue surface also includes a plurality of second slots extending between the second bonding surfaces from the proximal end of the tongue to the distal end of the tongue. 
     In another example, a method of attaching a flexible printed circuit (FPC) of a cable connector to a printed circuit board (PCB) is disclosed. The method comprises inserting a plurality of alignment pins through a plurality of stiffener alignment apertures in a stiffener plate and a plurality of FPC alignment apertures in the FPC. The alignment pins are then affixed to the stiffener plate. The alignment pins are inserted into a plurality of PCB apertures in the PCB, and two or more alignment pins are then affixed to the PCB. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    shows one example of a cable connector affixed to a PCB according to examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    shows an opposite side view of the cable connector and PCB according to examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    shows the cable connector of  FIG.  2    with the PCB removed according to examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    shows an exploded view of the cable connector and a portion of the PCB according to examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    shows an exploded view of a tongue, midplate, and collar plates of the cable connector according to examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    shows a top view of the cable connector and stiffener plate according to examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7    shows a cross section view of the cable connector taken along line  7 - 7  in  FIG.  6    according to examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8    shows a cross section view of the cable connector taken along line  8 - 8  in  FIG.  6    according to examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9    shows a cross section view of the cable connector taken along line  9 - 9  in  FIG.  6    according to examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  10    shows a flow diagram of an example method of attaching an FPC of a cable connector to a PCB according to examples of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As noted above, many receptacles for removable plugs and other cable connectors utilize a flexible printed circuit (FPC) that is mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) of a device using board-to-board connectors and/or other additional connections. The footprints, thicknesses, and overall sizes of these configurations can be too large to be accommodated in certain electronic devices having smaller profiles, such as foldable computing devices. Also, to accurately position the FPC relative to the PCB for attachment, these configurations require specialized alignment equipment and imaging systems to ensure proper alignment between the FPC and PCB. 
     The numerous connections utilized in these configurations also can cause poor signal integrity and create multiple hotspots that necessitate additional electromagnetic shielding components that further increase size and cost. In many of these configurations, repeated insertion and removal of a corresponding plug into the connector also can cause delamination of the FPC from its underlying support surface. 
     Accordingly, the present disclosure describes cable connectors and related methods that address one or more of the above-described issues. As described in more detail below, cable connectors of the present disclosure include one or more features that reduce the overall size and footprint of an FPC to PCB connection, and eliminate the need for board-to-board connections and/or other additional connections. Configurations of the present disclosure also provide more robust electromagnetic shielding and corresponding improved signal integrity as compared to prior configurations. Additionally, cable connectors described herein utilize alignment pins that eliminate the need for specialized alignment equipment and imaging systems to ensure proper alignment between the FPC and PCB. As described further below, the cable connectors also include features that promote structural integrity of the FPC and protect the FPC from delamination. 
       FIGS.  1  and  2    show one example of a cable connector  10  according to examples of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG.  1   , portions of the cable connector  10  are housed in a receptacle  12  (shown in dashed line for clarity) that is configured to removably receive a corresponding plug for attachment to and detachment from the cable connector via frictional engagement. As described in more detail below, and with reference also to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the cable connector  10  includes an FPC  14  that comprises a distal end  16  affixed to a PCB  18  and an opposing proximal end  20 . The distal end  16  of the FPC  14  comprises a plurality of conductors  24  configured to electrically contact corresponding conductors  26  on the PCB  18 . 
     In the present example, the cable connector  10  takes the form of a rotationally symmetrical USB-C connector that utilizes a 24-pin connector system consisting of twelve pins (conductors)  27  on each side of a tongue  40 . In other examples, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be utilized in cable connectors that have different pin configurations, conform to different industry standards, are rotationally symmetrical or asymmetrical, and/or have other features that differ from the examples described herein. 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  5  and  7   , in the present example the FPC  14  comprises a single ribbon at the distal end  16  that is affixed to the PCB  18 . Moving toward the proximal end  20  the FPC  14  splits into a first ribbon  30  and an opposing second ribbon  32  that extend parallel to one another and away from the distal end  16 . As described in more detail below, the first ribbon  30  is affixed to a plurality of first bonding surfaces  36  of a tongue  40  of the cable connector  10  and the second ribbon  32  is affixed to a plurality of second bonding surfaces  38  of the tongue opposite to the first bonding surfaces. 
     Accordingly, and in one potential advantage of the present disclosure, this configuration utilizing an FPC  14  that splits into a first ribbon  30  and second ribbon  32  provides a board mount connector that allows for variations in Z height differences between mounting surfaces on a PCB and connector ports of a device&#39;s housing, such as port  15  of receptacle  12  in  FIG.  1   . Accordingly, cable connectors  10  of the present disclosure provide flexibility to be used across different devices without the need to redesign the connector. 
     With reference now to  FIG.  4   , as described in more detail below and in another potential advantage of the present disclosure, the FPC  14  comprises a plurality of FPC alignment apertures  44 ,  44 ′ at the distal end  16  of the FPC. A structural stiffener plate  46  comprising a plurality of stiffener alignment apertures  50  is bonded to a non-contacting surface  56  of the FPC  14  via an adhesive layer  52 . In different examples the adhesive layer  52  can comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive, heat-activated film, epoxy glue, or other suitable adhesive. In some examples the adhesive layer  52  is conductive. Advantageously, in these examples a conductive adhesive layer  52  can enable the stiffener plate to provide robust electromagnetic shielding as described further below. The adhesive layer  52  includes corresponding apertures  54  that are aligned with the stiffener alignment apertures  50 . As described further below, and in one potential advantage of the present disclosure, a plurality of alignment pins  60  and  61  extend through the plurality of stiffener alignment apertures  50  and the plurality of FPC alignment apertures  44 ,  44 ′ and into a plurality of PCB apertures  62 ,  63  in the PCB  18 . As described in more detail below, the alignment pins  60 ,  61  perform numerous technical functions, including aligning the stiffener plate to the FPC and aligning the FPC to the PCB. Additionally, adhesive layer apertures  54  are significantly larger than the diameters of the alignment pins  60  and  61  and larger than the FPC alignment apertures  44 ,  44 ′ and the stiffener alignment apertures  50 . Advantageously, the relatively larger size of the apertures  54  provides surface area on the structural stiffener plate  46  and non-contacting surface  56  of the FPC  14  to accommodate potential adhesive spread-out during bonding. 
     Advantageously and as described further below, the alignment pins  60 ,  61  and corresponding stiffener alignment apertures  50  and FPC alignment apertures  44 ,  44 ′ cooperate to align the stiffener plate  46  with the FPC  14  and create a structurally robust FPC assembly. Additionally, the alignment pins  60 ,  61  and corresponding FPC apertures  44 ,  44 ′ and PCB apertures  62  function to align the FPC  14  and stiffener plate  46  to the PCB  18  for accurate engagement of the FPC conductors  24  with the corresponding PCB conductors  26 . In this manner, and in one potential advantage of the present disclosure, proper alignment between the FPC  14  and PCB  18  is achieved without the need for specialized alignment equipment and imaging systems. 
     Additionally, and as described in more detail below, these components for aligning, mounting, and attaching the FPC  14  to the PCB  18  eliminate the need for board-to-board connectors. For example, the exemplary configurations described below function to attach the FPC  14  to the PCB  18  via the stiffener plate  46 . In this manner, configurations of the present disclosure enable thinner and lower-profile FPC/PCB stackups and smaller overall footprints, while also providing desirable flexibility in Z height differences between PCB mounting surfaces and the connector ports of a device&#39;s housing or other ports or components. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  4  and  9   , each alignment pin  60 ,  61  comprises a tail end  64  and opposing head end  66 . After each alignment pin  60 ,  61  is inserted through the stiffener alignment apertures  50 , the adhesive layer apertures  54 , and the FPC alignment apertures  44 ,  44 ′, the tail end  64  of each pin is affixed to the stiffener plate  46 . In the present example, each tail end  64  is riveted to the stiffener plate  46 . Advantageously, in addition to creating a strong mechanical bond between the alignment pins  60 ,  61  and the stiffener plate  46 , riveting each tail end  64  to the stiffener plate  46  also creates solid electrical contact between the alignment pins and the stiffener plate, which thereby enables the stiffener plate to provide robust electromagnetic shielding as described further below. In other examples, different configurations of alignment pins may be utilized and affixed to the stiffener plate  46  in any suitable manner. 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  9   , each alignment pin  60  comprises a first standoff feature  70  between the tail end  64  and head end  66 . The first standoff feature  70  comprises a first upper shoulder  72  that engages a lower surface  73  of the stiffener plate  46 , and a first lower shoulder  75 . Similarly, each alignment pin  61  comprises a second standoff feature  71  between the tail end  64  and head end  66 . The second standoff feature  71  comprises a second upper shoulder  77  that engages the lower surface  73  of the stiffener plate  46 , and a second lower shoulder  81 . 
     In some examples, prior to insertion and deformation, the tail end  64  of each alignment pin  60 ,  61  is inserted through the FPC alignment apertures  44 ,  44 ′, the adhesive layer apertures  54 , and the stiffener alignment apertures  50  until the first upper shoulders  72  and the second upper shoulders  77  contact the lower surface  73  of the stiffener plate  46 . Advantageously, by bracing the first upper shoulders  72  and the second upper shoulders  77  of the alignment pins  60 ,  61  against the lower surface  73  of the stiffener plate  46 , the first lower shoulders  75  and second lower shoulder  81  may then be utilized as working surfaces for a riveting machine or tool that upsets (deforms) the tail end  64  to expand its original diameter as illustrated in  FIG.  4    to its wider, deformed diameter shown in  FIG.  9   . 
     With the alignment pins  60 ,  61  riveted to the stiffener plate  46 , and in another potential advantage of the present disclosure, the alignment pins are inserted into the PCB apertures  62 ,  63  to thereby guide and align the conductors  24  of the FPC  14  into mating contact with the corresponding conductors  26  of the PCB  18  (see also  FIG.  7   ). Advantageously and as noted above, this configuration provides and ensures proper alignment between the FPC  14  and PCB  18  without the need for specialized alignment equipment and imaging systems. In some examples and in another potential advantage of the present disclosure, the first standoff feature  70  of alignment pins  60  and second standoff feature  71  of alignment pins  61  also function to set and maintain a gap between the PCB-facing surface of the FPC  14  and the PCB  18  that can facilitate proper contact between the conductors  24  of the FPC  14  and the corresponding conductors  26  of the PCB  18 . 
     In another potential advantage of the present disclosure, the head ends of at least two alignment pins are affixed to the PCB  18  to thereby attach the FPC  14  to the PCB via the stiffener plate  46 . In the present example and as shown in  FIG.  9   , the head end  66  of both alignment pins  60  is soldered to the PCB  18 . More particularly, in this example the two PCB apertures  62  comprise plated through holes  74  into which solder  76  is introduced to create a permanent metallic bond between the head end  66  of the alignment pin  60  and the plated through hole. Advantageously, this configuration solidly anchors the FPC  14  to the PCB  18 . Additionally, soldering the alignment pins  60  to the PCB  18  electrically connects the grounds of the PCB  18  to the stiffener plate  46 , and operates to complete at least a partial Faraday cage around the SMT areas of the FPC  14  that can advantageously block electromagnetic interference. Further, soldering the alignment pins  60  to the PCB  18  also enables stiffener plate  46  to function as a protective bracket that helps anchor the FPC  14  to the PCB  18  and prevents delamination of the soldering areas. 
     While the present example utilizes two alignment pins  60  and two alignment pins  61 , in other examples different numbers, combinations, and/or configurations of alignment pins may be utilized. 
     As noted above, the FPC  14  comprises a single ribbon at the distal end  16  that is affixed to the PCB  18 . The FPC  14  splits into a first ribbon  30  and an opposing second ribbon  32  that extend parallel to one another and away from the distal end  16 . With reference now to  FIGS.  5 ,  7 , and  8   , the first ribbon  30  is affixed via adhesive  84  to a plurality of first bonding surfaces  36  on a first tongue surface  78  of tongue  40 . As shown in  FIG.  5   , the first bonding surfaces  36  extend from a proximal end  80  of the tongue  40  to a distal end  82  of the tongue. Similarly, the second ribbon  32  is affixed via adhesive  84  to a plurality of second bonding surfaces  38  on a second tongue surface  79  of the tongue  40  opposite to the first tongue surface  78 . Like the first bonding surfaces  36 , the second bonding surfaces  38  extend from the proximal end  80  to the distal end  82  of the tongue  40 . In different examples, the tongue  40  may be manufactured from various plastic materials. Additionally, and as described in more detail below, the configurations of the present disclosure allow for a relatively thicker tongue body as compared to prior designs, thereby providing greater structural stability. 
     In one potential advantage of the present disclosure, and with reference to  FIGS.  5  and  8   , a plurality of first slots  86  extend between the first bonding surfaces  36  from the proximal end  80  of the tongue  40  to the distal end  82  of the tongue. Similarly, a plurality of second slots  87  extend between the second bonding surfaces  38  from the proximal end  80  of the tongue  40  to the distal end  82  of the tongue. Advantageously, the first slots  86  and second slots  87  function to collect excess and overflow adhesive that can flow from the first bonding surfaces  36  and the second bonding surfaces  38 , respectively. In this manner, undesirable buildups and migrations of excess adhesive  84  can be avoided. Additionally, this configuration allows for more variations in the amounts of adhesive  84  that are applied to the first bonding surfaces  36  and the second bonding surfaces  38  without the risk of overflow of adhesive onto contact interfaces or other surfaces. 
     With reference to  FIG.  7   , the tongue  40  comprises a first leading surface  90  and opposing second leading surface  92  at the proximal end  80 . In another potential advantage of the present disclosure, a first contacting surface  94  of the first ribbon  30  of the FPC  14  is below the first leading surface  90  of the tongue  40 . Similarly, a second contacting surface  96  of the second ribbon  32  of the FPC  14  is below the second leading surface  92  of the tongue  40 . Advantageously and in this manner, these features prevent a USB-C plug from contacting the first contacting surface  94  of first ribbon  30  and the second contacting surface  96  of second ribbon  32  during insertion/extraction of the plug, which could cause delamination of the first ribbon and second ribbon from the underlying first bonding surfaces  36  and the second bonding surfaces  38  of the tongue  40 . 
     Additionally, the tongue  40  comprises a first angled ramp  100  extending between a nose  101  of the tongue and the first leading surface  90 , and a second angled ramp  102  extending between the nose and the second leading surface  92 . Advantageously, the first angled ramp  100  and second angled ramp  102  guide the leading edges of a USB-C plug up and over the first leading surface  90  and second leading surface  92  of the tongue  40  to further protect these surfaces from potentially damaging contact. 
     In another potential advantage of the present disclosure and with reference to  FIGS.  5  and  7   , the tongue  40  comprises a cavity  110  between the first tongue surface  78  and the second tongue surface  79 , and an insert plate  114  of a midplate  112  extends into the cavity. As shown in  FIGS.  5  and  7   , in this example portions of the insert plate  114  extend from the distal end  82  of the tongue  40  through locations between the pins  27  on the first ribbon  30  and second ribbon  32  of the FPC  14 . Advantageously and as described further below, the insert plate  114  cooperates with a first metallic collar plate  122  and a second metallic collar plate  140  to surround significant portions of the first ribbon  30  and second ribbon  32  located behind the exposed pins  27 . In this manner, the insert plate  114  cooperates with first collar plate  122  and second collar plate  140  to create a Faraday cage that protects these portions of the first ribbon  30  and second ribbon  32  from electromagnetic interference. 
     Additionally, as noted above and in another potential advantage of the present disclosure, configurations described herein allow for a relatively thicker tongue body as compared to prior designs that utilize other features, such as numerous clamping features, which reduce the available space into which plastic may be filled. In some examples of the present disclosure, and with reference to  FIG.  8   , an internal thickness  190  of the tongue  40  between one of the first bonding surfaces  36  and an opposing one of the second bonding surfaces  38  is at least approximately 150 microns. Additionally, utilizing such internal thicknesses of a tongue  40  also expands the material selection possibilities for the tongue to include a variety of thermoplastics having relatively lower flowability and higher scratch resistance. Examples include but are not limited to polyoxymethylene (POM), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), and perfluoroalkoxy alkanes (PFA). 
     As described in more detail below, and in another potential advantage of the present disclosure, the first collar plate  122  is soldered to the first ribbon  30  of the FPC  14  between a first leading edge  124  and a first trailing edge  126  of the first collar plate, and the second collar plate  140  is soldered to the second ribbon  32  of the FPC  14  between a second leading edge  142  and a second trailing edge  144  of the second collar plate. More particularly and as shown in  FIGS.  5  and  7   , the first collar plate  122  includes a pair of first solder openings  170  configured to receive first solder joints  172  that bond the first collar plate to first solder pads  174  on the first ribbon  30 . Similarly, the second collar plate  140  includes a pair of second solder openings  176  configured to receive second solder joints  178  that bond the second collar plate to second solder pads  180  on the second ribbon  32 . Features  184  are part of the first solder pads  174  and features  186  are part of the second solder pads  180 . 
     By soldering the first collar plate  122  and second collar plate  140  to the first ribbon  30  and second ribbon  32 , respectively, these collar plates are electrically connected to both ribbons of the FPC. Additionally, this configuration of FPC  14 , first collar plate  122 , and second collar plate  140  in which middle portions of the collar plates are soldered to the two FPC ribbons provides a larger area for electrical connection of the collar plates to the ground planes of both ribbons as compared to traditional connectors in which such connections are limited to just leading edges of shields. Advantageously, in this manner the present configuration provides a more complete and effective Faraday cage around these portions of the first ribbon  30  and second ribbon  32  of the FPC  14 . 
     As noted above, a midplate  112  includes an insert plate  114  that extends into the cavity  110  in tongue  40 . With reference again to  FIG.  5   , the midplate  112  also includes a first midplate wing  116  extending laterally from the insert plate  114 , and an opposing second midplate wing  120  extending laterally from the insert plate. In another potential advantage of the present disclosure, the first collar plate  122  and second collar plate  140  are affixed to the first midplate wing  116  and second midplate wing  120  to provide additional structural integrity and electrical connections between the insert plate  114  and first and second collar plates. 
     In the present configuration, the first collar plate  122  comprises a first side collar wing  128  extending laterally from a first side  132  of the first collar plate and a second side collar wing  134  extending laterally from a second side  136  of the first collar plate. Similarly, the second collar plate  140  comprises a first side collar wing  146  extending laterally from a first side  158  of the second collar plate and a second side collar wing  162  extending laterally from a second side  164  of the second collar plate. With reference also to  FIGS.  2  and  3   , the first side collar wings  128 ,  146  of the first collar plate  122  and the second collar plate  140 , respectively, clamp and are affixed to the first midplate wing  116  of the midplate  112 . Similarly, the second side collar wings  134 ,  162  of the first collar plate  122  and the second collar plate  140  clamp and are affixed to the second midplate wing  120  of the midplate  112 . In the present example, the first side collar wings  128 ,  146  and second side collar wings  134 ,  162  are welded to first midplate wing  116  and second midplate wing  120 , respectively, at spot welds  182 . In this manner and as noted above, this configuration provides additional structural integrity, physical protection, and electrical connections between the insert plate  114  and first and second collar plates. For example, this configuration can provide a substantially constant clamping force to the first collar plate  122  and second collar plate  140  and can function in combination with the solder joints  172 ,  178  described above to create robust electrical connections between the collar plates and the insert plate. 
     With reference now to  FIG.  10   , an example method  200  of attaching an FPC of a cable connector to a PCB will now be described. The following description of method  200  is provided with reference to the components described herein and shown in  FIGS.  1 - 9   . For example, the method  200  may be performed using the components of the cable connector  10  described herein. 
     It will be appreciated that following description of method  200  is provided by way of example and is not meant to be limiting. Therefore, it is to be understood that method  200  may include additional and/or alternative steps relative to those illustrated in  FIG.  10   . Further, it is to be understood that the steps of method  200  may be performed in any suitable order. Further still, it is to be understood that one or more steps may be omitted from method  200  without departing from the scope of this disclosure. It will also be appreciated that method  200  also may be performed in other contexts using other suitable components. 
     With reference to  FIG.  10   , at  202  the method  200  includes inserting a plurality of alignment pins through a plurality of stiffener alignment apertures in a stiffener plate and a plurality of FPC alignment apertures in the FPC. At  206  the method  200  includes affixing the alignment pins to the stiffener plate. At  210  the method  200  may include riveting the alignment pins to the stiffener plate. At  214  the method  200  includes inserting the plurality of alignment pins into a plurality of PCB apertures in the PCB. At  218  the method  200  includes affixing two or more alignment pins of the plurality of alignment pins to the PCB. At  222  the method  200  may include soldering the two or more alignment pins to the PCB. 
     At  226  the method  200  may include bonding the stiffener plate to the FPC. At  230 , where the cable connector comprises a first collar plate and a second collar plate opposite the first collar plate that enclose at least portions of a first ribbon and a second ribbon of the FPC that extend from the PCB, the method  200  includes soldering the first collar plate to the first ribbon of the FPC between a first leading edge and a first trailing edge of the first collar plate, and soldering the second collar plate to the second ribbon of the FPC between a second leading edge and a second trailing edge of the second collar plate. 
     The following paragraphs provide additional support for the claims of the subject application. One aspect provides A cable connector for attachment to a printed circuit board (PCB), the cable connector comprising: a flexible printed circuit (FPC) comprising a plurality of FPC alignment apertures; a stiffener plate comprising a plurality of stiffener alignment apertures; and a plurality of alignment pins extending through the plurality of stiffener alignment apertures and the plurality of FPC alignment apertures and into a plurality of PCB apertures in the PCB, wherein the plurality of alignment pins align the FPC to the PCB. The cable connector may additionally or alternatively include an adhesive layer that bonds the stiffener plate to the FPC. The cable connector may additionally or alternatively include, wherein each alignment pin of the plurality of alignment pins comprises a tail end that is riveted to the stiffener plate. The cable connector may additionally or alternatively include, wherein each alignment pin of the plurality of alignment pins comprises a standoff feature between a tail end and a head end of the alignment pin, wherein the standoff feature comprises an upper shoulder that engages a lower surface of the stiffener plate. The cable connector may additionally or alternatively include, wherein at least two alignment pins of the plurality of alignment pins comprise a head end that is soldered to the PCB to thereby attach the FPC to the PCB via the stiffener plate. The cable connector may additionally or alternatively include, wherein the plurality of PCB apertures in the PCB comprises at least two plated through-holes, and the head end of each alignment pin of the at least two alignment pins is soldered to one of the plated-through holes. The cable connector may additionally or alternatively include, wherein the plurality of FPC alignment apertures are at a distal end of the FPC, and the FPC comprises a first ribbon and an opposing second ribbon extending away from the distal end, wherein the first ribbon is affixed to a first bonding surface of a tongue of the cable connector and the second ribbon is affixed to a second bonding surface of the tongue opposite to the first bonding surface. 
     Another aspect provides cable connector for attachment to a printed circuit board (PCB), the cable connector comprising: a tongue comprising: a first tongue surface comprising: a plurality of first bonding surfaces extending from a proximal end of the tongue to a distal end of the tongue, the first bonding surfaces affixed to a first ribbon of a flexible printed circuit (FPC); and a plurality of first slots extending between the first bonding surfaces from the proximal end of the tongue to the distal end of the tongue; and a second tongue surface opposite the first tongue surface, the second tongue surface comprising: a plurality of second bonding surfaces extending from the proximal end of the tongue to the distal end of the tongue, the second bonding surfaces affixed to a second ribbon of the FPC; and a plurality of second slots extending between the second bonding surfaces from the proximal end of the tongue to the distal end of the tongue. The cable connector may additionally or alternatively include adhesive affixing the first bonding surfaces to the first ribbon of the FPC and affixing the second bonding surfaces to the second ribbon of the FPC, wherein the plurality of first slots and the plurality of second slots collect overflow adhesive. The cable connector may additionally or alternatively include, wherein the tongue comprises a first leading surface and opposing second leading surface at the proximal end, wherein a first contacting surface of the first ribbon of the FPC is below the first leading surface of the tongue, and a second contacting surface of the second ribbon of the FPC is below the second leading surface of the tongue. The cable connector may additionally or alternatively include, wherein the tongue comprises a first angled ramp extending between a nose of the tongue and the first leading surface, and a second angled ramp extending between the nose and the second leading surface. The cable connector may additionally or alternatively include a first collar plate and a second collar plate opposite the first collar plate, the first collar plate soldered to the first ribbon of the FPC between a first leading edge and a first trailing edge of the first collar plate, and the second collar plate soldered to the second ribbon of the FPC between a second leading edge and a second trailing edge of the second collar plate. The cable connector may additionally or alternatively include, wherein the tongue comprises a cavity between the first tongue surface and the second tongue surface, and the cable connector further comprises a midplate comprising: an insert plate that extends into the cavity; a first midplate wing extending laterally from the insert plate; and an opposing second midplate wing extending laterally from the insert plate. The cable connector may additionally or alternatively include: wherein the first collar plate comprises a first side collar wing extending laterally from a first side of the first collar plate and a second side collar wing extending laterally from a second side of the first collar plate; the second collar plate comprises a first side collar wing extending laterally from a first side of the second collar plate and a second side collar wing extending laterally from a second side of the second collar plate; and the first side collar wings of the first collar plate and the second collar plate are affixed to the first midplate wing of the midplate, and the second side collar wings of the first collar plate and the second collar plate are affixed to the second midplate wing of the midplate. The cable connector may additionally or alternatively include, wherein an internal thickness of the tongue between one of the first bonding surfaces and an opposing one of the second bonding surfaces is at least approximately 150 microns. 
     Another aspect provides method of attaching a flexible printed circuit (FPC) of a cable connector to a printed circuit board (PCB), the method comprising: inserting a plurality of alignment pins through a plurality of stiffener alignment apertures in a stiffener plate and a plurality of FPC alignment apertures in the FPC; affixing the alignment pins to the stiffener plate; inserting the plurality of alignment pins into a plurality of PCB apertures in the PCB; and affixing two or more alignment pins of the plurality of alignment pins to the PCB. The method may additionally or alternative include bonding the stiffener plate to the FPC. The method may additionally or alternative include, wherein affixing the two or more alignment pins to the PCB comprises soldering the two or more alignment pins to the PCB. The method may additionally or alternative include, wherein affixing the alignment pins to the stiffener plate comprises riveting the alignment pins to the stiffener plate. The method may additionally or alternative include, wherein the cable connector further comprises a first collar plate and a second collar plate opposite the first collar plate that enclose at least portions of a first ribbon and a second ribbon of the FPC that extend from the PCB, the method further comprising: soldering the first collar plate to the first ribbon of the FPC between a first leading edge and a first trailing edge of the first collar plate; and soldering the second collar plate to the second ribbon of the FPC between a second leading edge and a second trailing edge of the second collar plate. 
     It will be understood that the configurations and/or approaches described herein are exemplary in nature, and that these specific embodiments or examples are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. The specific routines or methods described herein may represent one or more of any number of processing strategies. As such, various acts illustrated and/or described may be performed in the sequence illustrated and/or described, in other sequences, in parallel, or omitted. Likewise, the order of the above-described processes may be changed. 
     The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various processes, systems and configurations, and other features, functions, acts, and/or properties disclosed herein, as well as any and all equivalents thereof.