Patent Publication Number: US-11652322-B2

Title: Connectors for a single twisted pair of conductors

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a National Stage Application of PCT/US2018/029146, filed on Apr. 24, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/489,164, filed on Apr. 24, 2017, and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/635,227, filed on Feb. 26, 2018, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is made to each of the above disclosed applications. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure is directed to connectors and, more specifically, to connectors for use with a single-twisted pair of conductors. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A single twisted pair of conductors can be used to transmit data and/or power over a communications network that includes, for example, computers, servers, cameras, televisions, and other electronic devices including those on the internet of things (IoT), etc. In the past, this has been performed through use of Ethernet cables and connectors which typically include four pairs of conductors that are used to transmit four differential signals. Differential signaling techniques, where each signal is transmitted over a balanced pair of conductors, are used because differential signals may be impacted less by external noise sources and internal noises sources such as crosstalk as compared to signals that are transmitted over unbalanced conductors. 
     In Ethernet cables, the insulated conductors of each differential pair are tightly twisted about each other to form four twisted pairs of conductors, and these four twisted pairs may be further twisted about each other in a so-called “core twist.” A separator may be provided that is used to separate (and hence reduce coupling between) at least one of the twisted pairs from at least one other of the twisted pairs. The four twisted pairs and any separator may be enclosed in a protective jacket. Ethernet cables are connectorized with Ethernet connectors; a single Ethernet connector is configured to accommodate all four twisted pairs of conductors. However, it is possible that data and/or power transfer can be effectively supported through a singled twisted pair of conductors with its own more compact connector and cable. Accordingly, a connector design different from a standard Ethernet connector is needed. 
     SUMMARY 
     A family of connectors to accommodate a single twisted pair of conductors is disclosed herein. The family of connectors includes a free connector, a fixed connector, and an adapter; the free and/or fixed connectors can be modified to accommodate the adapter configuration and/or modified to accommodate various patch cord configurations. In certain embodiments, the one or more of the family of connectors adopts an LC fiber optic style connector configuration and an LC fiber optic footprint configuration. In certain examples, one or more of the family of connectors adopts an LC fiber optic style connector configuration but in a footprint that is larger or smaller than the footprint of the LC fiber optic footprint. Other configurations may also be adopted. 
     An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a connector. The connector, for example a free connector, for a single twisted pair of conductors includes an LC style fiber optic connector housing, a connector insert that is receivable within connector housing, and first and second socket contacts. The first and second socket contacts are receivable within first and second channels of the connector insert. The first and second channels place the first and second socket contacts in an offset orientation. The first and second contacts are configured to be coupled to first and second conductors of a single twisted pair of conductors. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a different connector. This connector, for example a fixed connector, for a single twisted pair of conductors includes a body portion having a port, a panel, and first and second pin contacts. The panel has a first face and a second face, and is mechanically coupleable to the body portion. The first and second pin contacts each have a first portion that is received in respective first and second pin channels that are defined in the body portion; the first portion of the pin contacts extends into the port. The first and second pin contacts have a second portion outside the pin channels. The second portion is fixed in position relative to the body portion by a stabilizing feature that extends from the first face of the panel when the panel is mechanically coupled to the body portion. The second portions can be crossed, e.g. include one or more twists. The first and second pin channels place the first portions of the first and second pin contacts in an offset orientation. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an adapter. The adapter for coupling two single twisted pair of conductors includes a body portion having a first and second port, a panel, and a single twisted pair of conductors. The panel has a first and second face, and is mechanically coupled to the body portion. Each of the conductors of the single twisted pair has a first end comprising a pin contact and a second end comprising a pin contact. The pin contacts of the first ends are received within offset corresponding pin channels defined in the body portion and extend into the first port. The pin contacts of the second ends are received within offset corresponding pin channels defined in the body portion and extend into the second port. A twisted portion of the pair of conductors, which is intermediate the first and second ends, lies within the body portion. A stabilizing feature extending from a first face of the panel stabilizes the position of the pin contacts relative to the body portion when the panel is mechanically coupled to the body portion. 
     Still another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a patch cord. The patch cord includes a twisted pair of conductors. The twisted pair of conductors can be connectorized at each end by a free connector, connectorized at each end by a fixed connector modified to patch cord configuration, or connectorized at a first end by a free connector and at a second end by a fixed connector modified to a patch cord configuration. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG.  1    illustrates example embodiments of cables having single twisted pairs of conductors. 
         FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  provide a perspective view of an example embodiment of an unassembled and an assembled free connector, respectively. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates an example of LC connectors configured for use with optical fibers. 
         FIGS.  4 A- 4 C  provide a forward perspective view of an unassembled fixed connector, a rearward perspective view of the unassembled fixed connector, and a perspective view of an assembled fixed connector, respectively. 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of an assembled fixed connector with a bulkhead mounting feature. 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of an assembled free connector and an assembled fixed connector. 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of an adapter and a pair of cables that have each been connectorized with a free connector. 
         FIGS.  8 A- 8 C  illustrate examples of patch cords that can be configured utilizing free connector and modified connectors. 
         FIGS.  9 A- 9 E  illustrate example configurations of socket contacts incorporating a socket spring configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A family of connectors to accommodate a single twisted pair of conductors is disclosed herein. The family of connectors includes a free connector, a fixed connector, and an adapter; the free and/or fixed connectors can be modified to accommodate various patch cord and mounting configurations. In certain embodiments, the one or more of the family of connectors adopts an LC fiber optic style connector configuration and an LC fiber optic footprint configuration. In certain examples, one or more of the family of connectors adopts an LC fiber optic style connector configuration but in a footprint that is larger or smaller than the footprint of the LC fiber optic footprint. Other configurations may also be adopted. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates two example embodiments of cables containing one or more single twisted pairs of conductors. The first cable  10  includes first and second conductors  12 ,  14  that are twisted together to form a single twisted pair  16 . The conductors  12 ,  14  are enclosed by a protective jacket  18 . The second cable  20  includes first through fourth conductors  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 . Conductors  22  and  24  are twisted together to form a first single twisted pair  30 , and conductors  26  and  28  are twisted together to form a second single twisted pair  32 . The twisted pairs  30  and  32  are separated by a separator  34 , and are encased in a protective jacket  36 . In certain example embodiments, the cables  10 ,  20  include a number of twisted pairs greater than two. In certain example embodiments, each single twisted pair of conductors, e.g.,  16 ,  30 ,  32 , is configured for data transmission up to 600 MHz (ffs) and has a current carrying capacity up to 1 A. Each single twisted pair of conductors, e.g.,  16 ,  30 ,  32 , can be connectorized with the various embodiments or combination of embodiments of free connectors and fixed connectors as described herein. The connectorized twisted pairs can be coupled with an adapter as described herein. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , an example embodiment of an unassembled and assembled free connector  100 , respectively, are illustrated. In certain embodiments, the free connector  100  is in the style of an LC connector that is used with optical fibers. In certain embodiments the free connector  100  can adopt the LC connector footprint, e.g. the shape and size of the LC connector. In certain embodiments, the free connector  100  is of the LC style (e.g. similar in appearance, for example, a small form factor with a substantially square elongate connector body and a snap latch on the connector body) but in a larger or smaller footprint than the LC connector. In certain embodiments, the free connector  100  varies in other dimensions and/or features from the LC connector style and/or footprint. 
     Referring to  FIG.  3    an example of a simplex LC connector  200  and adapter  202 , as well as a duplex LC connector  204  and adapter  206 , are illustrated relative to a panel  208 . A snap latch  210  is used to maintain the coupling of a connector to an adapter. The LC family of connectors, adapters and active device receptacles are generally known as small form factor connectors for use with optical fibers (1.25 mm ferrule) in high density applications, e.g., in-building communication systems. A front face  212  of a simplex LC connector is generally square having outer dimensions of 4.42 mm by 4.52 mm. The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standard for an LC connector can be identified as IEC 61754-20; the noted IEC standard is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     Referring once again to  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , the free connector  100  generally includes a connector housing  102 , a connector insert  104  and a pair of socket contacts  106   a ,  106   b.    
     The connector housing  102  of the free connector  100  includes an elongate body portion  110  having first and second side walls  112 ,  114  connected by upper and lower walls  116 ,  118 , respectively, to establish a square or substantially square forward face  120 . The connector housing  102  further includes a rear portion  122  that extends rearward from the elongate body portion  110 . The rear portion  122  has side walls  124 ,  126  connected by upper and lower walls  128 ,  130 , respectively, to establish a square or substantially square rear face  132  of the connector housing  102 . The outer dimensions of the rear portion  122  are reduced from the outer dimensions of the elongate body portion  110  to accommodate a rear cover  131  or boot to enclose the rear face  132  of the connector housing  102 . In certain embodiments, the rear cover  131  includes a strain-relief feature. A central channel  134  of a consistent or varying cross-section extends through the connector housing  102  from the forward face  120  to the rear face  132 . In instances, where the connector housing  102  is varying from the LC style connectors, the exterior and/or interior cross-sections of the connector housing  102  can assume a shape (e.g. round, oval, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, etc.) that is different from a squared shape. 
     The connector housing  102  includes a snap latch  136  on the upper wall  116  of the elongate body portion  110 . The snap latch  136  can be positioned proximate the forward face  120  of the connector housing  102  as illustrated or can be positioned further rearward along the upper wall  116  as appropriate to enable a releasable interface or coupling with a corresponding fixed connector or adapter, described below. In certain example embodiments, at least one of the side walls  112 ,  114  includes a cantilevered latch  138  that interfaces with the connector insert  104  to retain the connector insert  104  within the central channel  134  when inserted therein. 
     In certain example embodiments, the connector housing  102  includes a keying feature that is provided within the central channel  134  to ensure that the connector insert  104  is inserted into the connector housing  102  in a correct orientation. In the example embodiment of  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , the keying feature comprises a chamfer  140  that extends along a lengthwise portion, or the entire length, of a lower corner of the central channel  134 ; a complementary keying feature is provided on the connector insert  104 , described below. 
     In certain example embodiments, the connector housing  102  includes a stop feature to help ensure proper forward positioning and/or prevent over-insertion of the connector insert  104 . In the example embodiment of  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , the stop feature includes a solid triangular portion  142  that interfaces with a stop feature of the connector insert  104 , described below. The connector housing  102  may be of a unitary configuration and can be manufactured through an appropriate molding process, e.g. insert molding. Other keying and/or stop features may be used without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. 
     The connector insert  104  includes a body portion  144  having first and second side walls  146 ,  148  connected by upper and lower walls,  150 ,  152 , respectively. A forward face  154  of the body portion  144  includes two apertures  156 ,  158  behind which extend first and second channels  160 ,  162 , respectively. The first and second channels  160 ,  162  extend from the forward face  154  out through a rear face  164 . The body portion  144  is configured to be received within the central channel  134  of the connector housing  102  such that the forward face  154  of the body portion  144  is proximate the forward face  120  of the connector housing. In certain examples, when inserted into the connector housing  102 , the entirety of the connector insert  104  is maintained within the elongate body portion  110  of the connector housing  102 . 
     In certain examples, each of the first and second channels  160 ,  162  of the connector insert  104  includes one or more bosses  166  and a lip edge  168  proximate the rear face  164 . When the socket contacts  106   a ,  106   b  are inserted in their respective first and second channels  160 ,  162 , each boss  166  operates to position the socket contacts  106   a ,  106   b , so as to be axially aligned with the apertures  156 ,  158  of the forward face  154 . The boss  166  also operates to establish an interference fit between the socket contacts  106   a ,  106   b  and their respective first and channels  160 ,  162  to help maintain the socket contacts  106   a ,  106   b  within the first and second channels. The lip edge  168  also aids in positioning each socket contact  106   a ,  106   b , so as to place each socket contact  106   a ,  106   b  forward most in their respective first and second channels  160 ,  162  proximate the forward face  154  of the connector insert  104 , and to prevent the socket contacts  106   a ,  106   b , from being pulled rearward out of their respective first and second channels  160 ,  162  and out of the connector insert  104  itself. Other features and/or elements can also, or alternatively, be used to retain the socket contacts  106   a ,  106   b  within the first and second channels  160 ,  162  without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. 
     In certain examples, the apertures  156 ,  158  and respective first and second channels  160 ,  162  are stacked vertically or positioned side-by-side horizontally. However, in order to minimize the crosstalk between adjacent contact pairs when a plurality of connectors  100  are deployed near one another, in certain examples, the apertures  156 ,  158  and respective first and second channels  160 ,  162  are provided in an offset configuration (see  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B ) so as to present the inserted socket contacts  106   a ,  106   b  in a cross-talk neutralizing position relative to the other connectors (e.g. minimize or prevent cross-talk from adjacent connectors to the socket contacts  106   a ,  106   b ). 
     In certain examples, at least one of the side walls  146 ,  148  of the connector insert  104  includes a ramped tab  170  that protrudes outwardly therefrom. When inserting the connector insert  104  within the connector housing  102 , the ramped tab  170  allows the connector insert  104  to pass the cantilevered latch  138  of the connector housing  102  for full insertion and subsequently engages the cantilevered latch  138  preventing rearward movement or removal of the connector insert  104  from the connector housing  102 . Other features and/or elements can also, or alternatively, be used to retain the connector insert  104  within the connector housing  102  without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. 
     In certain examples, the connector insert  104  includes a keying feature that is configured to interface with the keying feature of the connector housing  102 . In the example of  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , the keying feature comprises a chamfer  172  configured to interface with the chamfer  140  of the connector housing  102 . The chamfer  172  can extend along a portion of the connector insert  104  or along a full length of the connector insert  104 . The keying feature ensures proper orientation of the connector insert  104  within the connector housing  102 . 
     In certain examples, the connector insert  104  includes a stop feature. In the example of  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , the stop feature comprises a boss  174  recessed from the forward face  154  of the connector insert  104  and configured to interface with the stop feature of the connector housing  102 , e.g., the solid triangular portion  142 . The recession of the boss  174  from the forward face  154  enables the forward face  154  of the connector insert  104  to be positioned flush with the stop feature, e.g., the solid triangular portion  142 , of the connector housing  102  thereby presenting the combined forward face  154  of the connector insert  104  and the stop feature of the connector housing  102  as a generally unified planar surface. The connector insert  104  may be of a unitary configuration and can be manufactured through an appropriate molding process, e.g. insert molding. Other keying and/or stop features may be used without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. 
     Each of the socket contacts  106   a ,  106   b  includes a tip contact  176  and a ring contact  178 . Each socket contact  106   a ,  106   b  comprises a hollow cylinder having a rear end  180  and a forward end  182 . An internal diameter  184  of the rear end  180  of each socket contact  106   a ,  106   b , can be sized to receive a respective one of the conductors  12 ,  14  (or  22 ,  24 , or  26 ,  28 , see  FIG.  1   ) of the twisted pair  16  (or  30  or  32 , see  FIG.  1   ) extending from the cable  18  (or  36 , see  FIG.  1   ). In certain embodiments, the internal diameter  184  is such that an interference fit between conductor  12 ,  14  and socket contact  106   a ,  106   b  is established to provide a good mechanical and electrical connection. In certain embodiments, the rear end  180  of the socket contacts  106   a ,  106   b  are crimped onto the conductors  12 ,  14 . In certain embodiments, the conductors  12 ,  14  are soldered to the socket contacts  106   a ,  106   b . The twist of the twisted pair  16  can be maintained up to the point of the conductors  12 ,  14  being coupled to the socket contacts  106   a ,  106   b ; the ability to maintain the twist in the conductors  12 ,  14  helps to minimize or prevent cross-talk from adjacent connectors to the socket contacts  106   a ,  106   b  improving operation of the connector  100 . The forward end  182  of each socket contact  106   a ,  106   b  is sized to receive the pin contacts or conductors of a mating connector, e.g. fixed connector  300  described below; and can include one or more longitudinal slits  186 . 
     The free connectors  100  can be configured in a simplex form or combined in a duplex form similar to that available with LC fiber optic connectors (see  FIG.  1   ); forms including more than two free connectors  100  are also possible. 
       FIGS.  4 A- 4 C  and  FIG.  5    illustrate example embodiments of fixed connectors  300  that are configured to interface with the free connectors  100 . In certain embodiments, the fixed connector  300  is in the style of an LC connector that is used with optical fibers. In certain embodiments the fixed connector  300  can adopt the LC connector footprint, e.g. the shape and size of the LC connector (e.g. the LC adapter or LC active device receptacle). In certain embodiments, the fixed connector  300  is of the LC style but in a larger or smaller footprint than LC connector. In certain embodiments, the fixed connector  300  varies in other dimensions and/or features from the LC connector style and/or footprint. 
     The fixed connector  300  is a two-piece component comprising a body portion  302  and a rear panel  304 ; the rear panel  304  enables placement of pin conductors  306   a ,  306   b  within the body portion  302 . 
     The body portion  302  includes first and second side walls  308 ,  310  connected by upper and lower walls  312 ,  314 . The first and second side walls  308 ,  310 , and the upper and lower walls  312 ,  314  frame an open forward portion  316  that presents a port  318  within the body portion  302  that is configured to receive the free connector  100 . A notch  320  proximate the upper wall  312  is configured to interface with the snap latch  136  to removably retain the free connector  100 . A rear plate  322  of the body portion  302  fills that gap between walls  308 ,  310 ,  312 ,  314  save for a pin cavity  324  and pin channels  325  extending therefrom. The pin channels  325  are configured to receive the pin conductors  306   a ,  306   b  while the pin cavity  324  is configured to house the portion of the pin conductors  306   a ,  306   b  not within the pin channels and to interface with the rear panel  304 . First and second notches  326 ,  328  extend through first and second side walls  308 ,  310 , respectively, to the rear plate  322  and are configured to interface with the rear panel  304 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  5   , the lower wall  314  of the body portion  302  includes first and second openings  330 ,  332  through which the pin conductors  306   a ,  306   b  extend when the fixed connector  300  is assembled. One or more stabilizing pads  334  and/or mounting features  336  can also be provided on the lower wall  314  enabling the mounting of the fixed connector  300  and the electrical coupling of the pin conductors  306   a    306   b  to a circuit board or other circuit structure.  FIG.  5    further illustrates that the body portion  302  of the fixed connector can include one or more flanges, e.g. first flange  338  and second flange  340  proximate the open forward portion  316 . The flanges  338 ,  340  are for bulkhead mounting. 
     The rear panel  304  includes a forward face  342  and a planar rear face  344 . The forward face  342  is provided with a pair of forward extending tabs  346 ,  348  that are configured to interface with the first and second notches  326 ,  328  to fixedly, or removably, secure the rear panel  304  to the body portion  302  through an interference fit. In certain embodiments, a latching mechanism can be used additionally or alternatively to the interference fit to secure the rear panel  304 . The forward face  342  is further provided with a forward extending upper stabilizer  350  curving toward a central location  352  and a forward extending lower stabilizer  354  curving toward the same central location  352 . A pin stabilizer  356  is provided to either side of the upper stabilizer  350 . 
     The pin conductors  306   a ,  306   b  each include a first end  358  and a second end  360 . Each pin conductor  306   a ,  306   b  is bent to approximate a right angle between the first and second ends  358 ,  360  so that the first end  358  extends through the rear plate  322  and into the port  318 . While within the port  318 , the first ends  358  are to be received in the forward end  182  of the socket contacts  106   a ,  106   b  to make an electrical connection therewith when the free connector  100  is inserted into the port  318 . The second end  360  of each of the pin conductors  306   a ,  306   b  extends through the lower wall  314 . The first ends  358  of the pin conductors  306   a ,  306   b  are arranged to be offset from one another consistent with the offset of the socket contacts  106   a ,  106   b  while that second ends  360  of the pin conductors  306   a ,  306   b  are crossed proximate the right angle bend; the offset and crossing of the pin conductors  306   a ,  306   b  helps to minimize, or prevent, cross-talk between the pin conductors  306   a ,  306   b  and the pin conductors of vertically or horizontally proximate like connectors. In certain embodiments, the pin conductors  306   a ,  306   b  can be stacked horizontally or vertically to correspond to a placement of the socket contacts  106   a ,  106   b . In certain embodiments, the pin conductors  306   a ,  306   b  are of equivalent lengths while in other embodiments the pin conductors  306   a ,  306   b  are of differing lengths. 
     Additional information about pin conductors and their positioning to minimize, or prevent, cross-talk can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,407,043 entitled “Balanced Pin and Socket Connectors” and U.S. Pat. No. 9,590,339 entitled “High Data Rate Connectors and Cable Assemblies that are Suitable for Harsh Environments and Related Methods and Systems.” Each of the noted patents is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     When assembling the fixed connector  300 , the first ends  358  of each of the pin conductors  306   a ,  306   b  are inserted into pin cavity  324 , and corresponding pin channels  325 , in their offset positions; a divider  362 , which comprises a portion of the rear plate  322 , separates the second ends  360  of the pin conductors  306   a ,  306   b  within the pin cavity  324 . The rear panel  304  is then secured to the body portion  302  of the fixed connector  300 . The second ends  360  of the pin conductors  306   a ,  306   b  pass through the central location  352  at the rear panel  304  where the upper and lower stabilizers  350 ,  354  help maintain/fix the position of the pin conductors  306   a ,  306   b  relative to the body portion  302 ; the upper and lower stabilizers  350 ,  354  are received within the pin cavity  324 . In certain embodiments, an interference fit occurs between the upper and lower stabilizers  350 ,  354  and the pin cavity  324  to assist in securing the rear panel  304  to the body portion  302  of the fixed connector  300 . The pin stabilizers  356  press against each of the pin conductors  306   a ,  306   b  to ensure that they are fully, forwardly positioned within the pin channels of the fixed connector  300  as well as to maintain/fix their position. 
     The fixed connectors  300  can be configured in a simplex form or combined in a duplex form similar to that available with LC fiber optic connectors (see  FIG.  1   ); forms including more than two fixed connectors  300  are also possible. 
     In certain embodiments, when the free connector  100  and/or fixed connector  300  are configured in the LC style and/or footprint, one or both of the connectors  100 ,  300  can be provided with a blocking feature, to prevent the insertion of the free connector  100  into an actual LC fiber optic adapter or LC fiber optic active device receptacle and/or to prevent an actual LC fiber optic connector from being inserted into the fixed connector  300 . In the example of  FIG.  6   , the free connector  100  is provided with a blocking feature in the form of rectangular protuberance  602  extending outward from the connector housing  102 ; the protuberance  602  will prevent insertion of the of the free connector  100  into LC fiber optic adapter or LC fiber optic active device receptacle. Further, in the example of  FIG.  6   , the free connector  100  includes a chamfer  604  along a portion of a corner of the connector housing  102  which is accommodated by a blocking feature in the form of a triangular panel  606  in a corner of the port  318 . The triangular panel  606  of the fixed connector  300  allows the free connector  100  to enter the port  318 ; however, the squared housing configuration of an LC fiber optic connector will be blocked from entering the port  318  of the fixed connector  300 . 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a single twisted pair adapter  700 . The adapter  700  is configured to enable an in-line connection between a first free connector  100   a  and a second free connector  100   b . For example, simplex and/or duplex adapters  700  can be used in wall plate application (similar to standard electrical wall outlet) or a plurality of adapters  700  can be used in a bulkhead configuration for high density applications. 
     The adapter  700  generally comprises a pair of fixed connectors  300  that are modified to be electrically and mechanically coupled to one another rather than being individually coupled to a circuit board. In certain embodiments, the adapter  700  comprises a two-piece component having a continuous body portion  702  that defines two ports  704  and an upper (or lower) panel  706  that is configured for coupling to the body portion  702 . The body portion  702  defines an upper (or lower) channel  705  into which can be placed a single twisted pair of conductors  708 ,  710  where each has a pin contact first end  712  and a pin contact second end  714  that can be inserted into corresponding pin channels  716  formed in the body portion  702 . The upper panel  706  can be configured with various outward extending stabilizing features to help position and/or maintain the position of the pin contacts  712 ,  714  in an offset orientation corresponding to the socket contacts  106   a ,  106   b  of the free connector  100  that will be received in each of the ports  704 . The upper panel  706  can include outward extending tabs  718  or other type of mechanism for coupling the upper panel  706  to the body portion  702 . 
       FIGS.  8 A- 8 C  illustrate various patch cord configurations that can be manufactured using the free connector  100  and a modified fixed connector  300 . In the patch cord examples, the fixed connector  300  is configured for coupling with a cable having a single twisted pair of conductors rather than being configured for coupling to a circuit board. As shown, a patch cord  800  includes a first end  802  with a first free connector  804  and a second end  806  with a second free connector  808 , see  FIG.  8 A .  FIG.  8 B  illustrates a patch cord  810  having a first end  812  with a first free connector  814  and a second end  816  with a first fixed connector  818 .  FIG.  8 C  illustrates a patch cord  820  having a first end  822  with a first fixed connector  824  and a second end  826  with a second fixed connector  828 . 
       FIGS.  9 A- 9 E  illustrate various example embodiments of a socket contact  900  that can be used in the various configurations/embodiments described here, for example, in place of socket  106   a ,  106   b . As shown in  FIGS.  9 A- 9 C , a forward end  902  of the socket contact  900  includes a socket spring configuration that has a leading entry angle, e.g. angle A, and a flat transition  904  such that when a pin  906  is fully mated with the socket contact  900  the final contact point X is in a different location as the insertion/withdrawal point of contact Y. A rearward portion, now shown, of the contact  900  can include a ring contact (e.g., see ring  178  of socket contact  106   a  in  FIG.  2 A ) or other appropriate contact configuration. In certain embodiments, the flat transition  904  is replaced with a rounded transition  908 , see  FIG.  9 D . In certain embodiments, see  FIG.  9 E , the socket contact  900  is provided with a socket spring configuration wherein the forward end  902  is provided with a stepped surface  910  such that the final mated contact point X of the contact pin  906  is a in a different location as the insertion/withdrawal point Y of the contact pin  906 . 
     It will also be appreciated that aspects of the above embodiments may be combined in any way to provide numerous additional embodiments. These embodiments will not be described individually for the sake of brevity. 
     While the present invention has been described above primarily with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments; rather, these embodiments are intended to disclose the invention to those skilled in this art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for clarity. 
     It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, with out departing from the scope of the present invention. It will also be understood that the terms “tip” and “ring” are used to refer to the two conductors of a differential pair and otherwise are not limiting. 
     Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, “top”, “bottom” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity. As used herein the expression “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     Herein, the terms “attached”, “connected”, “interconnected”, “contacting”, “mounted” and the like can mean either direct or indirect attachment or contact between elements, unless stated otherwise. 
     Although exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.