Patent Description:
Electrical connectors include electrical contacts that mount to respective electrical components, and mate with each other to communicate signals between the electrical components. The electrical contacts typically include electrical signal contacts that carry the signals, and grounds that shield the various signal contacts from each other. Nevertheless, the signal contacts are so closely spaced that undesirable interference, or "cross talk," occurs between adjacent signal contacts. Cross talk occurs when one signal contact induces electrical interference in an adjacent signal contact due to intermingling electrical fields, thereby compromising signal integrity. With electronic device miniaturization and high speed, high signal integrity electronic communications becoming more prevalent, the reduction of cross talk becomes a significant factor in connector design.

In orthogonal applications, the electrical components are substrates, such as printed circuit boards, that are oriented along orthogonal planes. In conventional orthogonal systems, the electrical connectors are right-angle connectors having mounting interfaces that are oriented orthogonal to each other. The mounting interfaces mount to the respective substrates. Unfortunately, data transfer speeds in conventional orthogonal electrical connector systems are limited in order to avoid prohibitive crosstalk levels.

What is desired is an orthogonal electrical connector system capable of operating at higher data transfer speeds within acceptable levels of cross talk.

<CIT> refers to a terminal contact arrangement for a connector promotes reduction in deviation of the impedance of the connector when mated to an opposing connector and energized. The connector has an insulative housing with a plurality of terminal-receiving passages disposed in it. Conductive terminals are supported in some, but not all of the passages. The terminal contains distinct terminal sets that include a pair of differential signal terminals and at least two associated ground reference terminals.

<CIT> refers to electrical connector assemblies that include electrical connectors having electrical contacts that have receptacle mating ends. The connector housings of the provided electrical connectors include alignment members that are capable of performing staged alignment of components of the electrical connector assemblies.

<CIT> refers to a contact assembly for an electrical connector including a holder and multiple ground contacts and signal contacts. The ground contacts and signal contacts are held by the holder along an outer side of the holder. The ground contacts and the signal contacts each have a mating segment proximate to a front end of the holder and a terminating segment proximate to a rear end of the holder. Ground contacts nearest to each other define a contact spacing therebetween. The nearest ground contacts are mechanically connected by a bridge member that connects the mating segments of the nearest ground contacts to electrically common the ground contacts. At least one signal contact is disposed in the contact spacing between the nearest ground contacts. The ground contacts provide electrical shielding between the signal contacts that are in different contact spacings.

The invention is defined in the independent claim. In the following, the parts of the description and drawings referring to aspects which are not covered by the claims are not presented as aspects of the invention but as background art or examples useful for understanding the invention.

Referring to <FIG>, an orthogonal electrical connector system <NUM> constructed in accordance with one embodiment includes at least one first electrical connector <NUM> and a complementary at least one second electrical connector <NUM>. The orthogonal electrical connector system <NUM> further includes at least one first substrate <NUM> such as a plurality of first substrates <NUM>. The orthogonal electrical connector system <NUM> further includes at least one second substrate <NUM> such as a plurality of second substrates <NUM>. The first and second substrates <NUM> can be configured as printed circuit boards. The first electrical connectors <NUM> can be configured to attach to respective ones of the first substrates <NUM>. The second electrical connectors <NUM> can be configured to attach to respective ones of the second substrates <NUM>. When the first electrical connectors <NUM> are attached to the first substrates <NUM>, and the second electrical connectors <NUM> are attached to the second substrates <NUM>, the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> are configured to mate to each other such that the first substrates <NUM> are oriented along respective first planes, and the second substrates <NUM> are oriented along respective second planes that are substantially orthogonal to the first planes. Further, respective edges of the first substrates <NUM> can face respective edges of the second substrates along a longitudinal direction L. Unless otherwise indicated, the term "substantially" recognizes tolerances that can be due, for instance, to manufacturing.

In one example, the orthogonal connector system <NUM> can include first arrays <NUM> of first electrical connectors <NUM> that are each configured to be placed in electrical communication with a common one of the first substrates <NUM>. Similarly, the orthogonal connector system <NUM> can include second arrays <NUM> of second electrical connectors <NUM> (see <FIG>) that are each configured to be placed in electrical communication with a common one of the second substrates <NUM>. Each of the first arrays <NUM> can further include a respective first outer housing <NUM>, such that the first electrical connectors of each of the first arrays <NUM> is supported by the first outer housing <NUM>. In particular, the first outer housing <NUM> can surround the first electrical connectors <NUM> of the respective first array <NUM>. Similarly, each of the second arrays <NUM> can further include a respective second outer housing <NUM>, such that the second electrical connectors <NUM> of each of the second arrays <NUM> is supported by the second outer housing <NUM>. In particular, the second outer housing <NUM> can surround the second electrical connectors <NUM> of the respective second array <NUM>. In <FIG>, some of the outer housings <NUM> and <NUM> are shown removed for illustration purposes. It should also be appreciated that in other examples, the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> can be attached directly to the respective first and second substrates <NUM> and <NUM>.

Thus, in one example, the first outer housing <NUM> can include at least one first attachment member that is configured to attach the first outer housing <NUM> to the first substrate <NUM>. In this regard, the first outer housing <NUM> can be said to attach the respective first electrical connectors <NUM> of the first array <NUM> to the first substrate <NUM>. Thus, the first electrical connectors <NUM> can be configured to attach to the first substrate via the first outer housing <NUM>. Similarly, the second outer housing <NUM> can include at least one respective second attachment member that is configured to attach the second outer housing <NUM> to the second substrate <NUM>. In this regard, the second outer housing <NUM> can be said to attach the respective second electrical connectors <NUM> of the second array <NUM> to the second substrate <NUM>. Thus, the second electrical connectors <NUM> can be configured to attach to the second substrate <NUM> via the second outer housing <NUM>. The first and second outer housings <NUM> and <NUM> can be configured to interlock with each other so as to cause the respective first electrical connectors <NUM> to mate with respective ones of the second electrical connectors <NUM>. In one example, the first and second outer housings <NUM> and <NUM> can be substantially identical to each other. Thus, it should be appreciated that the first and second outer housings <NUM> and <NUM> can be hermaphroditic with respect to each other. The first and second outer housings <NUM> and <NUM> can be electrically insulative.

In another example, the first electrical connectors <NUM> can be configured to attach directly to the first substrate <NUM>, as is described in more detail below. Similarly, the second electrical connectors <NUM> can be configured to attach to the second substrate <NUM>, as is described in more detail below.

As will now be described, because the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> are each configured as a vertical electrical connector, the respective electrical contacts define shorter distances from their respective mating ends to their respective mounting ends compared to right-angle electrical connectors of conventional orthogonal electrical connector systems. As a result, the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> can support higher data transfer rates within acceptable levels of cross talk compared to right-angle electrical connectors of conventional orthogonal electrical connector systems.

Referring now to <FIG>, the first electrical connector <NUM> includes a dielectric or electrically insulative first connector housing <NUM> and a plurality of first electrical contacts <NUM> that are supported by the first connector housing <NUM>. The first connector housing <NUM> defines a front end that, in turn, defines a first mating interface <NUM>. The first connector housing <NUM> further defines a rear end that, in turn, defines a first mounting interface <NUM> opposite the first mating interface <NUM> along the longitudinal direction L. Further, the first mating interface <NUM> can be aligned with the first mounting interface <NUM> along the longitudinal direction L. The first electrical contacts <NUM> can define respective first mating ends 32a at the first mating interface <NUM>, and first mounting ends 32b at the first mounting interface <NUM>. Thus, the first electrical contacts <NUM> can be configured as vertical contacts whose first mating ends 32a and first mounting ends 32b are opposite each other with respect to the longitudinal direction L. As will be appreciated from the description below, the first electrical connector <NUM>, and thus the electrical connector system <NUM>, can include a plurality of electrical cables that are mounted to the first electrical contacts <NUM> at the first mounting interface <NUM>.

The longitudinal direction L defines the mating direction along which the first electrical connector <NUM> mates with the second electrical connector <NUM>. The first connector housing <NUM> further defines first and second sides <NUM> that are opposite each other along a lateral direction A that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The first connector housing <NUM> further defines a bottom surface <NUM> and a top surface <NUM> opposite the bottom surface <NUM> along a transverse direction T that is oriented substantially perpendicular to each of the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. The first electrical connector <NUM> is described herein with respect to the longitudinal direction L, the lateral direction A, and the transverse direction T in the orientation as if mated with the second electrical connector <NUM> or aligned to be mated with the second electrical connector <NUM>.

Each of the first electrical connectors <NUM> can be configured to attach to a respective one of the first substrates <NUM>. In one example, the first electrical connectors <NUM> can be configured to attach to the first substrates <NUM> adjacent an edge of the first substrate <NUM> that faces the second substrates <NUM>. The first electrical connectors <NUM> can be configured to attach to the respective one of the first substrates <NUM> such that the bottom surface <NUM> faces the respective one of the first substrates <NUM>. For instance, the first bottom surface <NUM> can define a first attachment surface that is configured to attach the first electrical connectors <NUM> to the respective ones of the first substrates <NUM>. For instance, the first connector housing <NUM> can include an attachment member <NUM> (see <FIG>) that is configured to attach the first electrical connector <NUM> to the respective one of the first substrates <NUM>. The attachment member <NUM> can extend out from the bottom surface <NUM>. The attachment member <NUM> can be configured as a projection or an aperture that receives or is received by hardware so as to attach the first electrical connector <NUM> to a respective one of the first substrates <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, the attachment member <NUM> can include a bracket that, in turn, is secured to the respective one of the first substrates <NUM>. Alternatively still, the attachment member <NUM> can be configured as the first outer housing <NUM> described above.

Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the first electrical connectors <NUM>, up to all of the first electrical connectors <NUM>, can float. That is, the first electrical connectors <NUM> can be free from attachment to any of the first and second substrates <NUM> and <NUM>. An auxiliary attachment structure, if desired, can attach to the first and second substrates <NUM> and <NUM> so as to maintain the first and second substrates <NUM> and <NUM> in an orthogonal relationship to each other.

It should be appreciated that the attachment surface is different than the ends of the first connector housing <NUM> that define the first mating interface <NUM> and the first mounting interface <NUM>. For instance, the attachment surface can extend between the first mating interface <NUM> and the first mounting interface <NUM>. In one example, the first attachment surface can extend from the first mating interface <NUM> to the first mounting interface <NUM>. The first mating interface <NUM> and the first mounting interface <NUM> can be oriented along respective planes that are substantially parallel to each other. In one example, the first mating interface <NUM> and the first mounting interface <NUM> are defined by respective planes that extend along the lateral direction A and the transverse direction T. The first attachment surface can be oriented along a respective plane that is orthogonal to the planes of the first mating interface and the first mounting interface. For instance, the first attachment surface can be oriented along a respective plane that extends along the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. Thus, when the first electrical connector <NUM> is attached to the first substrate <NUM>, the first substrate <NUM> is oriented along a plane that extends along the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. It is thus appreciated that the first electrical connector <NUM> can be attached to the substrate <NUM> at a different location of the first connector housing <NUM> than the location of the first connector housing <NUM> that defines the first mounting interface <NUM>. Further, as will be appreciated from the description below, the electrical cables can be placed in electrical communication with a respective electrical component mounted onto the respective one of the first substrates <NUM> to which the first electrical connector <NUM> is attached.

The first mounting ends 32b of the first electrical contacts <NUM> can be configured to electrically connect to any suitable electrical component. For instance, the first mounting ends 32b can be configured to electrically connect to respective first electrical cables <NUM>. The first electrical cables <NUM> can be bundled as desired. The electrical cables <NUM> are further configured to be placed in electrical communication with the first substrate <NUM>. Thus, the orthogonal electrical connector system can further include the electrical cables <NUM> that extend from the first electrical connector <NUM> to a complimentary component on the first substrate <NUM>. For instance, the cables <NUM> can terminate at a respective first termination connector <NUM>. Thus, the electrical cables <NUM> can define respective firsts end that are mechanically and electrically attached to respective ones of the electrical contacts of the first electrical connector <NUM>, and respective second ends opposite the first ends that are mechanically and electrically attached to respective ones of electrical contacts of the first termination connector <NUM>. The first termination connector <NUM> can be configured to mate with a first complementary electrical connector <NUM> that is mounted to the first substrate <NUM>. Alternatively, the complementary electrical connector <NUM> can be mounted to an electrical component that is mounted onto the first substrate <NUM>. For instance, the electrical component can be configured as an integrated circuit (IC) package <NUM> as described in more detail below. Thus, the second ends of the electrical cables <NUM> can be configured to be placed in electrical communication with the substrate <NUM>, and in particular with one or more electrical components mounted onto the first substrate <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that the first termination connectors <NUM> can be provided in an array of first termination electrical connectors <NUM> that includes an outer first termination housing, and the first termination connectors <NUM> supported in the outer first termination housing in the manner described above. Thus, the electrical connector assembly <NUM> can include a plurality of arrays of first termination connectors <NUM>. Alternatively, the first termination connectors <NUM> can be provided individually and mated individually to respective ones of the first complementary electrical connectors <NUM>.

In this regard, it should be appreciated that the first complementary electrical connectors <NUM> can be provided in an array of first complementary electrical connectors <NUM> that includes an outer first complementary housing, and the first complementary connectors <NUM> supported in the outer first complementary housing in the manner described above. Thus, the electrical connector assembly <NUM> can include a plurality of arrays of first complementary connectors <NUM>. Alternatively, the first complementary connectors <NUM> can be provided individually and mated individually to respective ones of the first termination electrical connectors <NUM>.

The first electrical connector <NUM>, the respective electrical cables, and the corresponding first termination connector <NUM> can define an electrical cable assembly. The electrical cable assembly is configured to place the electrical component mounted on the first substrate <NUM> in electrical communication with the respective one of the second substrates <NUM> when the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> are mated with each other. In particular, the first termination connector <NUM> and the complimentary connector <NUM> can be mated with each other so as to place the electrical cables <NUM> in electrical communication with one or both of the first substrate <NUM> and the IC package <NUM>. Alternatively, the cables <NUM> can be mounted directly to one of the first substrate <NUM> and the IC package <NUM>. The first termination electrical connector <NUM> and the complementary electrical connector <NUM> are described in more detail below. In one example, the cables <NUM> can be configured as twin axial cables. Thus, the cables <NUM> can include a pair of signal conductors that is disposed within an outer insulative jacket, and at least one drain wire or alternatively configured ground. In one example, the cables <NUM> are devoid of drain wires, and instead includes an electrically conductive ground member that is attached at one end to the ground shields of the cables <NUM>, and attached at another end to the ground mounting ends. It should be appreciated, however, that the cables <NUM> can be alternatively constructed as desired.

The first electrical contacts <NUM> can be arranged in respective first linear arrays <NUM>. The linear arrays <NUM> can be oriented parallel to each other. The first electrical connector <NUM> can include any number of linear arrays as desired. For instance, the first electrical connector <NUM> can include two or more linear arrays <NUM>. For instance, the first electrical connector <NUM> can include three or more linear arrays <NUM>. For instance, the first electrical connector <NUM> can include four or more linear arrays <NUM>. For instance, the first electrical connector <NUM> can include five or more linear arrays <NUM>. For instance, the first electrical connector <NUM> can include six or more linear arrays <NUM>. For instance, the first electrical connector <NUM> can include seven or more linear arrays <NUM>. For instance, the first electrical connector <NUM> can include eight or more linear arrays <NUM>. In this regard, it should be appreciated that the first electrical connector <NUM> can include any number of linear arrays as desired. As will be further appreciated from the description below, the first electrical connector <NUM> can include ground shields disposed between respective adjacent ones of the linear arrays <NUM>.

The first linear arrays <NUM> can be oriented substantially along the transverse direction T. Thus, reference to the first linear array <NUM> and the transverse direction T herein can be used interchangeably unless otherwise indicated. The first linear arrays <NUM> can be oriented substantially along a direction that intersects the plane defined by the attachment surface of the first connector housing. Similarly, the first linear arrays <NUM> can be oriented substantially along a direction that intersects the first substrate <NUM> to which the first electrical connector <NUM> is attached. The term "substantially" recognizes that the electrical contacts <NUM> of each of the first linear arrays can define regions that are offset from each other. For instance, one or more of the mating ends 32a can be offset from each other along the lateral direction A as described in more detail below. Further, the first linear arrays <NUM> can be oriented in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the first substrate <NUM> to which the first electrical connector <NUM> is attached.

The first linear arrays <NUM> can be spaced from each other along a direction that is substantially parallel to the plane defined by the first substrate <NUM> to which the first electrical connector <NUM> is attached. Thus, the first linear arrays <NUM> can be spaced from each other along the lateral direction A. Because the first electrical contacts <NUM> are vertical contacts and lie in the respective first linear arrays <NUM>, respective entireties of the electrical contacts <NUM> lie in a respective one of the first linear arrays <NUM> that extends along the respective direction. The respective direction can be a substantially linear direction. Thus, the mating ends 32a of each first linear array <NUM> are spaced from the mating ends 32a of adjacent ones of the first linear arrays <NUM> along the lateral direction A. Further, the mounting ends 32b of each first linear array <NUM> is spaced from the mounting ends 32b of adjacent ones of the first linear arrays <NUM> along the lateral direction A.

The first electrical contacts <NUM> include a plurality of first signal contacts <NUM> and a plurality of first electrical grounds <NUM> disposed between respective ones of the first signal contacts <NUM>. For instance, the adjacent ones of the first signal contacts <NUM> that are adjacent each other along the first linear array <NUM> can define a differential signal pair. While the first signal contacts <NUM> and the first grounds <NUM> can be said to extend along a first linear array, it is recognized that at least a portion up to an entirety of the first signal contacts and the first grounds <NUM> can be offset with respect to each other along the lateral direction A. As described in more detail below, the first signal contacts <NUM> and the first grounds <NUM> can be said to extend along a first linear array, since they are defined by the same leadframe assembly <NUM> that is oriented along the first linear array. It should be appreciated, however, that each of the first signal contacts <NUM> and each of the first grounds <NUM> can also be said to extend along respective linear arrays that are offset with respect to each other along the lateral direction A.

It should be appreciated that the first signal contacts <NUM> are not defined by electrical contact pads of a printed circuit board or electrical contacts of a printed circuit board. Further, the first grounds are not defined by electrical contact pads of a printed circuit board or electrical contacts of a printed circuit board. Thus, it can be said that the first electrical contacts <NUM> can, in certain examples, not be defined by electrical contact pads of a printed circuit board or electrical contacts of a printed circuit board. Further, in the illustrated example, the first electrical connector <NUM> does not include any printed circuit boards.

In one example, the first signal contacts <NUM> of each differential pair can be edge coupled. That is, the edges of the contacts <NUM> that define differential pairs face each other. Alternatively, the first electrical contacts <NUM> can be broadside coupled. That is, the broadsides of the first electrical contacts <NUM> of the differential pairs can face each other. The edges are shorter than the broadsides in a plane defined by the lateral direction A and the transverse direction T. The edges can face each other within each first linear array. The broadsides of the first electrical contacts <NUM> of adjacent first linear arrays can face each other. Each adjacent differential signal pair along a respective one of the first linear arrays <NUM> can be separated by at least one ground in a repeating pattern. Each of the first signal contacts <NUM> can define a respective first mating end 48a, a respective first mounting end 48b, and an intermediate region that extends between the first mating end 48a and the first mounting end 48b. For instance, the intermediate region can extend from the first mating end 48a to the first mounting end 48b.

The first mounting ends 48b can be placed in electrical communication with respective signal conductors of the electrical cables <NUM>. Further, each of the first grounds <NUM> can include at least one first ground mating end 54a and at least one first ground mounting end 54b. The first ground mounting ends 54b can be placed in electrical communication with respective grounds or drain wires of the electrical cables <NUM>. The first mating ends 32a of the first electrical contacts <NUM> can include the first mating ends 48a of the first signal contacts <NUM> and the first ground mating ends 54a. The first mounting ends 32b of the first electrical contacts <NUM> can include the first mounting ends 48b of the first signal contacts <NUM> and the first ground mounting ends 54b.

It should thus be appreciated that the electrical cables <NUM> can be electrically connected to the first mounting ends 32b. In particular, when the electrical cables <NUM> are configured as twin axial cables, each of the cables can be electrically connected to the mounting ends of adjacent electrical signal contacts that define a differential pair. The electrical cables <NUM> can each further be electrically connected to ground plates <NUM> disposed adjacent to the differential signal pair, as described in more detail below. For instance, the electrical cables <NUM> can each further be electrically connected to the ground mounting ends of the ground plates <NUM>. The ground plates can be disposed immediately adjacent to the respective differential signal pair. That is, no electrical contacts are disposed between the ground mounting ends and the mounting ends of the differential signal pair of signal contacts along the respective linear array.

The mating ends 48a of adjacent differential signal pairs along the first linear array can be separated by at least one ground mating end 54a along the transverse direction T. In one example, the mating ends 48a of adjacent differential signal pairs can be separated by a plurality of ground mating ends 54a. For instance, the mating ends 48a of the signal contacts <NUM> can define a convex contact surface <NUM>, and a concavity opposite the convex contact surface <NUM> with respect to the lateral direction A. The ground mating ends 54a can include at least one first type of ground mating end 54a having a convex contact surface <NUM> that faces a first same direction as the convex contact surfaces <NUM>, and an opposed concavity that faces a second same direction as the concavities of the signal contacts <NUM>. The first same direction can be oriented opposite the second same direction. The first and second same directions can be oriented along the lateral direction A.

In one example, the ground mating ends 54a can include a pair of first types of ground mating ends 54a disposed between adjacent differential signal pairs along the respective first linear array <NUM>, and thus along the transverse direction T. The first types of ground mating ends 54a can be aligned with each other along the transverse direction T. The ground mating ends 54a can further include a second type of ground mating end 54a having a convex contact surface <NUM> that faces opposite the convex contact surfaces <NUM> and <NUM>. The second types of ground mating ends 54a can be aligned with each other along the transverse direction T. The convex contact surface <NUM> can face the second same direction. The second type of ground mating end 54a can be disposed adjacent the at least one first type of ground mating end 54a along the respective first linear array <NUM>, and thus between the mating ends of adjacent differential signal pairs of the respective first linear array <NUM>. In one example, the second type of ground mating end 54a can be disposed between adjacent first and second ones of the first types of ground mating ends 54a that define the pair of the first type of ground mating ends 54a along the first linear array, and thus with respect to the transverse direction T. For instance, the second type of ground mating ends 54a can be equidistantly spaced between the first and second ones of the first types of ground mating ends 54a. Accordingly, three ground mating ends 54a (e.g., two of the first types of ground mating ends and one of the second types of ground mating ends can be disposed between the mating ends of first and second pairs of immediately adjacent differential signal pairs in a repeating pattern. The term "immediately adjacent" in this context means that no additional differential signal pairs are disposed between the two pairs of immediately adjacent differential signal pairs. The first types of ground mating ends 54a can be offset with respect to the mating ends 48a of the first electrical signal contacts <NUM> along the lateral direction A. The second types of ground mating ends 54a can be offset with respect to the first types of ground mating ends 54a along the lateral direction A, such that the first types of ground mating ends 54a are disposed between the mating ends 48a and the second types of ground mating ends 54a along the lateral direction A. The second type of ground mating ends 54a can define a respective concavity opposite the respective convex contact surface <NUM>, and thus faces the first same direction. As will be appreciated from the description below, the first grounds are configured to receive a ground plate of the second electrical connector between the first types of ground mating ends 54a and the second types of ground mating ends 54a.

It should thus be appreciated that the mating ends 48a of the signal contacts of each first linear array <NUM> can be offset along the lateral direction A with respect to one or more of the ground mating ends 54a of the first linear arrays <NUM>. Alternatively, the mating ends 48a of the signal contacts of each first linear array <NUM> can be aligned with one or more of the ground mating ends 54a of the first linear arrays <NUM> along the transverse direction T. The ground mating ends 54a and the mating ends 48a of the signal contacts <NUM> can be spaced from each other at the same pitch along the transverse direction T. Alternatively, the ground mating ends 54a and the mating ends 48a of the signal contacts <NUM> can be spaced from each other at different pitches along the transverse direction T.

The mounting ends 48b of adjacent differential signal pairs can be separated by at least one ground mounting end 54b along the transverse direction T. In one example, the mounting ends 48b of adjacent differential signal pairs can be separated by a plurality of ground mounting ends 54b. For instance, the mounting ends 48b of the signal contacts <NUM> can be separated by a pair of ground mounting ends 54b. The ground mounting ends 54b and the mounting ends 48b of the signal contacts <NUM> of each first linear array can further be aligned with each other along the transverse direction T. Alternatively, the ground mounting ends 54b and the mounting ends 48b of the signal contacts <NUM> of each first linear array can be offset from each other along the lateral direction A. The first mounting ends 48b and the first ground mounting ends 54b can be configured in any manner as desired, including but not limited to solder balls, press-fit tails, j-shaped leads. Alternatively, and as described above, the first mounting ends 48b and the first ground mounting ends 54b can be configured as cable mounts that attach to respective electrical conductors and electrical grounds of an electrical cable.

As described above, the vertical contacts <NUM> of the first electrical connector define an overall length from their mating ends 32a to their mounting ends 32b. The overall length can be shorter with respect to electrical contacts of right-angle connectors of conventional orthogonal electrical connector systems. Further, the vertical contacts <NUM> do not suffer from skew that is produced from right-angle electrical contacts having different lengths that define differential signal pairs when the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> are mated to each other. Thus, as described below, the electrical contacts <NUM> can operate more reliably at faster data transfer rates in orthogonal applications compared to orthogonal right-angle electrical connectors.

In one example, the overall length of the first electrical contacts <NUM> can be in a range between and including substantially <NUM> and substantially <NUM>. For instance, the overall length of the first electrical contacts <NUM> can be in a range between and including substantially <NUM> and substantially <NUM>. For example, the overall length of the first electrical contacts <NUM> can be in a range between and including substantially <NUM> and substantially <NUM>. In particular, the overall length of the first electrical contacts <NUM> can be substantially <NUM>.

The first linear arrays <NUM> can include first, second, and third ones of the first linear arrays <NUM> that are adjacent to each other. The first linear arrays can be arranged such that the second first linear array is between the first and third first linear arrays and immediately adjacent the first and third first linear arrays. Each of the first, second, and third ones of the first linear arrays <NUM> can include respective arrangements of differential signal pairs separated from each other by at least one ground. One of the differential signal pairs of the second one of the first linear arrays can be defined as a victim differential signal pair, and differential signals with data transfer rates of substantially <NUM> Gigabits/sec in six differential signal pairs in the first, second, and third ones of the first linear arrays <NUM> that are closest to the victim differential signal pair produce no more than six percent of worst-case, multi-active cross talk on the victim differential signal pair at a rise time between <NUM>-<NUM>, in one example. For instance, the worst-case, multi-active cross talk on the victim differential signal pair can be no more than five percent in one example. For instance, the worst-case, multi-active cross talk on the victim differential signal pair can be no more than four percent. For instance, the worst-case, multi-active cross talk on the victim differential signal pair can be no more than three percent. For instance, the worst-case, multi-active cross talk on the victim differential signal pair can be no more than two percent. For instance, the worst-case, multi-active cross talk on the victim differential signal pair can be no more than one percent. The data transfer rates can be between and including substantially <NUM> Gigabits/second and substantially <NUM> Gigabits/second.

It is recognized that the grounds <NUM> can be defined by respective discrete ground contacts. Alternatively, the grounds <NUM> can be defined by a respective one of a plurality of ground plates <NUM>. With continuing reference to <FIG>, in one example the first electrical connector <NUM> can include a plurality of first leadframe assemblies <NUM> that are supported by the first connector housing <NUM>. Each of the first leadframe assemblies <NUM> can include a dielectric or electrically insulative first leadframe housing <NUM>, and a respective first linear array <NUM> of the plurality of first electrical contacts <NUM>. Thus, it can be said that each leadframe assembly <NUM> is oriented along one of the first linear arrays <NUM> of the first electrical connector <NUM>. The leadframe housing <NUM> can be overmolded onto the respective signal contacts <NUM>. Alternatively, the signal contacts <NUM> can be stitched into the leadframe housing <NUM>. Further, the grounds of the respective first linear array <NUM> can be defined by a first ground plate <NUM> as described above. The ground plate <NUM> can include a plate body <NUM> that is supported by the leadframe housing <NUM>, such that the ground mating ends 54a and the ground mounting ends 54b extend out from the plate body <NUM>. Thus, the plate body <NUM>, the ground mating ends 54a, and the ground mounting ends 54b can all be monolithic with each other. Respective ones of the ground plate bodies <NUM> can be disposed between respective adjacent linear arrays of the intermediate regions of the electrical signal contacts <NUM>.

Each of the leadframe assemblies <NUM> can define at least one aperture <NUM> that extends through each of the leadframe housing <NUM> and the ground plate <NUM> along the lateral direction. The at least one aperture <NUM> can include a plurality of apertures <NUM>. A perimeter of the at least one aperture <NUM> can be defined by a first portion 65a of the leadframe housing <NUM>. The first portion 65a of the leadframe housing <NUM> can be aligned with the ground plate <NUM> along the lateral direction A. The leadframe housing <NUM> can further include a second portion 65b that cooperates with the first portion 65a so as to capture the ground plate <NUM> therebetween along the lateral direction A. The quantity of electrically insulative material of the leadframe housing <NUM> can further control the impedance of the first electrical connector <NUM>. Further, a region of each at least one aperture <NUM> can be aligned with the signal mating ends 48a of the electrical signal contacts along the longitudinal direction L.

The ground plate <NUM> can be configured to electrically shield the signal contacts <NUM> of the respective first linear array <NUM> from the signal contacts <NUM> of an adjacent one of the first linear arrays <NUM> along the lateral direction A. Thus, the ground plates <NUM> can also be referred to as electrical shields. Further, it can be said that an electrical shield is disposed between, along the lateral direction A, adjacent ones of respective linear arrays of the electrical signal contacts <NUM>. In one example, the ground plates <NUM> can be made of any suitable metal. In another example, the ground plates <NUM> can include an electrically conductive lossy material. In still another example, the ground plates <NUM> can include an electrically nonconductive lossy material.

Referring now to Figs. 3A-GF, the second electrical connector <NUM> includes a dielectric or electrically insulative second connector housing <NUM> and a plurality of second electrical contacts <NUM> that are supported by the second connector housing <NUM>. The second connector housing <NUM> defines a front end that, in turn, defines a second mating interface <NUM>. The second connector housing <NUM> further defines a rear end that, in turn, defines a second mounting interface <NUM> opposite the second mating interface <NUM> along the longitudinal direction L. Further, the second mating interface <NUM> can be aligned with the second mounting interface <NUM> along the longitudinal direction L. The second electrical contacts <NUM> can define respective second mating ends 72a at the second mating interface <NUM>, and second mounting ends 72b at the second mounting interface <NUM>. Thus, the second electrical contacts <NUM> can be configured as vertical contacts whose second mating ends 72a and second mounting ends 72b are opposite each other with respect to the longitudinal direction L.

The longitudinal direction L defines the mating direction along which the second electrical connector <NUM> mates with the first electrical connector <NUM>. The second connector housing <NUM> further defines first and second sides <NUM> that are opposite each other along the transverse direction T. The second connector housing <NUM> further defines a bottom surface <NUM> and a top surface <NUM> opposite the bottom surface <NUM> along the lateral direction A. The second electrical connector <NUM> is described herein with respect to the longitudinal direction L, the lateral direction A, and the transverse direction T in the orientation as if mated with the second electrical connector <NUM> or aligned to be mated with the first electrical connector <NUM>. The second electrical connector <NUM> can define a receptacle connector, and the first electrical connector <NUM> can define a plug that is received in the receptacle of the second electrical connector <NUM>. Alternatively, the first electrical connector <NUM> can define a receptacle connector, and the second electrical connector <NUM> can define a plug that is received in the receptacle of the first electrical connector <NUM>.

Each of the second electrical connectors <NUM> can be configured to attach to a respective one of the second substrates <NUM>. In one example, the second electrical connectors <NUM> can be configured to attach to the second substrates <NUM> adjacent an edge of the second substrate <NUM> that faces the first substrates <NUM>. The second electrical connectors <NUM> can be configured to attach to the respective one of the second substrates <NUM> such that the bottom surface <NUM> faces the respective one of the second substrates <NUM>. For instance, the second bottom surface <NUM> can define a second attachment surface that is configured to attach the second electrical connectors <NUM> to the respective ones of the second substrates <NUM>. For instance, the second connector housing <NUM> can include an attachment member <NUM> (see <FIG>) that is configured to attach to the respective one of the second substrates <NUM>. The attachment member can extend out from the bottom surface <NUM>. It is recognized that the bottom surface <NUM> of the second electrical connector <NUM> faces a direction perpendicular to the direction that the bottom surface <NUM> of the first electrical connector <NUM> faces. The attachment member of the second electrical connector <NUM> can be configured as a projection or an aperture that receives hardware that attaches the second electrical connector <NUM> to the respective one of the second substrates <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, the attachment member can include a bracket that, in turn, is secured to the respective one of the second substrates <NUM>. Alternatively still, the attachment member <NUM> can be configured as the second outer housing <NUM> described above.

Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the second electrical connectors <NUM>, up to all of the second electrical connectors <NUM>, can float. That is, the second electrical connectors <NUM> can be free from attachment to each of the first and second substrates <NUM> and <NUM>. An auxiliary attachment structure, if desired, can attach to the first and second substrates <NUM> and <NUM> so as to maintain the first and second substrates <NUM> and <NUM> in an orthogonal relationship to each other.

It should be appreciated that the attachment surface of the second electrical connector <NUM> is different than the ends of the second connector housing <NUM> that define the second mating interface <NUM> and the second mounting interface <NUM>. For instance, the second attachment surface of the second electrical connector <NUM> can extend between the second mating interface <NUM> and the second mounting interface <NUM>. In one example, the second attachment surface can extend from the second mating interface <NUM> to the second mounting interface <NUM>. The second mating interface <NUM> and the second mounting interface <NUM> can be oriented along respective planes that are substantially parallel to each other. In one example, the second mating interface <NUM> and the second mounting interface <NUM> are defined by respective planes that extend along the lateral direction A and the transverse direction T. The second attachment surface can be oriented along a respective plane that is orthogonal to the planes of the second mating interface and the second mounting interface. For instance, the second attachment surface can be oriented along a respective plane that extends along the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T. Thus, when the second electrical connector <NUM> is attached to the second substrate <NUM>, the second substrate <NUM> is oriented along a plane that extends along the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction T. Thus, the second substrates <NUM> are oriented orthogonal with respect to the first substrates <NUM>.

The second mounting ends 72b of the second electrical contacts <NUM> can be configured to electrically connect to any suitable electrical component. For instance, the second mounting ends 72b can be configured to electrically connect to respective second electrical cables <NUM>. The second electrical cables <NUM> can be bundled as desired. The electrical cables <NUM> are further configured to be placed in electrical communication with the second substrate <NUM>. Thus, the orthogonal electrical connector system <NUM> can further include the second electrical cables <NUM> that extend from the second electrical connector <NUM> to a second complimentary electrical connector <NUM> that can be placed in electrical communication with the second substrate <NUM>. For instance, the second electrical cables <NUM> can terminate at a respective second termination connector <NUM> that is configured to mate with a second complementary electrical connector <NUM> that is mounted to the second substrate <NUM>. The second termination connector and the complimentary connector can be mated with each other so as to place the second electrical cables <NUM> in electrical communication with the second substrate <NUM>. Alternatively, the second electrical cables <NUM> can be mounted directly to the second substrate <NUM>. In one example, the cables <NUM> can be configured as twin axial cables. Thus, the cables <NUM> can include a pair of signal conductors disposed within an outer insulative jacket. It should be appreciated, however, that the cables <NUM> can be alternatively constructed as desired.

In one example, it is recognized that the cable assembly can be devoid of the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM>. Rather, the cable assembly can include the electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM>, and a plurality of electrical cables of the type described herein that are mounted at a first end to respective electrical contacts of the electrical connector <NUM>, and at a second end to respective electrical contacts of the electrical connector <NUM>. The electrical cables can be selectively attached to and detached from the first substrate <NUM>, for instance by mating the electrical connector <NUM> to, and unmating the electrical connector <NUM> from, the electrical connector <NUM>. The electrical cables can be selectively attached to and detached from the second substrate <NUM>, for instance by mating the electrical connector <NUM> to, and unmating the electrical connector <NUM> from, the electrical connector <NUM>.

The second electrical contacts <NUM> can be arranged in respective second linear arrays <NUM>. The linear arrays <NUM> can be oriented parallel to each other. The second electrical connector <NUM> can include any number of linear arrays <NUM> as desired. For instance, the second electrical connector <NUM> can include two or more linear arrays <NUM>. For instance, the second electrical connector <NUM> can include three or more linear arrays <NUM>. For instance, the second electrical connector <NUM> can include four or more linear arrays <NUM>. For instance, the second electrical connector <NUM> can include five or more linear arrays <NUM>. For instance, the second electrical connector <NUM> can include six or more linear arrays <NUM>. For instance, the second electrical connector <NUM> can include seven or more linear arrays <NUM>. For instance, the second electrical connector <NUM> can include eight or more linear arrays <NUM>. In this regard, it should be appreciated that the second electrical connector <NUM> can include any number of linear arrays as desired. As will be further appreciated from the description below, the second electrical connector <NUM> can include ground shields disposed between respective adjacent ones of the linear arrays <NUM>.

The second linear arrays can be oriented substantially along the transverse direction T. Thus, reference to the second linear array <NUM> and the transverse direction T herein can be used interchangeably unless otherwise indicated. The second linear arrays <NUM> can be oriented substantially along a direction that is substantially parallel to the plane defined by the second attachment surface of the second connector housing <NUM>. Similarly, the second linear arrays <NUM> can be oriented substantially along a direction that is substantially parallel to the second substrate <NUM> to which the second electrical connector <NUM> is attached. The term "substantially" recognizes that the second electrical contacts <NUM> of each of the second linear arrays <NUM> can define regions that are offset from each other. For instance, the direction of the second linear arrays <NUM> can be oriented substantially perpendicular to the plane of the second substrate <NUM> to which the second electrical connector <NUM> is attached. Further, one or more of the mating ends 72a can be offset from each other along the lateral direction A as described in more detail below.

The second linear arrays <NUM> can be spaced from each other along a direction that intersects the second attachment surface. Thus, the second linear arrays <NUM> can be spaced from each other along a direction that intersects the plane defined by the second substrate <NUM> to which the second electrical connector <NUM> is attached. For instance, the second linear arrays <NUM> can be spaced from each other along a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the second attachment surface. In one example, the second linear arrays <NUM> can be spaced from each other along a direction that is perpendicular to the plane defined by the second substrate <NUM> to which the second electrical connector <NUM> is attached. Thus, the second linear arrays <NUM> can be spaced from each other along the lateral direction A. Because the second electrical contacts <NUM> are vertical contacts and lie in the respective second linear arrays <NUM>, respective entireties of the electrical contacts <NUM> lie in a respective one of the second linear arrays <NUM> that extends along the respective direction. The respective direction can be a substantially linear direction. Thus, the mating ends 72a of each second linear array <NUM> are spaced from the mating ends 72a of adjacent ones of the second linear arrays <NUM> along the lateral direction A. Further, the mounting ends 72b of each second linear array <NUM> are spaced from the mounting ends 72b of adj acent ones of the second linear arrays <NUM> along the lateral direction A.

The second electrical contacts <NUM> can include a plurality of second signal contacts <NUM> and a plurality of second grounds <NUM> disposed between respective ones of the second signal contacts <NUM>. At least respective portions of the grounds <NUM> can be substantially planar, for instance along a plane defined by the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T. In this regard, the grounds <NUM> can be defined by ground plates <NUM> as described in more detail below. In one example, the adjacent ones of the second signal contacts <NUM> that are adjacent each other along the second linear array <NUM> can define a differential signal pair. While the second signal contacts <NUM> and the second grounds <NUM> can be said to extend along a second linear array <NUM>, it is recognized that at least a portion up to an entirety of the second signal contacts <NUM> and the second grounds <NUM> can be offset with respect to each other along the lateral direction A. As described in more detail below, the second signal contacts <NUM> and the second grounds <NUM> can be said to extend along a second linear array, since they are defined by a single leadframe assembly <NUM> that is oriented along the second linear array. It should be appreciated, however, that each of the second signal contacts <NUM> and each of the second grounds <NUM> can also be said to extend along respective linear arrays that are offset with respect to each other along the lateral direction A.

It should be appreciated that the second signal contacts <NUM> are not defined by electrical contact pads of a printed circuit board or electrical contacts of a printed circuit board. Further, the second grounds <NUM> are not defined as electrical contact pads of a printed circuit board or electrical contacts of a printed circuit board. Thus, it can be said that the second electrical contacts <NUM> can, in certain examples, not be defined by electrical contact pads of a printed circuit board or electrical contacts of a printed circuit board. Further, in the illustrated example, the second electrical connector <NUM> does not include any printed circuit boards.

In one example, the second signal contacts <NUM> of each differential pair can be edge coupled. That is, the edges of the contacts <NUM> that define differential pairs face each other. Alternatively, the second electrical contacts <NUM> can be broadside coupled. That is, the broadsides of the second electrical contacts <NUM> of the differential pairs can face each other. The edges are shorter than the broadsides in a plane defined by the lateral direction A and the transverse direction T. The edges can face each other within each of the respective second linear arrays. The broadsides of the second electrical contacts <NUM> of adjacent second linear arrays <NUM> can face each other along the lateral direction A, though a ground plate <NUM> can be disposed between the broadsides of adjacent second linear arrays <NUM> with respect to the lateral direction A. Each adjacent differential signal pair along a respective one of the second linear arrays <NUM> can be separated by at least one ground in a repeating pattern. Each of the second signal contacts <NUM> can define a respective second mating end 88a, a respective second mounting end 88b, and an intermediate region that extends between the second mating end 88a and the second mounting end 88b. For instance, the intermediate region can extend from the second mating end 88a to the second mounting end 88b.

The second mounting ends 88b can be placed in electrical communication with respective electrical signal conductors of the electrical cables <NUM>. Further, each of the second grounds <NUM> can include at least one second ground mating end 94a and at least one second ground mounting end 94b. The second ground mounting ends 94b can be placed in electrical communication with respective grounds or drain wires of the electrical cables <NUM>. In one example, the cables <NUM> are devoid of drain wires, and instead includes an electrically conductive ground member that is attached at one end to the ground shields of the cables <NUM>, and attached at another end to the ground mounting ends 94b. The second mating ends 72a of the second electrical contacts <NUM> can include the second mating ends 88a of the second signal contacts <NUM> and the second ground mating ends 94a. The second mounting ends 72b of the second electrical contacts <NUM> can include the second mounting ends 88b of the second signal contacts <NUM> and the second ground mounting ends 94b.

It should thus be appreciated that the electrical cables <NUM> can be electrically connected to the second mounting ends 72b of the second electrical contacts <NUM>. In particular, when the electrical cables <NUM> are configured as twin axial cables, each of the cables can be electrically connected to the mounting ends of adjacent electrical signal contacts that define a differential pair. The electrical cables <NUM> can each further be electrically connected to the ground plates disposed adjacent the differential signal pair. For instance, the electrical cables <NUM> can each further be electrically connected to the ground mounting ends of ground plates <NUM>, described in more detail below. The ground plates <NUM> can be disposed adjacent to the differential signal pair. For instance, the electrical cables <NUM> can each further be electrically connected to the ground mounting ends disposed immediately adjacent to the respective differential signal pair. That is, no electrical contacts are disposed between the ground mounting ends and the mounting ends of the differential signal pair of signal contacts along the respective linear array.

The second mating ends 88a of adjacent differential signal pairs along the second linear array <NUM> can be separated by at least one second ground mating end 94a along the transverse direction T. In one example, the second mating ends 88a of adjacent differential signal pairs can be separated by a second ground mating end 94a that has a length along the transverse direction T greater than the length of the second mating ends 88a along the transverse direction T. Further, the second ground mating ends 94a can be configured as substantially planar blades. The planar blades can extend along respective planes that are oriented along the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T. Thus, referring also to <FIG>, when the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> are mated with each other, the second ground mating ends 94a are inserted between the first and second types of ground mating ends 54a and 54b of a respective one of the first linear arrays <NUM> of the first electrical connector <NUM>. Otherwise stated, the ground plate <NUM> is inserted between the first and second types of ground mating ends 54a and 54b with respect to the lateral direction. Thus, the convex contact surfaces of the first types of ground mating ends 54a contact a first side of the second ground mating ends 94a, and the second types of ground mating ends 54a contact a second side of the ground mating ends 94a that is opposite the first side along the lateral direction A.

The second mating ends 88a of the signal contacts <NUM> can define a second convex contact surface <NUM>, and a concavity opposite the second convex contact surface <NUM> with respect to the lateral direction A. When the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> are mated with each other, the second mating ends 88a of the second signal contacts <NUM> can mate with the first mating ends 48a of the first signal contacts <NUM> without contacting the respective grounds of either of the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM>. For instance, the convex contact surfaces of the first and second signal contacts <NUM> and <NUM> contact each other, and ride along each other to a final mated position as the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> are mated to each other.

Referring again to <FIG>, it should be appreciated that the second ground mating ends 94a can be disposed between immediately adjacent differential signal pairs of the second mating ends 88a along the transverse direction T. The term "immediately adjacent" in this context means that no additional differential signal pairs are disposed between the two pairs of immediately adjacent differential signal pairs. While the ground mating ends 94a can defined substantially planar blades, it should be appreciated that each of the ground mating ends 94a can alternatively define a respective convex contact surface and an opposed concave surface of the type described above. The term "substantially" as used herein with respect to distances and shapes recognizes that factors such as manufacturing tolerances can affect the distances and shapes.

The mounting ends 88b of immediately adjacent pairs of differential signal pairs can be separated from each other along the transverse direction T by at least one ground mounting end 94b. In one example, the mounting ends 88b of immediately adjacent pairs of differential signal pairs can be separated along the transverse direction by a plurality of ground mounting ends 94b. For instance, the mounting ends 88b of the signal contacts <NUM> can be separated by a pair of ground mounting ends 94b. The ground mounting ends 94b and the mounting ends 88b of the signal contacts <NUM> of each second linear array <NUM> can further be aligned with each other along the transverse direction T. Alternatively, the ground mounting ends 94b and the mounting ends 88b of the signal contacts <NUM> of each second linear array <NUM> can be offset from each other along the lateral direction A. One or both of the second mounting ends 88b and the second ground mounting ends 94b can be configured in any manner as desired, including but not limited to solder balls, press-fit tails, and j-shaped leads. Alternatively, and as described above, the first mounting ends 48b and the first ground mounting ends 54b can be configured as cable mounts that attach to respective electrical conductors and electrical grounds of an electrical cable.

As described above, the vertical contacts <NUM> of the second electrical connector <NUM> define an overall length from their mating ends 32a to their mounting ends 32b. The overall length can be shorter with respect to electrical contacts of right-angle connectors of conventional orthogonal electrical connector systems. Further, the vertical contacts <NUM> do not suffer from skew that is produced from right-angle electrical contacts having different lengths that define differential signal pairs when the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> are mated to each other. Thus, as described below, the electrical contacts <NUM> can operate more reliably at faster data transfer rates in orthogonal applications compared to orthogonal right-angle electrical connectors.

In one example, the overall length of the second electrical contacts <NUM> can be in a range between and including substantially <NUM> and substantially <NUM>. For instance, the overall length of the second electrical contacts <NUM> can be in a range between and including substantially <NUM> and substantially <NUM>. For example, the overall length of the second electrical contacts <NUM> can be in a range between and including substantially <NUM> and substantially <NUM>. In particular, the overall length of the second electrical contacts <NUM> can be substantially <NUM>.

When the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> are mated with each other, the respective first and second mated electrical contacts <NUM> and <NUM> can define an overall mated length along the longitudinal direction L. It is appreciated that the mating ends 32a and 72a can wipe along each other and overlap each other when the electrical contacts <NUM> and <NUM> are mated with each other. The overall mated length can be measured from the mounting ends 32b of the first electrical contacts <NUM> to the mounting ends 72b of the second electrical contacts. In one example, the overall mated length of the second electrical contacts <NUM> can be in a range between and including substantially <NUM> and substantially <NUM>. For instance, the overall mated length of the second electrical contacts <NUM> can be in a range between and including substantially <NUM> and substantially <NUM>. For instance, the range can be between and include substantially <NUM> and substantially <NUM>.

The second linear arrays <NUM> can include first, second, and third ones of the second linear arrays <NUM> that are adjacent to each other. The second linear arrays can be arranged such that the second one of the second linear arrays <NUM> is between the first and third ones of the second linear arrays <NUM> and immediately adjacent the first and third ones of the second linear arrays <NUM>. Each of the first, second, and third ones of the second linear arrays <NUM> can include respective arrangements of differential signal pairs separated from each other by at least one ground. One of the differential signal pairs of the second one of the second linear arrays can be defined as a victim differential signal pair, and differential signals with data transfer rates of substantially <NUM> Gigabits/sec in six differential signal pairs in the first, second, and third ones of the second linear arrays <NUM> that are closest to the victim differential signal pair produce no more than six percent of worst-case, multi-active cross talk on the victim differential signal pair at a rise time in a range between and including <NUM> and <NUM> picoseconds, in one example. For instance, the data transfer rates can be in a range between and including substantially <NUM> Gigabits/second and <NUM> Gigabits/second.

It is recognized that the grounds <NUM> can be defined by respective ground plates <NUM> having the ground mating ends 94a and the ground mounting ends 94b. Alternatively, the grounds <NUM> can be defined by discrete ground contacts that each include respective ground mating ends and ground mounting ends.

With continuing reference to <FIG>, in one example the second electrical connector <NUM> can include a plurality of second leadframe assemblies <NUM> that are supported by the second connector housing <NUM>. Each of the second leadframe assemblies <NUM> can include a dielectric or electrically insulative second leadframe housing <NUM>, and a respective second linear array <NUM> of the plurality of second electrical contacts <NUM>. Thus, it can be said that each leadframe assembly <NUM> is oriented along one of the second linear arrays <NUM> of the second electrical connector <NUM>. The leadframe housing <NUM> can be overmolded onto the respective signal contacts <NUM>. Alternatively, the signal contacts <NUM> can be stitched into the leadframe housing <NUM>. Further, the grounds of the respective second linear array <NUM> can be defined by a second ground plate <NUM> as described above. The ground plate <NUM> includes a plate body <NUM> that is supported by the leadframe housing <NUM>, such that the ground mounting ends 94b extend out from the plate body <NUM>. The plate body <NUM> can define the ground mating ends 94a. Alternatively, the ground mating ends 94a can extend out from the plate body <NUM> along the longitudinal direction L. The plate body <NUM>, the ground mating ends 94a, and the ground mounting ends 94b are all monolithic with each other. Respective ones of the ground plate bodies <NUM> can be disposed between respective adjacent linear arrays of the intermediate regions of the electrical signal contacts <NUM>.

Each of the leadframe assemblies <NUM> can define at least one aperture <NUM> that extends through each of the leadframe housing <NUM> and the ground plate <NUM> along the lateral direction A. The at least one aperture <NUM> can include a plurality of apertures <NUM>. A perimeter of the at least one aperture <NUM> can be defined by a first portion 105a of the leadframe housing <NUM>. The first portion 105a of the leadframe housing <NUM> can be aligned with the ground plate <NUM> along the lateral direction A. The leadframe housing <NUM> can further include a second portion 105b that cooperates with the first portion 105a so as to capture the ground plate <NUM> therebetween along the lateral direction A. The quantity of electrically insulative material of the leadframe housing <NUM> can further control the impedance of the first electrical connector <NUM>. Further, a region of each at least one aperture <NUM> can be aligned with the signal mating ends 88a of the electrical signal contacts <NUM> along the longitudinal direction L.

According to the invention, the ground plate body <NUM> includes embossed regions <NUM> disposed in an alternating manner with a contact region <NUM> along the transverse direction. The contact region <NUM> can define the ground mating ends 94a. Further, the contact region <NUM> can define the ground mounting end 94b. The embossed regions <NUM> can be offset along the lateral direction A in a direction away from the mating ends 88a of the electrical signal contacts <NUM>. At least a portion of the mating ends 88a of the electrical signal contacts <NUM> of the respective leadframe assembly <NUM> are aligned with a respective one of the embossed regions <NUM> along the lateral direction A. For instance, respective entireties of the of the mating ends 88a of the electrical signal contacts <NUM> of the respective leadframe assembly <NUM> can be aligned with a respective one of the embossed regions <NUM> along the lateral direction A. In one example, the mating ends 88a of a differential signal pair can face a common one of the embossed regions <NUM> so as to define a gap therebetwen along the lateral direction A. The mating ends of respective differential signal pairs can be aligned with respective different ones of the embossed regions <NUM>. A dielectric can be disposed in the gap. In one example, an entirety of the gap is defined by air. In another example, at least a portion of the gap up to an entirety of the gap can include electrically nonconductive plastic or any suitable dielectiric.

The embossed regions <NUM> can extend beyond the mating ends 88a with respect to the longitudinal direction L. The embossed regions <NUM> can include an embossed body <NUM> and an outer lip <NUM> that is offset away from the embossed body along the lateral direction A away from the respective mating ends 88a. The outer lips <NUM> can be aligned with the tips of the mating ends 88a along the longitudinal direction L. The grounds of the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> can mate with each other before the signal contacts of the first and second electrical connectors mate with each other when the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> are mated with each other. Conversely, the grounds of the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> can unmate from each other before the signal contacts of the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> unmate with each other when the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> are separated from each other.

In one example, the embossed regions <NUM> can face the respective concavities of the mating ends 88a that are opposite the second convex contact surfaces <NUM>. Further, the embossed regions <NUM> can be spaced from the respective concavities along the lateral direction A. Therefore, when the mating ends of the signal contacts of the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> mate with each other, the mating ends 88a can flex toward the ground plate <NUM> without contacting the ground plate <NUM>. In particular, the mating ends 88a can flex toward the respective embossments <NUM> without contacting the embossments <NUM>. Further, when the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> are mated with each other, each of the ground mating ends 94a can be received between the pair of first type of ground mating ends 54a of the first electrical connector <NUM> (see <FIG>) and the second type of ground mating end 54a with respect to the lateral direction A. Thus, each of the blades that define the ground mating ends 94a can contact three separate ground mating ends of the first electrical connector <NUM>.

When it is desired to unmate one of the first substrates <NUM> from the second substrates <NUM>, an unmating force can be applied to the first substrate <NUM> that urges the first substrate <NUM> to move along the longitudinal direction L away from the second substrates <NUM>. In this regard, the mating ends of the electrical contacts of the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> can define a normal force that acts against each other to resist separation of the first and second substrates <NUM> and <NUM> absent the unmating force. Accordingly, the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> can be devoid of respective latches that engage each other to retain the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> in the mated configuration when the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> are mated with each other.

It is recognized that the first electrical connectors <NUM> extend out from the first substrates <NUM> along the transverse direction so as to define a first height. The second electrical connectors <NUM> extend out from the first substrates <NUM> along the transverse direction T so as to define a first height. The first height can be defined by the number of electrical contacts in each of the first leadframe assemblies <NUM>. The second height can be defined by the number of leadframe assemblies <NUM> in the second electrical connector <NUM>.

Thus, a first kit of electrical connectors can include a plurality of first electrical connectors <NUM>. Ones of the first electrical connectors <NUM> of the kit can have different number of differential signal pairs defined by the respective first leadframe assemblies <NUM> than others of the first electrical connectors of the kit. Thus, the ones of the first electrical connectors <NUM> can define a different height from the first substrate <NUM> than the others of the electrical connectors <NUM> when the electrical connectors are attached to respective first substrates <NUM>. A second kit of electrical connectors can include a plurality of second electrical connectors <NUM>. Ones of the second electrical connectors <NUM> of the kit can have different number of leadframe assemblies <NUM> than others of the second electrical connectors <NUM> of the second kit. Thus, the ones of the second electrical connectors <NUM> can define a different height from the second substrate <NUM> than the others of the electrical connectors <NUM> when the second electrical connectors <NUM> are attached to respective second substrates <NUM>. It should be appreciated that a single kit can include each of the first and second kits.

It should be appreciated that the ground plate <NUM> can be configured to electrically shield the signal contacts <NUM> of the respective second linear array <NUM> from the signal contacts <NUM> of an adjacent one of the second linear arrays <NUM> along the lateral direction A. Thus, the ground plates <NUM> can also be referred to as electrical shields. Further, it can be said that an electrical shield is disposed along the lateral direction A, between adjacent ones of respective linear arrays of the electrical signal contacts <NUM>. In one example, the ground plates <NUM> can be made of any suitable metal. In another example, the ground plates <NUM> can include an electrically conductive lossy material. In still another example, the ground plates <NUM> can include an electrically nonconductive lossy material.

Referring again to <FIG>, and as described above, the electrical contacts <NUM> and <NUM> of the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, can define shorter distances from their respective mating ends to their respective mounting ends compared to right-angle electrical connectors of conventional orthogonal electrical connector systems. Further, vertical contacts do not suffer from skew that is produced from right-angle electrical contacts having different lengths that define differential signal pairs. Thus, the orthogonal electrical connector system <NUM> can transfer data at higher speeds than conventional orthogonal electrical connector systems. For instance, the orthogonal electrical connector system <NUM> can be configured to transfer differential signals from the mounting ends of one of the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> to the mounting ends of the other of the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> at data transfer rates of substantially <NUM> Gigabits per second /sec while producing no more than six percent of worst-case, multi-active cross talk on any of the differential signal pairs of the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> at a rise time in a range between and including <NUM> and <NUM> picoseconds. For instance, the data transfer rates can be in a range between and including substantially <NUM> Gigabits per second /sec and substantially <NUM> Gigabits per second while producing no more than six percent of worst-case, multi-active cross talk on any of the differential signal pairs of the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> at a rise time that is in a range between <NUM> and <NUM> picoseconds.

The first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> can be configured to directly mate with each other. That is, the first mating ends 32a of the first electrical connectors <NUM> are configured to directly contact the second mating ends 72a of the second electrical connectors <NUM> without passing into or through any intermediate structure, such as a midplane, an orthogonal adapter, or the like, so as to mate the first electrical connectors <NUM> to the second electrical connectors <NUM>. Further, in one example, the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> can only mate with each other when they are oriented in a single relative orientation, such that the respective electrical contacts mate with each other in the manner described herein. Further, in one example, each of the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> can include only electrical signal contacts. Thus, each of the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> can be devoid of optical fibers and waveguides that are configured to transmit optical signals, which are commonly present in optical connectors,.

It should be appreciated that the plurality of first electrical connectors <NUM> can be arranged in groups of first electrical connectors <NUM>. Each group of the first electrical connectors <NUM> can be configured to attach to a respective different one of the first substrates <NUM>. Similarly, the plurality of second electrical connectors <NUM> can be arranged in groups of second electrical connectors <NUM>. Each group of the second electrical connectors <NUM> can be configured to attach to a respective different one of the second substrates <NUM>. Thus, when the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> are mated to each other, each of the first substrates <NUM> is placed in data communication with each of the second substrates <NUM>. For instance, the first electrical connectors <NUM> of each group of first electrical connectors <NUM> can mate with a respective second electrical connector of each of the groups of second electrical connectors <NUM>. Similarly, when the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> are mated to each other, each of the second substrates <NUM> can be placed in data communication with each of the first substrates <NUM>. For instance, the second electrical connectors <NUM> of each group of second electrical connectors <NUM> can mate with a respective first electrical connector of each of the groups of first electrical connectors <NUM>. The first substrates <NUM> can be configured as daughter cards, and the second substrates <NUM> can be configured as daughter cards. Thus, daughter cards defined by the first substrates <NUM> can be removed from data communication with the daughter cards defined by the second substrates <NUM> and replaced by other daughter cards as desired.

Thus, the orthogonal electrical connector system <NUM> can include at least one power bus bar <NUM>. The power bus bar can be placed in electrical communication with one or more of the first substrates <NUM>, up to all of the first substrates <NUM> so as to deliver electrical power to the first substrates <NUM>. The orthogonal electrical connector system <NUM> can further carry one or both of electrical power and low speed signals configured to be placed in electrical communication with one or more of the first substrates <NUM> when the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> are mated with each other.

As described above, and referring to <FIG>, the electrical connector system <NUM> can include the first termination electrical connector <NUM> and the complementary electrical connector <NUM>. Thus an electrical connector system <NUM> can include the first termination electrical connector <NUM>, which can be referred to as a first electrical connector of the connector system <NUM>. The connector system <NUM> can further include the complementary electrical connector <NUM>, which can be referred to as a second electrical connector of the connector system <NUM>. As described above, in one example the complementary electrical connector can be configured to be mounted to a substrate, such as the substrate <NUM>. Thus, in one example, the connector system <NUM> can be referred to as a daughtercard connector system, because the complementary electrical connector <NUM> can be configured to be mounted onto one of the daughtercards defined by the substrates <NUM>.

The electrical connector system <NUM> can further include one or more integrated circuit (IC) packages <NUM> supported by one or more up to all of the first substrates <NUM>. Each IC package <NUM> can include a respective dedicated substrate <NUM> and a respective IC chip <NUM> mounted to the dedicated substrate <NUM>. The IC package <NUM> can further include a heat sink <NUM> that is configured to remove heat from the IC chip <NUM> during operation. The dedicated substrate <NUM> can be configured as a printed circuit board. In some examples, the IC chip <NUM> can be wirebonded to the dedicated substrate <NUM>. The dedicated substrate <NUM> can be supported by the first substrate <NUM>. The complementary electrical connectors <NUM> can be placed in electrical communication with a respective at least one of the IC packages <NUM>. For instance, in one example, at least one or more of the complementary electrical connectors <NUM> up to all of the complementary electrical connectors <NUM> can be mounted to the first substrate <NUM>. The first substrate <NUM> can include electrical traces that are configured to place the IC package <NUM> in electrical communication with the electrical contacts of the complementary electrical connectors <NUM> that are mounted to the first substrate <NUM>. One or more up to all of the complementary electrical connectors <NUM> can be configured as right angle electrical connectors and mounted to the first substrate <NUM> such that the mounting interface of the complementary electrical connector <NUM> is oriented perpendicular to the first substrate <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, at least one or more of the complementary electrical connectors <NUM> can be configured as vertical electrical connectors and mounted to the first substrate <NUM> such that the mounting interface of the complementary electrical connector <NUM> is oriented parallel to the first substrate <NUM>.

Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the complementary electrical connectors <NUM> can be mounted directly to the IC package <NUM>. For instance, the complementary electrical connectors <NUM> can be mounted to the dedicated substrate <NUM>. In one example, at least one or more up to all of the complementary electrical connectors <NUM> can be configured as right angle electrical connectors and mounted to the respective IC packages <NUM> such that the mounting interface of the complementary electrical connector <NUM> is oriented perpendicular to one or both of the first substrate <NUM> and the dedicated substrate <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, at least one or more up to all of the complementary electrical connectors <NUM> can be configured as vertical electrical connectors and mounted to the IC packages <NUM> such that the mounting interface of the complementary electrical connector <NUM> is oriented parallel to one or both of the first substrate <NUM> and the dedicated substrate <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally still, at least one or more up to all of the complementary electrical connectors <NUM> can be configured as edge card connectors and mounted to the IC packages <NUM> such that the edge-card connectors receive the dedicated substrate <NUM>, thereby placing respective ones of the electrical contacts in electrical communication with the IC chip <NUM>. The first termination electrical connectors <NUM> can be mated with a respective one of the complementary electrical connectors <NUM> so as to place the electrical cables <NUM> in electrical communication with the IC package <NUM>, and in particular with the IC chip <NUM>. It is appreciated that some of the cables <NUM> are not shown connected between the electrical connector <NUM> and the respective first termination connector <NUM> in <FIG> for the purposes of clarity in the illustration.

In one example, the complementary electrical connectors <NUM> can be arranged in respective groups that are placed, either directly or through the first substrate <NUM>, in electrical communication with a respective one of the IC packages <NUM>. Thus, a corresponding respective group of the first termination connectors <NUM> can be mounted to respective one of the complementary electrical connectors <NUM> so as to place the cables <NUM> in electrical communication with the respective one of the IC packages <NUM>.

Referring also to <FIG>, the complementary electrical connector <NUM> can be constructed as described above with reference to the second electrical connector <NUM>. Accordingly, the complementary electrical connector <NUM> can be constructed as illustrated in <FIG>. Thus, the description of the second electrical connector <NUM> can apply equally to the complementary electrical connector <NUM>, with the exception that the leadframe assemblies <NUM> can be split along the respective linear array <NUM> into first and second separate leadframe assemblies 102a and 102b. For instance, the leadframe assemblies <NUM> can be bifurcated along the respective linear array <NUM>. Thus, the first and second leadframe assemblies 102a and 102b can be aligned with each other along the respective linear array, and can include an equal number of electrical contacts. Alternatively, each of the leadframe assemblies <NUM> can be constructed as described in <FIG>. Thus, the leadframe assemblies <NUM> can extend along an entirety of the respective linear array <NUM>. The complementary electrical connector <NUM> can include the ground plates <NUM> that are configured to electrically shield the signal contacts <NUM> of the respective second linear arrays <NUM> from the signal contacts <NUM> of an adjacent ones of the second linear arrays <NUM> along the lateral direction A. Otherwise stated, the complementary electrical connector <NUM> (and the second electrical connector <NUM>) can include electrical shielding between signal contacts along the lateral direction A. The electrical shielding can be provided by the ground plate <NUM>.

The first termination electrical connector <NUM> can be constructed as described above with reference to the first electrical connector <NUM>. Accordingly, the first termination electrical connector <NUM> can be constructed as illustrated in <FIG>. Thus, the description of the electrical connector <NUM> can apply equally to the first termination electrical connector <NUM>, with the exception that the leadframe assemblies <NUM> can be split along the respective linear array <NUM> into two separate leadframe assemblies. For instance, the leadframe assemblies <NUM> can be bifurcated along the respective linear array <NUM>. Thus, the first and second leadframe assemblies can be aligned with each other along the respective linear array, and can include an equal number of electrical contacts. Alternatively, each of the leadframe assemblies <NUM> can be constructed as described in <FIG>. Thus, the leadframe assemblies <NUM> can extend along an entirety of the respective linear array <NUM>. Referring also to <FIG>, the first termination electrical connector <NUM> can include the ground plates <NUM> that are configured to electrically shield the signal contacts <NUM> of the respective first linear array <NUM> from the signal contacts <NUM> of an adjacent ones of the first linear arrays <NUM> along the lateral direction A. Otherwise stated, the first termination electrical connector <NUM> (and the first electrical connector <NUM>) can include electrical shielding between adjacent signal contacts along the lateral direction A. The electrical shielding can be provided by the ground plate <NUM>.

Further, the at least one ground mating end 54a disposed between respective adjacent pairs of differential signal pairs can provide electrical isolation between the adjacent pairs of differential signal pairs. In one example, the at least one ground mating end 54a can include first and second ground mating ends 54a as described above. For instance, the at least one ground mating end 54a can include first, second, and third consecutively arranged mating ends 54a that are consecutively arranged along the transverse direction T. In this regard, it should be appreciated that the transverse direction T can define a linear array direction along which each of the first linear arrays can be oriented. In one example, the second one of the ground mating ends 54a can face opposite the first and third ones of the ground mating ends 54a with respect to the lateral direction A. Further, the first and third ones of the ground mating ends 54a can face the same direction as the mating ends 48a of the signal contacts <NUM> along the respective first linear array. The second ones of the ground mating ends 54a can further be spaced in their respective entireties from at least one or both of the first and third ones of the ground mating ends 54a along the lateral direction A.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first electrical connector <NUM> of the connector system <NUM> can be configured as a cable connector. Thus, as described above, the mounting ends of the signal contacts and the ground mounting ends can be mechanically and electrically connected to respective ones of electrical cables <NUM>. The first complementary electrical connector <NUM> of the connector system <NUM> can be configured as a board connector configured to be mounted to a substrate. In one example, the substrate can be one of the first substrates <NUM>. Alternatively, the substrate can be one of the dedicated substrates <NUM> of an IC package <NUM>. Thus, in one example, the mounting ends of the signal contacts and the ground mounting ends of the first complementary electrical connector <NUM> can be mechanically and electrically connected to the substrate <NUM>, which can be configured as a printed circuit board. In another example, the mounting ends of the signal contacts and the ground mounting ends of the first complementary electrical connector <NUM> can be mechanically and electrically connected to the dedicated substrate <NUM> of the IC package <NUM>, which can be configured as a printed circuit board. It should be appreciated, of course, that the first electrical connector <NUM> of the connector system <NUM> can alternatively be mounted to one of the first substrate <NUM> and the dedicated substrate <NUM>, and the second electrical connector <NUM> of the connector system <NUM> can be mounted to the cables <NUM>.

It should be further appreciated that instead of the substrate <NUM>, one or both of the electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> can be mounted to respective substrates as shown in <FIG>. The substrates can be oriented parallel to each other when the electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> are mounted to them and mated with each other. The substrates can be configured as printed circuit boards. Thus, the connector system <NUM> can be configured as a mezzanine connector system. It should be further appreciated that one or both of the first and second electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> of the connector system can alternatively be configured as right-angle connectors whereby the respective mating ends and mounting ends are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other.

It should be appreciated that while the first termination electrical connector <NUM> can be configured as described above with respect to the first electrical connector <NUM>, and the complementary electrical connector <NUM> can be configured as described above with respect to the second electrical connector <NUM>, the connector system <NUM> can alternatively be configured such that the first termination electrical connector <NUM> can be configured as described above with respect to the second electrical connector <NUM>, and the complementary electrical connector <NUM> can be configured as described above with respect to the first electrical connector <NUM>.

Similarly, the second termination electrical connector <NUM> can also be constructed as described above with respect to the first electrical connector <NUM>. Thus, the description of the electrical connector <NUM> can also apply to the second termination electrical connector <NUM>. Further, the complementary electrical connector <NUM> that is configured to mate with the second termination electrical connector can be constructed as described above with respect to the second electrical connector. Thus, the description of the second electrical connector can also apply to the complementary electrical connector <NUM>. Alternatively, the second termination electrical connector <NUM> can also be constructed as described above with respect to the second electrical connector <NUM>. Thus, the description of the second electrical connector <NUM> can also apply to the second termination electrical connector <NUM>. Similarly, the complementary electrical connector <NUM> that is configured to mate with the second termination electrical connector <NUM> can alternatively be constructed as described above with respect to the first electrical connector <NUM>. Thus, the description of the first electrical connector <NUM> can also apply to the complementary electrical connector <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that the second termination connectors <NUM> can be provided in an array of second termination electrical connectors <NUM> that includes an outer second termination housing, and the second termination connectors <NUM> supported in the outer second termination housing in the manner described above. Thus, the electrical connector assembly <NUM> can include a plurality of arrays of second termination connectors <NUM>. Alternatively, the second termination connectors <NUM> can be provided individually and mated individually to respective ones of the second complementary electrical connectors <NUM>.

In this regard, it should be appreciated that the second complementary electrical connectors <NUM> can be provided in an array of second complementary electrical connectors <NUM> that includes an outer second complementary housing, and the second complementary connectors <NUM> supported in the outer second complementary housing in the manner described above. Thus, the electrical connector assembly <NUM> can include a plurality of arrays of second complementary connectors <NUM>. Alternatively, the second complementary connectors <NUM> can be provided individually and mated individually to respective ones of the second termination electrical connectors <NUM>.

Below, signal integrity and performance data is disclosed for one or more up to all of the electrical connectors described herein. As will be appreciated from the description below, the electrical connectors described have improved performance characteristics compared to conventional electrical connectors. It has been found that the electrical connectors can be configured to transmit data at data transfer speeds of at least <NUM> Gbits/sec. For instance, the connector system <NUM> can be configured to transmit at least <NUM> Gbits/sec while compliant with NRZ line code, <NUM>) at least <NUM> Gbits/sec while compliant with PAM-<NUM> line code, and <NUM>) at least <NUM> Gbits/sec at a rise time between <NUM> and <NUM> picoseconds with <NUM>% or less (or -<NUM> dB or less) of cross talk. For example, NRZ compliance can mean differential insertion loss between <NUM> dB and -<NUM> dB at operating frequencies up to <NUM>. For instance, the differential insertion loss between <NUM> dB and -<NUM> dB while transferring electrical signals at a frequency to <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, NRZ compliance can also mean having a differential return loss between <NUM> dB and - <NUM> dB at while transferring electrical signals at a frequency up to <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally still, NRZ compliance can mean differential near end cross talk (NEXT) between - <NUM> and -<NUM> while transferring electrical signals at a frequency up to <NUM>. It should be appreciated that reference is made below to the connector system <NUM> in connection with performance data, the performance data can apply to any one up to all of the first electrical connector <NUM>, the second electrical connector <NUM>, the first termination electrical connector <NUM>, the first complementary electrical connector <NUM>, the second termination electrical connector <NUM>, and the second complementary electrical connector <NUM>, both individually and in combination with each other. The connector system <NUM> can be referenced herein for the purposes of clarity and convenience.

In one example, the connector system <NUM> can operate at low crosstalk levels for any given single contributor/aggressor. For instance, at a rise time between <NUM> picoseconds and <NUM> picoseconds, the connector system <NUM> can produce near-end multiactive crosstalk (NEXT) of no greater than -40db of crosstalk in a range of operating frequency up to <NUM>. In one example, the connector system <NUM> can produce near-end multiactive crosstalk (NEXT) of no greater than -40db of crosstalk in a range of operating frequency up to approximately <NUM>. Thus, it should be appreciated that the connector system <NUM> can produce near-end multiactive crosstalk (NEXT) of no greater than -40db of crosstalk in a range of operating frequency up to <NUM>. Similarly, it should be appreciated that the connector system <NUM> can produce near-end multiactive crosstalk (NEXT) of no greater than -40db of crosstalk in a range of operating frequency up to <NUM>.

Further, at a rise time between <NUM> picoseconds and <NUM> picoseconds, the connector system <NUM> can produce near-end multiactive crosstalk (NEXT) of no greater than -35db of crosstalk in a range of operating frequency up to <NUM>. In one example, the connector system <NUM> can produce near-end multiactive crosstalk (NEXT) of no greater than -35db of crosstalk in a range of operating frequency up to <NUM>. Thus, it should be appreciated that the connector system <NUM> can produce near-end multiactive crosstalk (NEXT) of no greater than -35db of crosstalk in a range of operating frequency up to <NUM>. Similarly, it should be appreciated that the connector system <NUM> can produce near-end multiactive crosstalk (NEXT) of no greater than - 35db of crosstalk in a range of operating frequency up to <NUM>.

In another example, at a rise time between <NUM> picoseconds and <NUM> picoseconds, the connector system <NUM> can produce near-end multiactive crosstalk (NEXT) of no greater than <NUM>% crosstalk in a range of operating frequency up to <NUM>. For instance, the connector system <NUM> can produce near-end multiactive crosstalk (NEXT) of no greater than <NUM>% crosstalk in a range of operating frequency up to <NUM>. For example, the connector system <NUM> can produce near-end multiactive crosstalk (NEXT) of no greater than <NUM>% crosstalk in a range of operating frequency up to <NUM>. In particular, the connector system <NUM> can produce near-end multiactive crosstalk (NEXT) of no greater than <NUM>% crosstalk in a range of operating frequency up to <NUM>. In one example, the connector system <NUM> can produce near-end multiactive crosstalk (NEXT) of no greater than <NUM>% crosstalk in a range of operating frequency up to <NUM>.

In another example, at a rise time between <NUM> picoseconds and <NUM> picoseconds, the connector system <NUM> can produce far-end multiactive crosstalk (FEXT) of no greater than - 40db of crosstalk in a range of operating frequency up to <NUM>. In one example, the connector system <NUM> can produce far-end multiactive crosstalk (FEXT) of no greater than -40db of crosstalk in a range of operating frequency up to approximately <NUM>. Thus, it should be appreciated that the connector system <NUM> can produce far-end multiactive crosstalk (FEXT) of no greater than -40db of crosstalk in a range of operating frequency up to <NUM>. Further, it should be appreciated that the connector system <NUM> can produce far-end multiactive crosstalk (FEXT) of no greater than -40db of crosstalk in a range of operating frequency up to <NUM>. Similarly, it should be appreciated that the connector system <NUM> can produce far-end multiactive crosstalk (FEXT) of no greater than -40db of crosstalk in a range of operating frequency up to <NUM>.

Further, at a rise time between <NUM> picoseconds and <NUM> picoseconds, the connector system <NUM> can produce far-end multiactive crosstalk (FEXT) of no greater than -35db of crosstalk in a range of operating frequency up to <NUM>. In one example, the connector system <NUM> can produce far-end multiactive crosstalk (FEXT) of no greater than -35db of crosstalk in a range of operating frequency up to <NUM>. Thus, it should be appreciated that the connector system <NUM> can produce far-end multiactive crosstalk (FEXT) of no greater than -35db of crosstalk in a range of operating frequency up to <NUM>. Similarly, it should be appreciated that the connector system <NUM> can produce far-end multiactive crosstalk (FEXT) of no greater than - 35db of crosstalk in a range of operating frequency up to <NUM>.

In another example, at a rise time between <NUM> picoseconds and <NUM> picoseconds, the connector system <NUM> can produce far-end multiactive crosstalk (FEXT) of no greater than <NUM>% crosstalk in a range of operating frequency up to <NUM>. For instance, the connector system <NUM> can produce far-end multiactive crosstalk (FEXT) of no greater than <NUM>% crosstalk in a range of operating frequency up to <NUM>. For example, the connector system <NUM> can produce far-end multiactive crosstalk (FEXT) of no greater than <NUM>% crosstalk in a range of operating frequency up to <NUM>. In particular, the connector system <NUM> can produce far-end multiactive crosstalk (FEXT) of no greater than <NUM>% crosstalk in a range of operating frequency up to <NUM>. In one example, the connector system <NUM> can produce far-end multiactive crosstalk (FEXT) of no greater than <NUM>% crosstalk in a range of operating frequency up to <NUM>.

Further, each of the electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> can have a high density of electrical contacts. For instance, one or each of electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> can include between <NUM> and <NUM> differential pairs of electrical signal contacts per square inch. In one example, one or each of electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> can include between <NUM> and <NUM> differential pairs of electrical signal contacts per square inch. For instance, one or each of electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> can include between <NUM> and <NUM> differential pairs of electrical signal contacts per square inch. In particular, one or each of electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> can include between <NUM> and <NUM> differential pairs of electrical signal contacts per square inch. Each of the mating ends, including ground mating ends and signal mating ends, can be spaced from each other at a pin-to-pin pitch of from approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>, such as from approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>, including approximately <NUM>.

Thus, the connector system <NUM> can define an aggregate data transfer rate from approximately <NUM> terabyte (TB) over a square inch area to approximately <NUM> TB over the square inch area, including from approximately <NUM> TB over the square inch area to approximately <NUM> TB over the square inch area, including from approximately <NUM> TB over the square inch area to approximately <NUM> TB over the square inch area, such as approximately <NUM> TB over the square inch area. The square inch area can be defined along a plane that is defined by a plane that is oriented normal to the respective electrical contacts.

The connector system <NUM> can define a mated stack height from approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>, such as from approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>, including approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>, including approximately <NUM>, approximately <NUM>, and approximately20 mm.

The connector system <NUM> can further operate at a target impedance as desired. In one example, target impedance for the differential signal pairs can range from approximately <NUM> ohms to approximately <NUM> ohms, including from approximately <NUM> ohms to approximately <NUM> ohms, including from approximately <NUM> ohms to approximately <NUM> ohms, such as approximately <NUM> ohms.

In one example, any one or more up to all of the electrical connectors described herein can produce a differential insertion loss that is between <NUM> and -<NUM> dB while transmitting electrical signals along the respective electrical signal contacts at all operating frequency op to <NUM>. In another example, any one or more up to all of the electrical connectors described herein can produce a differential insertion loss that is between <NUM> and -<NUM> dB while transmitting electrical signals along the respective electrical signal contacts at all operating frequencies op to <NUM>.

Alternatively or additionally, any one or more up to all of the electrical connectors described herein can produce an insertion loss response that has a single pole RF response with a 3db cutoff frequency greater than <NUM>. Further, the insertion loss can be less than -3db while transferring electrical signals along the electrical signal contacts at all frequencies up to <NUM> with a flat linear phase response.

Alternatively or additionally, any one or more up to all of the electrical connectors described herein can produce a differential return loss between -<NUM> dB and -<NUM> dB while transferring data signals along the respective electrical signal contacts at all data transfer frequencies between <NUM> and <NUM>. For instance, the differential return loss can be between -<NUM> dB and -<NUM> dB. Further, the data transfer frequencies can be between <NUM> and <NUM>. For instance, the data transfer frequencies can be between <NUM> and <NUM>. In one example, the data transfer frequencies can be between <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the data transfer frequencies can be between <NUM> and <NUM>. In one example, the data transfer frequencies can be between <NUM> and <NUM>.

Alternatively or additionally still, the differential TDR of any one or more up to all of the electrical connectors described herein at <NUM> picosecond rise time (<NUM>% to <NUM>%) along the electrical signal contacts can have an impedance confined between <NUM> and <NUM> Ohms at all times from <NUM> picoseconds to <NUM> picoseconds.

Alternatively or additionally, any one or more up to all of the electrical connectors described herein can produce differential near end cross talk (NEXT) between -<NUM> dB and -<NUM> dB while transferring electrical signals along the respective electrical signal contacts at all frequencies up to <NUM>. In one example, the differential NEXT can be confined between - <NUM> dB and -<NUM> dB while transferring electrical signals along the respective electrical signal contacts at all frequencies between <NUM> and <NUM>.

Alternatively or additionally, any one or more up to all of the electrical connectors described herein can produce differential far end cross talk (FEXT) between -<NUM> dB and -<NUM> dB while transferring electrical signals along the respective electrical signal contacts at all frequencies up to <NUM>. In one example, the differential FEXT can be confined between - <NUM> dB and -<NUM> dB while transferring electrical signals along the respective electrical signal contacts at all frequencies up to <NUM>. In another example, FEXT can be less than -40dB frequency domain cross talk up while transmitting electrical signals along the respective electrical signal contacts at all frequencies up to <NUM>.

Alternatively or additionally, any one or more up to all of the electrical connectors described herein can produce less than -<NUM> dB of resonance while transferring electrical signals along the respective electrical signal contacts at all frequencies up to <NUM> without any magnetic or electrical absorbing surfaces in the electrical connector. Rather, the electrical connectors can define respective grounds of the type described herein. For example, the resonance can be less than -. For example, the resonance can be less than -<NUM> dB. For example, the resonance can be less than -<NUM> dB. For example, the resonance can be less than - <NUM> dB. It should be appreciated that the frequencies can be up to <NUM> in one example. The frequencies can be up to <NUM> in another example. The frequencies can be up to <NUM> in another example. The frequencies can be up to <NUM> in another example. The frequencies can be up to <NUM> in another example. The frequencies can be up to <NUM> in another example. The frequencies can be up to <NUM> in another example. The frequencies can be up to <NUM> in another example.

Alternatively or additionally, any one or more up to all of the electrical connectors described herein can define an impedance between <NUM> Ohms and <NUM> Ohms while transmitting electrical signals along the respective electrical signal contacts at all frequencies up to <NUM> Gigahertz at a <NUM> picosecond rise time.

Claim 1:
An electrical cable connector (<NUM>) comprising:
electrical contacts (<NUM>) not defined as PCB pads or PCB contacts, wherein the electrical contacts include electrical signal contacts (<NUM>) and electrical ground contacts (<NUM>) and wherein the signal contacts ( <NUM>) are arranged along respective linear arrays that extend in a transverse direction (T) perpendicular to the mating direction;
a connector housing (<NUM>) that supports the electrical contacts (<NUM>), wherein the connector housing ( <NUM>) does not contain or receive an edge card;
a twin axial cable (<NUM>) electrically connected to respective ones of the electrical contacts; and
a ground plate (<NUM>) that includes a plate body (<NUM>) and a plurality of ground mating ends (94a) and ground mounting ends (94b) that extend out from the plate body (<NUM>), wherein the plate body (<NUM>), the ground mating ends (94a), and the ground mounting ends (94b) are all monolithic with each other, characterized in that
the ground plate body (<NUM>) defines a plurality of embossed regions (<NUM>) that are recessed into the plate body along a lateral direction that is perpendicular to the transverse direction and to the mating direction, and mating ends (88a) of respective differential signal pairs of the signal contacts are aligned with respective different ones of the embossed regions along the lateral direction, and
the electrical cable connector ( <NUM>) is capable of transmitting <NUM> gigabits/sec NRZ or <NUM> gigabits/sec PAM-<NUM> signaling.