Patent ID: 12249780

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG.1is a front perspective view of a communication system100formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.FIG.2is a side view of the communication system100formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.FIG.3is a top view of the communication system100formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The communication system100includes a host circuit board102and one or more receptacle connector assemblies104mounted to the host circuit board102(FIG.1illustrates multiple receptacle connector assemblies104andFIG.3illustrates a single receptacle connector assembly104). A pluggable module106is configured to be electrically connected to each receptacle connector assembly104. The pluggable module106may be electrically connected to the host circuit board102through the receptacle connector assembly104. The pluggable module106may be electrically connected to another component, such as a chip, a processor, or another type of electrical component through the receptacle connector assembly104. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector assembly104is a cable connector having cables extending therefrom and routed to a remote location, such as to the component.

In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector assembly104includes a receptacle cage110and a card edge connector112(shown with phantom lines). The receptacle cage110forms a cavity114that receives the card edge connector112and the pluggable module106. In various embodiments, the receptacle cage110is enclosed and provides electrical shielding for the card edge connector112and the pluggable module106. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage110is a shielding, stamped and formed cage member that includes a plurality of shielding walls116that define the cavity114. In other various embodiments, the card edge connector112may be located rearward of the receptacle cage110. In other embodiments, the receptacle cage110may be open between frame members to provide cooling airflow for the pluggable module106. In the illustrated embodiment, the card edge connector112is oriented for horizontal mating (for example, parallel to the host circuit board102). In other various embodiments, the card edge connector112is oriented for vertical mating (for example, perpendicular to the host circuit board102).

In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle cage110is a single port receptacle cage configured to receive a single pluggable module106. In other various embodiments, the receptacle cage110may be a ganged cage member having a plurality of ports ganged together in a single row and/or a stacked cage member having multiple ports stacked as an upper port and a lower port for receiving corresponding pluggable modules106. The receptacle cage110includes a module channel118having a module port open to the module channel118. The module channel118receives the pluggable module106through the module port. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage110extends between a front end120and a rear end122. The module port is provided at the front end120. Any number of module channels118may be provided in various embodiments arranged in a single column or in multiple columns (for example, 2×2, 3×2, 4×2, 4×3, 4×1, 2×1, and the like). Optionally, multiple card edge connectors112may be arranged within the receptacle cage110, such as when multiple rows and/or columns of module channels118are provided.

In an exemplary embodiment, the walls116of the receptacle cage110include a top wall130, a bottom wall132, a first side wall134and a second side wall136extending from the top wall130. The bottom wall132may rest on the host circuit board102. In other various embodiments, the receptacle cage110may be provided without the bottom wall132. Optionally, the walls116of the receptacle cage110may include a rear wall138at the rear end122. The walls116define the cavity114. For example, the cavity114may be defined by the top wall130, the bottom wall132, the side walls134,136and the rear wall138. In various embodiments, the cavity114receives the card edge connector112at the rear end122. Other walls116may separate or divide the cavity114into additional module channels118, such as in embodiments using ganged and/or stacked receptacle cages. For example, the walls116may include one or more vertical divider walls and/or one or more horizontal divider walls between the module channels118.

In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage110may include one or more gaskets140at the front end120for providing electrical shielding for the module channels118. For example, the gaskets140may be provided at the port to electrically connect the receptacle cage110with the pluggable modules106received in the module channel118. The gaskets140electrically connect the receptacle cage110to a panel142(shown inFIG.1). The gaskets140are provided around the exterior of the receptacle cage110for interfacing with the panel142, such as when the front end120of the receptacle cage110extends through a cutout in the panel142. The gaskets140may include spring fingers or other deflectable features that are configured to be spring biased against the panel142to create an electrical connection with the panel142.

Optionally, the receptacle connector assembly104may include one or more heat sinks (not shown) for dissipating heat from the pluggable modules106and the card edge connectors112. For example, the heat sink may be coupled to the top wall130for engaging the pluggable module106received in the module channel118. The heat sink may extend through an opening in the top wall130to directly engage the pluggable module106. Other types of heat sinks may be provided in alternative embodiments.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable module106includes a cable assembly having cables510, such as high speed cables, which may be coaxial cables, twin-axial cables, twisted pair cables, flexible circuit cables, and the like. The pluggable module106includes a pluggable body500defined by one or more shells. The pluggable body500may be thermally conductive and/or may be electrically conductive, such as to provide EMI shielding for the cables510. The pluggable body500includes a mating end502and an opposite cable end504. The mating end502is configured to be inserted into the corresponding module channel118. The cable end504has the cables510extending therefrom, which may be routed to another component or another pluggable module106within the communication system100.

The pluggable module106includes an outer perimeter defining an exterior of the pluggable body500. For example, the outer perimeter may be defined by a top520, a bottom522, a first side524and a second side526. The pluggable body500may have other shapes in alternative embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable body500provides heat transfer for components of the pluggable module106. In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable body500includes an upper shell530and a lower shell532. The upper and lower shells530,532are joined, such as along the sides524,526. The upper and lower shells530,532may be die cast shells. In alternative embodiments, the upper and lower shells530,532may be stamped and formed shells. The upper and lower shells530,532define a cavity534. The cavity534may be defined by the top520, the bottom522, the first side524and the second side526.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable module106includes a latch536for securing the pluggable module106to the receptacle cage110. The latch536includes one or more latching fingers configured to be latchably secured to the receptacle cage110. In various embodiments, the latch536includes a pull tab for actuating the latch536. The latch536may be actuated by other devices in alternative embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch536is provided at the top520; however, the latch536may be provided at other locations, such as the bottom522or the sides524,526.

In an exemplary embodiment, the latch536is located along the exterior of the pluggable body500. However, portions of the latch536may be located interior of the pluggable body500in other various embodiments. The latching fingers may be coupled to the exterior of the receptacle cage110in various embodiments, such as to reduce the overall height of the receptacle cage110.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable module106includes a module circuit card540received in the cavity534of the pluggable body500. The module circuit card540is configured to be communicatively coupled to the card edge connector112. The module circuit card540is accessible at the mating end502. The cables510are coupled to the module circuit card540. The module circuit card540has a card edge542extending between a first or upper surface544and a second or lower surface546at a mating end of the module circuit card540. The module circuit card540includes contact pads548, such as circuits or traces forming pads, at the card edge542configured to be mated with the card edge connector112. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact pads548are provided on the upper surface544and the lower surface546. The module circuit card540may include components, circuits and the like used for operating and or using the pluggable module106. For example, the module circuit card540may have conductors, traces, pads, electronics, sensors, controllers, switches, inputs, outputs, and the like to form various circuits. The cables510are terminated to the module circuit card540, such as at the end opposite the contact pads548.

FIG.4is a side view of the card edge connector112in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.FIG.5is a front view of the card edge connector112in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.FIG.6is a rear view of the card edge connector112in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

The card edge connector112includes a housing200, a contact assembly300received in a cavity204of the housing200, and a ground element400received in the cavity204of the housing200. Cables290are terminated to corresponding contacts of the contact assembly300(for example, to cable contacts of the contact assembly300). The contact assembly300is configured to be mated with the pluggable module106(shown inFIG.1). In an exemplary embodiment, a portion or subset of the contacts of the contact assembly300are configured to be electrically connected to the host circuit board102(shown inFIG.1). For example, such contacts are board contacts configured to be press-fit into plated vias of the host circuit board102. The ground element400is configured to be electrically connected to the contact assembly300. The ground element400is configured to be electrically connected to the host circuit board102(shown inFIG.1). For example, the ground element may include compliant pins configured to be press-fit into plated vias in the host circuit board102.

The housing200extends between a front206and a rear208. The housing200extends between a top210and a bottom212. The housing200extends between opposite first and second sides214,216. The housing200may be generally box shaped in various embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom212defines a mounting end configured to be mounted to the host circuit board102and the front206defines the mating end configured to be mated with the pluggable module106. Other orientations are possible in alternative embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, the cables290extend from the rear208of the housing200. The cables290extend into the cavity204for termination to the contact assembly300.

The housing200includes a top wall220at the top210and a bottom wall222at the bottom212. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing200includes a shroud224at the front206configured to be mated with the pluggable module106. The shroud224is configured to be received in the pluggable module106. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing200is a multi-piece housing including an outer housing226and a contact organizer230received in the outer housing226. The contact organizer230holds the contact assembly300and positions the contact assembly300in the outer housing226. The outer housing226includes a front slot228at the front206. The front slot228forms a card slot that provides access to the contact organizer230and the contact assembly300. The front slot228is configured to receive the module circuit card540(shown inFIG.1) to interface with the contact assembly300.

FIG.7is a rear perspective view of a portion of the card edge connector112in accordance with an exemplary embodiment showing the outer housing226. The walls of the outer housing226form the cavity204configured to receive the contact organizer230(shown inFIG.8) and the contact assembly300(shown inFIG.8).

The outer housing226includes latches232in the side walls of the outer housing226used to retain the contact organizer230in the cavity204. The latches may be deflectable latches. Other types of securing features may be used in alternative embodiments.

The outer housing226includes guide features234used to guide loading of the contact organizer230in the cavity204. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide features234are ribs. The guide features234extend horizontally, such as extending between the rear208and the front206. The guide features234are located along the side walls. The guide features234may be located along the top wall220and/or the bottom wall222. Other types of locating features may be used in alternative embodiments to position the contact organizer230in the cavity204.

In an exemplary embodiment, the outer housing226includes a bottom opening236in the bottom wall222. The bottom opening236allows components to pass through the outer housing226, such as for interfacing with the host circuit board102(shown inFIG.1). For example, portions of the contact assembly300may pass through the bottom opening236for connection to the host circuit board102. In an exemplary embodiment, rails238extend along the bottom opening236. The rails238are used to position the contact assembly300within the bottom opening236.

In an exemplary embodiment, the outer housing226holds at least a portion of the ground element400, such as a lower portion of the ground element400. The lower portion of the ground element400includes a ground plate402. Optionally, ground plates402may be provided at both sides214,216of the housing200. The ground element400includes board termination components404configured to be terminated to the host circuit board102. The board termination components404pass through the bottom wall222and extend from the bottom212of the housing200. In various embodiments, the board termination components404are compliant pins. The board termination components404are configured to be press-fit into plated vias of the host circuit board102. Other types of termination components may be used in alternative embodiments, such as solder tails, spring contacts, and the like.

FIG.8is a rear perspective view of a portion of the card edge connector112in accordance with an exemplary embodiment showing the contact organizer230holding the contact assembly300. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact organizer230holds a portion of the ground element400, such as an upper portion of the ground element400. The upper portion of the ground element400includes a ground plate410(shown in further detail inFIG.10). Optionally, ground plates410may be provided at both sides of the contact organizer230. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact organizer230holds ground bus bars450(shown in further detail inFIG.9) coupled to the ground element400. The ground bus bars450are used to electrically common ground contacts of the contact assembly300. The ground element400electrically connects the ground bus bars450to the host circuit board102(shown inFIG.1).

The contact assembly300includes a plurality of cable contacts302. Optionally, the contact assembly300may include a plurality of board contacts304. In the illustrated embodiment, the board contacts304are centered in the contact assembly300being flanked on both sides by the cable contacts302. Other arrangements are possible in alternative embodiments. The cables290are terminated to the cable contacts302of the contact assembly300. The board contacts304are configured to be terminated to the host circuit board102(shown inFIG.1). In an exemplary embodiment, the cable contacts302include signal contacts306and ground contacts308. The signal contacts306may be arranged in pairs. The ground contacts308are interspersed with the signal contacts306, such as being arranged between the pairs of the signal contacts306. The board contacts304may include signal contacts and/or ground contacts and/or power contacts. The ground contacts may be electrically commoned, such as using the ground bus bars450and may be electrically connected to the ground element400by the ground bus bars450. The ground element400is used to electrically connect the ground contacts with the host circuit board102. The ground element400forms a ground return path for the card edge connector112with the host circuit board102. Optionally, the ground bus bars450may include upper ground bus bars coupled to the upper contacts and lower ground bus bars coupled to the lower contacts.

In an exemplary embodiment, the cable contacts302are high speed contacts and the board contacts304are low speed contacts. For example, the cable contacts302may include high speed transmit contacts and high speed receive contacts and the board contacts304may include low speed sideband contacts. As such, the high speed signals are transmitted through the cables290and the low speed signals are transmitted through the host circuit board102. High speed signals may be signals above 64 GHz. Optionally, cable contacts302may transmit high speed signals above 100 GHz.

The contact assembly300includes an upper contact set of upper contacts310and a lower contact set of lower contacts320. The upper contact set is used for mating with the contact pads on the upper surface of the module circuit card540(shown inFIG.1). Optionally, the upper contacts310may be arranged in multiple rows, such as a forward row and a rearward row to increase the density and number of electrical connections between the contact assembly300and the module circuit card540. The lower contact set is used for mating with the contact pads on the lower surface of the module circuit card540. Optionally, the lower contacts320may be arranged in multiple rows, such as a forward row and a rearward row to increase the density and number of electrical connections between the contact assembly300and the module circuit card540.

The contact organizer230supports the upper contacts310and the lower contacts320. The contact organizer230is used to position the upper and lower contacts310,320relative to each other. The contact organizer230is used to hold the contacts310,320for loading the contacts310,320into the housing200. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper contacts310are arranged in one or more arrays and the lower contacts320are arranged in one or more arrays. The contact arrays are defined by leadframes having stamped and formed contacts forming the upper contacts310and the lower contacts320.

In an exemplary embodiment, the contacts310,320are held by contact holders250. Optionally, each contact array/leadframe is held by a corresponding contact holder250. The contact holder250is dielectric, such as being plastic. The contact holder250is loaded into the contact organizer230to hold the contacts310,320relative to the contact organizer230. In an exemplary embodiment, each contact holder250includes an overmolded body overmolded over the leadframe to hold the contacts310,320of the leadframes together. For example, the upper contact arrays/leadframes include corresponding upper contact holders250aand the lower contact arrays/leadframes include corresponding lower contact holders250b. The contact holders250encase portions of the contacts310,320. In various embodiments, the contact holders250are overmolded around portions of the contacts310,320, to hold the relative positions of the contacts310,320, such as for loading the contacts310,320into the contact organizer230. The contact holders250are coupled to the contact organizer230to load the upper and lower contacts310,320in the contact organizer230to form the contact assembly300. The assembled contact assembly300is configured to be loaded into the housing200.

The contact organizer230includes a main body having first and second side walls244,246and a platform248between the side walls244,246. The platform248is used to support the upper and lower contacts310,320. The platform248separates the upper contacts310from the lower contacts320, such as forming a card slot therebetween configured to receive the module circuit card540. The side walls244,246may hold or support the contact holders250. The side walls244,246may hold the ground plates410of the ground element400.

Each cable contact302extends between a mating end330and a terminating end332. The mating ends330of the cable contacts302are configured to be mated with the module circuit card540. In an exemplary embodiment, the mating ends330include deflectable mating beams, such as spring fingers. The mating ends330extend forward of the contact holder250for mating with the module circuit card540. The mating ends330of the upper and lower contact arrays (for example, of the upper contacts310and the lower contacts330) face each other across a gap/card slot that receives the module circuit card540. In an exemplary embodiment, the mating ends330are held in contact channels240along the top and bottom of the platform248of the contact organizer230.

The terminating ends332of the cable contacts302are configured to be terminated to ends of the cables290. In an exemplary embodiment, the terminating ends332include pads, such as weld pads. The terminating ends332extend rearward from the contact holder250for termination to the cables290. In the illustrated embodiment, the cables290are twin-axial cables. Each cable290includes a pair of signal conductors292,294. The signal conductors292,294are welded to the terminating ends332of the corresponding signal contacts310. Each cable290includes one or more drain wires296. The drain wires296are welded to the terminating ends332of the corresponding ground contacts308. Optionally, each cable290includes a cable shield surrounding the signal conductors292,294. An outer jacket may surround the cable shield.

The contact organizer230includes latching features370for securing the contact organizer230in the housing200. In an exemplary embodiment, the latching feature370includes a latch block having a latching surface. The latching feature370is configured to be latchably coupled to the latching feature of the housing200. Other types of securing features may be used in alternative embodiments. The latching features370are provided on the side walls244,246in the illustrated embodiment.

The contact organizer230includes guide features380to guide mating of the contact organizer230with the housing200. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide features380include guide slots382extending along the side walls244,246. Other types of guide features380may be provided in alternative embodiments.

FIG.9is a perspective view of the ground bus bar450in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The ground bus bar450is electrically conductive. For example, the ground bus bar450is manufactured from a metal material. In various embodiments, the ground bus bar450is a stamped and formed part.

The ground bus bar450includes a connecting bar452and ground fingers454extending from the connecting bar452. The ground fingers454are configured to be connected to the ground contacts308(shown inFIG.8). For example, the ground fingers454may be welded to the terminating ends of the ground contacts308.

In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting bar452includes hoods456. The hoods456extend out of plane relative to the ground fingers454. The hoods456are configured to span across each of the pairs of signal contacts306(shown inFIG.8) and are configured to be electrically isolated (such as due to spacing or distancing) from the signal contacts306.

In an exemplary embodiment, the ground bus bar450includes a connecting pad458. The connecting pad458is provided at an end of the connecting bar452. The connecting pad458is configured to be electrically connected to the ground plate410(shown inFIG.9). For example, the ground plate410may be welded to the connecting pad458.

FIG.10is a perspective view of the ground plate410of the ground element400in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The ground plate410is electrically conductive. For example, the ground plate410is manufactured from a metal material. In various embodiments, the ground plate410is a stamped and formed part.

The ground plate410includes a main body412and one or more connecting tabs416extending from the main body. The connecting tabs416are configured to be electrically connected to the ground bus bars450(shown inFIG.8). For example, the connecting tabs416may be welded to the connecting pads458(shown inFIG.8). In various embodiments, the connecting tabs416are bent and extend transverse to the main body412. For example, the connecting tabs416may be bent perpendicular to the main body412.

The ground plate410includes a mating tab414configured to be mated to the ground plate402(shown inFIG.7). The mating tab414is provided at a bottom of the ground plate410in the illustrated embodiment. The mating tab414may be deflectable and may be deflected when mated with the ground plate402. As such, the mating tab414may be spring biased against the ground plate402to maintain a mechanical and electrical connection with the ground plate402. Other types of connecting features may be used in alternative embodiments to create an electrical connection between the ground plate410and the ground plate402. In other various embodiments, the ground plate402may be integral with the ground plate410, such as being stamped and formed from a single sheet of sheet metal.

FIG.11is a sectional view of a portion of the card edge connector112in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.FIG.11shows the contact organizer230holding the contact assembly300.FIG.11shows the cables290coupled to the contact assembly300.FIG.11shows the ground bus bar(s)450terminated to the contact assembly300.FIG.11shows the ground element400terminated to the ground bus bar(s)450.

The contact organizer230supports the cable contacts302of the contact assembly300. The upper contacts310of the upper contact arrays/leadframes are held in the upper contact holders250aand the lower contacts320of the lower contact arrays/leadframes are held in the lower contact holders250b. The mating ends330extend forward of the contact holders250into the contact channels240along the top and bottom of the platform248. Tips or fingers of the mating ends330extend forward from the contact holders250into a card slot242at the front of the contact organizer230for interfacing with the module circuit card540(the mating interfaces of the rearward rows of the contacts302are shown inFIG.11). The terminating ends332extend rearward from the contact holders250for connection with the cables290. The contact holders250are held in pockets or channels in the contact organizer230to position the cable contacts302relative to the contact organizer230.

The ground bus bars450are electrically connected to the ground contacts308of the contact assembly300. In an exemplary embodiment, upper ground bus bars450aare coupled to the upper contacts310and lower ground bus bars450bare coupled to the lower contacts320. The ground fingers454are connected (for example, welded) to the terminating ends332of the ground contacts308. The hoods456span across (for example, above or below) each of the pairs of signal contacts306and are configured to be electrically isolated (for example, separated) from the signal contacts306. The ground bus bars450electrically connect each of the corresponding ground contacts308.

The ground plate410of the ground element400is electrically connected to the ground bus bars450. In an exemplary embodiment, mating tabs414are coupled (for example, welded) to the connecting pads458of the ground bus bars450. The ground plate410forms a ground return path for the card edge connector112with the host circuit board102. The ground plate410electrically connects the ground bus bars450, and thus the ground contacts308, to the host circuit board. The current through the ground paths may thus be directed to the host circuit board102, reducing current through the cables, which may reduce heating of the components such as the cables and the ground contacts. The ground plate410forms a heat sink for the card edge connector112transferring heat generated in the ground contacts308to the host circuit board102.

In an exemplary embodiment, the card edge connector112includes cable holders260at the rear of the contact organizer230. The cable holders260hold the cables290and may provide strain relief for the cables290. The cable holders260position the cables290relative to the contact organizer230. The cables290pass through the cable holders260, such as through openings262. The cable holders260may be pre-formed. Alternatively, the cable holders260may be formed in place, such as by filling the cavity of the contact organizer230with epoxy or other filler material. In various embodiments, the cable holders260may provide sealing along the cables290.

FIG.12is a bottom view of a portion of the card edge connector112in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.FIG.12shows the cables290coupled to the lower contacts320of the contact assembly300.FIG.12shows the lower ground bus bar450bterminated to the lower ground contacts308of the contact assembly300.FIG.12shows the lower contact holder250bholding the lower contacts320.

The lower ground bus bar450bis coupled to the lower ground contacts308. The ground fingers454are connected (for example, welded) to the terminating ends332of the ground contacts308. The hoods456span across each of the pairs of signal contacts306and are configured to be electrically isolated (for example, separated) from the signal contacts306. The drain wires296are also electrically connected to the terminating ends332of the ground contacts308.

FIG.13is a top view of a portion of the card edge connector112in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.FIG.13shows the cables290coupled to the forward contact set of the upper contacts310of the contact assembly300.FIG.13also shows portions of the upper contacts310of the rearward contact set.FIG.13shows the upper contact holders250aholding the upper contacts310.

The upper contact holders250ahold the upper contacts310. The mating ends330extend forward of the upper contact holders250ainto the contact channels240. Portions of the mating ends330extend into the card slot for interfacing with the module circuit card540. The signal conductors292,294of each cable290are welded to the terminating ends332of the corresponding signal contacts306. The drain wires296are welded to the terminating ends332of the corresponding ground contacts308.

FIG.14is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the card edge connector112in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.FIG.14shows the cables290coupled to the upper and lower contacts310,320of the contact assembly300.FIG.14shows the ground bus bars450terminated to the ground contacts308of the contact assembly300.FIG.14shows the ground element400terminated to the ground bus bar(s)450. For example, the connecting tabs416of the ground plates410at opposite sides of the card edge connector112may be welded to the connecting pads458of the ground bus bars450.

FIG.15is a sectional view of a portion of the card edge connector112in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.FIG.15shows the contact organizer230holding the contact assembly300(upper portion of the contact assembly300is shown inFIG.15).FIG.15shows the forward and rearward upper contact holders250aholding the forward and rearward sets of upper contacts310.FIG.15shows the ground element400held by the contact organizer230.

The upper contacts310are arranged along the top side of the platform248. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper contacts310are arranged in two sets, such as a forward contact set and a rearward contact set. The upper contact holders250ahold the upper contacts310. The upper contact holders250aare coupled to the contact organizer230to locate the upper contacts310relative to the contact organizer230. For example, the upper contact holders250alocate the upper contacts310relative to the card slot242.

The ground plate410of the ground element400is coupled to the contact organizer230. The connecting tabs416are located near the top of the ground plate410. The mating tab414is located near the bottom of the ground plate410. The mating tab414is mated to the ground plate402and spring biased against the ground plate402to maintain a mechanical and electrical connection with the ground plate402. Other types of connecting features may be used in alternative embodiments to create an electrical connection between the ground plate410and the ground plate402. In other various embodiments, the ground plate402may be integral with the ground plate410, such as being stamped and formed from a single sheet of sheet metal. In such embodiments, the ground plate402may be loaded into and removable from the outer housing226with the contact organizer230. The ground plate402includes board termination components404configured to be terminated to the host circuit board102. The ground element400forms a ground return path for the card edge connector112with the host circuit board102. The ground return path is defined from the ground bus bars450, through the connecting tabs416, through the ground plate410, through the mating tab414, through the ground plate402, and through the board termination components404to the host circuit board102.

FIG.16is a rear perspective view of a portion of the card edge connector112in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The contact organizer230holds the contact assembly300. The contact organizer230is loaded into the cavity204, such as through the rear208. The latching features370of the contact organizer230is coupled to the latch232of the outer housing226to secure the contact organizer230in the outer housing226.

When the contact organizer230is loaded into the outer housing226, the board contacts304are held relative to the outer housing226for connection to the host circuit board102. Board contact holders252hold the board contacts304. The board contact holders252are coupled to the contact organizer230and/or the outer housing226to position board terminating ends340of the board contacts304for connection to the host circuit board102. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the board contact holder252is received in the bottom opening236in the bottom wall222and coupled to the rails238. The board terminating ends340includes compliant pins in the illustrated embodiment, configured to be press-fit into plated vias of the host circuit board102.

The ground element400is provided at both sides of the card edge connector212in the illustrated embodiment. Optionally, the portion of the ground element400at the left side is configured to be coupled to the upper ground bus bars450aand the portion of the ground element400at the right side is configured to be coupled to the lower ground bus bars450b. However, other arrangements are possible in alternative embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, the ground plate410of the ground element400is coupled to the contact organizer230and the ground plate402of the ground element400is coupled to the outer housing226. The ground plate402extends through the bottom of the outer housing226for termination to the host circuit board102. The mating tab414is mated to the ground plate402and spring biased against the ground plate402to maintain a mechanical and electrical connection with the ground plate402. Other types of connecting features may be used in alternative embodiments to create an electrical connection between the ground plate410and the ground plate402. In other various embodiments, the ground plate402may be integral with the ground plate410, such as being stamped and formed from a single sheet of sheet metal. The ground element400forms a ground return path for the card edge connector112with the host circuit board102. The ground element400transmits the ground current from the contact assembly300to the host circuit board102, which may reduce the heat of the ground contacts308and the cables290to improve performance of the system.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Dimensions, types of materials, orientations of the various components, and the number and positions of the various components described herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments, and are by no means limiting and are merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 30 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.