PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11121502-B2
Application Number: US-202016810755-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Magnetic connectors

Abstract:
Magnetic connector systems including a plug connector and a connector receptacle. In one example, the plug connector can include a magnetic target around a signal pin, where the signal pin is insulated from a plug enclosure by an insulating housing. The connector receptacle can include a magnet that is attracted to the magnetic target. The connector receptacle can contact the plug enclosure using one or more conductive springs. The one or more springs can deflect during an insertion of the plug enclosure. In another example, this deflection can act to expel moisture from the connector receptacle through drip holes in an enclosure for the connector receptacle.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A plug connector for a magnetic connector system, the plug connector comprising:
 a signal pin; 
 a housing having a visual passage extending from a top of the housing to the signal pin, wherein a portion of an inside surface of the visual passage is threaded; 
 a magnetic target attached to the housing, the magnetic target positioned to attract a magnet in a corresponding connector receptacle and to hold the corresponding connector receptacle in place relative to the plug connector when the plug connector is mated with the corresponding connector receptacle; 
 a plug enclosure around a portion of the signal pin, the signal pin extending into the visual passage in the housing; and 
 a cap having a threaded portion to mate with the threaded inside surface of the visual passage. 
 
     
     
       2. The plug connector of  claim 1  wherein the housing further comprises a plurality of posts arranged to fit in openings in a printed circuit board. 
     
     
       3. The plug connector of  claim 2  further comprising a plurality of pins extending through the housing. 
     
     
       4. The plug connector of  claim 3  wherein the pins are arranged to fit in openings in the printed circuit board. 
     
     
       5. The plug connector of  claim 4  further comprising an insulating housing between the signal pin and the plug enclosure. 
     
     
       6. The plug connector of  claim 5  wherein the magnetic target is formed of ferrous stainless steel. 
     
     
       7. The plug connector of  claim 6  wherein the housing is formed of brass. 
     
     
       8. The plug connector of  claim 7  wherein the housing is nickel plated. 
     
     
       9. A connector receptacle for a connector system, the connector receptacle comprising:
 an enclosure having a front opening to accept a corresponding plug connector when the corresponding plug connector is inserted into the connector receptacle; 
 a signal pin having a pin tip exposed in the front opening; and 
 a perimeter spring comprising a plurality of deflecting members, a front band, and a back band, the plurality of deflecting members in the front opening positioned radially around the signal pin, wherein the each of the plurality of deflecting members attach to the front band at a first end and the back band at a distal second end, wherein the front band and back band each comprise a break, and wherein the plurality of deflecting members deflect towards an inside surface of the enclosure when the corresponding plug connector inserted into the connector receptacle, 
 wherein the enclosure further comprises a plurality of side openings through a side of the enclosure. 
 
     
     
       10. The connector receptacle of  claim 9  wherein the deflecting members and enclosure side openings are arranged such that moisture in the front opening is expelled when the corresponding plug connector inserted into the connector receptacle. 
     
     
       11. The connector receptacle of  claim 10  further comprising an insulating housing between the signal pin and the enclosure. 
     
     
       12. The connector receptacle of  claim 11  further comprising a gasket between the signal pin and the enclosure. 
     
     
       13. The connector receptacle of  claim 12  further comprising a magnet around the front opening. 
     
     
       14. The connector receptacle of  claim 13  wherein the magnet is arranged to be attracted to a magnetic target in the corresponding plug connector. 
     
     
       15. The plug connector of  claim 1  wherein the magnetic target has an annular shape and is positioned around the signal pin. 
     
     
       16. The connector receptacle of  claim 9  wherein the break in the front band and the break in the back band allow for expansion of the perimeter spring during insertion of a corresponding plug connector into the connector receptacle. 
     
     
       17. The connector receptacle of  claim 9  further comprising a face spring, the face spring comprising a plurality of teeth extending from a ring, wherein each of the teeth are clocked relative to an inside surface of the ring and angled away from a plane defined by the ring and towards the perimeter spring. 
     
     
       18. A connector receptacle for a connector system, the connector receptacle comprising:
 an enclosure having a front opening to accept a corresponding plug connector when the corresponding plug connector is inserted into the connector receptacle; 
 one or more magnets positioned around the front opening in the enclosure; 
 a signal pin having a pin tip exposed in the front opening; and 
 a perimeter spring comprising a plurality of deflecting members, a front band, and a back band, the plurality of deflecting members in the front opening positioned radially around the signal pin, wherein the each of the plurality of deflecting members attach to the front band at a first end and the back band at a distal second end, wherein the front band and back band each comprise a break, and wherein the plurality of deflecting members deflect towards an inside surface of the enclosure when the corresponding plug connector inserted into the connector receptacle. 
 
     
     
       19. The connector receptacle of  claim 18  wherein the one or more magnets are arranged to be attracted to a magnetic target in the corresponding plug connector. 
     
     
       20. The connector receptacle of  claim 18  further comprising a face spring, the face spring comprising a plurality of teeth extending from a ring, wherein each of the teeth are clocked relative to an inside surface of the ring and angled away from a plane defined by the ring and towards the perimeter spring.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to connector systems and more particularly to magnetic connectors. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Power and data can be provided from one electronic device to another over cables that can include one or more wires, fiber optic cables, or other conductors. Connector inserts can be located at each end of these cables and can be inserted into connector receptacles in the communicating or power transferring electronic devices. 
     In some systems, these cables can convey very high-speed signals. To achieve these high speeds, they can include various interlocking features to keep a connector insert and a connector receptacle mated in a secure and consistent manner. But these features can make the connectors difficult to use. Accordingly, it can be desirable to provide connector inserts and connector receptacles that do not rely on these interlocking features to provide a secure and consistent connection. 
     Moreover, these connector receptacles can be located on an electronic device such that they can be accessible only in spaces with limited dimensions. For example, these connector receptacles can be located in openings in equipment, they can be positioned relatively close to each other, they can be close to other structures on a device, or access can be dimensionally limited for some other reason. 
     To be able to convey very high-frequency signals, it can be important to provide a good impedance matching along a signal path. That is, it can be desirable to avoid impedance changes, stubs, and the like along the signal path. Doing so can reduce return loss, thereby improving signal quality. Conversely, errors or mismatches in impedances along a high-frequency signal path can generate reflections and insertion loss. These can degrade and corrupt a signal making reliable data transmission difficult or impossible. 
     Users have become accustomed to connecting devices together using cables. Plugging a phone into a charger is now a common experience. Some of these connectors provide an excellent user experience. As a result, it can be very disconcerting for a user to have a connector that is difficult to use. For this reason, it can be important to provide a connector system that provides a good user experience. 
     Thus, what is needed are connector systems that can be easy to use, can be used to make connections in a small area, can provide a stable and consistent connection, can provide good impedance matching, and can provide a good user experience. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can provide connector systems that can be easy to use, can be used to make connections in a small area, can provide a stable and consistent connection, can provide good impedance matching, and can provide a good user experience. Various embodiments of the present invention can provide connector systems for conveying high-speed signals. 
     An illustrative embodiment of the present invention can provide a connector system including a connector insert and a connector receptacle. The connector insert can include a center conductor having a central recess at a front leading edge and an outer barrel. An outer barrel can terminate in a tulip-shaped connector around the recessed portion of the center conductor. A housing can be formed around the barrel behind the tulip-shaped contact. The housing can include one or more magnets on at least one side of the barrel. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the one or more magnets can be on at least two sides of the barrel. The two sides can be opposite sides. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the one or more magnets can be positioned concentrically around the barrel. For example, one or more magnets can be positioned concentrically around the barrel. The one or more magnets can have a protective layer on one or more sides. Instead of magnets, one or more ferromagnetic portions can be used in these and other configurations, or a combination of magnets and ferromagnetic pieces can be used. The center conductor and the outer barrel can terminate in conductors in a cable. The cable can be insulated. The cable can be protected with a strain relief. 
     The connector receptacle can include a housing supporting a ground contact. The magnet or magnets of the connector insert can be attracted to the ground contact. The ground contact can have a passage for a pin having a concentric insulating layer. The passage in the ground contact can also accept the tulip of the connector insert to provide a ground path. The pin can be inserted in the recess of the center conductor. This penetrating connection can stand in contrast to other connectors where a surface connection can be made. The pin can terminate on a board in an electronic device. The ground contact can also terminate on the board. 
     This connector system can be easy to use. Specifically, the magnet in the connector insert can be attracted to the ground contact in the connector receptacle. The pin of the connector receptacle can penetrate the center conductor of the connector insert without the need of turning or tightening. The magnet or magnets can fix a position to the ground contact of the connector receptacle in a consistent and stable manner. The penetration of the pin into the center conductor of the connector insert can provide a signal path having good impedance matching. The magnetic attraction of the connector insert to the connector receptacle can provide a good user experience. 
     In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the ground contact can be made of ferromagnetic material that can attract magnets, it can be formed of one or more magnets, or it can be a combination of these. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the magnet or magnets of the connector insert can instead be ferromagnetic material that can be attractive to magnets in the connector receptacle, or magnets can be located in both the connector insert and the connector receptacle. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, each of the connector insert and connector receptacle can include one more magnets, one or more ferromagnetic pieces, or a combination of these. 
     Another illustrative embodiment of the present invention can provide a connector system including a plug connector and a connector receptacle. The plug connector can include an enclosure including a front plug enclosure and an enclosure back body. The plug enclosure can include a notch. This notch can retain a gasket or O-ring. A signal pin can include a pin tip and a connecting portion. The signal pin can be insulated from the plug enclosure and enclosure back body by insulating housings. A gasket or O-ring can be placed in a recess of one of the insulating housings to form a seal between the insulating housings to reduce moisture ingress into the plug connector. 
     The connector receptacle can be housed in an enclosure and a back enclosure. A front portion of the back enclosure can fit in a rear of the enclosure. The enclosure and back enclosure can surround and shield a tulip pin. The tulip pin can include a connecting portion, which can accept a conductor in a cable. The tulip pin can be isolated from the enclosure and the back enclosure by insulating housings. A gasket or O-ring can fit in a recess in one of the insulating housings to seal the insulating housings to each other to reduce moisture ingress into the connector receptacle. A cable crimp can accept a conductor and a braiding or other shielding of cable. Solder can be applied in an opening in the cable crimp to solder the braiding of cable to the cable crimp. Another gasket or O-ring can fit around a front portion of an insulating housing to form a seal with a front portion of the back enclosure. A perimeter spring and face spring can contact a plug enclosure of a corresponding plug connector when the plug connector is inserted into the connector receptacle. A front opening in the enclosure can provide access to the perimeter spring, the face spring, and the contact portion of the tulip pin. 
     The perimeter spring can include a front band and a back band. Cross-members or deflecting members can extend from the front band to the back band and can be separated by slots or openings. A break can be placed in either or both the front band and the back band to allow expansion and contraction of the perimeter spring as a plug connector is inserted and removed from the connector receptacle. The face spring can include teeth extending from a ring. The teeth can be clocked or angled relative to an inside surface of the ring. The teeth can be angled away from a plane defined by the ring in a direction towards the perimeter spring. The teeth can have an increased spacing along an inside surface of the ring. This increased spacing can help to reduce the buildup of debris and particulates that could otherwise foul the face spring. 
     When the plug connector is inserted into the connector receptacle, a plug enclosure can deflect the cross-members of the perimeter spring, thereby deforming the cross-members towards an inside surface of enclosure. This deflection or deformation can help to expel fluids or other debris that can be located in the front opening of the connector receptacle out drip holes in the enclosure. Remaining moisture and debris can be pushed into a well between an insulating housing and a front portion of the back enclosure. A gasket or O-ring can help to prevent moisture in the well from being pushed further back into the connector receptacle. 
     Multiple features can help to retain a plug connector in a connector receptacle when the plug connector is inserted into the connector receptacle. For example, cross-members of the perimeter spring in the connector receptacle can exert a holding force on a plug enclosure of the plug connector. Also, a contact portion of the tulip pin in the connector receptacle can hold a pin tip of a signal pin in the plug connector. The contact portion can have a reduced number of beams, such as three, four, or more than four beams. These beams can also be arranged to have a longer length and increased thickness to provide an increase in their durability and retention force. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, pins, ground contacts, and other conductive portions of a connector receptacle or connector insert can be formed by stamping, metal-injection molding, machining, micro-machining, 3-D printing, or other manufacturing process. The conductive portions can be formed of stainless steel, steel, copper, copper titanium, phosphor bronze, or other material or combination of materials. They can be plated or coated with nickel, gold, or other material. The nonconductive portions, such as the housings, insulators, or other structures can be formed using injection or other molding, 3-D printing, machining, or other manufacturing process. The nonconductive portions can be formed of silicon or silicone, rubber, hard rubber, plastic, nylon, liquid-crystal polymers (LCPs), ceramics, or other nonconductive material or combination of materials. The boards used can be formed of FR-4 or other material. The boards can be printed circuit boards or other substrates, such as flexible circuit boards, in many embodiments of the present invention. The magnets can be rare-earth or other types of magnets. 
     Embodiments of the present invention can provide connector receptacles and connector inserts that can be located in, and can connect to, various types of devices, such as portable computing devices, tablet computers, desktop computers, laptops, all-in-one computers, wearable computing devices, cell phones, smart phones, media phones, storage devices, portable media players, navigation systems, monitors, power supplies, video delivery systems, test systems, adapters, remote control devices, chargers, and other devices. In various embodiments of the present invention, interconnect paths provided by these connector inserts and connector receptacles can be used to convey power, ground, high-speed or other data signals, test points, and other voltage, current, data, or other information. 
     Various embodiments of the present invention can incorporate one or more of these and the other features described herein. A better understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention can be gained by reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-section of a connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a connector insert according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a portion of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates another connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a cross-section of a connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a connector insert according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a portion of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a cross-section of a connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a connector insert according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a portion of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a portion of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is an exploded view of a plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a cross-section of a plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a connector receptacle that can be mated with the plug connector of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 21  is an exploded view of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a perimeter spring and a face spring according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a front view of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a cross-section of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 25  illustrates a cross-section of a connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 26  illustrates a plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention that can be mounted on a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate; 
         FIG. 27  illustrates an underside of a plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 28  illustrates a plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 29  illustrates portions of a plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 30  illustrates a top view of a plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 31  illustrates a cross-section of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This illustrative embodiment of the present invention can provide a connector system including connector insert  100  and connector receptacle  200 . This figure, as with the other included figures is shown for illustrative purposes and does not limit either the possible embodiments of the invention or the claims. 
     Connector insert  100  can include housing  110  and cable  130 . Cable  130  can be protected by strain relief  120 . Connector receptacle  200  can include housing  210 , connector  220 , pin  230 , and board  240 . More details of this connector system are shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-section of a connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector insert  100  can include a connector portion  300  having a center conductor  330  having a recess  350 . The connector portion  300  can further include an outer barrel  310 . Outer barrel  310  can be positioned concentrically around center conductor  330 . Outer barrel  310  can terminate in contact  340  around recess  350  of center conductor  330 . Housing  110  can be formed around connector portion  300 . Housing  110  can include one or more magnets  140  on at least one side of connector portion  300 . In these and other embodiments of the present invention, one or more magnets  140  can be on at least two sides of connector portion  300 . The two sides can be opposite sides. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, one or more magnets  140  can be positioned concentrically around connector portion  300 . For example, one magnet  140  can be positioned concentrically around connector portion  300 . Magnets  140  can have a protective layer on one or more sides. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, one or more magnets  140  can instead be ferromagnetic pieces that can be attracted to one or more magnets in the connector receptacle. Center conductor  330  of connector portion  300  can terminate in conductors in cable  130  (shown in  FIG. 1 .) Cable  130  can be insulated. Cable  130  can be protected with strain relief  120  (shown in  FIG. 1 .) 
     Connector receptacle  200  can include housing  210 , which can provide a passage for a leading edge of connector insert  100 . Connector receptacle  200  can include connector  220  supporting ground contact  250 . The magnet or magnets  140  of connector insert  100  can be attracted to ground contact  250 , which can be made of a ferromagnetic material. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the magnet or magnets  140  of connector insert  100  can instead be ferromagnetic pieces and ground contact  250  can be, or can include, one or more magnets. Ground contact  250  can have a passage for pin  230 , which can be soldered to board  240 . The passage can include a concentric insulating layer or insulator  260  around a portion of pin  230 . The passage in ground contact  250  can also accept contact  340  of connector insert  100  to provide a ground path. Pin  230  can be inserted in recess  350  of center conductor  330  of connector portion  300  when connector insert  100  and connector receptacle  200  are mated. This penetrating connection can stand in contrast to other connectors where a surface connection can be made. The pin  230  can terminate on a board  240  in an electronic device. Ground contact  250  can also terminate on board  240 . 
     The combination of the penetrating connection between pin  230  and recess  350  of center conductor  330 , along with the magnetic attraction between connector insert  100  and connector receptacle  200  can provide a stable and consistent connection with little reflection and good impedance characteristics. More specifically, magnet  140  in connector insert  100  can be attracted to ground contact  250  in connector receptacle  200 . Pin  230  of connector receptacle  200  can penetrate center conductor  330  of connector portion  300  in connector insert  100  without the need of turning or tightening. Magnet or magnets  140  can fix a position to ground contact  250  of connector receptacle  200  in a consistent and stable manner. The penetration of pin  230  into recess  350  in center conductor  330  of connector portion  300  can provide a signal path having good impedance matching. The magnetic attraction of connector insert  100  to connector receptacle  200  can provide a good user experience. 
     In these and other embodiments of the present invention, ground contact  250  can be formed of a ferromagnetic material that can attract magnets  140 , it can be formed of one or more magnets, or it can be a combination of these. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the magnet or magnets  140  of connector insert  100  can instead be ferromagnetic pieces that are attractive to magnets in connector receptacle  200 , or magnets  140  can be located in both connector insert  100  and connector receptacle  200 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a connector insert according to an embodiment of the present invention. Center conductor  330  can include central recess  350  and can be surrounded by contact  340  of outer barrel  310  of connector portion  300  (shown in  FIG. 2 .) Housing  110  can be around magnet  140 . Magnet  140  can be protected with a coating or other layer. Connector insert  100  and connector receptacle  200  can be arranged to provide a protective spacing between them for magnet  140 . Cable  130  can be protected by strain relief  120 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Housing  210  can provide access to ground contact  250 . Ground contact  250  can have an opening for pin  230  and insulator  26 . Pin  230  can attached to board  240 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a portion of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example housing  210  has been removed to show connector  220 , ground contact  250 , pin  230 , and insulator  260 . Pin  230  can attached to board  240 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This illustrative embodiment of the present invention can provide a connector system including connector insert  600  and connector receptacle  700 . Connector insert  600  and connector receptacle  700  can be substantially similar to connector insert  100  and connector receptacle  200  in the above examples, with various modifications, some of which are described below. 
     Connector insert  600  can include housing  610  and cable  630 . Cable  630  can be protected by strain relief  620 . Connector receptacle  700  can include magnetic target  710 , pin  730 , board  740 , and ground contact  750 . Pin  730  can connect to trace  742  on board  740 . Ground contact  750  can include tabs  754 , which can electrically connect to ground traces or planes  748  on board  740 . More details of this connector system are shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a cross-section of a connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector insert  600  can include a connector portion  300  having a center conductor  330  with a recess  350 . The connector portion  300  can further include an outer barrel  310  positioned concentrically around the center conductor. Outer barrel  310  can terminate in tulip-shaped contact  340  around recess  350  in center conductor  330 . Housing  610  can be formed concentrically around connector portion  300 . Housing  610  can include one or more magnets  640  on at least one side of connector portion  300 . In these and other embodiments of the present invention, one or more magnets  640  can be on at least two sides of connector portion  300 . The two sides can be opposite sides. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, one or more magnets  640  can be positioned concentrically around connector portion  300 . For example, one magnet  640  can be positioned concentrically around connector portion  300 . The magnet  640  can have a first polarity (either North or South) at a leading edge of connector insert  600  and a second polarity at a trailing edge of connector insert  600 . In these and other embodiments of the present invention, two magnets  640  can be used and they can be arranged to have opposing polarities. Magnet or magnets  640  can have a protective layer  642  on one or more sides—between the magnet  640  and housing  610 , between the magnet  640  and connector portion  300 , or both. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, one or more magnets  640  can instead be ferromagnetic pieces that can be attracted to one or more magnets in the connector receptacle. Outer barrel  310  and center conductor  330  of connector portion  300  can terminate in conductors in cable  630 . Specifically, a trailing edge of center conductor  330  can include recess  332 . Signal conductor  632  in cable  630  can inserted into recess  332  and soldered, crimped, or otherwise attached. Ground shield  634  of cable  630  can electrically connect to outer barrel  310  at a trailing edge of outer barrel  310 . Cable  630  can be insulated. Cable  630  can be protected by strain relief  620 . 
     In this example, a signal path can include conductor  632  and center conductor  330  in connector insert  600  and pin  730  and trace  742  in connector receptacle  700 . A ground path can include ground shield  634  and outer barrel  310  in connector insert  600  and ground contact  750  in connector receptacle  700 . 
     Connector receptacle  700  can include magnetic target  710  supported by ground contact  750 . The magnet or magnets  640  of connector insert  600  can be attracted to magnetic target  710 , which can be made of a ferromagnetic material. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the magnet or magnets  640  of connector insert  600  can instead be ferromagnetic pieces and magnetic target  710  can be, or can include, one or more magnets. Ground contact  750  can include tabs  754 . Tabs  754  can be soldered, glued, or otherwise in contact with or attached to board  740 . Ground contact  750  can have a passage for pin  730 . The passage can include a concentric insulator  760  around a portion of pin  730 . The passage in ground contact  750  can also accept contact  340  of connector insert  600  to provide a ground path. A front opening of the passage formed by ground contact  750  can include taper  752 . Taper  752  can guide contact  340  into the passage during mating of connector insert  600  and connector receptacle  700 . This can simplify the insertion process and improve the overall user experience. 
     Pin  730  can be inserted in recess  350  of center conductor  330  of connector portion  300  when connector insert  600  and connector receptacle  700  are mated. This penetrating connection can stand in contrast to other connectors where a surface connection can be made. The pin  730  can terminate on a board  740  in an electronic device. Ground contact  750  can also terminate on board  740 . 
     The combination of the penetrating connection between pin  730  and recess  350  of center conductor  330 , along with the magnetic attraction between connector insert  600  and connector receptacle  700 , can provide a stable and consistent connection with little reflection and good impedance characteristics. More specifically, magnet  640  in connector insert  100  can be attracted to magnetic target  710  in connector receptacle  200 . Pin  730  of connector receptacle  200  can penetrate center conductor  330  of connector portion  300  in connector insert  600  without the need of turning or tightening. Magnet or magnets  640  can fix a position to magnetic target  710  of connector receptacle  700  in a consistent and stable manner. The penetration of pin  730  into recess  350  in center conductor  330  of connector portion  300  can provide a signal path having good impedance matching. The magnetic attraction of connector insert  600  to connector receptacle  700  can provide a good user experience. 
     In these and other embodiments of the present invention, magnetic target  710  can be formed of a ferromagnetic material that can attract magnets  640 , it can be formed of one or more magnets, or it can be a combination of these. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the magnet or magnets  640  of connector insert  600  can instead be ferromagnetic pieces that are attractive to magnets in connector receptacle  700 , or magnets can be located in both connector insert  600  and connector receptacle  700 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a connector insert according to an embodiment of the present invention. Center conductor  330  can include central recess  350  and can be surrounded by tulip-shaped contact  340 . Housing  610  can be around magnet  640 . Magnet  640  can be protected with a coating or other layer. Connector insert  600  and connector receptacle  700  can be arranged to provide a protective spacing between them for magnet  640 . Cable  630  can be protected by strain relief  620 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. An additional housing  910  can provide access to magnetic target  710 , which can have an opening for ground contact  750 , pin  730 , and insulator  760 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a portion of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, additional housing  910  has been removed to show magnetic target  710 , ground contact  750 , pin  730 , and insulator  760 . Pin  730  can connect to trace  742  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) on board  740 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This illustrative embodiment of the present invention can provide a connector system including connector insert  1100  and connector receptacle  1200 . Connector insert  1100  and connector receptacle  1200  can be substantially similar to connector inserts  100  and  600  and connector receptacles  200  and  700  in the above examples, with various modifications, some of which are described below. 
     Connector insert  1100  can include housing  1110  and cable  1130 . Cable  1130  can be protected by strain relief  1120 . Connector receptacle  1200  can include magnetic target  1210 , pin  1230 , board  1240 , and ground contact  1250 . Pin  1230  can connect to a trace (not shown) on board  1240 . Ground contact  1250  can include tabs  1254 , which can electrically connect to ground traces or planes (not shown) on board  1240 . In these and other embodiments of the present invention, magnetic target  1210  can have a larger radius than connector insert housing  1110 . This can help users to attach connector insert  1100  to magnetic target  1210  and improve the user experience. More details of this connector system are shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a cross-section of a connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector insert  1100  can include a connector portion  300  having a center conductor  330  with a recess  350 . The connector portion  300  can further include an outer barrel  310  positioned concentrically around the center conductor. Outer barrel  310  can terminate in tulip-shaped contact  340  around recess  350  in center conductor  330 . Housing  1110  can be formed concentrically around connector portion  300 . Housing  1110  can include one or more magnets  1140  on at least one side of connector portion  300 . Relative to magnets  640  in connector insert  600  (shown in  FIG. 7 ), magnets  1140  can have a shorter length and be located around a front of connector portion  300 . This can help to reduce a diameter of connector insert  1100 . This reduction can allow the relative diameter of magnetic target  1210  to be larger, thereby improving a user experience. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, one or more magnets  1140  can be on at least two sides of connector portion  300 . The two sides can be opposite sides. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, one or more magnets  1140  can be positioned concentrically around connector portion  300 . For example, one magnet  1140  can be positioned concentrically around connector portion  300 . The magnet  1140  can have a first polarity (either North or South) at a leading edge of connector insert  1100  and a second polarity at a trailing edge of connector insert  1100 . In these and other embodiments of the present invention, two magnets  1140  can be used and they can be arranged to have opposing polarities. Magnet or magnets  1140  can have a protective layer  1142  on one or more sides—between the magnet  1140  and housing  1110 , between the magnet  1140  and connector portion  300 , or both. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, one or more magnets  1140  can instead be ferromagnetic pieces that can be attracted to one or more magnets in the connector receptacle. Outer barrel  310  and center conductor  330  of connector portion  300  can terminate in conductors in cable  1130 . Specifically, a trailing edge of center conductor  330  can include recess  332 . Signal conductor  1132  in cable  1130  can inserted into recess  332  and soldered, crimped, or otherwise attached. A ground shield (not shown) of cable  1130  can electrically connect to outer barrel  310  at a trailing edge of outer barrel  310 . Cable  1130  can be insulated. Cable  1130  can be protected by strain relief  1120 . 
     In this example, a signal path can include conductor  1132  and center conductor  330  in connector insert  1100  and pin  1230  and a trace (not shown) on board  1240  in connector receptacle  1200 . A ground path can include a shield (not shown) around cable  1130  and outer barrel  310  in connector insert  1100 , as well as ground contact  1250 , ground contact tabs  1254 , and ground paths (not shown) on board  1240  in connector receptacle  1200 . 
     Connector receptacle  1200  can include magnetic target  1210  supported by ground contact  1250 . The magnet or magnets  1140  of connector insert  1100  can be attracted to magnetic target  1210 , which can be made of a ferromagnetic material. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the magnet or magnets  1140  of connector insert  1100  can instead be ferromagnetic pieces and magnetic target  1210  can be, or can include, one or more magnets. Ground contact  1250  can include tabs  1254 . Tabs  1254  can be soldered, glued, or otherwise in contact with or attached to board  1240 . Ground contact  1250  can have a passage for pin  1230 . The passage can include a concentric insulator  1260  around a portion of pin  1230 . The passage in ground contact  1250  can also accept contact  340  of connector insert  1100  to provide a ground path. A front opening of the passage formed by ground contact  1250  can include taper  1252 . Taper  1252  can guide contact  340  into the passage during mating of connector insert  1100  and connector receptacle  1200 . This can simplify the insertion process to help reduce damage to contact  340  and improve the overall user experience. 
     Pin  1230  can be inserted in recess  350  of center conductor  330  of connector portion  300  when connector insert  1100  and connector receptacle  1200  are mated. This penetrating connection can stand in contrast to other connectors where a surface connection can be made. The pin  1230  can terminate on a board  1240  in an electronic device. Ground contact  1250  can also terminate on board  1240  at tabs  1254 . Tabs  1254  can be connected to ground traces or planes (not shown) on board  1240 . 
     The combination of the penetrating connection between pin  1230  and recess  350  of center conductor  330 , along with the magnetic attraction between connector insert  1100  and connector receptacle  1200 , can provide a stable and consistent connection with little reflection and good impedance characteristics. More specifically, magnet  1140  in connector insert  100  can be attracted to magnetic target  1210  in connector receptacle  200 . Pin  1230  of connector receptacle  200  can penetrate center conductor  330  of connector portion  300  in connector insert  1100  without the need of turning or tightening. Magnet or magnets  1140  can fix a position to magnetic target  1210  of connector receptacle  1200  in a consistent and stable manner. The penetration of pin  1230  into recess  350  in center conductor  330  of connector portion  300  can provide a signal path having good impedance matching. The magnetic attraction of connector insert  1100  to connector receptacle  1200  can provide a good user experience and a stable connection. 
     In these and other embodiments of the present invention, magnetic target  1210  can be formed of a ferromagnetic material that can attract magnets  1140 , it can be formed of one or more magnets, or it can be a combination of these. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the magnet or magnets  1140  of connector insert  1100  can instead be ferromagnetic pieces that are attractive to magnets in connector receptacle  1200 , or magnets can be located in both connector insert  1100  and connector receptacle  1200 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a connector insert according to an embodiment of the present invention. Center conductor  330  can include central recess  350  and can be surrounded by tulip-shaped contact  340 . Housing  1110  can be around magnet  1140 . Magnet  1140  can be protected with coatings or other layers  1142 . Connector insert  1100  and connector receptacle  1200  can be arranged to provide a protective spacing between them for magnet  1140 . Cable  1130  can be protected by strain relief  1120 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Magnetic target  1210  can have an opening for ground contact  1250 , pin  1230 , and insulator  1260 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a portion of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Magnetic target  1210  can be supported by ground contact  1250 . Pin  1230  can be surrounded by insulator  1260  and can pass through magnetic target  1210  and ground contact  1250 . Tabs  1254  can extend from a rear of ground contact  1250 . Pin  1230  and tabs  1254  can be connected to traces or planes on board  1240  (shown in  FIG. 12 .) An example is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a portion of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Magnetic target  1210  can be supported by ground contact  1250 . Pin  1230  can be surrounded by insulator  1260  and can pass through magnetic target  1210  and ground contact  1250 . Tabs  1254  can extend from a rear of ground contact  1250 . Pin  1230  can be connected to a signal trace (not shown) board  1240 . Tabs  1254  can be soldered, glued, or otherwise attached or in contact with board  1240 . Tabs  1254  can be in electrical contact with planes or traces (not shown), for example a ground plane, on board  1240 . 
     In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the magnets can be omitted or otherwise made optional. Examples of such connectors are shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Plug connector  2100  can convey a signal on pin tip  2112 . Pin tip  2112  can be shielded by plug enclosure  2120 . Plug enclosure  2120  can include front opening  2122  to provide access to pin tip  2112 . Plug enclosure  2120  can be supported by enclosure back body  2130 . When plug connector  2100  is inserted into a corresponding connector receptacle, gasket or O-ring  2140  can prevent or limit ingress of moisture into a corresponding connector receptacle  2200  (shown in  FIG. 20 .) A front edge of plug enclosure  2120  can be tapered to improve the alignment of pin tip  2112  to contact portion  2212  of tulip pin  2210  in connector receptacle  2200  (shown in  FIG. 21 ) when plug connector  2100  is inserted into connector receptacle  2200 . 
       FIG. 18  is an exploded view of a plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Plug connector  2100  can include plug enclosure  2120 . Plug enclosure  2120  can include notch  2124 . Notch  2124  can retain gasket or O-ring  2140 . Signal pin  2110  can include pin tip  2112  and connecting portion  2114 . Connection  2180  can be attached to connecting portion  2114  of signal pin  2110 . Signal pin  2110  can be insulated from plug enclosure  2120  and enclosure back body  2130  by insulating housing  2150  and insulating housing  2170 . Enclosure portion  2160  can fit over insulating housing  2150 . Gasket or O-ring  2162  can be fit over a front portion  2164  of enclosure portion  2160 . Gasket or O-ring  2172  can be placed in recess  2174  of insulating housing  2170 . Gasket or O-ring  2172  can form a seal between insulating housing  2150  and insulating housing  2170 . Enclosure back body  2130  can be fit over insulating housing  2170  such that a front portion  2132  of enclosure back body  2130  can be fit in a rear of plug enclosure  2120 . 
     Plug enclosure  2120  and enclosure back body  2130  can be formed of conductive metal such as stainless steel, or other appropriate material. Signal pin  2110  can be formed of copper, bronze, nickel, beryllium copper, or other conductive material. Signal pin  2110  can be plated with gold, nickel, or other material to improve corrosion performance and reduce resistance. Insulating housing  2150 , insulating housing  2170 , and enclosure portion  2160  can be formed of plastic, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, or other non-conductive material. Gasket or O-ring  2162 , gasket or O-ring  2172 , and gasket or O-ring  2140  can be formed of silicone, rubber, silicon rubber, or other elastomeric or pliable material. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, one or more magnets can also be included. For example, some or all of plug enclosure  2120  and enclosure back body  2130  can be formed of magnets or can otherwise be magnetic. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a cross-section of a plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Signal pin  2110  can include pin tip  2112  and connecting portion  2114 . Connection  2180  can be inserted or otherwise fit into connecting portion  2114 . A wire or other conductor (not shown) can connect to, or be a portion of, connection  2180 . Signal pin  2110  can be insulated from plug enclosure and enclosure back body by insulating housing  2150  and insulating housing  2170 . Enclosure portion  2160  can be fit over a front of insulating housing  2150 . Gasket or O-ring  2172  can fit in recess  2174  in insulating housing  2170  to form a seal between insulating housing  2150  and insulating housing  2170 . Gasket or O-ring  2162  can fit around front portion  2164  of enclosure portion  2160  to form a seal between plug enclosure  2120  and enclosure portion  2160 . Gasket or O-ring  2140  can fit in notch  2124  to form a seal between plug enclosure  2120  and a corresponding connector receptacle when plug connector  2100  is inserted into corresponding connector receptacle  2200 , shown in  FIG. 20 . Plug enclosure  2120  can include front opening  2122  to provide access to pin tip  2112 . Front portion  2132  of enclosure back body  2130  can fit in a rear of plug enclosure  2120 . 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a connector receptacle that can be mated with the plug connector of  FIG. 17 . Connector receptacle  2200  can include enclosure  2220  having a front opening  2222  and drip holes  2224 . Enclosure  2220  can be attached to back enclosure  2230 . Cable  2250  can be attached at a rear of back enclosure  2230 . Front opening  2222  in enclosure  2220  can provide access to perimeter spring  2240  and to face spring  2260 , as shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 21  is an exploded view of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connector receptacle  2200  can include enclosure  2220  and back enclosure  2230 . Front portion  2232  of back enclosure  2230  can fit in a rear of enclosure  2220 . Enclosure  2220  and back enclosure  2230  can surround and shield tulip pin  2210 . Tulip pin  2210  can include connecting portion  2214 , which can accept a conductor  2252  (shown in  FIG. 24 ) in cable  2250 , and contact portion  2212 , which can mate with pin tip  2112  (shown in  FIG. 17 .) Tulip pin  2210  can be isolated from enclosure  2220  and back enclosure  2230  by insulating housing  2270  and insulating housing  2280 . Gasket or O-ring  2282  can fit in recess  2284  in insulating housing  2280  to seal insulating housing  2270  to insulating housing  2280 . Cable crimp  2290  can accept a conductor and braiding (not shown) from cable  2250 . Solder (not shown) can be applied in opening  2292  in cable crimp  2290  to solder the braiding of cable  2250  to cable crimp  2290 . Gasket or O-ring  2272  can be fit around a front portion of insulating housing  2270  to form a seal with front portion  2232  of back enclosure  2230 . Perimeter spring  2240  and face spring  2260  can contact plug enclosure  2120  of corresponding plug connector  2100  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) when plug connector  2100  is inserted into connector receptacle  2200 . Front opening  2222  in enclosure  2220  can provide access to perimeter spring  2240 , face spring  2260 , and contact portion  2212  of tulip pin  2210 . Enclosure  2220  can further include drip holes  2224 . 
     Enclosure  2220  and back enclosure  2230  can be formed of conductive metal such as stainless steel, or other appropriate material. Tulip pin  2210  can be formed of copper, bronze, nickel, beryllium copper, or other conductive material. Tulip pin  2210  can be plated with gold, nickel, or other material to improve corrosion performance and reduce resistance. Insulating housing  2270  and insulating housing  2280  can be formed of plastic, polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, or other non-conductive material. Perimeter spring  2240  and face spring  2260  can be formed of sheet metal, copper beryllium, stainless steel, or other conductive material. Cable crimp  2290  can be formed of steel, brass, or other solderable material. Gasket or O-ring  2272 , gasket or O-ring  2282 , and gasket or O-ring  2140  can be formed of silicone, rubber, silicon rubber, or other elastomeric or pliable material. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, one or more magnets can also be included. For example, some or all of plug enclosure  2120  and enclosure back body  2130  can be formed of magnets or can otherwise be magnetic. 
       FIG. 22  illustrates a perimeter spring and a face spring according to an embodiment of the present invention. Perimeter spring  2240  can include front band  2242  and back band  2244 . Deflecting members or cross-members  2246  can extend from front band  2242  to back band  2244  and can be separated by slots or openings  2247 . A break  2248  can be placed in either or both front band  2242  and back band  2244  to allow expansion and contraction of perimeter spring  2240  as plug connector  2100  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) is inserted and removed from connector receptacle  2200  (shown in  FIG. 20 .) Face spring  2260  can include teeth  2264  extending from ring  2262 . Teeth  2264  can be clocked or angled relative to an inside surface of ring  2262 . Teeth  2264  can be angled or tilted away from a plane defined by ring  2262  in a direction towards perimeter spring  2240 . Teeth  2264  can have an increased spacing along an inside surface of ring  2262 . This increased spacing can help to reduce the buildup of debris and particulates that could otherwise foul face spring  2260 . 
       FIG. 23  illustrates a front view of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, front opening  2222  in enclosure  2220  can provide access to contact portion  2212  of tulip pin  2210  (shown in  FIG. 21 .) Insulating housing  2270  can isolate tulip pin  2210  from enclosure  2220 . Gasket or O-ring  2272  can be around a portion of insulating housing  2270 . Cross-members  2246  of perimeter spring  2240  (shown in  FIG. 22 ) and teeth  2264  of face spring  2260  (shown in  FIG. 22 ) are also exposed in front opening  2222 . As plug connector  2100  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) is inserted into front opening  2222  in connector receptacle  2200 , sides of plug enclosure  2120  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) can contact cross-members  2246  of perimeter spring  2240 , while a front tip of plug enclosure  2120  can contact teeth  2264  of face spring  2260 . 
       FIG. 24  illustrates a cross-section of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Enclosure  2220  can include front opening  2222  to provide access to perimeter spring  2240 , face spring  2260 , and contact portion  2212  of tulip pin  2210 . Tulip pin  2210  can further include connecting portion  2214  for accepting a conductor  2252  of cable  2250 . Cable crimp  2290  can be soldered to a braiding (not shown) of cable  2250  by solder applied through opening  2292  in cable crimp  2290 . Front portion  2232  of back enclosure  2230  can be fit in a rear of enclosure  2220 . Tulip pin  2210  can be isolated from enclosure  2220  and back enclosure  2230  by insulating housing  2270  and insulating housing  2280 . Gasket or O-ring  2282  can be placed in recess  2284  in a front of insulating housing  2280  to seal insulating housing  2270  to insulating housing  2280 . Drip holes  2224  can provide a path to expel moisture when a corresponding plug connector, such as plug connector  2100  (shown in  FIG. 17 ), is inserted into connector receptacle  2200 . More specifically, as plug connector  2100  is inserted, cross-members  2246 , or other deflecting members, can deflect and push moisture out drip holes  2224 . Moisture can also be pushed into well  2234 , which can be bounded by gasket or O-ring  2272 , face spring  2260 , and a front portion  2232  of back enclosure  2230 . An example of such a mated connection is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 25  illustrates a cross-section of a connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, plug connector  2100  has been inserted into connector receptacle  2200 . A conductor  2252  of cable  2250  can be attached to connecting portion  2214  of tulip pin  2210  in connector receptacle  2200 . A braiding or ground shield (not shown) of cable  2250  can be attached to cable crimp  2290 . Contact portion  2212  of tulip pin  2210  can accept pin tip  2112  of signal pin  2110  in plug connector  2100 . Connecting portion  2114  of signal pin  2110  can accept connection  2180  to complete a signal path through this connector system. 
     Cross-member  2246  of perimeter spring  2240  can physically and electrically contact sides of plug enclosure  2120 . Face spring  2260  can physically and electrically contact a front tip or front edge of plug enclosure  2120 . These physical and electrical contacts can form an electrical connection between plug enclosure  2120 , the front portion  2232  of back enclosure  2230 , and enclosure  2220 . This electrical connection can provide a short ground path between plug connector  2100  and connector receptacle  2200 . The short ground path can help to prevent loop currents that might otherwise form in plug enclosure  2120 , front portion  2232  of back enclosure  2230 , and enclosure  2220 . 
     When plug connector  2100  is inserted into connector receptacle  2200 , plug enclosure  2120  can deflect cross-members  2246  of perimeter spring  2240 , deforming cross-members  2246  towards an inside surface of enclosure  2220 . This deflection or deformation can help to expel fluids or other debris that can be located in front opening  2222  (shown in  FIG. 21 ) of connector receptacle  2200  out of connector receptacle through drip holes  2224  (shown in  FIG. 20 ). Remaining moisture and debris can be pushed into well  2234  between insulating housing  2270  and front portion  2232  of back enclosure  2230 . Gasket or O-ring  2272  can help to prevent moisture in well  2234  from being pushed further back into connector receptacle  2200 . Moisture in connector receptacle  2200  can also be pushed into space  2113  by pin tip  2112  during its insertion into contact portion  2212  of tulip pin  2210 . 
     Multiple features can help to retain plug connector  2100  in connector receptacle  2200  when plug connector  2100  is inserted into connector receptacle  2200 . For example, cross-members  2246  of perimeter spring  2240  in connector receptacle  2200  can exert a holding force on plug enclosure  2120  of plug connector  2100 . Also, contact portion  2212  of tulip pin  2210  in connector receptacle  2200  can hold pin tip  2112  of signal pin  2110  in plug connector  2100 . Contact portion  2212  can have a reduced number of beams, such as three, four, or more than four beams. These beams can also be arranged to have a longer length and increased thickness to provide an increase in their durability and retention force. 
     In this example, several gaskets can be used to protect plug connector  2100  and connector receptacle  2200 . Gasket or O-ring  2140  can help to seal plug enclosure  2120  to enclosure  2220  of connector receptacle  2200  to prevent moisture leakage while a connection is formed. Gasket or O-ring  2172  can seal a moisture path between enclosure portion  2160  and plug enclosure  2120  in plug connector  2100 . Gasket or O-ring  2272  can seal a moisture path between insulating housing  2170  and front portion  2232  of back enclosure  2230 . Gasket or O-ring  2282  can seal moisture paths between insulating housing  2270  and insulating housing  2280 , and between insulating housing  2280  and tulip pin  2210 . Each of these gaskets or O-rings, and the gaskets or O-rings shown herein, can be formed of rubber, silicon rubber, or other elastomeric or pliable material. 
     These embodiments of the present invention can provide improved grounding. A braiding or shield (not shown) can be soldered to cable crimp  2290 . Cable crimp  2290  can be attached by soldering, or spot or laser welding to back enclosure  2230 . Front portion  2232  of back enclosure  2230  can be attached by soldering, or spot or laser welding to back enclosure  2230  and enclosure  2220 . Face spring  2260  and perimeter spring  2240  can physically and electrically connect to enclosure  2220  of connector receptacle  2200  and plug enclosure  2120  of plug connector  2100 . Plug enclosure  2120  can be attached by soldering, or spot or laser welding to enclosure back body  2130 . A front edge or front tip of plug enclosure  2120  can engage face spring  2260 , which can contact enclosure  2220 . Sides of plug enclosure  2120  can engage deflecting cross-members  2246  of perimeter spring  2240 , which can contact enclosure  2220  through front band  2242  and back band  2244 . 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, a plug connector, such as plug connector  2100 , can be formed to attach to a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate. An example is shown in the following figures. 
       FIG. 26  illustrates a plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention that can be mounted on a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate. Similar to the above example in  FIG. 17 , plug connector  3100  can include plug enclosure  3120  having opening  3122  to provide access to signal pin  3110 . Magnetic target  3132  can attract a magnet in a corresponding connector. Housing  3140  can be positioned to rest or lie flat on a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate (not shown.) Pins or posts  3142  can be inserted into plated through-holes in the printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate for grounding purposes. Pins or posts  3142  can be formed with housing  3140  as posts, or added as pins to housing  3140 . Pins  3150  can also be inserted into second openings in the printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate. The second openings can be plated or non-plated through-holes. Cap  3160  can be threaded into opening  3146  (shown in  FIG. 29 ) in a top of housing  3140 . 
       FIG. 27  illustrates an underside of a plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Plug enclosure  3120  can shield a signal pin  3110 . Magnetic target  3132  can cover housing portion  3130 . Housing portion  3130  can be formed with housing  3140  to form a body for plug connector  3100 , or housing portion  3130  can be formed separately from housing  3140 . Magnetic target  3132  can be a portion of a device enclosure for an electronic device. Signal pin  3110  can be located in opening  3144  in housing  3140 . Pins or posts  3142  can extend from a bottom side of housing  3140  to be inserted into plated through-holes in a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate (not shown), where the plated through-holes can be grounded. Pins  3150  can also extend from a bottom side of housing  3140  to be inserted into holes in the printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate. These holes can remain non-plated to improve alignment. 
     More specifically, during assembly, it can be very important that signal pin  3110  be directly aligned with a trace (not shown) on the printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate. Misalignments between signal pin  3110  and this trace can cause spurious emissions, insertion loss, and reflections. To improve the alignment of signal pin  3110  to this printed circuit board trace, pins  3150  can be press-fit through housing  3140  and into through-holes in the printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate. The openings for pins  3150  in the printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate can be left non-plated to improve the accuracy of this alignment. To inspect the resulting alignment, cap  3160  can be removed from opening  3146  or left uninstalled until after inspection. The absence of cap  3160  can allow inspection of the alignment between signal pin  3110  and its corresponding trace through opening  3146  in housing  3140 . That is, opening  3146  and opening  3144  can form a visual passage through which inspection of a connection to signal pin  3110  can be made. After inspection, this connection can be reworked as necessary. When complete, cap  3160  can be threaded into opening  3146  to complete a shield around signal pin  3110 . An example of plug connector  3100  without cap  3160  is shown in the following figure. 
       FIG. 28  illustrates a plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, cap  3160  and pins  3150  (shown in  FIG. 27 ) have been removed or have yet to be installed. Plug enclosure  3120  can shield signal pin  3110 . Magnetic target  3132  can be positioned over housing portion  3130 . Opening  3146  and opening  3144  (shown in  FIG. 27 ) in housing  3140  can provide for a visual inspection of alignment between signal pin  3110  and a corresponding trace (not shown) on a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate (not shown.) Openings  3148  can provide passages for pins  3150 . Pins  3150  can be press-fit into openings  3148  and into through-holes in the printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate. These through-holes can be non-plated through-holes to improve alignment between pins  3150  and the printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate, thereby improving alignment between signal pin  3110  of plug connector  3100  and its corresponding trace on the printed circuit board. 
       FIG. 29  illustrates portions of a plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, cap  3160  can include slot  3164 . Slot  3164  can be arranged to accept an edge of a screwdriver or other tool. Cap  3160  can further include threaded portion. Using a tool such as a screwdriver, threaded portion  3162  of cap  3160  can be threaded into opening  3146  in housing  3140  (as shown in  FIG. 30 .) Pins  3150  can include head  3152  that can fit in opening  3146  in housing  3140  (as shown in  FIG. 30 ) of plug connector  3100 . 
       FIG. 30  illustrates a top view of a plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Plug enclosure  3120  can shield signal pin  3110  (shown in  FIG. 29 ) that can convey a signal from corresponding connector receptacle  2200  (shown in  FIG. 20 ) to a board or other appropriate substrate (not shown) on which housing  3140  can be placed. Magnetic target  3132  can be located behind plug enclosure  3120 . Cap  3160  can be threaded into opening  3146  in housing  3140  to complete a shield around the signal pin. Pins  3150  can be press-fit into openings  3148  in housing  3140 . 
     Cap  3160  can be threaded into housing  3140  after an inspection of the alignment between signal pin  3110  and a trace (not shown) on a printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate. Threading cap  3160  into opening  3146  in housing  3140  can exert a reduced force on the connection between signal pin  3110  and the trace as compared to press-fitting a different cap or using another manufacturing technique. This reduced force can help to prevent damage to this connection, which could degrade the alignment between signal pin  3110  and its corresponding trace. Threading cap  3160  into opening  3146  also allows for additional inspections and reworking of the connection between signal pin  3110  and its trace as necessary. 
     Once cap  3160  is threaded into opening  3146 , housing  3140  and housing portion  3130  can form shielding in front of and over signal pin  3110 . Additional shielding can be included on the printed circuit board or other appropriate substrate. For example, an underside of the printed circuit board can be plated with a ground plane. This ground plane can be connected to the plated through-holes for pin or posts  3142  (shown in  FIG. 27 .) Ground planes or ground traces can also be located on a top surface of the printed circuit board on one or more sides the trace connected to signal pin  3110 . 
     Plug enclosure  3120  and magnetic target  3132  can be formed of conductive metal such as stainless steel, or other appropriate material. Magnetic target  3132  can be formed of ferrous stainless steel or other ferrous material. Signal pin  3110  can be formed of copper, bronze, or other conductive material. Signal pin  3110  can be plated with gold or other material to improve corrosion performance and reduce resistance. Plug connector  3100  can include insulating housings similar to insulating housing  2150  and insulating housing  2170 . These insulating housings can be formed of plastic, nylon, or other non-conductive material. Housing  3140 , cap  3160 , and housing portion  3130  can be formed of steel, brass, bronze, copper, or other material. These can be plated, for example with nickel to reduce induced currents. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, one or more magnets can also be included. For example, some or all of either or both housing portion  3130  and magnetic target  3132  can be formed of one or more magnets. 
       FIG. 31  illustrates a cross-section of a connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Enclosure  3220  can include front opening  3222  to provide access to perimeter spring  3240 , face spring  3260 , and contact portion  3212  of tulip pin  3210 . Tulip pin  3210  can further include connecting portion  3214  for accepting a conductor  3252  of cable  3250 . Front portion  3232  of back enclosure  3230  can be fit in a rear of enclosure  3220 . Tulip pin  3210  can be isolated from enclosure  3220  and back enclosure  3230  by insulating housing  3270  and insulating housing  3280 . Gasket or O-ring  3282  can be placed in recess  3284  in a front of insulating housing  3280  to seal insulating housing  3270  to insulating housing  3280 . Moisture can be pushed into well  3234 , which can be bounded by gasket or O-ring  3272 , face spring  3260 , and a front portion  3232  of back enclosure  3230 . Magnet  3290  can be formed of one or more magnets, where the one or more magnets can be arranged to have the same or opposite polarities. Magnet  3290  can be positioned circumferentially around at least a portion of tulip pin  3210 . Magnet  3290  can be formed of one or more magnets placed on a top and bottom, or sides, or circumferentially around or near a portion of tulip pin  3210 . Magnet  3290  can be attracted to magnetic target  3132  (shown in  FIG. 26 ) when connector receptacle  3200  is mated with plug connector  3100 . Magnet  3290  can be protected from enclosure  3220  by protective layer  3294 . 
     Various structures in connector receptacle  3200  can be the same or similar to structures in connector receptacle  2200  above. For example, enclosure  3220 , perimeter spring  3240 , face spring  3260 , tulip pin  3210 , back enclosure  3230 , gasket or O-ring  3272 , gasket or O-ring  3282 , insulating housing  3270 , and insulating housing  3280  can be the same or similar to their corresponding structures in connector receptacle  2200 , namely enclosure  2220 , perimeter spring  2240 , face spring  2260 , tulip pin  2210 , back enclosure  2230 , gasket or O-ring  2272 , gasket or O-ring  2282 , insulating housing  2270 , and insulating housing  2280 , respectively. Connector receptacle  3200  can mate with plug connector  3100  in the same or similar manner as connector receptacle  2200  mates with plug connector  2100 . Connector receptacle  3200  can mate with plug connector  2100  in the same or similar manner as connector receptacle  2200  mates with plug connector  2100 . Connector receptacle  2200  can mate with plug connector  3100  in the same or similar manner as connector receptacle  2200  mates with plug connector  2100 . 
     Various structures can be used as the connector portion  300  and other coaxial or other connector portions that can be included in connectors inserts according to embodiments of the present invention. These coaxial connectors and coaxial or other connector portions can be purchased from a vendor or their construction can be included as part of the construction of connectors inserts according to embodiments of the present invention. For example, these coaxial connectors or coaxial or other connector portions can be manufactured for example, by Corning Gilbert of Glendale, Ariz., a wholly owned subsidiary of Corning Incorporated, of Corning N.Y., as one of their GPPO Cable Connectors, or by Carlisle Interconnect Technologies of Cerritos, Calif., as one of their SSMP connectors. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, pins, ground contacts, and other conductive portions of a connector receptacle or connector insert can be formed by stamping, metal-injection molding, machining, micro-machining, 3-D printing, or other manufacturing process. The conductive portions can be formed of stainless steel, steel, copper, copper titanium, phosphor bronze, or other material or combination of materials. They can be plated or coated with nickel, gold, or other material. The nonconductive portions, such as the housings, insulators, or other structures can be formed using injection or other molding, 3-D printing, machining, or other manufacturing process. The nonconductive portions can be formed of silicon or silicone, rubber, hard rubber, plastic, nylon, liquid-crystal polymers (LCPs), ceramics, or other nonconductive material or combination of materials. The boards used can be formed of FR-4 or other material. The boards can be printed circuit boards or other substrates, such as flexible circuit boards, in many embodiments of the present invention. The magnets can be rare-earth or other types of magnets. The ferromagnetic materials can be ferrimagnetic or other type of magnetically conductive material. 
     Embodiments of the present invention can provide connector receptacles and connector inserts that can be located in, and can connect to, various types of devices, such as portable computing devices, tablet computers, desktop computers, laptops, all-in-one computers, wearable computing devices, cell phones, smart phones, media phones, storage devices, portable media players, navigation systems, monitors, power supplies, video delivery systems, test systems, adapters, remote control devices, chargers, and other devices. In various embodiments of the present invention, interconnect paths provided by these connector inserts and connector receptacles can be used to convey power, ground, signals, test points, and other voltage, current, data, or other information. 
     The above description of embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teaching above. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Thus, it will be appreciated that the invention is intended to cover all modifications and equivalents within the scope of the following claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20200305
Publication Date: 20210914
Grant Date: 20210914
Priority Date: 20160923
Inventors: KASAR, DARSHAN R.
JOSEPH, BRIAN C.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R13/6205", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6584", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/582", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6658", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/508", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6205", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/50", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6205", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/582", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6584", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6658", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/508", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 72749416