Electrical connector with enhanced jack interface

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/119,858, filed May 2, 2005, and entitled “Electrical Connector With Enhanced Jack Interface”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0002The invention relates generally to electrical connectors, and more particularly, to a connector that minimizes crosstalk among signal conductors in the connector, minimizes return loss in a pair of signal conductors in the connector, and minimizes alien cross talk from signal conductors in neighboring connectors.

0003In electrical systems, there is increasing concern for preserving signal integrity as signal speed and bandwidth increase. One source of signal degradation is crosstalk between multiple signal paths. In the case of an electrical connector carrying multiple signals, crosstalk occurs when signals conducted over a first signal path are partly transferred by inductive or capacitive coupling into a second signal path. The transferred signals produce crosstalk in the second path that degrades the signal routed over the second path.

0004For example, a typical industry standard type RJ-45 communication connector includes four pairs of conductors defining different signal paths. The RJ-45 plug design is dictated by industry standards and is inherently susceptible to crosstalk. In conventional RJ-45 plug and jack connectors, all four pairs of conductors extend closely parallel to one another over a length of the connector body. One pair of conductors is also split around another conductor pair. Thus, signal crosstalk may be induced between and among different pairs of connector conductors. The amplitude of the crosstalk, or the degree of signal degradation, generally increases as the frequency increases. More crosstalk can be created by the contacts in the jack that interface with the contacts in the plug. As signal speed and density increase, alien crosstalk, or crosstalk between neighboring connectors must also be addressed in preserving signal integrity.

0005At least some RJ-45 jacks include features that are intended to suppress or compensate for crosstalk. The shortcomings that are inherent in jacks such as the RJ-45 can be expected to become more serious as system demands continue to increase. It would be desirable to develop a connector that is designed to minimize both internal crosstalk and alien crosstalk at the outset rather than to correct for crosstalk after the fact.

0006Another source of signal degradation is return loss resulting from signal reflections along the conductors. Return loss can originate from multiple sources such as variations in impedance among the various elements in the connector as well as along the signal path. Improving return loss performance has proven to be difficult.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

0007In one embodiment, an electrical connector is provided. The connector includes a housing having a mating end, a wire receiving end and a longitudinal axis therethrough. The housing holds a plurality of contacts grouped in pairs and arranged about the axis. At least one shielding member is located within the housing. The at least one shielding member isolates each contact pair from an adjacent contact pair. An organizer is configured for attachment to the wire receiving end of the housing. The organizer defines a central opening that receives a plurality of signal wires. The organizer includes a plurality of wire guides arranged about the central opening. Each wire guide receives one of the signal wires.

0008Optionally, The housing includes interior side walls and the housing and interior side walls are fabricated from a conductive material. The at least one shielding member comprises a conductive interior wall of the housing. The wire guides are arranged in first and second rows on opposite sides of the central opening. Each wire guide includes a wire dress opening configured to receive a terminating end of a respective one of the contacts to terminate the contact to a respective wire when the organizer is attached to the housing. The organizer includes a slot sized to receive a rearward end of the interior wall such that pairs of wire guides are shielded from adjacent pairs of wire guides. Each contact pair is held in a dielectric insert having a first contact beam guide located in a first plane and a second contact beam guide located in a second plane different from the first plane such that beam portions of the contacts of the contact pair are stepped with respect to one another.

0009In another embodiment, a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes a connector assembly including a first connector including a housing having a mating end and a wire receiving end. The housing has at least one compartment holding a pair of contacts. At least one shielding member is located within the housing. The at least one shielding member isolates the contact pair from an adjacent contact pair. An organizer is configured for attachment to the wire receiving end of the housing. The organizer defines a central opening that receives a plurality of signal wires. The organizer includes a plurality of wire guides arranged about the central opening. Each wire guides receives one of the signal wires. A second connector is matable with the first connector. The second connector includes a dielectric plug housing having a plug guide holding a pair of mating contacts. The plug guide is configured to be received in the at least one compartment. The at least one shielding member shields the plug guide from an adjacent plug guide when the second connector is mated to the first connector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0010<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective view of a connector assembly formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

0011<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is an exploded view of the plug connector shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a rear perspective view of the plug housing shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is an exploded view of the jack connector shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a rear perspective view of the jack housing shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>.

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a perspective view of a pin contact formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a perspective view of a socket contact formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a perspective view of the connector assembly shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> used in a wall mount installation.

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a perspective view of a connector assembly including an interface adapter formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a front exploded view of the adapter and jack shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>.

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a rear exploded view of the adapter and jack shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>.

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a perspective view of a connector assembly formed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a front perspective view of the jack shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>.

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a perspective view of jack shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> with the housing separated from the end cap.

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is an exploded view of the housing shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>.

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a perspective view of a contact insert with contacts.

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a rear perspective view of the housing shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>.

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a perspective view of the end cap shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>.

0028<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> is a perspective view of the plug connector shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is an exploded view of the plug connector shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>.

0030<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> is a rear perspective view of the plug housing shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective view of a connector assembly <b>100</b> formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The assembly <b>100</b> includes a plug <b>102</b> and a jack <b>104</b> that are configured to mate with one another. The jack <b>104</b> may be mounted on a wall or panel, or, alternatively, may be mounted in an electrical device or apparatus having a communications port through which the device may communicate with other external networked devices. The assembly <b>100</b> will be described in terms of an assembly carrying four differential signal pairs. However, it is to be understood that the benefits described herein are also applicable to other connectors carrying fewer or greater numbers of signal pairs in alternative embodiments. The following description is therefore provided for illustrative purposes only and is but one potential application of the inventive concepts herein.

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> illustrates an exploded view of the plug <b>102</b>. The plug <b>102</b> includes a housing <b>110</b>, an organizer <b>114</b>, and a cap <b>116</b>. The housing <b>110</b> has a body <b>118</b> that has a mating end <b>120</b> and a wire receiving end <b>122</b>. The body <b>118</b> is fabricated from a dielectric material and includes a base <b>124</b> that holds a plurality of electrical contacts <b>128</b>. Each contact <b>128</b> extends through the base <b>124</b> and has a mating end <b>130</b> proximate the mating end <b>120</b> of the body <b>118</b> and a wire terminating end <b>132</b> proximate the wire receiving end <b>122</b> of the body <b>118</b>. The contacts <b>128</b> are arranged in differential pairs with the mating ends <b>130</b> of each differential pair surrounded by a shroud <b>136</b>.

0033The connector assembly <b>100</b> is designed to have a characteristic impedance through the connector assembly <b>100</b>. Impedance, or more specifically, variations in impedance along a signal path through the connector assembly <b>100</b>, is a factor in the return loss of a connector assembly <b>100</b>. The impedance of the connector assembly <b>100</b>, and thus the return loss therein, is determined by factors such as the dielectric properties of the housing material, and particularly the material between contacts of a signal pair, the spacing between the contacts of a differential pair, the geometry of the contacts, e.g., diameter or cross section, and shield proximity, among others. Known dielectric materials include foamed polyethylene, natural polyethylene, natural polypropylene, foamed flouropolymers, natural flouropolymers, natural rubber, ceramics, glass, FR-4 printed circuit board material, and air, as well as others. In an exemplary embodiment, the connector assembly <b>100</b> has a characteristic impedance of 100 ohms and includes a mixture of natural polyethylene and air in the dielectric material, a spacing of 0.135 inches between contacts of a signal pair, 0.07 inch nominal contact diameter, and a 0.145 inch nominal distance from the signal contact pair to the shield. As known to one skilled in the art, other combinations of the different factors may also meet the requirements. In other embodiments, different impedance values may be employed. Known simulation software may be used to optimize design variables for particular design goals.

0034A pair of intersecting slots <b>140</b> is formed in and extends across the base <b>124</b>. In the illustrated embodiment, the slots <b>140</b> divide the body into four sections, each of which holds a pair of contacts <b>128</b> that are a differential signal pair. Shielding members <b>142</b> are provided in the slots <b>140</b> to isolate the differential contact pairs from one another thereby reducing crosstalk between the differential pairs. The shielding members <b>142</b> are fabricated from a conductive material such as metal or metallized plastic, or the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the shielding members <b>142</b> are metal plates. Latch arms <b>146</b>, only two of which are visible in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, extend from the body <b>118</b> rearwardly toward the wire receiving end <b>122</b> of the body <b>118</b>. A latch element <b>148</b> is formed at the end of each latch arm <b>146</b>. The latch arms <b>146</b> are provided to lock the housing <b>110</b> and organizer <b>114</b> together. A connector latch lever <b>150</b> is provided that includes a latch member <b>152</b> for latching the plug <b>102</b> to the jack <b>104</b> as will be described.

0035The organizer <b>114</b> includes a backing plate <b>160</b> and a plurality of wire guides <b>162</b> extending therefrom. In one embodiment, the wire guides <b>162</b> are formed integrally with the backing plate <b>160</b>. The wire guides <b>162</b> are arranged in pairs and are distributed about a central opening <b>166</b> in the backing plate <b>160</b>. The central opening <b>166</b> receives signal wires <b>168</b> for termination with the wire terminating ends <b>132</b> of the contacts <b>128</b>. The signal wires are carried in a cable <b>170</b>. Each wire guide <b>162</b> includes an opening or hole <b>174</b> that is centrally positioned and extends downwardly toward the backing plate <b>160</b>. A wire dress slot <b>176</b> extends across each hole <b>174</b>. The wire dress slots <b>176</b> extend to a depth that is less than the depth of the holes <b>174</b>. Each wire dress slot <b>176</b> receives one of the signal wires <b>168</b>. Each pair of wires <b>168</b> are twisted at a certain rate within the cable <b>170</b>. The organizer <b>114</b> is designed to minimize untwisting of the signal wires <b>168</b> so as to minimize the introduction of any undesired electrical properties in the connector <b>102</b>.

0036The wire guides <b>162</b> organize and arrange the signal wires <b>168</b> radially about the central opening <b>166</b> in preparation for termination with the contacts <b>128</b>. In an exemplary embodiment, the contacts <b>128</b> are symmetrically arranged within the housing about a longitudinal axis A (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>) which is an axis of symmetry of the housing <b>110</b>. For example, in one embodiment, the contacts <b>128</b> are circumferentially arranged about the axis A; however, as known to one skilled in the art, the contacts <b>128</b> may be used in any number of arrangements. The central opening <b>166</b> in the backing plate has a center (not shown) that is located substantially in line with the axis A of the housing <b>110</b> such that each of the wire guides <b>162</b> is positioned to align with one of the contacts <b>128</b>. With the organizer <b>114</b>, the signal wires <b>168</b> are arranged in a radial pattern wherein the differential signal pairs are grouped together and spaced apart or separated. The spacing is chosen to enhance return loss performance. The signal wires <b>168</b> are also laid out to be substantially equal in length when terminated within the housing <b>110</b> so as to equalize signal paths within the plug <b>102</b> to prevent skew in the plug <b>102</b>. The signal wires <b>168</b> are terminated to the contacts <b>128</b> when the organizer <b>114</b> is attached to the housing <b>110</b>.

0037The backing plate <b>160</b> includes openings <b>180</b> that receive the latch elements <b>148</b> from the latch arms <b>146</b>. In the embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the backing plate <b>160</b> is substantially square and includes an opening <b>180</b> proximate each corner. Only one of the openings <b>180</b> is visible in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. When the housing <b>110</b> and the organizer <b>114</b> are joined, the wire terminating ends <b>132</b> of the contacts <b>128</b> are received in the holes <b>174</b> of the wire guides <b>162</b> and the latch elements <b>148</b> are received through the openings <b>180</b> and latch against a rearward side <b>184</b> of the backing plate <b>160</b> with snap-fit engagement to lock the housing <b>110</b> and the organizer <b>114</b> together. The cap <b>116</b> includes a collar <b>186</b> that receives the cable <b>170</b>. Tabs <b>188</b> on the cap <b>116</b> frictionally engage side edges <b>190</b> of the backing plate <b>160</b> and sides <b>192</b> of the body <b>118</b> to secure the cable <b>170</b> to the organizer <b>114</b>. The cap <b>116</b> is fabricated from a metal or metallized material. The tabs <b>188</b> also engage the edges of the shielding members <b>142</b> to electrically connect to the shielding members <b>142</b>. The cable <b>170</b> includes a cable shield (not shown) which is folded back over the cable when the cable is inserted into the organizer. A crimp connection is formed at the collar <b>186</b> to provide electrical connection between the cable shield and the cap <b>116</b>. The cap <b>116</b> also provides shielding for the rear of the plug <b>102</b> to reduce alien crosstalk between the connector and other electrical devices. The cap <b>116</b> also electrically connects the plug shield members <b>142</b> to the jack shield <b>214</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>) when the jack <b>104</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) and plug <b>102</b> are mated.

0038<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates a rear perspective view of the plug housing <b>110</b>. Intersecting webs <b>200</b> extend rearwardly from a back side <b>202</b> of the base <b>124</b>. The slots <b>140</b> extend through the base <b>124</b> and into the webs <b>200</b>. The slots <b>140</b> do not extend completely through the webs <b>200</b> so that the shield plates <b>142</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>) are retained in the webs <b>200</b>. The housing <b>110</b> has a longitudinal axis A that is an axis of symmetry through a center <b>204</b> of the housing <b>110</b> (without the latch lever <b>150</b>). The terminating ends <b>132</b> of the contacts <b>128</b> are arranged around the axis A and the webs <b>200</b> separate differential contact pairs from one another. In an exemplary embodiment, the terminating ends <b>132</b> of the contacts <b>128</b> are arranged circumferentially around the axis A. Moreover, when shielding members <b>142</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>) are placed in the slots <b>140</b>, the differential contact pairs are shielded from one another to reduce or eliminate crosstalk between the differential contact pairs.

0039<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates an exploded view of the jack <b>104</b>. The jack <b>104</b> includes a housing <b>210</b>, an organizer <b>212</b>, and an exterior shield <b>214</b>. The housing <b>210</b> has a body <b>218</b> that has a mating end <b>220</b> and a wire receiving end <b>222</b>. The body <b>218</b> is fabricated from one or more dielectric materials and includes a base <b>224</b>. Interior walls <b>225</b> define a plurality of compartments or wells <b>226</b>, each of which holds a pair of electrical contacts <b>228</b>. Each contact <b>228</b> extends through the base <b>224</b> and has a mating end <b>230</b> proximate the mating end <b>220</b> of the body <b>218</b> and a wire terminating end <b>232</b> proximate the wire receiving end <b>222</b> of the body <b>218</b>. The contacts <b>228</b> are arranged in differential pairs. The wells <b>226</b> are complementary in shape to the shrouds <b>136</b> on the plug housing <b>110</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>) and are configured to receive the shrouds <b>136</b> when the plug <b>102</b> and jack <b>104</b> are mated with one another. A pair of intersecting slots <b>240</b> is formed in and extends across the base <b>224</b>. In the illustrated embodiment, the slots <b>240</b> divide the body into four sections, each of which holds a pair of contacts <b>228</b> that are a differential pair. Shielding members (not shown) are provided in the slots <b>240</b> to isolate the differential contact pairs from one another thereby reducing crosstalk between the differential pairs. The shielding members are fabricated from a conductive material such as metal or metallized plastic, or the like.

0040The housing body <b>218</b> includes posts <b>244</b> that forwardly extend from the base <b>224</b>. The posts <b>244</b> act as guides that receive the plug <b>102</b> to align the plug <b>102</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) for mating with the jack <b>104</b>. A mounting latch <b>250</b> is pivotably joined to forward ends of two adjacent posts <b>244</b>. The mounting latch <b>250</b> is provided to facilitate mounting the jack <b>104</b> in a panel, faceplate, chassis, or electrical box and the like. The body <b>218</b> also includes a plurality of latch arms <b>254</b> that rearwardly extend from the body <b>218</b> toward the wire receiving end <b>222</b> of the body <b>218</b>. A latch element <b>256</b> is formed at the end of each latch arm <b>254</b>. The latch arms <b>254</b> are provided to lock the housing <b>210</b> and organizer <b>212</b> together. Only one latch arm <b>254</b> is visible in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. However, four latch arms <b>254</b> and their corresponding latch elements <b>256</b> are visible in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. The organizer <b>212</b> is identical to the organizer <b>114</b> and will not be separately described.

0041The exterior shield <b>214</b> is provided to enclose the assembled housing <b>210</b> and organizer <b>212</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. The external shield <b>214</b> isolates the plug <b>102</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) and jack <b>104</b>, when mated, from noise from neighboring connectors (not shown), cables, or other external sources. The exterior shield provides an electrical path, such as a ground path for the shielding within the plug <b>102</b> and jack <b>104</b>. The external shield <b>214</b> cooperates with the internal shielding provided by the shielding members in the plug <b>102</b> and jack <b>104</b> to minimize signal degradation due to alien crosstalk and other external sources of noise. In an exemplary embodiment, the external shield is fabricated from a conductive metal material. Other materials such as metallized plastic may be used in other embodiments. Furthermore, as described previously, in some embodiments, shielded cable is also employed.

0042The external shield <b>214</b> includes a hollow body <b>260</b> that is generally box shaped. The body <b>260</b> has an upper surface <b>262</b> that is aligned with the mounting latch <b>250</b> on the jack housing <b>210</b> to orient the jack housing <b>210</b> in the external shield <b>214</b>. The upper surface <b>262</b> includes a raised channel <b>266</b> that is configured to receive the latch lever <b>150</b> on the plug housing <b>110</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>). In this manner, the plug <b>102</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) is aligned with the jack <b>104</b> when the plug <b>102</b> and jack <b>104</b> are mated. The channel <b>266</b> includes an opening <b>268</b> that receives the latch member <b>152</b> on the latch lever <b>150</b> to inhibit separation of the plug <b>102</b> from the jack <b>104</b> once mated. When it is desired to unmate the plug <b>102</b> and jack <b>104</b>, the latch lever <b>150</b> is depressed to release the latch member <b>152</b> from the opening <b>268</b> after which withdrawal of the latch lever <b>150</b> from the channel <b>266</b> is permitted as well as separation of the plug <b>102</b> from the jack <b>104</b>.

0043<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates a rear perspective view of the jack housing <b>210</b>. Intersecting webs <b>280</b> extend rearwardly from a back side <b>282</b> of the base <b>224</b>. The slots <b>240</b> are formed in the webs <b>280</b>. The slots <b>240</b> do not extend completely through the webs <b>280</b> so that the shield plates are retained in the webs <b>280</b>. The housing <b>210</b> has a longitudinal axis B that, without regard to the mounting latch <b>250</b>, is an axis of symmetry through a center <b>284</b> of the housing <b>210</b>. The contacts <b>228</b> are arranged around the axis B and the webs <b>280</b> separate differential contact pairs from one another. In an exemplary embodiment, the terminating ends <b>132</b> of the contacts <b>228</b> are arranged circumferentially around the axis B. In other embodiments, however, other arrangements of the terminating ends <b>132</b> may be employed. Moreover, when shielding members (not shown) are placed in the slots <b>240</b>, the differential contact pairs are shielded from one another to reduce or eliminate crosstalk between the differential contact pairs.

0044<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates a perspective view of a contact <b>128</b> used in the plug <b>102</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>). The mating end <b>130</b> of the contact <b>128</b> is a pin contact. The opposite wire terminating end <b>132</b> is a barrel type insulation displacement contact (IDC). The wire terminating end <b>132</b> includes a wire receiving slot <b>300</b> that is formed between insulation cutting edges <b>302</b>. A wire cutting edge <b>306</b> is formed at an open end of the wire terminating end <b>132</b>. When the organizer <b>114</b> is joined with the plug housing <b>110</b>, the wire terminating ends <b>132</b> of the contacts <b>128</b> are received in the holes <b>174</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>) in the wire guides <b>162</b>. The insulation cutting edges <b>302</b> cut through the insulation on the signal wires <b>168</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>) terminating the wires to the contacts <b>128</b> to establish electrical connections therewith. Simultaneously, the wire cutting edges <b>306</b> cut off the excess length of the signal wires <b>168</b>.

0045<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> illustrates a perspective view of a contact <b>228</b> used in the jack <b>104</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>). The mating end <b>230</b> of the contact <b>228</b> is a socket contact that is configured to receive the pin portion or mating end <b>130</b> of the plug contact <b>128</b>. In other respects, the contact <b>228</b> is identical to the contact <b>128</b> described above with the same wire terminating features. The pin and socket connection between the plug <b>102</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>) and jack <b>104</b> provides a more reliable connection than, for instance, a known blade and spring connection found in standard RJ-45 connectors.

0046<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates a wall mount installation of the connector assembly <b>100</b>. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, the jack <b>104</b> is mounted in a wall (not shown) as is common for telecommunications connections. Access to the jack <b>104</b> is made available through a face plate <b>350</b>. Mating and unmating of the plug <b>102</b> and jack <b>104</b> is as previously described through the operation of the latch lever <b>150</b>.

0047<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> illustrates a perspective view a connector assembly <b>400</b> that includes a jack <b>104</b>, an adapter <b>404</b>, and a plug connector <b>408</b>. The adapter <b>404</b> provides an interface that allows a plug, other than the plug <b>102</b> to be mated with the jack <b>104</b>. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector <b>408</b> is a standard RJ-45 plug. In other embodiments, the adapter <b>404</b> may be configured to accept other plug connectors having configurations different from an RJ-45. The adapter <b>404</b> is received in the mating end <b>220</b> of the jack <b>104</b>. The adapter <b>404</b> includes a housing <b>420</b> that itself includes an interface end <b>422</b> that receives the plug connector <b>408</b>.

0048<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a front exploded view showing the adapter <b>404</b> separated from the jack <b>104</b>. The housing <b>420</b> of the adapter <b>404</b> includes a mating end <b>426</b> opposite the interface end <b>422</b>. The mating end <b>426</b> is received in the mating end <b>220</b> of the jack <b>104</b>. The adapter <b>404</b> includes contacts <b>430</b> that are complementary to contacts (not shown) in the plug connector <b>108</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>). In an exemplary embodiment, the contacts <b>430</b> are spring contacts that are configured to mate with an RJ-45 plug.

0049<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a rear exploded view of the adapter <b>404</b> separated from the jack <b>104</b>. Terminal contacts <b>434</b> extend from a rear wall <b>438</b> at the mating end <b>426</b> and are configured to mate with the contacts <b>228</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>) in the jack <b>104</b>. In an exemplary embodiment, the rear wall <b>438</b> may be a printed circuit board. The contacts <b>430</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>) at the interface end <b>422</b> of the adapter <b>404</b> are electrically connected to the terminal contacts <b>434</b> within the adapter <b>404</b>. The contacts <b>430</b> and the terminal contacts <b>434</b> may be unitarily formed or may be separately formed and electrically connected to each other through electrical traces in a printed circuit board or by other known methods. Moreover, the adapter <b>404</b> may include active components such as power devices, processors, capacitive devices, inductive devices, LED's, and the like that may alter the electrical signal.

0050The terminal contacts <b>434</b> are positioned in an arrangement or pattern that is complementary to the contact pattern in the jack <b>104</b> thereby enabling the plug connector <b>408</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>) to be interfaced with the jack <b>104</b>. The arrangement of the terminal contacts may correspond or may differ from the arrangement of the contacts <b>430</b> at the interface end <b>422</b> of the adapter housing <b>420</b>. In one embodiment, the terminal contacts are arranged about a centerline D through the adapter <b>404</b>. Multiple embodiments of the adapter <b>404</b> are contemplated that include different patterns between contacts, such as the contacts <b>430</b> at the interface end <b>422</b> of the adapter <b>404</b>, and terminal contacts <b>434</b> at the mating end <b>426</b> of the adapter <b>404</b> that are complementary with the contact patterns of different plug connectors. Furthermore, while the adapter has been described as having an interface end and a mating end, or rather, an interface on each side, in alternative embodiments, the adapter may have an interface on one side and an end device, such as a display, a wireless access point, or a sensor, and the like at the other side.

0051<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> illustrates a perspective view of a connector assembly <b>500</b> formed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The assembly <b>500</b> includes a plug <b>502</b> and a jack <b>504</b> that are configured to mate with one another. As with the assembly <b>100</b> previously described, the jack <b>504</b> may be mounted on a wall or panel, and is particularly adapted to data center applications. The assembly <b>500</b> is configured to interconnect multiple pairs of conductors carrying differential signals. For purposes of illustration only, in the description that follows, the assembly <b>500</b> will be described in terms of a plug <b>502</b> and jack <b>504</b> carrying four differential signal pairs. It is to be understood that no limitation is intended. Further, the jack <b>504</b> as shown may be used with plugs having one pair, two pair, or four signal wire pairs, as shown.

0052The plug <b>502</b> includes a mating end <b>506</b> configured to mate with the jack <b>504</b>, and a wire receiving end <b>508</b> that is configured to receive a cable <b>510</b> that includes multiple conductors or wires. The jack <b>504</b> has a mating end <b>514</b> and a wire receiving end <b>516</b>. The mating end <b>514</b> of the jack <b>504</b> is configured to receive the mating end <b>506</b> of the plug <b>502</b>. The wire receiving end <b>516</b> receives a multiple wire cable such as the cable <b>510</b>. The jack <b>504</b> is provided with a dust cover <b>520</b> that covers the mating end <b>514</b> of the jack <b>504</b> when the jack <b>504</b> is not in use.

0053<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> illustrates a front perspective view of the jack <b>504</b> with the dust cover <b>520</b> removed. The jack <b>504</b> includes a housing <b>524</b> and an end cap <b>526</b> both of which are fabricated from a conductive material to thereby shield the interior of the jack <b>504</b>. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing <b>524</b> and end cap <b>526</b> are fabricated from die cast metal. The housing <b>524</b> extends along a longitudinal axis G and includes opposite exterior side walls <b>530</b> and <b>532</b>. A plurality of interior walls <b>534</b> divide the interior of the housing <b>524</b> into a plurality of compartments or wells <b>538</b>, each of which may hold a pair of electrical contacts <b>540</b> as shown in the lower compartments <b>538</b>. The compartments <b>538</b> are arranged about the longitudinal axis G. The interior walls <b>534</b> extend toward the mating end <b>514</b> sufficiently to enclose the contacts <b>540</b>. The interior walls <b>534</b> are also formed from a conductive material and thereby act as shielding members that shield each pair of electrical contacts <b>540</b> from adjacent pairs of contacts <b>540</b>. In an exemplary embodiment, the interior walls <b>534</b> are integrally formed with the housing <b>524</b>. The compartments <b>538</b> have beveled interior corners <b>544</b> that are provided assure proper orientation of mating plugs, particularly one wire pair and two wire pair plugs.

0054A keying element <b>548</b> is formed on the exterior side wall <b>530</b> and is configured to be received in a keying receptacle on the four pair plug <b>502</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>) to assure proper orientation of the four pair plug <b>502</b> with respect to the housing <b>524</b>. A grounding clip <b>552</b> is attached to each exterior side wall <b>530</b> and <b>532</b>. The grounding clips <b>552</b> include grounding arms <b>554</b>. The grounding clips <b>552</b> are positioned on the side walls <b>530</b> and <b>532</b> such that a grounding arm <b>554</b> extends into each compartment <b>538</b>. The grounding clips <b>552</b> are configured to engage a conductive exterior surface of a mating plug such as the plug <b>502</b> to insure a ground connection between the jack <b>504</b> and plug <b>502</b> when mated, or when one pair or two pair plugs are mated to the jack <b>504</b>. The jack <b>504</b> is also provided with a latch <b>560</b> to lock the jack <b>504</b> to a face plate (not shown).

0055<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> illustrates a perspective view of the jack <b>504</b> with the housing <b>524</b> separated from the end cap <b>526</b>. The housing <b>524</b> includes a rearward wire receiving end <b>562</b> opposite the mating end <b>514</b>. Rear side panels <b>564</b> include guide slots <b>566</b>. Apertures <b>568</b> are provided for attachment of the end cap <b>526</b> to the housing <b>524</b>. The end cap <b>526</b> includes a forward end <b>572</b> that is configured to join with the rearward end <b>562</b> of the housing.

0056The end cap <b>526</b> includes the wire receiving end <b>516</b>. An organizer or wire manager <b>574</b> is located at the forward end <b>572</b> of the end cap <b>526</b>. The organizer <b>574</b> receives wires conveyed through the wire receiving end <b>516</b> as will be described. The end cap <b>526</b> includes side arms <b>580</b> that are received in the guide slots <b>566</b> in the housing <b>524</b> to position and align the end cap <b>526</b> with respect to the housing <b>524</b> when the end cap <b>526</b> is joined to the housing <b>524</b>. Protrusions <b>582</b> on the end cap <b>526</b> are received in the apertures <b>568</b> on the housing <b>524</b> to lock the end cap <b>526</b> and housing <b>524</b> together.

0057<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is an exploded view of the housing <b>524</b>. The housing <b>524</b> includes a main body <b>590</b>. A mounting lug <b>592</b> is formed on an upper surface <b>594</b> of the body <b>590</b> to mount the latch <b>560</b>. Each side wall <b>530</b> and <b>532</b> includes a notch <b>598</b> that receives a tab <b>602</b> on the grounding clips <b>552</b> for attachment of the grounding clips <b>552</b> to the side walls <b>530</b> and <b>532</b>. The contacts <b>540</b> are held in contact inserts <b>606</b> that are received in the compartments <b>538</b> in the housing body <b>590</b>. The rear side panels <b>564</b> include slots <b>610</b> (only one of which is visible in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>) that are sized to receive wire cutters <b>612</b>. The wire cutters <b>612</b> trim the signal wires (not shown) when the housing <b>524</b> is joined to the end cap <b>526</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>).

0058<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a perspective view of the contact insert <b>606</b> with contacts <b>540</b>. The contact insert <b>606</b> has a rearward end <b>620</b> and a forward end <b>622</b>. The rearward end <b>620</b> is configured to be retained in the housing compartment <b>538</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>). Each contact insert <b>606</b> holds a pair of contacts <b>540</b> that are inserted into the contact insert <b>606</b> through the rearward end <b>620</b>. The forward end <b>622</b> includes a pair of beam guides <b>624</b>, <b>626</b>. The contact insert <b>606</b> is fabricated from a specific dielectric material selected to provide desired electrical performance in each signal pair in the assembly <b>500</b>. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact insert is fabricated from a polycarbonate material commonly known as Lexan® 920 and having a dielectric constant of 2.7.

0059The contact <b>540</b> includes a termination end <b>628</b>, a retention barb <b>630</b>, and a flexible beam <b>632</b>. In the illustrated embodiment, the termination end <b>628</b> is an insulation displacement contact (IDC) design configured to provide an insulation displacement termination with a signal wire. In alternative embodiments, the contact <b>540</b> may be provided with an insulation piercing contact (IPC) termination end. The retention barb <b>630</b> engages the contact insert material to retain the contact <b>540</b> in the contact insert <b>606</b>. The flexible beam <b>632</b> engages a mating contact (not shown) when the jack <b>504</b> is mated with the plug <b>502</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>). The flexible beams <b>632</b> includes bends <b>634</b> that raise a portion of the beams <b>632</b> from the beam guides <b>624</b>, <b>626</b> to allow the beams <b>632</b> to flex when engaging the mating contacts. Beam guide <b>624</b> lies in a first plane P₁while beam guide <b>626</b> lies in a second plane P₂such that the beam guides <b>624</b> and <b>626</b> are stepped with respect to one another by a distance D to assure proper orientation of the mating plug <b>502</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>) with the jack <b>504</b>.

0060<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> illustrates a perspective view of the rearward wire receiving end <b>562</b> of the housing <b>524</b>. As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, the housing is assembled with the contact inserts <b>606</b> loaded into the compartments <b>538</b> from the rearward end <b>562</b> of the housing <b>524</b>. The interior walls <b>534</b> extend through the housing <b>524</b> to the rearward end <b>562</b> sufficiently to shield the pairs of contact termination ends <b>628</b> of the contacts <b>540</b> from adjacent pairs of contact termination ends. The wire cutters <b>612</b> are received in the slots <b>610</b>. Apertures <b>568</b> are located on diagonally opposite rear side panels <b>564</b>.

0061<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> illustrates a perspective view of the end cap <b>526</b>. The end cap <b>526</b> includes a conductive base <b>650</b> at the wire receiving end <b>516</b> that includes the side arms <b>580</b> and end panels <b>652</b>. In one embodiment, the base <b>650</b> is fabricated from a die cast metal. An opening <b>654</b> through the base <b>650</b> is sized to receive a cable <b>658</b> carrying pairs of individually insulated conductors or wires <b>660</b>. The end cap <b>526</b> provides a strain relief and a ground connection to the cable shielding according to known methods. The organizer <b>574</b> is positioned on the base <b>650</b> such that the opening <b>654</b> extends through the organizer <b>574</b>. The organizer <b>574</b> is fabricated from a dielectric material and includes a plurality of wire guides <b>664</b>, each of which is configured to receive an individual insulated wire <b>660</b>. The wire guides <b>664</b> are arranged in two banks or rows <b>670</b> on opposite sides of the opening <b>654</b> and are positioned to align with the termination ends <b>628</b> of the contacts <b>540</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>). Wire dress openings <b>672</b> are formed in the organizer <b>574</b> and extend through the wire guides <b>664</b>.

0062In the illustrated embodiment, the wire dress openings <b>672</b> comprise transverse slots across the wire guides <b>664</b>. In other embodiments, the wire dress openings <b>672</b> may take any shape that is complementary to the geometry of the termination ends <b>628</b> of the contacts <b>540</b>. In some embodiments, the wire guides <b>664</b> may comprise tubular channels through the organizer <b>574</b>. Further, the organizer <b>574</b> may be configured to partially obstruct the opening <b>654</b> to thereby provide a cable stop that limits the extension of the cable <b>658</b> into the opening <b>654</b>. The organizer <b>574</b> is designed to minimize untwisting of the wires <b>660</b> so as to minimize the introduction of any undesired electrical properties in the jack <b>504</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>).

0063When the end cap <b>526</b> is joined to the housing <b>524</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>) the protrusions <b>582</b> are received in the apertures <b>568</b> to lock the end cap <b>526</b> and the housing <b>524</b> together. The termination ends <b>628</b> of the contacts <b>540</b> are received in the wire dress openings <b>672</b> to electrically terminate the contacts <b>540</b> to the wires <b>660</b>. The wire cutters <b>612</b> slide past outer surfaces <b>680</b> of the organizer <b>574</b> to trim the wires <b>660</b> in the wire guides <b>664</b>. A slot <b>682</b> receives an edge of the wire cutters <b>612</b>. Slots <b>684</b> are provided in the organizer <b>574</b> to receive rearward ends of the interior walls <b>534</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>) and thereby provide shielding of the connection of the wires <b>660</b> to the termination ends <b>628</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>) of the contacts <b>540</b>. More specifically, when the end cap <b>526</b> is joined to the housing <b>524</b>, the rearward ends of the interior walls <b>534</b> shield pairs of wire guides <b>664</b> from adjacent pairs of wire guides <b>664</b>.

0064<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> illustrates a perspective view of the four pair plug connector <b>502</b>. The plug connector <b>502</b> includes a dielectric housing <b>700</b> and an end cap <b>702</b>. The end cap <b>702</b> includes a forward end <b>704</b> that receives the housing <b>700</b> and the wire receiving end <b>508</b> that receives the cable <b>510</b>. The wire receiving end <b>508</b> includes strain relief features according to known methods. The one embodiment, the end cap <b>702</b> is fabricated from a conductive material such as sheet metal. In alternative embodiments, the end cap may be fabricated from die cast metal.

0065The plug housing <b>700</b> includes the plug mating end <b>506</b> and a base <b>708</b> that is received in the end cap <b>702</b>. A plurality of plug guides <b>710</b> extend from the base <b>708</b> to the mating end <b>506</b>. A pair of wire passageways <b>714</b> extends through each plug guide <b>710</b> and the base <b>708</b>. An individual wire (not shown) is received into each passageway <b>714</b>. Each plug guide <b>710</b> holds a pair of contacts <b>720</b>. The contacts <b>720</b> are received in contact termination slots <b>722</b> for termination to the wires in the passageways. The contacts <b>720</b> include mating edges <b>724</b> that remain exposed after termination to engage the contact beams <b>632</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>) in the jack <b>504</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>) when the plug <b>502</b> and jack <b>504</b> are mated. The plug guides <b>710</b> are configured to be received in the compartments <b>538</b> from the mating end <b>514</b> of the jack <b>504</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>).

0066The plug guides <b>710</b> are formed with contact surfaces <b>730</b> and <b>732</b> that are stepped with respect to one another. For the contact pair in each plug guide <b>710</b>, one contact <b>720</b> is inserted into a termination slot <b>722</b> in each surface <b>730</b>, <b>732</b>. The stepped contact surfaces <b>730</b>, <b>732</b> are complementary to the stepped beam guides <b>624</b>, <b>626</b> in the jack <b>504</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>) to facilitate mating of the plug contacts <b>720</b> with the contact beams <b>632</b> of the jack contacts <b>540</b>. The stepped contact surfaces <b>730</b>, <b>732</b> impart an L shape to the plug guides <b>710</b>. Each plug guide <b>710</b> has a beveled corner <b>736</b> that is complementary to the beveled interior corners <b>544</b> of the contact compartments <b>538</b> of the jack <b>504</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>). The plug guides <b>710</b> are spaced apart to define clearance channels <b>740</b> that receive interior walls <b>534</b> of the jack <b>504</b> so that the plug guides <b>710</b> of the plug <b>502</b> are shielded when the plug <b>502</b> is mated to the jack <b>504</b>. Thus, with shielding for the plug guides <b>710</b> being provided in the jack <b>504</b>, the expense and complexity of providing independent shielding of the plug guides <b>710</b> in the plug <b>502</b> is avoided.

0067<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is an exploded view of the plug connector <b>502</b>. Each termination slot <b>722</b> in the plug guides <b>710</b> receives a contact <b>720</b>. The contacts <b>720</b> are insulation piercing contacts that include contact tips <b>742</b> that pierce the insulation of wires (not shown) placed in the passageways <b>714</b> to electrically engage the wires therein to thereby terminate the contacts <b>720</b> to the wires.

0068The end cap <b>702</b> includes an upper panel <b>750</b> and a lower panel <b>752</b>, each of which includes a latch receptacle <b>754</b>. Orientation slots <b>756</b> are formed in opposite sides <b>758</b>. Latch elements <b>760</b> on the housing base <b>708</b> (only one of which is visible in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>) are received in the latch receptacles <b>754</b> on the end cap <b>702</b> to lock the housing <b>700</b> and end cap <b>702</b> together. The housing base <b>708</b> includes an orientation recess <b>762</b> on one side <b>764</b> and a protrusion <b>766</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>) on an opposite side <b>768</b>. When the housing <b>700</b> is joined to the end cap <b>702</b>, the recess <b>762</b> is aligned with the slot <b>756</b> in the end cap <b>702</b> to form a keying receptacle on the plug <b>502</b>. The protrusion <b>766</b> is received in the slot <b>756</b>. Thus joined, the keying element <b>548</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>) formed on the side wall <b>530</b> of the jack <b>504</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>) is simultaneously received in the recess <b>762</b> in the plug housing <b>700</b> and the slot <b>756</b> in the end cap <b>702</b> to assure proper orientation of the plug <b>502</b> with the jack <b>504</b>. Further, when the plug <b>502</b> and jack <b>504</b> are mated, the grounding clips <b>552</b> engage the end cap <b>702</b> to provide a positive ground connection between the plug <b>502</b> and the jack <b>504</b>

0069<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> illustrates a perspective view of a rearward end <b>780</b> of the plug housing <b>700</b>, and more particularly, the housing base <b>708</b>. As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>, the passageways <b>714</b> extend from the plug guides <b>710</b> through the housing base <b>708</b>. A sidewall <b>782</b> surrounds a floor <b>784</b> of the base <b>708</b>. A recess <b>786</b> is formed in the floor <b>784</b> for each plug guide <b>710</b>. More specifically, the wire passageways <b>714</b> in each plug guide <b>710</b> open into a common recess <b>786</b> that also receives a twisted wire pair <b>790</b>. The provision of the recesses <b>786</b> enables the wires of the twisted pair <b>790</b> to be fed into the passageways <b>714</b> with a minimum of untwisting to thereby minimize the introduction of any undesired electrical properties in the plug <b>502</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>).

0070The embodiments thus described provide an enhanced connector assembly <b>500</b> including a plug <b>502</b> and mating jack <b>504</b> for transmitting differential signals with a minimum of noise such as cross talk and with a minimum of signal degradation. The jack <b>504</b> includes a conductive housing <b>524</b> having interior walls <b>534</b> that form shielded interior contact compartments <b>538</b> holding a contact pair. An organizer <b>574</b> includes wire guides <b>664</b> for terminating the contacts to signal wires. The interior walls of the housing extend into the organizer to shield pairs of wire guides from adjacent wire guides. The plug includes plug guides <b>710</b> that each includes a contact pair. The plug guides are received in the compartments of the jack housing when the plug and jack are mated. The interior walls in the jack housing also shield the plug guides from adjacent plug guides when the plug and jack are mated. No separate shielding is required in the plug for the plug guides which reduces the expense and complexity of the plug. The connector assembly provides enhanced transmission performance including enhanced return loss performance, reduced crosstalk, and reduced alien crosstalk.

0071While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.