High speed connector

[0002] This Application contain benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 60/070,820 filed Jan. 8, 1998.

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to an electrical connector. More specifically, the present invention relates to a high speed electrical connector.

[0005] 2. Brief Description of Earlier Developments

[0006] Technological advances in computer processors and memory impact the interconnection systems that couple the processors or memory to other components. One such technological advance is the increased speed of computer systems. The interconnect system must precisely control the electrical characteristics in order to interact properly with the processors or memory of these high speed computer systems.

[0007] While precisely controlling the electrical characteristics of the connector for compatibility, the design of the connector must also consider mechanical requirements such as high pin count, high pin density, low insertion force and low profile. The design of the connector must also be compatible with the processes used in making electronic assemblies, such as surface mount technology (SMT). Also important, the interconnection system must be cost effective.

[0008] One affect of these technological advances involves the desired characteristic impedance of the interconnection system. Current technology generally demands that the interconnection system exhibit a technology generally demands that the interconnection system exhibit a characteristic impedance of approximately 50 ohms. Future requirements, however, may require certain interconnection systems to exhibit lower characteristic impedance values, such as approximately 25-30 ohms. The interconnection system must match the characteristic impedance of the entire system, or risk the integrity of the signals that pass through. Mismatch can cause reflections that degrade the sub-nanosecond edge rates of the signals.

[0009] One solution to lowering the characteristic impedance of the connector utilizes bent contacts. The bend creates different pitch values on the mounting side and mating side of the connector. On the mounting side, for example, the contacts could have a common pitch, such as 0.050′ for attachment to a printed circuit board (PCB). On the mating side, the pitch could have a smaller value. While the smaller pitch value may decrease the characteristic impedance of the connector, this solution introduces other problems. In order to accommodate the bend, the contact must be longer. The longer contact could exhibit a greater inductance and could potentially create an impedance mismatch with other parts of the contact. The longer contact sacrifices the profile height of the connector. Finally, the bending process could potentially fracture the contact.

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved electrical connector.

[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector compatible with future electronic systems.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a tunable electrical connector.

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a controlled impedance electrical connector.

[0014] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector with a low characteristic impedance.

[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a high speed electrical connector that maintains a common contact pitch.

[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a surface mounted, high speed electrical connector.

[0017] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a high pin count, high speed electrical connector.

[0018] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a high contact density, high speed electrical connector.

[0019] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a low profile, high speed electrical connector.

[0020] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cost effective high speed electrical connector.

[0021] These and other objects are achieved, in one aspect of the present invention, by an electrical connector having an insulative housing, a plurality of signal contacts, and a plurality of ground or power contacts, wherein the connector exhibits a characteristic impedance of less than approximately 50 ohms.

[0022] These and other objects are achieved, in another aspect of the present invention, by an electrical connector, comprising: an insulative housing; a plurality of first contacts; and a plurality of second contacts angled relative to the first contacts.

[0023] These and other objects are achieved in another aspect of the present invention by an electrical connector, comprising: an insulative housing; a plurality of first contacts; a plurality of second contacts, each having an edge disposed adjacent an edge or side of one of the first contacts.

[0024] These and other objects are achieved in another aspect of the present invention by a method of making an electrical connector. The method includes the steps of: providing an insulative housing; providing a plurality of signal contacts; providing a plurality of ground or power contacts; inserting the signal contacts into the insulative housing; inserting the ground or power contacts into the insulative housing so that an edge of each ground or power contact is positioned adjacent one of the signal contacts. The electrical connector exhibits a desired characteristic impedance.

[0025] Other uses and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the specification and the drawings, in which:

[0026] FIG. 1 is a bottom view of one component of a first alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the component shown in FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 3 is a top view of the component shown in FIG. 1;

[0029] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another component of the first alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 5ais a top view of the component shown in FIG. 4;

[0031] FIG. 5bis a top view of an alternative arrangement of the component 25 shown in FIG. 4;

[0032] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one component of a second alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 7 is a top view of the component shown in FIG. 6;

[0034] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another component of the second alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 9 is a top view of the component shown in FIG. 8;

[0036] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one component of a third alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 11 is a top view of the component shown in FIG. 10;

[0038] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another component of the third alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 13 is a top view of the component shown in FIG. 12;

[0040] FIG. 14 is a top view of one component of a fourth alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 15 is a top view of another component of the fourth alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] FIGS. 16a-care schematics of the contact arrangement in the first alternative embodiment of the present invention; the second and a portion of the fourth alternative embodiment of the present invention; and the third alternative embodiment of the present invention, respectively;

[0043] FIGS. 17a-cdemonstrate the estimated characteristic impedance at a central location and at an outer region of the first alternative embodiment of the present invention; the second and a portion of the fourth alternative embodiment of the present invention; and the third alternative embodiment of the present invention, respectively;

[0044] FIGS. 18a-cdemonstrate the estimated near end cross-talk (NEXT) and far end cross-talk (FEXT) between contacts in a row of the first alternative embodiment of the present invention; the second and a portion of the fourth alternative embodiment of the present invention; and the third alternative embodiment of the present invention, respectively;

[0045] FIGS. 19a-cdemonstrate the estimated near end cross-talk (NEXT) and far end cross-talk (FEXT) between contacts in a column of the first alternative embodiment of the present invention; the second and a portion of the fourth alternative embodiment of the present invention; and the third alternative embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

[0046] The present invention generally relates to an electrical connector having an insulative housing and a plurality of contacts arranged thereon. To operate at high speeds, such as greater than 500 MHz, the signal contacts are surrounded by ground or power contacts. Each alternative embodiment of the present invention has a different arrangement of the contacts in order to achieve certain objectives.

[0047] The first alternative embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1-4, 5a, 5band 16a. The connector includes a receptacle 101 and a plug 103. A discussion of receptacle 101 and plug 103 follows.

[0048] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, receptacle 101 has an insulative housing 105 made from a suitable plastic, such as liquid crystal polymer 20 (LCP). Housing 105 can have a generally planar base 107 with a wall 109 extending around the perimeter.

[0049] Apertures 111 extend through housing 105 from a mating end 113 that faces plug 103 to a mounting end 115 that faces a substrate (not shown) to which receptacle 101 attaches. Contacts 117, 119 reside within apertures 111, preferably by an interference fit. Contacts 117, 119 form an array of rows and columns on housing 105. Rows align with arrow R in the figures and columns align with arrow C in the figures. Although FIGS. 2 and 3 display dual beam contacts 117, 119, receptacle 101 could use other types of contacts.

[0050] Preferably, the end of contacts 117, 119 adjacent mounting end 115 has a fusible element, such as a solder ball 121, secured thereto for surface mounting the connector to the substrate. International Publication number WO 98/15989 (International Application number PCT/US97/18066), herein incorporated by reference, describes methods of securing a solder ball to a contact and of securing a connector having solder balls to a substrate. Contacts 117, 119 could, however, secure to the substrate using other techniques.

[0051] Contact 117 preferably carries a signal, while contacts 119 carry ground or power. For high speed operations, four contacts 119 surround each contact 117 as shown in FIG. 2. Two of the four contacts 119 reside in the same row as contact 117, while the other two of the four contacts 119 reside in adjacent rows.

[0052] Contacts 119 that reside in the same row as contact 117 have generally the same orientation as contact 117. Contacts 119 that reside in adjacent rows are angled relative to contact 117. Preferably, contacts 119 that reside in adjacent rows are generally perpendicular to contact 117.

[0053] Each contact 117, 119 has major surfaces defining sides 123 and minor surfaces defining edges 125. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an edge 125 of each contact 119 is adjacent contact 117. Placing edge 125 of contact 119 nearest contact 117 more strongly couples contacts 117, 119 than when side 123 of contact 119 is placed adjacent contact 117.

[0054] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5a, plug 103 has an insulative housing 127 made from a suitable plastic, such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP). Housing 127 can have a generally planar base 129 with a wall 131 extending around the perimeter.

[0055] Apertures 133 extend through housing 127 from a mating end 135 that faces receptacle 101 to a mounting end 137 that faces a substrate (not shown) to which plug 103 attaches. Contacts 139, 141, 143 reside within apertures 133, preferably by an interference fit. Contacts 139, 141, 143 form an array of rows (aligned with arrow R) and columns (aligned with arrow C) on housing 127.

[0056] Due to the close proximity of contacts 143 to contacts 139, contacts 143 can have bent portions 145 to avoid interference with the beams of contacts 117 as they engage contacts 139 during mating. Although FIGS. 3 and 4 display blade-type contacts, plug 103 could use other types of contacts.

[0057] A series of projections 147 can extend from mating end 135 of housing 127. Projections 147 are preferably formed during the injection molding step that forms housing 127. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5a, projections 147 abut sides 123 of contacts 139, 141, 143. Projections 147 can serve, for example, two purposes. First, projections 147 can help control the coupling between contacts 139 and contacts 141, 143. Second, projections 147 can laterally support contacts 139, 141, 143 to improve rigidity.

[0058] In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 5b, projections 147 can also reside in the area between contacts 139, 143. The placement of a material between a ground and a signal contact controls characteristic impedance. Selecting a specific material, including air, helps tune characteristic impedance of the connector as a result of the dielectric constant of the material.

[0059] As with receptacle 101, the end of contacts 139, 141, 143 adjacent mounting end 137 has a fusible element, such as a solder ball (not shown), secured thereto for surface mounting the connector to the substrate using, for example, ball grid array (BGA) technology. Contacts 139, 141, 143 could, however, secure to the substrate using other techniques.

[0060] Contact 139 preferably carries a signal, while contacts 141, 143 carry ground or power. For high speed operations, four contacts 141, 143 surround each contact 139 as shown in FIG. 4. Contacts 141 reside in the same row as contact 139, while contacts 143 reside in adjacent rows.

[0061] Contacts 141 have generally the same orientation as contact 139 since they reside in the same row. Contacts 143, however, are angled relative to contacts 139. Preferably, contacts 143 are generally perpendicular to contacts 139.

[0062] Each contact 139, 141, 143 has major surfaces defining sides 149 and minor surfaces defining edges 151. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an edge 151 of each contact 141, 143 is adjacent contact 139. Placing edges 151 of contacts 141, 143 nearest contact 139 more strongly couples contacts 139 with contacts 141, 143 than when sides 149 of contacts 141, 143 are 20 placed adjacent contact 139.

[0063] FIG. 16aschematically demonstrates the contact arrangement in the first alternative embodiment of the present invention. As discussed above, four ground or power contacts G surround each signal contact S. Except for the ground or power contacts G around the exterior of the connector, each ground or power contact G provides shielding to more than one signal contact S. The use of ground or power contacts G to shield more than one signal contact S provides the first alternative embodiment of the present invention with the highest ratio of signal contacts to ground or power contacts. As an example, a 13×13 array connector with a total pin count of 114 could have 36 signal contacts and 78 ground or power contacts. The remaining alternative embodiments of the present invention described below have lower signal-to-ground ratios.

[0064] The second alternative embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 6-9 and 16b. Features common to the other alternative embodiments will use the same reference character, save a change in the hundred digit.

[0065] The connector includes a receptacle 201 and a plug 203. With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, receptacle 201 has an insulative housing 205 made from, for example, a suitable plastic. Housing 205 can have a generally planar base 207 with a wall 209 extending around the perimeter.

[0066] Apertures 211 extend through housing 205 from a mating end 213 that faces plug 203 to a mounting end 215 that faces a substrate (not shown) to which receptacle 201 attaches. Contacts 217, 219 reside within apertures 211, preferably by an interference fit. Contacts 217, 219 form an array of rows (aligned with arrow R) and columns (aligned with arrow C) on housing 205.

[0067] As with the first alternative embodiment, receptacle 203 preferably surface mounts to the substrate using, for example, ball grid array (BGA) technology.

[0068] Contact 217 preferably carries a signal, while contacts 219 carry ground or power. This embodiment has six contacts 219 shielding contact 217. Four of contacts 219 are arranged as described above with respect to the first alternative embodiment. The two additional contacts 219 reside in rows adjacent contacts 217 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. In other words, two of the six contacts 219 reside in the same row as contact 217, while the other four of the six contacts 219 reside in adjacent rows.

[0069] Contacts 219 that reside in the same row as contact 217 have generally the same orientation as contact 217. Contacts 219 that reside in adjacent rows are angled relative to contact 217. Preferably, contacts 219 that reside in adjacent columns are generally perpendicular to contact 217.

[0070] Each contact 217, 219 has major surfaces defining sides 223 and minor surfaces defining edges 225. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, an edge 225 of each contact 219 is adjacent contact 217. Placing edge 225 of contact 219 nearest contact 217 more strongly couples contacts 217, 219 than when side 223 of contact 219 is placed adjacent contact 217.

[0071] With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, plug 203 has an insulative housing 227 made from, for example, a suitable plastic. Housing 227 can have a generally planar base 229 with a wall 231 extending around the perimeter.

[0072] Apertures 233 extend through housing 227 from a mating end 235 that faces receptacle 201 to a mounting end 237 that faces a substrate (not shown) to which plug 203 attaches. Contacts 239, 241, 243 reside within apertures 233, preferably by an interference fit. Contacts 239, 241, 243 form an array of rows (aligned with arrow R) and columns (aligned with arrow C) on housing 227.

[0073] Due to the close proximity of contacts 243 to contacts 239, 241, contacts 243 can have bent portions 245. Bent portions 245 allow the beams of contacts 217, 219 engage contacts 239, 241 without interference.

[0074] A series of projections 247 can extend from mating end 235 of housing 227. Projections 247, preferably formed during the injection molding step that forms housing 227, can abut sides 223 of contacts 239, 241, 243 and could also be placed between contacts 239, 243. Projections 247 can help control the coupling between contacts 239 and contacts 241, 243, and can laterally support contacts 239, 241, 243 to improve rigidity.

[0075] As with receptacle 201, plug 203 can surface mount to the substrate using, for example, BGA technology.

[0076] Contact 239 preferably carries a signal, while contacts 241, 243 carry ground or power. As discussed earlier with respect to contacts 217, 219 of receptacle 201, six contacts 241, 243 surround each contact 239 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Contacts 241 reside in the same column as contact 239, while contacts 243 reside in adjacent columns.

[0077] Contacts 241 have generally the same orientation as contact 239 since they reside in the same row. Contacts 243, however, are angled relative to contacts 239. Preferably, contacts 243 are generally perpendicular to contacts 239.

[0078] Each contact 239, 241, 243 has major surfaces defining sides 249 and minor surfaces defining edges 251. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, an edge 251 of each contact 241, 243 is adjacent contact 239 or adjacent another contact 241. Placing edges 251 of contacts 241, 243 nearest contact 239 more strongly couples contacts 239 with contacts 241, 243 than when sides 249 of contacts 241, 243 are placed adjacent contact 239.

[0079] FIG. 16bschematically demonstrates the contact arrangement in the second alternative embodiment of the present invention. As discussed above, six ground or power contacts G surround each signal contact S. When compared to the arrangement of the first alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 16a, the second alternative embodiment places additional ground or power contacts G in the rows adjacent signal contacts S.

[0080] Most ground or power contacts G provide shielding to more than one signal contact S. However, since the second alternative embodiment uses additional ground or power contacts G than the first alternative embodiment, the signal-to-ground ratio is lower than the first alternative embodiment. As an example, an 11×15 array connector with a total pin count of 165 could have 35 signal contacts and 130 ground or power contacts. As will be discussed in more detail below, the lower signal-to-ground ratio allows the connector to operate at higher speeds.

[0081] The third alternative embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 10-13 and 16c. Features common to the other alternative embodiments will use the same reference character, save a change in the hundred digit.

[0082] The connector includes a receptacle 301 and a plug 303. With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, receptacle 301 has an insulative housing 305 made from, for example, a suitable plastic. Housing 305 can have a generally planar base 307 with a wall 309 extending around the perimeter.

[0083] Apertures 311 extend through housing 305 from a mating end 313 that faces plug 303 to a mounting end 315 that faces a substrate (not shown) to which receptacle 301 attaches. Contacts 317, 319 reside within apertures 311, preferably by an interference fit. Contacts 317, 319 form an array of rows (aligned with arrow R) and columns (aligned with arrow C) on housing 205.

[0084] As with the other alternative embodiments, receptacle 303 preferably surface mounts to the substrate using, for example, ball grid array (BGA) technology.

[0085] Contact 317 preferably carries a signal, while contacts 319 carry ground or power. As with the other embodiments, contacts 319 surround contact 317 for shielding. Some of contacts 319 reside in the same row as contact 317, while other contacts 319 reside in adjacent rows.

[0086] Contacts 319 that reside in the same row as contact 317 have generally the same orientation as contact 317. However, contacts 319 that reside in adjacent rows are angled relative to contact 317. Preferably, contacts 319 that reside in adjacent rows are generally perpendicular to contact 317.

[0087] Each contact 317, 319 has major surfaces defining sides 323 and minor surfaces defining edges 225. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, an edge 325 of each contact 319 that surrounds contact 317 is adjacent contact 317. Placing edge 325 of contact 319 nearest contact 317 more strongly couples contacts 317, 319 than when side 323 of contact 319 is placed adjacent contact 317.

[0088] With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, plug 303 has an insulative housing 327 made from, for example, a suitable plastic. Housing 327 can have a generally planar base 329 with a wall 331 extending around the perimeter.

[0089] Apertures 333 extend through housing 327 from a mating end 335 that faces receptacle 301 to a mounting end 337 that faces a substrate (not shown) to which plug 303 attaches. Contacts 339, 341, 343 reside within apertures 333, preferably by an interference fit. Contacts 339, 341, 343 form an array of rows (aligned with arrow R) and columns (aligned with arrow C) on housing 327.

[0090] Due to the close proximity of contacts 343 to contacts 339, 341, the end of contact 343 that faces contacts 339, 341 can have a bent portion 345. Bent portions 345 allow the beams of contacts 317, 319 to engage contacts 339, 341 without interference.

[0091] A series of projections 347 can extend from mating end 335 of housing 327. Projections 347, preferably formed during the injection molding step that forms housing 327, can abut sides 323 of contacts 339, 341, 343 and can be placed between contacts 339, 343. Projections 347 can help control the coupling between contacts 339 and contacts 341, 343, and can laterally support contacts 339, 341, 343 to improve rigidity.

[0092] As with receptacle 301, plug 303 can surface mount to the substrate using, for example, BGA technology.

[0093] Contact 339 preferably carries a signal, while contacts 341, 343 carry ground or power. As discussed earlier with respect to contacts 317, 319 of receptacle 301, contacts 341, 343 surround each contact 339 as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. Contacts 341 reside in the same row as contact 339, while contacts 343 reside in adjacent rows.

[0094] Contacts 341 have generally the same orientation as contact 339 since they reside in the same row. However, contacts 343 are angled relative to contact 339. Preferably, contacts 343 are generally perpendicular to contact 339.

[0095] Each contact 339, 341, 343 has major surfaces defining sides 249 and minor surfaces defining edges 251. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, an edge 351 of each contact 341, 343 is adjacent contact 339 or adjacent another contact 341. Placing edges 351 of contacts 341, 343 nearest contact 339 more strongly couples contacts 339 with contacts 341, 343 than when sides 349 of contacts 341, 343 are placed adjacent contact 339.

[0096] FIG. 16cschematically demonstrates the contact arrangement in the third alternative embodiment of the present invention. As discussed above, ground or power contacts G surround each signal contact S. When compared to the arrangement of the second alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 16b, the third alternative embodiment places an additional row of ground or power contacts G between rows containing signal contacts S.

[0097] Since only some ground or power contacts G provide shielding to more than one signal contact S, the signal-to-ground ratio is lower than the first or second alternative embodiment. As an example, a 12×17 array connector with a total pin count of 204 could have 32 signal contacts and 172 ground or power contacts. As will be discussed in more detail below, the lower signal-to-ground ratio allows the connector to operate at higher speeds than the earlier alternative embodiments.

[0098] The fourth alternative embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 14, 15 and 16b. Features common to the other alternative embodiments will use the same reference character, save a change in the hundred digit.

[0099] The connector is a hybrid, with both plug 401 and receptacle 403 having high speed sections 453, 455 and low speed sections 457, 459, respectively. High speed sections 453, 455 can have any of the earlier described alternative arrangements of ground and signal contacts. As specifically shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, high speed sections 453, 455 follow the arrangement from the second alternative embodiment. No further discussion of high speed sections 453, 455 is needed.

[0100] Low speed section 457 of receptacle 401 has an array of contacts 461 extending through housing 405. Contacts 461 can have any arrangement, but FIG. 14 displays all contacts 461 having the same orientation.

[0101] Similar to receptacle 401, low speed section 459 of plug 403 has an array of contacts 463. Contacts 463 can have any arrangement, but FIG. 15 displays all contacts 461 having the same orientation. As with high speed section 455, low speed section 459 may include projections 447 that extend from mating end 435 of housing 427. Projections 247 can help control the coupling between contacts and can laterally support the contacts to improve rigidity.

[0102] The present invention can selectively tune the connector to achieve a desired characteristic impedance in several ways. One manner of achieving a desired characteristic impedance in a connector of the present invention adjusts the distance between the ground contacts and the signal contacts. Generally speaking, the closer a ground contact approaches a signal contact, the lower the characteristic impedance. By selecting a distance between signal and ground contacts, the present invention provides a tunable connector. Numerical methods can determine the distance required to achieve a specific characteristic impedance value.

[0103] Another manner of achieving a desired characteristic impedance in a connector of the present invention changes the geometric attributes of the ground or signal contacts while maintaining a common pitch. Preferably, the width of the ground contacts are adjusted to achieve the desired characteristic impedance. Adjusting the width of the ground contact changes the size of the edge that faces the signal contact. A larger edge more strongly couples with the signal contact. By selecting an aspect ratio (e.g. by adjusting width), the present invention provides a tunable connector. As discussed above, numerical methods can determine the aspect ratio required to achieve a specific characteristic impedance value.

[0104] A third manner of achieving a desired characteristic impedance is the placing of a dielectric material between the signal and ground contacts. The dielectric constant of the material placed between a ground and a signal contact determines the characteristic impedance of the connector. Selecting a specific material, including air, to reside between a signal and ground contact provides a tunable connector. As discussed above, numerical methods can determine the type, size and placement of the dielectric material relative to the ground and signal contacts required to achieve a specific characteristic impedance value for the connector.

[0105] FIGS. 17a-c, 18a-cand 19a-cdemonstrate the estimated advantages of the several alternative embodiments of the present invention.

[0106] A theoretical electrical connector was created using IFS CONNECT, a boundary element field solver available from Interactive Products Corporation, and the Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis (SPICE) simulation program available in the public domain. The connector in this first example resembles the alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1-4, 5a, 5band 16a.

[0107] Then, the characteristic impedance of the theoretical connector was estimated by exciting the connector model with a simulated Time Delay Reflectometer (TDR) circuit. FIG. 17adisplays the estimated characteristic impedance at two locations on the theoretical connector. The first location, associated with the lower impedance value, resides at a central location on the connector. The second location, associated with the higher impedance value, resides along an outer region of the connector.

[0108] The IFS CONNECT and the SPICE simulation programs then estimated the cross-talk characteristics of the simulated connector. FIG. 17bdisplays the cross-talk performance between contacts residing in the same row. FIG. 17cdisplays the cross-talk performance between contacts residing in the same column.

[0109] The same tests were performed on a theoretical electrical connector resembling the alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 6-9 and 16b. FIG. 17bdisplays the estimated characteristic impedances of the simulated connector. The characteristic impedance values are generally the same as the first alternative embodiment. FIGS. 18band 19bdisplay the cross-talk performance of the simulated connector. This embodiment displays improved cross-talk performance over the first alternative embodiment.

[0110] The same tests were performed on a theoretical electrical connector resembling the alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 16c. FIG. 17cdisplays the estimated characteristic impedances of the simulated connector. The characteristic impedance values are generally the same as the first and second alternative embodiments. FIGS. 18cand 19cdisplay the cross-talk performance of the simulated connector. This embodiment displays improved cross-talk performance over the first and second alternative embodiments.

[0111] While the present invention has been described in connection with the preferred embodiments of the various figures, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiment for performing the same function of the present invention without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the recitation of the appended claims.