U.S. patent application number 12/841358 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-26 for connector assembly having a connector extender module.
This patent application is currently assigned to TYCO ELECTRONICS CORPORATION. Invention is credited to BRIAN PATRICK COSTELLO.
Application Number | 20120021655 12/841358 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45476769 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120021655 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
COSTELLO; BRIAN PATRICK |
January 26, 2012 |
CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY HAVING A CONNECTOR EXTENDER MODULE
Abstract
A connector assembly includes an electrical connector having a
mating end configured to be mated to a mating connector and a
mounting end. The electrical connector holds contacts with pins
extending from the mounting end. The connector assembly also
includes a connector extender module coupled to the mounting end.
The connector extender module having a holder extending between a
connector end and board end, with the mounting end of the
electrical connector being mounted to the connector end and the
board end being configured to be mounted to a circuit board. The
holder has channels extending between the connector end and the
board end. The connector extender module also includes terminals
arranged within the channels that receive the pins. The terminals
have tails configured to be terminated to the circuit board.
Inventors: |
COSTELLO; BRIAN PATRICK;
(SCOTTS VALLEY, CA) |
Assignee: |
TYCO ELECTRONICS
CORPORATION
BERWYN
PA
|
Family ID: |
45476769 |
Appl. No.: |
12/841358 |
Filed: |
July 22, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
439/701 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 3/301 20130101;
H01R 12/724 20130101; H01R 31/06 20130101; H01R 12/7082 20130101;
H05K 2201/10446 20130101; H05K 1/181 20130101; H05K 3/306 20130101;
H05K 2201/10189 20130101; H01R 13/514 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
439/701 |
International
Class: |
H01R 13/514 20060101
H01R013/514 |
Claims
1. A connector assembly comprising: an electrical connector having
a mating end configured to be mated to a mating connector and a
mounting end, the electrical connector holding contacts with pins
extending from the mounting end; and a connector extender module
coupled to the mounting end, the connector extender module having a
holder extending between a connector end and a board end, the
mounting end of the electrical connector being mounted to the
connector end, the board end being configured to be mounted to a
circuit board, the holder having channels extending between the
connector end and the board end, the connector extender module
having terminals arranged within the channels, the terminals having
tails configured to be terminated to the circuit board, the
terminals having receptacles opposite the tails, the receptacles
receive the pins.
2. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the channels extend
along center lines, the channels being arranged in a footprint
pattern the same as a footprint pattern of the pins.
3. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the electrical
connector holds different types of contacts, the terminals being
identical to one another and being configured to mate with the
different types of contacts.
4. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the contacts comprise
signal contacts and power contacts, the signal contacts having
different mating ends than the power contacts for mating with the
mating connector, the signal contacts and the power contacts having
similar pins, the terminals being configured to receive the pins of
the signal contacts or the power contacts depending on the location
of the terminal within the holder.
5. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector end of
the holder defines a first mounting zone and a second mounting
zone, the contacts comprise signal contacts and power contacts, the
signal contacts being arranged in a group in the first mounting
zone, the power contacts being arranged in a group in the second
mounting zone.
6. (canceled)
7. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the terminals have
receptacles opposite the tails, the receptacles each include a pair
of spring beams separated by a gap, the gap receiving the pins and
the spring beams engaging the pins, the gap simulating dimensions
of a plated via in a circuit board.
8. (canceled)
9. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the holder has a
height and the terminals have heights corresponding to the height
of the holder, the heights of the holder and terminals being
variable to vary a vertical position of the mating end of the
electrical connector with respect to the circuit board.
10. A connector assembly comprising: an electrical connector having
a mating end configured to be mated to a mating connector and a
mounting end, the electrical connector holding a first set of
contacts with pins extending from the mounting end and the
electrical connector holding a second set of contacts with pins
extending from the mounting end, the first and second sets of
contacts being of different types and having different mating ends;
and a connector extender module coupled to the mounting end, the
connector extender module having a holder extending between a
connector end and a board end, the mounting end of the electrical
connector being mounted to the connector end, the board end being
configured to be mounted to a circuit board, the holder having
channels extending between the connector end and the board end, the
connector extender module having terminals arranged within the
channels, the terminals receive the pins of the first and second
sets of contacts, the terminals having tails configured to be
terminated to the circuit board.
11. The connector assembly of claim 10, wherein the channels extend
along center lines, the channels being arranged in a footprint
pattern the same as a footprint pattern of the pins.
12. The connector assembly of claim 10, wherein the contacts
comprise signal contacts and power contacts, the signal contacts
having different mating ends than the power contacts for mating
with the mating connector, the signal contacts and power contacts
having similar pins, the terminals being configured to receive pins
of the signal contacts or the power contacts depending on the
location of the terminal within the holder.
13. The connector assembly of claim 10, wherein the connector end
of the holder defines a first mounting zone and a second mounting
zone, the contacts comprise signals contacts and power contacts,
the signal contacts being arranged in a group in the first mounting
zone, the power contacts being arranged in a group in the second
mounting zone.
14. The connector assembly of claim 10, wherein the terminals have
receptacles opposite the tails, the receptacles receive the
pins.
15. The connector assembly of claim 10, wherein the terminals have
receptacles opposite the tails, the receptacles each include a pair
of spring beams separated by a gap, the gap receiving the pins and
the spring beams engaging the pins, the gap simulating dimensions
of a plated via in a circuit board.
16. (canceled)
17. The connector assembly of claim 10, wherein the holder has a
height and the terminals have heights corresponding to the height
of the holder, the heights of the holder and terminals being
variable to vary a vertical position of the mating end of the
electrical connector with respect to the circuit board.
18. A connector assembly comprising: an electrical connector having
a mating end configured to be mated to a mating connector and a
mounting end, the electrical connector holding contacts with pins
extending from the mounting end; a first connector extender module
having a first holder having a first height between a connector end
and a board end, the first holder having channels extending between
the connector end and the board end, the first connector extender
module having first terminals arranged within the channels, the
first terminals being configured to receive the pins, the first
terminals having tails configured to be terminated to a circuit
board; and a second connector extender module having a second
holder having a second height between a connector end and a board
end, the second height being less than the first height, the second
holder having channels extending between the connector end and the
board end, the second connector extender module having second
terminals shorter than the first terminals arranged within the
channels of the second holder, the second terminals being
configured to receive the pins, the second terminals having tails
configured to be terminated to the circuit board; wherein one of
the first connector extender module or the second connector
extender module is selectively positioned between the electrical
connector and the circuit board to control the vertical height of
the mating end of the electrical connector from the circuit
board.
19. The connector assembly of claim 18, wherein the channels extend
along center lines, the channels being arranged in a footprint
pattern the same as a footprint pattern of the pins.
20. The connector assembly of claim 18, wherein the contacts
comprise signal contacts and power contacts, the signal contacts
having different mating ends than the power contacts for mating
with the mating connector, the signal contacts and the power
contacts having similar pins, the terminals being configured to
receive the pins of the signal contacts or the power contacts
depending on the location of the terminal within the holder.
21. The connector assembly of claim 18, wherein the terminals have
receptacles opposite the tails, the receptacles receive the
pins.
22. The connector assembly of claim 18, wherein the electrical
connector holds different types of contacts, the terminals being
identical to one another and being configured to mate with the
different types of contacts.
23. The connector assembly of claim 18, wherein the electrical
connector has a mating interface at the mating end, when the first
connector extender module is positioned between the electrical
connector and the circuit board, the mating interface is positioned
a first vertical height from the circuit board, and when the second
connector extender module is positioned between the electrical
connector and the circuit board, the mating interface is positioned
a second vertical height from the circuit board that is less than
the first vertical height.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The subject matter herein relates generally to electrical
connectors and, more particularly, to electrical connectors
configured for mounting on a circuit board.
[0002] Electrical connectors mechanically and electrically
interconnect circuit boards and other electrical components. The
electrical connectors are typically mounted to a circuit board and
mated to a mating connector, which may be board mounted or cable
mounted. Typically the circuit board, and thus the electrical
connectors, is mounted within an electronic device at a particular
location. In order to change the vertical position of the mating
face of the electrical connector within the electronic device,
either the position of the circuit board is changed within the
electronic device, or the electrical connector is entirely
redesigned to change the height of the electrical connector.
However, such redesign of the electrical connector is costly as
tooling for the connector housing as well as the contacts needs to
be changed.
[0003] Thus, a need exists for a connector assembly that provides a
cost effective and reliable connection to a circuit board. A need
remains for a connector assembly that allows an electrical
connector to be mounted at various heights above a circuit
board.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one embodiment, a connector assembly is provided that
includes an electrical connector having a mating end configured to
be mated to a mating connector and a mounting end. The electrical
connector holds contacts with pins extending from the mounting end.
The connector assembly also includes a connector extender module
coupled to the mounting end. The connector extender module having a
holder extending between a connector end and board end, with the
mounting end of the electrical connector being mounted to the
connector end and the board end being configured to be mounted to a
circuit board. The holder has channels extending between the
connector end and the board end. The connector extender module also
includes terminals arranged within the channels that receive the
pins. The terminals have tails configured to be terminated to the
circuit board.
[0005] In another embodiment, a connector assembly is provided
including an electrical connector having a mating end configured to
be mated to a mating connector and mounting end. The electrical
connector holds a first set of contacts with pins extending from
the mounting end and the electrical connector holds a second set of
contacts with pins extending from the mounting end. The first and
second sets of contacts are of different types and have different
mating ends. The connector assembly also includes a connector
extender module connected to the mounting end. The connector
extender module has a holder extending between a connector end and
a board end. The mounting end of the electrical connector is
mounted to the connector end and the board end is configured to be
mounted to a circuit board. The holder has channels extending
between the connector end and the board end. The connector extender
module has terminals arranged within the channels that receive the
pins of the first and second sets of contacts. The terminals have
tails configured to be terminated to the circuit board.
[0006] In a further embodiment, a connector assembly is provided
including an electrical connector having a mating end configured to
be mated to a mating connector and a mounting end. The electrical
connector holds contacts with pins extending from the mounting end.
The connector assembly also includes a first connector extender
module and a second connector extender module. The first connector
extender module has a first holder having a first height between a
connector end and a board end. The first holder has channels
extending between the connector end and the board end. The first
connector extender module has first terminals arranged within the
channels. The first terminals are configured to receive the pins
and the first terminals have tails configured to be terminated to
the circuit board. The second connector extender module has a
second holder having a second height between a connector end and a
board end. The second height is less than the first height. The
second holder has channels extending between the connector end and
the board end. The second connector extender module has second
terminals that are shorter than the first terminals and that are
arranged within the channels of the second holder. The second
terminals are configured to receive the pins and the second
terminals have tails configured to be terminated to the circuit
board. Either the first connector extender module or the second
connector extender module is selected to be positioned between the
electrical connector and the circuit board to control the vertical
height of the mating end of the electrical connector from the
circuit board.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a connector assembly formed in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the connector assembly shown
in FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of an electrical
connector of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a connector extender
module for the connector assembly shown in FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates the connector extender module poised for
mounting to a circuit board.
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates the connector assembly with an
alternative connector extender module.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a connector assembly 100 according to one
embodiment in an assembled state. FIG. 2 illustrates the connector
assembly 100 in an exploded state. The connector assembly 100
includes an electrical connector 102 that mechanically and
electrically connects a circuit board 104 and a mating connector
106, which may be connected to a second circuit board or another
electronic device.
[0014] The connector assembly 100 includes a connector extender
module 108 arranged between the electrical connector 102 and the
circuit board 104. The connector extender module 108 electrically
interconnects the electrical connector 102 and the circuit board
104. The electrical connector 102 is configured to be mated to the
mating connector 106 to electrically and mechanically couple the
circuit board 104 to the mating connector 106 via the connector
extender module 108.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the electrical
connector 102. The electrical connector 102 includes a housing 120
holding a plurality of signal contacts 122 and power contacts 124.
Optionally, the electrical connector 102 may include other types of
contacts, such as ground contacts. In alternative embodiments, the
electrical connector 102 may include a single type of contact, such
as the signal contacts 122 or the power contacts 124.
[0016] The housing 120 includes a mating end 126 and a mounting end
128. Optionally, the mating and mounting ends 126, 128 may be
generally perpendicular to one another. The electrical connector
102 thus constitutes a right angle connector. Alternatively, the
mating and mounting ends 126, 128 may have other arrangements, such
as a being parallel to one another at opposite ends of the housing
120. The signal and power contacts 122, 124 are arranged at the
mating end 126 for mating engagement with the mating connector 106
(shown in FIG. 1). The signal and power contacts 122, 124 are
arranged at the mounting end 128 for mounting to the connector
extender module 108 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). The housing 120
includes a plurality of contact channels 130, 131 that receive the
signal contacts 122 and the power contacts 124, respectively. The
contact channels 130, 131 are configured to receive corresponding
contacts of the mating connector 106. The signal and power contacts
122, 124 are arranged within the contact channels 130, 131 for
mating engagement with the mating contacts of the mating connector
106. In an exemplary embodiment, the contact channels 130 are sized
and shaped differently than the contact channels 131. The size and
shape of the contact channels 130, 131 correspond to the size and
shape of the signal contacts 122 and the power contacts 124. For
example, the contact channels 131 are larger than the contact
channels 130. The contact channels 130 are arranged in a plurality
of rows and a plurality of columns with the rows of contact
channels 130 being arranged at different vertical heights along the
mating end 126. The contact channels 130 are stacked on top of one
another at different vertical heights along the mating end 126. The
contact channels 131 are arranged in a single row, however the
contact channels 131 may be arranged in multiple rows.
[0017] The signal contacts 122 include pins 132 extending from the
mounting end 128. Optionally, the pins 132 may constitute compliant
pins, such as eye-of-the-needle pins. The pins 132 may have a
different interface in alternative embodiments. The pins 132 are
arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns with the
rows being positioned at different depths from a front of the
housing 120. Optionally, the rows of the pins 132 may be
staggered.
[0018] The power contacts 124 include pins 134 extending from the
mounting end 128. Optionally, the pins 134 may be oriented
approximately perpendicular to the pins 132. The pins 134 may
constitute compliant pins, such as eye-of-the-needle pins. The pins
134 may have a different interface in alternative embodiments.
[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the signal and power contacts
122, 124 are overmolded during a manufacturing process to form the
housing 120. As such, portions of the signal and power contacts
122, 124 may be embedded within the housing 120. Alternatively, the
signal and power contacts 122, 124 may be loaded into the housing
120 after the housing 120 is formed, such as by loading individual
signal or power contacts 122, 124 or groups of signal and power
contacts 122, 124 into the housing 120, such as through the rear of
the housing 120.
[0020] The housing 120 includes alignment posts 136 extending from
a front of the housing 120 adjacent the mating end 126 for aligning
the electrical connector 102 and the mating connector 106 during
mating. Alternatively, rather than alignment posts 136, different
alignment features may be utilized. For example, the housing 120
may have latch receiving features to enable the attachment of a
latching cable mounted connector or it may have no additional
alignment features at all. The housing 120 includes mounting
features 138 for mounting the electrical connector 102 to the
circuit board 104 and/or the connector extender module 108 (both
shown in FIG. 1). In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting
features 138 constitute openings through the housing 120 that are
configured to receive fasteners 140 (shown in FIG. 2). Alternative
types of mounting features may be utilized in alternative
embodiments.
[0021] The mounting end 128 may be generally planar. The signal
contacts 122 are arranged in a first zone and the power contacts
124 are arranged in a second zone separate from the first zone. For
example, the signal contacts 122 may be arranged toward one side of
the housing 120 while the power contacts 124 may be arranged toward
the other side. Optionally, another set of signal contacts 122 may
be arranged on the opposite side of the power contacts 124.
Alternatively, or additionally, another set of power contacts 124
may be arranged on the opposite side of the signal contacts 122.
Optionally, shielding may be provided between the signal contacts
122 and the power contacts 124.
[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates the connector extender module 108 with a
terminal 150 poised for loading into the connector extender module
108. The connector extender module 108 includes a holder 152
extending between a connector end 154 and a board end 156. The
electrical connector 102 (shown in FIG. 3) is configured to be
mounted to the connector end 154. The board end 156 is configured
to be mounted to the circuit board 104 (shown in FIGS. 1 and
2).
[0023] The holder 152 includes a plurality of channels 158 and 160
extending between the connector end 154 and the board end 156.
Terminals 150 are received in corresponding channels 158, 160. The
channels 158 are configured to receive the signal contacts 122
(shown in FIG. 3). The channels 160 are configured to receive the
power contacts 124 (shown in FIG. 3).
[0024] The holder 152 has a height 162 measured between the
connector end 154 and the board end 156. In an exemplary
embodiment, different connector extender modules 108 having
different heights 162 are designed for use with the connector
assembly 100. The different height connector extender modules 108
allow the vertical height of the electrical connector 102 to be
varied with respect to the circuit board 104.
[0025] The connector end 154 and the board end 156 are generally
planar and parallel to one another. Alternatively, the connector
end 154 and/or the board end 156 may be non-planar, such as by
including one or more steps that vary the height 162 along the
length thereof.
[0026] The channels 158, 160 extend along center lines. The
channels 158 have a predetermined center line pitch between the
rows and a predetermined center line pitch between the columns. The
channels 160 have a predetermined center line pitch between the
rows and a predetermined center line pitch between the columns.
Optionally, the center line pitch between the rows of the channels
160 may be the same as the center line pitch between the rows of
the channels 158, however the pitch between the columns of the
channels 160 may be different than the pitch between the columns of
the channels 158.
[0027] The terminals 150 include a main body 170 having a tail 172
extending from one end of the main body 170 and a receptacle 174
extending from the other end of the main body 170. The tail 172 is
configured to be mounted to the circuit board 104. In the
illustrated embodiment, the tail 172 constitutes a compliant
portion, such as an eye-of-the-needle tail, configured to be
received within a plated via in the circuit board 104. The tail 172
may have an alternative shape or configuration in alternative
embodiments, such as a surface mountable tail configured to be
surface mounted to the circuit board, such as by soldering.
[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle 174 constitutes a
tuning fork type portion configured to receive one of the pins 132
or 134 (shown in FIG. 3) of the signal or power contacts 122, 124
(shown in FIG. 3). Other types of receptacles may be used in
alternative embodiments, such as box-shaped socket contacts,
cylindrical socket contacts, or other types of contacts. Rather
than receptacles, the terminals 150 may have spring beams or other
mating interfaces for mating with the signal and power contacts
122, 124.
[0029] In an exemplary, the receptacle 174 includes a first beam
176 and a second beam 178 separated by a gap 180. The gap 180
receives one of the pins 132, 134 between the first and second
beams 176, 178. The beams 176, 178 engage the corresponding pins
132, 134 received in the gap 180. An electrical connection is
created between the receptacle 174 and the corresponding pins 132,
134. Optionally, the first and second beams 176, 178 may be spring
biased against the pins 132, 134 when received therein. The first
and second beams 176, 178 are spaced apart to form the gap 180,
which simulates a plated via in a circuit board. For example, the
first and second beams 176, 178 may be spaced apart by a dimension
equivalent to a diameter of a plated via in a circuit board.
Optionally, different connector extender modules 108 may be
provided with different sized terminals 150 having different
spacing between the first and second beams 176, 178, simulating
different diameter plated vias. For example, one embodiment may
have the first and second beams 176, 178 spaced apart by 0.6 mm
simulating a 0.6 mm hole in a circuit board. Another embodiment may
have the first and second beams 176, 178 separated by a distance of
0.56 mm representing a 0.56 mm hole in a circuit board. Another
embodiment may have the first and second beams 176, 178 separated
by distance of 0.46 mm representing a 0.46 mm hole in a circuit
board. Other dimensions are possible in alternative
embodiments.
[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the terminals 150 received in
the channels 158 are identical to the terminals 150 received in the
channels 160. As such, each terminal 150 may be a stock item
configured to receive both the pins 132 of the signals contacts 122
and the pins 134 of the power contacts 124. Different terminals 150
do not need to be provided for the signal contacts 122 and for the
power contacts 124. Alternatively, different types of terminals 150
may be used for the signal contacts 122 and for the power contacts
124. For example, the different types of terminals may be sized
differently, or shaped differently.
[0031] The terminal 150 includes a pair of tabs 190 extending from
the main body 170. The tabs 190 include shoulders 192. In an
exemplary embodiment, the tabs 190 are bent out of plane with the
main body 170. Optionally, both tabs 190 may be bent in the same
direction from the main body 170. In an alternative embodiment, the
tabs 190 may not be bent, but rather may remain within the same
plane as the main body 170. In other alternative embodiments, one
tab 190 may be bent in one direction, while the other tab 190 may
be bent in the opposite direction from the main body 170.
Optionally, more or less than two tabs 190 may be provided. In an
exemplary embodiment, the terminal 150 is a stamped and formed
part, having the tabs 190 bent during a manufacturing step, such as
to the position shown in FIG. 4. During assembly, when the terminal
150 is loaded into the channels 158, 160, the terminal 150 is
pressed into the channels 158, 160 until the shoulders 192 bottom
out within the channels 158, 160. The shoulders 192 define a stop
surface for loading the terminal 150 into the corresponding
channels 158, 160. For example, the channels 158, 160 may include
an internal shoulder therein that defines a stop, wherein the
terminals 150 are loaded into the channels 158, 160 until the
shoulders 192 engage the internal shoulder of the corresponding
channel 158, 160.
[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the terminals 150 loaded into
the channels 158 are arranged in a first direction having the first
and second beams 176, 178 arranged along a longitudinal axis of the
holder 152. The terminals 150 loaded into the channels 160 are
arranged generally perpendicular with respect to the terminal 150
loaded into the channels 158. For example, the terminals 150 loaded
into the channels 160 are arranged such that the first and second
beams 176, 178 are aligned along a lateral axis of the holder 152.
Different arrangements or configurations of the terminals 150 are
possible in alternative embodiments. When the terminals 150 are
loaded into the channels 158, 160, the distal ends of the first and
second beams 176, 178 are arranged adjacent to the connector end
154 of the holder 152. Optionally, the distal ends of the first and
second beams 176, 178 may be substantially flush with the connector
end 154. When the terminals 150 are loaded into the channels 158,
160, the tails 172 extend outward from the board end 156. The tails
172 extend beyond the board end 156 for mounting to the circuit
board 104. For example, the tails 172 are configured to be received
in plated vias of the circuit board 104.
[0033] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the connector extender module
108 poised for mounting to the circuit board 104. The channels 158,
160, and thus the terminals 150, are arranged in a footprint
pattern that is the same as a footprint pattern of vias 194 in the
circuit board 104. Having the footprint pattern of the connector
extender module 108 the same as the footprint pattern of the
circuit board 104 allows the connector extender module 108 to be
selectively utilized. For example, the electrical connector 102
(shown in FIG. 3) may be directly mounted to the circuit board 104
or the connector extender module 108 may be positioned between the
electrical connector 102 and the same circuit board 104. Neither
the electrical connector 102 nor the circuit board 104 need be
altered or changed for the connector extender module 108 to be
utilized. When the connector extender module 108 is used, the
electrical connector 102 is elevated higher above a first surface
196 of the circuit board 104.
[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, a family of connector extender
modules 108 may be provided, each having the same footprint
pattern, however having holders 152 that have different heights 162
and different height terminals 150. The electrical connector 102
may be positioned at different vertical positions with respect to
the first surface 196 of the circuit board 104 by utilizing
different connector extender modules having different height
holders. Optionally, more than one connector extender module 108
may be stacked together to increase the vertical height of the
electrical connector 102 above the circuit board 104. The connector
extender modules 108 plug directly into one another with the tails
172 (shown in FIG. 4) of the upper connecter extender module 108
being received in the receptacles 174 (shown in FIG. 4) of the
lower connector extender module 108. The housing 120 and
corresponding contacts 122, 124 do not need to be redesigned and
retooled in order to position the mating end 126 at different
vertical positions above the first surface 196 of the circuit board
104. Rather, different connector extender modules 108 may be
provided. The heights 162 of the holder 152 may be easily varied
without drastic or expensive retooling.
[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative connector extender module
208. The connector extender module 208 includes a holder 252 that
holds a plurality of terminals. The terminals of the connector
extender module may have a similar shape (e.g. main body, tail, and
receptacle), however the terminal may be longer. For example, the
main body may be longer, but the tail and receptacle identical to
the tail 172 and receptacle 174 (shown in FIG. 4).
[0036] The holder 252 has a height 262 that is substantially
greater than the height 162 of the holder 152 (both shown in FIG.
4). Other types of connector extender modules 208 having different
heights may be provided to create a family of connector extender
modules usable with the connector assembly 100 (shown in FIG.
1).
[0037] It is to be understood that the above description is
intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the
above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in
combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be
made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings
of the invention without departing from its scope. Dimensions,
types of materials, orientations of the various components, and the
number and positions of the various components described herein are
intended to define parameters of certain embodiments, and are by no
means limiting and are merely exemplary embodiments. Many other
embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the
claims will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing
the above description. The scope of the invention should,
therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims,
along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are
entitled. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in
which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective
terms "comprising" and "wherein." Moreover, in the following
claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used
merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical
requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the
following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and
are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112,
sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly
use the phrase "means for" followed by a statement of function void
of further structure.
* * * * *