Electrical connector terminator

Abstract

A modular electrical connector system provides relatively high density pin out capability for high speed signal transmission and coupling while maintaining discrete wire capability. The system includes plural cable terminators, plural connector blocks, each having plural cells to receive and hold respective terminators with the contacts thereof aligned for connection with further contacts inserted to engage the same, and a frame to hold the connector blocks securely in relative position to each other. Each cable terminator includes one or more contacts for electrically connecting with the cable conductor, electrical insulating molded about the junction of the contact and conductor, and a flexible locking mechanism to facilitate locking and removal of the terminator from its connector block cell, preferably from the back thereof, without disturbing other terminators in the connector block. Means are provided to probe the signals carried by respective terminators while positioned in the connector block, and for such probing and for the inserting/removing function special tools are provided. Methods also are disclosed for servicing such electrical connector systems to insert and/or to remove respective terminators without affecting others and for probing electrical signals carried via respective terminators.