User configurable integrated electrical connector assembly

Abstract

A user configurable integrated electrical connector assembly includes an insulated body comprising a first insulator and a second insulator, respectively, each insulator defining a plurality of passageways extending therethrough for receiving a corresponding electrical contact. A grounding plate is disposed between the first and second insulators transversely to the passageways and has a plurality of projections extending through the passageways for electrically coupling the electrical contacts inserted therein to ground. The grounding plate further comprises a series of parallel extending tabs on its opposed edges. The grounding plate includes a shield portion having a connection to complete ground which entirely covers the front section of the insulated body, thus providing an effective shield against electromagnetic interference. The electrical connector is formed in accordance with a flexible manufacturing system which enables the connector to be completely user configurable. The insulated body, grounding plate and shield cover are first completed and stored in inventory as a semi-finished product. In a second stage of assembly, a user then inserts a plurality of electrical contacts into selected passageways in the insulated body in accordance with its own design specifications. The electrical contacts may contain various integrated electrical circuit components such as capacitors, resistors, varistors, diodes, or the like. Each contact includes a receptacle for receiving and maintaining an electrical component in invariant electrical contact with the projections of the ground plate without bonding or welding, to provide substantially improved protection against electromagnetic and high frequency interference.