User configurable integrated electrical connector assembly with improved

Abstract

A user configurable integrated electrical connector assembly apparatus and method of using the electrical connector assembly to create a flexible manufacturing system are disclosed. The connector assembly is capable of being formed as a semi-finished product for inventory and at a later time may be simply and quickly reconfigured with insertable components to conform precisely to a customer's design specifications. The connector assembly includes a first insulator defining a plurality of first passageways, a second insulator defining a plurality of adjacent parallel passageways communicating with the first passageways over a portion of their length. A grounding plate has a plurality of through holes corresponding to the first passageways and is transversely to the passageways between the first and second insulators. Conductive shields surround the first and second insulators and contact the grounding plate. The shields are attached or bonded together to form a semi-finished product termed an insert assembly which may be stored in inventory. The insert assembly is easily and quickly reconfigured in accordance with a customer's design specifications by inserting chip type filter components such as a capacitor, varistor or other electrical component into selected second passageways.