Electrical connector having variable resistance contacts

Abstract

A ribbon style electrical connector is provided having at least one variable resistance contact such that an electrical resistance between the variable resistance contact and a corresponding mating contact of a second mating connector varies from a relatively high resistance to a relatively low resistance as the first and second connectors transition from an unmated to a mated position. The ribbon style connector includes a housing having a first end and a second end, with a shroud depending from the first end, the shroud defining a contact chamber. A substrate is mounted within the contact chamber and communicates with the second end of the housing. A plurality of signal contacts are adhered to a surface of the substrate, with at least one of the signal contacts including a resistive portion and a conductive portion. The resistive portion and conductive portions being arranged such that a mating contact of the second connector will engage the resistive portion first and engagedly moves along the resistive portion toward the conductive portion as the ribbon style connector and the second connector are intermated. When the two connectors are fully mated, the mating contact directly engages the conductive portion of the resistive contact.