Connector apparatus

Abstract

A two-part high-speed backplane electrical connector with improved electromagnetical shielding comprises a socket connector and a header connector. The socket connector includes a plurality of connector modules encasing a plurality of conductive paths. Each connector module is formed to include a plurality of laterally-extending angled passageways which are interleaved with the plurality of conductive paths. The socket connector further includes a plurality of first shields, each of which is configured to be coupled to a connector module along a first side thereof to form a paired connector unit. Each first shield is formed to include a plurality of laterally-extending angled passageways in substantial alignment with the passageways in the connector modules. A socket housing is configured to receive a plurality of paired connector units. A plurality of second shields are configured to be received in the plurality of laterally-extending angled passageways in the paired connector units. The second shields are electrically coupled to the first shields to form a coaxial shield around each conductive path. The header connector includes a header body formed to include a plurality of first openings and a plurality of second openings. A plurality of signal pins are configured for insertion into the plurality of first openings to form the array of pin contacts extending therefrom. A plurality of shield blades are configured for insertion into the plurality of second openings. Each of the plurality of shield blades is formed to include a generally right angle shielding portion forming a coaxial shield around each of the plurality of signal pins.