Quad cable interface using available insert

Abstract

A connection system is provided for connecting conductors of a quad cable () to terminals (), through the use of a low cost and commonly available insert () that has multiple rows and columns of passages () that each contains a double-ended pin (), with the rear ends of the pin contacts engaged with the terminals. A quad terminator () has four contacts () lying within a terminator main shield (), the four contacts each terminated to one of the cable conductors, and the four contacts having mating ends () projecting forward of the terminator housing. A backshell adaptor () is provided which has bores () that each receives and retains the main shield of a quad terminator, with the contact mating ends projecting forward beyond a front face () of the backshell adaptor. Each of the four contacts of the terminator project into the passages () of the insert frame, where the terminator contacts engage the rear ends of four pins in the four passages. The insert may be inserted forwardly into a bay () of a shell () until shoulders of the insert abut corresponding shoulders in the bay. The backshell adaptor is fastened to the shell to hold the backshell adaptor in place and to hold the insert in place in the bay.