Matched impedance shielded pair interconnection system for high reliability applications

Abstract

A connector provides for attachment to a cable having a plurality of wires arranged in matched pairs. The connector comprises a housing and a connector insert located within the housing and having a plurality of contact cavities extending in an axial direction entirely therethrough. The connector insert further includes a substantially centrally located elongated opening extending in the axial direction from a proximal end thereof at least partially through the connector insert. The plurality of contact cavities are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the elongated opening. A conductive post is inserted into the elongated opening of the connector insert. The conductive post has elongated edges that provide shielding between respective pairs of the plurality of contact cavities. A follower is coupled to the conductive post. The follower has a plurality of passageways adapted to communicate respective ones of the matched pairs of wires to respective ones of the pairs of contact cavities. The follower thereby provides shielding between the respective pairs of wires. The connector further comprises a plurality of electrical contacts inserted into the respective ones of the plurality of contact cavities. The plurality of electrical contacts are adapted to be coupled to respective ones of the plurality of wires.