Shieldless, High-Speed Electrical Connectors

Abstract

An electrical connector that includes a mass disposed within the connector such that the connector has a first center of gravity in the absence of the mass and a second center of gravity with the mass is disclosed. Such a connector may include a connector housing and an insert molded leadframe assembly (IMLA) positioned within the connector housing. The IMLA may include an array of electrically-conductive contacts and a dielectric leadframe housing overmolded onto the array of contacts. The mass may be disposed within the connector such that the mass causes the connector to be balanced. The connector may be unbalanced about the first center of gravity and balanced about the second center of gravity. The connector may be a right angle, ball grid array connector.

1 . A connector, comprising:
 a connector housing;   an insert molded leadframe assembly (IMLA) positioned within the connector housing, the IMLA comprising an array of electrically-conductive contacts and a dielectric leadframe housing overmolded onto the array of contacts; and   a mass disposed within the connector such that the connector has a first center of gravity in the absence of the mass and a second center of gravity with the mass, wherein the connector is unbalanced about the first center of gravity and balanced about the second center of gravity.   
   
   
       2 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the connector is a right angle, ball grid array connector. 
   
   
       3 . A right angle connector, comprising:
 a connector housing;   an insert molded leadframe assembly (IMLA) positioned within the connector housing, the IMLA comprising an array of electrically-conductive contacts and a dielectric leadframe housing overmolded onto the array of contacts; and   a mass disposed within the connector such that the mass causes the right-angle connector to be balanced.   
   
   
       4 . The connector of  claim 3 , wherein the connector is a right angle, ball grid array connector.