The subject matter described herein relates to communication systems.
At least some known communication systems include receptacle assemblies, such as input/output (I/O) connector assemblies, that are configured to receive a pluggable module and establish a communicative connection between the pluggable module and an electrical connector of the receptacle assembly. As one example, a known receptacle assembly includes a receptacle housing that is mounted to a circuit board and configured to receive a small form-factor (SFP) pluggable transceiver. The receptacle assembly includes an elongated cavity that extends between an opening of the cavity and an electrical connector that is disposed within the cavity and mounted to the circuit board. The pluggable module is inserted through the opening and advanced toward the electrical connector in the cavity. The pluggable module and the electrical connector have respective electrical contacts that engage one another to establish a communicative connection. Conventional communication systems may include multiple cavities and communication connectors for mating with multiple pluggable modules.
Challenges often encountered in the design of the communication system involve dissipating heat generated during operation of the communication system and minimizing electromagnetic interference (EMI), as both heat and EMI negatively affect module/system reliability and electrical performance. Heat dissipation is enhanced by increasing airflow through the components, such as by including openings to allow airflow. In contrast, EMI is reduced by adding shielding in the form of conductive panels that cover or shield the components. Providing openings in the conductive panels to enhance heat dissipation negatively affects shielding effectiveness. A balance between the competing design interests must be met, while maintaining a small form factor. One solution to enhancing heat dissipation is to enlarge the opening or port to the cavity that holds the pluggable module to increase airflow over the pluggable module. However, to provide a larger port, EMI shielding components, typically arranged at the port, are relocated within the receptacle housing to a location at the mating end of the pluggable module. Providing effective shielding at the mating interfaces has been problematic.
Accordingly, there is a need for a communication system design that provides reliable EMI shielding at the mating interface between pluggable modules and the corresponding communication connectors within the receptacle housing.
In an embodiment, a connector module assembly is provided including a plurality of communication connectors arranged side-by-side and secured together as a communication module. Each communication connector has a contact array arranged within a shroud at a mating interface. The shroud and contact array are configured for mating with a corresponding pluggable module. The connector module assembly includes a gasket plate coupled to the communication module. The gasket plate has at least one sheet including a front side facing the pluggable modules and a rear side facing the communication module such that the gasket plate is generally positioned between the communication module and the pluggable modules. The at least one sheet spans across and between each of the communication modules. The gasket plate has a plurality of openings receiving corresponding shrouds such that the shrouds pass through the openings for mating with the corresponding pluggable modules. The gasket plate has pluggable module interfaces around each of the openings for interfacing with mating ends of the pluggable modules associated with the corresponding openings. The gasket plate is conductive to provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding at the pluggable module interfaces.
In another embodiment, a receptacle assembly is provided including a receptacle housing and a connector module assembly. The receptacle housing includes a plurality of panels defining a housing cavity. The panels include interior panels dividing the housing cavity into a plurality of module cavities each configured to receive a corresponding pluggable module therein. The module cavities are arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. The panels are conductive to provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding for the housing cavity. The connector module assembly is received in the housing cavity and includes a plurality of communication connectors arranged side-by-side and secured together as a communication module. Each communication connector has a contact array arranged within a shroud at a mating interface. The shroud and contact array are aligned with a corresponding module cavity and configured for mating with a corresponding pluggable module. A gasket plate is coupled to the communication module and positioned behind the interior panels. The gasket plate has at least one sheet including a front side facing the module cavities and a rear side facing the communication module such that the gasket plate is generally positioned between the communication module and the pluggable modules. The at least one sheet spans across each of the module cavities and spans across and between each of the communication modules. The gasket plate has a plurality of openings aligned with corresponding module cavities and receiving corresponding shrouds such that the shrouds pass through the openings into the corresponding module cavities for mating with the pluggable modules. The gasket plate has pluggable module interfaces around each of the openings for interfacing with mating ends of the pluggable modules associated with the corresponding openings. The gasket plate is conductive to provide EMI shielding at the pluggable module interfaces, the gasket plate being is mechanically and electrically connected to the receptacle housing.
In a further embodiment, a communication system is provided including pluggable modules each including a pluggable body extending between a mating end and a cable end. The pluggable module has an internal circuit board held in the pluggable body and provided at an end of a cable communicatively coupled to the internal circuit board. The communication system includes a receptacle assembly having a receptacle housing mounted to a circuit board. The receptacle assembly includes a receptacle housing and a connector module assembly received in the receptacle housing. The receptacle housing has a plurality of panels defining a housing cavity. The panels include interior panels dividing the housing cavity into a plurality of module cavities receiving corresponding pluggable modules therein arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. The panels are conductive to provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding for the housing cavity. The connector module assembly has a plurality of communication connectors arranged side-by-side and secured together as a communication module. Each communication connector has a contact array arranged within a shroud at a mating interface. The shroud and contact array are aligned with a corresponding module cavity and mated with a corresponding pluggable module. The connector module assembly has a gasket plate coupled to the communication module and positioned behind the interior panels. The gasket plate has at least one sheet including a front side facing the module cavities and a rear side facing the communication module such that the gasket plate is generally positioned between the communication module and the pluggable modules. The sheet spans across each of the module cavities and across and between each of the communication modules. The gasket plate has a plurality of openings aligned with corresponding module cavities and receiving corresponding shrouds such that the shrouds pass through the openings into the corresponding module cavities for mating with the pluggable modules. The gasket plate has pluggable module interfaces around each of the openings for interfacing with the mating ends of the pluggable modules. The gasket plate is conductive to provide EMI shielding at the pluggable module interfaces. The gasket plate is mechanically and electrically connected to the receptacle housing.
Embodiments set forth herein include communication systems providing electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and significant thermal transfer for the components thereof. Various embodiments of the communication system provide EMI shielding at the interface between pluggable modules and corresponding communication connectors. Various embodiments of the communication system provide a receptacle housing or cage that allows significant airflow therethrough while maintaining EMI shielding in a robust and compact design. Various embodiments of the communication system include multiple communication connectors stacked and ganged together in a dense package while providing EMI shielding for the interfaces between the communication connectors and the pluggable modules.
Unlike conventional systems that utilize gaskets or other shielding features at the entrance to the ports, embodiments set forth herein provide EMI shielding at the mating interface between the pluggable modules and the communication connectors allowing the ports to be open defining air channels at the ports. In various embodiments, the EMI shields are movable within the receptacle housing for mating with the pluggable modules and to provide mating tolerance.
The communication system 100 may be part of or used with telecommunication systems or devices. For example, the communication system 100 may be part of or include a switch, router, server, hub, network interface card, or storage system. In the illustrated embodiment, the pluggable module 106 is configured to transmit data signals in the form of electrical signals. In other embodiments, the pluggable module 106 may be configured to transmit data signals in the form of optical signals. The circuit board 102 may be a daughter card or a mother board and include conductive traces (not shown) extending therethrough.
The receptacle assembly 104 includes a receptacle housing 108 that is mounted to the circuit board 102. The receptacle housing 108 may also be referred to as a receptacle cage. The receptacle housing 108 may be arranged at a bezel or faceplate (not shown) of a chassis of the system or device, such as through an opening in the faceplate. As such, the receptacle housing 108 is interior of the device and corresponding faceplate and the pluggable module(s) 106 is loaded into the receptacle housing 108 from outside or exterior of the device and corresponding faceplate.
The receptacle housing 108 includes a front end 110 and an opposite back end 112. The front end 110 may be provided at, and extend through an opening in, the faceplate. The mating axis 91 may extend between the front and back ends 110, 112. Relative or spatial terms such as “front,” “back,” “top,” or “bottom” are only used to distinguish the referenced elements and do not necessarily require particular positions or orientations in the communication system 100 or in the surrounding environment of the communication system 100. For example, the front end 110 may be located in or facing a back portion of a larger telecommunication system. In many applications, the front end 110 is viewable to a user when the user is inserting the pluggable module 106 into the receptacle assembly 104.
The receptacle housing 108 is configured to contain or block electromagnetic interference (EMI) and guide the pluggable module(s) 106 during a mating operation. To this end, the receptacle housing 108 includes a plurality of conductive housing walls 114 that are interconnected with one another to form the receptacle housing 108. The housing walls 114 may be formed from a conductive material, such as sheet metal and/or a polymer having conductive particles. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing walls 114 are stamped and formed from sheet metal. In some embodiments, the receptacle housing 108 is configured to facilitate airflow through the receptacle housing 108 to transfer heat (or thermal energy) away from the receptacle assembly 104 and pluggable module(s) 106. The air may flow from inside the receptacle housing 108 (for example, behind the faceplate) to the external environment (for example, forward of the faceplate) or from outside the receptacle housing 108 into the interior of the receptacle housing 108. Fans or other air moving devices may be used to increase airflow through the receptacle housing 108 and over the pluggable module(s) 106. The housing walls 114 may include openings to allow airflow therethrough. The openings may be sized small enough such that the housing walls 114 provide effective EMI shielding.
In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle housing 108 includes a first (or upper) row 116 of elongated module cavities 120 and a second (or lower) row 118 of elongated module cavities 122. Each of the module cavities 120, 122 extends between the front and back ends 110, 112. The module cavities 120, 122 have respective openings or ports 121, 123 that are sized and shaped to receive corresponding pluggable modules 106. The module cavities 120, 122 may have the same or similar dimensions and extend lengthwise in a direction that is parallel to the mating axis 91. In the illustrated embodiment, each upper module cavity 120 is stacked over a corresponding lower module cavity 122 such that the lower module cavity 122 is positioned between the upper module cavity 120 and the circuit board 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the module cavities 120, 122 are arranged in a plurality of columns. Any number of module cavities may be provided including a single row and/or a single column of module cavities.
The housing walls 114 of the receptacle housing 108 may form separator plates between the module cavities 120, 122. The separator plates may extend generally parallel to the mating axis 91 at least partially between the front end 110 and the back end 112. In an exemplary embodiment, the module cavities 120, 122 include airflow channels 124 at the front end 110 to allow airflow therethrough along the pluggable modules 106, such as along top surfaces of the pluggable modules 106, to enhance heat transfer of the pluggable modules 106 located in the module cavities 120, 122.
The receptacle housing 108 is formed from a plurality of interconnected panels or sheets. For example, the receptacle housing 108 includes a main panel or shell 130 that surrounds a housing cavity 132, a plurality of interior panels 134 and a base panel 136. The base panel 136 may rest on the circuit board 102. The main panel 130, the interior panels 134, and the base panel 136 may be stamped and formed from sheet metal. The main panel 130, the interior panels 134, and the base panel 136 are assembled to form the module cavities 120, 122. In an exemplary embodiment, the main panel 130 includes a top wall 140, sidewalls 142, 144, and a back wall 146 formed integral with each other; however any of such walls may be separate and coupled to the other walls. The interior panels 134 are configured to be positioned within the housing cavity 132. The interior panels 134 apportion or divide the housing cavity 132 into the separate module cavities 120, 122.
The main panel 130, the interior panels 134, and the base panel 136 may comprise conductive material, such as metal. When the receptacle housing 108 is mounted to the circuit board 102, the receptacle housing 108 and the receptacle assembly 104 are electrically coupled to the circuit board 102 and, in particular, to ground planes (not shown) within the circuit board 102 to electrically ground the receptacle housing 108 and the receptacle assembly 104. As such, the receptacle assembly 104 may reduce EMI leakage that may negatively affect electrical performance of the communication system 100.
The pluggable module 106 is an input/output (I/O) module configured to be inserted into and removed from the receptacle assembly 104. The pluggable module 106 is configured to be inserted into the module cavity 122 of the receptacle housing 108 and advanced in a mating direction along the mating axis 91. In some embodiments, the pluggable module 106 is a small form-factor pluggable (SFP) transceiver or quad small form-factor pluggable (QSFP) transceiver. The pluggable module 106 may satisfy certain technical specifications for SFP or QSFP transceivers, such as Small-Form Factor (SFF)-8431. In some embodiments, the pluggable module 106 is configured to transmit data signals up to 2.5 gigabits per second (Gbps), up to 5.0 Gbps, up to 10.0 Gbps, or more. By way of example, the receptacle assembly 104 and the pluggable module 106 may be similar to the receptacle cages and transceivers, respectively, which are part of the SFP+ product family available from TE Connectivity.
The receptacle assembly 104 includes a connector module assembly 148 (shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable body 150 is manufactured from a conductive material, such as a metal material. The pluggable body 150 provides EMI shielding for the circuit board 158. Optionally, the pluggable body 150 may provide heat transfer for the internal circuit board 158, such as for the electronic components on the internal circuit board 158. For example, the internal circuit board 158 is in thermal communication with the pluggable body 150 and the pluggable body 150 transfers heat from the internal circuit board 158. In an exemplary embodiment, the heat is transferred from at or near the mating end 152, such as where various electrical components are located on the internal circuit board 158, to the cable end 154. The heat is pulled out of the receptacle assembly 104 and mating end 152 and rejected to the external environment forward of the faceplate. In other embodiments, the heat may be drawn into other portions of the pluggable body 150 and/or the heat may be directed to other portions of the pluggable body 150, such as to the mating end 152 where the heat may be transferred to another heat sink or heat transferring component inside the chassis.
In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable body 150 includes a plurality of fins 160 extending therefrom. The fins 160 increase the surface area of the pluggable body 150 and allow greater heat transfer therefrom. The fins 160 may extend from any portion of the pluggable body 150, such as the top, the sides and/or the bottom. In the illustrated embodiment, the fins 160 are parallel plates with airflow channels therebetween. The plates may extend continuously between opposite ends of the fins 160. In alternative embodiments, other types of fins 160 may be used, such as fins 160 in the form of pins or posts extending from the pluggable body 150. The pin shaped fins 160 may be arranged in rows and columns and may be separated from each other to allow airflow around the pins and between the various pins.
In an exemplary embodiment, each communication connector 170 has first and second mating interfaces 176, 178 for interfacing with different pluggable modules 106; however the communication connectors 170 may include a single mating interface or more than two mating interfaces in alternative embodiments. The first mating interface 176 is configured to be disposed within the upper module cavity 120 (shown in
The communication connector 170 includes a housing 180 configured to hold one or more contact modules 181. The housing 180 is defined by an upstanding body portion 182 having a top 183, first and second sides 184, 185, a rear 186, a mounting face 188 configured to be mounted to the circuit board 102 (shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 180 includes alignment features 198 extending from the sides 184, 185. The alignment features 198 may interact with each other and/or other components to align adjacent housings 180. For example, the housings 180 may be stacked side-by-side with the corresponding alignment features 198 aligned and configured to be secured together to gang the communication connectors 170 together as the communication module 172.
Receiving slots 200 and 202 extend inwardly from the mating face 190 of each of the respective upper and lower shrouds 192, 194, and extend inwardly to the body portion 182. The receiving slots 200, 202 are configured to receive card edges of the circuit boards 158 (shown in
The contacts 204 extend from the mounting face 188 for termination to the circuit board 102. For example, ends of the contacts 204 may constitute pins that are loaded into plated vias of the circuit board 102. Alternatively, the contacts 204 may be terminated to the circuit board 102 in another manner, such as by surface mounting to the circuit board 102.
The upper and lower shrouds 192, 194, receiving slots 200, 202 and contacts 204 may define identical mating interfaces 176, 178 such that the mating interfaces 176, 178 are configured to mate with any pluggable module (for example, any pluggable module 106 may be plugged into the upper module cavity 120 or the lower module cavity 122 for connection to the communication connector 170). In the illustrated embodiment, each communication connector 170 has the upper contact array 206 arranged within the upper shroud 192 at the mating interface 176 configured for mating with a corresponding pluggable module 106, and each communication connector 170 has the lower contact array 208 arranged within the lower shroud 194 at the mating interface 178 configured for mating with a corresponding pluggable module 106. The upper and lower mating interfaces 176, 178 are in a stacked arrangement.
The gasket plate 174 is formed from a conductive material, such as sheet metal. In the illustrated embodiment, the gasket plate 174 is stamped and formed from sheet metal. In some embodiments, the gasket plate 174 is configured to facilitate airflow therethrough, such as through airflow openings sized small enough such that the gasket plate 174 provides effective EMI shielding. The gasket plate 174 includes one or more sheets 220 configured to provide EMI shielding for the mating interface between the pluggable modules 106 and the communication module 172. In an exemplary embodiment, the sheets 220 of the gasket plate 174 provide EMI shielding for all of the pluggable modules 106 and corresponding mating interfaces 176, 178 of the communication connectors 170. The gasket plate 174 is configured to directly contact the panels or sheets of the housing 108 to electrically common the gasket plate 174 and the housing 108. The gasket plate 174 includes an exterior or front side 222 and an interior or rear side 224. The front side 222 faces the pluggable modules 106. The rear side 224 faces the communication module 172.
In an exemplary embodiment, the gasket plate 174 includes one or more mating sheets 226 and one or more transition sheets 228 extending between or from corresponding mating sheets 226. The mating sheets 226 are configured to be mated with the pluggable modules 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the gasket plate 174 includes upper and lower mating sheets 226 configured for mating with pluggable modules 106 in the upper and lower module cavities 120, 122, respectively. The upper and lower mating sheets 226 include upper and lower openings 230 therethrough that receive corresponding shrouds 192, 194. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper and lower mating sheets 226 are angled (for example, non-vertical), which may accommodate the angled mating ends 152 (shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, the gasket plate 174 has pluggable module interfaces 232 at the front side 222 around the openings 230. The pluggable module interfaces 232 are configured to interface with mating ends 152 (shown in
The transition sheets 228 transition between the mating sheets 226 and may be provided above and/or below the mating sheets 226. In the illustrated embodiment, the gasket plate 174 includes a vertical transition sheet 228 that extends from the lower mating sheet 226, and a horizontal transition sheet 228 that extends between the vertical transition sheet 228 and the upper mating sheet 226. As such, the bottom of the upper mating sheet 226 may be positioned forward of the top of the lower mating sheet 226 to accommodate the angled mating sheets 226. The vertical transition sheet 228 may face and/or abut against the recessed face 196. Other transition sheets 228 may be provided in alternative embodiments.
In an exemplary embodiment, the gasket plate 174 includes a top sheet 234 extending rearward from the top of the upper mating sheet 226. The top sheet 234 extends along the top 183 of the housing 180. The top sheet 234 provides EMI shielding along the top 183. The top sheet 234 may engage other panels of the receptacle housing 108 (shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, the communication module 172 includes separator panels 240 between various communication connectors 170. The separator panels 240 provide electrical shielding between the communication connectors 170. In an exemplary embodiment, the separator panels 240 are electrically connected to the gasket plate 174, such as by a direct, physical engagement therewith. The separator panels 240 may be interior panels of the receptacle housing 108.
Optionally, the separator panels 240 are positioned between the communication connectors 170 to fix the relative positions of the communication connectors 170 within the communication module 172 and to tie the housings 180 of the adjacent communication connectors 170 together. For example, the separator panels 240 may be received in the alignment features 198 extending from the sides 184, 185 of the housings 180. In an exemplary embodiment, the alignment features 198 on the first side 184 are positioned toward the rear 186 while the alignment features 198 on the second side 185 (shown in
The alignment features 198 include slots 242 that receive the separator panels 240. The slots 242 of the alignment features 198 of the adjacent communication connectors 170 are aligned to define tracks that receive corresponding separator panels 240. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 180 includes upper and lower alignment features 198 having slots 242 facing in opposite directions (for example, away from each other). Each separator panel 240 includes an upper leg 244 and a lower leg 246 with a space 248 therebetween. The upper leg 244 is received in the slots 242 of the upper alignment features 198 while the lower leg is received in the slots 242 of the lower alignment features 198. Other arrangements are possible in alternative embodiments.
In the illustrated embodiment, the upper mating sheet 226 extends beyond the top 183 of the housing 180 of the communication connector 170. Airflow openings 250 are provided in the mating sheet 226 to allow airflow through the gasket plate 174. Such airflow openings 250 may be aligned with the airflow channels 124 (shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, the separator panels 240 may include mating tabs 252 extending forward therefrom. The mating tabs 252 are configured to extend through the gasket plate 174, such as through dedicated slots in the gasket plate 174. The mating tabs 252 may be held in the gasket plate 174 by an interference fit to ensure mechanical and electrical connection between the separator panels 240 and the gasket plate 174.
In an exemplary embodiment, the vertical panels 262 include arms 264 at the rear ends of the interior panels 134. The arms 264 are configured to engage the back wall 146 (shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, the sidewalls 142, 144 include openings 270 at the back end 112 (or at the bottom in embodiments where the connector module assembly 148 is loaded in from the bottom). The openings 270 receive the alignment features 198 to position and/or secure the connector module assembly 148 in the housing cavity 132. Optionally, the openings 270 may be sized, shaped or positioned differently.
In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle housing 108 includes grounding portions 280 extending into the housing cavity 132 from the sidewalls 142, 144. The grounding portions 280 may be stamped from the sidewalls 142, 144 and bent inward into the housing cavity 132 leaving openings along the sidewalls 142, 144. The openings left behind from stamping and forming the grounding portions 280 may be sufficiently small to prevent EMI leakage through the sidewalls 142, 144. For example, the openings may be long and narrow, which allows the grounding portions 280 to be elongated. The grounding portions 280 are configured to interface with the gasket plate 174 for electrical connection between the receptacle housing 108 and the gasket plate 174. The grounding portions 280 may be angled to match the angle of the gasket plate 174. In an exemplary embodiment, the grounding portions 280 are deflectable and flexible to allow mating with the gasket plate 174. Optionally, the grounding portions 280 may be spring beams that are elastically deformed against the gasket plate 174 to ensure that the grounding portions 280 maintain contact with the gasket plate 174.
In an exemplary embodiment, the gasket plate 174 is movable relative to the receptacle housing 108. For example, the gasket plate 174 may float within the housing cavity 132 from a forward position to a rearward position. Optionally, the grounding portions 280 may engage the gasket plate 174 in both the forward and the rearward positions. Alternatively, the gasket plate 174 may only contact the grounding portions 280 when moved to the rearward position. In an exemplary embodiment, the gasket plate 174 is movable to allow mating with the pluggable module 106, even when the pluggable module 106 is not fully loaded (for example, the pluggable module 106 may not be fully seated into the receptacle housing 108 but still electrically connected to the communication connector 170 (shown in
The receptacle assembly 304 includes a receptacle housing 308 that is mounted to the circuit board 302. The receptacle housing 308 may also be referred to as a receptacle cage. The receptacle housing 308 includes a front end 310 and an opposite back end 312. The front end 310 may be provided at, and extend through an opening in, the faceplate. The receptacle housing 308 is configured to contain or block electromagnetic interference (EMI) and guide the pluggable module(s) 306 during a mating operation. The receptacle housing 308 includes a plurality of conductive housing walls 314 that are interconnected with one another to form the receptacle housing 308.
In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle housing 308 includes a first (or upper) module cavity 320 and a second (or lower) module cavity 322; however the receptacle housing 308 may have multiple cavities 320, 322 in rows similar to the receptacle housing 108. The receptacle housing 308 is formed from a plurality of interconnected panels or sheets. For example, the receptacle housing 308 includes a main panel or shell 330 that surrounds a housing cavity 332, one or more interior panels 334 and a base panel 336. In an exemplary embodiment, the main panel 330 includes a top wall 340, sidewalls 342, 344, and a back wall 346 formed integral with each other; however any of such walls may be separate and coupled to the other walls. The interior panels 334 are configured to be positioned within the housing cavity 332. The interior panels 334 apportion or divide the housing cavity 332 into the separate module cavities 320, 322.
The receptacle assembly 304 includes a connector module assembly 348 (shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, the communication connector 370 has first and second mating interfaces 376, 378 for interfacing with different pluggable modules 306. The first mating interface 376 is configured to be disposed within the upper module cavity 320 and the second mating interface 378 is configured to be disposed within the lower module cavity 322.
The gasket plate 374 is formed from a conductive material, such as sheet metal. In the illustrated embodiment, the gasket plate 374 is stamped and formed from sheet metal. The gasket plate 374 is oriented vertically within the housing cavity 332 for interfacing with the flat mating ends 352 of the pluggable modules 306. In some embodiments, the gasket plate 374 is configured to facilitate airflow therethrough, such as through airflow openings sized small enough such that the gasket plate 374 provides effective EMI shielding. In an exemplary embodiment, the gasket plate 374 provides EMI shielding for all of the pluggable modules 306 and corresponding mating interfaces 376, 378 of the communication connector 370. The gasket plate 374 is configured to directly contact the panels or sheets of the housing 308 to electrically common the gasket plate 374 and the housing 308.
In an exemplary embodiment, the gasket plate 374 has gaskets 432 at the front side around openings 430. The gaskets 432 are configured to interface with the mating ends 352 of the pluggable modules 306. The gaskets 432 may be compressible. The gaskets 432 are conductive and provide an interface between the pluggable modules 306 and the gasket plate 374.
In an exemplary embodiment, the gasket plate 374 is coupled to the top wall 340 using grounding portions 436. The grounding portions 436 may be tabs configured to be folded over to interlock the gasket plate 374 and the receptacle housing 308.
During assembly, the gasket plate 374 is loaded over the front ends of the upper and lower shrouds 392, 394 of the communication connector 370. The gasket plate 374 spans across all of the ports 320, 322 to provide EMI shielding for the ports 320, 322 and corresponding pluggable modules 306. The gaskets 432 provide EMI shielding directly to the pluggable modules 306. The base panel 336 is coupled to the gasket plate 374, or alternatively may be integral with the gasket plate 374. The connector module assembly 348 is then loaded into the receptacle housing 308 and mechanically and electrically connected thereto. The gasket plate 374 allows airflow therethrough for cooling of the pluggable modules 306 and/or the communication connector 370.
It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Dimensions, types of materials, orientations of the various components, and the number and positions of the various components described herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments, and are by no means limiting and are merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
As used in the description, the phrase “in an exemplary embodiment” and the like means that the described embodiment is just one example. The phrase is not intended to limit the inventive subject matter to that embodiment. Other embodiments of the inventive subject matter may not include the recited feature or structure. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. §112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.
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