Patent Application
20130115824
The subject matter herein relates generally to electrical connector assemblies that are adapted to be associated with multiple communication protocols.
Various communication or computing systems use electrical connectors for transmitting data signals between different components of the systems. For example, some electrical connectors may be configured to receive an edge of an electrical component having component contacts located therealong. The electrical connectors may include housing cavities having opposing rows of mating contacts. When the edge is advanced into the housing cavity of the electrical connector, the edge moves between the opposing rows of mating contacts. The component contacts electrically engage the mating contacts in the housing cavity.
Many communication and computing systems utilize different communication protocols. For example, one communication protocol may be used with respect to storage devices, while another communication protocol may be used with respect to expansion cards, for example. Separate and distinct connection interfaces are typically used with respect to each communication protocol. For example, a connection interface for a connector associated with one communication protocol may have contacts arranged in a particular pattern or configuration, while a connection interface for a connector associated with a different communication protocol may have contacts arranged in a different pattern or configuration. Therefore, a typical system may include multiple connector housings having distinct connection interfaces to accommodate the various communication protocols. However, the multiple connector housings take up valuable space within a computer system. Further, if a system is upgraded or changed so that the system uses a different communication protocol, the connector housings may need to be removed and replaced.
Certain embodiments provide an electrical connector configured to mate with at least one mating connector to electrically connect a first electrical component to a second electrical component. The electrical connector may include first and second connector housings. The first connector housing includes a plurality of first contacts, and is associated with a first communication protocol. The second connector housing includes a plurality of second contacts, and is associated with a second communication protocol that is separate and distinct from the first communication protocol. The first and second connector housings are integrally connected to one another.
The electrical connector may include an intermediate joint connecting the first connector housing to the second connector housing. A center tower may be positioned between the first and second connector housings. The center tower is configured to align a first mating connector with the first connector housing, and a second mating connector with the second connector housing.
The first connector housing may include a first outer post, and the second connector housing may include a second outer post. The first and second outer posts are located at opposite ends from one another. The center tower and the first outer post are configured to align the first mating connector with the first connector housing. Similarly, the center tower and the second outer post are configured to align the second mating connector with the second connector housing.
The center tower may include an extension beam having a first shape at one side and a second shape at an opposite side. The first shape prevents the second mating connector from properly mating with the first connector housing. The second shape prevents the first mating connector from properly mating with the second connector housing. The first shape may be square or rectangular, and the second shape may be a rounded semi-circle. Alternatively, various other shapes may be used.
The first outer post may have a first shape, and the second outer post may have a second shape that is distinct from the first shape. The first shape prevents the second mating connector from properly mating with the first connector housing. The second shape prevents the first mating connector from properly mating with the second connector housing. The first shape may be square or rectangular, and the second shape may be a rounded semi-circle. Alternatively, various other shapes and sizes may be used.
One of the first and second connector housing may include at least one keying notch formed therein. The keying notch ensures proper mating with a compatible mating connector. The keying notch prevents improper mating with an incompatible mating connector.
The distinct shapes, formed keying notches, and the like are examples of keying members that ensure proper mating of the distinct mating connectors with connector housings, and prevent improper mating. Various other keying members, such as tabs, slots, and the like, located at different distances on different connector housings and mating connectors may be used.
The first communication protocol may be SAS, PCIe, InfiniBand, Fibre Channel, or SATA. The second communication protocol may be another of SAS, PCIe, InfiniBand, Fibre Channel, or SATA.
Certain embodiments provide a mating connector configured to mate with one of a first or second connector housing of an electrical connector. The mating connector may include a frame retaining a plurality of contacts, wherein the plurality of contacts are associated with a particular communication protocol, a tower-receiving member, and an outer post-receiving member. The tower-receiving member and the outer post-receiving member have distinctly-shaped passages that ensure that the mating connector properly mates with a connector housing associated with the particular communication protocol. The distinctly-shaped passages prevent the mating connector from mating with another connector housing associated with a different communication protocol.
One or both of the tower-receiving member and the outer post-receiving member may include a passage formed through a sleeve or collar. The passage may have a square or rectangular-shaped axial cross section. The passage may have a semi-circular-shaped axial cross section. However, various other shaped and sized axial cross-sections may be used.
Certain embodiments provide a connector assembly configured to electrically connect a first electrical component to another electrical component. The connector assembly includes a receptacle connector and first and second plug connectors.
The receptacle connector may include a first connector housing including a plurality of first receptacle contacts, wherein the first connector housing is associated with a first communication protocol, first keying members, a second connector housing including a plurality of second receptacle contacts, wherein the second connector housing is associated with a second communication protocol that is separate and distinct from the first communication protocol, wherein the first and second connector housings are integrally connected to one another, and second keying members.
The first plug connector is configured to mate with the first connector housing. The first plug connector includes a first frame retaining a plurality of first mating contacts, wherein the plurality of first mating contacts are associated with the first communication protocol. The first frame may include one or more first-shaped passages configured to mate with the first keying members to ensure that the first plug connector properly mates with the first connector housing associated with the first communication protocol, and prevent the first plug connector from mating with the second connector housing associated with the second communication protocol.
The second plug connector is configured to mate with the second connector housing. The second plug connector includes a second frame retaining a plurality of second mating contacts, wherein the plurality of second mating contacts are associated with the second communication protocol. The second frame includes one or more second-shaped passages configured to mate with the second keying members to ensure that the second plug connector properly mates with the second connector housing associated with the second communication protocol, and prevent the second plug connector from mating with the first connector housing associated with the first communication protocol.
The first keying members may include at least one first distinctly-shaped post, and the second keying members may include at least one second distinctly-shaped post that differs from the first distinctly-shaped post. One or both of the first and second keying members may include at least one keying notch formed in one of the first or second connector housings.
As shown in
The electrical component 16 may be, for example, a solid state drive and the electrical connector 12 may be configured to communicatively couple to the solid state drive. However, in alternative embodiments, the electrical connector 12 may be an edge-to-edge or straddle-mount connector that receives and holds a circuit board. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connector 12 is a vertical connector because the component-receiving region 34 of the electrical connector 12 opens away from the board surface 32. However, in alternative embodiments, the electrical connector 12 may be a right-angle connector in which the component-receiving region 34 opens in a direction that is parallel to the plane of the board surface 32. The electrical connector 12 may have other geometries as well.
In some embodiments, the electrical connector 12 may be configured to enable transmission of high-speed data signals, such as data signals greater than about 10 gigabits/second (Gbs) or data signals greater than about 15 Gbs. In particular embodiments, the electrical connector 12 may be configured to enable transmission of data signals at speeds above 20 Gbs and up to about 24 Gbs or more.
In the illustrated embodiment, the connector housing 38 is capable of independently holding the mating contacts 42 and 44 before the retention insert 40 is positioned within the contact cavity 50. However, in alternative embodiments, the retention insert 40 may be capable of independently holding the mating contacts 42 and 44 before the retention insert 40 is positioned within the connector housing 38. In another alternative embodiment, neither the connector housing 38 nor the retention insert 40 is capable of independently holding the mating contacts 42 and 44.
The connector housing 38 may have opposite housing sides 56 and 58 that extend along a plane that includes the mating axis 20 and the longitudinal axis 22. The housing sides 56 and 58 may face in generally opposite directions along the orientation axis 24. The connector housing 38 may also have opposite sidewalls 60 and 62 that extend along a plane that includes the mating axis 20 and the orientation axis 24. The sidewalls 60 and 62 may face in generally opposite directions along the longitudinal axis 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector housing 38 is substantially block-shaped. However, the connector housing 38 may have other geometries in alternative embodiments.
Also shown, the connector housing 38 may have opposite mating and loading faces 64 and 66. The mating axis 20 extends between the mating and loading faces 64 and 66, and the mating and loading faces 64 and 66 face in generally opposite directions along the mating axis 20. The loading face 66 is configured to be mounted to an electrical component, such as the circuit board 30 (
The connector housing 38 may include one or more alignment features, such as cavities, recesses, edges, posts, and the like that facilitate aligning the connector housing 38 with either or both of the electrical components (e.g., the electrical component 16 or the circuit board 30). Such alignment features may be configured to engage corresponding alignment features of the other electrical component. For example, the connector housing 38 may define one or more spatial regions 68 and 70 that are proximate to the component-receiving region 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact cavity 50 includes the component-receiving region 34 and the spatial regions 68 and 70 such that the component-receiving region 34 and the spatial regions 68 and 70 are portions of a common space. However, in alternative embodiments, the component-receiving region 34 may be separated from the spatial regions 68 and 70. The spatial regions 68 and 70 are sized and shaped to receive a corresponding alignment feature of the electrical component 16.
Also shown in
The contact cavity 50 may be accessible through the mating face 64 and also through the loading face 66. For example, the mating contacts 42 and 44 and the retention insert 40 may be configured to be inserted into the contact cavity 50 through the loading face 66. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact cavity 50 may be completely or entirely surrounded by the connector housing 38 and opens in opposite directions along the mating axis 20. For example, the housing sides 56 and 58 and the sidewalls 60 and 62 completely surround the contact cavity 50. However, in alternative embodiments, the connector housing 38 may only surround a portion of the contact cavity 50. For instance, the connector housing 38 may only comprise the housing sides 56 and 58 and the sidewall 60. A gap may exist where the sidewall 62 is located in the illustrated embodiment. Instead, the retention insert 40 may be sized and shaped to fill in the gap.
The retention insert 40 is sized and shaped to be advanced through the loading face 66 and positioned within the contact cavity 50. The retention insert 40 extends lengthwise along the longitudinal axis 22 when positioned within the connector housing 38. As shown, the retention insert 40 includes an outer engagement surface 74. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement surface 74 directly engages the mating contacts 42 and 44 and interfaces with the connector housing 38.
As shown, the retention insert 40 may include a platform portion 76 and a cavity portion 78. The engagement surface 74 may extend along both of the platform and cavity portions 76 and 78. The platform portion 76 may have an insert side 80 that faces in an opposite direction with respect to the engagement surface 74. The insert side 80 may form a portion of the loading face 66 when the retention insert 40 is positioned within the contact cavity 50. The platform portion 76 may include shoulder sections 82 and 84 that are separated by the cavity portion 78. The shoulder sections 82 and 84 may face in a direction along the mating axis 20 toward the mating face 64. At least a portion of the shoulder sections 82 and 84 may extend along a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the mating axis 20. As such, the retention insert 40 may be substantially T-shaped. Also shown, the cavity portion 78 may extend along the platform portion 76 and include a plurality of recesses 86.
When the electrical connector 12 is assembled, the mating contacts 44 are inserted into corresponding contact channels 54. The mating contacts 44 form the first row when located within the contact channels 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating contacts 44 are inserted through the loading face 66, but may be inserted through the mating face 64 in other embodiments. The mating contacts 44 may be held by the connector housing 38 within the contact channels 54. For example, the connector housing 38 may form an interference fit with each of the mating contacts 44. In the exemplary embodiment, after the mating contacts 44 are located within the corresponding contact channels 54, the retention insert 40 may be advanced through the loading face 66 along the mating axis 20. The recesses 86 are configured to receive the bridge supports 88 when the retention insert 40 is advanced therein. The bridge supports 88 and the retention insert 40 may form a substantially flush surface.
The first connector housing 94 includes mating contacts 100 within a contact cavity 102. The contact cavity 102 includes a component-receiving region 104. The connector housing 94 includes housing sides 106 and 108 that extend along a plane that includes the mating axis 20 and the longitudinal axis 22. The connector housing 94 also includes sidewalls 110 and 112 that extend along a plane that includes the mating axis 20 and the orientation axis 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector housing 94 is substantially block-shaped. However, the connector housing 94 may have other geometries in alternative embodiments.
The outer sidewall 110 includes an upstanding post 114 at an outer end 116. The post 114 includes a generally rectangular extension beam 118 and a partially beveled tip 120 that extends above a plane defined by top edges 122 of the sides 106 and 108. The outer portion 124 of the tip 120 is beveled, while an interior portion 126 is generally flat. Alternatively, the post 114 may be fully-beveled, or fully block-shaped.
The interior sidewall 112 may include upstanding beams 128 separated by a vertical channel 130. As shown in
Similarly, the second connector housing 96 includes mating contacts 132 within a contact cavity 134. The contact cavity 134 includes a component-receiving region 136. The connector housing 96 includes housing sides 138 and 140 that extend along a plane that includes the mating axis 20 and the longitudinal axis 22. The connector housing 96 also includes sidewalls 142 and 144 that extend along a plane that includes the mating axis 20 and the orientation axis 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector housing 96 is substantially block-shaped. However, the connector housing 96 may have other geometries in alternative embodiments.
The outer sidewall 142 includes an upstanding post 145 at an outer end 146. The post 145 includes a generally rectangular extension beam 148 and a partially beveled tip 150 that extends above a plane defined by top edges 152 of the sides 138 and 140. The outer portion 154 of the tip 150 is beveled, while an interior portion 156 is generally flat. Alternatively, the post 145 may be fully-beveled, or fully block-shaped.
The interior sidewall 144 may include upstanding beams 158 separated by a vertical channel 160. As shown in
As noted, the base 92 includes the intermediate joint 98 that integrally connects the first connector housing 94 to the second connector housing 96. The intermediate joint 98 is located at a center of the electrical connector 90 between the first and second connector housings 94 and 96. The electrical connector 90 includes the two separate and distinct connector housings 94 and 96 integrally formed and connected with one another through the intermediate joint 98.
The intermediate joint 98 includes opposed sides 162 that integrally connect to the first and second housings 94 and 96. A ledge 164 integrally connects to the sides 162 and is generally perpendicular to the sides 162. A center tower 166 extends from the ledge 164 about a lateral axis y of the electrical connector 90. The center tower 166 includes an extension beam 168 having a fully-beveled tip 170 extending therefrom. The beveled tip 170 extends to a level that is generally in the same plane as the tips 120 and 150. As shown, the center tower 166 is positioned between, and spaced apart from, the interior sidewalls 112 and 144. The center tower 166 is configured to properly align mating connectors (shown in
The component-receiving region 104 of the first connector housing 94 provides an interface associated with a first communication protocol. Similarly, the component-receiving region 136 of the second connector housing 96 provides an interface associated with a second communication protocol that differs from the first communication protocol. A communication protocol is an electronic language that a computing or communication system uses to communicate with different parts of the system. An interface associated with a first communication protocol is arranged and configured differently from an interface associated with a second communication protocol. Each interface includes a distinct pattern of contacts, such as signal contacts, ground contacts, differential pairs, and the like, arranged in a distinct pattern, configuration, or the like, that is associated with a particular communication protocol. For example, an interface associated with a SAS communication protocol differs from an interface associated with a PCIe communication protocol. Optionally, the component-receiving regions 104 and 136 may both be configured to provide communication over the same communication protocol, thereby allowing a larger number of contacts of a particular communication protocol to be used within a communication or computing system.
Examples of communication protocols include Serial Attached Small Computer System Interface (SAS), Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCIe), Fibre Channel, InfiniBand, Serial Advance Technology Attachment (SATA), and the like. SAS is a communication protocol used with respect to data storage and delivery to and from computer storage devices such as hard drives and tape drives. PCIe is a computer expansion card communication protocol. Fibre Channel is a communication protocol used for storage networking. InfiniBand is a communication protocol used for a switched fabric link used in high performance computing. SATA is a communication protocol for connecting host bus adapters to mass storage devices, such as hard disk drives and optical drives. As noted, the first housing connector 94 provides an interface associated with one communication protocol, while the second housing connector 96 provides an interface associated with another communication protocol, which is separate and distinct from the first communication protocol. For example, the first housing connector 94 may be a SAS connector, while the second housing connector 96 may be a PCIe connector.
The mating connector 180a also includes a central collar 192 centered about a lateral axis y of the mating connector 180a. The central collar 192 includes an open portion 194 that faces the inboard open portion 190 of the collar 188′, which, as shown in
A contact receptacle area 200 is formed in a first side 202 of the mating connector 180a. The contact receptacle area 200 includes a plurality of contacts 204 compatible with the first communication protocol, and configured to mate into the component-receiving region 104 of the electrical connector 90. The second side 206 of the mating connector 180a includes a blocking section 208 that does not include contacts.
Referring to
The mating connector 220a also includes a central collar 232 centered about a lateral axis y of the mating connector 220a. The central collar 232 includes an open portion 234 that faces the inboard open portion 230 of the collar 228′, which, as shown in
A contact receptacle area 240 is formed through a second side 242 of the mating connector 220a. The contact receptacle area 240 includes a plurality of contacts 244 compatible with the second communication protocol, and configured to mate into the component-receiving region 136 of the electrical connector 90. The first side 245 of the mating connector 220a includes a blocking section 246 that does not include contacts.
Referring to
The electrical connector 251 includes a first connector housing 252 and a second connector housing 254 integrally connected through an intermediate joint 256. As shown in
While the mating connectors 280 and 300 are shown having distinct shapes and sizes, the configurations may be reversed, such that the mating connector 280 has rounded passages and the like, while the mating connector 300 has flat, rectangular passages and the like. Further, the configuration and shapes of the connector housings 252 and 254 of the electrical connector 251 may be changed accordingly.
While certain keying members are shown as square, rectangular, and curved, semi-circular shapes, the keying members may be various shapes and sizes. For example, one set of keying members may be triangular, while another may be trapezoidal. Also, the keying members may include one or more tabs that fit into reciprocal slots at different distances. For example, a tab of a first connector housing may fit into a slot at a certain distance, while a tab of a second connector housing may fit into a slot at a different distance. If improper mating is attempted, the tabs and slots would not align.
Thus, embodiments provide a connector assembly that includes separate and distinct connector housings each configured to mate with reciprocal mating connectors. Further, each connector housing and reciprocal mating connector pair is associated with a distinct communication protocol that differs from the other pair. Optionally, both housings may be associated with the same communication protocol to accommodate a larger number of contacts for a particular system.
For example, a connector housing may include a first connector housing having four lanes of contacts associated with a first communication protocol, and a second connector housing that accommodates four lanes of contacts associated with a second communication protocol. A lane includes two contact pairs. A contact pair includes two signal contacts and two ground contacts. A single lane includes eight contacts. Four lanes (“4X”) includes thirty-two contacts. Optionally, a connector housing may include first and second connector housings that each accommodate four lanes of contacts associated with the same communication protocol, thereby yielding eight lanes (“8X”) associated with a single communication protocol.
Embodiments provide a connector assembly that is adaptable, interchangeable, and is able to accommodate changing needs of system manufacturers. Embodiments provide a connector assembly that accommodates multiple communication protocols so that if a component of a system utilizes a different communication protocol, the connector assembly is able to change along with the component (for example, instead of using one connector housing, the other connector housing may be used). Moreover, more connector housings may be used than those shown. For example, a connector assembly may include three or more connector housings, each associated with a different communication protocol.
Embodiments of the present invention provide a single connector assembly that allows a system to use two or more completely different and unrelated communication protocols.
It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. In addition, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects or features thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope.
While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like may be used to describe embodiments, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the like.
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. 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, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.
