MXPA00003738A - Header assembly for mounting to a circuit substrate - Google Patents

Abstract

A header (10) assembly is mounted to a backplane and receives a complementary electrical connector.The header (10) assembly has an insulating shroud having a base with backplane and connector sides and a primary edge, and differential signal pin pairs, ground shields (26), and ground pins mounted to the base. The signal pin pairs (24) are arranged into rows extending in a first direction along the base and along the base primary edge, and columns extending in a perpendicular second direction along the base. The signal pins (24) in each pair are adjacently arranged into a sub-row extending in the first direction. Each signal pin in a pair has an inner side facing the other pin in the pair, an opposing outer side, and primary and non-primary sides facing toward and away from the base primary edge, respectively. One ground shield is associated with each signal pin. Each ground shield extends through the base between the connector side and the backplane side, and includes first and second attached wings arranged at right angles. The first wing extends along the first direction adjacent and along either the primary or non-primary side of the associated signal pin, and the second wing extends along the second direction adjacent and along the outer side of the associated signal pin. The ground shields in combination substantially electromagnetically isolate within the base each signal pin pair from all others. Each ground pin (28) electrically contacts at least one ground shield (26) at the second wing thereof.

Description

COLLECTOR ASSEMBLY FOR MOUNTING TO A CIRCUIT SUBSTRATE Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a manifold assembly for mounting to a circuit substrate Y to receive a complementary electrical connector. In particular, the present invention is for a high density collector assembly for use, for example, in a main board in a backplane / backplane application.

Background of the Invention In a typical electrical interconnection system, a first removably insertable circuit board includes a complementary electrical connector that is to be matched to a collector or collector assembly that is mounted to a second circuit board. As is to be understood, when the first circuit board is coupled to the second circuit board through the electrical connector and collector and when the first circuit board is in operation, a number of signals enter or leave the first circuit board through the circuit board. conductive paths defined by the electrical connector on the first circuit board and the collector on the second circuit board. In many cases, the second circuit board has other circuit boards coupled thereto by other respective collectors and complementary electrical connectors, and the aforementioned signals may originate from or be intended for said other circuit boards. Of course, the aforementioned signals can also originate from or be destined for other remote locations of the second circuit board through appropriate interconnections. If it is desirable to suppress signal noise? / Or crosstalk, it is known that a signal can be transmitted through of a pair of differential signal lines (positive and negative) that run together in close proximity. Typically, in said pair of differential lines, the signal itself (+ V) is transmitted on the positive line, and the negation of the signal (-V) is transmitted on the negative line. Since both lines run together in close proximity, any noise found by the lines must appear in a generally identical form on both lines. Consequently, the subtraction (by appropriate circuit or other elements) of the negative line (-V + noise) from the positive line (+ V + noise) must cancel said noise ((+ V + noise) - (-V + noise) = 2V), thus leaving the original signal, probably with a different amplitude. Frequently, in a high frequency environment, almost every signal that passes to and from a circuit board runs as a pair of differential signals in a pair of differential signal lines, consequently, the electrical connector on the board Me circuit and the collector in the backplane must accommodate all these pairs of differential signal lines. Additionally, with increased contact density in a circuit board, there has been a corresponding increase in signal lines associated with said circuit board, as a result, the number of individual lines running through the electrical connector of the circuit board and the Associated collector can be very large, At the same time, since it is desirable to increase the number of circuit boards that can be coupled to the backplane, the 'real state' in the backplane used by the collector should be kept small. Therefore, the 'density' of the individual signals passing through the electrical connector and the collector must be increased. With this increased density, however, the problem of susceptibility to noise and / or crosstalk arises again, even in electrical connectors and collectors that transmit pairs of differential signals. To combat this density-based noise, the particular collector has been modified to include ground protection that substantially electromagnetically isolates each pair of differential signal lines from each other pair of differential signal lines within the collector. Accordingly, there is a need for a manifold that can have multiple pairs of differential signals at relatively high density, and that has ground protection for the signal pins, where the manifold is practical and is manufactured relatively simply, SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention satisfies the aforementioned need by providing a manifold assembly for mounting to a circuit substrate such as a backplane and for receiving a complementary electrical connector secured to the dependent board. The manifold assembly has an insulating cover, a plurality of signal pins, a plurality of ground protectors, and a plurality of ground pins, all mounted to the base of the cover. Said base has a rear plane side to face the rear plane, a connector side to face the matching connector, and a primary edge. The signal pins are arranged in a plurality of rows extending in a first direction along the base and along the primary edge of the base, and a plurality of columns extending in a second direction along the length of the base. the base generally perpendicular to the first direction. In differentially matched signal pins, these signal pins in each pair are disposed adjacent to a sub-line extending in the first direction. Each signal pin in a pair has an inner side facing the other pin in the pair, an outer side opposite the inner side, a primary side extending between the inner side and the outer side and facing the primary edge of the base, and a non-primary side that extends between the inner side and the outer side and oriented away from the primary edge of the base. A ground protector is associated with each signal pin. Each ground protector generally extends through the base between the connector side and the backplane side, and includes first and second fixed fins, arranged at approximately right angles. The first flap extends generally along the first adjacent direction and along one of the primary side and the non-primary side of the associated signal pin, and the second flap extends generally along the second adjacent direction already at long of the external side of the pin d? associated signal The plurality of protectors d? "in combination substantially insulate electromagnetically within the base of the cover each pair of signal pins of each other pair of signal pins Each ground pin makes electrically contact with at least one earth protector in the second fin of it.

Brief description d? the drawings. The above compendium, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, ST shows in the drawings currently preferred modalities, as should be understood, however, the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a plan view of a connector side of a manifold according to a mode d? the present invention, and shows said collector mounted to a backplane; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the pins and ground protectors of the manifold of Figure 1, with the cover of Figure 1 removed for clarity; v Figure 3 is the same perspective view of Figure 2, but shows only the pair of pins d? differential signal d? Figure 2; Figure 4 TS shows the same perspective view of Figure 2, but shows only the ground pins of Figure 2; Figure 5 TS shows the same perspective view of Figure 2, but shows only the ground protectors of Figure 2; Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a ground pin and a pair of protectors, ground d? conformity with a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a perspective view similar to that of Figure 2, but from a different angle, and shows a third mode d? the present invention which is similar to the first embodiment as shown in Figures 1-5, where the primary and secondary collectors share common pins and sandwich the backplane between them; Figure 7A TS shows a detailed perspective view showing the primary collector, the backplane, and the secondary collector d? Figure 7; and Figure 7B is a perspective view showing a contact d? security employed in connection with the secondary collector of Figure 7, Detailed Description of Preferred Modes Certain terminology may be used in the following description for convenience only and is not considered to be limiting. The words "left", "right", "upper", and "lower" designate directions in the drawings that are referenced. The words "inward" and "outward" are additional directions to and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the object in reference. The terminology includes the above mentioned specific words, derived from them, and words of similar amount. Referring in detail to the drawings, wherein the same numbers are used to indicate similar elements therethrough, in Figure 1 there is shown a collector or collector assembly 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As seen, the manifold 10 is mounted to a circuit substrate such as a backplane 12 in a position to receive a complementary electrical connector (not shown) on a board d? circuit (not shown) to be coupled to the back plane 12 through the electrical connector and the collector 10. v As seen, the collector 10 includes an insulating cover 14 having a base 16, as it should be understood, when the The collector 10 is mounted to the back plane 12, the base 16 of the cover 14 of the collector 10 is generally parallel to said back plane 12. Typically, even when not necessarily,. the cover 14 of the manifold 10 also has walls 18 which extend ST away from the base 16 at angles generally rector with respect thereto. Accordingly, the walls 18 form a well into which the electrical connector is inserted while being matched to the manifold 10. Typically, the walls 18 align and guide the electrical connector as it is being inserted so as to secure a appropriate connection and in a manner to prevent damage that may occur from misalignment, Walls 18 may include one or more elements d? key (the grooves shown, for example) that coincide with corresponding key elements in the electrical connector to further ensure an appropriate connection and for polarization. As should be understood, and as ST VT in Figure 1, the base 16 of the cover 14 has a connector side 20 facing the matching connector, and a rear plane side 22 that is oriented toward the connector. 12 back plane. The base 16 of the cover 14 also has a primary edge 23, which as will be explained below, is designed such as for purposes of being a fixed reference in the present disclosure. As seen in Figure 1, the primary edge 23 runs along the top of the base 16. The collector 10 includes signal contacts, ground contacts, and ground protectors. In a differential torque application such as that shown in Figure 1, the manifold 10 has a plurality of 24p pairs of 24a, 24b differential signal pins, a plurality of ground shields 26, and a plurality d? 28 earplugs. How to understand, for purposes d? clarity, only a few of the elements 24a, 24b, 24p, 26 and 28 ST show in detail, while the rest of said ST elements show in shadow. As seen, each pair 24p of signal pins 24a, 24b, each ground shield 26, and each ground pin 28 is mounted to the base 16 of the cover 14, each signal pin 24a, 24b 'and each pin 28 of ground extends away from the base lß from both the connector side 20 and the back plane side 22 in opposite directions generally perpendicular to said base. 16, as can be seen? N? We can see them from Figures 1-4. As can be seen in Figure 1, the 24p pairs of pins 24a, 24b d? signal are arranged in a plurality of rows 30 extending in a first direction (as indicated by the arrow R) along the base 16 and along the primary edge 23 of the base 16. That is, the rows 30 and the first direction run along the surface of the base 16, and generally parallel to the primary edge 23. Additionally, the 24p pairs of signal pins 24a, 24b are furthermore arranged in a plurality. of columns 32a extending in a second direction (as indicated by arrow C) along base 16 generally perpendicular to the first direction. Again, that is, columns 32a and. the second direction run along d? the surface of the base 16, and generally perpendicular to the primary edge 23. To summarize, then, the 24p pairs of signal pins 24a, 24b are arranged in a generally rectilinear manner. Still referring to Figure 1, the signal pins 24a, 24b in each pair 24p are arranged adjacently in a sub-row that ST extends in the first direction (arrow R). Consequently, each row 30 has X pairs 24p; Me pins 24a, 24b and 2x pins 24a, 24b individual signal. Correspondingly, each column 32 has Y pairs 24p of pins 24a, 24b of signal and 2Y individual pins 24a, 24b. As seen in Figures 1-3, each signal pin 24a, 24b in a pair 24p has an internal side 23i that is oriented towards the other signal pin 24a, 24g in the 24p pair, an external side 34o opposite to the side 34i internal, a primary side 34p which ST extends between the inner side 34i and the external side 34o and which faces the primary edge 23 of the base 16, and a non-primary side 34a extending between the inner side 34i and the external side 34o and which is oriented away from the primary edge 23 of the base 16. Each signal pin 24a, 24b (and each ground pin 28 too) as ST shown in the drawings is generally rectilinear in cross section, and consequently, the sides 34i, 34o, 34p, 34a of each signal pin 24a, 24b (and the sides of each ground pin 26) are generally flat as shown. However, it will be noted that the signal pins 24a, 24b (and ground pins 26) may have other cross-sectional configurations, including but not limited to circular, oblong, and multiple-sided to four. However, the sides 34i, 34O, 34p, 34a of each signal pin 24a, 24b as designated above are still applicable even when said sides do not correspond to flat surfaces in cross section. Although the present invention is described in terms of 24p pairs of differential signal pins 24a, 24b, it will be recognized that other arrangements or types of signal pins may be employed without abandoning the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, and depending on the particular application, the signal pins may be individually grouped (in a single-ended arrangement), or may be grouped into three, four, five, etc. Referring now to Figures 1, 2 and 5, in the embodiment of the present invention shown, at least one ground shield 26 is associated with each signal pin 24a, 24b. Preferably, each ground shield 26 extends generally through the base 16 between the connector side 20 and the back plane side 22, and more preferably around the surface of the connector side 20 around the surface of side 22 of backplane. Consequently, each earth shield 26 preferably has a depth that generally corresponds to a thickness of the base 16 of the cover 14. As a result, even when not shown in Figures 2-5, it should be apparent when the base 16 of the cover 14 is positioned relative to the signal pins 24a, 24b, the earth shields 26, and the ground pins 28, preferably, each ground shield is generally L-shaped and includes first and second fins 36a, 36b fixed which are arranged approximately at right angles with respect to one another. The first flap 36a of each ground shield 26 may extend generally along the first (arrow R) direction adjacent and along the primary side 34p or non-primary side 34a of the associated signal pin 24a, 24b. Of course, to achieve the protection of each pair 24p of pin 24a, 24b of signal, it is necessary that some order be provided regarding which side (primary 34p or non-primary 34a) extends each first flap 36a, only as an example each ground shield 26 associated with a signal pin 24a (left in Figure 1) may extend as far as the primary side 34p thereof, and each ground shield 26 associated with a signal pin 24b (a) the right in Figure 1) may extend along the non-primary side 34a thereof. Preferably, the first fins 36a Me all the ground protectors 26 extend adjacent and along one or the other of the primary side 34p and the non-primary side 34i of the pins 24a, 24b of respective associated signal. As shown, the first fins 36a of all the ground protectors 26 extend adjacent and along the primary side 344 of the respective associated signal pins 24a, 24b. However, and as discussed above, in certain circumstances, an alternative provision may be useful. As seen in Figures 1, 2 and 5, the second flap 36b of each ground shield 26 generally extends along the second direction (arrow C) adjacent and along the outer side 34o of the pin 24a, 24b of associated signal With the plurality, of earth guards 26 arranged in this manner with respect to the pairs 24p of signal pins 24a, 24b. then, and as is better understood by looking at Figure 1, the plurality of substantially combined ground shields 26 electromagnetically insulate within the base 16 of the cover 14 each pair 24p of signal pins 24a, 24b from each other 24p pair of pins 24a, 24b of signal. Preferably, for each pair 24p of signal pins 24a, 24b, the first associated ground shield flaps 36a extend toward each other and generally reside in a single plane. Preferably, said first fins 36a do not actually contact one another, and the distal end of each second fin 36b does not extend so far as to directly contact another earth protector 26. Consequently, portions of the material forming the base 16 separate the shields 26 from ground one of the other, and in doing so structurally provide integrity to said base 16. Due to the lack of direct connections between the ground shields 26, and as can be seen from Figures 1, 2 and 5, there are unprotected spaces between the ground protectors, These spaces should be minimized so that the pairs 24p of signal pins 24a, 24b are adequately protected. As ST shows in Figure 1, except for the pairs 24p in the lowermost row 30, each pair 24p of pins 24a, 24b d? signal is substantially surrounded on all sides by ground protectors 26, In particular, the external sides 34o and the primary sides 34p of the signal pins 24a, 24b are substantially surrounded by the first and second fins 36a, 36b d? the associated earth protectors 26, and the non-primary sides 34a of the pins 24a, 24b d? serial are surrounded by the earth protectors 26 associated with? l par 24p d? pin 24a, 24b d? signal immediately below, Since ST uses differential pairing, the protection between each signal pins 24a, 24b in each pair 24p does not think ST necessary, if a single-ended arrangement is used, however, the protection between each row of signals can be used. The 24p pairs of signal pins 24a, 24b in the lowermost row have no protection in the direction of the non-primary sides 34a. However, no other signal pins 24a, 24b are in. the immediate proximity in that unprotected direction to create noise and / or crosstalk in pairs 24p d? pins 24a, 24b of signal? n the lowest row. Preferably, and as can be seen in Figures 1, 2 and 5, each ground shield 26 is generally identical to each other ground shield 26.

Advantageously, each ground protector 26 is symmetrical so that it can be placed adjacent to a signal pin 24a or 24b. Consequently, only one type of this TS earth protector 26 necessary when constructing the collector 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention. As best seen in Figures 2 and 5, each shield 26 d? Earth is of a relatively simple design and in fact can be stamped from an appropriate sheet d? conductive material towards a final form through processes d? known formation and / or stamping. Alternatively, each shield 26 can be molded or extruded by known processes. Preferably, the cover 14 of the manifold 10 is molded from an appropriate insulating material, such as a high temperature plastic to a final shape by known processes, wherein said final form includes the openings defined for each pin 24a, 24b of signal, each ground shield 26, and each ground pin 28, Also preferably, each ground shield 26 is inserted towards the base 16 of the cover 14 from either the connector side or the back plane side 22, preferably by mechanical means, and said ground protector 26 maintains, an interference fit with said base 16 of said cover 14. Preferably, the first and second fins 36a, 36b (the first flap 36a in Figures 2 and 5) and each ground shield 26 includes a shoulder 38a on a surface thereof to help maintain the aforementioned interference fit of the earth shield 26 with the base 16 of the cover 14. Alternatively, each signal pin 24a, 24b, each ground shield 26, and / or each ground pin 28 may be overmolded in situ during the formation of the base 16 and cover 14, however, it is currently believes that said in-situ overmoulding can be excessively complicated when compared to other available manufacturing techniques. Preferably, each ground pin 28 electrically contacts at least one earth shield 26 in the second wing 36b thereof. More preferably, and as shown in Figures 1 and 2, each contact occurs on the external surface (the surface away from the associated signal pin 24a, 24b) of said second fin 36b. Preferably, each ground shield 26 electrically contacts a ground pin 28. Probably, in some location, either in the complementary electrical connector, the main board, or in another circuit, each ground pin 28 is electrically connected to ground. Consequently, the earth protectors 26 electrically contacted by the earth pins 28 are also grounded and electrically coupled together, even though hitherto described as rigid bosses 38a, 38b, other types of special features of the earth may be employed. retention without abandoning the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, one or both fins 36a, 36b in each ground shield 26 could include an elastic section (not shown) to retain said ground shield 276 in the base 16 of the cover 14 and / or to retain a pin 28 d? associated land in said base 16 of said cover 14. DT preferred, and as ST sees best in Figures 2 and 4, each land pin 28 includes a generally flat fin 40 that generally resides within the base. 16 of the cover 14 and which ST extends generally laterally from the main body of the ground pin 28. As seen in Figure 1, the fin 40 ST extends generally in the second direction (arrow C), and has generally opposite flat sides 42 (Figures 2, 4), Consequently, each earth shield 26 is electrically in contact with each other. a ground pin 28 on a flat side 42 of the fin 40 of said ground pin 28. D? Preferably, the ground pins 28 are disposed toward a plurality of rows 30 that ST extends in the first direction (arrow R), and a plurality of columns 32be, 32bi extending in the second direction (arrow C). As seen in Figure 1, each row 30 of ground pins 28 corresponds to a row 30 of signal pins 24a, 24b, and each column 32be, 32bi of ground pins 28 alternates with a column 32a of pairs 24p of pins 24a, 24b "Me signal As can be seen, the columns 32be of ground pins 28 are a pair of outer or outer columns (left and right) and columns 32bi of pins 28 of r ground are at least one inner column ( four are shown in Figure 1) placed between said outer columns 32be.Preferably, each ground pin 28. in each inner column 32bi is positioned between and electrically contacting first and second ground shields 26 on either side of said side. ground pin 28. As will be described later, each ground pin 28 in each interior column 3.2bi preferably makes contact with the projections 38b in the fins 36b of said first and second ground protectors 26. Preferably, each ground pin 28 in each outer column 32be is positioned adjacent and electrically contacting only a single earth shield 26 on a side side thereof. In the case of a ground pin 28 on one of the interior 32bi columns, it is seen from Figure 1 that the first protector 26 of. ground corresponding to said ground pin 28 is associated with a signal pin 24a, 24b of a first pair 24p d? pins d? signal on one side of the ground pin 28 (the left side, for example), the second ground protector 26 is associated with a signal pin 24a, 24b of a second pin 24p 24a, 24b d? signal on the other side of the pin 28 d? ground (the right side, to continue the example), and the first and second earth protectors 26 electrically contact the ground pin 28 on any flat side d? the fin 40 thereof. As seen, then, the first and second pairs 24p of pins 24a, 24b of signal both reside in a row 30 corresponding to the row 30 of the last 28 of land in question; more precisely, said ground pin 28 and said first and second pairs 24p of signal pins 24a, 24b can be considered to reside in a single row 30 (even though not necessarily aligned linearly within row 30), as it is also seen, said first and second pairs 24p of signal pins 24a, 24b respectively reside in immediately adjacent columns 32a on either side of the column 32bi of the ground pin 28 in question. • In the case of a ground pin 28 in one of the outer columns 32be, it is also seen from Figure 1 that the single ground protector 26 corresponding to said ground pin 28 is associated with a signal pin 24a, 24b. a single pair 24p of signal pins on one side of said ground pin 28, and the single ground shield 26 electrically contacts the ground pin 28 on a flat side of the tab 40 thereof. Similar to the previous case, the single pair s24p of pins 24a, 24b of signal resides in a row 30 corresponding to the row 30 of said ground pin 28. In this case, the single pair 24p of signal pins 24a, 24b resides in a column 32a immediately adjacent to only one side of the column 32be of said ground pin 28. In any case, each ground pin 28 is preferably inserted towards the base 16 of the cover 14 from either the connector side or, the back plane side 20, 22 thereof, as with the ground shields 26. Said operation can be carried out by means of appropriate automatic insertion machinery. Preferably, each ground pin 28 in the inner columns 32bi maintains an interference fit between the second fins 36b contacted from the first and second ground protectors 26, and more preferably between the projections 38b contacted in said second fins. 36b. Correspondingly, it is preferable that each ground pin 28 in the outer columns 32be have interference fit between the second fin 36b contacted of the single ground shield 26 and with an inner surface of the base 16 (not shown) wherein said inner surface is opposite to the second fin 36b contacted from the single earth protector 26. Preferably, and as best seen in Figures 2 and 5, each second fin 36b of each earth shield 26 includes a projection or projections 38b on a contact surface thereof (the outer surface as shown in Figures 1). , 2 and 5) to help electrically contact the ground pin 28 on the tab 40 thereof, and to help maintain the aforementioned interference fit. As with the ground pins 28 and the ground protectors 26, each signal pin 24a, 24b is preferably inserted toward the base 16 of the cover 14 from either the connector side or the backplane side 20, 22 of the same, and preferably maintains an interference fit with said base 16. This insertion operation can be performed by appropriate automatic insertion machinery.

Most preferably, all of the aforementioned elements are inserted towards the base 16 of the cover 14 from the back plane side 22. As it should be understood, the back plane side 22 is more easily accessible since it is not obstructed by no walls 18. Additionally, insertion from the back plane side 22 holds the pins 24a, 24b, 28 in place by securing the manifold 10 to the back plane 12. Preferably, and as seen in Figures 2 to 4, each signal pin 24a, 24b and each ground pin 28 preferably includes various contact surfaces that help maintain an interference fit directly with the base 16 of the cover 14. Preferably, each signal pin 24a, 24b and each ground pin 28 includes an outer elastic section 44 from the base 16 adjacent the rear plane side 22 thereof, as best seen in Figures 2-4. As it should be understood, each elastic section 44 maintains an interference fit with through holes plated in the back plane 12 when the manifold 10 is mounted thereto. As it should be noted, it is not desirable to insert the elastic sections 44 towards the base 16 of the cover 14. These elastic portions 44 may be deformed or probably would not easily fit through said base during insertion. In one embodiment of the present invention, and referring again to Figure 1, each signal pin 24a, 24b and each ground pin 28 in cross section is approximately 0.4 mm by 0.44 in width and height, in the region of the main pin portions that are received by the complementary electrical connector. Additionally, in didha mode, each earth protector 26 has a main thickness of approximately 0.2 mm. Accordingly, if each signal pin 24a, 24b and each ground pin 28 in a row 30 is spaced approximately 1.0 mm in the first direction (arrow R), each signal pin 24a, 24b may be separated from its shield 26 corresponding earth in approximately 0.4 mm. This distance is sufficient to provide a reasonable degree of structural integrity to the base 16 of the cover 14. Referring now to Figure 6, it is seen that in a second embodiment of the present invention, each land pin 28 'does not have the flap 40 of the ground pin 28 (Figures 2 and 4), and each ground shield 26 'does not have the contact projection (s) 38b of the earth shield 26 (Figures 2 and 5), instead, each ground protector 26 'includes an integral tongue 46 which contacts a contact portion 48 of the ground pin 28', wherein the contact portion 48 is generally in line with the extending ground pin 28 '. longitudinally. Preferably, the tongue 46 is formed within the ground protector 26 by an appropriate stamping or molding operation, and the tongue 46 is slightly inclined away from the main shield body 26 'of ground and toward the pin 28' of the ground. Earth. Consequently, the tongue 46 is urged into good electrical contact with the contact portion 48 when the ground pin 28 'and the earth guard 26' are mounted to the base 16 of the cover 14 (not shown in Figure 6). As shown, the ground pin 28 'is for an inner column 32bi since two ground protectors 26' are on the flanks of said ground pin 28 '. Of course, only a ground protector 26 'would flank the ground pin 28' if said ground pin 28 'were in an outer column 32be. Referring now to Fig. 7, it is seen that in a third embodiment of the present invention which is similar to the first embodiment as shown in Figs. 1-5, a primary collector 10a has 24p pairs of pins 24a, 24b of signal and land pins 28 extending a relatively longer distance (as compared to the manifold 10 of Figures 1-5) beyond the back plane 12 than the manifold shown in Figures 1-5. further, a secondary collector 20b is located on the other side of the backplane 12 and generally opposite the primary collector 10a so that the secondary collector 20b receives and includes the extended portions of the 24p pairs of signal pins 24a, 24b. Accordingly, the backplane 12 is sandwiched between the primary and secondary collectors 10a, 10b, each collector 10a, 10b shares the 24p pairs of signal pins 24a, 24b and ground pins 28, and a circuit board mounted to the collector 10a primary is directly interface through the backplane 12 to another circuit board mounted to the secondary collector 10b. Each manifold 10a, 10b has its own ground protectors 26 (the ground protectors 26 for the primary manifold 10a are not shown in Figure 7). Unlike the primary collector 10a, the secondary collector 10b includes a plurality of fixing contacts 50, wherein each fixing contact 50 electrically contacts a respective pin 28 and secures said ground pin 28 to said collector 10b. As seen, each fixing contact 50 also electrically contacts with at least one earth shield 26 within the secondary manifold 10b through protrusions 38b, thereby electrically connecting the ground shield (s) 26 contacted with the pin 28 of contacted earth. In particular, the primary collector 10a of FIG. 7 is substantially identical to the collector 10 of FIGS. 1-5, except that the 24p pairs of signal pins 24a, 24b and the ground pins 28 extend a relatively greater distance. long as compared to the manifold 10 of Figures 1-5 to allow the rear plug-in. For example, in the manifold 10 of Figures 1-5, these pins 24a, 24b, 28 extend approximately 4.3 mm through and beyond of the back plane 12, while in the primary collector 10a of Figure 7, these pins 24a, 24b, 28 extend approximately 19 mm through and beyond the back plane 12. Preferably, each pin 24a, 24b, 28 it is formed so that the distal end thereof (ie, the end associated with the secondary collector 10b) is substantially identical to the proximal end thereof (i.e., the end associated with the primary collector 10a.) Consequently, the collector Secondary 10b is placed through a second cover 14 substantially identical to the cover 14 of the primary manifold 10a, wherein the second cover 14 slides over the distal end of each pin 24a, 24b, 28 (FIG. 7A) after d? that these pins are inserted through the back-plane 12. As is to be understood, the second cover 14 then moves towards the rear plane 12 until the base 16 of said second cover 14 is generally parallel to and in contact with the back plane 12. As seen from ffus respective connector sides 20, then, the primary manifold 10a and the secondary manifold 10b each have substantially the same profile, pin arrangement, and 'footprint'. In fact, it is preferable that the primary collector 10a and the secondary collector 10b each be capable of receiving the same type of complementary electrical connector in their respective wells. Preferably, the primary edge 23 of the secondary manifold 10b is directly opposite the primary edge 23 of the primary manifold 10a with respect to the back plane 12, as discussed above, and similarly to that shown in Figures 2 and 4, each pin 28 of ground in the primary collector 10a includes a generally flat fin 40 which usually resides within the base 16 of the cover 14 of the primary manifold 10a and which extends generally laterally from the main body of the pin 28 d? Earth. As seen, each fin 40 has generally opposite flat sides so that each ground shield 26 in the primary manifold 10a is electrically contacted by a ground pin 28 on a flat side of the fin 40 of said ground pin 28 . Also as discussed above, each land pin 28 preferably being inserted towards the cover 14 of the primary collector 10a d? so that the fin 40 maintains an interference fit therewith. However, and as it should be understood, the insertion of each ground pin 28 through the back plane 12 prevents said pin 28 d? Earth has a second fin at the far end of it. Consequently, and as discussed above, it is preferable that the secondary collector 10b includes a plurality of fixing contacts 50, where each contact 50 d? fixing makes contact with a respective ground pin 28, secures said ground pin 28 to the manifold 10b, electrically connects said ground pin 28 to at least one ground shield 26 (through the projections 38b), and in effect performs the same function as a fin 40, In particular, it is preferable that, before being mounted to the rear plane 12 and the pins 24a, 24b, 28, the second cover 14 is fitted with a plurality of conductive fixing contacts 50, wherein a contact 50 is in each space in the base 16 of the second cover 14 in which a second flap of a ground pin 28 would otherwise reside. The insertion of the contact 50 is generally similar to the insertion of the shields 26 towards the base 16. As seen in Figure 7B, each fixing contact 50 has generally opposite flat sides, and as it is placed in the second cover 14 of the collector The secondary 10b is electrically contacted on at least one side by a ground shield 26 in the secondary manifold 10a on a flat side of said fixing contact 50. When the second cover 14 slides over the distal end of each pin 24a, 24b, 28 and moves toward the back plane 12, then, each fastener contact 50 in said second cover 14 electrically contacts the side of a securely respective ground pin 28 and maintains an interference fit therewith. Preferably, each fixing contact 50 includes an elastic or spring portion 52 in oriented relation to the side of the respective ground pin 28 to assist in electrically contacting the respective ground pin 28 securely and to maintain the interference fit with the ground pin. same. As with the fin 40, each fastener contact 50 engages the projections 38b on the contacted earth shields 26. However, any other suitable mechanism may be employed to perform such functions without abandoning the spirit and scope of the present invention. With these fixing contacts 50, ground cough protectors 26 in the second cover 14 are electrically coupled to the ground pins 28. In addition, the second complete cover 14 is secured to the back plane 12. The interference fit between the fixing contacts 50 and the ground pins 28 secures the second cover 14 to the back plane 12. In the foregoing description, it can be seen that the present invention comprises a new and useful manifold 10 for mounting to a circuit substrate such as a backplane 12. The manifold 10 may have multiple differential signal pairs 24p in relatively high density, and ground protectors 26 for each pair 24p so that each pair 24p of pins 24a, 24b of signal ST protect from each other pair 24p of pins 24a, 24b of signal by said protectors 26. of earth. In addition, the collector is practical and is manufactured relatively easily. It should be noted by those skilled in the art that-changes could be made to the above-described modalities without abandoning the inventive concepts thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described, but is intended cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. "

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS 1. - An electric connector body comprising; one base; a plurality of openings in the base to secure contacts to the base; a plurality of earth protectors residing within the base; where the adjacent ground protectors are arranged in opposite orientations, 2.- The electric connector body. according to claim 1, wherein the earth protectors reside fully within the base. 3. The electrical connector body according to claim 1, in combination with ground pins and signal pins disposed within corresponding openings in the base to form a manifold connector. 4.- The electric connector body, d? according to claim 3, wherein the ground pins have a fin for coupling, the protector d? Earth. 5.- The electric connector body d? according to claim 3, wherein one of the ground pins engages the adjacent earth protectors, 6.- • The electric connector body. according to claim 5, wherein each of the adjacent ground shields has a projection extending to the other adjacent ground shield. " 7. - The electric connector body according to claim 6, wherein the projection is a protrusion on a surface of the earth protector. 8.- The electric connector body > according to claim 6, wherein the projection is a tongue extending from the ground protector. 9. The electric condenser body according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of intermediate earth protectors, each of the intermediate earth protectors disposed between the adjacent ground protectors. 10, - The electric connector body according to claim 1, wherein the adjacent ground protectors are arranged in a mirror image. 11. - A manifold, comprising: - a body a plurality of signal pins extending from the body; and a plurality of generally L-shaped ground protectors within the body, each ground protector associated with a corresponding one of the signal pins. v 12. - The collector according to claim 11, wherein the signal pins are arranged in columns, the ground protectors are arranged in columns, and at least one column of the ground protectors resides between adjacent columns of the signal pins, 13. The collector according to claim 12, wherein at least two columns of the ground protectors reside between adjacent columns of the signal pins. 14. The collector according to claim 13, wherein two columns of the signal pins are flanked on both sides by two columns of the ground protectors. 15.- The collector in accordance with; Claim 11, further comprising ground pins extending through the body, each ground pin corresponding to at least one of the ground protectors. 16. The collector according to claim 15, further comprising a plurality of intermediate earth protectors within the body, each intermediate earth protector making contact with a corresponding one of the ground protectors and a corresponding one of the ground pins to connect the ground pin to the protector d? Earth. 17, - The collector according to claim 15, wherein the ground pins comprise a fin to make contact with the ground protectors. 18. The collector according to claim 15, wherein at least some of the ground pins correspond to two earth protectors. 19. The collector according to claim 18, wherein the ground pins are arranged interstitially with respect to the signal pins. 20. The collector according to claim 18, wherein two adjacent ground protectors each have a projection extending toward the other ground protector, 21. - A collector, comprising: -, a body; a plurality of earth protectors in the body; a plurality of reception areas positioned between adjacent ground protectors; a plurality of ground pins that extend through the body, each having a longitudinal portion generally deviated from the receiving area; and a plurality of conductive elements, each disposed within the receiving area for connecting a corresponding one of the ground pins to a corresponding one of the ground protectors. 22. The collector according to claim 21, wherein the conductive element is a part of the ground pin extending transverse to the longitudinal portion. 23. The collector according to claim 21, wherein the conductive element is an intermediate earth protector. 24. A collector system that can be mounted to a circuit substrate having first and second opposite sides, comprising: a first collector capable of being placed on the first side of the circuit substrate and including: a body; a plurality of earth protectors in the body; and a plurality of openings in the body; and a second manifold capable of being placed on the second side of the circuit substrate and including: a body, a plurality of earth protectors in the body, a plurality of intermediate earth protectors in the body, each corresponding to and making contact with at least one of the ground protectors, and a plurality of openings in the body; And a plurality of ground pins, each extending through a corresponding one of the openings in the first and second manifold bodies and contacting at least one of the ground protectors in the first manifold and the ground protector intermediate in the second manifold and adapted to pass through the circuit substrate. The collector system according to claim 24, further comprising signal pins, each extending through a corresponding one of the openings in the first and second manifold bodies. 26. The collector system according to claim 25, wherein the signal pins are arranged in columns, the ground protectors are arranged in columns and the columns of the ground protectors are placed between adjacent columns of the pins of the ground. signal, 27. The collector system according to claim 26, wherein two columns of the signal pins flank each of two columns of ground protectors, 28, - The collector system according to claim 27, wherein the ground pins each comprise: a longitudinally extending section for contacting the intermediate earth protector in the second manifold; and a cross section extending from the longitudinally extending section for contacting the earth protector in the first manifold. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A manifold assembly is mounted to a backplane and receives a complementary electrical connector. The collector assembly has an insulating cover having a base with backplane and connector sides and a primary edge, and pairs of differential signal pins, ground protectors, and ground pins mounted to the base. The pairs of signal pins are arranged in rows extending in a first direction along the base and along the primary base edge, and columns extending in a second direction perpendicular along the base. The signal pins in each pair are arranged adjacent to a sub-line extending in the first direction. Each signal pin in a pair has an inner side oriented to the other pin in the pair, an opposite external side, and primary sides. and non-primary oriented towards and away from the primary base edge, respectively, A ground protector is associated with each signal pin. Each earth protector extends through the base between the connector side and the backplane side, and includes first and second joined fins disposed at right angles. The first fin extends along d? the first adjacent direction and along either the primary or non-primary side of the associated signal pin, and the second fin extends along the second adjacent-direction and along the outer side of the associated signal pin. The protectors d? earth in combination isolate substantially d? electromagnetic way inside the base each pair of signal pins d? all the others. Each ground pin makes electrical contact with at least one earth protector on the second wing thereof.