Cable backpanel interconnection

U.S. Patent Number: 5380216

Abstract: A backplane assembly includes a backplane board having a plurality of connector assemblies connected thereto for electrical connection with a header mounted on a backplane. The header includes a plurality of pins defining a pin field on the opposite side of the backplane. The pins extend through a mounting rail providing support for a plurality of cable connectors. The mounting rail is stamped and formed to include alignment slots whereas the cable connector is moulded to define alignment ribs. The cable connector housing includes latching arms on opposite sides thereof having locking lugs which lock in place within apertures in the mounting rail. A release mechanism is positioned between the latching arms such that outward movement of the mechanism moves the latching arms together disconnecting the cable connectors from the mounting rail. A twinaxial cable connector inner housing can also be positioned in the cable connector housing, where the inner housing is comprised of outer housings and an inner insert. Twinaxial cable having signal pairs, are aligned with pin receiving openings in the inner housing. Outer shield members are provided with integral terminals which surround the signal contacts to form a fully shielded differential pair of signals.

Inventors: Broeksteeg; Johannes (Hertogensingel, NL), Soes; Lucas (Rosmalen, NL)

Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation (Wilmington, DE)

Application Number: 08/052,054

Issued: 1995-01-10

Expired: 2007-01-10

Classes: 439/352 ; 439/358; 439/680

Field of search: 439/345,350,357,358,180,352,108,610,579,677,680,681

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