Selectively plated plastic part

#The exemplary and non-limiting embodiments relate generally to an electrical connector and, more particularly, to an electrical connector having a Selectively Plated Plastic Part (SPPP).

#Members which are Selectively Plated Plastic Parts (SPPP) are known.

#The foregoing aspects and other features are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment;

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one of the components used in the example shown in FIG. 1;

#Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an electrical connector 10 incorporating features of an example embodiment. Although the features will be described with reference to the example embodiments shown in the drawings, it should be understood that features can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.

#FIG. 1 shows the electrical connector 10 having conductors 12, 14 of a mating electrical connector connected thereto. Referring also to FIG. 2, the connector 10 generally comprises a housing 16 and electrically conductive plating 18. In this example the housing 16 comprises a first housing member 20 and a second housing member 22. The first housing member 20 is made of plastic, such as molded plastic or polymer material.

#In this example the first housing member 20 has a general “H” shaped cross section forming two contact receiving channels 24 therein. The “H” shape creates two contact regions partially enclosed by second housing member 22. Such a configuration may be suitable for creating contact regions for signal conductors forming a differential pair. It should be appreciated that a connector may be constructed in which more or fewer signal conductors are grouped, with each group being surrounded by a second housing member.