Low-profile connector for circuit boards

An electrical connector assembly for interconnecting together two circuit boards, the connector assembly comprising:

• first and second interengaged connector components;
• the first connector component including a first insulative connector housing having opposing first and second surfaces, a plurality of conductive contact pins disposed in the first connector housing and extending past the first connector second surface, said first connector housing further including a plurality of recesses disposed in said first connector housing second surface, the contact pins extending into the recesses, and solder balls disposed in said first connector housing second surface in contact with said contact pins and extending past said first connector housing second surface;
• and,
• the second connector component including a second insulative connector housing having opposing first and second exterior surfaces, a plurality of terminal-receiving cavities formed in the second connector housing, each of the terminal-receiving cavities extending completely through said second connector housing and communicating with said second connector housing first and second surfaces, a plurality of conductive terminals disposed in said terminal-receiving cavities, a single one of the terminals being disposed in a single cavity, each terminal including a body portion extending horizontally within its associated terminal-receiving cavity, the terminal body portion including first and second terminal retention members being disposed along first and second opposing edges of said terminal body portion, and a contact portion extending away from said terminal body portion within a portion of its associated terminal-receiving cavity, the two terminal retention members being embedded in said housing to thereby hold said terminal body portion in place within said second connector housing, said terminal first retention member including an extent folded back upon said terminal body portion along said terminal body portion first edge and said terminal second retention member including a retention stub disposed along said terminal body portion second opposing edge, the retention stub being formed by bending another extent of said terminal body portion at an angle to said terminal body portion, said second connector further including a plurality of solder balls disposed in said terminal-receiving cavities and extending past said second connector housing second surface.;
• and,
• said first connector contact pins extending into said second connector housing terminal-receiving cavities and being engaged with said second connector terminal contact portions when said first and second connector housings are mated together such that said solderballs are arranged on opposite sides thereof.