Active area network connector

#The present invention relates to local area networks generally and more particularly to connectors useful in local area networks.

#The following U.S. Patents are believed to represent the current state of the art: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,062,908; 6,116,963; 6,325,664; 6,176,741; 6,193,560; 6,224,425; 4,726,790; 4,729,743; 4,804,332; 4,929,196; 5,057,041; 5,112,253; 5,865,648; 5,397,250; 5,094,629; 5,102,354; 5,147,223; 5,151,054; 5,158,482; 5,213,522; 5,224,878; 5,266,054; 5,286,221; 5,344,342. 6,473,608

#The disclosures of all publications mentioned in the specification and of the publications cited therein are hereby incorporated by reference.

#The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

#FIGS. 1A and 1B are respective exploded view and assembled pictorial illustrations of a connector element forming part of an active connector constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

#FIGS. 2A and 2B are respective exploded view and assembled pictorial illustrations of an active connector employing the connector element of FIGS. 1A and 1B, which is constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

#Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A and 1B, which are respective exploded view and assembled pictorial illustrations of an active connector element forming part of an active connector constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The active connector element preferably comprises an insulative substrate 100, typically formed of plastic and having a step shape.

#Substrate 100 preferably includes a first planar portion 102, which terminates in an upstanding portion 104. Upstanding portion 104 terminates in a second planar portion 106, which extends generally parallel to and offset from planar portion 102. Second planar portion 106 is preferably formed with a plurality of generally parallel extending elongate recesses 108 in which are preferably disposed principal elongate portions 110 of bent electrical contacts 112, which preferably also include shorter elongate portions 114 which are angled with respect to portions 110, typically by 30 degrees.

#An electrical circuit board 120 onto which is formed an active electrical circuit, preferably as shown in any of FIGS. 4A-4D, is mounted onto substrate 100. Preferably a plurality of pins 122 is attached to circuit board 120. Pins 122 preferably extend through corresponding apertures 123 and 124 formed in the circuit board 120 and in the first planar portion 102, respectively.