Advanced microelectronic connector assembly and method of manufacturing

Apparatus for providing visual indication in a multi-port connector, comprising:

• a plurality of light sources;
• a plurality of optically transmissive conduits each in optical communication with at least one of said light sources;
• and
• a frame adapted to maintain said plurality of light sources in said communication;
• wherein said light sources, optically transmissive conduits, and said carrier element comprises a substantially unitary assembly.

A multi-port connector having a plurality of ports arranged in row-and-column fashion within a housing, said connector comprising:

• a plurality of component-bearing substrates disposed within said connector in a substantially vertical orientation;
• a plurality of conductor sets communication with respective ones of said ports and substrates;
• and
• a light pipe assembly disposed removably on the rear portion of said connector;
• wherein said light pipe assembly may be removed or installed on said connector without movement of said substrates.

A multi-port connector having a plurality of ports arranged in row-and-column fashion within a housing, said connector comprising:

• a plurality of component-bearing substrates disposed within said connector housing in a substantially vertical orientation;
• a plurality of first conductor sets in communication with respective ones of said ports and substrates;
• an external noise shield disposed around said housing;
• and
• a light pipe assembly disposed removably on the rear portion of said connector;
• wherein said light pipe assembly may be removed or installed on said connector without removal of said noise shield.

A multi-port connector having a plurality of ports arranged in row-and-column fashion within a housing, said connector comprising:

• a plurality of component-bearing substrates disposed within said connector in a substantially vertical orientation;
• at least one base substrate disposed at the mounting face of said connector;
• a plurality of first conductor sets communication with respective ones of said ports and component bearing substrates;
• a plurality of second conductor sets in communication with said component-bearing substrates and said at least one base substrate;
• and
• a light pipe assembly having a plurality of light pipes having distal portions disposed only along one row of said ports.

A method of manufacturing an indicator assembly, comprising:

• forming a unitary assembly having a plurality of individual conduits, a frame, and a light source recess;
• forming a light source carrier adapted to receive a plurality of light sources, and fit within said recess;
• providing a plurality of light sources;
• inserting said light sources within said carrier;
• and
• inserting said carrier within said recess, thereby forming said light conduit assembly.

A method of manufacturing a connector with integral indicator assembly, comprising:

• forming a multi-port connector assembly having a housing, conductors, and at least one internal substrate;
• providing an external noise shield adapted to fit over at least portions of said housing;
• installing said noise shield over said housing;
• forming a unitary assembly having a plurality of individual conduits, a frame, and a light source recess;
• forming a light source carrier adapted to receive a plurality of light sources, and fit within the recess;
• providing a plurality of light sources;
• inserting the light sources within the carrier;
• inserting the carrier within the recess;
• and
• mating the indicator assembly with the connector housing.

A multi-port connector having a plurality of ports arranged in row-and-column fashion within a housing, said connector comprising:

• a plurality of component-bearing substrates disposed within said connector in a substantially vertical orientation;
• a plurality of conductor sets communication with respective ones of said ports and substrates;
• and
• a light pipe assembly disposed on the rear portion of said connector, said light pipe assembly having a plurality of light pipes with distal portions associated therewith;
• wherein said distal portions of said light pipes are disposed asymmetrically within said housing.