Large array surface mount technology connector cradle assembly

An electronic assembly comprising:

• a printed circuit board comprising a plurality of mounting locations;
• and
• a large array connector assembly mechanically coupled to the printed circuit board, the large array connector containing a plurality of wafers, wherein the large array connector assembly comprises:
• a plurality of guide blocks including first and second guide blocks, the first guide block being located at a first end of the large array connector assembly, and the second guide block being located at a second end of the large array connector assembly;
• a first plate mechanically coupled to a first portion of the first guide block and a first portion of the second guide block, the first plate comprising a plurality of slots each for receiving a tab extending from a corresponding wafer so as to substantially prevent movement of the corresponding wafer in first and second directions while allowing a given degree of movement in a third direction;
• and
• a second plate mechanically coupled to a second portion of the first guide block and a second portion of the second guide block.

A large array connector assembly for containing a plurality of wafers, the large array connector assembly comprising:

• a plurality of guide blocks including a first guide block mechanically coupled to a first end of the large array connector assembly, a second guide block mechanically coupled at a second end of the large array connector assembly, a third guide block, and a fourth guide block, wherein the third and fourth guide blocks are mechanically coupled to the large array connector assembly at locations equidistant from the first end and second end, respectively;
• a first plate mechanically coupled to a first portion of the first guide block, a first portion of the second guide block, a first portion of the third guide block, and a first portion of the fourth guide block, the first plate comprising a plurality of slots each for receiving a tab extending from a corresponding wafer so as to substantially prevent movement of the corresponding wafer in first and second directions while allowing a given degree of movement in a third direction;
• and
• a second plate mechanically coupled to a second portion of the first guide block, a second portion of the second guide block, second portion of the third guide block, second portion of the fourth guide block.