High-speed differential pair flat cable with modular twisted-pair data connector

A differential pair flat cable assembly, comprising:

• a flat cable having a planar substrate and a longitudinal axis, the flat cable comprising:
• a differential pair of signal conductors disposed within the planar substrate,
• signal connection pads exposed at an end of the flat cable,
• a shield conductor arranged on an outer surface of the planar substrate, and
• at least one slot extending through the planar substrate and the shield conductor from a first surface to an opposing second surface;
• and
• a connector assembly mounted to the end of the flat cable, the connector assembly comprising:
• an inner signal terminal having a mating contact portion and an attachment tail portion, the attachment tail portion being directly mechanically and electrically attached to the exposed signal connection pads of the differential pair,
• an electrically conductive inner shield terminal surrounding the inner signal terminal including at least one integral vertical tab extending axially from the inner shield terminal toward the flat cable, the vertical tab received within the slot of the flat cable, such that opposed lateral surfaces of the slot constrain lateral movement of the inner shield terminal relative to the flat cable,
• an electrically insulative inner housing radially situated between the inner signal terminal and the inner shield terminal, and
• an outer shield terminal mechanically and electrically joined to the inner shield terminal to form a rigid shield terminal assembly prior to engagement with the flat cable.