Connector assembly with enhanced shielding

A connector assembly, comprising:

• a plug connector;
• and
• a socket connector, wherein:
• the plug connector comprises a plug housing, a plug mating interface, a conductive gasket positioned on an outer surface of the plug housing in a region of the plug mating interface, and a wafer assembly positioned in the plug housing;
• the wafer assembly comprises:
• a plurality of channel shields;
• a pair of signal terminals extending within each of the plurality of channel shields;
• and
• a conductive cable clamp positioned over the plurality of channel shields, each of the plurality of channel shields comprising insert tabs that extend into and provide an interference fit with the conductive cable clamp;
• the socket connector comprises a socket housing and a socket mating interface;
• the conductive gasket is positioned between the plug mating interface and the socket mating interface;
• the plurality of channel shields extend through apertures in the conductive gasket in the region of the plug mating interface;
• and
• the conductive gasket comprises a foam multi-laminate having conductive materials disposed in the foam multi-laminate.

A connector, comprising:

• a housing;
• a conductive gasket positioned on an outer surface of the housing;
• and
• a wafer assembly positioned in the housing, the wafer assembly comprising:
• a plurality of channel shields;
• a pair of signal terminals extending within each of the plurality of channel shields;
• and
• a conductive cable clamp positioned over the plurality of channel shields, wherein:
• each of the plurality of channel shields comprises insert tabs that extend into and provide an interference fit with the conductive cable clamp;
• the plurality of channel shields extend through apertures in the conductive gasket;
• and
• the conductive gasket comprises a foam multi-laminate having conductive materials disposed in the foam multi-laminate.