Multi-chip module connector element and system

A connector element for establishing an electrical connection between two mutually opposed substrate surfaces, comprising:

• a resilient member having a body portion establishing a connector axis and terminating at its opposite ends in respective first and second flag members, the flag members extending axially away from the body portion in respective opposite directions and terminating in electrically conductive contact surfaces for establishing conductive contact with the substrate surfaces, the body portion being disposed in a serpentine, single layer configuration curving about a central axis to define an interior region into which the flag members extend.

A connector element for establishing an electrical connection between two mutually opposed substrate surfaces, comprising:

• a resilient member having a body portion establishing a connector axis and terminating at its opposite ends in respective first and second flag members, the flag members extending axially away from the body portion in respective opposite directions and terminating in electrically conductive contact surfaces for establishing conductive contact with the substrate surfaces, the body portion being disposed in a serpentine, single layer configuration defining an interior region into which the flag members extend, and further comprising leg members attached respectively to one of an end of the resilient member or to a flag member and extending toward each other with each leg member comprising a barb member dimensioned and configured to engage the other barb member upon compression of the flag members.

A connector system for providing electrical continuity between a first plurality of circuit contact pads and a second plurality of circuit contact pads, wherein the first and second pluralities are disposed in corresponding parallel planar arrays, the system comprising:

• a housing defining an array of cells corresponding to the first and second arrays of contacts, each cell having a top opening and a bottom opening for extending axially between one of the contacts in the first plurality and a corresponding contact in the second plurality;
• and
• connector elements disposed within said cells, said connector elements comprising a resilient member having a body portion establishing a connector axis and terminating at its opposite ends in respective first and second flag members, the flag members extending axially away from the body portion in respective opposite directions and terminating in electrically conductive contact surfaces, and protruding through the top openings and bottom openings, respectively, for establishing conductive contact with the pads, wherein the body portion is disposed in a serpentine, single layer configuration curving about a central axis to define an interior region into which the flag members radially extend.