Pluggable connectors for connecting large numbers of electrical and/or optical cables to a module through a seal

A pluggable connector for an electronic module, comprising:

• an electronic module having one or more chips attached to at least one surface of the module,
• a frame surrounding and containing the module,
• a flexible seal located between the frame and the module to surround and contain the module in a gas-tight chamber to reduce contamination of the module from contaminants carried in space exterior to the module,
• at least one connector receptacle fixed in the frame,
• an array of receptacle transmission lines fastened in the connector receptacle and extending through the seal to the module for transmitting signals between the receptacle and a chip of the module, the flexible seal preventing movement of gases to/from the gas-tight chamber upon disengagement of a connector plug from the connector receptacle supported by the frame,
• a connector plug supporting an array of ends of a plurality of external transmission lines, and the connector plug engaging the receptacle external of the frame,
• array alignment means for laterally aligning the array of ends of external transmission lines in V-grooved mating surfaces engaging the connector plug with corresponding ends of receptacle transmission lines in the receptacle connector, and
• independent coefficients of temperature expansion/contraction for the module and for the frame being accommodated by flexing of the receptacle transmission lines on opposite sides of the seal, while maintaining the module in the gas-tight chamber unaffected by engagement and disengagement of the connector plug and the connector receptacle.