Multichannel transmission line connector assembly

A multichannel transmission line connector assembly for coupling to a multichannel transmission line, the multichannel transmission line having multiple conductors for carrying electrical power, control, data and ground signals;

• the connector assembly comprising:
• a plug;
• the plug having a single linear array of first complementary coupling parts adapted for direct connection to associated conductors within the transmission line used to carry the power, control and data signals;
• a receptacle detachably connected to the plug;
• the receptacle having a single linear array of second complementary coupling parts for electrical connection to the associated first complementary coupling parts when the plug is connected to the receptacle, the linear arrays of the first and second coupling parts being arrayed in a first direction, individual pairs of mated first and second complementary coupling parts having outer ends which are oriented to extend in a second direction transverse to the first direction when the plug is connected to the receptacle;
• the receptacle also having a conductive ground signal plate with opposing ends and opposing sides, the ground signal plate extending in the first direction along the linear arrays of the first and second coupling parts in a strip line configuration so that the opposing ends align approximately with or project beyond outer most ones of the second complementary coupling parts, the ground signal plate extending in the second direction so that the opposing sides align approximately with or project beyond the outer ends of the mated pairs of first and second coupling parts when the plug is connected to the receptacle;
• and
• a conductive interconnector adapted for electrically coupling the ground signal plate to one or more conductors within the transmission line used to carry the ground signal.