High-speed axial connector

Abstract

An electrical connector is provided for connection to a high speed cable, such as of quad cable construction. The connector includes a tubular outer shell having a cavity formed therethrough that extends between loading and mating ends of the shell. A unitary dielectric member is inserted into the cavity and provided with a plurality of contact passages formed therethrough, each of which receives a rear loaded contact. The dielectric member includes a flared section having collets about the perimeter of the dielectric material and extending along a portion of the length of the dielectric material. The collets permit the flared section to collapse onto the contact passages to positively and firmly grip the contacts inserted within the contact passages. The unitary dielectric member affords an easily manufactured connector that maintains the contacts and wires within a predefined geometry with respect to the axis of the connector and at a predefined position along the length of the connector.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.