Modular connector family for board mounting and cable applications

A connector family intended for application as a cable assembly and as a board mounted connector, the family comprising:

• contacts;
• a central housing holding the contacts and having top, bottom and end walls that define an outer envelope of the central housing, the central housing having a connector mating face and a board mounting interface, the board mounting interface being configured to directly abut against a circuit board when used as a board mounted connector;
• and
• a removable outer shell provided over the central housing, the outer shell having an inner chamber shaped to fit about the outer envelope of the central housing, the outer shell at least partially enclosing the board mounting interface and at least partially exposing the connector mating face of the central housing, the outer shell having a rear wall configured to provide strain relief to a cable when used as a cable assembly.