High density, high speed connector

An electrical connector assembly comprising:

• a first and a second boards extending parallel to each other with conductive pads formed thereon;
• a receptacle connector mounted on said first board, said receptacle connector comprising:
• a receptacle housing including a general flat base and defining a plurality of passageways extending through said base, each passageway forming a retaining portion;
• a plurality of receptacle contacts assembled to said receptacle housing and partially received in corresponding passageways, said contact having a retaining tab resting against said retaining portion for limiting an up-to-down movement of the contact with respect to the housing;
• and
• a stabilizer assembled to said receptacle housing and defining two opposite, planar faces and a plurality of cavities, said receptacle contacts projecting through said cavities and extending beyond said planar face of said stabilizer;
• and
• a plug mounted on said second board, said plug comprising a plug housing and a plurality of blade contacts received in said plug housing and adapted to engage with said receptacle contacts of said receptacle to thereby establishing an electrical connection between said first and second boards.