Advanced backward compatible connector assembly for electrically connecting computer subsystems

A receptacle for use in a connector assembly that facilitates electrical communication between a first computer subsystem and a second computer subsystem which are connected via a receiver assembly, the receiver assembly including a plurality of connector receivers, the receptacle adapted to be electrically connected to the first computer subsystem and coupled with the second computer subsystem via the receiver assembly, the receptacle comprising

• a plurality of spaced-apart first connectors each having a first connector length,
• a plurality of spaced-apart second connectors each having a second connector length that is shorter than the first connector length;
• and
• a housing configured to prevent engagement between the second connectors and any of the connector receivers while allowing each of the first connectors to engage a corresponding connector receiver when the combined quantity of first and second connectors is greater than the quantity of connector receivers.

A receiver assembly for use in a connector assembly that facilitates electrical communication between a first computer subsystem and a second computer subsystem, the receiver assembly adapted to be coupled between the first computer subsystem and the second computer subsystem, the receiver assembly comprising

• a first row of substantially collinear spaced-apart first connector receivers;
• a second row of substantially collinear spaced-apart first connector receivers,
• each first connector receiver having a first receiver depth;
• and
• a plurality of spaced apart second connector receivers each having a second receiver depth that is different than the first receiver depth, the second connector receivers being interspersed between and substantially collinear with the first connector receivers along at least one of the rows of first connector receivers so that each of the second connector receivers is positioned substantially between a corresponding pair of the first connector receivers to receive a corresponding set of second connectors that are positioned substantially between and collinear with a row of substantially collinear first connectors.