Capacitively coupled connector for flexible printed circuit applications

A connector assembly for providing a capacitively coupled connection between a plurality of conductive traces on a free end of a length of flexible printed circuitry (“FPC”) and a plurality of planar contacts disposed on a circuit board, the assembly comprising:

• a housing, the housing including a base, two side walls and a cover, each of the base, the two side walls and the cover cooperatively define an interior receptacle in the housing that encloses contact pads associated with the conductive traces;
• and
• a length of FPC having a free end, the free end including a plurality of conductive planar contact surfaces disposed on one surface thereof and a stiffener disposed on the opposite surface, the side edges of the FPC having a pair of notches formed therein, the FPC including a dielectric barrier disposed on the conductive planar contact surfaces to provide a non-conductive member interposed between the conductive planar contact surfaces and opposing conductive traces of the circuit board;
• wherein:
• the housing further includes a pair of engagement arms for engaging the notches to hold the free end in place within the interior receptacle;
• and
• the cover includes means for exerting pressure on the FPC free end to force the dielectric barriers into contact with the contact pads.