A connector is formed of printed circuit board (PCB) modules (10). The PCB modules are provided at a mounting interface with surface engaging terminals (22) for interconnecting traces (16) on the PCBs (12) with traces on the mounting substrate. The terminals may comprise compressible or deformable elements formed of conductive elastomeric rods or solder balls fitted into recesses (36) in the board edges. A shield terminal (28) functions as a hold down that is alternately convertible from a through-hole mounting position to a surface mounting position by bending the terminal. The shield terminals (28) are to be joined to shield layers (24) formed on one side of the PCBs (12).

A connector, comprising one or more integrated PCB assemblies, each of said PCB assemblies comprising an insulating substrate, a cover plate and optionally a spacer each of said insulating substrates (16) comprising a predetermined pattern of conductive tracks (11) on a first surface, each of said conducting tracks (11) having one end for connection to one first contact terminal (4), and another end for connection to one second contact terminal (7) recesses are provided between the substrate and the cover with a first set of one or more first recesses (24) arranged for accommodating at least part of one first contact terminal (4) and with a second set of one or more second recesses (25) arranged for accommodating at least part of one second contact terminal (7).

An electrical connector, comprising: a housing; and a plurality of modules received in said housing. Each module comprises: a printed circuit board assembly; and a plurality of contact secured to ends of traces located on outer surfaces of the printed circuit board assembly. The printed circuit board assembly also includes at least one shield layer located between the outer surfaces. A first group of the contacts engage a mating electrical component, and a second group of the contacts engage a circuit board to which the electrical connector mounts.

A connector is formed of printed circuit board (PCB) modules (10). The PCB modules are provided at a mounting interface with surface engaging terminals (22) for interconnecting traces (16) on the PCBs (12) with traces on the mounting substrate. The terminals may comprise compressible or deformable elements formed of conductive elastomeric rods or solder balls fitted into recesses (36) in the board edges. A shield terminal (28) functions as a hold down that is alternately convertible from a through-hole mounting position to a surface mounting position by bending the terminal. The shield terminals (28) are to be joined to shield layers (24) formed on one side of the PCBs (12)

Connectors are formed from insulative, terminal-carrying frames that are open on at least one major surface. The open major surfaces allows rapid insertion of contact terminals and attachment of wires to contact surfaces within the frame. The frame includes wire receiving openings and cavities for positioning wires within the frame. Electrical continuity between the wires and the terminals may be achieved directly or by a circuit substrate that has circuit traces for electrically connecting an attached wire to a connector terminal. High speed cable connectors can be made in an industrially effective manner by such structures.