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Communications connector that operates in multiple modes for handling multiple signal types

  • US 6,736,681 B2
  • Filed: 10/03/2002
  • Issued: 05/18/2004
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/03/2002
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A communications connector assembly configured to provide at least first and second signal paths, the first signal path corresponding to a path through a first signal processing circuit of the connector assembly that processes a signal from a first one of at least two types of plugs, the second signal path corresponding to a oath through a second signal processing circuit of the connector assembly that processes a signal from a second one of said at least two types of plugs, the connector assembly comprising:

  • a jack configured to mate with said at least two different types of plugs, the jack comprising a wire board having the first and second signal processing circuits thereon, and wherein when the first one of said at least two different types of plugs is mated with the jack, the first signal processing circuit is activated, and wherein when a second one of said at least two different types of plugs is mated with the jack, the second signal processing circuit is activated;

    wherein the wire board has first and second sets of wire board conductors thereon for providing electrical connections to the first and second signal processing circuits, respectively, the contact wires of the jack having fixed ends mechanically and electrically connected to the wire board and free ends suspended from the wire board, the jack being configured such that when the first plug is mated with the jack in a first mating position, the contacts of the first plug abut free ends of respective contact wires of the jack and cause the contact wires of the jack to be deflected onto respective wire board conductors of said first set, thereby activating the first signal processing circuit, and such that when the second plug is mated with the jack in a second mating position, the contacts of the second plug abut said free ends of respective contact wires of the jack and cause the contact wires of the jack to be deflected onto respective wire board conductors of the second set of wire board conductors, thereby activating the second signal processing circuit.

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