Published SFF-TA-1033 Rev 1.0
Internal High-Speed Cable / Modular Connector System Page 12
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3.3 Definitions
Alignment guides: A term used to describe features that pre-align the two halves of a connector interface before
electrical contact is established. Other common terms include: guide pins, guide posts, blind mating features,
mating features, alignment features, and mating guides.
Connector: Each half of an interface that, when joined together, establish electrical contact and mechanical
retention between two components. In this specification, the term connector does not apply to any specific gender;
it is used to describe the receptacle, the plug or the card edge, or the union of receptacle to plug or card edge.
Other common terms include: connector interface, mating interface, and separable interface.
Contact mating sequence: A term used to describe the order of electrical contact established/ terminated during
mating/un-mating. Other terms include: contact sequencing, contact positioning, mate first/break last, EMLB (early
mate late break) staggered contacts, and long pin/short pin.
Contacts: A term used to describe connector terminals that make electrical connections across a separable
interface.
Dual-exit: A term used to describe the ability of a board connector that could accept the insertion by multiple plug
connector types, such as right angle, reverse right angle, etc. This type of board connector accommodates the
latching of those plug types with latch slots located on both sides of the connector.
Module: In this specification, module may refer to a plug assembly at the end of a copper (electrical) cable
(passive).
Plug: A term used to describe the connector that contains the penetrating contacts of the connector interface as
shown in Figure 3-1. Plugs typically contain stationary contacts. Other common terms include male, pin connector,
and card edge.
Figure 3-1 Plug and Receptacle Definition
Plated through hole termination: A term used to describe a termination style in which rigid pins extend into or
through the PCB. Pins are soldered to keep the connector or cage in place. Other common terms are through hole
or PTH.
Press fit: A term used to describe a termination style in which collapsible pins penetrate the surface of a PCB.
Upon insertion, the pins collapse to fit inside the PCB’s plated through holes. The connector or cage is held in place
by the interference fit between the collapsed pins and the PCB.
Receptacle: A term used to describe the connector that contains the contacts that accept the plug contacts as
shown in Figure 3-1. Receptacles typically contain spring contacts. Other common terms include female and socket
connector.