| abstract |
An interchangeable impedance tuner for use in an electrical connector has been provided. The tuner is formed of a dielectric material different than air. The interchangeable impedance tuner may include a plurality of dielectric isolation ribs, wherein a dielectric rib is positioned between two adjacent signal and/or ground contacts. The tuner may also include at least one impedance adjusting metal insert and at least one insert receptacle for slidably receiving the impedance adjusting metal insert. Each impedance adjusting metal insert is oriented parallel to a portion of the contacts. Further, each impedance adjusting metal insert overlaps a portion of one of the differential pairs. A shell covering the housing and the tuner. The shell opens to allow removal of the tuner is also provided. Upon removal of one tuner, a different tuner, having different impedance controlling characteristics may be positioned within the cavity of the electrical connector. |