INSERT MOLDED LEADFRAME ASSEMBLY
An insert molded leadframe assembly (IMLA) for an electrical connector is disclosed. The IMLA may include an array of electrically conductive contacts, a dielectric leadframe housing overmolded onto the array of contacts, and a mass disposed within the leadframe housing. The additional mass may shift the IMLA's center of gravity, thereby providing a counterbalance to a non-proportional ball-grid array connector.
1 . A leadframe assembly comprising:
an array of electrically-conductive contacts;
a dielectric leadframe housing overmolded onto the array of contacts
a mass disposed within the leadframe housing such that the leadframe assembly has a first center of gravity in the absence of the mass and a second center of gravity with the mass, wherein the leadframe assembly is unbalanced about the first center of gravity and balanced about the second center of gravity.
2 . The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the mass is metal.
3 . The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the leadframe assembly is disposed on a carrier strip.
4 . The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the mass weighs substantially 3-7 times that of plastic.
5 . An insert molded leadframe assembly (IMLA) having an initial center of gravity, the IMLA comprising:
an overmolded portion; and
a counterweight disposed in the overmolded portion, wherein the counterweight offsets the initial center of gravity to balance the IMLA.
6 . The IMLA of claim 5 wherein the counterweight is metal.
7 . The IMLA of claim 5 , wherein the counterweight weighs substantially 5.5 times that of plastic.
8 . The IMLA of claim 5 , further comprising a carrier strip, wherein the IMLA is disposed on the carrier strip.
9 . The IMLA of claim 5 further including a housing capable of receiving the IMLA.
10 . An insert molded leadframe assembly (IMLA) for being positioned within a connector housing of a right-angle electrical connector, the IMLA comprising:
an array of electrically-conductive contacts;
a dielectric leadframe housing overmolded onto the array of contacts; and
a mass disposed on the leadframe housing such that the mass causes the right-angle connector to be balanced when the IMLA is positioned within the connector housing.
11 . The IMLA of claim 10 , wherein the mass is metal.
12 . The IMLA of claim 10 , wherein the mass weighs substantially 5.5 times that of plastic.
13 . The IMLA of claim 10 , further comprising a carrier strip, wherein the IMLA is disposed on the carrier strip.