阅读说明：本技术 包括具有气流通道的插座笼的通信系统 (Communication system including receptacle cage with airflow channels ) 是由 A.M.沙夫 于 2019-08-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种通信系统(100),包括具有气流开口(150)的电路板(102),该通信系统包括插座笼(110),其配置为邻近通信连接器(104)安装到电路板。插座笼具有壁(114),包括限定腔(140)的前壁(138)、后壁(136)和侧壁(134)。模块通道(118)限定在腔中,其配置为接收可插拔模块(106)。模块通道在前壁处具有模块端口(122),其接收所述可插拔模块。气流通道(220)由插座笼的至少一个壁限定,其位于模块通道和电路板之间。气流通道配置为与电路板中的气流开口流体连通,以冷却模块通道中的可插拔模块。气流通道在前壁处具有气流端口(210)。(A communication system (100) includes a circuit board (102) having an airflow opening (150), the communication system including a receptacle cage (110) configured to be mounted to the circuit board adjacent a communication connector (104). The receptacle cage has walls (114) including a front wall (138), a rear wall (136), and side walls (134) defining a cavity (140). A module channel (118) is defined in the cavity that is configured to receive a pluggable module (106). The module channel has a module port (122) at the front wall that receives the pluggable module. An airflow channel (220) is defined by at least one wall of the receptacle cage, which is located between the module channel and the circuit board. The airflow channel is configured to be in fluid communication with an airflow opening in the circuit board to cool the pluggable module in the module channel. The airflow channel has an airflow port (210) at the front wall.)

1. A communication system (100) for a circuit board (102) having an airflow opening (150), the communication system comprising:

a receptacle cage (110) configured to be mounted to a circuit board adjacent a communications connector (104), the receptacle cage having a wall (114) including a front wall (138), a rear wall (136), and side walls (134) defining a cavity (140);

a module channel (118) in the cavity configured to receive a pluggable module (106), the module channel having a module port (122) at the front wall that receives the pluggable module;

an airflow channel (220) defined by at least one of the receptacle cage walls (114) and located between the module channel and the circuit board, the airflow channel configured to be in fluid communication with an airflow opening in the circuit board to cool a pluggable module in the module channel, the airflow channel having an airflow port (210) at the front wall.

2. The communication system (100) of claim 1, wherein the wall (114) of the receptacle cage (110) includes a bottom wall (132) that defines the airflow channel (220).

3. The communication system (100) of claim 1, wherein the airflow channel (220) opens into the module channel (118).

4. The communication system (100) of claim 1, wherein the module channel (118) is configured to receive a pluggable module body (180) of a pluggable module (106), and the airflow channel (220) is configured to receive the heat sink fins (186) of the pluggable module.

5. The communication system (100) of claim 1, wherein the wall (114) of the receptacle cage (110) further comprises a partition panel (200) located below the module channel (118), the partition panel defining the airflow channel (220).

6. The communication system (100) of claim 5, wherein the partition panel (200) includes an upper wall (202) extending along the module channel (118) and a lower wall (204) configured to extend along the circuit board (102), the upper wall being separated from the lower wall by a gap (206) defining the airflow channel (220).

7. The communication system (100) of claim 1, wherein the walls (114) of the receptacle cage (110) include a bottom wall (132) below the module channel (118) and defining the module channel, the bottom wall configured to rise above the circuit board (102), the airflow channel (220) being below the bottom wall and defined by the bottom wall and the circuit board.

8. The communication system (100) of claim 1, further comprising a lower heat sink (144) in fluid communication with the airflow passage (220) and configured to be in thermal contact with the pluggable module (106) to dissipate heat from the pluggable module.

9. The communication system (100) of claim 1, wherein the module channel is a lower module channel (118), and the cavity (140) includes an upper module channel (116) configured to receive an upper pluggable module (106).

10. The communication system (100) of claim 1, further comprising a circuit board (102) having a cage mounting area (148) at which the receptacle cage (110) is mounted to the circuit board and an airflow opening (150) within the cage mounting area, the airflow channel (220) being in fluid communication with the airflow opening.

Technical Field

The subject matter herein relates generally to communication systems.

Background

Some communication systems utilize communication connectors to interconnect various components of the system for data communication. Some known communication systems use pluggable modules, such as I/O modules, that are electrically connected to the communication connectors. Conventional communication systems suffer from performance problems, particularly when transmitting at high data rates. Known communication systems provide electrical shielding, for example in the form of a receptacle cage surrounding the communication connector and the pluggable module to provide electrical shielding. At high data rates, however, pluggable modules generate a significant amount of heat. Heat dissipation in conventional communication systems is problematic, particularly for lower pluggable modules in systems having a stacked arrangement, because the space for the heat sink or other heat dissipating element of the lower pluggable module is small.

There remains a need for a communication system with efficient heat dissipation.

Disclosure of Invention

In accordance with the present invention, a communication system is provided that includes a circuit board having an airflow opening, the communication system including a receptacle cage configured to be mounted to the circuit board adjacent a communication connector. The receptacle cage has walls including a front wall, a rear wall, and side walls defining a cavity. A module channel is defined in the cavity that is configured to receive a pluggable module. The module channel has a module port at the front wall that receives a pluggable module. An airflow passage is defined by at least one wall of the receptacle cage between the module passage and the circuit board. The airflow channel is configured to be in fluid communication with an airflow opening in the circuit board to cool the pluggable module in the module channel. The airflow channel has an airflow port at the front wall.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a communication system including a receptacle connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a front perspective view of a telecommunications connector of the jack connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of a pluggable module of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment.

Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of a pluggable module in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a front perspective view of a receptacle cage of the receptacle connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a partial cut-away view of a portion of a communication system according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a front perspective view of a receptacle cage of the receptacle connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a partial cut-away view of a portion of a communication system according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a partial cut-away view of a portion of a communication system according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a front perspective view of a receptacle cage of the receptacle connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a partial cut-away view of a portion of a communication system according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a front perspective view of a receptacle cage of the receptacle connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a communication system 100 formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The communication system includes a circuit board 102 and a receptacle connector assembly 104 mounted to the circuit board 102. The pluggable module 106 is configured to electrically connect to the receptacle connector assembly 104. The pluggable module 106 is electrically connected to the circuit board 102 through the receptacle connector assembly 104.

In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector assembly 104 includes a receptacle cage 110 and a communication connector 112 adjacent the receptacle cage 110. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the communication connector 112 is received in the receptacle cage 110. In other various embodiments, the communication connector 112 may be located behind the receptacle cage 110. In various embodiments, the receptacle cage 110 is enclosed and provides electrical shielding for the communication connector 112. The pluggable modules 106 are loaded into the receptacle cage 110 and are at least partially surrounded by the receptacle cage 110. The receptacle cage 110 includes a plurality of walls 114 that define one or more module channels for receiving corresponding pluggable modules 106. The wall 114 may be a wall defined by a solid sheet, a perforated wall that allows airflow therethrough, a wall with a cutout (e.g., a heat sink or heat spreader passing through a cutout), or a wall defined by a rail or beam with a relatively large opening (e.g., airflow passing through an opening). In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 is a shielded stamped cage member, wherein the walls 114 are shielding walls 114. In other embodiments, the receptacle cage 110 may be open between frame members (e.g., rails or beams) to provide cooling airflow for the pluggable modules 106, the frame members of the receptacle cage 110 defining guide rails for guiding loading of the pluggable modules 106 into the receptacle cage 110.

In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 constitutes a stacked cage member having an upper module passage 116 and a lower module passage 118. The receptacle cage 110 has upper and lower module ports 120, 122 that open into the module channels 116, 118 that receive the pluggable module 106. Any number of module channels may be provided in various embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 includes upper and lower module channels 116, 118 arranged in a single column, however, in alternative embodiments, the receptacle cage 110 may include multiple columns of ganged module channels 116, 118 (e.g., 2 x 2, 3 x 2, 4 x 3, etc.). The receptacle connector assembly 104 is configured to mate with the pluggable module 106 in two stacked module channels 116, 118. Alternatively, a plurality of communication connectors 112 may be disposed within the receptacle cage 110, such as when multiple columns of module passages 116, 118 are provided.

In the exemplary embodiment, the walls 114 of the receptacle cage 110 include a top wall 130, a bottom wall 132, and side walls 134 that extend between the top wall 130 and the bottom wall 132. The bottom wall 132 may rest on the circuit board 102. However, in alternative embodiments, the bottom wall 132 may be raised a distance above the circuit board 102 to define a gap below the bottom wall 132, for example, for airflow. In other various embodiments, the receptacle cage 110 may be provided without the bottom wall 132. Optionally, the walls 114 of the receptacle cage 110 may include a rear wall 136 and a front wall 138 at a front of the receptacle cage 110. The module ports 120, 122 are disposed in the front wall 138. The wall 114 defines a cavity 140. For example, the cavity 140 may be defined by the top wall 130, the bottom wall 132, the side walls 134, the rear wall 136, and the front wall 138. Other walls 114 may separate or divide the cavity 140 into individual module channels 116, 118. For example, wall 114 may include one or more divider walls between upper module channel 116 and lower module channel 118. In various embodiments, wall 114 may include a divider panel between upper module channel 116 and lower module channel 118. The divider panel may form a space between upper module channel 116 and lower module channel 118, for example, for air flow, heat sinks, routing light pipes, or other purposes. In other various embodiments, the walls 114 may include a divider panel at the bottom of the receptacle cage 110, thereby defining an airflow channel between the lower module channel 118 and the circuit board 102 to allow airflow below the lower module channel 118.

In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 may include one or more gaskets 142 at the front wall 138 for providing electrical shielding for the module channels 116, 118. For example, the gasket 142 may be configured to electrically connect with the pluggable module 106 received in the corresponding module channel 116, 118. Gaskets 142 may be provided at the module ports 120, 122.

In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector assembly 104 may include one or more heat sinks 144 for dissipating heat from the pluggable module 106. For example, the heat sink 144 may be coupled to the top wall 130 for engaging the upper pluggable module 106 received in the upper module channel 116. The heat sink 144 may extend through an opening in the top wall 130 to directly engage the pluggable module 106. In alternative embodiments, other types of heat sinks may be provided. Optionally, the receptacle connector assembly 104 may include one or more heat sinks for engaging the lower pluggable module 106 and the lower module passageway 118. For example, a lower heat sink may be provided in the divider panel between upper module channel 116 and lower module channel 118. In other various embodiments, the lower heat sink may be disposed below the lower module channel 118, such as between the lower module channel 118 and the circuit board 102, or in a separate panel between the lower module channel 118 and the circuit board 102.

In the exemplary embodiment, communication connector 112 is received in cavity 140, such as near rear wall 136. However, in alternative embodiments, the communication connector 112 may be located behind the rear wall 136 outside of the receptacle cage 110 and extend into the cavity 140 to interface with the pluggable module(s) 106. In an exemplary embodiment, a single communication connector 112 is used to electrically connect a pair of stacked pluggable modules 106 located in an upper module passage 116 and a lower module passage 118. In an alternative embodiment, the communication system 100 may include discrete and stacked communication connectors 112 (e.g., upper and lower communication connectors) for mating with corresponding pluggable modules 106.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable module 106 is loaded through the front wall 138 to mate with the communication connector 112. The shield walls 114 of the receptacle cage 110 provide electrical shielding around the communication connector 112 and the pluggable module 106, e.g., around the mating interface between the communication connector 112 and the pluggable module 106. The communication connector 112 may be coupled to the circuit board 102 at a connector mounting region 146 of the circuit board 102. In other various embodiments, the communication connector 112 may be a cable communication connector located in or near the receptacle cage 110 for mating with the pluggable module 106. The receptacle cage 110 is mounted to the circuit board 102 at a cage mounting area 148. The cage mounting area 148 is defined by the footprint of the receptacle cage 110. For example, the cage mounting area 148 is defined by the front wall 138, the rear wall 136, and the side walls 134 extending therebetween. Alternatively, the cage mounting area 148 may have a rectangular surface area with a length defined between the front and rear of the receptacle cage 110 and a width defined between the sides of the receptacle cage 110. The connector mounting area 146 is defined by the footprint of the communication connector 112 and is contained within the cage mounting area 148. In the exemplary embodiment, connector mounting area 146 is within a cage mounting area 148 that receives receptacle cage 110. Alternatively, the connector mounting area 146 may be rearward of the cage mounting area 148.

In an exemplary embodiment, the circuit board 102 includes airflow openings 150 therethrough that allow airflow into and out of the receptacle cage 110. In the exemplary embodiment, airflow openings 150 are contained within cage mounting area 148 forward of connector mounting area 146. In various embodiments, the airflow openings 150 may extend substantially the entire width of the receptacle cage 110. For example, the width of the airflow opening 150 may be approximately equal to the width of the communication connector 112. In an exemplary embodiment, the airflow openings 150 are in fluid communication with the lower pluggable module 106 and the lower module passageway 118 for cooling the lower pluggable module 106. For example, airflow channels may be provided below and/or around the lower pluggable module 106 that allow air to flow along one or more surfaces of the lower pluggable module 106 to dissipate heat from the lower pluggable module 106. Alternatively, the airflow passage may be open at the front wall 138 to draw airflow through the receptacle cage 110 through the airflow openings 150 in the circuit board 102.

Fig. 2 is a front perspective view of the communication connector 112 according to an exemplary embodiment. The telecommunications connector 112 includes a housing 160 that holds a stack of contact modules 162. The contact module stack 162 is a stack of individual contact modules, each having a plurality of contacts configured to be mounted to the circuit board 102. The housing 160 is defined by an upstanding body portion 164 having a mating end 166, such as at the front of the upstanding body portion 164 at the mating end 166. The body portion 164 may be molded from a dielectric material (e.g., a plastic material) to form the housing 160. The housing 160 may be open at the bottom or rear to receive the contact module stack 162. In alternative embodiments, rather than having a stack of contact modules, the housing 160 may retain individual contacts between the mating end 166 and the mounting end 168 that are configured to be mounted to the circuit board 102.

An upper extension 170 and a lower extension 172 extend from the body portion 164 to define a stepped mating surface. For a single port cage member, the communication connector 112 may include only a single extension. A mating slot 174, such as a circuit card-receiving slot, is provided in each extension 170, 172 to receive a mating component, such as a plug connector, a card lip of a circuit card of the corresponding pluggable module 106 (as shown in fig. 1), or other type of mating component. A plurality of contacts 176 are exposed within the mating slots 174 for mating with contact pads on the card edge of a corresponding pluggable module 106. The contacts 176 have tails that extend from the mounting end 168 for termination to the circuit board 102. For example, the tails of the contacts 176 may constitute pins that are received in plated through holes of the circuit board 102. Alternatively, the tails of the contacts 176 may be terminated to the circuit board 102 in other manners, such as by surface mounting to the circuit board 102. The contact module stack 162 may include signal contact modules and ground contact modules, or may include contact modules having both signal contacts and ground contacts. In various embodiments, the contact modules may be overmolded leadframes.

Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the pluggable module 106 according to an exemplary embodiment. The pluggable module 106 has a pluggable body 180, which may be defined by one or more housings. The pluggable body may be thermally conductive and/or may be electrically conductive to provide EMI shielding for the pluggable module 106. The pluggable body 180 includes a mating end 182 and an opposite front end 184. The mating end 182 is configured to be inserted into a corresponding module channel 116 or 118 (as shown in fig. 1). The front end 184 may be a cable end having a cable extending therefrom to another component within the system.

The pluggable module 106 includes a module circuit board 188 configured to communicatively couple to the communication connector 112 (shown in fig. 1). The module circuit board 188 is accessible at the mating end 182. The module circuit board 188 may include components, circuitry, etc. for operating and/or using the pluggable module 106. For example, the module circuit board 188 may have conductors, traces, pads, electronics, sensors, controllers, switches, inputs, outputs, etc. associated with the module circuit board 188 that may be mounted to the module circuit board 188 to form various circuits.

The pluggable module 106 includes an outer perimeter that defines an exterior 194 of the pluggable body 180. The outer portion 194 extends between the mating end 182 and the front end 184 of the pluggable module 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable body 180 provides thermal transfer to the module circuit board 188, such as to electronic components on the module circuit board 188. For example, the module circuit board 188 is in thermal communication with the pluggable body 180, and the pluggable body 180 transfers heat from the module circuit board 188. In an exemplary embodiment, the pluggable body 180 includes a plurality of heat transfer fins 186 along at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the pluggable module 106. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, fins 186 are disposed along end 195; however, the fins 186 may additionally or alternatively be disposed along the sides 197, 198 and/or the opposite ends 196. The fins 186 transfer heat away from the main housing of the pluggable body 180 and, thus, away from the module circuit board 188 and associated components. Fins 186 are separated by gaps 187 that allow airflow or other cooling flow along the surface of fins 186 to dissipate heat from heat transfer fins 170. In the illustrated embodiment, the fins 186 are longitudinally extending parallel plates; however, in alternative embodiments, the fins 186 may have other shapes, such as cylindrical or other shaped posts.

Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the pluggable module 106 according to an exemplary embodiment. The pluggable module 106 shown in fig. 4 does not include heat fins 186 on the pluggable body 180, but rather includes generally flat ends 195, 196, e.g., for interfacing with a heat sink, providing a lower profile height than the pluggable module shown in fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a front perspective view of the receptacle cage 110 of the receptacle connector assembly 104 showing the receptacle cage 110 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 6 is a partial cut-away view of a portion of communication system 100 according to an example embodiment. Fig. 6 illustrates the receptacle cage 110 mounted to the circuit board 102 at the cage mounting area 148 above the airflow openings 150. The communication connector 112 is mounted to the circuit board 102 at a connector mounting area 146 in the cavity 140. The walls 114 of the receptacle cage 110 surround the communication connectors 112.

In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 includes a divider panel 200 between the upper module channel 116 and the lower module channel 118. The divider panel 200 includes an upper wall 202 and a lower wall 204, the lower wall 204 being separated from the upper wall 202 by a gap 206. Gap 206 may be a void that allows airflow between upper module channel 116 and lower module channel 118. In other various embodiments, the heat sink 144 may be received in the gap 206 to dissipate heat from the lower pluggable module 106 in the lower module passage 118. In the illustrated embodiment, an upper heat sink 144 is disposed above the top wall 130 for dissipating heat from the upper pluggable module 106 and the upper module passageway 116.

The airflow openings 150 facilitate airflow through the bottom of the receptacle cage 110 to cool the lower pluggable module 106 within the lower module passageway 118. In the exemplary embodiment, the receptacle cage 110 has airflow ports 210 at the front wall 138. An airflow passage 220 is formed between the airflow port 210 and the airflow opening 150 for cooling the lower pluggable module 106. The airflow openings 150 facilitate airflow through the airflow channels 220 by allowing a greater amount of airflow through the airflow channels 220. Alternatively, some airflow may flow around the telecommunications connector 112 behind the receptacle connector assembly 104, such as through the rear wall 136. However, by adding the airflow openings 150, a greater amount of airflow is able to flow through the lower pluggable module 106 and relies only on airflow around the communication connector 112. In the exemplary embodiment, airflow channels 220 are defined between bottom wall 132 and lower module channels 118. The bottom wall 132 provides electrical shielding below the lower module passage 118 and the airflow passage 220. In the exemplary embodiment, bottom wall 132 includes an opening 222 that is aligned with airflow opening 150 to allow airflow between channel 220 and opening 150. Alternatively, the bottom wall 132 may include an array of multiple openings 222 aligned with the airflow openings 150, rather than large cutouts in the bottom wall 132, such as a number of smaller circular openings above the airflow openings 150, to provide electrical shielding across the airflow openings 150. The airflow channel 220 extends from the airflow port 210 along the bottom wall 132 and the circuit board 102 to the airflow opening 150. As the air moves through the airflow passage 220, the air interacts with the lower pluggable module 106 to dissipate heat from the pluggable module 106.

In an exemplary embodiment, the lower pluggable module 106 is received in the lower module passageway 118 such that the heat transfer fins 186 are located at the bottom of the lower pluggable module 106. The heat transfer fins 186 extend into the airflow channels 220 such that the airflow dissipates heat from the lower pluggable module 106 along the heat transfer fins 186. The lower module passageway 118 receives the pluggable body 180 and the airflow passageway 220 receives the heat transfer fins 186. The lower pluggable module 106 is inverted relative to the upper pluggable module 106 and the upper module passageway 116. For example, the upper pluggable module 106 has heat transfer fins 186 that extend upwardly toward the top wall 130, and the lower pluggable module 106 and the lower module passage 118 have heat transfer fins 186 that extend downwardly toward the bottom wall 132. Optionally, the heat transfer fins 186 may engage the bottom wall 132 to support the pluggable module 106 in the lower module passageway 118.

Fig. 7 is a front perspective view of the receptacle connector assembly 104 showing the receptacle cage 110 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 8 is a partial cut-away view of a portion of communication system 100 according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 8 illustrates the receptacle cage 110 mounted to the circuit board 102 at the cage mounting area 148 above the airflow openings 150. The communication connector 112 is mounted to the circuit board 102 at a connector mounting area 146 in the cavity 140. The walls 114 of the receptacle cage 110 surround the communication connectors 112.

In the illustrated embodiment, divider panel 200 is positioned below lower module channel 118, rather than between upper module channel 116 and lower module channel 118. Upper module passage 116 is separated from lower module passage 118 by a dividing wall 208. By moving the bulkhead 200 from between the pluggable modules 106 to below the lower pluggable module 106, the spacing between the upper and lower pluggable modules 106 is reduced. In the illustrated embodiment, the extensions 170 of the communication connectors 112 are arranged closer together to accommodate the tighter positioning of the pluggable modules 106.

The upper wall 202 of the spacer panel 200 is positioned below the lower pluggable module 106 in the lower module passage 118. The lower wall 204 of the partition panel 200 is disposed at the bottom of the receptacle cage 110. Optionally, the lower wall 204 may define the bottom wall 132 of the receptacle cage 110. The lower wall 204 of the divider panel 200 may rest on the circuit board 102. Optionally, the heat transfer fins 186 of the lower pluggable module 106 may be supported on the upper wall 202 of the divider panel 200.

The gap 206 of the divider panel 200 defines an airflow channel 220 that allows airflow below the lower module channel 118 to dissipate heat from the lower pluggable module 106. Gap 206 is a void in fluid communication with airflow opening 150. The gap 206 allows airflow through the bulkhead panel 200 to cool the lower pluggable module 106. The airflow openings 150 facilitate and enhance airflow through the partition panel 200.

Fig. 9 is a partial cut-away view of a portion of a communication system 100 according to an example embodiment. Fig. 9 illustrates the receptacle cage 110 mounted to the circuit board 102 at the cage mounting area 148 above the airflow openings 150. The communication connector 112 is mounted to the circuit board 102 at a connector mounting area 146 in the cavity 140. The walls 114 of the receptacle cage 110 surround the communication connectors 112.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bulkhead panel 200 is located below the lower pluggable module 106. The lower heat sink 144 is positioned in the gap 206 of the divider panel 200 below the lower pluggable module 106. The lower heat sink 144 is used to dissipate heat from the lower pluggable module 106, such as from the heat transfer fins 186. The lower heat sink 144 is disposed in the airflow passage 220, and heat from the lower heat sink 144 may be dissipated through the airflow opening 150 in the circuit board 102.

Fig. 10 is a front perspective view of the receptacle connector assembly 104 showing the receptacle cage 110 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 11 is a partial cut-away view of a portion of communication system 100 according to an example embodiment. Fig. 11 illustrates the receptacle cage 110 mounted to the circuit board 102 at the cage mounting area 148 above the airflow openings 150. The communication connector 112 is mounted to the circuit board 102 at a connector mounting area 146.

In an exemplary embodiment, the bottom wall 132 of the receptacle cage 110 is raised a distance above the top of the circuit board 102 such that a gap 230 is formed between the bottom wall 132 and the circuit board 102. Gap 230 defines airflow channel 220 and is in fluid communication with airflow opening 150. In various embodiments, the side walls 134 may extend along the gap 230 to the circuit board 102 to support the receptacle cage 110, but the bottom wall 132 is raised a distance above the circuit board 102.

Fig. 12 is a front perspective view of the receptacle cage 110 of the receptacle connector assembly 104 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 12 shows the receptacle connector assembly 104 as a single height or unstacked embodiment. The receptacle connector assembly 104 includes a receptacle cage 110 defining a module passageway 118 and an airflow passageway 220. The airflow channel 220 is located between the module channel 118 and the circuit board 102. The airflow passage 220 is defined by at least one of the walls 114, such as the side wall 134 and the bottom wall 132. The airflow channel 220 may be defined by the partition panel 200 (as shown in fig. 5).