阅读说明：本技术 用于电连接器的热沉组件 (Heat sink assembly for electrical connector ) 是由 A.W.布赫 于 2019-07-05 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于具有外壳(22)的可插拔模块(12)的热沉组件(18),包括多个分立的热沉构件(18a,18b),它们与外壳的多于一个壁(24,26)热连通。热沉构件将热量从可插拔模块传递到周围环境。热沉组件还包括弹簧构件(20),其配置为在多个分立的热沉构件上施加力,以迫使热沉构件与外壳热接合。(A heat sink assembly (18) for a pluggable module (12) having a housing (22) includes a plurality of discrete heat sink members (18a, 18b) in thermal communication with more than one wall (24, 26) of the housing. The heat sink member transfers heat from the pluggable module to the ambient environment. The heat sink assembly also includes a spring member (20) configured to exert a force on the plurality of discrete heat sink members to urge the heat sink members into thermal engagement with the housing.)

1. A heat sink assembly (18) for a pluggable module (12) having a housing (22), comprising:

a plurality of discrete heat sink members (18a, 18b) in thermal communication with more than one wall (24, 26) of the housing, wherein the plurality of discrete heat sink members transfer heat from the pluggable module to an ambient environment; and

a spring member (20) exerting a force on the plurality of discrete heat sink members to urge the heat sink members into thermal engagement with the housing.

2. The heat sink assembly (18) of claim 1 wherein the plurality of discrete heat sink members includes a first heat sink member (18a) having a base (62) configured to engage an upper wall of the pluggable module (12) and a leg (64) extending from the base, the leg configured to engage a first sidewall (28b) of the pluggable module.

3. The heat sink assembly (18) of claim 2 wherein the plurality of discrete heat sink members includes a second heat sink member (18b) having a base (62) configured to engage an upper wall of the pluggable module (12) and a leg (64) extending from the base, the leg configured to engage a second sidewall (28a) of the pluggable module.

4. The heat sink assembly (18) of claim 1 wherein the plurality of discrete heat sink members includes a first heat sink member (18a) and a second heat sink member (18b) separated by a gap (74) to allow the first and second heat sink members to move relative to one another to mate with the pluggable module (12).

5. The heat sink assembly (18) of claim 1 wherein the plurality of discrete heat sink members (18a, 18b) comprises an array of heat dissipating elements (80).

6. The heat sink assembly (18) of claim 1 wherein the spring member (20) includes a pair of end portions (88, 90) and a body (86) extending between the end portions, the body having at least one opening (92) configured to receive a heat dissipating element (80) therethrough.

7. A heat sink assembly (18) for a pluggable module (12) having a housing (22), comprising:

a first heat sink member (18a) having a first mating surface (68) configured to mechanically and thermally engage with a first portion of the housing, wherein the first mating surface is configured to engage more than one wall (24, 26) of the housing;

a second heat sink member (18b) separate from the first heat sink member, the second heat sink member having a second mating surface configured to mechanically and thermally engage a second portion of the housing; and is

Wherein the first and second heat sink members are configured to transfer heat from the pluggable module to an ambient environment.

8. The heat sink assembly (18) of claim 7 wherein the first and second heat sink members (18a, 18b) are separated by a gap (74) allowing the first and second heat sink members to move relative to one another to mate with the pluggable module (12).

9. The heat sink assembly (18) of claim 7 wherein the first heat sink member (18a) includes a base portion (62) and a leg portion (64) extending at a substantially right angle from an edge (66) of the base portion.

10. The heat sink assembly (18) of claim 7 wherein the first heat sink member (18a) includes a base (62) configured to engage an upper wall of the pluggable module (12) and a leg (64) extending from the base (62) configured to engage a second wall of the pluggable module.

11. The heat sink assembly (18) of claim 7 wherein the second heat sink member (18b) includes a base (62) configured to engage an upper wall of the pluggable module (12) and legs (64) extending from the base (62) configured to engage sidewalls of the pluggable module.

12. The heat sink assembly (18) of claim 7 wherein the first heat sink member (18a) comprises an array of heat dissipating elements (80).

13. The heat sink assembly (18) of claim 7, further comprising a spring member (20) configured to exert a force on the first and second heat sink members (18a, 18b) to urge the first and second heat sink members into thermal engagement with the housing (22).

14. The heat sink assembly (18) of claim 13 wherein the spring member (20) includes a pair of end portions (88, 90) and a body (86) extending between the end portions, the body having at least one opening (92) configured to receive a heat dissipating element (80) therethrough.

Technical Field

The subject matter herein relates generally to heat sink assemblies and, more particularly, to heat sink assemblies for electrical connectors.

Background

The electrical connector assembly allows a user of the electronic device or external apparatus to transmit data to or communicate with other devices and apparatuses. Typically, the electrical connector assembly includes a pluggable module received within a receptacle assembly that includes a receptacle connector that is removably connectable to the pluggable module. The receptacle assembly includes a metal cage having an internal compartment that receives the pluggable module therein. A receptacle connector is retained in the interior compartment of the cage for connection with the pluggable module when the pluggable module is inserted therein.

Electrical connector assemblies are typically built according to established standards of size and compatibility (e.g., small form factor pluggable (SFP), XFP, quad small form factor pluggable (QSFP), or micro quad small form factor pluggable (micro QSFP)). The XFP, QSFP, and micro QSFP standards require that the module assembly be capable of transmitting data at high rates, such as 28 gigabits per second. As the density, power output level, and signal transmission rate increase, the circuitry within the module assembly generates a greater amount of heat. The heat generated by the operation of these devices can cause serious problems. For example, if the core temperature of the module rises too high, some pluggable modules may degrade in performance, or fail altogether.

Known techniques for controlling the temperature of the various devices include the use of heat sinks, heat pipes, and fans. For example, heat dissipation of the pluggable module may be achieved through the use of a heat sink coupled to the top of the cage. Heat generated by the pluggable module is transferred by conduction with the upper surface of the module and the heat sink. However, the limited size of the interface between the heat sink and the upper surface of the pluggable module significantly limits the ease of heat transfer. In addition, manufacturing and tolerance variations can lead to cumbersome assembly and unreliable thermal contact at the interface between the heat sink and the cage and/or pluggable module.

Accordingly, there is a need for a heat sink assembly for an electrical connector assembly that has an increased thermal interface area and reliable thermal contact.

Disclosure of Invention

In accordance with the present invention, a heat sink assembly for a pluggable module having a housing is provided that includes a plurality of discrete heat sink members in thermal communication with more than one wall of the housing. A plurality of discrete heat sink members transfer heat from the pluggable module to the ambient environment. The heat sink assembly also includes a spring member configured to exert a force on the discrete heat sink member to urge the discrete heat sink member against the housing.

Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a heat sink assembly for a pluggable module having a housing, comprising a first heat sink member having a first mating surface configured to mechanically and thermally engage a first portion of an interface of the housing, wherein the interface comprises more than one wall of the housing. The heat sink assembly also includes a second heat sink member separate from the first heat sink member. The second heat sink member has a second mating surface configured to mechanically and thermally engage a second portion of the interface of the housing, wherein the first and second heat sink members are configured to transfer heat from the pluggable module to the ambient environment.

Drawings

Fig. 1 illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a pluggable module having a heat sink assembly, according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a shown in fig. 3, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an electrical connector assembly according to an alternative exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an electrical connector assembly according to another alternative exemplary embodiment.

Detailed Description

Embodiments described herein include an electrical connector assembly having a pluggable module that is received within a receptacle assembly. The electrical connector assembly may have various configurations described herein. For example, the electrical connector assembly may be a small form factor pluggable (SFP), XFP, quad small form factor pluggable (QSFP), or micro quad small form factor pluggable (micro QSFP) connector, among others. The electrical connector assembly may be used to transmit data signals from one electrical device to another, and more particularly, to transmit high frequency data signals, such as 28 gigabits per second (Gbs). The electrical connector assembly includes a heat sink assembly in thermal communication with the pluggable module and is configured to dissipate heat to an ambient environment. The heat sink assembly may have various configurations as described herein.

Fig. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of an electrical connector assembly 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 2 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of an electrical connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. The electrical connector assembly 10 is adapted to address data signals and the like transmitted at high rates, such as data transmission rates of at least 10 gigabits per second (Gbps) as required by the SFP + standard. For example, in some embodiments, the electrical connector assembly 10 is adapted to transmit data signals at a data transmission rate of at least 28 Gbps. Further, for example, in some embodiments, the electrical connector assembly 10 is adapted to transmit data signals at data transmission rates between about 20Gbps and about 30 Gbps. However, it should be understood that the benefits and advantages of the subject matter described and/or illustrated herein may apply equally to other data transmission rates and to various systems and standards. In other words, the subject matter described and/or illustrated herein is not limited to data transmission rates of 10Gbps or greater, any of the standard or example types of electrical connector assemblies shown and described herein.

The electrical connector assembly 10 includes one or more pluggable modules 12 configured to be pluggably inserted into a receptacle assembly 14 mounted to a main circuit board 16. The main circuit board 16 may be installed in a host system (not shown) such as, but not limited to, a router, a server, a computer, and/or the like. The host system typically includes a conductive chassis (not shown) having a faceplate (not shown) that includes one or more openings (not shown) extending therethrough that are substantially aligned with the receptacle assemblies 14. The receptacle assembly 14 is optionally electrically connected to the faceplate. The electrical connector assembly 10 includes a heat sink assembly 18 in thermal communication with the pluggable module 12. The electrical connector assembly 10 includes spring members 20 coupled to the heat sink assembly 18 and/or the receptacle assembly 14 to thermally connect the heat sink assembly 18 to the pluggable module 12. The heat sink assembly 18 is configured to transfer and dissipate heat from the pluggable module 12 to the surrounding environment.

The pluggable module 12 is configured to be inserted into the receptacle assembly 14. Specifically, the pluggable module 12 is inserted into the receptacle assembly 14 through the panel opening such that the front end 21 of the pluggable module 12 extends outwardly from the receptacle assembly 14. The pluggable module 12 includes a housing 22 having an upper wall 24, a lower wall 26, and first and second sidewalls 28a, 28b extending therebetween that form a protective shell for one or more circuit boards 30 disposed within the housing 22.

The circuit board 30 carries circuitry, traces, paths, devices and/or the like that perform the function of an electrical connector in a known manner. An edge 32 of the circuit board 30 is exposed at a rear end 34 of the housing 22. A connector (not shown) may be mounted to the circuit board 30 and exposed at the rear end 34 of the housing 22 for plugging into a receptacle connector 36 (fig. 2) of the receptacle assembly 14. Alternatively, the edge of the circuit board 30 of the pluggable module 12 may mate directly with the receptacle connector 36. In other words, in some embodiments, the edge 32 of the circuit board 30 of the pluggable module 12 is received within a corresponding receptacle 38 (shown in fig. 2) of the receptacle connector 36 to electrically connect the pluggable module 12 to the receptacle connector 36.

In general, the pluggable module 12 and the receptacle assembly 14 may be used in any application requiring an interface to send and receive electrical and/or optical signals. The pluggable module 12 interfaces to a host system via the receptacle connector 36 of the receptacle assembly 14, the receptacle assembly 14 including the receptacle connector 36 and a conductive cage 40 (which is sometimes referred to as a "receptacle guide frame" or "guide frame"). The cage 40 includes an upper wall 42, a lower wall 44, and first and second side walls 46a, 46b (fig. 1) extending therebetween. The opening 48 extends through the upper wall 42 of the cage 40 and is configured to receive the heat sink assembly 18, which will be discussed in more detail below. The cage 40 also includes a front end 50, the front end 50 having one or more front openings or ports 52 that open into one or more interior compartments 54 of the cage 40. The front end 50 of the cage 40 is configured to be mounted or received within an opening in a panel of a host system. The receptacle connector 36 is positioned within the interior compartment 54 at the rear end 55 of the cage 40. The interior compartment 54 of the cage 40 is configured to receive the pluggable module 12 therein, which is electrically connected with the receptacle connector 36. The cage 40 may include any number of internal compartments 54 and ports 52 arranged in any pattern, configuration, arrangement, and/or the like (e.g., without limitation, any number of rows and/or columns) for electrically connecting any number of the pluggable modules 12 to the main circuit board.

The pluggable module 12 interfaces to one or more optical cables (not shown) and/or one or more electrical cables (not shown) through a connector interface 56 at the front end 21 of the module 12. Optionally, the connector interface 56 includes a mechanism that mates with an optical fiber or cable assembly (not shown) to secure the optical fiber or cable assembly to the pluggable module 12. Suitable connector interfaces 56 are known and include adapters for LC-type fiber optic connectors and MTP/MPO-type fiber optic connectors.

Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the pluggable module 12 with the heat sink assembly 18 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line a-a shown in fig. 3. The heat sink assembly 18 and the spring member 20 are located in the cage 40 between the pluggable module 12 and the walls of the cage 40. For example, the heat sink assembly 18 and the spring member 20 are located in a channel 58 defined between the side walls 28a, 28b of the housing 22 and the side walls 46a, 46b of the cage 40. The channel 58 has a width W₁. The opening 48 and the channel 58 of the cage 40 are configured to enable the heat sink assembly 18 to be inserted therethrough into the interior compartment 54 to mechanically and thermally couple with the interface 60 of the pluggable module 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the heat sink assembly 18 and the spring members 20 are pre-loaded into the cage 40, such as through the openings 48, prior to loading the pluggable module 12 into the cage 40. In alternative embodiments, the pluggable module 12 may be loaded into the cage 40 prior to loading the heat sink assembly 18 and/or the spring members 20 into the cage 40. In an exemplary embodiment, the interface 60 may include multiple surfaces, such as the surfaces of the upper wall 24 and the side walls 28a, 28b of the housing 22, to provide a greater surface area and improve heat transfer. In alternative embodiments, the interface 60 may include more or less surfaces, such as the surface of the lower wall 26. Heat generated by the pluggable module 12 is transferred by the heat sink assembly 18 to the ambient environment via thermal communication between the heat sink assembly 18 and the pluggable module 12.

In an exemplary embodiment, the heat sink assembly 18 may include a plurality of discrete heat sink members (which may be referred to hereinafter simply as members) that provide reliable thermal contact between the heat sink assembly 18 and the pluggable module 12 in response to coupling with the interface 60 of the housing 22. For example, the heat sink assembly 18 may include a first heat sink member 18a and an opposing second heat sink member 18b configured to mechanically and thermally engage the interface 60 of the pluggable module 12. The interface 60 may include a first upper wall interface 60a, a second upper wall interface 60b, a first sidewall interface 60c, and a second sidewall interface 60 d. Each heat sink member 18a, 18b is generally L-shaped having a base 62 and a leg 64, the leg 64 extending at a generally right angle from an edge 66 of the base 62 to form a mating surface 68, the mating surface 68 configured to mate with or engage the interface 60 of the housing 22. For example, the mating surface 68 of the first heat sink member may be seated against the first upper wall interface 60a of the upper wall 24 and the first sidewall interface 60c of the sidewall 28b of the pluggable module 12, and the second heat sink member 18b may be seated against the second upper wall interface 60b of the upper wall 24 and the second sidewall interface 60d of the sidewall 28a of the pluggable module 12. When coupled with the interface 60, the first member 18a is separated from the second member 18b along the longitudinal axis of the pluggable module 12 by a gap 74 having a width G. Alternatively, the edges of the first and second members 18a, 18b may include a series of alternating teeth and grooves. The gap 74 provides a secure fit and thermal contact between the first member 18a, the second member 18b, and the interface 60 even though discrepancies or imperfections may occur during the manufacturing process of the housing 22 and/or the heat sink assembly 18. Although the exemplary embodiment shows the leg 64 positioned at a substantially right angle relative to the base 62, alternative embodiments may position the leg 64 at any angle that provides reliable thermal contact between the leg 64 and the interface 60 of the housing 22.

Each heat sink member 18a, 18b may include a heat dissipation element 80, the heat dissipation element 80 configured to increase the effective surface area and/or the rate of heat transfer to the ambient environment. In an exemplary embodiment, the heat dissipating element 80 may comprise an array of rectangular prisms extending at substantially right angles from the base 62. As shown in fig. 3, each member 18a, 18b defines three (3) longitudinal rows of twelve (12) heat dissipating elements 80 that are evenly spaced apart by a distance D. However, the heat dissipating elements 80 may be in any configuration, arrangement, and/or pattern, including any number of rows or columns. Alternatively, the heat dissipating element 80 may define any size or shape for effective heat dissipation, including but not limited to fins, pins, heat pipes, ovals, cylinders, cones, etc., or any combination thereof. Optionally, the leg 64 may also include a heat dissipating element (not shown).

The heat sink assembly 18 may be die cast, molded or otherwise formed from a thermally conductive material such as aluminum, copper, metal alloys, composites, and the like. Alternatively, the heat sink assembly 18 may be formed of a material that limits or prevents the transmission of EMI and/or electromagnetic radiation from the housing 22. For example, the heat sink assembly 18 may be made of a material having high electromagnetic radiation absorption characteristics, such as a low permeability coefficient or a low permittivity coefficient. In some alternative embodiments, a thermal interface material (not shown) may be positioned along the interface 60 to increase the efficiency of heat transfer between the pluggable module 12 and the heat sink assembly 18. Although the heat sink assembly 18 is shown as having a plurality of discrete portions or members, in alternative embodiments, the heat sink assembly may be a unitary member.

As can be seen in fig. 3-4, in an exemplary embodiment, the heat sink assembly 18 is biased into thermal contact with the pluggable module 12 using the spring members 20. As shown in fig. 3, the spring members 20 may be positioned near the front end 82 and the rear end 84 of the heat sink assembly 18. However, alternative embodiments may include any number of spring members 20, including one, located anywhere along the heat sink assembly 18. In the exemplary embodiment, spring member 20 is a spring clip having a body 86 (also shown in fig. 1) extending between a pair of opposing end portions 88, 90 (fig. 4). In an exemplary embodiment, the body 86 includes a spring element configured to be spring biased against the heat sink assembly 18. The spring elements exert pressure between the cage 40 and the heat sink assembly 18 to ensure pressure between the heat sink members 18a, 18b and the pluggable module 12 for reliable thermal contact and heat transfer. In an exemplary embodiment, the end portions 88 and 90 include spring elements configured to be spring biased against the heat sink assembly 18. The spring elements exert pressure between the cage 40 and the heat sink assembly 18 to ensure pressure between the heat sink members 18a, 18b and the pluggable module 12 for reliable thermal contact and heat transfer. The spring member 20 may also be configured to apply a force from the opposing side to the housing 22 without applying a force to the cage 40 in various embodiments.

The body 86 defines a plurality of openings 92 (fig. 1) configured to receive corresponding heat dissipating elements 80 therethrough. Alternatively, the body 86 may be fitted between rows of heat dissipating elements 80 instead of having openings. Each end portion 88, 90 is configured for insertion having a width W₂The width W of the channel 94₂Is defined as the space between the leg portion 64 of the heat sink assembly 18 and the side walls 46a, 46b of the cage 40. Alternative embodiments may be included inA channel 94 at any location between the heat sink assembly 18 and the cage 40. The end portions 88, 90 apply a compressive force to the legs 64 to ensure pressure between the heat sink members 18a, 18b and the housing 22 for reliable thermal contact and heat transfer. The end portions 88, 90 force the legs 64 inwardly against the sidewalls 28a, 28b of the pluggable module 12. The arcuate portion 96 is responsive to the legs 64 moving apart in response to the pluggable module 12 being inserted into the receptacle assembly 14, which generates a force that ensures pressure between the heat sink members 18a, 18b and the housing 22 for reliable thermal contact and transfer. Optionally, the body 86 may also include an arcuate portion 96, the arcuate portion 96 pushing generally downward against the upper wall 24 of the heat sink assembly 18. The arcuate portion 96 defines a spring element that urges the heat sink members 18a, 18b into thermal contact with the pluggable module 12. The spring member 20 may be stamped and formed from any suitable material, such as spring steel. Alternatively, the spring member 20 may include structure to secure the heat sink assembly 18 in the socket assembly, including but not limited to adhesives, push pins, fasteners, tape, latches, and the like.

Fig. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an electrical connector assembly according to an alternative exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical connector assembly 10 is identical to the embodiment of fig. 4, except for the configuration of the heat sink assembly 180. As shown in fig. 5, the heat sink assembly 180 may include a plurality of discrete portions or members that provide reliable thermal contact between the heat sink assembly 180 and the pluggable module 12 in response to coupling with the interface 160 of the housing 22. For example, the heat sink assembly 180 may include a first member 180a and a second member 180b configured to mechanically and thermally engage the interface 160 of the pluggable module 12. The member 180a is generally L-shaped having a base 62 and a leg 64, the leg 64 extending at a generally right angle from the edge 66 of the base 62 to form a mating surface 68, the mating surface 68 configured to mate with or engage the upper wall interface 160a of the housing upper wall 24 and the first side wall interface 160b of the side wall 28 b. The member 180b is a generally planar panel forming the leg 70 that is configured to mate or engage with the second sidewall interface 160c of the housing 22. For example, the mating surface 68 of the first member 180a may be seated against the first upper interface 160a of the upper wall 24 and the first sidewall interface 160b of the first sidewall 28b of the pluggable module 12, and the mating surface 68 of the second member 180b may be seated against the second sidewall interface 160c of the second sidewall 28a of the pluggable module 12. When coupled with the interface 160, the first member 180a is separated from the second member 180b, which provides a secure fit and thermal contact between the first member 180a, the second member 180b, and the interface 160, even though discrepancies or imperfections may occur during the manufacturing process of the housing 22 and/or the heat sink assembly 18. For example, the second member 180b may be variably positioned relative to the first member 180a to accommodate tolerances in the dimensions of the cage 40 and/or the pluggable module 12. In various embodiments, the edges of the first and second members 180a, 180b can include a series of alternating teeth and grooves. Although the exemplary embodiment shows the leg 64 positioned at a substantially right angle relative to the base 62, alternative embodiments may position the leg 64 at any angle that provides reliable thermal contact between the leg 64 and the interface 160 of the housing 22.

The heat sink member 180a may include a heat dissipation element 80, the heat dissipation element 80 configured to increase the effective surface area and/or the rate of heat transfer or dissipation to the surrounding environment. In an exemplary embodiment, the heat dissipating element 80 may comprise an array of rectangular prisms extending at substantially right angles from the base 62. As shown in fig. 5 and similar to the heat sink assembly 18 shown in fig. 3, the members 180a define three (3) longitudinal rows of twelve (12) heat dissipation elements 80 that are evenly spaced apart by a distance D. However, the heat dissipating elements 80 may be in any configuration, arrangement, and/or pattern, including any number of rows or columns. Alternatively, the heat dissipating element 80 may define any size or shape for effective heat dissipation, including but not limited to fins, pins, heat pipes, ovals, cylinders, cones, etc., or any combination thereof.

The heat sink assembly 180 may be die cast, molded or otherwise formed from a thermally conductive material such as aluminum, copper, metal alloys, composites, and the like. Alternatively, the heat sink assembly 180 may be formed of a material that limits or prevents the transmission of EMI and/or electromagnetic radiation from the housing 22. For example, the heat sink assembly 180 may be made of a material having high electromagnetic radiation absorption characteristics, such as a low permeability coefficient or a low permittivity coefficient. In some alternative embodiments, a thermal interface material (not shown) may be positioned along the interface 160 to increase the efficiency of heat transfer between the pluggable module 12 and the heat sink assembly 180.

Similar to the embodiment of fig. 4, the spring members 20 may be positioned near the front end 82 and the rear end 84 of the heat sink assembly 180 using one or more of the spring members 20 to bias the heat sink assembly 180 into thermal contact with the pluggable module 12. However, alternative embodiments may include any number of spring members 20, including one, located anywhere along the heat sink assembly 180. In the exemplary embodiment, spring member 20 is a spring clip having a body 86 extending between a pair of opposing end portions 88 and 90. The end portions 88, 90 apply a compressive force to the legs 64, 70 of the heat sink assembly 180 to ensure a compressive force between the legs 64, 70 of the heat sink members 180a, 180b and the housing 22 for reliable thermal contact and heat transfer. The end portions 88, 90 force the legs 64, 70 of the heat sink assembly 180 inwardly against the sidewalls 28b, 28a of the pluggable module 12. In response to the pluggable module 12 being inserted into the receptacle assembly 14, the arcuate portion 20 of the spring member 20 responds to the legs 64, 70 of the heat sink members 180a, 180b moving apart, which creates a force that ensures pressure between the legs 64, 70 and the housing 22 for reliable thermal contact and transfer. Optionally, the body 86 may also include an arcuate portion 96, the arcuate portion 96 pushing generally downward against the upper wall 66 of the heat sink member 180 a. The arcuate portion 96 defines a spring element that urges the heat sink assembly 180 into thermal contact with the pluggable module 12.

Fig. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector assembly 10 according to another alternative exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical connector assembly 10 is identical to the embodiment of fig. 4, except for the configuration of the heat sink assembly 280. As shown in fig. 6, the heat sink assembly 280 may include a plurality of discrete portions or members that provide reliable thermal contact between the heat sink assembly 280 and the pluggable module 12 in response to coupling with the interface 260 of the housing 22. For example, the heat sink assembly 280 may include a first member 280a and a second member 280b configured to mechanically and thermally engage the interface 260 of the pluggable module 12. Each member 208a, 208b is generally L-shaped having a base 62 and a leg 64, the leg 64 extending at a generally right angle from an edge 66 of the base 62 to form a mating surface 68, the mating surface 68 configured to mate with or engage an interface 260 of the housing 22. For example, the mating surface 68 of the first member 280a may be seated against the upper wall interface 260a of the upper wall 24 and the first sidewall interface 260b of the first sidewall 28b of the pluggable module 12, and the mating surface 68 of the second member 180b may be seated against the lower wall interface 260c of the lower wall 26 and the second sidewall interface 260d of the second sidewall 28a of the pluggable module 12. When coupled with the interface 260, the first member 280a separates from the second member 280b, which provides a secure fit and thermal contact between the first member 280a, the second member 280b, and the interface 260, even though discrepancies or imperfections may occur during the manufacturing process of the housing 22 and/or the heat sink assembly 18. Although the exemplary embodiment shows leg 64 positioned at a substantially right angle relative to base 62, alternative embodiments may position leg 64 at any angle that provides reliable thermal contact between leg 64 and interface 260 of housing 22. The first and second members may be inserted into the receptacle assembly 14 prior to insertion into the pluggable module 12.

The heat sink member 280a may include a heat dissipation element 80, the heat dissipation element 80 configured to increase the effective surface area and/or the rate of heat transfer or dissipation to the surrounding environment. In an exemplary embodiment, the heat dissipating element 80 may comprise an array of rectangular prisms extending at substantially right angles from the base 62. As shown in fig. 6 and similar to the heat sink shown in fig. 3, the member 280a defines three (3) longitudinal rows of twelve (12) heat dissipation elements 80 that are evenly spaced apart by a distance D. However, the heat dissipating elements 80 may be in any configuration, arrangement, and/or pattern, including any number of rows or columns. Alternatively, the heat dissipating element 80 may define any size or shape for effective heat dissipation, including but not limited to fins, pins, heat pipes, ovals, cylinders, cones, etc., or any combination thereof.

The heat sink assembly 280 may be die cast, molded or otherwise formed from a thermally conductive material such as aluminum, copper, metal alloys, composites, and the like. Alternatively, the heat sink assembly 280 may be formed of a material that limits or prevents the transmission of EMI and/or electromagnetic radiation from the housing 22. For example, the heat sink assembly 280 may be made of a material having high electromagnetic radiation absorption characteristics, such as a low permeability coefficient or a low permittivity coefficient. In some alternative embodiments, a thermal interface material (not shown) may be positioned along the interface 260 to increase the efficiency of heat transfer between the pluggable module 12 and the heat sink assembly 280.

Similar to the embodiment of fig. 4, the spring members 20 may be positioned near the front end 82 and the rear end 84 of the heat sink assembly 280 using one or more of the spring members 20 to bias the heat sink assembly 280 into thermal contact with the pluggable module 12. However, alternative embodiments may include any number of spring members 20, including one, located anywhere along the heat sink assembly 280. In the exemplary embodiment, spring member 20 is a spring clip having a body 86 extending between a pair of opposing end portions 88 and 90. The end portions 88, 90 apply a compressive force to the legs 64 of the heat sink members 280a, 280b to ensure a compressive force between the legs 64 of the heat sink members 280a, 280b and the housing 22 for reliable thermal contact and heat transfer. The end portions 88, 90 force the legs 64 of the heat sink assembly 280 inwardly against the sidewalls 28a, 28b of the pluggable module 12. In response to the pluggable module 12 being inserted into the receptacle assembly 14, the arcuate portion 20 of the spring member 20 moves apart in response to the legs 64 of the heat sink members 280a, 280b, which generates a force that ensures pressure between the legs 64 and the housing 22 for reliable thermal contact and transfer. Optionally, the body 86 may also include an arcuate portion 96, the arcuate portion 96 pushing generally downward against the base 62 of the heat sink member 280 a. The arcuate portion 96 defines a spring element that urges the heat sink assembly 280 into thermal contact with the pluggable module 12. The arcuate portion may engage the base 62 of the heat sink member 280 b.