CONFIGURABLE GUIDE HARDWARE FOR CONNECTOR SYSTEMS

Configurable guide hardware is provided for aligning two associated connectors that are mounted on different circuit cards. The guide hardware includes a guide receptacle that is mounted to one of the circuit cards. The guide receptacle includes a housing that defines a channel and a keyway ring that is held in the channel. The guide receptacle is configured to receive a pin of a guide plug in the channel through a central opening of the keyway ring. The keyway ring includes a receptacle keying feature along an inner perimeter. The keyway ring is selectively positionable to locate the receptacle keying feature in multiple pre-defined angular orientations relative to the housing. The pin of the guide plug may also be selectively positionable in multiple pre-defined angular orientations.