ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR HAVING MULTIPLE ARRAYS OF CONTACTS WITH CO-LINEAR MOUNTING POINTS

An electrical connector is adapted for use on a substantially planar surface. The connector comprises two arrays of electrical contacts coupled to the planar surface. One array is disposed directly above the other. Each contact in the lower array is mounted directly to the planar surface, with the mounting points arranged in a substantially straight line along the surface. The upper array of contacts is coupled to the planar surface by way of one or more mounting tabs fixed to the surface. The tabs elevate the upper array in relation to the planar surface and the first array. The mounting tabs are fixed to the planar surface along the same substantially straight line on which the first array is mounted. Thus, the mounting points for both arrays of contacts are disposed along the planar surface in a substantially co-liner relationship. The connector further comprises a housing that is fixed to the planar surface and engages the contacts.