Contact and Shield Configuration for Ground Current Optimization

An electrical connector and a ground system which includes ground contacts and ground shields positioned proximate the ground contacts. The ground contacts have receiving sections, securing sections and mounting sections. The receiving sections have first engagement portions and second engagement portions. The ground shields have a nonplanar configuration, with portions of the ground shields passing between signal contacts. Surfaces of the securing sections of the ground contacts are positioned in mechanical and electrical engagement with surfaces of the ground shields, providing first ground contact areas across which ground currents may flow. The first engagement portions of the ground contacts are provided in electrical and mechanical engagement with the surfaces of the ground shields, providing second ground contact areas across which the ground currents may flow. The second ground contact areas are spaced from the first ground contact areas to allow the ground currents to properly flow through the entire ground shields.