US Patent 7785140 Modular electrical connector with opposing contact support members

A contact sub-assembly is provided for an electrical connector. The contact sub-assembly includes a base configured for mounting to a mating component. The base includes a pair of opposite side surfaces. A pair of separate contact support members are mounted on the base. Each contact support member holds a separate set of electrical contacts. Each contact support member includes a mounting portion engaged with a corresponding one of the side surfaces of the base such that a portion of the base extends between the mounting portions of the contact support members. The sets of electrical contacts held by the contact support members cooperate to define a mating interface for a mating connector.