Hermetic edge-connect headers and corresponding connectors

Abstract

A hermetically-sealed edge-connect header that can withstand high temperatures, high pressures (or high vacuum levels), and high vibration environments, along with two corresponding connectors are disclosed. After brazing the edge-connect header components, the assembly is machined to form a slot with a portion of each of a plurality of electrical conductors removed in the machining process, resulting in a header with a high pin density. During the process of mating the first connector design to the edge-connect header, a plurality of wipers in the connector deflect, thereby causing the wipers to extend from the connector and contact the corresponding electrical conductors in the header. During the process of mating the second connector design to the edge-connect header, each of a plurality of wipers formed of low-mass, compliant metal wool, forms multiple contact points with a corresponding electrical conductor in the header.