A low-profile, insert molded contact block and corresponding printed
circuit board assembly are provided for coupling electronic circuitry
disposed on printed wiring boards to external electronic devices. The
contact block includes a plurality of L-shaped, metal contacts insert
molded into a housing. The housing includes bracing members that
circumscribe the metal contacts so that at least a portion of the front
and rear faces of the metal contacts are exposed between the bracing
members. The contact block may be coupled to a printed wiring board in an
automated, reflow solder process utilizing automated pick and place
equipment. The contact block is placed on the printed wiring board such
that the metal contacts are seated on conductive pads with solder paste
disposed thereon. The resulting assembly may then be heated in a reflow
oven to permanently affix the metal contacts to the conductive pads. The
contact block, which can be on the order of 0.6 millimeters thick, can
significantly reduce the overall size of the host electronic device.