Methods and apparatus are described for connecting a first plurality of
signal lines to a second plurality of signal lines. A first assembly
includes a plurality of first contact arrays. Each of the contacts in
each of the first contact arrays is in electrical contact with a
corresponding one of the first plurality of signal lines. Each of the
first contact arrays has a first mechanical alignment feature associated
therewith. A second assembly includes a plurality of contact assemblies.
Each of the contact assemblies is suspended within the second assembly
such that each contact assembly is operable to move independently in at
least four degrees of freedom relative to the second assembly. Each
contact assembly has a second contact array associated therewith. Each of
the contacts in each of the second contact arrays is in electrical
contact with a corresponding one of the second plurality of signal lines.
Each of the contact assemblies has a second mechanical alignment feature
associated therewith. The second contact array of each contact assembly
is operable to align with a corresponding one of the first contact arrays
through interaction of the first and second mechanical alignment features
and movement of the corresponding contact assembly in at least some of
the degrees of freedom.