Electrical connector with sensing terminal system

DETAILED DESCRIPTION An object, therefore, of the invention is to provide a new and improved sensing terminal system for an electrical connector.
In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the sensing terminal system includes a first female terminal adapted for connection to a voltage potential.
A second female terminal includes a first part and a second part, with the two parts being electrically isolated.
The first part is adapted for connection to a sensing line.
The two parts are electrically coupled in response to mating of a male terminal with the second female terminal.
Means are provided for electrically coupling the second part of the second female terminal with the first female terminal.
As disclosed herein, the first female terminal and the second part of the second female terminal are integral in a unitary structure stamped of sheet metal material.
The first and second female terminals are insert molded in a dielectric housing to form a terminal module.
The first female terminal and the first part of the second female terminal include tail portions for coupling to circuit traces on a printed circuit board.
Although the concepts of the invention are disclosed herein as incorporated in a pair of female terminals, the invention is readily applicable for other types of terminals, such as male terminals, pin terminals, socket terminals and the like.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.