A high-performance, multi-row contact matrix electrical connector having a spring element in the form of an elongated hollow split tube with a heat-recoverable member of shape-memory alloy positioned within the tube and including first and second sets of parallel spaced conductors terminating at least at one end thereof in a first and second matrix of contact pads, the matrices and the pads being positioned within the split, a change in temperature changing the shape-memory alloy from one metallurgical state to another, causing movement of the heat-recoverable member and the spring means to open and close the connector.