Abstract: A process for forming an interface (106) between a plated and a non-plated area (102, 104) on the surface of a plastic component (100) is disclosed. First, an anti-plating layer (110) is formed over the surface of the plastic component. Thereafter, a low-power laser beam (10) is used to remove a portion of the anti-plating layer and to form an interface between the plated area and the non-plated area. A seeding layer (120) is formed on the plated area so that the plated area is electrically conductive. Finally, a metallic layer (130) is electrically plated over the seeding layer. The metallic layer connects with the anti-plating layer via the interface. The cost of producing the anti-plating layer is low. Moreover, since the laser etching operation is able to produce a high-quality interface boundary between the plated and the non-plated area, yield of the process is improved.

Abstract: A process for forming an interface (106) between a plated and a non-plated area (102, 104) on the surface of a plastic component (100) is disclosed. First, an anti-plating layer (110) is formed over the surface of the plastic component. Thereafter, a low-power laser beam (10) is used to remove a portion of the anti-plating layer and to form an interface between the plated area and the non-plated area. A seeding layer (120) is formed on the plated area so that the plated area is electrically conductive. Finally, a metallic layer (130) is electrically plated over the seeding layer. The metallic layer connects with the anti-plating layer via the interface. The cost of producing the anti-plating layer is low. Moreover, since the laser etching operation is able to produce a high-quality interface boundary between the plated and the non-plated area, yield of the process is improved.

Abstract: A self-alignment structure inside a cradle set for accommodating a personal digital assistant (PDA) module is provided. The cradle set has a circuit board (206) and a connector (204) therein. The alignment structure comprises a base plate (208), at least a sectional bolt (210) and an elastic body (220). The base plate has at least a threaded hole (208a). The sectional bolt has a cap piece (216) at the top end and a threaded section (212) at the bottom end. The threaded section of the sectional bolt passes through the circuit board and screwed into the threaded hole in the base plate so that the circuit board and the base plate are locked together. In addition, there is a space between the sectional bolt and the circuit board for accommodating the elastic body.

Abstract: A card connector (200) with a reinforcing structure (230) is provided for used in a handheld device. The card connector can mate with an elongated expansion card (10) which when inserted into the card connector has a portion located outside the handheld device. The card connector comprises an insulated main body (210) and a plurality of terminals (220) fixed to the main body. The terminals are used for electrically connecting the elongated expansion card with a printed circuit board (20) on which the card connector is mounted. The reinforcing structure (230) is formed from highly rigid material or high molecular weight polymer. The reinforcing structure strengthens the card connector against any external force resulting from subjecting the elongated expansion card to an external force, whereby the electrical connection between the terminals and printed circuit board will not break due to the external force.