Abstract: A method and system for reducing via hole parasitic effects on PCB transmission channels. In order to reduce the effects of excess via capacitance in PCB structures, PCB via modeling accuracy for high speed serial data transmissions is improved by utilizing lower permittivity reinforcement and z-axis conducting methods. A method to accomplish this includes creating a channel within the circuit board to accommodate a via hole, filling the created channel with a predetermined amount of dielectric material, forming the via hole, and electrically coupling the top layer of the structure to at least an inner signal substrate layer of the structure.

Abstract: A guidance block includes a base and a pair of opposing sides. A first set of opposing sides are attached to a top side of the base and provide a first separation configured to accept a first circuit card. A second set of opposing sides are attached to a bottom side of the base and provide a second separation configured to accept a second circuit card.

Abstract: A guidance block includes a base, a pair of opposing card guide sides supported on a common surface of the base, the sides defining a gap between the pair of opposing sides, and a spring coupled to one of the card guide sides, partially within the gap provided between the pair of opposing sides, with the card guide sides and spring member configured to align a circuit board disposed in the gap with a connector.

Abstract: A high-speed data bus utilizes non-contact coupler technology which allows point to multi-point broadcasting of a data signal to multiple sinks at very high (Gb/s) speeds. These point-to-multi-point data bus transmission lines can then be used to construct a higher order multi-point to multi-point data bus, without contention at the bus level, since data can be made to flow continuously along each transmission line. The non-contact technology is implemented as a series of taps on a transmission line; the taps operate by way of capacitive or inductive or directional coupling, which helps to isolate the transmission line from the loading effects of circuitry connected to the taps and permits low distortion and high speed operation. The transmission line may also be terminated in the same slot where it originates, and its outbound section may be etched on a single conductive layer in the backplane or midplane.

Abstract: An electrical plug-in option switch in which the orientation of the female plug while withdrawn from the associated male jack may be altered to select different circuit options. The plug is constrained by a supporting flange so that its orientation can be altered only when it is fully withdrawn from the jack. In addition contact between the plug and jack is possible only when the pins and sockets are aligned thereby preventing inadvertent damage to the pins during selection of the electrical option.