Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing an electrical bond between a conductor and an electrical connector contact. The apparatus generally comprises a power source and a weld head. The power source has a first polarity output and a second polarity output. The weld head has an input for connection to the first polarity output of the power source. The apparatus includes a first electrode electrically connected to the weld head input. The apparatus further includes a second electrode electrically connected to the second polarity output of the power source.

Abstract: A method for producing an electrical bond between a contact element of an electrical connector and a conductor, the contact element having a portion that is bifurcated such that the conductor is positioned between the furcations, the method comprising the steps of (a) providing a system comprising a power source and a weld head, the weld head having a first input and a second input for connection to a first polarity output and a second polarity output, respectively, of the power source, the system further including first and second electrodes movably attached to the weld head and electrically connected to the first and second inputs, respectively, (b) positioning the electrodes on the weld head to create a space between the electrodes that is sized for receiving both furcations of each contact element, (c) moving the weld head toward the furcations to effect contact between the first electrode and one of the furcations and between the second electrode and the other furcation, the contact being made at a prede

Abstract: Transition printed circuit boards and edge contact wafers are positioned back-to-back and disposed within slots of a diecast aluminum shell with which they are held in place by means of an outer housing. High-speed electrical cable is attached to conductive patterns on the transition printed circuit boards using flux-free methods. The resultant cable and connector are capable of high-speed operation (greater than 100 megahertz) and are still, nonetheless, capable of providing high-density connections to connectors on boards immediately adjacent to semiconductor chips.

Abstract: A printed circuit board includes a rectangular array of substantially equally spaced rows and columns of surface mount connectors which are fixedly held to the board by means of cross-shaped connector holders which are disposed at the intersections of the rows and columns. In this fashion, there is achieved a substantial reduction in the number of holes which must be provided in the printed circuit board for connector attachment. This greatly facilitates wiring placement on printed circuit boards, particularly multi-layer boards.

Abstract: A flex circuit card with an elastomeric cable connector assembly is provided for transmitting high speed signals between two or more printed circuit boards in a high performance computer system. The flex circuit card connects a cable assembly to a printed circuit board. A conductor trace in the flex circuit card extends into an elastomeric end and terminates with a ball shaped contact which is angled to wipe against mating pads on the printed circuit card for making electrical contact. The cable assembly uses multiple wires attached to a plurality of elastomeric connectors. At least one elastomeric connector is attached to each end of the cable assembly and each elastomeric connector has a plurality of contacts which are used to mate with a plurality of pads on the surface of the printed circuit board. The elastomeric connector described in the present invention provides a high density, cable-to-board interconnection that is perpendicular to the surface of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A flex circuit card with an elastomeric cable connector assembly is provided for transmitting high speed signals between two or more printed circuit boards in a high performance computer system. The flex circuit card connects a cable assembly to a printed circuit board. A conductor trace in the flex circuit card extends into an elastomeric end and terminates with a ball shaped contact which is angled to wipe against mating pads on the printed circuit card for making electrical contact. The cable assembly uses multiple wires attached to a plurality of elastomeric connectors. At least one elastomeric connector is attached to each end of the cable assembly and each elastomeric connector has a plurality of contacts which are used to mate with a plurality of pads on the surface of the printed circuit board. The elastomeric connector described in the present invention provides a high density, cable-to-board interconnection that is perpendicular to the surface of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An improved edge design for a printed circuit board used with a connector having spring biased contact members. The printed circuit board has a nose piece bonded thereon which is made of a lubritious, insulating material for deflecting the spring biased contact members without causing damage to the members or the electrical contacts thereon. In a preferred embodiment, each spring biased member is fixed in the connector at one end and has a bent portion with an electrical contact on the bent portion. The electrical contact is in an impact protected position when its spring biased member is undeflected, and moves to a contact making position for contact with an input/output tab on the printed circuit board as the spring biased member is deflected around its fixed end during the plugging in operation of the printed circuit board.