Abstract: In a board holding device for a board (1) provided with a circuit, in which the board (1) is inserted in the groove (3, 3') of an elongate frame part (2, 2'), the mechanical and electrical connection between the board (1) and the frame part (2, 2') is produced by a solder connection which is carried out by means of solder ducts (4, 4') filled with a solder. The board holding device can be supplemented in a simple manner by cover plates to give a complete screening or resonance casing which has good electrical and mechanical properties. The holding device is very suitable for automated manufacture.

Abstract: A backpanel assembly has printed circuit board (PCB) connectors aligned in parallel with one another and opposite one another on both sides of the backpanel, pins of opposite connectors passing through the backpanel. Each connector includes first and second groups of pins, conveniently in separate rows where each connector includes two rows of pins, which serve to provide a variable bus system between the connectors. To this end, pins of the first group of one PCB connector are connected via the backpanel to pins of the second group of an adjacent PCB connector on the same face of the backpanel. PCBs inserted into the connectors connect to the first group, but not the second group, of pins, except for bus extender PCBs which serve to interconnect the first and second groups of pins of a PCB connector and thereby extend the bus system across the connector.

Abstract: A multi-chip carrier array in which the individual carriers are defined by two perpendicular sets of parallel scribe lines which bisect the major axes of a plurality of equally-spaced oblong perforations. At the point of intersection of any two perpendicular scribe lines, the major axes of two such perforations intersect and bisect the right angles formed by said two perpendicular scribe lines. All other oblong perforations have their major axes perpendicular to the scribe lines. On the bottom surface of the array, metallic solder pads are located at opposite ends of each oblong perforation, and conductive material from each pad extends to the top surface of the array. Trace conductors on the top surface can be connected to these pad extensions. The trace conductors, in turn, will be connected to various connection points on an IC chip mounted in the center of the top surface of an individual carrier.

Abstract: A mainframe printed wiring board assembly for receiving plug-in circuit boards of two different types in connectors on the mainframe printed wiring board. Each connector is correct for only one of the two types of circuit board. The mainframe printed wiring board assembly includes a row of connectors of a first type and a row of connectors of a second type, with each connector in each row having an elongated slot adapted to receive a circuit board edge. The slots in the connectors in each row extend transversely to the direction of the row. A first elongated key element extends along the first row of connectors adjacent the connector ends. A second elongated key element extends along the second row of connectors, spaced apart from the connector ends. The two different types of plug-in circuit boards have, on their connector engaging edges, different contours to accommodate one or the other of the elongated key elements.

Abstract: A printed wiring board file employing guide tracks of wire construction to engage guide runners of printed wiring board assemblies to be mounted therein. The guide tracks are assembled to lateral positioning members at regular or optionally, predetermined differing spacings and each guide includes a forwardly projecting divergent lead-in area to assist in aligning the board assembly guide runner with the file guide tracks. A pair of depressions are formed in each guide track to engage corresponding projections in the guide runners to retain the board assemblies in their fully inserted position within the file.

Abstract: A printed wiring board file employing printed wiring board guides positionable within the file at a plurality of first predetermined spacings and further positionable at a plurality of second predetermined spacings in increments different from those of said first showings. A tab at one end and a clip at the other end of each printed wiring board guide permit assembly to support members and further permit the removal of same should it become necessary to reposition printed wiring boards within the file.

Abstract: A printed wiring board assembly including a printed wiring board including a pair of guide runners attached to an upper and a lower edge thereof. The guide runners include an elongated body, a pair of elongated walls extending the length of and from one side of the body, and a groove formed the length of and on a second opposite side of the body. Projections extend from one of the elongated walls through apertures in the printed wiring board to retain the guide runners in engagement with the board. Protrusions extend into the groove and engage depressions in guide tracks of an associated printed wiring board file to lock the board assembly in its fully inserted position within the file.

Abstract: A printed wiring board file arranged to mount printed wiring boards in an efficient manner while simultaneously providing for the convection cooling of such boards. The boards include components of varying heights. Each printed wiring board is supported by a connector at one side edge and a printed wiring board guide at the opposite side edge. Each board guide includes two sets of grooves which allow it to be used as a guide for the left or right sides of the boards. The first set of grooves is used when the board guide supports the left side of the printed wiring boards and the second set of grooves is used when the board guide supports the right side of the printed wiring boards. The grooves are formed in the board guide at a vertical spacing less than the minimum permitted vertical spacing for the printed wiring boards. Multiples of the groove spacing are selected to mount printed wiring boards with a minimum or greater than minimum spacing.

Abstract: A dual-path, multicontact connector for a printed circuit board includes two perpendicular groups of contacts and a plurality of internal switches which permit conductivity to be selectively established between one or more pairs of contacts or between either contact of each pair and an electrical circuit on the circuit board. Each contact of a contact pair is included in a respective group of contacts. The perpendicular arrangement of the contact groups allows one group of contacts on the dual-path connector to engage corresponding contact groups on adjacent abutting dual-path connectors. Selective operation of the internal switches in a series of abutting connectors can provide alternate conductive pathways to electrical circuits on any board through the contacts of one or more adjacent connectors.