Abstract: One embodiment disclosed relates to a printed circuit assembly (PCA) with built-in circuitry to detect and communicate an interconnect failure. The PCA includes a connector, a continuity detect circuit, and an interface circuit. The connector is configured to interconnect to an electronic unit. The continuity detect circuit is coupled to the connector for detection of continuity failure in the interconnect. The interface circuit is coupled to the continuity detect circuit for communicating data pertaining to status of the interconnect to system management.

Abstract: A device for removing heat from an electronic component, comprising a heat sink that can be coupled to the electronic component and conduct heat therefrom. A finned appurtenance coupled to the heat sink can transfer the heat into a fluid medium. The fins are oriented at an angle with respect to several flow streams of the fluid medium across the fins. Each flow stream follows a unique direction.

Abstract: The invention includes a device and method providing a return-signal pathway through a circuit board connector. In one embodiment of the invention, a circuit board connector having an integral bypass capacitor provides a return-signal path between the circuit boards without using the ground planes of the circuit boards outside of an area occupied by the connector. The circuit board connector includes first connector reference conductor arranged for coupling with a first circuit-board reference plane, a second connector reference conductor arranged for coupling with a second circuit-board reference plane, and a capacitor coupled between the first and second reference planes.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat dissipation in a chassis housing an electronic system, and a method for implementing the same. The apparatus comprises a heat sink base for collecting thermal heat. The apparatus further comprises a fin thermally coupled to the heat sink base for dissipating the thermal heat. The fin is arranged in the chassis to direct air flow from a first direction, that is originally directed at said fin, to a second direction.

Abstract: A probe contains integrated oscilloscope controls. This allows the technician to operate the controls while holding the probe. Consequently, changes can be made at the probe without the technician needing to go to the oscilloscope to change controls. The programmable oscilloscope embodiment is for broad use with any oscilloscope where controls can be put on the probe body.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for reducing impedance, impedance discontinuities, and signal-loop area in flex cables used for a signal path. In one embodiment of the invention, a flex cable is provided for reducing the impedance and length of a return-signal path. The flex cable includes a signal conductor, and a return-signal conductor not connected to ground. The flex cable may also include a ground conductor. Such a flex cable provides a shorter- and lower-impedance return-signal path between a signal source and receiver than do conventional flex cables. In another embodiment of the invention, a method is provided that includes the steps of delivering a signal from a signal source to a signal receiver with a flexible conductor, and returning the signal from the signal receiver to the signal source with another flexible conductor other than ground.

Abstract: A signal probe includes a tip assembly having a first tip for contacting a first signal node, a second tip for contacting a second signal node, and a tip body for positioning the first tip a distance away from the second tip, the distance corresponding to the spacing between the first and second signal nodes. With the tip body, a technician no longer has to couple a wire between one of the signal nodes and a respective tip to probe the electronic device. Thus, the length of the path that a signal travels from the first signal node to the second signal node may be reduced to increase the accuracy of the signal's measurement.

Abstract: One embodiment disclosed relates to a printed circuit board (PCB) with built-in circuitry to test connector loading. The PCB includes at least the connector to be tested, an indicator circuit, and a switch. The connector is configured to interconnect to a card. The switch couples the connector to the indicator circuit, and integrity of the interconnection between the card and the connector is indicated by the indicator circuit.

Abstract: A signal probe includes a conductive probe tip for contacting a signal node of an electronic device, and a mount to hold the tip in contact with the node. With such a probe, a technician no longer has to hold the probe to maintain contact with a signal node, such as a lead of a component.

Abstract: A clamp for retaining a probe cable out of a technician's way while he/she probes an electronic system includes a cable-retention element and a clamp-attachment element. The cable-retention element releasably holds a probe cable to the clamp, and the clamp-attachment element anchors the cable-retention element at a desired location. Consequently, the clamp can isolate the probe cable away from the technician's activities and keep excess probe cable from looping. This reduces the likelihood of damage caused by the technician unintentionally pulling the probe cable while probing an electrical circuit and increases the fidelity of the signal the oscilloscope receives. Furthermore the clamp-attachment element may releasably anchor the cable-retention element at a desired location to allow the clamp to be effectively reused many times.

Abstract: An electronic probe includes a body and a tip positionable relative to the body. With such a positionable tip, a technician can more easily probe a region of a circuit board that is otherwise difficult to access with a conventional probe, and can do so without using an extension wire. Furthermore, the tip may be removable and include a point for contacting a signal node and a coupling element that couples the point to the body and that allows the point to assume multiple positions relative to the body.

Abstract: A stand for supporting a probe includes a support mountable to the electronic device being probed, and a clamp coupled to the support and operable to hold the probe. With the stand, a technician no longer has to hold a probe to maintain contact between the probe and a circuit node being probed. Thus, a test/diagnosis of an electronic device that requires the probe to remain in contact with the node for a long period of time is more likely to be accurate; a technician may use his/her hands to operate an oscilloscope during the test/diagnosis; and a lone technician may probe a device with two or more probes. In addition, the stand may be adjustable to support the probe in a desired position and/or the clamp may be removable and may be positionable relative to the support to hold the probe in a desired position.

Abstract: A thermal dissipation apparatus for implementing chassis conducted cooling for a server. The apparatus includes a heat sink having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is adapted to accept a chip thermal interface for a chip. The second surface is adapted to accept a chassis thermal interface for a chassis surface, wherein the second surface implements a thermal conductive path from the chip to the chassis surface.

Abstract: System for electrically interconnecting components are provided. One such system comprises: a flex cable having a first end and a second end; a first connector attached to a electrically communicating with the first end of the flex cable; a second connector attached to and electrically communicating with the second end of the flex cable; and a first retention member extending outwardly from the flex cable.

Abstract: Systems for electrically interconnecting components are provided. One such system comprises: a flex cable having a first end and a second end; a first connector attached to and electrically communicating with the first end of the flex cable; a second connector attached to and electrically communicating with the second end of the flex cable; and a first retention member extending outwardly from the flex cable.

Abstract: An embodiment of a cable system includes a cable that has a conductor, a power layer and dielectric material. The conductor is operative to carry a signal, the dielectric material is located at least partially between the conductor and the power layer, and the power layer is operative as ground. The power layer is formed of a conductive material and includes a first region and an adjacent second region. The first region includes a greater amount of the conductive material than the second region so that the power layer is less resistant to bending along the second region than along the first region. Methods and other systems are also provided.

Abstract: An embodiment of a cable system includes a cable that has a conductor, a power layer and dielectric material. The conductor is operative to carry a signal, the dielectric material is located at least partially between the conductor and the power layer, and the power layer is operative as ground. The power layer is formed of a conductive material and includes a first region and an adjacent second region. The first region includes a greater amount of the conductive material than the second region so that the power layer is less resistant to bending along the second region than along the first region. Methods and other systems are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for terminating a transmission line includes a terminating circuit coupled to a first connector portion. A second connector portion mates with the first connector portion. The second connector portion is coupled in electrical contact with the transmission line and includes one or more components, such as pins, that can radiate unwanted electromagnetic interference (EMI) when the transmission line is not terminated. The terminating circuit includes components, such as one or more resistors, that substantially match the impedance of the transmission line. The terminating circuit can also be configured to terminate other conductive lines that can pick up signal noise in a system. The terminating apparatus can be utilized on operational boards that plug into devices such as backplanes or mid-planes. Alternatively, the terminating circuit can be included on a null device or built into the first connector portion.

Abstract: Systems for mounting components to circuit assemblies are provided. One such system comprises a circuit assembly having a front, a back, a length and a width. A support structure is attached to one of the front and the back of the circuit assembly, with the support structure being sized and shaped to span at least one of the length and the width of the circuit assembly. A first component is attached to the support structure such that at least a portion of the support structure is located between the first component and the circuit assembly, with the first component electrically communicating with the circuit assembly. Methods and other systems also are provided.

Abstract: Systems for electrically interconnecting components are provided. One such system comprises: a flex cable having a first end and a second end; a first connector attached to and electrically communicating with the first end of the flex cable; a second connector attached to and electrically communicating with the second end of the flex cable; and a first retention member extending outwardly from the flex cable.