Abstract: A universal press-fit connection allows a component having a connector pin to be connected to a compatible plated through hole of a circuit board regardless of circuit board thickness. The connector pin includes a proximate end adjacent the component, a distal end with a fork lock, and a compliant portion between the proximate and distal ends. A multi-width through hole includes a first portion partially extending through the circuit board and a second, wider portion extending beyond the first portion. The fork lock initially moves radially inward upon insertion into the first portion via flexing of the compliant portion, and re-expands when entering the second portion. The compliant portion engages the through hole and the fork lock secures the connector pin in the through hole.

Abstract: A computer system for obtaining vital product data (VPD) of a non-active component installed in the computer system. The computer system includes an active component, wherein the active component includes an optical sensor, wherein the optical sensor is positioned such that the optical sensor is able to scan an optically machine-readable representation of VPD of a non-active component when the non-active component is installed in the computer system, and wherein the non-active component includes the optically machine-readable representation of the VPD of the non-active component. The computer system is operable to scan the optically machine-readable representation of the VPD of the non-active component, decode the optically machine-readable representation of the VPD to determine the VPD of the non-active component, and store the determined VPD of the non-active component.

Abstract: A universal press-fit connection allows a component having a connector pin to be connected to a compatible plated through hole of a circuit board regardless of circuit board thickness. The connector pin includes a proximate end adjacent the component, a distal end with a fork lock, and a compliant portion between the proximate and distal ends. A multi-width through hole includes a first portion partially extending through the circuit board and a second, wider portion extending beyond the first portion. The fork lock initially moves radially inward upon insertion into the first portion via flexing of the compliant portion, and re-expands when entering the second portion. The compliant portion engages the through hole and the fork lock secures the connector pin in the through hole.

Abstract: An electronic component is connected to a circuit board by forming a connector pin on the electronic component, the connector pin having a proximate end secured to the electronic component, a distal end with a fork lock, and a compliant portion between the proximate and distal ends. A multi-width through-hole is formed on a circuit board having a circuit board thickness greater than a length of the connector pin, with a first portion that is narrower than each of the compliant portion and the fork lock and extends partially through the circuit board and a second portion that extends beyond the first portion and is wider than the first portion. The connector pin is inserted into the first portion of the through-hole and the fork lock is moved beyond the first portion into the second portion of the through-hole.

Abstract: A method and system in accordance with the present invention provides a microprocessor on each blade server for providing interfaces at the plurality of blade servers for simultaneous connection with a local or remote drive. The microprocessor can also configure the blade server to simultaneously connect with a plurality of local and/or remote drives. The microprocessor routes data packets between a management system and its respective blade server, while a management module in the management system manages the simultaneous access of the drive(s) by the plurality of blade servers or the plurality of drives by a blade server. This increases the efficiency of the system.