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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: A method and apparatus to encourage correct operator assembly and disassembly of a component in a socket, and the component has a heat dissipation device attached to a substrate. A first embodiment of the invention involves a method to assemble a component and a heat dissipation device to a socket on a substrate using a retention assembly. A second embodiment of the invention involves a method to disassemble a component and a heat dissipation device from a socket on a substrate using a retention assembly. A third embodiment of the invention involves an assembled substrate with a retention assembly to limit operator ability to open and close a socket holding a component, relative to the engagement and disengagement of the retention assembly attached to the component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to encourage correct operator assembly and disassembly of a component in a socket, and the component has a heat dissipation device attached to a substrate. A first embodiment of the invention involves a method to assemble a component and a heat dissipation device to a socket on a substrate using a retention assembly. A second embodiment of the invention involves a method to disassemble a component and a heat dissipation device from a socket on a substrate using a retention assembly. A third embodiment of the invention involves an assembled substrate with a retention assembly to limit operator ability to open and close a socket holding a component, relative to the engagement and disengagement of the retention assembly attached to the component.