Abstract: The present invention provides a configuration jumper that allows the main system board of an information handling system to be configured for a plurality of population options, including on-board PCI-E integrated circuits and PCI-E integrated circuits on expansion circuit boards that are connected to the main system board by an expansion slot connector. In one embodiment of the invention, the main system board comprises a first conductor and a second conductor that is selected from a plurality of second conductors that correspond to different circuit population options. The configuration jumper is operable to connect the first connector to the selected second conductor and to provide an appropriate capacitance to ensure that the signal path defined by the first conductor, the second conductor and the internal conductor of the jumper provide a combined AC coupling capacitance that complies with the AC coupling capacitor requirements of the PCI-E protocol.

Abstract: The present invention provides a matched-impedance jumper that is operable to connect pairs of differential signal conductors to provide improved signal transmission characteristics. In an embodiment of the invention, the impedance-matched jumper is used to connect a first pair of differential signal conductors to a selected pair of differential signal conductors selected from a plurality of second pairs of differential signal conductors. The impedance-matched jumper comprises a plurality of input pins that are operable to connect with a plurality of connection pads on the first pair of differential signal conductors and a plurality of output pins operable to connect with a plurality of connection pads on the predetermined second pair of differential signal conductors. A plurality of internal conductors are operably connected to the input pins and the output pins to define a signal path therebetween.

Abstract: A metal vapor source with a regulatable flow rate comprising an enclosure filled with said vapor, means for heating said enclosure to a first temperature, a tube connected to the enclosure and means for heating said tube to a second regulatable temperature, the first temperature being maintained above the second temperature.An ion analyzer comprising an enclosure in which is disposed a target to be analyzed, a lens for extracting secondary ions whose front face faces the target, an enclosure filled with an alkaline vapor, means for heating said enclosure to a first regulatable temperature, a vapor outflow tube connected to one end of the enclosure, while the other end penetrates the analyzer enclosure, traverses the extraction lens and assumes a position level with the front face of the extraction lens and means for heating said tube to a second regulatable temperature, the first temperature being kept above the second temperature of the outflow tube.