Abstract: A clock distribution tree for use with a semiconductor chip. The package for a semiconductor chip includes a clock distribution tree having a plurality of output terminals for connection to a plurality of input pads on a semiconductor chip. According to one embodiment, the semiconductor chip includes a clock receiving and conditioning circuit which is coupled to a clock input signal line. The clock receiving and conditioning circuit receives a clock signal, filters it, amplifies it and outputs it back to the package having a clock distribution tree thereon. The clock distribution tree thereafter distributes the clock signal to the appropriate locations of the semiconductor chip through clock output terminals coupled to clock input paths on the semiconductor chip.

Abstract: An electrical connector, having a flexible substrate and a plurality of contact pads arranged in a regular configuration on a first surface of the substrate. A plurality of electrical traces on the flexible substrate, each in electrical contact with a respective one of the plurality of contact pads is also provided, and a plurality of apertures penetrating through the flexible substrate and arranged in a regular configuration and interlaced into the plurality of contact pads is provided.

Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting the circuit paths on a printed circuit board to another printed circuit board. A casing has a flexible electrical connector positioned under it and coupled to a plurality of electrodes. The flexible electrical connector has conductive traces thereon. The flexible electrical connector extends around the casing, enters the top of the casing and terminates on electrodes in an intermediate circuit board. Individual shuttle flex strips are coupled to the intermediate circuit board and have traces thereon that are coupled to electrodes of the intermediate circuit board. The shuttle flex strips are coupled to a plurality of shuttles that can be moved forward to engage conductive pins in a receiver housing positioned on a second circuit board. In this way, the signal paths from one circuit board are coupled to another circuit board.

Abstract: A preset bend resulting in a strain relief in a flexible conductor strip that interconnects relatively displaceable first and second electrical contacts that are originally relatively oriented in first spaced apart positions and moveable to second more distantly spaced apart positions. The preset bend includes a substantially straight first leg extending substantially perpendicularly to an axis of relative motion between the first and second interconnected electrical contacts and feeding into a substantially hemi-circular- curve, which continues into a second leg extending toward the second electrical contacts in their spaced apart position.

Abstract: A uniform pressure pad formed of a resilient material having a plurality of uniform pressure areas formed between a row and column array of cavities formed in the pad thickness. The cavities surrounding the pressure areas allow the resilient pad material to flow evenly thereby providing uniformity in the pressure applied to each pressure area.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a flexible circuit substrate extending between a pair of mechanical connectors to electrically couple circuits, and a supporting member between the mechanical connectors to reduce twisting of the flexible circuit substrate. The supporting member cambered to permit the mechanical connectors to translate with respect to one another. A clamping member includes a tapered clamping surface in an undeformed, unclamped position. The clamping member bends when in a clamped position, resulting in approximately planar clamping surface. Resilient pressure pads on the clamping members bias the flexible circuit substrate to the circuit board. The pressure pads are mounted in wells in the clamping members to support a side wall of the pressure pads. Frames provide additional support to the side walls of the pressure pads. The pressure pads include a raised edge along a periphery of a contact surface of the pressure pad.

Abstract: A reliable power supply connection to a printed circuit board. A canted coil spring in a channel is coupled to a printed circuit board. The individual chips, electrical components and other circuits on the printed circuit board have their respective power supply terminals connected to the canted coil spring channel member. The printed circuit board can be easily slid into, and removed from a frame assembly with a high degree of reliability in making the electrical connection having a low impedance each time the circuit board is placed into the frame of the computer. Furthermore, as the board is slid into the computer, the coil spring rubs against the electrical surface to which it is going to make contact, abrading the surface and removing any debris, or buildup which may have occurred both on the power supply pad and on the spring itself. A fresh, clean metal connection is therefore made each time the printed circuit board is placed into, or removed from the computer frame.

Abstract: A canted coiled spring is used as a highly conductive, high current electrode between a printed circuit board and a conductive strip connected to a selected voltage. A conductive channel member has fixed therein a coil spring made of a highly conductive, metallic material. The canted coiled spring is fixed at each end so that it may be easily slid along an adjacent electrode of the power strip. The channel member holding the canted coiled spring is coupled to a printed circuit board with a clamped, highly conductive contact surface. The use of the coil spring in a channel member connected to a printed circuit board permits the printed circuit board to be easily slid into, and out of electrical contact with power carrying electrodes.

Abstract: A casing assembly is provided for clamping to circuit boards of various thicknesses.