Abstract: A ribbon cable assembly includes a segment of ribbon cable having first and second ends, a first IDC connector mounted to the first end of the ribbon cable segment, and a second IDC connector mounted to the second end of the ribbon cable segment. Each connector includes a connector housing, and a set of terminals supported by the connector housing. Each terminal has a base portion (e.g., a pin, a pad, etc.) for coupling to an external device, and a cable attachment portion which is unitary with the base portion of that terminal. The cable attachment portion of each terminal defines (i) a slot that receives a wire, and (ii) wire positioners that position the wire within the slot when the slot receives the wire. The wire positioners of each terminal can precisely locate a wire within that terminal. The wire positioners facilitate wire retention and improve electrical connectivity thus providing a reliable electrical pathway between the wire and that terminal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for detecting airborne particles in an electronic enclosure. The electronic enclosure may be used to house one or more electronic devices or components of an electronic system, such as a computer or data storage system. A particle detection system is provided to monitor the air within the enclosure and to generate an alarm signal in response to detection of a threshold level of airborne particles within the enclosure that is indicative of an operational anomaly associated with at least one of the electronic devices or components. In response to the alarm signal, the electronic devices housed within the enclosure may be automatically shut down to reduce potential damage to at least the devices housed within the enclosure. The detection system is particularly suited for detecting the presence of smoke within an electronic enclosure, such as may be generated during a combustion event by overheated or electrically shorted electronic components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for detecting airborne particles in an electronic enclosure. The electronic enclosure may be used to house one or more electronic devices or components of an electronic system, such as a computer or data storage system. A particle detection system is provided to monitor the air within the enclosure and to generate an alarm signal in response to detection of a threshold level of airborne particles within the enclosure that is indicative of an operational anomaly associated with at least one of the electronic devices or components. In response to the alarm signal, the electronic devices housed within the enclosure may be automatically shut down to reduce potential damage to at least the devices housed within the enclosure. The detection system is particularly suited for detecting the presence of smoke within an electronic enclosure, such as may be generated during a combustion event by overheated or electrically shorted electronic components.

Abstract: An panel-mounted apparatus for grounding the outer shield of an electrical cable to the panel, and simultaneously providing a strain relief for the cable. The apparatus includes a pair of grounding blocks, and a pair of grounding sleeves. Each grounding block has a channel for receiving a grounding sleeve. A first grounding block is mounted to an electronic enclosure, and a second grounding block is attached to the first grounding block so that the channels in each block align and form a cable receiving hole; the cable being secured in the hole between the grounding blocks. Each grounding sleeve includes a plurality of grounding blades which protrude radially from the sleeve into the cable receiving hole to slice the cable jacket and engage the cable shield to ground the shield to the enclosure.