Abstract: An input/output panel for use with a server chassis may comprise a cover, an input/output interface circuit board, a plurality of interfaces, and a ground clip. The cover of non-conductive plastic may be configured to mount to a rear cover of the server chassis. The input/output interface circuit board may be disposed on a first side of the cover. The plurality of interfaces may be disposed on the input/output interface circuit board and extend at least partially through the cover to the second side of the cover. The ground clip may include a conductive component partially disposed within the plastic cover. A first end of the ground clip may extend from the first side of the cover and be configured to mate with the input/output interface circuit board. A second end of the ground clip may extend from the first side of cover and be configured to mate with a ground circuit associated with the rear cover of the server chassis.

Abstract: A latch for use with a plug-in unit may comprise a head, a rigid body, a pin, and a lever. The head may be configured to retain the plug-in unit within a chassis associated with a rack system. The rigid body may extend from the head and be configured to interface with a user's fingers. The pin may extend transversely from both sides of the head into a case associated with the plug-in unit and be configured so that the head and the rigid body rotate around the pin as a single body when the rigid body is pulled by the user's fingers. The lever may extend from the rigid body and include a detent configured to engage the chassis. The detent may be configured to restrict the head and the rigid body from rotating around the pin when the detent is engaged with the chassis. The lever may be operable to release the detent from the chassis. The head, the rigid body, the lever, and the detent are manufactured as a single unitary body.

Abstract: An input/output panel for use with a server chassis may comprise a cover, an input/output interface circuit board, a plurality of interfaces, and a ground clip. The cover of non-conductive plastic may be configured to mount to a rear cover of the server chassis. The input/output interface circuit board may be disposed on a first side of the cover. The plurality of interfaces may be disposed on the input/output interface circuit board and extend at least partially through the cover to the second side of the cover. The ground clip may include a conductive component partially disposed within the plastic cover. A first end of the ground clip may extend from the first side of the cover and be configured to mate with the input/output interface circuit board. A second end of the ground clip may extend from the first side of cover and be configured to mate with a ground circuit associated with the rear cover of the server chassis.

Abstract: A latch for use with a plug-in unit may comprise a head, a rigid body, a pin, and a lever. The head may be configured to retain the plug-in unit within a chassis associated with a rack system. The rigid body may extend from the head and be configured to interface with a user's fingers. The pin may extend transversely from both sides of the head into a case associated with the plug-in unit and be configured so that the head and the rigid body rotate around the pin as a single body when the rigid body is pulled by the user's fingers. The lever may extend from the rigid body and include a detent configured to engage the chassis. The detent may be configured to restrict the head and the rigid body from rotating around the pin when the detent is engaged with the chassis. The lever may be operable to release the detent from the chassis. The head, the rigid body, the lever, and the detent are manufactured as a single unitary body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adapting a backplane from one type of connector to another type of connector is disclosed. The method includes providing a backplane with a plurality of connectors, each connector being of a first type of connector, providing at least one extension module having a plurality of connectors, each connector being of a second type of connector, and plugging the at least one extension module into at least one of the first plurality of first type of connectors, thereby converting the first type of connectors into the second type of connectors. In a preferred embodiment, the backplane is used in a SONET communications system, and the conversion is from DS1 to DS3 connectors. The conversion allows an individual user to begin with one type of connector, and later expand as the need arises to an additional type or types of connectors.

Abstract: An apparatus for conductive heat transfer for electrical devices from the solder side of a circuit card assembly can significantly reduce the component temperature, thereby maintaining the electrical device below its thermal limit. The apparatus comprises a thermally conductive member mountable on an opposite face of a circuit board from a face of the circuit board on which an electrical component is mounted, the thermally conductive member operable to conduct heat generated by the electrical component away from the electrical component.

Abstract: An extendable enclosure for circuit cards provides the capability for a customer to purchase a low cost system up-front, but still allow for growth.

Abstract: An apparatus for conductive heat transfer for electrical devices from the solder side of a circuit card assembly can significantly reduce the component temperature, thereby maintaining the electrical device below its thermal limit. The apparatus comprises a thermally conductive member mountable on an opposite face of a circuit board from a face of the circuit board on which an electrical component is mounted, the thermally conductive member operable to conduct heat generated by the electrical component away from the electrical component.

Abstract: An extendable enclosure for circuit cards provides the capability for a customer to purchase a low cost system up-front, but still allow for growth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adapting a backplane from one type of connector to another type of connector is disclosed. The method includes providing a backplane with a plurality of connectors, each connector being of a first type of connector, providing at least one extension module having a plurality of connectors, each connector being of a second type of connector, and plugging the at least one extension module into at least one of the first plurality of first type of connectors, thereby converting the first type of connectors into the second type of connectors. In a preferred embodiment, the backplane is used in a SONET communications system, and the conversion is from DS1 to DS3 connectors. The conversion allows an individual user to begin with one type of connector, and later expand as the need arises to an additional type or types of connectors.

Abstract: A system is designed to facilitate heat transfer via radiation, convection and conduction from components within the system to the external environment and housing. The system includes a thermally conductive plate positioned between a surface of the housing and one or more heat generating components within the housing. A compliant thermally conductive material may then be placed between the heat generating components and the plate to facilitate conductive heat transfer from the component to the plate. From the plate, heat is transferred to the external environment through radiation and convection of air through perforations in the housing which cover a substantial portion of the surface area of the housing. The housing may also be inexpensively manufactured through stamping and may include two mating pieces which interlock using chamfered electrostatic discharge fingers. The housing may also incorporate a metal shroud for enveloping certain ESD sensitive connectors, such as optical couplers.

Abstract: A water resistant enclosure providing protection to electrical or electronic equipment contained therein includes a three-sided removable cover pivotally coupled to a wall mounting bracket that includes a back panel-base plate combination. The three-sided removable cover further includes an enclosure door that covers the front opening. The three-sided removable cover also includes features to provide for water resistance. These features include an overhang extension from the top side wall of the three-sided removable cover extending to partially cover the front opening and in particular to cover the seam created between the enclosure door and the removable cover, and a gutter surrounding the front opening to divert water therefrom. In addition, the three-sided removable cover and the wall mounting bracket include elements to provide for the proper alignment and orientation thereof when being mated together.

Abstract: An equipment enclosure includes a set of features enabling alignment of an electronic component with an L-shaped wall bracket. The bottom of the component rests on a base of the bracket. A rear wall of the bracket includes fastener elements, such as threaded standoffs, and alignment posts that extend forward beyond the standoffs. The rear of the component likewise includes fastener elements, such as captive screws, and alignment openings. During installation, the component is brought into a position in which the alignment openings engage the alignment posts, and then the component is pushed rearward until it abuts the rear wall of the bracket. The fasteners become mutually aligned for subsequent fastening.

Abstract: A fiber cable storage and management apparatus. The apparatus includes front and rear sections interconnected by a hinge. The front section is configured to hold a length of fiber cable, and both the front and rear sections are slidingly mountable to an electronic chassis. The front section of the fiber cable storage and management apparatus may be alternately retracted out of and inserted into the housing of the electronic chassis. When the front section is retracted out of the electronic chassis housing, the hinge can pivot between a first position in which the front and rear sections of the apparatus are substantially coplanar and a second position in which the front section is rotated below the plane of the rear section. By sliding the front section of the apparatus out of the electronic chassis housing and then rotating the front section downward, easy access is provided to fiber cable stored on the front section.

Abstract: An enclosure that includes at least first and second pieces of equipment having separate cooling airflows. A baffle is disposed within the enclosure to separate the enclosure into two compartments and to isolate the airflows for each piece of equipment within each of the respective compartments. The baffle includes a step portion to provide for a smooth airflow and to prevent hot spots from being formed on the baffle. The heated airflow from the second compartment is redirected away from the first compartment to an air duct or chimney that transports the heated air from the second compartment to an air output vent. When acting as a chimney, the air duct includes a flue portion, a buffer portion to enhance the convection draft, and an output opening. The separate airflows may be either convection driven or be a forced airflow driven by one or more fans.