Electrical Connectors Patents (Class 324/538)
  • Patent number: 7667465
    Abstract: A system for determining whether a lead is securely inserted into a connector includes an actuator for moving the lead to a plurality of positions, a position sensor for measuring a position of the lead relative to the connector, and a force sensor for measuring an actual force exerted on the lead at each of the plurality of positions to define an actual force signature. A processor compares the actual force signature to a predetermined force signature to determine whether the lead is disposed within the opening of the connector. The method includes the steps of moving the lead to a plurality of positions, establishing an actual force signature, and establishing a predetermined force signature. If the actual force signature is within the predetermined force signature, then the lead is securely inserted into the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony G. Peluso, Louis J. Liguore
  • Publication number: 20100039119
    Abstract: A plurality of gate lines are formed on an insulating substrate in the horizontal direction, a gate shorting bar connected to the data lines is formed in the vertical direction and a gate insulating film is formed thereon. A plurality of data lines intersecting the gate lines are formed on the gate insulating film in the vertical direction, and a data shorting bar connected to the data lines is formed outside the display region. A first shorting bar is formed on the gate insulating film, located between the gate lines and the gate shorting bar, and connected to the odd gate lines. A second secondary shorting bar is formed parallel to the first shorting bar and connected to the even gate lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Sang-Kyoung LEE, Dong-Gyu Kim, Min-Hyung Moon
  • Publication number: 20100039118
    Abstract: A current measurement circuit includes first and second input nodes which receive the respective voltages at either side of a resistive element through which electrical current can flow, a differential amplifier means which produces an output signal indicative of the difference in voltage between its input terminals, electrical path forming means providing a connection between each of the input nodes and a respective input terminal of the differential amplifiers, a controllable voltage source for selectively applying an offset voltage to at least one input of the differential amplifier in response to a control signal, a control signal generator which generates the control signal applied to the voltage source such that at a first instance an offset voltage is applied which is greater than that applied at a second instance, and a diagnostic means which is adapted to identify faults present in the electrical path between the first input node and the respective input to the amplifier by comparing the output from
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen Edwin Crozier, Andrew Stephen James Williams
  • Patent number: 7656179
    Abstract: A relay connector connects a terminal of a connector to be inspected provided on a board for inspection to a measuring instrument. The relay connector includes: a pin block; a floating guide, arranged so as to approach and separate with respect to the pin block and resiliently urged in a separating direction, the floating guide formed with a guide hole; a plurality of probes, each of which is provided in the pin block so as to be opposed to the terminal of the connector to be inspected having been inserted into the guide hole; and a pressure operating member, adapted to be operated between an open state in which the connector to be inspected is allowed to be inserted into the guide hole in the floating guide, and a pressed state in which the connector to be inspected having been inserted into the floating guide is pressed toward the pin block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Yokowo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Suzuki, Ryoichi Hirako
  • Patent number: 7645158
    Abstract: An electrical terminal assembly for an HVAC device is disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, the terminal assembly includes one or more quick-connect or screwless type terminal blocks mounted on a printed circuit board. The terminal assembly may also include one or more test pads electrically connected to the one or more quick-connect or screwless terminals via one or more traces on the printed circuit board. The one or more test pads may include a recessed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Mulhouse, Ludek Zavodny
  • Publication number: 20090322554
    Abstract: To characterize an electrical cable that is deployed in a well, a voltage input is applied to the electrical cable at an earth surface location, where the well extends from the earth surface location. A current response resulting from the voltage input is measured at the earth surface location. At least one parameter of the electrical cable is computed according to the measured current response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Ramon Hernandez-Marti, Vinod Rajasekaran
  • Patent number: 7631230
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides apparatus and a method for testing a transmission path across one or more printed circuit boards. According to the method, a test signal is presented at a first location on the transmission path. The test signal is generally low frequency compared to normal data communications on the transmission path. A pickup line is capacitively coupled at a second location to the transmission path. The pickup line is monitored with a detector to see whether or not the test signal is present. If the test signal is not present, it is determined that there is a fault on the transmission path between the first location and the second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Emrys Williams
  • Patent number: 7612568
    Abstract: The invention discloses a testing system and method suitable for determining the connection state of an electronic component in an electronic device assembly. In an embodiment, the testing system comprises a signal sensing unit configured to provide a sensed signal induced by capacitive coupling in response to the output of a testing signal passing through a tested pin, a signal processor unit configured to filter and over-sample the sensed signal to obtain a digital signal, and an analyzer unit configured to compute the digital signal for determining a connection state of the test pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Test Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Chien-Wei Chen, Chia-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 7612574
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods provide built-in testing enhancements in integrated circuits. These testing enhancements permit, for example, continuity testing to pads and/or leakage current testing for more than one pad. The disclosed techniques may permit more thorough testing of integrated circuits at the die level, thereby reducing the number of defective devices that are further processed, saving both time and money. In one embodiment, a test signal is routed in real time through a built-in path that includes an input buffer for a pad under test. This permits testing of continuity between the pad and the input buffer. An output buffer can also be tested as applicable. In another embodiment, two or more pads of a die are electronically coupled together such that leakage current testing applied by a probe connected to one pad can be used to test another pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Fujiwara, Masayoshi Nomura
  • Publication number: 20090267613
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the configuration of a connection between two devices by measuring an electrical characteristic are provided. Using the measured electrical characteristic, a device is able to select an appropriate communication interface, such as serial, Universal Serial Bus (USB), FireWire, parallel, PS/2, etc., and configure itself appropriately. Systems and methods which determine the physical orientation of a connector with respect to another connector may also be provided alone or in combination with such systems and methods for selecting communication interfaces. The physical orientation of a connector can be determined by measuring an electrical characteristic and a device can then configure itself appropriately. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, device designs can decrease in size and cost as well as simplify operation for the end-user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Stanley Rabu, Nicholas R. Kalayjian
  • Publication number: 20090230976
    Abstract: A test system including a package with interconnect paths. The package may have electrical paths that are electrically connected by the interconnect paths. The electrically connected electrical paths may yield increased data without significantly increasing the required testing hardware.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: David K. McElfresh, Dan Vacar, Robert H. Melanson, Leoncio D. Lopez
  • Publication number: 20090230977
    Abstract: A test system including a package with switchable paths. The package may have conductive paths that are selected by switches. The electrically switchable conductive paths may yield increased data without significantly increasing the required testing hardware.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Vacar, David K. McElfresh, Robert H. Melanson, Leoncio D. Lopez
  • Patent number: 7589536
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the configuration of a connection between two devices by measuring an electrical characteristic are provided. Using the measured electrical characteristic, a device is able to select an appropriate communication interface, such as serial, Universal Serial Bus (USB), FireWire, parallel, PS/2, etc., and configure itself appropriately. Systems and methods which determine the physical orientation of a connector with respect to another connector may also be provided alone or in combination with such systems and methods for selecting communication interfaces. The physical orientation of a connector can be determined by measuring an electrical characteristic and a device can then configure itself appropriately. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, device designs can decrease in size and cost as well as simplify operation for the end-user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Stanley Rabu, Nicholas R. Kalayjian
  • Patent number: 7586313
    Abstract: To characterize an electrical cable that is deployed in a well, a voltage input is applied to the electrical cable at an earth surface location, where the well extends from the earth surface location. A current response resulting from the voltage input is measured at the earth surface location. At least one parameter of the electrical cable is computed according to the measured current response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ramon Hernandez-Marti, Vinod Rajasekaran
  • Patent number: 7573272
    Abstract: A method of testing the electrical functionality of an optically controlled switch in a reconfigurable antenna is provided. The method includes configuring one or more conductive paths between one or more feed points and one or more test point with switches in the reconfigurable antenna. Applying one or more test signals to the one or more feed points. Monitoring the one or more test points in response to the one or more test signals and determining the functionality of the switch based upon the monitoring of the one or more test points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Becker, David W. Meyers, Kelly P. Muldoon, Douglas R. Carlson, Jerome P. Drexler
  • Patent number: 7552016
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a monitor node adapted to receive a monitored signal. The integrated circuit also includes a multi-purpose node. The integrated circuit is adapted to receive and store a threshold presented at the multi-purpose node during a first time period. The integrated circuit is also adapted to output a fault signal from the multi-purpose node at a time after the predetermined time period. The fault signal is indicative of a relationship between the monitored signal and the threshold. With this arrangement, the multi-purpose node achieves at least two functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Allegro Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ravi Vig, John Cummings, Jonathan Lamarre, David J. Haas
  • Publication number: 20090140748
    Abstract: A wire harness testing system is disclosed. The wire harness testing system may include a voltage sensor configured to measure a voltage at a location associated with an electric load, wherein the electric load is connected with at least one wire harness. The wire harness testing system may also include a controller electrically coupled to the voltage sensor. The controller may be configured to receive a wire harness test request. The controller may be further configured to determine a voltage drop based on a voltage sensor measurement and a reference voltage and compare the voltage drop with a threshold. The controller may also be configured to adaptively update the reference voltage with the voltage measurement responsive to a voltage drop below the threshold, and generate a fault notice responsive to a voltage drop above the threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Robert W. Lindsey, Curtis Brian Johnson, Rex Aaron Glover
  • Patent number: 7527530
    Abstract: An electric terminal connector block is provided with oblong tool openings that communicate with interior channels of the connector block and with openings in the motor wiring electric terminals positioned in each channel of the connector block. The oblong shapes of the tool openings enable insertion of tool pins through the tool openings and openings of the electric terminals and movement of the tool pins along the lengths of the oblong tool openings whereby the tool pins engage with the electric terminals and move the terminals relative to the connector block to insure that the terminals are locked in place in the connector block. In addition, the tooling used with the connector block is operated according to a method that insures that the terminals of the motor winding are moved to a position relative to the connector block where the terminals are locked in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Jacob M. Olejniczak, Vincent P. Fargo, Kent L. White, Paul G. Michaels, William L. Riggs, Charles A. Peters
  • Publication number: 20090108848
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a receptacle for communicating information via a first communication circuit and a second communication circuit different from the first communication circuit, the receptacle including a plurality of electrically conductive contacts having a predefined arrangement. The electronic device further includes a detection circuit and a configuration circuit. The detection circuit is operatively coupled to at least one of the plurality of contacts, and the detection circuit is operative to detect an electrical state of the at least one contact. The configuration circuit is operatively coupled to a first group of contacts of the plurality of contacts, and the configuration circuit is operative to communicatively couple the first group of contacts to the first communication circuit or the second communication circuit based on the detected state of the at least one contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS AB
    Inventors: Anders Lundquist, Markus G. Agevik, David Johansson, Anders Hansson
  • Patent number: 7525319
    Abstract: A method of electrically qualifying high speed printed circuit board (PCB) connectors includes mounting a PCB connector on a test card, sending bit patterns through a first portion of the test card, evaluating a waveform on a sense signal on a second portion of the test card for the bit patterns launched on said first portion of the test card to measure common mode noise, and comparing the measured common mode noise of the second portion of the test card to a golden standard performed on a pre-qualified connector. The first portion of the test card comprises connectors to inject bit patterns. The second portion of the test card includes a split plane which induces common mode noise on a sense signal, the sense signal, and a termination pack. If the measured common mode noise on the PCB connector is worse than the golden standard, then the PCB connector is disqualified. If the measured common mode noise on the PCB connector is as good as or better than the golden standard, then the PCB connector is qualified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Rubina Firdaus Ahmed, Moises Cases, Bradley Donald Herrman, Kent Barclay Howieson, Bhyrav Murthy Mutnury, Pravin Patel, Peter Robert Seidel
  • Publication number: 20090093988
    Abstract: A system for validating a proposed crimp includes a pre-crimp modeler configured to establish a geometry for the proposed crimp, a plurality of virtual testing modules configured to determine at least one characteristic of the proposed crimp, and a virtual validation module configured to compare results from each of the plurality of virtual testing modules to predetermined criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Mark D. Baranski, Bruce S. Gump, William J. Palm
  • Publication number: 20090090622
    Abstract: A particulate (soot) sensor system has a diagnostic feature for verifying the integrity of the wiring leads. The sensor system includes a sensor and processing circuitry. The sensor has a substrate, first and second sensing electrodes on the substrate and a heater electrode. The heater electrode is electrically isolated from the first and second sensing electrodes, although there is a parasitic capacitance between them. The processing circuitry includes a heater driver, a measurement circuit connected to the sensing electrodes by wire leads, and a detector. The heater driver, in addition to energizing the heater, produces a stimulus signal that is applied to the heating electrode, which is then coupled via the parasitic capacitance to the sensing electrodes. The detector is coupled to the wiring leads and is configured to detect the stimulus signal when there is electrical conductivity over the leads to the sensing electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Eugene V. Ripley
  • Publication number: 20090091333
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus including a stacked plurality of devices and a related method. The apparatus includes a stacked plurality of devices including a master device and at least one secondary device; a plurality of segments, each segment being associated with one of the stacked plurality of devices; and a plurality of N vertical connection paths traversing the stacked plurality of devices. The apparatus further includes a plurality of M vertical signal paths configured from the plurality of N vertical connections paths, wherein M is less than N, and at least one of the plurality of M vertical signal paths is a merged vertical signal path adaptively configured by the master device using at least one segment from each one of at least two of the plurality of N vertical connection paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hoe ju CHUNG, Jung bae LEE, Hoon LEE
  • Patent number: 7514937
    Abstract: A system configured to detect faults in signal lines. A system includes a first component configured to communicate with a second component via a signal path including one or more signal traces. Sense signal lines are manufactured such that at some point they are in close proximity to a signal trace which is to be monitored. The sense signal lines are configured to use parasitic coupling to redirect a portion of a signal conveyed via a signal trace to a monitoring component. The first component is configured to convey a test signal indicative of a type of test via the signal path, and a reference signal to the monitoring component. The monitoring component is configured to utilize the reference signal to ascertain a presence or absence, or characteristics of a received redirected signal. The monitoring component may optionally utilize a locally generated reference signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell N. Mirov, Howard L. Davidson
  • Patent number: 7511508
    Abstract: There are measured characteristics of a jig (fixture) used to calculate and measure circuit parameters of a device under test. There is provided a jig characteristic measuring device which measures the jig characteristics of a jig which includes signal lines used to connect a DUT and a network analyzer with each other (namely, the reflection characteristics of the signal lines, and the transmission S parameters), measures the reflection coefficients of the signal lines in an open state where the DUT is not connected to the signal lines measures the reflection coefficients of the signal lines in a short-circuit state where all the signal lines are grounded, and derives the jig characteristics of the jig based on these measured results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Haruta, Hiroyuki Konno, Naoya Kimura, Yoshikazu Nakayama
  • Patent number: 7511505
    Abstract: A centralized connector module, a refrigeration unit and a method of assembling a refrigeration unit. In one embodiment, the centralized connector module includes (1) a dielectric body having interconnected terminal sets corresponding to components connectable thereacross and (2) continuity indicator circuits associated with at least some of the terminal sets and configured to indicate continuity faults with respect to connected ones of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Heatcraft Refrigeration Products LLC
    Inventors: Patrick M. Bailey, Raynald C. Clarke
  • Publication number: 20090079438
    Abstract: An electrical connection testing system for testing existence of an electrical connection between a first electronic device and a second electronic device. An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit is provided between the first and second electronic devices. The testing system includes a comparator having a first input connected to a power for output of the first electronic device and a second input connected to an output signal from the first electronic device. The output signal is adapted to be sent to the second electronic device through the ESD protection circuit. The testing system also includes a system for determining if a comparator output from the comparator is indicative of the first and second inputs being different or if the comparator output is indicative of the first and second inputs being substantially the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Juha Harri-Pekka Nurmi, Jussi Petteri Koskela
  • Patent number: 7495452
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wire harness checker and a wire harness checking method, which are capable of determining whether a terminal of a terminal-fitted wire is adequately inserted in a connector housing, without contact with the wire and the terminal, objectively and reliably. Each of three pairs of sensor plates (20a, 20b; 30a, 30b; 40a, 40b) are disposed adjacent to an outer wall surface of a connector housing 10 in opposed relation to one another. An AC inspection signal is supplied to a terminal to be inserted into the connector housing 10, and detected from the terminal by each of the pairs of sensor plates (20a, 20b), (30a, 30b), (40a, 40b), to detect an insertion position of the terminal in the connector, in accordance with a relative value of each detection signal from the sensor plates, so as to determine adequacy of the insertion position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignees: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., OHT Inc.
    Inventors: Mishio Hayashi, Shuji Yamaoka, Akira Nurioka, Yoshikazu Taniguchi, Hideo Onishi
  • Publication number: 20090039898
    Abstract: An alternator and starter motor tester system having alternator cable check. The alternator cable connector is specific to an alternator type. The cable connector is monitored so that if it fails a certain alternator type for a predetermined number of times in a row, the cable will be locked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Kurt Raichle, Scott Krampitz, Weixing Xia
  • Publication number: 20090042445
    Abstract: A joint connector (10) has sub-housings (S) (S1 to S6) that can be built up in plural levels. Projecting pieces (31) project on outer sides of the respective sub-housings (S) in directions intersecting a build-up direction (BUD) of the sub-housings (S) and define hand-push portions (13) by building up the sub-housings (S). The sub-housings (S) built up in levels are fit into the intermediate connector (20) by pushing the hand-push portions (13) towards the intermediate connector (20) so that terminal fittings (40) in the joint connector (10) are connected electrically with intermediate terminals (24) in the intermediate connector (20). Identifying projections (A) on the lower mating surfaces of the projecting pieces (31) enter identifying recesses (B) in the upper mating surfaces of adjacent projecting pieces (31) if the sub-housings (S) are built up properly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Toshifumi Ichio, Kenji Okamura
  • Patent number: 7486080
    Abstract: An electrical coupling state is monitored between an inductive load and a circuit configuration. The latter has a first and a second coupling point for coupling to the inductive load. A first voltage value is determined between the first and second coupling points. The first voltage value is tested for the occurrence of a characteristic voltage pulse, which can be triggered by reduction of a magnetic flux in the inductive load by way of a steep-edged change in the amount of current flow through the inductive load. An error is identified in the coupling state if the characteristic voltage pulse does not occur within a predefinable time period. The absence of an error in the coupling state is also identified if the voltage pulse does occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Albrecht Föll, Jose Kissler, Thomas Röhrl
  • Publication number: 20090021265
    Abstract: A system for determining whether a lead is securely inserted into a connector includes an actuator for moving the lead to a plurality of positions, a position sensor for measuring a position of the lead relative to the connector, and a force sensor for measuring an actual force exerted on the lead at each of the plurality of positions to define an actual force signature. A processor compares the actual force signature to a predetermined force signature to determine whether the lead is disposed within the opening of the connector. The method includes the steps of moving the lead to a plurality of positions, establishing an actual force signature, and establishing a predetermined force signature. If the actual force signature is within the predetermined force signature, then the lead is securely inserted into the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Anthony G. Peluso, Louis J. Liguore
  • Publication number: 20090009185
    Abstract: A diagnostic resistor via which a diagnostic current flows is used in a diagnostic system for monitoring a connector in particular for high-frequency modules. The diagnostic resistor is integrated into a connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas Herbst
  • Patent number: 7463042
    Abstract: An improved probing system is provided for facilitating the making electrical connections to a variety of connectors. The system can be implemented with a plurality of probes capable of being independently translated and pivoted in a plurality of directions under computer control for contacting portions of an electrical connector under test. Probes of the system can be easily reconfigured to test a plurality of different connector types without requiring the use of custom harnesses. A connector having a plurality of contact portions can be received into a gripping mechanism of the probing system. An image of the connector can be captured by a camera of the system and processed by a computing device. Various probes can be positioned to contact the connector to facilitate the performance of tests on the connector, including the application of voltages and currents to the connector, as well as the detection of the same from the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: John C. Pereira
  • Patent number: 7463038
    Abstract: A slant detection device is used for detecting whether the to-be-tested pin of a connector is slanted. The connector has a socket. The to-be-tested pin is disposed in the socket. The detection device includes a detector and a sensor. The detector includes a body, a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The first and second protrusions are protruded from one side of the body for being inserted into the socket. The first and second protrusions are spaced to define a gap. The width of the gap is greater than the width of the to-be-tested pin. If the pin is normal, the to-be-tested pin is inserted into the gap. If the to-be-tested pin is slanted, the to-be-tested pin touches the first or second protrusion to cause a short circuit. The sensor is electrically connected to the detector, for outputting a sensing signal when sensing the short circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Hsiao-Tsu Ni, Yaw-Tzorng Tsorng, Chung-Ping Liu, Chen-Sheng Tang
  • Publication number: 20080297168
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for testing a differential signaling channel having a differential pair of signal paths, and a pair of signal grounds bounding the differential pair, includes: causing positive and negative phases of a differential waveform to be driven over respective paths of the differential pair while monitoring a signal induced in a capacitive sense plate positioned adjacent to, and capacitively coupled to, all of the paths and grounds of the channel; when an amplitude of the monitored signal is within a first range, indicating to a user that there are no open defects in the differential signaling channel; and when the amplitude of the monitored signal falls within one or more second ranges, and not within the first range, indicating to the user that an open exists in the differential signaling channel. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth P. Parker
  • Publication number: 20080252300
    Abstract: A detecting device for detecting the electrical connection between several first pads and second pads of a package substrate is provided. The first and the second pads are disposed on two opposite sides of the package substrate. The detecting device includes a socket unit, several first detecting components and several second detecting components. The socket unit is disposed on and coupled to the first pads. The first detecting components are disposed on and coupled to the socket unit. The second detecting components are disposed under and coupled to the second pads. The socket unit and the second detecting components are disposed on two opposite sides of the package substrate. While detecting, the first detecting components, the socket unit, the first pads, the second pads and the second detecting components are electrically connected sequentially, so as to determine whether the first pads are respectively and electrically connected to the second pads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Heng-Lung Su, Wen-Shian Huang, Sheng-Feng Tseng, Feng-Chen Cheng, Chang-Shuo Lee
  • Patent number: 7433860
    Abstract: A method, system, and medium are provided for generating labels to tag cables of a communications network. The includes creating a set of label records to be stored in a storage component; receiving search criteria for retrieving all or a portion of the label records; identifying at least one record in the storage component that corresponds to the search criteria; and providing a data stream that, when rendered by the printing device, produces labels displaying content of the identified records in a predetermined format. The system includes a user interface coupled to a storage component for receiving a search string to query the storage component for one or more records and a label controller that receives the query result and converts the result into a prescribed format whereby the query result can be rendered on a printing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventor: Joe Quint
  • Publication number: 20080231288
    Abstract: A semiconductor package includes a bare chip which has a plurality of external electrodes, a land grid array substrate having an edge, a first surface and a second surface. The first surface includes a first portion apart from the edge and a second portion adjacent to the edge. The first portion of the first surface mounts the bare chip and is covered with a resin to seal the bare chip with the resin. The first portion of the first surface and the second surface includes a non-sealed region which is not covered with the resin. A plurality of first electrodes are arranged on the non-sealed region and connected to the external electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes are arranged on the second surface and connected to the external electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: NEC ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kou Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7425833
    Abstract: A broad-band technique for reducing the distributed inductance of a four-conductor Kelvin cable is disclosed. A special inductance-canceling cable section is connected in tandem with the cable section contacting the cell/battery. Connections between the two cable sections are transposed such that conductors in each conductor pair of the canceling section connect to current-carrying and voltage-sensing conductors from different conductor pairs in the contacting section. The canceling section thereby exhibits a distributed negative mutual inductance between its current-carrying and voltage-sensing conductors that can effectively cancel the distributed positive mutual inductance introduced by the contacting section. In one embodiment, conductor pairs comprise pairs of insulated wires which may be twisted together. In other disclosed embodiments, conductor pairs comprise shielded coaxial cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin I. Bertness, Keith S. Champlin
  • Publication number: 20080218175
    Abstract: The invention discloses a testing system and method suitable for determining the connection state of an electronic component in an electronic device assembly. In an embodiment, the testing system comprises a signal sensing unit configured to provide a sensed signal induced by capacitive coupling in response to the output of a testing signal passing through a tested pin, a signal processor unit configured to filter and over-sample the sensed signal to obtain a digital signal, and an analyzer unit configured to compute the digital signal for determining a connection state of the test pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Test Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Chien-Wei Chen, Chia-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 7411405
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus establish and maintain reliable network cable contacts that mitigate disconnecting effects by transmitting an AC signal with a frequency that reduces the disconnecting effects. The signal frequency may be statically or dynamically selected. The approach allows the severity of a disconnecting effect to be assessed and/or monitored and may support the scheduled replacement and/or repair of network cables identified as faulty. Information related to network cable resistance may be managed within the local device and/or with assistance from a Network Management System (NMS). Physical connection reliability and resilience against disconnecting effects is further enhanced with a physical pogo-style connector that rotates to mechanically scrape and remove oxidation and debris from a conductive contact pad surface each time a physical contact is formed. Such a contact may significantly reduce the level of oxidation, oils and other debris that contribute to the disconnecting effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventor: Ronald A. Nordin
  • Patent number: 7408361
    Abstract: A detecting method of a detecting circuit with a plugged test lead. The method includes setting an operation mode of the detecting circuit by a recognizing unit, transmitting a signal to the recognizing unit by an oscillating unit when the test lead plugs or unplugs into a split contact jack, receiving the signal from the oscillating unit by the recognizing unit, and determining a condition of the detecting circuit, and sending a message to a user in accordance with the determining result of the recognizing unit. Further, the oscillating unit is stopped from oscillating and outputs a quiescent state voltage to the recognizing unit when the plugged test lead is inserted into the split contact jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Escort Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: James Wu, Larry Tsai, Winston Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20080174941
    Abstract: A portable information handling system, user interface components thereof, and methods of user control interface and assembly are disclosed. In one embodiment a keyboard assembly, including a large plurality of contacts for a keyboard matrix, connects directly to a palmrest assembly. The palmrest assembly includes a keyboard controller, which decodes keystrokes and then passes the decoded keystrokes to, e.g., an I/O controller on the motherboard of the portable information handling system. This arrangement can greatly improve layout and usage of the motherboard routing spaces, can improve reliability, and can simplify assembly, among other advantages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
    Inventors: Kevin Mundt, Orin M. Ozias, Andrew Thomas Sultenfuss
  • Patent number: 7403021
    Abstract: A testing circuit for an interface includes a load feeding circuit and a voltage testing circuit. The load feeding circuit includes a resistance-regulating unit, a first comparator, a pass element, and a capacitor. The resistance-regulating unit is connected to a positive input of the first comparator. A negative input of the first comparator is connected to the capacitor and a first terminal of the pass element. An output of the first comparator is connected to a second terminal of the pass element. A third terminal of the pass element is connected to the interface. The voltage testing circuit includes a second comparator and a display member connected to the second comparator. The voltage of the interface and a reference voltage are input to inputs of the second comparator, and the second comparator outputs a signal to control the display member to display a comparison result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi-Cai Tan, Ren-Jun Xiao, Kun-Lung Wu
  • Publication number: 20080169823
    Abstract: An apparatus for changing a connection between two serial components on the same circuit board. The apparatus comprises at least one column, and each column includes first, second, third and fourth pads. The first pad communicates with a first breakout connector disposed on the circuit board. The second pad communicates with a second breakout connector disposed on the circuit board. The third pad communicates with one of the serial components. The fourth pad communicates with the other of the serial components and with the third pad during normal operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS, LP
    Inventors: Paul Fuller, Arthur J. Gregorcyk
  • Patent number: 7397251
    Abstract: A device for testing connectivity is provided. The device includes a first connector including a contact pin and a spacer for biasing the contact pin away from a spring contact pin of a second connector, when the first connector is inserted into the second connector. The device also includes an indicator, coupled to the contact pin of the first connector, for indicating whether the contact pin of the first connector is in contact with the spring contact pin of the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Joseph D. King, Bernard H. Fet, Shawn Hammer, Aaron Vowell
  • Publication number: 20080157782
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to performing boundary scanning without using a pin which is exclusively dedicated for that purpose. The boundary scan can be performed by an integrated circuit by utilizing a pin which has an alternative use during ordinary operation of the integrated circuit and the device. This pin can be connected to an analog circuit configured to sense capacitance outside of the pin. The analog circuit may also have an alternative function in normal operation of the device. During a testing mode, the analog circuit can sense a stray capacitance present at the pin. The sensed capacitance can be compared to one or more stored expected capacitance values to determine an interconnection state of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Christoph Horst Krah
  • Patent number: 7394260
    Abstract: A method of tuning a test trace that is capacitively coupled to a number of signal traces. A method for determining a configuration of a device comprising signal traces and a capacitively coupled test trace may include selecting a test frequency of a test signal to be driven on selected signal traces during a test mode of device operation, and tuning circuit characteristics of the test trace to generate a bandpass frequency response including a passband and a stopband, where a detection frequency corresponding either to the test frequency or a selected harmonic of the test frequency is included in the passband. Tuning of circuit characteristics may include selecting a degree of capacitive coupling between the test trace and the signal traces such that, within a specified constraint for signal degradation on the signal traces, the bandpass frequency response of the given test trace satisfies a specified transmission requirement at the detection frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Margaret H. Wang, Prabhansu Chakrabarti
  • Publication number: 20080150546
    Abstract: An electrical continuity tester adaptor for attaching to a conventional continuity tester comprising first, second and third members. The first member is operably configured to engage a female F-type connector. The second member is operably configured to engage a female RJ series type connector. The third member includes a plurality of electrical connections and a printed circuit board to facilitate the electrical connectivity between the first and second members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Robert D. Gale