Abstract: A expansion circuit board retainer comprises a supporting bracket and an adjustable sleeve. The supporting bracket is secured to a main board and the adjustable sleeve is slidably mounted thereto. The sleeve forms a slot in a wall thereof, through which bolts can extend and screw into corresponding holes of the bracket to adjust the sleeve position. The sleeve also forms pairs of guiding blocks for guiding and receiving an edge of an expansion circuit board. A retaining head is formed at top end of the sleeve, which presses the expansion circuit board downward to secure the expansion circuit board in place.

Abstract: A stiffener supports a printed circuit board during insertion and removal within a slot of a card cage having one or more electrical connectors. The stiffener has a rigid elongated member that defines an elongated channel. The elongated member is adapted to engage an edge of the printed circuit board along the channel. The member has an engagement portion for receiving an applied force, a driver portion for engaging an electrical connecting mechanism, and a translator portion for translating the force from the engagement portion to the driver portion.

Abstract: A circuit card enclosure formed of sheet metal with its top and bottom walls having integrally formed circuit card guides. The guides are lanced and formed projections extending inwardly from the top and bottom walls and are spaced from the respective walls by a distance satisfying regulatory requirements for sizes of opening in such enclosures. Additionally, the top and bottom walls have apertures for heat dissipation purposes which likewise satisfy the regulatory requirements. Thus, the enclosure does not require an additional top cover or shield.

Abstract: A housing receives a printed circuit board and a plurality of daughter boards. The housing has two opposing sidewalls, a floor, and a ceiling. The sidewalls extend from opposing sides of the floor to opposing sides of the ceiling. The opposing sidewalls, the floor and the ceiling defining an opening for receiving a daughter board within slots in the floor and the ceiling. A movable ceiling member attaches to the sidewalls. The ceiling, the movable ceiling member and the sidewalls define an opening for receiving a printed circuit board, such as a backplane, when the movable ceiling member is in an unsecured position. The movable ceiling member is aligned with the ceiling when the movable ceiling member is in a secured position. The movable ceiling member includes a fastener that secures the printed circuit board. The movable ceiling member accommodates printed circuit boards having various thicknesses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fixing apparatus for a mounting type card member which is capable of implementing an easier installation of an option card in a computer main chassis without using any tools. In the computer casing, there are provided a main chassis having a bracket having a fixing portion, and a motherboard engaged to the main chassis and having one or more slots, the card members having a connector portion connected with the slot and a bracket formed at one end of the same. A fixing member has a body portion which supports the card member bracket and fixing portions formed at both ends of the body portion, whereby the fixing portions are fixed to the fixing portion of the main chassis, and the body portion contacts with the bracket of the card members for thereby preventing a movement or escape of the card members.

Abstract: A card support releasably retains the edges of a plurality of electronic cards in a card guide panel. The card support is formed with a card support bracket and a plurality of card retention tabs connected to the bracket by way of flexible members for releasably retaining the edges of respective cards in guide channels of the card guide panel. The retention tabs have ramps on one side for engagement with the edges of the cards being installed for momentarily moving the tabs back out of the way, allowing the cards to slide past the tabs. Once installed, the opposite sides of the tabs, which are flat, extend over the rear edge of the installed cards to retain them in the guide channels, especially during shock and vibration, including dropping the box upside down.

Abstract: The invention in one particular embodiment is a bracket including a base having an opening shaped to accommodate a socket for an integrated circuit device; and at least one containment member rigidly extending from the base to define a void shaped to accommodate the integrated circuit. In another embodiment, a method for mounting an integrated circuit device to a printed circuit board comprises affixing a bracket to the printed circuit board; mounting a socket to the printed circuit board; and coupling the integrated circuit to the socket, the integrated circuit being vertically and laterally constrained by the bracket.

Abstract: A data storage module alignment system and method for use in a data storage module and enclosure system including a module enclosure having a plurality of bay slots and at least one data storage module. The data storage module alignment system comprises at least one alignment guide that is adapted to be mounted at the module enclosure entrance and at least one guide rail that is adapted to be mounted to the data storage module. The alignment guide includes a plurality of guide channels having rounded edges. The guide rail is sized and shaped for receipt within the guide channels. Typically, the alignment guide further includes a plurality of guide flanges that are arranged asymmetrically along the alignment guide. The inner side of each guide flange defines an edge of one of the guide channels and includes chamfers which facilitate initial alignment of the data storage module within one of the bay slots of the module enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a printed wiring board formed with a film thereon, wherein the printed wiring board has at least a first reference mark and at least a first scale mark separated from the first reference mark, and the film has at least a second reference mark and at least a second scale mark separated from the second reference mark, and the second scale is positioned to overlap the first scale, and the first scale mark has a first scale and the second scale mark has a second scale which is so different from the first scale as to allow measuring a necessary amount of compensation in alignment to the film with reference to the printed wiring board.

Abstract: A printed circuit board card cage contains upper and lower perforated sheet metal plates, having a plurality of mutually opposed staggered patterns of bumps, that are configured to form guide channels for guiding printed circuit boards into engagement with respective card slot backplane connectors, thereby eliminating the need for attachment of a separate set of card guides. The patterns of card guide bumps or ‘upsets’ are arranged so as to direct, yet constrain, the travel paths of printed circuit boards from their points of insertion through grooves in rails at the front of the chassis to the backplane connectors, while providing minimal interruption of a gridwork of cooling air flow perforations through the sheet metal plates. The upsets themselves do not penetrate the sheet metal plates, and the size of the perforations are such that there are no EMI leaks, thus eliminating the need for and assembly of additional perforated plates.

Abstract: Improved techniques for controlling buses of a computer system are disclosed such that peripheral devices (and/or their associated buses) can be connected or disconnected to the computer system while the computer system is active. The peripheral devices are connected to the computer system by being inserted into a slot or other receptacle of the computer system. The peripheral devices are disconnected from the computer system by being removed from a slot or other receptacle of the computer system. The slots or receptacles typically includes connectors designed to receive peripheral devices, such as PC CARD slots, expansion bays, and the like. Given that the peripheral devices can be inserted or removed while the computer system is active is active, the computer system according to the invention permits “hot-plugging” of peripheral devices. The invention is particularly well suited for controlling PCI buses for peripheral devices connecting to a computer system by way of peripheral ports.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a housing and a circuit board is designed to facilitate a simplified method of assembling the circuit board into the housing, along with a simplified method of coupling the signals on the circuit board to other circuits. The circuit board is guided into place by a pair of slots, with each slot located proximate an end of the housing. The housing includes a support member that has a deflection/retention feature that extends above a plane formed by the circuit board after the board has been assembled to the housing. The assembly is assembled by first partially inserting one end of the board into a slot and pressing the other end of the board toward another slot, with a curved guide deflecting the board downward and into the other slot. When both ends of the circuit board are inserted into the slots, the deflection/retention feature is in contact with the board and flexes the board upward.

Abstract: A BGA package includes a chip with an array pad design disposed on the upper surface of a substrate. The chip has a plurality of bonding pads located about the periphery thereof, and the bonding pads of the chip are positioned in three rows, an inner row, a middle row, and an outer row along the sides of the chip. Only power supply pads and ground pads are designed to be located in the outer row of bonding pads, and all of the I/O pads are designed to be located in the middle row of the bonding pads and the inner row of the bonding pads.

Abstract: An apparatus including a base substrate and a plurality of spaced apart end brackets attached to the base substrate. A plurality of spaced apart side panel assemblies are removably mounted between a mounting portion of each end bracket. A first edge of each side panel assembly positioned adjacent to the base substrate. A shroud is pivotally attached to each one of the side panel assemblies adjacent to a second edge of the respective side panel assembly. Each shroud is movable about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position with respect to the respective side panel assembly. A shroud engaging portion is attached to each end bracket adjacent to each shroud. A engagement member of each shroud engages a corresponding shroud engaging portion when the respective shroud is moved from the open position to the closed position for moving the respective printed circuit substrate from an inserted position to a seated position with respect to the base substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular data storage system that can constraint movement of a data storage module within an enclosure during operation, handling, and transportation. The present invention achieves the objective by employing compliant features at strategic locations in the data storage system by utilizing shock/vibration isolators and the frictional forces generated by the compliant elements to introduce damping effects. In addition, this invention provides a locking mechanism that will allow the user to smoothly insert, remove and firmly grip a data storage module.

Abstract: Disclosed is structure and methods for engaging/disengaging a peripheral component interconnect compliant card with/from a slot therefor, without having to power down the system (e.g., computer) or remove any system chassis components. The structure includes a bracket to hold the card, which bracket can be adjustable to hold cards of different sizes. The structure also includes a frame member attached to the system chassis, the frame member having a guide rail to guide the bracket and peripheral component interconnect compliant card to engage/disengage the card with/from the slot therefor. The adjustable retention bracket can be used independently of use of the frame member, to hold peripheral component interconnect compliant cards rigid and stable.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a base substrate and a plurality of spaced apart end brackets attached to the base substrate. A pivotable one of the end brackets is movable between a retracted position and an extended position with respect to the base. A plurality of spaced apart side panel assemblies are removably mounted between each end bracket when the pivotable one of the end brackets is in the extended position. A first edge of each side panel assembly is positioned adjacent to the base substrate. A shroud assembly extends between the two side panel assemblies adjacent to a second edge of each side panel assembly. The shroud assembly, the base substrate and the side panel assemblies define an air duct. A fan is mounted adjacent to at least one of the end brackets for directing air through the air duct. The part count of the apparatus is reduced such that cost and assembly time are also reduced.

Abstract: A molded circuit board securement and voltage isolation device is provided for use with one or more circuit boards or related electrical apparatus in an electrical enclosure. The device includes an open housing which has a base and opposing side walls positioned transversely with respect to the base. A stiffener such as a bridge is provided to provide the physical stiffness for the device and to resist mechanical vibration. The bridge spans the opposing side walls which have slots formed therein to permit the receipt of electrical apparatus such as circuit boards, for example. Circuit boards are secured in the device in substantially perpendicular alignment both with respect to the base and the opposing side walls. In another aspect of this device, at least two circuit boards can be positioned in a housing with a solid support wall formed between them to conserve available space.

Abstract: An electronic chassis or modular rack has elements and methods for reducing emission of electromagnetic waves or interference (EMI) and at the same time ensuring that the components within the chassis or rack are properly cooled. A face plate which attaches to a printed circuit board or blank board for insertion and removal of the board from the chassis and limiting EMI emission while allowing connector and indicator accessibility. The face plate has an elongated frame having at least two planar body portions. The planar body portions are integrally formed to each other with the planes of the two planar body portions at an angle of between 25 and 55 degrees of each other. The elongated frame has a pair of free edges adjacent to the planar surfaces and the pair of side edges. The face plate has a pair of mounting devices. Each mounting device is carried by the elongated frame in proximity to one of the free edges. The pair of mounting devices are offset from each other about the planar body portions.

Abstract: The invention is a retainer assembly that, upon being attached to a panel and placed in a slot in a housing, provides a smooth and continuous surface that allows the panel to slide freely in and out of the housing. The panel can be firmly retained within the housing slot by expanding the width of the retainer assembly. The retainer assembly provides a more uniform heat transfer surface when abutted against the housing slot. The retainer assembly is self-contained to prevent the individual components from becoming dispersed if the assembly is damaged or disassembled. Additionally, retainer assembly provides a mechanism to prevent it from accidentally disassembling.

Abstract: A shield adapted to be fit into an opening defined in a casing of an electronic device to protect the electronic device from electromagnetic interference, includes a shielding panel dimensioned to be received in the opening of the casing. The shielding panel has outward flanges contacting support flanges extending from a periphery of the opening of the casing for retaining the shield in the opening. The outward flanges of the shielding panel form at least one retaining tongue extending therefrom and receivable in a gap defined in the support flanges of the casing for securely retaining the shield in the opening.

Abstract: A handheld computer is provided including a housing and a device slot formed into the housing. The device slot is configured to receive an elongated member. The flex member includes an internal structure to allow the elongated member to bend, while supporting the elongated member from yielding.

Abstract: A device for storing electronic data storage cards has a rim member defining one storage compartment. The compartment has an insertion side with a configuration such that a storage card is slidable into the compartment. A plurality of holding guides are disposed around and define a portion of the circumference of the compartment. The holding guides have structure that engages against edges of the storage card to align and position the card within the compartment.

Abstract: A housing for a power supply rectifier includes an enclosure having front and rear panels, top and bottom walls, and side walls. A bracket is attached to the enclosure and includes a plurality of projections for mating with a plurality of apertures contained in one or more of the walls of the enclosure. The projections are larger than the apertures, such that when pressure is applied to the bracket, the projections are forced into the apertures to form a seal to minimize EMI emissions from the enclosure. The bracket removably mounts a fan to the housing.

Abstract: A unit housing structure for detachably housing a unit mounted with electronic parts in a unit mounting portion of an electronic device in which a guide rail having a guide slot whose opposite wall surfaces are slopes gradually opening outwardly is provided on the side of said unit mounting portion or said unit and a guided portion to be slidably engaged with the guide slot of said guide rail is provided on the side of said unit mounting portion or said unit, whereby movement of said unit is guided by the engagement between said guided portion and the guide slot at the time of insertion/extraction of said unit into/from said unit mounting portion.

Abstract: A peripheral device mounting apparatus including a peripheral device bay with carrier guides located to accommodate at least two different types of peripheral devices, and a keying mechanism allowing carrier insertion only into certain carrier guides, advantageously provides optimal use of the device bay space for a particular type of peripheral device. Additionally, the keying mechanism prevents installation of a peripheral device into the bay in a location that wastes bay space.

Abstract: A card guide is provided for guiding an edge portion of a circuit board with respect to a support member of a computer chassis. The card guide includes an elongated body having flanges oriented along the length of the body and a surface connecting the flanges. The flanges and the surface together define an elongated recess oriented along the length of the body. The recess in the body is configured to receive the support member of the computer chassis, and the flanges of the body are configured to engage the support member of the computer chassis to mount the card guide to the computer chassis. The recess in the body is also configured to receive the edge portion of the circuit board, and the flanges of the body are spaced from one another to accommodate the edge portion of the circuit board to guide the circuit board with respect to the computer chassis.

Abstract: A PCMCIA connector includes an insulative header retaining contact elements therein and a shielding casing having a top panel attached to the header. The shielding casing has two side panels extending from the top panel for defining a primary space adapted to receive a type I or type II PCMCIA card. A raised section is formed on the top panel and has a top wall located above the top panel. Two side walls extend from the top wall and are connected to the top panel thereby defining a secondary space in communication with and substantially continuous with the primary space whereby the primary and secondary spaces together can accommodate a type III PCMCIA card. A dummy card is selectively received in the secondary space without interfering with insertion of the type I or type II PCMCIA card into the primary space. The dummy card includes a flat body receivable in the secondary space and defines a recess in which a panel is pivotally supported for selectively shielding the primary and secondary spaces.

Abstract: In a rack system for inserting electrical printed circuit board assemblies, front elements (52,8) for slots are provided with projecting plug-in and withdrawable centering and contact elements (13,49). These elements have associated receiving elements (16,21) composed of electrically conductive material and are mounted with low impedance to a transverse connecting rail (36,38). During an insertion process, the receiving elements and the centering and contact elements come into contact in a centered manner. When inserted, the receiving elements and the centering and contact elements provide a vibration-proof mechanical connection with a high adhesion force and a low-impedance contact with a high current carrying capacity.

Abstract: An ejector device for removing a mobile module from a main board includes a support frame and a lever. The support frame is secured on the main board so as to extend in a direction transverse to a plane of the main board, and is disposed adjacent to the mobile module. The lever includes an ejecting plate portion disposed between the main board and the mobile module, a connecting plate portion and an operating plate portion. The connecting plate portion extends from the ejecting plate portion, and is disposed between the support frame and the mobile module. The connecting plate portion is mounted pivotally on the support frame about an axis parallel to the plane of the main board. The operating plate portion extends from the connecting plate portion, and is operable to cause the connecting plate portion to pivot relative to the support frame and enable the ejecting plate portion to push the mobile module away from the main board.

Abstract: A card cage for supporting an array of printed circuit cards and permitting connection of the cards to a backplane includes an upper guide plate integrally formed with opposed downwardly extending sides and a lower guide plate integrally formed with opposed upwardly extending sides. The sides of the upper and lower guide plates are provided with latch members for connecting the guide plates together. When the two guide plates are assembled, a backplane is connectable thereto also using latch members. In addition, two or more assembled card cages may be stacked vertically an also connected by latch members. Thus a completely fastenerless card cage system is made possible. Moreover, the card cage may be molded from a suitable thermoplastic material having superior resistance to corrosive environments.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus comprising a case which accommodates a printed circuit board module is disclosed. The printed circuit board module comprises a metal-type printed circuit board having a metal plate, an insulating-material layer formed on the metal plate and a conductive-material layer formed on the insulating-material layer and electronic elements mounted on the metal-type printed circuit board. A forcible cooling portion having radiating fins is joined to the outer surface of the case.

Abstract: A card-holding device for locking a printed circuit card in a guide rail of a subassembly/subrack includes a retaining element that is inserted in the guide rail at the front edge of a printing circuit card when the circuit card is inserted to retain the card. The retaining element swivels outward and away against the elastic restoring force of an activating element. The activating element is releasable from the retaining element to allow withdrawal of the printed circuit card.

Abstract: A positioner for an electronic card in a slot, the positioner including a head and at least one leg, the height of the positioner being substantially equal to the width of the slot, the leg being arranged for insertion into an aperture through the electronic card, the bottom of the leg being arranged for alignment with a reference plane of the electronic card and to contact a wall of the slot. Preferably, the positioner includes two legs for insertion into a pair of apertures in an electronic card in a slot.

Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) includes a plurality of electronic devices electrically coupled together and disposed on a first side of the PCB. The PCB also includes a rail that is connected to the underside of the PCB. This rail is configured to cooperatively engage a rail guide connected to the chassis of the computer system such that the rail guide holds the rail and the PCB to the chassis, and the PCB and rail can slide with respect to the chassis.

Abstract: A bracket assembly includes a bracket which readily and easily couples with a printed circuit board. The bracket includes at least one tab assembly foldably attached with a support flange for supporting the printed circuit board. The bracket also includes an outer flange which is coupled with the computer chassis. Alignment apertures on the support flange and the printed circuit board facilitate the alignment of the printed circuit board, and allow for rework of the printed circuit board. Each tab assembly is adapted to frictionally engage with corresponding features on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A card guide assembly for isolating printed circuit boards from each other during insertion and removal from a mounting array. The assembly includes first and second isolation channels that are configured to permit the receipt of a variety of PC board sizes therein and a securement cap for receipt thereover. The cap may be adjustably positioned within the isolation channels for establishing a secured mounting for a variety of PC board sizes. A locking mechanism is provided between the cap and the channels for secured engagement therebetween. The channels are mounted on opposite sides of the PC board connector region permitting conventional mounting of the PC board into a mounting connector.

Abstract: A computer main board case including a main base seat. Lateral sides of the main base seat are disposed with upright boards. The upper edges of the upright boards are formed with flanges having latch slots. The edge of the base frame is formed with latch hooks and latch forks for respectively latching in the latch slots of the upright boards and clamping the upper and lower faces of the flanges so as to latch and mount the base frame on the first and second upright boards of the main base seat. The surface of the main base seat is formed with two guide channels and a stopper section. The bottom face of the main board base seat is formed with two guide channels slidably fitted with the guide channels of the main base seat, whereby the main board base seat and the main board mounted thereon are movable relative to the main base seat. A shifting lever is pivotally disposed on the bottom face of the main board base seat. The shifting lever has a cam section at one end.

Abstract: A data card housing (32) is provided which has a reading region (34) and a loading region (33). A data card is to be located at a reading position, and the reading region (34) has grooves (36) for guiding the card to the reading position. The loading region (33) has a supporting surface (31), and is arranged such that force can be applied to a major face of the card, to slide the card along the supporting surface (31) and into the guide grooves (36). Further, the reading region (34) is arranged such that force can be applied to the major face of the card to further slide the card to the reading position.

Abstract: A base plate (20) is provided in a standing manner on a center portion of one side surface of a front-surface panel (15), a control unit (3) of a servo amplifier is attached to one surface of the base plate (20), and a heat-radiation unit (19) of the servo amplifier is attached to the other surface. The control unit (3) and other electric parts in a cabinet (11) are connected to each other through a connector cable (9). When the front-surface panel (15) is drawn out to release only the connector cable (9), the control unit (3) and the heat-radiation unit (19) of the servo amplifier can be separated from the cabinet (11).

Abstract: A modular integrated pneumatic connection device adapted for precise location onto an upper platen accepts a printed circuit board (PCB) having the edge connectors thereof facing downwardly therefrom through a slot in that upper platen. The device includes pneumatically operated and spring loaded pistons at opposite ends thereof which interact with a bracket holding the PCB, such that upon placing that upper platen above a lower platen having disposed thereon a test board or the like including printed circuit board connectors that are in alignment with those PCBS, application of pneumatic pressure forces the edge connectors of those PCBs in the upper platen into the PCB connectors disposed on the test board or the like on the lower platen, thereby making electrical contact for testing and similar purposes, i.e., as a “Unit Under Test” (UUT). Upon release of the pneumatic pressure, the PCB is withdrawn from that connection by operation of the above-mentioned springs.

Abstract: A universal docking station includes an upper shell, a lower shell, and a circuit board carrying a plurality of connectors thereon. The lower shell has a bottom section, a front and rear panels respectively extending from longitudinal edges of the bottom section. A plurality of ports is formed in predetermined positions of the panels for receiving connectors therein. The lower shell has several supporting blocks for supporting the circuit board at a predetermined position after the upper and the lower shells are assembled together. An interlocking means comprises an upper and lower locking devices for assembling the upper and the lower shells together.

Abstract: An electronic cartridge which may include an integrated circuit package that is mounted to a substrate. The substrate may include a plurality of conductive pads that are inserted into an electrical connector. The cartridge may be guided into the connector by a guide rail which has a latch slot. The electronic cartridge may include a latch which extends from a cover that is coupled to the substrate. The latch may extend into the latch slot to secure the cartridge to the connector.

Abstract: A processor retention assembly for housing multiple processor modules is herein disclosed. The processor retention assembly has a pair of lock levers, positioned on opposite sides of the processor module, that securely fastens each processor module to a connector on a circuit board and to the processor retention assembly. The lock levers ensure that the processor module is securely fastened to the connector and to the processor retention assembly so that the processor module and the circuit board are not damaged during mechanical shock and vibration. In addition, the lock levers eliminate the need for the processor module to contain any type of lock mechanism thereby allowing the processor retention assembly to house various types of devices, including those with lock mechanisms.

Abstract: The circuit board guide apparatus is comprised of multiple guides (105-107) that hold the edges of the circuit boards. The apparatus is additionally comprised of the rear portion (200) having a backplane retention portion and a rear snap-in sel-fretention feature. The apparatus has a front portion (300) that comprises the snap-in, self-retention feature. The guide retention devices (110-112) elevate the guides (105-107) from the sides of the electronic assembly enclosure and keep the guides (105-107) separate and parallel.

Abstract: A computer system housing for providing an attenuating barrier for electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise. The computer system housing includes a backplane wall having a plurality of connectors for receiving PCB's, and a bulkhead wall coupled to the backplane wall. The bulkhead wall defines a plurality of bulkhead slots through which connector receptacles of printed circuit boards (PCB's) can extend. An EMI bulkhead gasket is positioned on the bulkhead wall. A conductive metal impregnated, elastomer EMI gasket is positioned on a mounting flange of the bulkhead wall. The computer system housing also includes a plurality of bulkhead plates. The bulkhead plates contact the EMI bulkhead gasket and the elastomer EMI gasket along their entire peripheral edges so that EMI noise is conducted through these gaskets to the bulkhead wall. The computer system housing further includes a bulkhead plate alignment and mounting system that does not employ separable fasteners.

Abstract: The enclosure includes a base section fabricated from a single piece of material, such as sheet metal, in which multiple design details are punched and formed. A cover section with tabs for inserting in slots formed in the base section is provided. A one-piece card cage including injector/ejector latching details and card guide rails is connected via welding or other means to the base section. An enabler assembly, including guide rails, is fastened to the card cage and configures the card cage into multiple adapter receiving cavities.

Abstract: A slot-type processor and one or more cache modules are incorporated into a vertically oriented, multiple chip module (CM) that is mounted to a printed circuit board. The MCM operates at ultra high frequencies and very high temperatures. Each component of the MCM has a heatsink, a thermal plate, and a series of mounting clips and screws which combine to dissipate heat. The heatsinks and thermal plates generate most of the electromagnetic interference (EMI) since they are not attached or grounded to the board. A series of alignment posts extend from the board and are used to individually and slidably mount each of the components to the board. Each thermal plate is grounded to the posts with grounding clips. The clips maintain contact with the thermal plate through wiping elements. Additional pressure is applied to the wiping elements through a post retaining bracket. The components are fully seated and retained in position with retaining cams.

Abstract: A support assembly for mounting a semiconductor device vertically relative to a carrier substrate. The support assembly includes an interposer to which the semiconductor device is attached. The support assembly also includes traces carried on the interposer, which electronically connect the semiconductor device to contacts on the interposer. The contacts are disposed along a single edge of the interposer. The invention also includes an alignment device for releaseably mounting the support assembly. The alignment device, which mounts to a carrier substrate, includes one or more receptacles. As a support assembly is inserted into a receptacle, the alignment device establishes an electrical connection between the contacts and corresponding terminals on the carrier substrate. The assembly may also include a cover that attaches to the top of the alignment device and biases the interposer against the carrier substrate.

Abstract: An improved apparatus is disclosed for removing and installing faulty printed circuit cards laterally through a side wall of a computer system, while the remaining cards of the computer system remain under power and operational. The computer system incorporates zero insertion force (ZIF) connectors for receiving the printed circuit cards, and a special interlock mechanism prevents each ZIF connector from being moved from its open position to its closed position until an associated card has been fully installed into the connector. In addition, a special centering mechanism is used to adjustably position the printed circuit card with its electrical contacts precisely aligned with the contacts of the ZIF connector.