Abstract: The present invention relates to a plug for the connection of wires, which provides sufficient retaining force for lead-in wires (5, 7) to prevent the lead-in wires (5, 7) from breaking, and provides contact resistance of predetermined value.

Abstract: A method and system couples first and second circuit boards, such as a daughterboard coupled to a motherboard, in a parallel configuration by aligning connectors disposed on each circuit board's surface, inserting a retention post from the first circuit board through an opening in the second circuit board, and compressing the circuit boards together with a retaining member that couples at adjustable points of the retention post and presses against the second circuit board at the connectors. For instance a bow spring accepts a threaded retention post and has arms extending from a raised portion so that the arms align with the connectors. A compressing force applied to the bow spring by a thumbscrew tightened on the threads is spread substantially evenly to each connector so that the connectors insert into each other along the retention post axis.

Abstract: A cable includes a number of wires. Each of the wires has a number of signal conductors encompassed by a dielectric sheath, and the sheath is encompassed by a conductive shield. The wires are arranged side-by-side in a row at an end of each wire, where a termination element is connected. The termination element has opposed major faces, with an array of first contacts on a first face, and an array of second contacts on the opposed face, each of the first contact being electrically connected to a corresponding second contact. Each of the signal conductors of the wire elements is connected to a corresponding one of the first contacts. The signal conductors may be a pair of wires arranged in parallel, so that all signal conductors are in a common plane.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method which enable microcomponents to be electrically coupled in a desirable manner are disclosed. More specifically, electrical coupling mechanisms are disclosed, which are suitable for providing an electrical coupling between two or more microcomponents. One electrical coupling mechanism provided herein, which may be utilized to provide a flexible coupling between two or more microcomponents, is a ribbon cable. Such a ribbon cable may include one or more electrically isolated conducting “rows,” which may enable communication of electrical signals between two or more microcomponents coupled to such ribbon cable. An electrical connector, such as an electrical snap connector, is also provided herein, which is suitable for electrically coupling two or more microcomponents.

Abstract: A method for insertion of inserting printed circuit card into socket connectors which prevents sockets from getting contaminated or damaged during the insertion of a printed circuit card comprises the steps of: inserting a cam for moving a socket connector's contacts outwardly so that they will not make contact with a card's edge when it is inserted between the contacts of the sockets connector as it is inserted, and after the printed circuit card is inserted the printed circuit card moving the printed circuit card until it makes contact with a stop in the socket connector, and after the printed circuit card has contacted the stop in the socket connector, moving the cam to a closed position allowing the printed circuit card to be seated, and seating the printed circuit card by moving it to cause and allow for an amount of wipe to clean the connector's contacts without contaminating or damaging the socket connector's contacts during the insertion of said printed circuit card.

Abstract: A connector for electrically connecting electrical wires to a circuit board having a hole includes at least one terminal adapted to individually connect the circuit board and the electrical wire, the terminal including a first end adapted to engage the electrical wire and a second end, opposite the first end, adapted to engage the circuit board; a housing defining at least one slot adapted to support the terminal in a particular position, and at least one retaining surface; and a retainer having at least one hook adapted to extend through the hole in the circuit board and engage the retaining surface of the housing.

Abstract: A connector module to be connected to an integrated circuit device having rear electrodes provided on a back surface thereof facing away from a wiring board. The connector module includes: a connector having contacts to be electrically connected to the rear electrodes; and a fixture structure for fixing the connector to the integrated circuit device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spindle motor having a sealing support film which prevents exchange of air between the interior and surroundings of the spindle motor. In spindle motors for hard disk drives it is extremely important to construct the spindle motor so that it is sealed tight against the external environment, ie so that from the connecting side of the spindle motor no admission of air to the interior of the spindle motor can occur. A further characteristic of the invention consists in that the support film is bonded and fixed in place in sealing manner by means of an adhesive which does not give off gas or does so only very slightly.

Abstract: A modular, snap-together clamping system for electrically interconnecting two printed circuit boards using a flexible circuit is provided. The clamping system comprises two inboard clamp members which are configured to cooperate with two generally complimentary outboard clamp members, so as to capture a portion of each of the printed circuit boards along with two end portions of the flexible circuit between the inboard clamp members and the outboard clamp members in a manner which facilitates electrical connection of each of the two printed circuit boards with the flexible circuit. The inboard clamp members are also configured to facilitate attachment of an interchangeable spacer thereto. The spacer is configured to facilitate desired positioning of the two printed circuit boards with respect to one another.

Abstract: A connector for connecting conductors of a flexible circuit to conductive elements of a printed circuit comprising a one-piece, plastic housing defining at least one opening for access of the printed circuit conductive features to the connector for contact with conductors, of a flexible circuit located in the connector and biased for conductive contact with the printed circuit features by a contact biasing spring, the flexible circuit and spring being mounted to a sled located in the housing by flexible circuit and spring mounting posts of the sled, a resiliently biased detent engage openings in the housing to support the sled; an associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A connector for electrically connecting electrical wires to a circuit board having a hole includes at least one terminal adapted to individually connect the circuit board and the electrical wire, the terminal including a first end adapted to engage the electrical wire and a second end, opposite the first end, adapted to engage the circuit board; a housing defining at least one slot adapted to support the terminal in a particular position, and at least one retaining surface; and a retainer having at least one hook adapted to extend through the hole in the circuit board and engage the retaining surface of the housing.

Abstract: The modular jack allows a RJ series connector plug to be attached to a communications card that conforms to the PCMCIA requirements for a Type III card. The modular jack includes a main body portion including a top surface, a bottom outer surface and a front surface. The receptacle is disposed entirely within the front surface of the modular jack such that no portion of the plug extends through either the top surface or the bottom surface of the main body portion of the modular jack. Thus, the modular jack allows the communications card to be connected to standard RJ series plugs without deviating from the Type III PCMCIA card height requirement, even when the plug is inserted into the jack. Desirably, the main body portion has a height measured from the top surface to the bottom surface that is generally equal to or less than about 10.5 mm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connection system for flexible flat strip cables (1a,1b) comprising conductors arranged parallel to one another, which are stripped of insulation in the area of the connection which is to be made and which are provided with means of positive fixing of the flexible flat strip cables to be connected in a connection housing (2), which has two housing parts (2a,2b) able to be joined together and a slide (3) for the pressing together in the areas which have been stripped of insulation, of the flexible flat strip cables (1a,1b), which are to be connected.

Abstract: A modular, snap-together clamping system for electrically interconnecting two printed circuit boards using a flexible circuit is provided. The clamping system comprises two inboard clamp members which are configured to cooperate with two generally complimentary outboard clamp members, so as to capture a portion of each of the printed circuit boards along with two end portions of the flexible circuit between the inboard clamp members and the outboard clamp members in a manner which facilitates electrical connection of each of the two printed circuit boards with the flexible circuit. The inboard clamp members are also configured to facilitate attachment of an interchangeable spacer thereto. The spacer is configured to facilitate desired positioning of the two printed circuit boards with respect to one another.

Abstract: A cable connector having an improved assembly includes a housing, with a recess, a cover plate and a cable. The cover plate has fastening members extending down along two sides thereof and another fastening member at its front end. The connector housing has first latch openings aligned with the first fastening members and a second latch opening that is aligned with the other fastening member. After the wires of the cable are soldered to the terminals of the connector, the first fastening members are brought downward along interior surfaces of the housing recess to engage the first latch openings, with the other fastening member simultaneously engaging the second latch opening to join the cover plate to the housing. Another aspect of the invention concerns the use of an extension portion formed with the housing and extending underneath the terminal termination portions to support them. A protective strain relief is overmolded to the housing and extension portion.

Abstract: A power semiconductor module consists of a ceramic substrate with electrically conductive contact surfaces arranged thereon in a “circuit-friendly” manner. Components arranged on the substrate in a “circuit-friendly” manner. A pressure contact means, consisting of a flexible pressure accumulator, and a pressure plate produce pressure for resilient bonding of power and control connections. To increase performance, reliability and service life while reducing manufacturing costs, different configuration methods for the individual components are absolutely essential. This is achieved by a flexible circuit board which connects components with each other in a circuit-friendly manner and/or with the contact surfaces of the substrate, whereby a flexible insulation material is provided to insulate components from each other.

Abstract: A modular jack, for coupling with a physical/electrical media plug, comprises a frame, a rocker arm, electrical contacts, and a retractable cover guard for protecting the electrical contacts during nonuse. The retractable cover guard moves from a protective position to a retracted position when a physical/electrical media plug is inserted into the modular jack and returns to the protective position when the physical/electrical media plug is removed. While only a shallow insertion depth of the physical/electrical media plug is permitted, the rocker arm aligns and mechanically secures the physical/electrical media plug within the modular jack.

Abstract: A first slot for containing a first card and a second slot for containing the second card are disposed in upper and lower sides, the first contact terminals are disposed so that respective soldered portions 40a of a plurality of first contact terminals for the first card are positioned at one side of front surface and rear surface sides of a connector housing, and said second contact terminals are disposed in opposition to the first contact terminals so that respective soldered portions 50a of a plurality of second contact terminals for the second card are positioned at the other side of the front surface and rear surface sides of the connector housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection system for flexible flat strip cables (1a,1b) with parallel strip conductors lying at a distance from one another which are bared in the contact area (4), with a first housing part (2a) on whose floor (3) is fastened a principal flexible flat strip cable (12a) and a second housing part (2b) in which a branch flexible flat strip cable is fixed, with flexible tongues (5) which press the bared area of the branch flexible flat strip cable (1b), with the housing parts (2a,2b) in the inserted state, against the bared area of the principal flexible flat strip cable (1a).

Abstract: An on-board mounting electronic apparatus including an apparatus body 6, made up of a main board 4 and terminal pins 5 for connection with a circuit board 21. The terminal pins 5 extend from an underside of the main board 4. A heat dissipation plate 8 is arranged on an upper surface of heat generating components 2 mounted on the main board 4. The heat dissipation plate 8 is thermally connected with the surface of the heat generating components 2. Such structure may be applied to an on-board mounting electric power supply as well.

Abstract: A media connector assembly with an extended electrical contact capable of non-destructive deflection when various media plugs are placed therein that do not accommodate each contact pin within the media connector. The media connector includes a platform with an arched mid-portion for enlarging the radius of deflection of the contact pins such that the contact pins deflect when a media connector is placed therein at a position further from the aperture receiving the media connector. The arch maintains curved support for the deflected contact pin and assists in the positive contact force applied by the contact pin to the contact of the media plug.

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

Abstract: An electrical connector for assembly on a printed circuit board, the electrical connector having connecting elements for connecting the electrical connector at least electrically to the printed circuit board, and including an anchoring device for mechanically connecting the electrical connector to the printed circuit board, the anchoring device including a multiplicity of anchoring elements arranged side by side and formed so as to be solderable to the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A retractable media connector assembly with a compressible electrical contact between a contact pin assembly and a flex circuit. Two plastic posts are molded into a retractable platform of the media connector assembly to align with the flex circuit, which has opposing holes, and is inserted over the tops of the posts. An arch in the retractable platform properly positions the contact pin assembly. When properly seated the contact pins are aligned directly over contact pads on the flex circuit. Proper alignment creates a positive stop and lock for the contact assembly and the flex circuit increasing the reliability and reducing the production cost. Molded locking features on the media connector assembly secure the entire system including a cap cover, the contact pins, the flex circuit, and the platform.

Abstract: A semiconductor package in which a memory module (a SIMM or DIMM, for example) is mounted edgewise on a ceramic substrate. In another embodiment, a semiconductor package in which a chip scale package is mounted edgewise on a ceramic substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection element for the connecting of electrical leads which are provided in particular for motor vehicles and which comprise a plurality of parallel individual conductors which are connected to a common strip-like carrier, comprising an upper part and a lower part, each of which having at least one clamping surface. The clamping surfaces face one another in such a manner that in the connected state, two overlapping leads with mutually facing contact regions are clamped in between the clamping surfaces. The invention further relates to a method for the replacement of electrical components which are in particular provided for motor vehicles with the help of a connection element in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A flat cable connector has one or more contact bodies. Each contact body is formed from a bent plate body and has a terminal part and a circuit board contact part. The terminal part of the contact has a u-shape for contacting a flexible circuit board. The circuit board contact part has a flexible curved end for contacting a main circuit board. A housing case is positioned around the contact bodies and has openings on at least one side. The openings are positioned to expose parts of the contact bodies and include an insertion hole and a contact hole. The insertion hole provides access for a connection terminal part of a main circuit board to the circuit board contact parts of the contacts. The contact hole provides access for a flexible circuit board to the terminal parts of the contacts. A moveable cover fits loosely in the insertion hole and anchors the flexible circuit board to the terminal parts of the contacts to form an electrical connection.

Abstract: A flexible board attaching-connecting device includes a case assembly, formed by incorporating a flexible board 2 in a case 1, and a board assembly formed by mounting a flexible board connector 3 on a printed circuit board 4, and an attaching-connecting operation can be made merely by dropping the case assembly onto the board assembly from an upper side.

Abstract: A thin line jack expansion module clips onto and electrically connects to a thin line expansion cable. The thin line expansion cable has signal lines for transmitting communications signals. The expansion module has an internal module and an external module. The internal module has a cable bay for accommodating the thin line expansion cable, cable contacts in the cable bay for establishing electrical connections with the signal lines of the thin line expansion cable, and a jack. The jack is electrically connected to the cable contacts. The external module clips onto the internal module and at least partially covers the cable bay. When the thin line expansion cable is set in the cable bay, and the external module is snapped onto the internal module, the cable contacts will electrically connect the jack to the signal lines within the thin line expansion cable.

Abstract: A conductive supporting plate (150) is fastened to the engaging end part (130) of a flexible circuit board (190) so that the conductive supporting plate (150) is connected to the ground surface of the flexible circuit board (190). The conductive supporting plate is installed on the engaging end part 130 of the flexible circuit board (190). The flexible circuit board (190) is accommodated together with the conductive supporting plate (150) in a board-mounted connector (20) on a mating side, and is fastened to the board-mounted connector (20) by screw means (105). The conductive supporting plate (150) is pressed against grounding means (70) installed on the board-mounted connector (20) by the screw means (105).

Abstract: An integral type electronic component is formed of a first board and a second board by storing and holding electronic components to component storage parts of the first board and electrically connecting the second board to the electronic components. An arrangement accuracy of the electronic components is determined on the basis of an arrangement accuracy of the component storage parts, and the electronic components stored in the component storage parts are limited in motion. The electronic components can be arranged highly accurately and simply at low costs in a short time in comparison with the conventional art by being simply inserted to the component storage parts.

Abstract: In a connector for use in connecting a FPC having a plurality of pads, a plurality of contacts (16, 17) are held by a housing (15) and become in contact with the pads, respectively. The FPC is tightly held between the housing and an actuator (18) which has a pivot portion (18c) pivotally held to the housing and a locking portion (18e) making engagement with the housing in a state of tightly holding the FPC. The locking portion is spaced from the pivot portion with a first distance. The first distance is determined greater than a second distance which is determined between the pivot portion and a distal edge (18d) of the actuator.

Abstract: A flat cable connector consisting of a board connector and a cable connector (21) which comprises a housing (22) having a plugging section (24) pluggable to the board connector and a mounting section (24) having an exposed face (37) on which the connection section (49) of a flat cable (46) is mounted, a terminal (23) having a board section (33) for contact with a terminal of the board connector within the plugging section and a cable section (34) for contact with the conductive pad (50) of the flat cable (46) on the exposed face, and a push plate (40) for pressing down the connection section (49) of the flat cable (46) onto the terminal (23) for keeping electrical conduction between the connection section and the terminal.

Abstract: A card edge connector allows a modular jack to be electronically connected to a PCMCIA Type III communications card. The card edge connector includes a modular jack with a main body portion having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface and a rear surface. A receptacle is disposed entirely within the front surface of the modular jack and the receptacle is sized and configured to receive a RJ series connector plug such that no portion of the plug extends through either the top surface or the bottom surface of the modular jack. A connector attached to the rear surface of the modular jack and the connector includes a socket sized and configured to receive a portion of a printed circuit board disposed within the communications card. Desirably, the card edge connector includes at least one contact pin including a plug engaging portion that extends into the receptacle and a printed circuit board engaging portion that extends into the socket.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for splicing flexible circuit boards, particularly those having one or more flexible strip extensions with conductor runs. The splice clamp of the present invention has two hinged plates that clamp over unconnected ends of two flexible circuit board segments. The splice clamp includes alignment guides for aligning the segments in the clamp so that one or more jumpers contact and provide an electrical bridge between the conductors of the segments when the plates are clamped together. The jumpers contact conductive pads of larger size than the conductor runs to ensure electrical coupling between the flexible circuit board segments. The jumpers may have pointed tips that cut through insulation. The clamp includes flexible clasps on one plate that engage with catch surfaces on the other plate to lock the flexible circuit board segments spliced together.

Abstract: A device for connecting a coaxial cable to a printed circuit card comprises: a socket suitable for being fixed to the card; and a plug suitable for being mounted on the end of the coaxial cable and having a bearing face whereby said plug can press against the printed circuit card. The socket and the plug are organized so that the plug can be inserted into the socket and can be retained by the socket with the plug's bearing face pressed against the printed circuit card. The central contact of the plug has a rigid portion which projects from the bearing face of said plug, and the device includes resilient means urging the plug towards the printed circuit card.

Abstract: An electrical connector for connecting a terminal portion of a first flexible circuit to a terminal portion of a second flexible circuit has a first clamp member and a second clamp member that cooperate to clamp the terminal portions against each other. Each clamp member has a bed with a support cooperating with the support of the other clamp member for clamping the terminal portions of the flexible circuits together. Each bed has two posts and two assembly holes. Each post engages a pilot hole of each terminal portion and an assembly hole of the other bed to orient and position the terminal portions of the flexible circuits with respect to the clamp members and the clamp members with respect to each other. Each clamp member also has two latch arms and two lock nibs for engaging respective lock nibs and latch arms of the other clamp member for attaching the clamp members to each other. The clamp members are preferably identical but may come in several versions that are interchangeable.

Abstract: Connector designed to come to be engaged on an edge (2) of a printed circuit board (1) and has contacts (3, 4) designed to take support elastically on either side of board (1) in order to establish a direct connection with the conductive connection areas of this board. The connector comprises a base (6) and a plug (8) comprising means cooperating together during the insertion of plug (8) into base (6) in order to: guide the introduction of plug (8) into base (6); move plug (8) upward to permit a lining up of row of contacts (4) borne by the second part (10) of plug (8) onto the conductive areas situated under the edge of board (1) and simultaneously; bend flexible part (9) of plug (8) downward to permit a lining up of row of contacts (3) borne by this flexible part (9) on the conductive areas situated on the edge of board (1).

Abstract: An electrical connector for flexible printed board includes a housing with an opening, and a cover rotatable about a pivotal axis for closing or opening the opening. When the cover is closed, a pressure portion disposed along one edge of the cover is clamped between a flexible printed board on a resilient piece of a fork-shaped contact and a fixing piece of the contact while pressing the flexible printed board against the resilient piece. A wire fixed within the cover includes a pair of opposite ends projecting from lateral sides of the cover along the pivotal axis, and an intermediate portion circumventing the pressure portion as spaced a distance from the pivotal axis.

Abstract: A card edge connector is provided. This card edge connector comprises: a first connector housing and a second connector housing to be inserted into a connector receiving chamber provided with a wiring substrate having terminal connecting portions; a plurality of terminals each having an elastic contact segment provided with a contact portion; assisting members (spring members) for helping the elastic contact segments to resist separation of the first connector housing and the second connector housing in the connector receiving chamber; and a holding mechanism provided to the first connector housing and the second connector housing for holding the assisting members by engaging them with the rotary support axes and the bearings.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes an elongated dielectric housing defining a slot for receiving a flat electrical circuit. A plurality of terminals are mounted on the housing, with resilient contact portions spaced along the slot. A metal actuator is mounted on the housing for movement between a first position allowing free insertion of the flat electrical circuit into the slot and a second position wherein a pressure plate portion biases the circuit against the resilient contact portions of the terminals. The metal actuator includes a support plate portion backing the resilient contact portions. At least the areas of the support plate portion which engages the contact portions is separated by a thin layer of dielectric material. The actuator, thereby, performs dual functions of biasing the circuit against the resilient contact portions and also providing reinforcing support for the contact portions.

Abstract: An FFC connector having a strain relief comprises an elongate dielectric housing having front and rear faces. The front face defines a lengthwise slot for receiving a flat flexible cable therein. The housing defines a plurality of passageways in communication with the slot. Each passageway receives a terminal therein for electrical connection with an inserted flat flexible cable. The strain relief is assembled to the housing for attaching a portion of the flat flexible cable to the housing thereby limiting any motion between cable conductors of the flat flexible connector and contacts of the terminals.

Abstract: A board lock (50) includes a body (52) having a connector engaging portion (54) and can tilevered beams (56) extending from opposite transverse edges thereof. The inner edges (62) of the beams (56) define a slot (64) therebetween that extends into an enlarged aperture (66) in the center of the body (52). Each of the outer edges (58) of the beams (56) include a protrusion (60) and further include a latching portion (68) at the leading end thereof.

Abstract: A connector holder assembly includes a printed circuit board and a support having a plurality of header openings, plug openings, and snaps. The openings are in communication with a plurality of cavities and a plurality of ribs extend into the cavities. A plurality of plug connectors are configured to be inserted into the cavities through the plug openings. The support and plug connectors are configured to be positioned on the printed circuit board. The snaps engage a plurality of snap openings on the printed circuit board and include a slot that allows flexure of the snaps during insertion into the snap openings.

Abstract: A receptacle (12) is provided for mounting on a board (14) and for receiving a plug (16), where the receptacle is strengthened to prevent the plug from tilting about a lateral (L) axis when a cable (18) extending from the plug is pulled up or down. The receptacle has laterally opposite sides that each forms at least the upper wall (44) of a key-receiving slot (24, 26), for receiving keys (20, 22) at laterally opposite sides of the plug, to fix the vertical position of the plug and prevent the plug from tilting. The receptacle includes a body (80) of molded polymer material, and also includes first and second pairs of clips (60,62) that are each formed of an engineering metal. Each clip has a clip part (64) that forms a portion of the upper slot wall that prevents upward movement and tilting of the plug, and each clip has downwardly projecting pins (70, 72) that are received in holes (77, 78) in the board and are soldered thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed in the invention is a connector structure that is used on a mother board for holding a central processing unit of cartridge type or card type. The connector structure comprises two connector halves. Each connector half has retaining slots and elongated notches formed on the upper portion thereof. Such an arrangement makes the connector structure adapted for holding cartridge type central processing units. The connector half has an incompletely connected retaining protrusion on one side. The retaining protrusion extends obliquely and inwardly and has locking means disposed on the lower end and an upwardly extending moving lever arranged on the outside of the locking means. The above arrangement makes the connector suitable for holding a card type central processing unit. Each connector half is composed of a stationary piece pivotally connected with a movable piece. Thus the connector can be folded when not in use to decrease the space it takes.

Abstract: An adapter suitable for use with a handheld multimeter and a thermocouple probe contains a temperature sensor and input connectors suitable for mating with standard thermocouple probes. Both of these are closely coupled thermally to an isothermal domain. Plugs suitable for mating with the input jacks of a handheld multimeter are disposed within the adapter on the other side of a high thermal resistance zone. Conductors connect these outputs to the input connectors and to the leads of the temperature sensor. A four output version of the adapter is shown for use with a three lead temperature sensor, and a three output version is shown for use with a two lead temperature sensor. The output plugs can paired to be more compact and easier to use through the use of dual-signal single-axis banana plugs.

Abstract: An electrical module mounting structure in which a connector of a wire harness on an automobile body side and a connector of an electrical module is securely and smoothly connected to each other at the mounting of modules such as an instrument panel and a meter module so that the workability of the mounting process is remarkably improved.

Abstract: A cable constructed with insulation displacement connectors produces cables which connect data storage devices to a host system. The cable allows automatic address selection of data storage devices depending on the presence or absence of a CSEL terminal pin on a corresponding connector and the location of a data storage device along the cable. Address selection by connector configuration simplifies cable construction. The end connector of an ATA cable is configured to identify an attached data storage device as the first device (drive 0), while an intermediate connector is configured to identify an attached data storage device as the second drive (drive 1), thus making installation more intuitive.

Abstract: An electrical connector is provided for mounting on a surface of a printed circuit board and for receiving a flat electrical circuit. The connector includes an elongated dielectric housing defining a slot for receiving the flat electrical circuit. A plurality of terminals are mounted on the housing, with contact portions spaced along the slot. A metal fixing member is mounted on the housing for securing the connector to an appropriate mounting pad on the printed circuit board. A metal actuator is mounted on the housing for movement between a first position allowing free insertion of the flat electrical circuit into the slot and a second position biasing the flat electrical circuit against the contact portions of the terminals. Complementary interengaging latches are provided between the metal fixing member and the metal actuator to define one or more of the positions of the actuator.