Abstract: The invention relates to a board-to board connector (9) comprising at least a first contact module (9a) with a first set of board contacts (20) for connecting to a first board (8), and a second contact module (9B) with a second set of board contacts (21). The connector further comprises an interconnection element (22) for interconnecting at least one of said first set of contacts with at least one of said second set of contacts. The interconnection element enables rerouting and compensation of skew.

Abstract: A thin client computer comprises a machine body and a base. The machine body has a motherboard mounted therein. The motherboard has a base connector on one side for exposing to the outside of the machine body. The base has an opposite connector for coupling with the base connector of the motherboard and several peripheral connection ports for coupling with several peripherals. The machine body can be coupled with the opposite connector of the base via the base connector so that the peripherals can be coupled with the peripheral connection ports of the base for further providing the machine body with more available functions.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a first method of manufacturing a connector for a printed circuit board (PCB) is provided. The first method includes the steps of (1) forming a housing for the connector using a material having first properties; and (2) before the housing is coupled to the PCB, annealing the connector housing to change the first properties of the material such that, after the connector is coupled to the PCB using a reflow process, warpage of a resulting connector-PCB assembly is within a predetermined tolerance. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: An improved printed circuit board connection for connecting a first printed circuit board to a second printed circuit board in a manner that permits physical engagement at a different position than the electrical engagement, and a method for making the improved printed circuit board connection with precision in alignment. In one embodiment, the first printed circuit board includes an end portion configured to engage with a member of a connector on the second printed circuit board. The end portion and the member engage along concave portions of the end portion and convex portions of the member. When engaged, the end portion and the member align wires of the first printed circuit board with terminals of the connector.

Abstract: A circuit board including a board body, at least one first connector, and at least one second connector is provided. The board body has an edge and at least one auxiliary scribed line. The auxiliary scribed line is substantially parallel to the edge. The first connector is disposed on the board body and adjacent to the edge. The second connector is disposed on the board body and adjacent to the auxiliary scribed line. The second connector is electrically connected to the first connector. The first connector and the second connector are located on the different sides of the auxiliary scribed line.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for locking a cam lever which positions a second card as inserted into a connector on a first card, and activating the second card with a coupling member. In one embodiment, the second card is inserted between a pair of guides secured to the first card into a connector on the first card. A hinged cam lever on either a guide or the second card positions the second card. A coupling member on the cam lever can be moved to lock the cam lever in place and engage a switch on the second card to activate the second card. When removal of the second card is desired, the coupling member on the cam lever can be moved to unlock the cam lever and disengage the switch on the second card to deactivate the second card.

Abstract: A circuit board includes an antenna substrate and a main substrate. The antenna substrate has at least one first linking portion. The main substrate has at least one second linking portion. The first linking portion connects with the second portion so that the antenna substrate assembles with the main substrate. Herein, the antenna is substantially perpendicular to the main substrate.

Abstract: Cards with multiple card-edge connectors constructed as printed male connectors are structured for a more reliable interface to mating female receptacles. A typical specification that defines the width of a male connector and the width of its conductive fingers as well as its mating female connector, does not define the specification of a two or more edge connectors. In a multiple connector card, these parameters are modified on at least one of the male connectors to obtain a more reliable connection. The modifications may include increasing the width of the conductive fingers and/or decreasing the width of the connector, for example.

Abstract: When initializing a card-shaped device inserted in a card interface, operation mode acquiring means incorporated in an electronic device acquires operation mode information, stored in a register file incorporated in the card-shaped device, by a predetermined procedure using a predetermined pin. Operation mode setting means incorporated in the electronic device executes signal assignment on a plurality of data pins peculiar to an operation mode indicated by the acquired operation mode information, thereby switching a data transfer width, and allowing the card-shaped device to operate in the operation mode.

Abstract: In a connector adapted for connection to a mating connector, each contact includes a holding portion held by the housing, a contact receiving portion extending from the holding portion and adapted to contact a contact portion of a corresponding one of contacts of a mating connector, a spring portion extending from the contact receiving portion and movable relative to the housing, and a contact portion provided at the spring portion and adapted to contact a contact receiving portion of the corresponding contact of the mating connector. The housing includes accommodating portions accommodating therein at least portions of the contact receiving portions of the contacts, respectively, and guide portions adapted to guide the contact portions of the contacts of the mating connector toward the accommodating portions, respectively.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a first connector unit comprising a first insulative housing and a first metal shielding covering the first housing, a second connector unit comprising a second insulative housing and a second metal shielding covering the second housing, a PCB respectively connect with the first and second connector units, and an insulative casing covering said first and second connector units and consisting of an upper cover and a lower cover engaged with each other. The casing forms a number of slices extending along the up-to-lower direction and a number of slots adapted for receiving said slices to joint the upper and lower covers together. Inner surfaces of the upper and lower covers are gilt with a thin layer, and the inner gilt surfaces of the upper and lower covers and the first and second metal shieldings define a shielded and generally close space to cover the first and second housings.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an electronic circuit card includes an edge connector positioned along an edge of the electronic circuit card, wherein the edge connector includes a conductive finger on an outer layer of the electronic circuit card, and a via positioned within the conductive finger, wherein the via electrically connects the conductive finger to another layer of the electronic circuit card. In some embodiments, an electronic circuit card includes an edge connector positioned along an edge of the electronic circuit card, wherein the edge connector includes a conductive finger having a stepped shape. In some embodiments, a connector housing defines a slot, and a plurality of contacts may be disposed inside the housing and positioned along at least one side of the slot, wherein the contacts include a contact surface which is relatively wider at respective interface points on the contacts. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A television card is provided to couple to a computer to transform input audio/video signals into output computer-displayable signals. The television card includes a card body, an Express Card connector and a USB connector. The Express Card connector is disposed on the card body. The USB connector is disposed on the card body or coupled to the card body by a USB cable. Either one of the Express Card connector or the USB connector is connected electrically to the computer.

Abstract: A flexible circuit board is provided, comprising a flexible substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface and a plurality of electrically conductive pads overlaid on an upper surface of the flexible substrate. Front ends of the electrically conductive pads do not reach a front edge of the flexible substrate and are separated from the front edge of the flexible substrate by a distance.

Abstract: A PCB is provided that is suitable for use in applications where EMI control is of interest. The PCB includes circuitry that communicates with an edge connector having edge traces located on its surface. Additionally, embedded traces are disposed within the dielectric material of the PCB, and each embedded trace electrically connects an edge trace with a corresponding median trace located on a surface of the PCB. An embedded ground layer substantially disposed within the dielectric material defines an area within the dielectric material through which the embedded traces pass. Finally, one or more vias are provided that extend through the dielectric material of the PCB and are filled with a conductive material. The vias are electrically connected to the embedded ground layer and configured to electrically communicate with an associated module. In this way, a structure is implemented that facilitates control of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the PCB circuitry.

Abstract: A circuit board (PCB) and connector design, which provides for better electrical connection between the PCB and its host, especially for when used in high-speed optical systems. The PCB has an electrical flex embedded within it. The flex is connected to electrical component located on the PCB by means of a via at one end and protrudes from the PCB at the other end. The connector has a flex connection means arranged to receive the flex protruding from the PCB.

Abstract: A method of connecting signal lines, a printed circuit board assembly and an electronic apparatus having the same. The present general inventive concept provides a printed circuit board assembly in which signal lines are connected between a first board and a second board, including a connector having a plurality of pins provided in one of the first board and the second board, and a connector coupling member having a plurality of pin housings which come in contact with the pins by being deformed in a pin coupling direction to electrically connect to the pins and which are provided in a surface of the other of the first board and the second board.

Abstract: When initializing a card-shaped device inserted in a card interface, operation mode acquiring means incorporated in an electronic device acquires operation mode information, stored in a register file incorporated in the card-shaped device, by a predetermined procedure using a predetermined pin. Operation mode setting means incorporated in the electronic device executes signal assignment on a plurality of data pins peculiar to an operation mode indicated by the acquired operation mode information, thereby switching a data transfer width, and allowing the card-shaped device to operate in the operation mode.

Abstract: An electrical connector for mating with a plurality of contacts separated from one another by a nominal pitch value includes an array of contact surfaces having a first dimension measured in a direction perpendicular to a mating direction between the plurality of contacts and the array of contact surfaces. The first dimension is greater than the nominal pitch value, thereby assuring electrical contact between the contacts and the contact surfaces despite an actual deviation from the nominal pitch.

Abstract: When initializing a card-shaped device inserted in a card interface, operation mode acquiring means incorporated in an electronic device acquires operation mode information, stored in a register file incorporated in the card-shaped device, by a predetermined procedure using a predetermined pin. Operation mode setting means incorporated in the electronic device executes signal assignment on a plurality of data pins peculiar to an operation mode indicated by the acquired operation mode information, thereby switching a data transfer width, and allowing the card-shaped device to operate in the operation mode.

Abstract: An integrated socket has a first slot and a second slot. The first slot has a structure and electric specifications in compliance with a first bus interface, and the second slot has a structure and electric specifications in compliance with a second bus interface. In addition, the first slot and the second slot are integrated into one in an efficient and a length manner, the first slot is used to support a printed circuit board with the first bus interface and the second slot is used to support a printed circuit board with the second bus interface. Because the integrated socket only occupies a length space of a computer motherboard, the space utilization of the computer motherboard is improved.

Abstract: High-reliability edge connector adaptor to support high bandwidth signal paths. The edge connector adapter includes an edge connector slot for mating with a card edge connector and a connector edge along which a set or sets of biased contacts are arrayed. The connector edge and biased contacts are configured to mate with a corresponding connector having an edge connector slot normally employed for coupling to a conventional card edge connector. In one embodiment, the edge connector slot in the adapter is configured to mate with the edge connector of an Advance Mezzanine Card (AdvancedMC) card, while the connector edge and biased contacts are configured to mate with an AdvancedMC connector. Upon assembly, the biased contacts are deflected so as to exert a normal force against a mating contact in the AdvancedMC connector. Meanwhile, the contacts of the AdvancedMC card are securely coupled to a mating contact in the edge connector adapter, e.g., using a solder or the like.

Abstract: A substantially rigid card having a first side and an opposing second side, a first connector end adapted to mate with a first expansion connector on a circuit board and a second connector end adapted to mate with a second expansion connector on the board. A first peripheral card connector is connected to the first side and electrically connected to the first connector end, wherein the first connector is of a first form factor and adapted to mate with a first peripheral card. A second peripheral card connector is connected to the second side and electrically connected to the second connector end, wherein the second connector is of a second form factor different from the first form factor and matable with a second peripheral card.

Abstract: When initializing a card-shaped device inserted in a card interface, operation mode acquiring means incorporated in an electronic device acquires operation mode information, stored in a register file incorporated in the card-shaped device, by a predetermined procedure using a predetermined pin. Operation mode setting means incorporated in the electronic device executes signal assignment on a plurality of data pins peculiar to an operation mode indicated by the acquired operation mode information, thereby switching a data transfer width, and allowing the card-shaped device to operate in the operation mode.

Abstract: A guide module is provided for connecting a primary circuit board and a secondary circuit board to a common backplane circuit board. The module includes a body that has opposed top and bottom surfaces. A locating feature, on one of the body top and bottom surfaces, establishes a stack height for the secondary circuit board with respect to the primary circuit board. The guide module includes a front face defining a plane that is aligned perpendicular to a mating direction of the primary and secondary boards to the backplane board. The locating feature includes a raised fitting that has a centering rib on an outer perimeter thereof. The raised fitting is received in an attachment hole in the secondary circuit board. The locating feature also includes a boss that has an upper surface upon which the secondary circuit board rests when coupled to the primary circuit board. The upper surface of the boss establishes the stack height.

Abstract: A programmable logic controller has a wireless communication interface. A radio frequency identification chip set is mounted to, and is in communication with, the active elements of an integrated circuit on one or more circuit boards in the programmable controller. The chip set provides for radio frequency communication between the controller and other components either inside the controller or external to the controller. Identification information recorded on the chip may be interfaced over a network, particularly, an on-line network such as the Internet.

Abstract: The invention concerns a connection contact for establishing electrical contact in a circuit board or in a lead frame. The invention proposes to produce the connection contact, with an insertion section having at least two layers and having at least three spring limbs whose spring action follows a star-shaped pattern, by means of a stamping process. The insertion section proposed by the invention improves the mechanical and electrical connection with a (multi-layer) circuit board or a lead frame. The connection contact is inserted without soldering.

Abstract: A connector for electrically connecting a terminal board includes a base having a plurality of contact terminals extending through a rear frame of the base which is received in a case so that the terminal board can be inserted through an elongated hole in the case to contact with the contact terminals. Two release plates extend through two slots defined in two side frames of the base and each has a hook so as to hook respective ones of two recesses of the terminal board. A spring is connected between the two release plates so that when the two release plates are pushed toward each other, the two hooks are disengaged from the recesses of the terminal board and the connector is easily removed from the terminal board.

Abstract: A card edge terminal box-like configuration made from bending a stamped blank into the desired form. A pair of longer, lower spaced apart arms engage a trace side of a circuitboard while a pair of shorter upper arms having detents formed on the distal or free ends thereof engage an opposite surface of the circuitboard and have detent portions which snap into a slot which is strategically located in the non-trace surface of the circuitboard. A spring contact between the arms is resiliently deflected from a first raised position to a second lowered position as it engages the edge trace on the circuitboard. Stable mechanical and electrical association between the terminal and the circuitboard is assured over a wide variety of harsh operating environmental conditions.

Abstract: A cartridge interface retains and couples a first information device, such as PCMCIA type card, with an internal connector of a host computer used in a rugged environment. It may also retain a second information device, such as a memory drive, separate from the first information device. The host computer has a cartridge insertion slot that guides the cartridge and a connector of the PCMCIA card into engagement with the computer's internal connector. The PCMCIA card is retained on the cartridge in a manner that prevents translation of the card relative to the cartridge during removal from the host computer.

Abstract: An electrical connector (1) adapted for electrically receiving a daughter PCB (6) includes an insulative housing (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), a signal terminal (3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) and a power contact (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d). The insulative housing includes a receiving slot (200) for receiving the daughter PCB and a tower (22, 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d). The signal terminal is retained in the insulative housing for electrically connecting with the PCB. The power contact is retained in the tower electrically connecting with the daughter PCB.

Abstract: A card-edge connector of the present invention includes a card member including a circuit board and a plurality of card-edge electrodes arranged on the circuit board. A connector is affixed to a stationary board and includes a plurality of contacts corresponding one-to-one to the card-edge electrodes. The card member further includes an insulation cover covering an area where the card-edge electrodes are arranged and formed with a plurality of slots via which the card-edge electrodes each are partly exposed to the outside. When the card member is inserted into the connector, the card-edge electrodes and contacts are electrically connected to each other.

Abstract: An electronic system includes a chassis, a backplane having a printed circuit board and at least one connector extending from the printed circuit board and a backplane stiffener. The backplane stiffener includes a portion adjacent the printed circuit board, wherein the printed circuit board is between the chassis and the portion. The portion is stationarily retained relative to the printed circuit board and the chassis without requiring perforation of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A housing having openings for exposing the operation surfaces of a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) expansion card and a communication and network riser (CNR) expansion card to the outside at its front surface and at its back surface, respectively. A motherboard, which is incorporated in the housing, has multiple connectors arranged at specific intervals. The PCI expansion card has a PCI card electrode and is inserted into and connected with one of the connectors of the motherboard. A CNR expansion card has a CNR card electrode and is inserted into and connected with another one of the connectors of the motherboard. The PCI expansion card and the CNR expansion card are attached to the corresponding connectors in the motherboard, with the electronic-parts-implementing surface of the PCI expansion card and the electronic-parts-implementing surface of the CNR expansion card facing each other.

Abstract: A memory card substrate includes a first solder pad assembly formed on a top edge of the memory card substrate. The first solder pad assembly has multiple first solder pads equally spaced from each other and multiple first gaps each sandwiched between two adjacent first solder pads. A second solder pad assembly is formed on a bottom edge of the memory card substrate and has multiple second solder pads equally spaced from each other and multiple second gaps each sandwiched between two adjacent second solder pads. Each first solder pad corresponds to one of the second gaps so that the first solder pads are alternately arranged on the top edge relative to the second solder pads on the bottom edge.

Abstract: A signal connector assembly with a plug contact within a plug having a high resistive portion. When the plug of the assembly first makes contact with the electrical receptacles within a mating receptacle, the high resistive portion prevents a current surge. As the plug is further inserted into the receptacle, the energy passing from the plug to the receptacle is gradually increased. Eventually, the receptacle contacts within the receptacle pass the high resistive portion and make contact with the conductive portion of the plug contact, thereby permitting transmission of valid signals without the generation of spurious errors.

Abstract: A terminal body for use in combination with a circuitboard having edge conductor pads and being formed from a stamped metal blank so as to provide a first main longitudinally extending spring contact which is curved back on itself and inwardly toward the center of the terminal and a pair of stabilizing contacts which oppose and straddle the main contact. All of the contacts are sufficiently resilient to permit the circuitboard of thickness T to be inserted between them, the stabilizing contacts ensuring a firm grip on the circuitboard and non-intermittent contact between the main terminal contact and the circuitboard pad.

Abstract: A card-receiving connector includes a legacy connector part and an additional connector part that facilitates plugging in cards having improved functionality while also allowing legacy cards to be plugged in. In one embodiment, the legacy part includes signal, power, and supply contacts required by a legacy card and includes power and supply contacts required by an improved card in an extension part. A legacy card can be connected to the legacy part without interference from the extension part to facilitate backward compatibility with the legacy card.

Abstract: Interconnect validation instruments and methods are provided. In one embodiment, an interconnect validation instrument has a shell with an opening at first end thereof and a second end opposite the first end. The second end has a plurality of holes. Each of the plurality of holes is adapted to receive a respective one of a plurality of pins therein. Each of the plurality of holes is further adapted to align the respective one of the plurality of pins when received therein when the respective one of the plurality of pins is not aligned.

Abstract: A system and method for repairing a PC where an extender card with both ISA and PCI buss connections is used to elevate the motherboard during troubleshooting operations, the extender card includes imbedded thereon, current-measurement stations to aid in efficient assessment of current flow through portions of the motherboard.

Abstract: This invention relates to a detachable display 10, in particular to a detachable liquid crystal display for an electronic device. The display 10 has a first plate 12, a second plate 14 parallel to the first plate 12, and a layer of liquid crystal material 16 between the first plate 12 and the second plates 14. So that the liquid crystal material 16 can be addressed, a plurality of X address lines 20 are provided on the first plate 12, and a plurality of Y address lines 22 are provided on the second plate 14. The X address lines 20 and the Y address lines 22 are each respectively connected to X contacts and Y contacts, the X contacts and Y contacts being positioned along a single connecting edge 32 of the display, so that the display can be connected/disconnected to/from a matching connector by simply sliding connecting edge 32 of the display 10 into/out of the connector.

Abstract: In a connector (1) to be connected to a circuit board (5), a signal contact (3) is disposed between first and second ground contacts (4) and held by an insulator (2) together with the first and the second ground contacts. Each of the signal contact, the first ground contact, and the second ground contact has a terminal portion to be connected to the circuit board. The first ground contact has an extended portion extending from the terminal portion thereof towards the second ground contact. The first and the second ground contacts are cooperated with each other to substantially surround the terminal portion of the signal contact with using the extended portion.

Abstract: A display having a detachable TV card is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention: digital card linker, especially relates to a linker structure for digital card linking with computer, which is in shape of box; one end of the linker is open end having an open for digital card inserting into. The linker has flexible piece on the upper side and lower side relative to the position of upper and lower terminals of digital card. The digital card linker can be applied to the tradition type digital cards and can be applied to future double faces and single row of digital cards, and can increase the stability of link of linker and digital card.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrical interconnection between a first electrical device and a second electrical device comprises the steps of providing contacts in an uncompressed state. The uncompressed contacts are then deformed to a compressed state and then the contacts are positioned in a device adapted to hold the contacts between the first and second electrical devices. Or alternatively, the uncompressed contacts are positioned in the device and then compressed to the compressed state. The contacts are then activated to substantially expand to the uncompressed state wherein each contact expands to substantially its uncompressed state for establishing the electrical interconnection between the first and second electrical devices.

Abstract: A printed circuit board (1) provided with an attachement (3) which surrounds surface contacts (11) of the printed circuit board (1) that are to be contacted by a printed circuit board connector that covers the portion of the printed circuit board (1) and edges of the printed circuit board (1) around the surface contacts (11) and includes recesses (31) corresponding to the surface contacts (11) assuring proper connection with contacts (21) of a printed circuit board connector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling includes a chassis and a midplane mounted in the chassis. More than one airflow opening is formed in the midplane. A temperature measuring sensor is mounted in the chassis. More than one heat generating module is positioned on a first side of the midplane and more than one adjustable airflow generating component is positioned on a second side of the midplane to generate an airflow through each opening. A controller is coupled to determine an output for adjusting each airflow generating component in response to the temperature sensed by each sensor.

Abstract: A card connector assembly according to the present invention comprises a substrate on which wiring traces are formed and an electrical component is mounted, a plurality of contact lands connected to the respective wiring traces and arranged along an edge of the substrate, connecting traces that interconnect the respective contact lands and the respective wiring trace, and lands on the respective connecting traces, each land having a contact area for a test pin. Since test pins are in contact with the lands, no scratches are made on the contact lands. The commercial value of the card connector can thus be maintained.

Abstract: A first aspect of the invention is an electrical connector that includes a housing formed to include first and second opposing ends and an elongated slot between the ends. The slot receives a connective edge of a printed circuit card. Closely spaced contacts located in the slot engage conductive pads on the printed circuit card. A first alignment member is formed integrally at the first end of the housing, to engage a non-polarized keyway during insertion of the printed circuit card into the elongated slot, aligning the printed circuit card relative to the contacts. A second aspect of the invention is the keying of the printed circuit card along a connective edge. The connective edge includes two connective regions which define a polarized keyway between the two connective regions. A third, non-connective, region located at one end of the connective regions defines a non-polarized keyway between the connective regions and the non-connective region.

Abstract: A circuit card which has along one edge a tab bearing an array of terminal contacts, and neighbouring wings relative to which the tab is inwardly recessed whereby the tab is protected against physical damage.