Abstract: A network device uses a multiple component connector plane to interconnect functional cards within the network device. Each of the components of the connector plane may be configured to contain a subset of the total interconnectivity of the connector plane and, optionally, to interconnect one or more subsets of the functional cards in the network device. The reduced connectivity of each component enables each component to be made in a less complex fashion. Using printed circuit board technology, this reduction in complexity enables lower layer count boards to be used to form the connector plane, resulting in lower overall costs. The connector plane may be a mid-plane or a back-plane.

Abstract: An IC card connector in which in the insertion space for one IC card, the insertion space for the other IC card is secured, and contact parts are disposed near the insertion slot. In the insertion slot for one IC card, the insertion space for the other IC card is disposed, which is narrower in width and one end of the height direction is located in the insertion slot for the one IC card, while at least a part of the insertion space is shared with the insertion space for the one IC card. A plate is disposed to partition the shared part of the insertion space for the one IC card to make the shared part as the insertion space for the other IC card. This plate has a mechanism that, when the one card is inserted while the other card is not, the plate is moved away from the insertion space for the one IC card and makes room therefor.

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: A connector system includes a circuit board having a plurality of holes extending therethrough. First and second connector bodies, each having a front wall, are positioned on first and second sides of the circuit board, respectively. The front walls of the connector bodies have a plurality of signal pin openings aligned with the circuit board holes. A plurality of signal pins extend through the signal pin openings of the first and second connector bodies and through the circuit board holes. At least one of the plurality of circuit board holes has a diameter larger than a diameter of the signal pin extending therethrough, such that walls of the at least one circuit board hole are spaced apart from the signal pin extending therethrough.

Abstract: A high-speed router backplane is disclosed. The disclosed construction and layout techniques enable the construction of a reliable, high-layer-count, and economical backplane for routers and the like that use signaling across the backplane at trace speeds of 2.5 Gbps or greater. Specific ranges of differential trace geometry characteristics, with significant single-ended coupling to adjacent ground planes, have been found to provide the parameters needed for such signaling. New trace routing and layering techniques also help in the realization of a backplane embodiment containing roughly 600 operable high-speed differential pairs, while also providing sufficient electromagnetic interference management to allow power distribution to occur within the same backplane.

Abstract: A switching system includes a backplane having slots, each including a first set of connectors designed according to a common specification. The slots include at least one extended slot and at least two normal slots, each normal slot including the first set of connectors, each extended slot including the first set of connectors and an additional second set of connectors. The backplane has signal lines to support a data channel between first set of connectors of the normal slot and the extended slot. The backplane also has signal lines to support a data channel between first set of connectors of the normal slot and the second set of connectors of the extended slot.

Abstract: A card connector mounting apparatus includes a base including a card coupler and having a plurality of electrical coupling members positioned on a bottom surface of the base, a first base side positioned along the length of the base, and a first board mounting member extending from the first base side and positioned adjacent the bottom surface. A board may be provided which includes a board surface having a connector coupling section defined by a plurality of electrical connector couplers positioned on the board surface, a first section side positioned along the length of the connector coupling section, and a plurality of spaced apart first connector mounting members positioned adjacent the first section side and outside the connector coupling section. A plurality of different sized card connectors may then be mounted to the board by coupling their first board mounting members to the first connector mounting member.

Abstract: An apparatus for making an electrical connection with an electrical unit which has an edge portion and terminals disposed along the edge portion. The apparatus includes a supporting member and a connector supported by the supporting member. The connector has a body elongated in a longitudinal direction and second terminals disposed along the longitudinal direction. The connector slidably guides the edge portion of the electrical unit along the longitudinal direction to a first fully inserted position such that each one of the terminals of the connector faces respective one of the terminals of the electrical unit.

Abstract: An assembly of releasably interconnected circuit substrates is provided. The assembly has a first and second circuit substrate. Each substrate provides an electrical connector for mating electrical engagement of the first and second substrates. The assembly also has a two-position lock that is operable between a first and second position. In the first position of the lock, the first and second circuit substrates are in locked interconnection with each other. In the second position of the lock, the first and second circuit substrates are separable from each other.

Abstract: A card-mounting rack for electronic part-mounting cards is disclosed by which a housing of a rack or the like produced in accordance with standard specifications can be used to mount a plurality of large cards in high density therein to achieve overall densification and miniaturization of a system such as a computer system. Cooling fans are provided on a front and rear faces of a housing of a rack. A mother board is horizontally placed at the center of the inside of the housing. A plurality of cards are mounted perpendicularly on top and bottom faces of the mother board using gondolas and driving mechanisms having a function for moving the cards upwardly or downwardly through a plurality of connector provided on the top and bottom faces of the motherboard. Further, spacers for stabilizing the cards are inserted on rear faces of the cards.

Abstract: An electronic device has several superposed main printed circuit boards (2, 3, 4), of which one has e.g. the electronic components of a radio, another has the electronic components of a multimedia device and a third has the electronic components of a vehicle navigation device. On the front side of the electronic device, a connection printed circuit board (9) which is oriented crosswise to the main printed circuit boards (2, 3, 4) is provided with plug-in connecting parts (11, 13, 15) which engage on the front side of the main circuit boards (2, 3, 4).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decreasing cable installation times and cable installation faults is disclosed. The back panel of the CTMS has a light source, for example an LED associated with each connector on the back plane. When a circuit card is plugged into the front plane of the CMTS the card activates the light source on the back plane to indicate whether an active channel is connected to the connector and what type of channel the active channel is.

Abstract: A through socket includes a socket body, which can load the plurality of memory modules, and a plurality of internally connected socket conductors arranged to electrically connect the memory modules when loaded. A turn around socket includes a socket body for loading at least one memory module and connecting a contact of one surface of a loaded memory module to a contact of the other surface. Using at least one through socket and at least one turn around socket, the memory system can extend a plurality of memory modules on a printed circuit board (PCB). A memory module adapted for use in the memory system has four contacts arranged at both ends and on both surfaces.

Abstract: Embodiments of a routing system for electronic module assemblies are disclosed that may incorporate a module base having at least one routing end and a channel formed across a length of the at least one routing end, wherein the channel has a dimension that allows a wire to be routed from the module base to a connection point external to the module base and allows the wire to be bent within the channel in a direction of the connection point.

Abstract: A data storage system that houses at least two mass storage devices in an enclosure, along with all interconnect cabling electronics to permit access through a shared universal-type interface. An enclosure houses multiple mass storage devices such as disk drives. A set of bridges located within the enclosure provides connectivity from the disk interface to the universal-type bus. Bridge outputs are coupled to a universal hub also located within the enclosure to provide a single port interface to the array of disks. The arrangement thus provides for connectivity to multiple mass storage devices housing in a single enclosure with a single universal bus interface.

Abstract: A PCI card clipping device is disclosed for clipping and securing a plurality of PCI cards. The PCI card clipping device is composed of a clipping member, a fixing base, a latch member connected to the fixing base, and an elastic element (such as a spring), wherein the clipping member has a plurality of clipping elements, and each of the clipping elements is made of a clipping plate located in an opening. In the application of the PCI card clipping device, a connecting end of the PCI card is first engaged with the clipping element, and then the purpose of securing the PCI cards is achieved due to the meal material property of the latch member and the clipping member.

Abstract: In an apparatus for multiplex communication, a bus line constitutes a bus type network for connecting a plurality of terminal communication equipments. A plug-shaped terminating resistance device is detachably provided at an end of the bus line to reduce reflection noise.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus has a plug-in unit and a housing that can increase a number of optical modules connected thereto. In the plug-in unit, a first connector is connectable to an optical module connected to an optical cable. A connector housing accommodates the first connector and has an insertion part into which the optical module is inserted. An attachment lever is used for fixing the plug-in unit to the housing in which the plug-in unit is accommodated. The first connector is located on a back side of the plug-in unit opposite to a front side where the attachment lever is located.

Abstract: A communication equipment includes short-circuited stubs electrically connecting signal through holes to ground through holes, respectively. Thus, it reduces signal reflection even if the transmission speed of a signal is increased.

Abstract: A through socket includes a socket body, which can load the plurality of memory modules, and a plurality of internally connected socket conductors arranged to electrically connect the memory modules when loaded. A turn around socket includes a socket body for loading at least one memory module and connecting a contact of one surface of a loaded memory module to a contact of the other surface. Using at least one through socket and at least one turn around socket, the memory system can extend a plurality of memory modules on a printed circuit board (PCB). A memory module adapted for use in the memory system has four contacts arranged at both ends and on both surfaces.

Abstract: A data transmission interconnect assembly (e.g., a router) capable of transmission speeds in excess of 40 Gbps in which a line-card is detachably coupled to a backplane using flexible flat cables that are bent to provide a continuous, smooth curve between the connected boards, and connected by a connection apparatus that employs cable-to-cable interface members that are transparent to the transmitted signal waves. Microspring contact structures are formed on the cables, or on a contact structure pressed against the cables, to provide interface arrangements that are smaller than a wavelength of the transmitted signal. A connector apparatus uses a cam mechanism to align the cables, and then to press a contact structure, having micro spring interface members formed thereon, against the cables. An alterative contact structure uses anisotropic conductive film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interface card fastener, which is set in a computer system host or any other electronic device comprising expansion slots, comprising a bracket and a plurality of pivot assemblies. The bracket is set upon the frame above the expansion slots inside the chassis, and comprises a back frame engaged with the chassis and a plurality of the inner frames extended from the back frame. Each two inner frames define a fasten chamber, and the back frame comprises a horizontal extended L-shape hook in the appropriate position. The pivot assembly is set in the fastener chamber, which rotates between the fastening and the release positions of the interface card, and comprises a hook and a handle linked with the hook. To operate the fastener, pushing the handle directly to hook with the L-shape hook or unhook in interface card positioning, which is easy operating and stable positioning.

Abstract: One or more keys (101, 102, 103) can be integrally formed of a card cage and positioned to extend into the card-receiving openings of the card slots that comprise the card cage. The cards can then have key-receiving openings (112, 114, 116) that accommodate such keys. By matching the keys to particular physical and electrical functionality and compatibility attributes of a given card slot, such key-receiving openings can be similarly shaped and sized to assure that such cards cannot be inadvertently (or purposely) placed in an inappropriate card slot. In varying embodiments, such keys can be formed of a cable trough, a front panel, and a card guide seating surface.

Abstract: A computer system employing redundant power distribution. A computer system includes power distribution boards arranged to distribute power such that the computer system may continue to operate if there is any single point of power failure. The computer system includes a first plurality of circuit boards, a plurality of switch circuit boards and a first and second power distribution board. The plurality of switch circuit boards may be coupled to the first plurality of circuit boards and may convey address and data information between the first plurality of circuit boards. The first power distribution board and the second power distribution board may be coupled to independently distribute power to each of the first plurality of circuit boards. At least two of the first plurality of circuit boards may be coupled to independently distribute power to each of the plurality of switch circuit boards.

Abstract: An adapter for use with existing network tap modules to be received by a housing that supports hot-pluggable modules. The adapter allows an existing network tap module to connect to a power supply connector and power supply included with a housing for network tap modules. The housing allows the user to maintain all network taps in any given system in one housing and location. This increases the ease of maintaining multiple network taps and allows the network tap modules to be powered by a power supply included with the housing. The adapter allows use of the housing with existing network tap modules, eliminating any need to replace existing modules in order to use the housing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a physical shelf architecture for high density metallic cross connect systems. The present invention is intended to overcome the problems associated with the physical interconnections of metallic paths in cross connect switching systems. The physical architecture of the present invention effectively performs physical interconnections required by high density metallic cross connect systems. The physical architecture enables for a scalable design and structure of racks and shelves. In particular, inter-connect levels can be performed with devices-to-devices, boards-to-boards, shelves-to-shelves, and racks-to-racks.

Abstract: A data storage system that houses at least two mass storage devices in an enclosure, along with all interconnect cabling electronics to permit access through a shared universal-type interface. An enclosure houses multiple mass storage devices such as disk drives. A set of bridges located within the enclosure provides connectivity from the disk interface to the universal-type bus. Bridge outputs are coupled to a universal hub also located within the enclosure to provide a single port interface to the array of disks. The arrangement thus provides for connectivity to multiple mass storage devices housing in a single enclosure with a single universal bus interface.

Abstract: An electrical interconnection system includes a first printed circuit board (20) defining a receiving slot (22), a second printed circuit board (30) assembled to the first printed circuit board and having an edge (30a) received in the receiving slot, and an electrical connector (1) electrically connecting with the first and the second printed circuit boards. The connector includes contacts (12) having first ends (12a) moveably contacting with the first printed circuit board, and second ends (12b) moveably contacting with the second printed circuit board. A method of interconnecting the first and the second printed circuit boards is also disclosed.

Abstract: An IDE connector with opposite male plug and female socket includes a circuit board with a control circuit, a chip, a male plug and a female socket. The male plug is joined to one side of the circuit and the female socket is joined to another side of the circuit board so as to be disposed oppositely. The female socket is connected to the male plug of an IDE device to enhance the data transmission quality between two IDE devices and decrease using of the flexible flat cable.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a shim assembly for supporting a hardware module flush with a bottom side of a printed circuit board. A bottom side of the shim assembly is attached to a top side of the printed circuit board and generally conforms to the shape of a slot in the printed circuit board into which the hardware module is inserted. The shim assembly is of sufficient thickness to fill a gap between the hardware module and the top side of the printed circuit board such that the hardware module does not materially extend past a bottom side of the printed circuit board when inserted in the slot.

Abstract: Cards in an electronic device are mounted parallel to one another. The cards are offset relative to one another. The electronic device has a case. In a vicinity of the cards the case follows a crooked path to provide an aperture-bearing portion adjacent to an outer end of each of the cards. Transitional portions of the case connect adjacent aperture-bearing portions which are at different levels. Vent apertures are provided in the transitional portions.

Abstract: An electronic connection system including a chassis defining at least one tray having a mechanical coupling. A high speed backplane is positioned on the chassis. A tray supports an electrical device such that the tray is engageable with the mechanical coupling to align a tray electrical connector to engage the backplane when the tray is fully engaged with the at least one tray receiving port to establish electrical communication between the electrical device and the high speed backplane. The mechanical coupling provides a structural connection to the chassis for the tray.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a housing (12) and circuit boards (13) carried by the housing. The circuit boards extend parallel to each other in spaced-apart relationship. The circuit boards include signal tracks (14) that provide electrical paths through the connector. The electrical paths extend from a mating interface (16) at one end of the connector to a mounting interface (17) at another end of the connector. The circuit boards include a first type (1) and a second type (2), the first type having circuitry arranged in a first pattern, and the second type having circuitry arranged in a second pattern which is different than the first pattern.

Abstract: A inexpensive and high-density modular I/O architecture is provided which accommodates both electrical and optical signals in high-availability configurations. By increasing the number of slots that can fit in a given chassis, a greater amount of functionality may be packed into a given piece of equipment, thereby saving facility space. The higher density also provides for a more cost effective overall solution as more circuit boards may be accommodated by the infrastructure of a single chassis. Furthermore, all active circuit modules are replaceable from the front of a chassis and all external I/O cable connections are made on its rear. These external cable connections need not be removed or touched when faulty circuitry is to be replaced. This makes faulty board replacement quick and convenient and eliminates confusion and possible incorrect reconnection of disconnected cables. It also eliminates signal interruption which would decrease equipment availability.

Abstract: There is provided a system for connecting signals between at least two electronic modules. The interconnection conduits are provided via one or more blades, which are equipped with connection areas along their edge toward the modules. This structure opens up more room for high frequency signaling connections. The blades used for the interconnect can be replaced in a live system during operational conditions.

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: According to certain embodiments of the invention, there is provided an arrangement for cooling a series of closely spaced upright computer components mounted to a support, the arrangement including a tray having a plurality of air moving devices such as fans. Members are used for helping mount removably the tray to the support in a generally horizontal disposition, and the air moving devices move air in a generally upright path of travel to help cool the upright computer components. The tray also has a series of connector ports for connecting electrically to outputs from individual ones of the computer components.

Abstract: An apparatus is adapted to make an electrical connection with an electrical unit which has an edge portion and terminals disposed along the edge portion. The apparatus includes a supporting member and a connector supported by the supporting member. The connector has a body elongated in a longitudinal direction and second terminals disposed along the longitudinal direction. The connector is adapted to slidably guide the edge portion of the electrical unit along the longitudinal direction to a first fully inserted position such that each one of the terminals of the connector faces respective one of the terminals of the electrical unit.

Abstract: An improved circuit card package wherein additional child cards are accommodated by providing an interface adaptor board having connectors for receiving the child cards. The interface adaptor board is itself received by a connector on a parent card, which plugs into a system backplane.

Abstract: A plurality of switch connectors are arranged in each of a plurality of memory slots. Each of the plurality of switch connectors includes a first-type connector pin and a second-type connector pin. The first-type connector pin is coupled to one of a plurality of signal lines of a memory bus. The second-type connector pin is coupled to impedance matching circuits included in an load circuit. In each of the memory slots in which the memory module is not inserted, a pair of the first-type connector pin and the second-type connector pin provide flexible electric contact. In each of the memory slots in which the memory module is inserted, the first-type connector pin and the second-type connector pin are physically separated and insulated from each other. The first-type connector pin provides electric contact with module pins of the memory module.

Abstract: A circuit board is provided with extending portions having terminal patterns formed thereon. A housing contains the circuit board while permitting the extending portions to protrude. A mother board has, formed therein, through holes in which the extending portions are to be inserted, having, formed thereon, wiring pattern that is to be electrically connected to the terminal patterns, and permitting the extending portions to be inserted in the through holes so that the housing is placed thereon. The circuit board is provided with a protruded portion which extends separately from the extending portions and pushes the terminal patterns onto the wiring pattern of the mother board. The mother board is provided with an insertion hole in which the protruded portion is to be inserted being slightly deviated from the positions of the through holes in which the extending portions are to be inserted.

Abstract: A circuit card assembly includes a host card having connector assemblies and a conduction-cooling path. A first and second mezzanine card each having electronic circuitry defining a component field is mounted to the conduction-cooling path of the host card and connected to the connector assemblies. A third mezzanine card is mounted to the host card and over at least a portion of the component field of the first and second mezzanine cards. A cooling path is provided between the third mezzanine card and the host card and mechanical interference is prevented between the third mezzanine card and the component field due to the profile of the conduction-cooling path. The conduction-cooling path may also be located on the third mezzanine card or on both the host card and the third mezzanine card. The third mezzanine card is connected to the connector assemblies outside of the connector area of the other mezzanine cards.

Abstract: A connector structure for multi-storage media is constructed to include an insulating housing defining an insertion slot for receiving one of a set of memory cards, comprising: a plurality of first terminals; a plurality of second terminals; a plurality of third terminals; and a plurality of fourth terminals; thereby, when inserting a memory card into the insertion slot from the front side of the housing, a plurality of contacts of the memory card can contact with the first terminals, second terminals, third terminals or fourth terminals respectively for accessing the memory card. Wherein the memory card can be a xD card, a SD/MMC card, a Smart Media card or a MS card.

Abstract: A riser card, such as a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) card, attaches to a circuit board such as a mother board in a transverse orientation and has a first connector and a second connector attached to opposing sides of the card for receiving expansion cards. In one embodiment, the first connector is offset from the second connector with respect to an axis in the plane of the riser card. In another embodiment, the first and second connectors each have a first and last pin, and the first pin of the first card is opposite the first pin of the second connector. The riser card may mount one expansion board right side up, and the second board upside down. The first and second connectors can be female connectors which are each matable with a male connector on the corresponding expansion board, or can be card edge connectors. The expansion boards, when mated with the connectors, are substantially parallel to, but offset from the circuit board.

Abstract: An electrical adapter assembly (1) for electrically connecting an electrical connector (52) mounted a backplane (5) to an electrical component (62) of a hard disk drive (6) includes a first adapter subassembly (10) adjacent to and electrically connecting to the electrical connector (52). A second adapter subassembly (20) is placed next to and electrically connecting to the first adapter subassembly. Additionally, a pair of cable assemblies (30, 40) are placed between the second adapter subassembly and the hard disk drive and each has a pair of electrical sockets (34, 44) for electrically connecting a corresponding second receptacle connector (26, 28) of the second adapter subassembly to the electrical component of the hard disk drive.

Abstract: A modular electronic chassis system with nested electronic plug-in modules including at least one circuit board providing a first-module-receiving-location and a second-module-receiving-location such that the system is capable of supporting modules in a nested configuration having increased packaging density. A first plug-in module detachably engaged with the first-module-receiving-location. A second plug-in module detachably engaged with the second-module-receiving-location so that the first plug-in module and the second plug-in module are nested.

Abstract: A memory card connector is constructed to include a housing, first terminals, second terminals, third terminals and fourth terminals installed in said housing for the contact of a SM card, a memory stick, a SD card/multimedia memory card, or xD memory card respectively, and a lever fastened pivotally with the housing and supported on a spring member for controlling the insertion of an assigned memory card into the housing.

Abstract: An assembly (for example, an assembly in the form of an interposer that is distinct from a motherboard and from the devices that communicate with the motherboard) includes electromagnetic couplings. Each of the electromagnetic couplings couples signals being communicated between a device and a bus. Each of the electromagnetic couplings is connected to (a) an associated bus connector to provide connections of the couplings to the bus, and (b) an associated device connector to provide connections of the couplings to the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a module unit for memory modules and to a method for producing the module unit. A module unit of this type has at least one main module and submodules. The modules are arranged in a star-shaped manner and are arranged radially with their inner contact strips in slots of a central plug connector. The module unit has a substantially cylindrical housing, from which an outer contact strip of the main module protrudes.

Abstract: According to certain embodiments of the invention, there is provided an arrangement for cooling a series of closely spaced upright computer components mounted to a support, the arrangement including a tray having a plurality of air moving devices such as fans. Members are used for helping mount removably the tray to the support in a generally horizontal disposition, and the air moving devices move air in a generally upright path of travel to help cool the upright computer components. The tray also has a series of connector ports for connecting electrically to outputs from individual ones of the computer components.