CA1186418A - Electrostatic discharge protected integrated circuit module - Google Patents
Electrostatic discharge protected integrated circuit moduleInfo
- Publication number
- CA1186418A CA1186418A CA000407822A CA407822A CA1186418A CA 1186418 A CA1186418 A CA 1186418A CA 000407822 A CA000407822 A CA 000407822A CA 407822 A CA407822 A CA 407822A CA 1186418 A CA1186418 A CA 1186418A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- integrated circuit
- electrostatic discharge
- plug connector
- receptacle
- traces
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L23/00—Details of semiconductor or other solid state devices
- H01L23/48—Arrangements for conducting electric current to or from the solid state body in operation, e.g. leads, terminal arrangements ; Selection of materials therefor
- H01L23/488—Arrangements for conducting electric current to or from the solid state body in operation, e.g. leads, terminal arrangements ; Selection of materials therefor consisting of soldered or bonded constructions
- H01L23/498—Leads, i.e. metallisations or lead-frames on insulating substrates, e.g. chip carriers
- H01L23/4985—Flexible insulating substrates
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L23/00—Details of semiconductor or other solid state devices
- H01L23/32—Holders for supporting the complete device in operation, i.e. detachable fixtures
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L23/00—Details of semiconductor or other solid state devices
- H01L23/58—Structural electrical arrangements for semiconductor devices not otherwise provided for, e.g. in combination with batteries
- H01L23/60—Protection against electrostatic charges or discharges, e.g. Faraday shields
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L2924/00—Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
- H01L2924/0001—Technical content checked by a classifier
- H01L2924/0002—Not covered by any one of groups H01L24/00, H01L24/00 and H01L2224/00
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Condensed Matter Physics & Semiconductors (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Shielding Devices Or Components To Electric Or Magnetic Fields (AREA)
- Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
- Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
Abstract
ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE PROTECTED
INTEGRATED CIRCUIT MODULE
Abstract An electrostatic discharge protected integrated circuit module is disclosed in which an integrated circuit is attached to a flexible circuit board inside a receptacle.
Spring action forces the traces of the flexible circuit board against a conducting surface in the receptacle, shorting the traces so that the potential at all contact leads of the integrated circuit will rise uniformly in the event of an electrostatic discharge. A plug connector may be inserted through an opening in the receptacle to interrupt the shorting and to connect the integrated circuit to an electronic device. Protection is restored automatically when the plug connector is withdrawn.
INTEGRATED CIRCUIT MODULE
Abstract An electrostatic discharge protected integrated circuit module is disclosed in which an integrated circuit is attached to a flexible circuit board inside a receptacle.
Spring action forces the traces of the flexible circuit board against a conducting surface in the receptacle, shorting the traces so that the potential at all contact leads of the integrated circuit will rise uniformly in the event of an electrostatic discharge. A plug connector may be inserted through an opening in the receptacle to interrupt the shorting and to connect the integrated circuit to an electronic device. Protection is restored automatically when the plug connector is withdrawn.
Description
~LECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE PROTECTED
IMTEGRATED CIRCUIT MODULE
Background of the Invention _ Many electronic devices, such as calcula~ors, are designed to accept one or more plug~in integrated circuit modules to enhance the flexibility or the c~pacity of the device. One example is a calculator, disclosed in U. S.
Patent No. 4,063,221 of Watson, Walden, and Near, which accepts plug-in read-only memory modules. These modules allow the user to tailor the configuration of the calculator to meet the user's specific needs, by providing a range of mathematical and statistical capabilities appropriate tv a given task.
Such modules, while functional, may not be enkirely satisfactory in use becau~e of susceptibility to damage from electrostatic discharges experienced in handling. Damage to an integrated circuit can result when an electrostatic discharge produces a differential voltage across the circuit "pins" or co~tact leads. High voltages can cause physical disruption within the circuit, while low vo~tages may alter t'ne conten~s o stored memory.
~ of the Inventions __ In accordance with the preferred embodiments oE the present invention, an integrated circuit module resists damage from electrostatic discharges by maintaining the same potential at all contact leads whenever the circuit is disconnected from khe host device. Ylexible circuitry within the rnodule electrically shorts together all the contact leads ~' on a conducting surface, so that electrostatic discharges will cause the potential to rise uniformly on all leads.
Contact with the colducting surface is made by spring action, so that a plug-in connector on the host device may be inserted to flex the spring, ~eparate ~he cixcuitry from the conducting surface, and simultaneously form the desired connections with the host device. When the plug connector is removed, the spring action automatically returns ~he circuitry to its original position, restoring static discharge protection.
According to one aspect o this invention there is provided an electrostatic discharge protected inkegrated circuit module for use with an electronic device having a plug connector comprising an integrated circuit having contact leads, a receptacle containing the integrated circuit having an opening fox receiving the plug connector of the electronic device, flexible circuit means within the receptacle for providing electrical connections to the integrated circuit, having conducting traces connected to the contact leads, a conducting surface in the recep~acle for electrically shorting together the traces and spring means in the receptacle for urging the traces against the plug connector when the plug connector is inserted into the opening of the receptacle and for - urging the traces against the conducting surface when the plug connector is not inserted.
Brief Descriptlon of the_D wings Figure 1 ls an exploded view of an electrostatic discharge protected integrated circuit ~odule.
Figure 2 shows a plug connectorO
Figures 3a and 3b, respectively, are cross-sections of an electrostatic discharge protected integrated circuit modu-e when disconnected and connected to a plug connector.
Figure 4 is a cross-section of another electrostatic discharge protected integrated circuit module.
Figure 5 is a cross-section of yet another electro-static discharge protected integrated circuit module.
Description of the Preferred Fmbbdiments Referring now to Figure 1, an integrated circuit 102 is to be used with an electronic device having a plug connector. For exemplary purposes, integrated circuit 102 may be a read-only or random access memory, while the electronic device may be a calculator designed to use any one of several such memories, depending on the calculations to be performed.
Integrated circuit 102 bears contact leads 106. The exact number o~ contact leads will, of course, vary with the desiqn of integrated circuit 102; six leads are shown in Figure 1 for clarity of presentation. In the preferred embodiments, contact leads 106 are soldered to conducting traces 108 of a flexible circuit board 110.
Flexible circuit board 110 is then preferably wrapped around a spring 112, so that traces 108 are to the outside, not in contact with the spring. Pressure sensitive adhesive may be used to attach flexible circuit board 110 to spring 112. In the preferred embodiments, spring 112 has separate tines 114 for exerting pressure against the individual traces 108.
In the preferred embodiments, a receptacle is formed by a case 116 and a cover 118. Integrated cicuit 102, flexible circuit board 110, and spring 112 are placed in case 116, and then cover 118 may be snapped on. Case 116 may be molded plastic, while cover 118 is preferably made of metal. Other receptacle construction methods may be used, so long as a conducting sur~ace, corresponding to the inner sur~ace of cover 118, is providea for electrically shorting together traces 108. For example, the entire receptacle may be made of plastic with an inlaid metal band or ~ metal coated surface positioned on the inside of the receptacle above traces 108.
In the preferred embodiments, case 116 has a side 120 which is lower than adjacent sides 122. When cover 118 is placed over ca~e 116, the reduced height o~ side 120 with respect to sides 122 will leave an opening between side 120 and cover 118, through which a plug connector may be inserted.
Figure 2 illustrates a plug connector 224 suitable for use with the embodiment o Figure 1. Portion 226 is pxovided for attachment to an electronic device designed to use an integrated circuit module, while end 228 is shaped to be inserted into the module. Plug connector 224 may be cut out from ordinary rigid circuit board material. Conducting traces 230 are placed to match the spacing of traces 108 of Fiyure 1, so that connections may be made be~ween the electronic device and the integrated circuit.
Operation of the preferred embodiments may be understood by reference to Figures 3a and 3b. In Figure 3a, an integrated circuit 302 is connected to traces on flexible circuit board 310, which is pressed against conducting surface 332 by spring 312. In this manner, contact leads 306 are electrically shorted together so that any electrostatic discharge will cause the potential at leads 306 to rise uniformly, avoiding differential voltages and thus preventing damage to integrated circuit 302. An opening 334 permits a plug connector to be inserted to connect integrated circuit 302 to an electronic device.
In Figure 3b, a plug connector 324 has been inserted, flexing spring 312. Contact between fle~ible circuit board 310 and conducting surface 332 is thus interrupted, while contac~c between conducting traces on the underside of plug conn~ctor 324 and traces on flexible circuit board 310 is established. In this manner, connection between integrated circuit 302 and an electronic device may be ormed. If plug connector 324 i8 withdrawn, ~he spring 312 will resume the shape shown in E'iyure 3a, restoriny electrostatic discharge protection.
,, .. , . , . _ . , Figures 4 and 5 show alternative embodiments, which may be desirable if size ox shape constraints must be considered in designing a module. References numerals in these figures indicate items which correspond to the same numbered items in ~igures 3a and 3b. In Figure 4, flexible circuit board 310 is wrapped around the free end of spring 312. In Figure 5, spring 312 is placed between integrated circuit 302 and opening 334.
The preferred embodiments provide protection against damage from eletr~static discharges which may be experienced in handling. Connection to an electronic device is easily made by the insertion of a plug connector, and protection is automatically resumed when the plug connector is removed.
IMTEGRATED CIRCUIT MODULE
Background of the Invention _ Many electronic devices, such as calcula~ors, are designed to accept one or more plug~in integrated circuit modules to enhance the flexibility or the c~pacity of the device. One example is a calculator, disclosed in U. S.
Patent No. 4,063,221 of Watson, Walden, and Near, which accepts plug-in read-only memory modules. These modules allow the user to tailor the configuration of the calculator to meet the user's specific needs, by providing a range of mathematical and statistical capabilities appropriate tv a given task.
Such modules, while functional, may not be enkirely satisfactory in use becau~e of susceptibility to damage from electrostatic discharges experienced in handling. Damage to an integrated circuit can result when an electrostatic discharge produces a differential voltage across the circuit "pins" or co~tact leads. High voltages can cause physical disruption within the circuit, while low vo~tages may alter t'ne conten~s o stored memory.
~ of the Inventions __ In accordance with the preferred embodiments oE the present invention, an integrated circuit module resists damage from electrostatic discharges by maintaining the same potential at all contact leads whenever the circuit is disconnected from khe host device. Ylexible circuitry within the rnodule electrically shorts together all the contact leads ~' on a conducting surface, so that electrostatic discharges will cause the potential to rise uniformly on all leads.
Contact with the colducting surface is made by spring action, so that a plug-in connector on the host device may be inserted to flex the spring, ~eparate ~he cixcuitry from the conducting surface, and simultaneously form the desired connections with the host device. When the plug connector is removed, the spring action automatically returns ~he circuitry to its original position, restoring static discharge protection.
According to one aspect o this invention there is provided an electrostatic discharge protected inkegrated circuit module for use with an electronic device having a plug connector comprising an integrated circuit having contact leads, a receptacle containing the integrated circuit having an opening fox receiving the plug connector of the electronic device, flexible circuit means within the receptacle for providing electrical connections to the integrated circuit, having conducting traces connected to the contact leads, a conducting surface in the recep~acle for electrically shorting together the traces and spring means in the receptacle for urging the traces against the plug connector when the plug connector is inserted into the opening of the receptacle and for - urging the traces against the conducting surface when the plug connector is not inserted.
Brief Descriptlon of the_D wings Figure 1 ls an exploded view of an electrostatic discharge protected integrated circuit ~odule.
Figure 2 shows a plug connectorO
Figures 3a and 3b, respectively, are cross-sections of an electrostatic discharge protected integrated circuit modu-e when disconnected and connected to a plug connector.
Figure 4 is a cross-section of another electrostatic discharge protected integrated circuit module.
Figure 5 is a cross-section of yet another electro-static discharge protected integrated circuit module.
Description of the Preferred Fmbbdiments Referring now to Figure 1, an integrated circuit 102 is to be used with an electronic device having a plug connector. For exemplary purposes, integrated circuit 102 may be a read-only or random access memory, while the electronic device may be a calculator designed to use any one of several such memories, depending on the calculations to be performed.
Integrated circuit 102 bears contact leads 106. The exact number o~ contact leads will, of course, vary with the desiqn of integrated circuit 102; six leads are shown in Figure 1 for clarity of presentation. In the preferred embodiments, contact leads 106 are soldered to conducting traces 108 of a flexible circuit board 110.
Flexible circuit board 110 is then preferably wrapped around a spring 112, so that traces 108 are to the outside, not in contact with the spring. Pressure sensitive adhesive may be used to attach flexible circuit board 110 to spring 112. In the preferred embodiments, spring 112 has separate tines 114 for exerting pressure against the individual traces 108.
In the preferred embodiments, a receptacle is formed by a case 116 and a cover 118. Integrated cicuit 102, flexible circuit board 110, and spring 112 are placed in case 116, and then cover 118 may be snapped on. Case 116 may be molded plastic, while cover 118 is preferably made of metal. Other receptacle construction methods may be used, so long as a conducting sur~ace, corresponding to the inner sur~ace of cover 118, is providea for electrically shorting together traces 108. For example, the entire receptacle may be made of plastic with an inlaid metal band or ~ metal coated surface positioned on the inside of the receptacle above traces 108.
In the preferred embodiments, case 116 has a side 120 which is lower than adjacent sides 122. When cover 118 is placed over ca~e 116, the reduced height o~ side 120 with respect to sides 122 will leave an opening between side 120 and cover 118, through which a plug connector may be inserted.
Figure 2 illustrates a plug connector 224 suitable for use with the embodiment o Figure 1. Portion 226 is pxovided for attachment to an electronic device designed to use an integrated circuit module, while end 228 is shaped to be inserted into the module. Plug connector 224 may be cut out from ordinary rigid circuit board material. Conducting traces 230 are placed to match the spacing of traces 108 of Fiyure 1, so that connections may be made be~ween the electronic device and the integrated circuit.
Operation of the preferred embodiments may be understood by reference to Figures 3a and 3b. In Figure 3a, an integrated circuit 302 is connected to traces on flexible circuit board 310, which is pressed against conducting surface 332 by spring 312. In this manner, contact leads 306 are electrically shorted together so that any electrostatic discharge will cause the potential at leads 306 to rise uniformly, avoiding differential voltages and thus preventing damage to integrated circuit 302. An opening 334 permits a plug connector to be inserted to connect integrated circuit 302 to an electronic device.
In Figure 3b, a plug connector 324 has been inserted, flexing spring 312. Contact between fle~ible circuit board 310 and conducting surface 332 is thus interrupted, while contac~c between conducting traces on the underside of plug conn~ctor 324 and traces on flexible circuit board 310 is established. In this manner, connection between integrated circuit 302 and an electronic device may be ormed. If plug connector 324 i8 withdrawn, ~he spring 312 will resume the shape shown in E'iyure 3a, restoriny electrostatic discharge protection.
,, .. , . , . _ . , Figures 4 and 5 show alternative embodiments, which may be desirable if size ox shape constraints must be considered in designing a module. References numerals in these figures indicate items which correspond to the same numbered items in ~igures 3a and 3b. In Figure 4, flexible circuit board 310 is wrapped around the free end of spring 312. In Figure 5, spring 312 is placed between integrated circuit 302 and opening 334.
The preferred embodiments provide protection against damage from eletr~static discharges which may be experienced in handling. Connection to an electronic device is easily made by the insertion of a plug connector, and protection is automatically resumed when the plug connector is removed.
Claims (4)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An electrostatic discharge protected integrated circuit module for use with an electronic device having a plug connector comprising:
an integrated circuit having contact leads;
a receptacle containing the integrated circuit having an opening for receiving the plug connector of the electronic device;
flexible circuit means within the receptacle for providing electrical connections to the integrated circuit, having conducting traces connected to the contact leads;
a conducting surface in the receptacle for electrically shorting together the traces; and spring means in the receptacle for urging the traces against the plug connector when the plug connector is inserted into the opening of the receptacle and for urging the traces against the conducting surface when the plug connector is not inserted.
an integrated circuit having contact leads;
a receptacle containing the integrated circuit having an opening for receiving the plug connector of the electronic device;
flexible circuit means within the receptacle for providing electrical connections to the integrated circuit, having conducting traces connected to the contact leads;
a conducting surface in the receptacle for electrically shorting together the traces; and spring means in the receptacle for urging the traces against the plug connector when the plug connector is inserted into the opening of the receptacle and for urging the traces against the conducting surface when the plug connector is not inserted.
2. An electrostatic discharge protected integrated circuit module as in claim 1 wherein the spring means comprises a metal spring having a plurality of tines.
3. An electrostatic discharge protected integrated circuit module as in claims 1 or 2 wherein the integrated circuit is a read-only memory.
4. An electrostatic discharge protected integrated circuit module as in claims 1 or 2 wherein the integrated circuit is a random access memory.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US29303681A | 1981-08-14 | 1981-08-14 | |
| US293,036 | 1981-08-14 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1186418A true CA1186418A (en) | 1985-04-30 |
Family
ID=23127357
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000407822A Expired CA1186418A (en) | 1981-08-14 | 1982-07-22 | Electrostatic discharge protected integrated circuit module |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0072492A3 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS5836431U (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1186418A (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH0665090B2 (en) * | 1985-09-06 | 1994-08-22 | FPC connector | |
| US4713014A (en) * | 1986-12-23 | 1987-12-15 | Hughes Aircraft Company | Quick-release multi-module terminating assembly |
| US20020004320A1 (en) | 1995-05-26 | 2002-01-10 | David V. Pedersen | Attaratus for socketably receiving interconnection elements of an electronic component |
| CN108141995B (en) * | 2015-12-16 | 2019-11-08 | 阿莫泰克有限公司 | The connector integrated structure of electronic equipment and portable electronic device with it |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3336565A (en) * | 1964-03-26 | 1967-08-15 | Thomas & Betts Corp | Means for terminating flexible conductor etchings |
| GB1202222A (en) * | 1967-01-30 | 1970-08-12 | Lucas Industries Ltd | Connectors for use with printed circuits |
| GB1426891A (en) * | 1972-03-18 | 1976-03-03 | Cavis Cavetti Isolati Spa | Device for the electrical connection of a flexible strip conductor with a platelike terminal of an electrical component |
| US3989336A (en) * | 1975-04-28 | 1976-11-02 | Molex Incorporated | Flexible circuit connector assembly |
| US4070557A (en) * | 1976-07-26 | 1978-01-24 | Northern Telecom Limited | Apparatus for providing closed loop conditions in vacant module positions |
| US4179178A (en) * | 1978-02-02 | 1979-12-18 | Rca Corporation | Plug-in circuit cartridge with electrostatic charge protection |
-
1982
- 1982-07-22 CA CA000407822A patent/CA1186418A/en not_active Expired
- 1982-08-04 EP EP82107037A patent/EP0072492A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1982-08-06 JP JP11963782U patent/JPS5836431U/en active Granted
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPS6245359Y2 (en) | 1987-12-03 |
| JPS5836431U (en) | 1983-03-09 |
| EP0072492A3 (en) | 1984-09-05 |
| EP0072492A2 (en) | 1983-02-23 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEC | Expiry (correction) | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |