GB2355871A - Connector continuity detection system - Google Patents
Connector continuity detection system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2355871A GB2355871A GB0018580A GB0018580A GB2355871A GB 2355871 A GB2355871 A GB 2355871A GB 0018580 A GB0018580 A GB 0018580A GB 0018580 A GB0018580 A GB 0018580A GB 2355871 A GB2355871 A GB 2355871A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- circuit
- connector
- conductors
- terminals
- conductor
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R31/00—Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
- G01R31/50—Testing of electric apparatus, lines, cables or components for short-circuits, continuity, leakage current or incorrect line connections
- G01R31/66—Testing of connections, e.g. of plugs or non-disconnectable joints
- G01R31/68—Testing of releasable connections, e.g. of terminals mounted on a printed circuit board
- G01R31/69—Testing of releasable connections, e.g. of terminals mounted on a printed circuit board of terminals at the end of a cable or a wire harness; of plugs; of sockets, e.g. wall sockets or power sockets in appliances
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K1/00—Printed circuits
- H05K1/02—Details
- H05K1/0266—Marks, test patterns or identification means
- H05K1/0268—Marks, test patterns or identification means for electrical inspection or testing
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K1/00—Printed circuits
- H05K1/02—Details
- H05K1/11—Printed elements for providing electric connections to or between printed circuits
- H05K1/118—Printed elements for providing electric connections to or between printed circuits specially for flexible printed circuits, e.g. using folded portions
Abstract
A connector system includes a flexible circuit 120 having terminals 240 with first and second outermost terminals 242 and 244. Conductors 222 are located on the flexible circuit 120. Each of the conductors 222 is connected to a different one of the terminals 240. One conductor 220 is located along the perimeter of the flexible circuit 120. The perimeter conductor 220 is also connected to the first and second outermost terminals 242 and 244. A connector is adapted to receive the flexible circuit 120 such that the terminals 240 on the flexible circuit 120 are electrically connected to contacts on the connector. A detection circuit is electrically connected to the contacts on the connector and can determine a disconnection of one of the conductors 222.
Description
2355871 I CONNECTOR DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention.
The present invention relates to electrical component connectors, and more particularly to electrical connectors having a detection circuit that determines if a connection has been made with the connector contacts and a circuit board.
2. Statement of the Problem.
In electrical and computer systems, connectors are used to electrically connect various electrical components, such as, circuit boards, peripheral devices, etc. Typically, a circuit assembly can have terminals connected to conductors that are formed on the surface of the circuit assembly. These terminals can be adapted to fit into an external connector having contacts that correspond to the terminals on the circuit assembly. In addition, the connector can be adapted to capture and receive the circuit assembly, for eample, a flex circuit. Typically, the connector and the circuit assembly are joined via a pressure fit insertion connection. In this r9gard, the contacts on the connector are adapted to make electrical contact with the terminals on the circuit assembly via a close tolerance mechanical insertion that uses pressure to enable the electrical contact between the terminals and the contacts. The connector can also have a mechanical latching mechanism that releasably receives, captures and holds the circuit assembly in place,to assist in maintaining the electrical contact.
In electrical and computer systems, the electrical connection between the terminals of the circuit assembly and the contacts of the connector are required for proper functioning and operation of the system. Typically, the circuit assembly is inserted into the connector or vise versa. At times, the insertion method does not properly connect all of the contacts in the connector with all of the terminals on the circuit assembly. In some cases, visual inspection of the circuit assembly and connector reveal that the terminals appear properly connected to the contacts when in fact, they are not. When visual inspection is inadequate and the terminals of the circuit assembly are not connected to the contacts of the connector, the circuit assembly and the electrical/computer system will not function properly.
Therefore, a need exits for a connector system that is capable of determining if the circuit assembly has been properly inserted into the connector such that all the terminals of the circuit assembly are connected to all the contacts of the connector.
Typically, the terminals. on the circuit assembly are connected to conductors that are formed on the surface of the circuit assembly.
In some cases, the circuit board comprises a flex circuit that can be bent or flexed during operation. This bending and flexing cbn cause the flex circuit itself to crack or tear. Typically, these cracks and tears in the flex circuit occur at the edge or along the perimeter and work their way into the flex circuit. Once the cracks and tears penetrate further into the flex circuit, the conductors can break causing an open circuit. Broken conductors can cause the flex circuit and the electrical/computer system to improperly operate or to malfunction.
Therefore, a need exists to determine when a crack or tear occurs in the circuit assembly and/or flex circuit before the crack/tear causes improper operation or a malfunction in the operation of the system.
In addition, wear can also cause breakage of the conductors on the circuit assembly. For example, a component can make repeated contact with the circuit assembly, and thus, cause the protective coating and, ultimately, the conductor to be worn or removed from the circuit assembly. Such wear can cause a break in the conductor and create an open circuit. These breaks in the conductor cause the circuit board and the electrical/computer system to operate improperly or malfunction. Therefore, there is a need for determining when the conductors are broken due to wear that creates an open circuit.
In addition, when electrical and computer systems malfunction, troubleshooting is required. Due to the complexity of these electrical and computer systems, troubleshooting is difficult and time consuming. In these systems, quick isolation and identification of a failing component is desired. More particularly, a diagnostic method should identify whether the connection between the connector and the circuit assembly as the failed component. Therefore, a need exists for a diagnostic method that quickly and explicitly identifies a failing component in the system and allows replacement or repair of that component.
Ar- -4 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
1. Solution to the Problem.
The present invention provides a connector system that can determine when a circuit assembly has been properly inserted into a connector so that all the terminals on a circuit assembly make electrical contact with all the contacts on the connector. The present invention also provides a connector system that can determine when cracks and tears occur in the circuit assembly, especially determining when tears and cracks that occur along the perimeter of the circuit assembly. In addition, the present invention provides a connector system that can determine when some of the conductors on the circuit assembly have been worn creating a break or open circuit.
Additionally, the present invention provides a diagnostic method that quickly and explicitly identifies a failing component and allows replacement and/or repair of the failed circuit component.
2. Summa.
The present invention relates to a connector system that includes a flexible circuit having a plurality of terminals having a first and a second outermost terminal. The flexible circuit also includes a plurality of conductors that is located on the flexible circuit. Each of the plurality of conductors is connected to a different one of the plurality of terminals. A perimeter conductor is also connected to the flexible circuit and located along a perimeter of the flexible circuit.
The perimeter conductor is connected to the first and second outermost terminals.
The connector system of the present invention also includes a connector having a plurality of contacts. The connector is adapted to receive the flexible circuit such that the terminals on the flexible circuit electrically contact the contacts of the connector, A detection circuit is also provided in the connector system. The detection circuit is electrically connected to at least one of the contacts on the connector, and the detection circuit determines when a disconnection occurs in at least one of the plurality of conductors.
In one aspect of the present invention, the disconnection of at least one of the conductors indicates when at least one of the plurality of terminals on the flexible circuit are electrically disconnected from at least one of the contacts on the connector. In another aspect of the present invention, the disconnection of one of the conductors indicates a tear in the flexible circuit that causes a break in the perimeter conductor. In even another aspect of the present invention, the disconnection of one of the conductors indicates wear that causes a break in the perimeter conductor. In one embodiment, the detection circuit comprises a ground connection connected to the second outermost terminal, and a register circuit that includes a resistor and a power source connected as an input to a register. The register circuit is connected to the first outermost terminal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a circuit board and connector of the connector system of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a top view of a circuit board using in the connector system of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a cutaway view of the connector and a top view of a portion of the circuit board; Fig. 4 is a schematic view of the detection circuit of the present invention; and Fig. 5 is a flow chart of one embodiment of a method of connecting a connector to a circuit board.
I DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
1. Overview As shown in Fig. 1, one embodiment of a highly simplified connector system 100 of the present invention includes a circuit assembly 120 and a connector 140. The circuit assembly 120 includes components 130 that perform various functions when the circuit assembly 120 is properly inserted into the connector 140 and electrical contact is made. The connector 140 is inGluded on circuit board 150 that also includes a detection circuit 310 (Fig. 3). It should be appreciated that although the present invention is described and illustrated with respect to a circuit assembly 120, circuit board 150 and a connector 140, the present invention should not be limited as such.
As such, the circuit assembly 120 can comprise several embodiments, such as, but not limited to a flex circuit, a cable or a circuit board. In this regard, the present invention should be construed to encompass any connection between a computer or an electrical component such as, a first circuit board connecting to a second circuit board via a direct connection. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the connection can be made using a cable-type connector, such as, but not limited to a ribbon cable connector. The present disclosure should not be construed to limit the present invention to only those embodiments disclosed, and as such, the present invention should include any connection between electrical components via an electrical connector.
In the connector system 100 of the present invention, the connector 140 includes a plurality of contacts 340 (Fig. 3).The detection circuit 310 (Fig. 3) determines if the at least two of terminals 240 (Fig. 2) is properly connected to the contacts 340 (Fig. 3). In another embodiment, the detection circuit 310 (Fig. 3) determines the occurrence of a crack or tear in the circuit assembly 120 that breaks S at least one of the conductors 222 in the circuit assembly 120. In even another embodiment, the detection circuit 310 (Fig. 3) determines wear in the conductors 222 that causes a break in at least one of the conductors 222. A break in a conductor 222 creates an open circuit in the circuit assembly 120 which causes the components 130 and/or the circuit assembly 120 to operate improperly or malfunction.
11. Connector System In Fig. 1, the connector system 100 includes a circuit assembly having electrical components 130 connected to the circuit assembly 120. As shown in Fig. 2, the circuit assembly 120 includes conductors 222 that electrically connect to the components 130. The conductors 222 are formed on the circuit assembly 120 using techniques that are known in the art. As stated above, the present invention is described with reference to a circuit assembly 120 and connector 140 for ease of illustration. As Such, the present invention should not be limited to the type or number of conductors 222 shown on the circuit assembly 120. In addition, the present invention should not be limited to conductors 222 that are formed on a circuit bssembly 120. In another embodiment, the conductors 222 can comprise individual wires in a cable-type connector, such as, but not limited to a ribbon cable connector.
The conductors 222 are connected to terminals 240 which are used to provide, an area of connection for the connector 140. The terminals 240 include a first outermost terminal 242 and a second outermost terminal 244 which are located on the extreme ends of the terminals 240 on the circuit assembly 120. The first and second outermost terminals 242 and 244 are connected to a perimeter conductor 220 that runs along the entire length of the perimeter of the circuit assembly 120. In this embodiment, the perimeter conductor 220 is specifically created as part of the connector system 100 and the perimeter conductor 220 is not connected to any components 130 on the circuit assembly 120. In another embodiment where the conductors 222 are individual wires in a cable, the perimeter conductor 220 can include a conductor that is the outermost conductor of all the individual conductors in the cable. In even another embodiment such as a cable-type connector, the perimeter conductor 220 can connect the first and second outermost terminals 242 and 244 via a wire that loops around the connector 140 and is not part of the bundle of individual wire conductors. It should also be appreciated that the present invention should not be limited to a conductor 220 that is located on the perimeter of the circuit assembly 120. The present invention should be interpreted as encompassing the use of any conductor 222 on the circuit assembly 120. In addition, the perimeter conductor 220 or any conductor 222 used in the present invention should not be limited to connection to the first and second outermost terminals 242 and 244. For example, the conductors 222 used in the present invention can be connected to any terminal 240 on the circuit assembly 120.
As shown in Fig. 3, the terminals 240 of the circuit assembly are used to connect with contacts 340 in the connector 140. The connector is provided on to circuit board 150. The circuit board 150 includes individual wires 450 (Fig. 4) that connect to the contacts 340 in connector 140. In one embodiment, the connector 140 connects to the circuit assembly 120 via a pressure-fit connection. To achieve a pressure-fit connection, the connector 140 and the circuit assembly are designed to have close tolerances to allow a tight fit. In addition, a mechanical latching mechanism (not shown) can be connected to the connector 140 or the circuit assembly 120 to capture and hold the circuit assembly 120 in the connector 140 to assist in maintaining the electrical connection.
As shown in Fig. 4, some of the wires 450 in the circuit board of connector 140 are connected to a detection circuit 310. In connecting the circuit assembly 120 to the connector 140, the detection circuit 310 is connected to the first and second outermost is terminals 242 and 244. As stated herein above, the first and second outermost terminals 242 and 244 are connected to the perimeter conductor 220. Therefore, the detection circuit 310 is connected to the perimeter conductor 220. In a preferred embodiment, the detection circuit 310 is connected to the first and second outermost wires 452 and 454 on circuit board 150 which are connected to the first and second outermost terminals 242 and 244 when the circuit assembly 120 is properly connected to the connector 140. When the circuit assembly 120 is properly connected to the connector 140, the detection circuit 310 is electrically connected to the first and second outermost terminals 242 and 244 via the appropriate wires 452 and 454 in the circuit board 150 that is attached to the connector 140. It should be appreciated that the wires 450 on the circuit board 150 can comprise, for example, conductors attached to the circuit board 150 in a conventional technique known in the art.
The detection circuit 310 determines when at least one of the conductors 222 has been disconnected. In the present invention, the disconnection of a conductors 222 is also defined as an open circuit in the conductor 222. The disconnection of a conductor 222 can indicates when the terminals 240 of the circuit assembly 120 are not properly connected to of the contacts 340 in the connector 140. In addition, a disconnection of a conductor 222 can indicate if a crack or tear in the circuit assembly 120 has caused a breaks in the conductors 222. Also, a disconnection in a conductor 222 can indicate wear in the circuit assembly 120 that has caused a break in the conductor 222. A break in a conductor 222 creates an open circuit that cause the circuit assembly 120 and components 130 to malfunction or operate improperly. It should be appreciated that the detection circuit 310 can be connected to the connector 140, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. However, the embodiment shown in Figs. 3 and 4 is only one embodiment of the present invention. For example, the detection circuit 310 can be part of the circuit assembly 120 or the detection circuit 310 can be connected to the circuit assembly 120 via device other than the connector 140.
In one embodiment, the detection circuit 310, in Fig. 4, includes register circuit 312 that is connected to the first outermost wire 452 and to the first outermost terminals 242 via circuit board 150 attached to connector 140. The second outermost wire 454 and the second outermost terminal 244 are connected to a ground connection 414 via circuit board 150 attached to connector 140. The register circuit 312 includes a power source 410 in series with a resistor 412, and the power source 410 and the resistor 412 are connected as arl input to a register 416. A node 418 is connected to the register 416. The node 418 can be connected to a computer (not shown) or some other external device (not shown). It should be appreciated that the node 418 can be connected to any type of, device that indicates the operation of the detection circuit 310, and the present invention should not be limited to only those devices disclosed herein.
By connecting the detection circuit 310 to the first and second outermost terminals 242 and 244, the detection circuit 310 can determine if at least two of the terminals 240 on the circuit assembly is in electrical contact with at least one of the contacts 340 of the connector 140. This detection is accomplished by determining a disconnection of one of the conductors 222. As mentioned above, the disconnection of one of the conductors 222 is also defined as an open circuit in the conductor 222. In this regard, the detection circuit 310 determines the continuity of the perimeter conductor 220 when the first and second outermost terminals 242 and 244 are connected to the first and second outermost wires 452 and 454 of circuit board 150 via the contacts 340 in the connector 140. When the first and second outermost terminals 242 and 244 are not connected to the first and second outermost wires 452 and 454, an open circuit occurs in the perimeter conductor 220. As such, the detection circuit 310 determines when the open circuit or disconnection occurs in the perimeter conductor 220. In addition, by using the first and second outermost terminals 242 and 244, the determination that these two outermost terminals 242 and 244 are properly connected is a good indication that each of the contacts 340 are properly connected to a different one of the terminals 240 because the contacts 340 and the terminals 240 are spaced equidistantly to ensure proper contact.
In determining this proper connection of the circuit assembly to the connector 140, the detection circuit 310 determines when the circuit assembly 120 has been inserted into the connector 140 and when the first and second outermost wires 452 and 454 are connected to the detection circuit 310. In this regard, if the first and second outermost terminals 242 and 244 are properly connected to the detection circuit 310 then the other terminals 240 are properly connected to all the contacts 340 of the connector 140. It should be appreciated that the connection of the first and second outermost terminals 242 and 244 to the perimeter conductor 220 is only one embodiment. In other connectors 140, the present invention can use any conductor 222 to determine the connection of all the terminals 240 to all the contacts 340 of the connector 140. For example, a conductor 222 can be positioned in the middle of the circuit assembly 120 and connected to terminals 240 in the middle area of the plurality of terminals 240 on the circuit assembly 120. Such a configuration can be used in, such as, but not limited to, a cable connector such as, but not limited to a ribbon cable connector.
In another embodiment, when a crack or tear occurs in the circuit assembly 120 and causes a break in the perimeter conductor 220, the detection circuit 310 can determine a disconnection or open circuit in the perimeter conductor 220. Typically, these cracks or tears occur when the circuit assembly 120 comprises a flex circuit. In this regard, a flex circuit is by its very nature flexible, and because of this flexibility, tears and cracks occur in the flexible substrate, along the outer edges of the flex circuit. Hence, in one embodiment of the present invention, the perimeter conductor 220 is placed " along the perimeter or edge of the circuit assembly 120 to detect the occurrence of these crack/tears.
The detection circuit 310 of the present invention determines when the perimeter conductor 220 is broken due to tears and cracks in the circuit assembly 120. A break in the perimeter conductor 220 creates an open circuit or disconnection. As such, the detection circuit 310 is designed to indicate when an open circuit occurs in the perimeter conductor 220. The breaking of the perimeter conductor 220 provides an early indication that there is a crack or tear in the circuit assembly 120 before the crack/tear penetrates further into the circuit assembly 120 and breaks other conductors 222 on the circuit assembly 120 which can cause improper operation of and/or malfunction in the circuit assembly 120 or components 130. Thus, when the detection circuit 310 determines that a break has occurred in the perimeter conductor 220, the circuit assembly 120 should be replaced.
It should be appreciated that the circuit assembly 120 should not be limited to a flexible circuit. In addition, it should be appreciated that the detection circuit 310 should not be limited to only using the perimeter conductor 220 to determine when crack or tears occur in the circuit assembly 120.
In even another embodiment, when wear causes a break in the perimeter conductor 220, the detection circuit 310 can detect it. Such wear is caused by the sustained rubbing or contact between the circuit assembly 120 and components 130 or other devices (not shown) in the electronic or computer system. This sustained contact causes wear in the circuit assembly 120. The wear can remove the protective coating on the circuit assembly 120 as well as the material that makes up the conductors 222.
In one embodiment, the circuit assembly 120 includes a flex circuit that is constantly moved during operation. This constant movement can cause wear on the conductors 222. Once the wear breaks the perimeter conductor 220 and creates an open circuit, the detection circuit 310 can identify the open circuit. Therefore, when the detection circuit 310 identifies the open circuit, the circuit assembly 120 should be replaced. It should be appreciated that the detection of wear in the conductors 222 is not limited to flex circuits. It should also be appreciated that the detection of wear is not limited to the breaking of the perimeter conductor 220. As such, it should be appreciated that any conductor 222 can be used to provide input to the detection circuit 310 to indicate wear that breaks a conductor 222.
As explained above, the operation of the detection circuit 310 uses the continuity of the perimeter conductor 220 to maintain the state of the register 416. The register 416 has two states and is initially set at a first state. In this regard, if the perimeter conductor 220 does not have an open circuit caused by a break, as explained above, the current for the power supply 410 will pass through the resistor 412 and through the first outermost wire 452 and first outermost terminal 242 and then the perimeter conductor 220, and the current then flows through the second outermost terminals 244 and the second outermost wire 454 to the ground connection 414.
Therefore, the state of the register 416 will not be changed.
However, if a break occurs in the perimeter conductor 220, the voltage from the power supply 410 is presented through the resistor F 412 to the register 416, and the register 416 will change to a second state. This change in state of register 416 can be detected at node 418, and through a device (not shown) connected to the node 418, the state of the register 416 can be displayed to a user. As such, the user can troubleshoot the computer or electrical system by testing the node 418 to determine that the circuit assembly 120 has cause the register 416 to change states. This troubleshooting can lead to remedial measures to alleviate any problems, such as, for example, replacing the circuit assembly 120.
It should be appreciated that the detection circuit 310 can be connected to more than one conductor 222 in the circuit assembly 120 to allow additional determinations of problems that occur in the circuit assembly 120. In addition, it should be appreciated that a number of detection circuits 310 can individually be connected to a number of conductors 222 for determining similar problems. For example, a conductor 222 can be connected to a detection circuit 310 to indicate a break or different cause of disconnection of a conductor 222 in a circuit assembly 120. Therefore with these embodiments, the detection circuit 310 can inform a user of either a break or disconnection in a conductor 222.
Ill. Method As shown in Fig. 5, the method for connecting a connector 140 to a circuit assembly 120 includes contacting the circOit board terminals 240 with the contacts 340 of the connector 140 (step 510).
A detection circuit 310 on a circuit board 150 is connected to the contacts 340 of the connector 140 (step 520). The detection circuit 310 is connected to the first and second outermost terminals 242 and 244 of the terminals 240 and first and second outermost wires 452 and 454 in circuit board 150 via contacts 340 in the connector 140.
The detection circuit 310 determines a disconnection of at least one of the conductors 222 in the circuit assembly 120 (step 530). In one embodiment, at least one conductor 222 comprises the perimeter conductor 220. However, it should be appreciated that the present invention encompasses the use of any conductor 222 on the circuit assembly 120.
In one embodiment, the disconnection of at least one of the conductors 222 can indicate a disconnection or improper insertion of the circuit assembly 120 into the connector 140 so that the terminals 240 are not properly connected to the contacts 340 of the connector (step 532). In another embodiment, the disconnection of at least one conductor 222 can indicate a tear or crack in the circuit assembly 120.that causes a break in a conductor 222 (step 534). In even another embodiment, the disconnection of at least one of the conductors 222 can indicate wear in the conductors 222 in the circuit assembly 120 that causes a break in the conductor 222 (step 536).
As stated above, the improper connection of the terminals 240 of the circuit assembly 120 and the contacts 340 of the connector 140 and/or break in a conductor 222 can cause improper operation of the circuit assembly 120 or malfunction of the circuit assembly 120 or components 130 on the circuit assembly 120. In addition, it should also be appreciated that the present invention should not be iimited to the embodiment disclosed herein. As such, the circuit assembly 120 can comprise several embodiments, such as, but not limited to a flex circuit, a cable or a circuit board. In this regard, the presenfi- nvention should be construed to encompass any connection between a computer or an electrical component such as, for example, a first circuit board connecting to a second circuit board using a cable-type connector, such as, but not limited to a ribbon cable. The present disclosure should be construed to include any connection between electrical components via an electrical connector or via a direct connection, such as a first circuit board connecting directly to a second circuit board.
The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Further, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein.
Consequently, variation and modification commensurate with the above teachings, within the skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiment described herein and above is further intended to explain the best mode presently known ofpracticing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention as such, or in other embodiments, and with the various modifications required by their particular application or uses of the invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternate embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.
19
Claims (10)
1. A connector system 100 comprising:
a flexible circuit 120 including:
a plurality of terminals 240; a plurality of conductors 222 located on said flexible circuit 120, each of said plurality of conductors 222 connected to a different one of said plurality of terminals 240; a connector 140 having a plurality of contacts 340, said connector 140 adapted to receive said flexible circuit 120 such that said plurality of terminals 240 on said flexible circuit 120 electrically contact said plurality of contacts 340 on said connector 140; and a detection circuit 310 electrically connected to at least one of said plurality of contacts 340 on said connector 140, wherein said detection circuit 310 determines a disconnection of said at least one of said plurality of conductors 222.
2. The connector system 100, as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said plurality of terminals 240 has first and second outermost terminals 242 and 244, and wherein. said detection circuit 310 comprises:
a ground connection 414 connected to said second outermost terminal 244; and a register circuit 312 comprising a resistor 412 and a power source 410 as an input to a register:416, said register circuit 312 connected to said first outermost terminal 242.
3. The connector system 100, as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said disconnection of said at least one of said plurality of conductors 222 indicates when at least one of said plurality of terminals 240 on said flexible circuit 120 is electrically disconnected from at least one of said plurality of contacts 340 on said connector 140.
4. The connector system 100, as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said plurality of terminals 240 has first and second outermost terminals 242 and 244 and at least one of said plurality of conductors 222 comprises a perimeter conductor 220 connected to said flexible circuit 120 and located along a perimeter of said flexible circuit 120, said perimeter conductor 220 connected to said first and second outermost terminals 242 and 244, said disconnection of said at least one of said plurality of conductors 222 indicates a tear in said flexible circuit 120 causing a break in said at least one of said plurality of conductors 222.
5. The connector system 100, as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said plurality of terminals 240 has first and second outermost terminals 242 and 244 and at least one of said plurality of conductors 222 comprises a perimeter conductor 220 connected to said flexible circuit 120 and located along a perimeter of said flexible circuit 120, said perimeter conductor 220 connected to said first and second outermost terminals 242 and 244, said disconnection of said at least one of said plurality of conductors 222 indicates wear in said perimeter conductor 220 causing a break in said perimeter conductor 220.
6. A method for connecting a connector 140 having a plurality of contacts 340 to a flexible circuit 120, the flexible circuit 120 having a plurality of conductors 222 connected to a plurality of terminals 240, said method comprising the steps of:
electrically contacting a plurality of contacts 340 on said connector 140 to said plurality of terminals 240 on said flexible circuit IL 1 120, said plurality of terminals 240 connected to a plurality of conductors 222; electrically connecting a detection circuit 310 to said contacts 340 of said connector 140; and said detection circuit 310 determining a disconnection of at least one of said conductors 222.
7. The method, as claimed in Claim 6, wherein said disconnection of said at least one of said conductors 222 indicates when at least one of said plurality of contacts 340 is electrically disconnected from at least one of said plurality of terminals 240.
8. The method, as claimed in Claim 6, further comprising the steps of:
locating said at least one of said plurality of conductors 222 along a perimeter of said flexible circuit 120 wherein said disconnection of said at least one of said conductors 222 determines a tear in said flexible circuit 120 causing a break in said at least one of said conductors 222 located along said perimeter of said flexible circuit 120.
9. The method, as claimed in Claim 6, wherein said disconnection of said at least one of said conductors 222 indicates a tear in said flexible circuit 120 causing a break in said at least one conductor 222 on said flexible circuit 120.
10. The method, as claimed in Claim 6, wherein said disconnection of said at least one of said conductors 222 indicates wear in said at least one of said conductors 222 causing a break in said at least one of said conductors 222.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US37159699A | 1999-08-10 | 1999-08-10 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0018580D0 GB0018580D0 (en) | 2000-09-13 |
| GB2355871A true GB2355871A (en) | 2001-05-02 |
Family
ID=23464604
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0018580A Withdrawn GB2355871A (en) | 1999-08-10 | 2000-07-28 | Connector continuity detection system |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP2001110541A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE10024801A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2355871A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN101738566B (en) * | 2008-11-18 | 2012-03-21 | 富葵精密组件(深圳)有限公司 | Detection module |
| EP3037828A1 (en) * | 2014-12-22 | 2016-06-29 | Tektronix, Inc. | Fault detection for a flexible probe tip |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN111148343B (en) * | 2020-01-20 | 2021-04-20 | 京东方科技集团股份有限公司 | Flexible circuit board, lighting test system and test method |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB929506A (en) * | 1960-02-01 | 1963-06-26 | Inventio Ag | Improvements in or relating to printed circuit apparatus |
| GB2017432A (en) * | 1978-03-28 | 1979-10-03 | Lucas Industries Ltd | Motor vehicle electrical system |
| US4755902A (en) * | 1983-01-31 | 1988-07-05 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Electronic apparatus with detachable member arranged to detect erroneous mounting of the detachable member |
| DE3838657A1 (en) * | 1988-11-15 | 1990-05-17 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag | Device for detecting the inadvertent loosening of the two plug parts of an electrical connector |
| JPH04123774A (en) * | 1990-09-13 | 1992-04-23 | Nec Corp | Socket for semiconductor device |
-
2000
- 2000-05-19 DE DE10024801A patent/DE10024801A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2000-07-28 GB GB0018580A patent/GB2355871A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2000-08-03 JP JP2000235170A patent/JP2001110541A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB929506A (en) * | 1960-02-01 | 1963-06-26 | Inventio Ag | Improvements in or relating to printed circuit apparatus |
| GB2017432A (en) * | 1978-03-28 | 1979-10-03 | Lucas Industries Ltd | Motor vehicle electrical system |
| US4755902A (en) * | 1983-01-31 | 1988-07-05 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Electronic apparatus with detachable member arranged to detect erroneous mounting of the detachable member |
| DE3838657A1 (en) * | 1988-11-15 | 1990-05-17 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag | Device for detecting the inadvertent loosening of the two plug parts of an electrical connector |
| JPH04123774A (en) * | 1990-09-13 | 1992-04-23 | Nec Corp | Socket for semiconductor device |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
| Title |
|---|
| Patent Abstracts of Japan, vol.16 no.385 (E1249) 17 August 1992 & JP040123774 A * |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN101738566B (en) * | 2008-11-18 | 2012-03-21 | 富葵精密组件(深圳)有限公司 | Detection module |
| EP3037828A1 (en) * | 2014-12-22 | 2016-06-29 | Tektronix, Inc. | Fault detection for a flexible probe tip |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE10024801A1 (en) | 2001-06-07 |
| GB0018580D0 (en) | 2000-09-13 |
| JP2001110541A (en) | 2001-04-20 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US10345338B2 (en) | Test cap for a cable | |
| JP2004055354A (en) | Card edge connector connection jig and card edge connector connection structure | |
| JP4550222B2 (en) | Electrical component with flexible strip of connecting conductor | |
| GB2355871A (en) | Connector continuity detection system | |
| JP2018147852A (en) | Card edge connector | |
| KR200446263Y1 (en) | Cable tester | |
| US6686744B1 (en) | Adapter for use in measuring electrical current drawn across a fuse in a circuit | |
| CN208568951U (en) | A kind of FPC connector for on-line measurement FPC interface parameters | |
| CN112394303A (en) | Apparatus and method for identifying the presence of a plug on an electronic circuit board | |
| CN111812553A (en) | Detection circuit of alternating current input line and socket with detection circuit | |
| JP2019215244A (en) | Detection system, detection program, and detection method | |
| CN218974406U (en) | FPC structure for testing current and testing device | |
| US7185427B2 (en) | Method for making electrical connections to an element on printed circuit board | |
| JPH1145621A (en) | Flexible flat cable and electronic equipment device using flexible flat cable | |
| KR0130142Y1 (en) | Test socket of semiconductor device | |
| KR200169690Y1 (en) | Testing device of semiconductor package | |
| CN114078718A (en) | Semiconductor element burn-in test module and burn-in test device thereof | |
| JPH01260370A (en) | Cable connection monitoring circuit | |
| KR200177272Y1 (en) | Burn-in board for semiconductor package inspection | |
| JPS5832458Y2 (en) | safety retainer | |
| KR100642127B1 (en) | Voltage Control Unit of Printed Circuit Board and Method | |
| JP2019160695A (en) | Electronic apparatus, electronic component, manufacturing method of the electronic component, and connection determination method of electronic component | |
| JPS60252932A (en) | Detector for misinsertion of unit | |
| CN117783816A (en) | System with automatic detection function and connected through flexible circuit board and application thereof | |
| CN110873850A (en) | Detection circuit |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |