US20080026635A1 - Electrical coupling apparatus and method - Google Patents
Electrical coupling apparatus and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080026635A1 US20080026635A1 US11/460,277 US46027706A US2008026635A1 US 20080026635 A1 US20080026635 A1 US 20080026635A1 US 46027706 A US46027706 A US 46027706A US 2008026635 A1 US2008026635 A1 US 2008026635A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- contact array
- card
- receptacle
- contact
- array
- 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.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
- H01R12/50—Fixed connections
- H01R12/59—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures
- H01R12/62—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures connecting to rigid printed circuits or like structures
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
- H01R12/70—Coupling devices
- H01R12/71—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures
- H01R12/72—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures coupling with the edge of the rigid printed circuits or like structures
- H01R12/721—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures coupling with the edge of the rigid printed circuits or like structures cooperating directly with the edge of the rigid printed circuits
-
- 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
- H05K3/00—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits
- H05K3/36—Assembling printed circuits with other printed circuits
- H05K3/361—Assembling flexible printed circuits with other printed circuits
- H05K3/365—Assembling flexible printed circuits with other printed circuits by abutting, i.e. without alloying process
Definitions
- Electronic circuitry currently makes use of contact arrays that conduct multiple signals from integrated circuits and other devices to test equipment and the like. As the contact arrays get more dense, it becomes more difficult to electrically couple the respective contacts of two corresponding contact arrays to each other for proper operation without a fault or discontinuity. Significant cost may be incurred when such anomalies occur in attempting to correct for inadequate electrical contact between respective pairs of contacts in corresponding arrays.
- an apparatus that includes a first contact array on a card, the first contact array being located at a first predefined position relative to an insertion edge of the card.
- the apparatus also includes a flexible printed circuit having a second contact array that corresponds to the first contact array, the second contact array being positioned in alignment with the first contact array.
- a compliant interposer material is positioned between the first and second contact arrays, the compliant interposer material electrically coupling respective pairs of contacts in the first and second contact arrays, wherein the insertion edge is configured to be inserted into a receptacle, the second contact array being positioned relative to the insertion edge so as to mate with a corresponding contact array in the receptacle when the insertion edge is inserted into the receptacle.
- a method for electrical coupling a first contact array on a card with a corresponding contact array in a receptacle, wherein a flexible printed circuit includes a second contact array corresponding to the first contact array, the second contact array being in alignment with the first contact array, and wherein a compliant interposer material is positioned between the first and second contact arrays, the compliant interposer material electrically coupling respective pairs of contacts in the first and second contact arrays, the method comprising the steps of inserting an insertion edge of the card into the receptacle so as to mate the second contact array with the corresponding contact array in the receptacle, and conforming the second pad array to a topology of the corresponding contact array in the receptacle by virtue of a degree of compliance of the compliant interposer material.
- an apparatus for electrical coupling comprises a first contact array on a card, the first contact array being located at a first predefined position relative to an insertion edge of the card, and a first means for positioning a second contact array adjacent to the first contact array, the second contact array corresponding to the first contact array, and the second contact array being positioned in alignment with the first contact array.
- the apparatus further comprises second means for adding a degree of compliance to the second contact array relative to the first contact array, wherein respective contacts in the first array are electrically coupled to corresponding contacts in the second contact array, and, wherein the insertion edge is configured to be inserted into a receptacle, the second contact array being positioned relative to the insertion edge so as to mate with a corresponding contact array in the receptacle when the insertion edge is inserted into the receptacle.
- FIG. 1 is a drawing of a card having a circuit with a contact array that is compatible with a receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 2A and 2B are drawings of various views of the card of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a drawing of an exploded view of an insertion edge assembly of the card of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 4A and 4B are drawings of a portion of the insertion edge assembly and a sectional view of a portion of the insertion edge assembly of the card of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 5 is a drawing of another embodiment of a card that mates with the receptacle of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 6A and 6B are drawings that illustrate various examples the receptacle of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- a card 100 having an insertion edge 103 that is inserted into a receptacle 106 .
- the card 100 may be, for example, a printed circuit board or other device as can be appreciated.
- a circuit comprising various electrical components may reside on the card 100 .
- a contact array 109 that is electrically coupled to circuitry on the card 100 is located on the card 100 at a pre-defined position relative to an insertion edge 103 of the card 100 .
- the insertion edge 103 of the card 100 comprises a portion of the card 100 that is inserted into the receptacle 106 .
- the receptacle 106 includes a contact array 113 that corresponds with the contact array 109 .
- the contact arrays 109 and 113 mate with each other such that respective pairs of contacts in the contact arrays 109 and 113 are electrically coupled to each other when the card 100 is inserted into the receptacle 106 .
- the card 100 includes a second contact array on the side of the card opposite that upon which the contact array 109 appears.
- the insertion edge 103 represents a male portion of a plug arrangement and the receptacle 106 represents a female portion the plug arrangement.
- the contact array 109 is disposed on a flexible circuit 116 .
- the flexible circuit 116 wraps around the insertion edge 103 .
- the contact array 109 is aligned with a contact array on the card 100 beneath the flexible printed circuit 116 .
- the contact array 109 corresponds to and is in alignment with the contact array beneath the flexible printed circuit 116 .
- a first contact array “corresponds to” a second contact array in the sense that the arrangement of contacts of the first contact array substantially matches the arrangement of contacts in the second array such that respective pairs of contacts from both arrays line up with each other when the contact arrays are in alignment.
- a pair of contact arrays correspond to each other when individual contacts of each array are spaced such that they can come into contact with each other if the two contact arrays were mated together.
- a compliant interposer material 123 is positioned between the flexible printed circuit 116 and the card 100 so as to lie between the respective contact arrays.
- the client interposer material electrically couples respective pairs of contacts in the contact array 109 and a contact array (not shown) disposed on the card 100 .
- a degree of compliance is imparted to the contact array 109 such that the contact array 109 will mate up with the corresponding contact array 113 in the receptacle 106 in a more efficient and effective manner.
- the degree of compliance imparted to the contact array 109 on the flexible printed circuit 116 facilitates compliance of the contact array 109 relative to the contact array on the card 100 and/or the surface of the card 100 itself. This allows the second contact array 109 to conform to the topology of the contact array 113 with the receptacle 106 when the insertion edge 103 is inserted into the receptacle 106 .
- the receptacle 106 may be configured to exert a force that compresses the insertion edge 103 , thereby compressing the flexible printed circuit 116 , the compliant interposer material 123 , and the card 100 itself.
- the compliant interposer material 123 acts like a spring that generates a counter force against the receptacle, thereby causing the second contact array 109 to conform to the topology of the contact array 113 .
- a “contact array” may comprise, for example, a pad array, pin array, or any other type of contact array that is capable of coupling to a second contact array through the complaint interposer material 123 as described herein.
- the insertion edge 103 of the card 100 is configured for insertion into the receptacle 106 .
- the mechanical structure of the insertion edge 103 is constructed so as to be compatible with the receptacle 106 as can be appreciated.
- FIG. 2A shown is a view of the card 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the flexible printed circuit 116 is folded over to reveal the compliant interposer material 123 that is attached to the card 100 by way of adhesive 126 and 129 .
- the adhesive 126 and 129 may be in the form of double sided tape, or other adhesives may be employed as can be appreciated.
- the compliant interposer material 123 may be attached to the card 100 by way of a clamp or using some other attachment mechanism.
- the adhesive 129 lies within a recess at the edge of the card 100 , although in alternative embodiments, the adhesive 129 may not lie with a recess.
- the compliant interposer material 123 may comprise, for example, an anisotropic conductive elastomer such as that described U.S. Pat. No. 7,059,874 entitled “An Anisotropic Elastomer Based Electrical Interconnect With Enhanced Dynamic Range.”
- the compliant interposer material 123 may comprise other materials offered by manufacturers such as RedPeak, Shinitzu, and Diamond Dust.
- the compliant interposer material 123 may comprise a Shinitzu connector material or other patterned elastomeric connector materials such as those used in integrated circuit contactors by SMB company of Korea.
- the adhesive 126 and 129 is shown extending beyond the footprint of the client interposer material 123 so as to also contact the flexible printed circuit 116 when it is pressed in place against the card 100 .
- the adhesive 126 and 129 facilitates attaching both the compliant interposer material 123 and the flexible printed circuit 116 to the card 100 .
- some other fastener or fastening structure may be employed to attach the compliant interposer material 123 and/or the flexible printed circuit 116 to the card 100 .
- FIG. 2B shown is a second side of the card 100 that is opposite the side depicted in FIG. 2A according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the flexible printed circuit 116 is attached to the depicted side of the card 100 , where the portion of the flexible printed circuit 116 dangles free as was depicted with respect to FIG. 2A .
- the contact array 109 is depicted on the portion of the flexible printed circuit 116 that dangles free.
- another contact array 133 is disposed on the remaining portion of the flexible printed circuit 116 that is attached to the side of the card 100 .
- the contact array 133 is aligned with and electrically coupled to a corresponding contact array disposed on the side of the card 100 depicted in FIG. 2B .
- underneath the flexible printed circuit 116 attached to the side of the card 100 are structures similar to those depicted with respect to FIG. 2A .
- the structures on either side of the card 100 may be identical according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the contact arrays on the respective sides of a card 100 may differ, where the contact arrays 109 and 133 may differ in the same manner so as to correspond with the respective contact arrays disposed on the respective sides of the card 100
- the flexible printed circuit 116 helps reduce an application of a frictional force by a receptacle 106 ( FIG. 1 ) to the compliant interposer material 123 when the insertion edge 103 is inserted into the receptacle 106 .
- the flexible printed circuit 116 covers the compliant interposer material 123 on either side of the card 100 and ensures that the compliant interposer material 123 is not subjected to rubbing caused by the insertion of the insertion edge 103 into the receptacle 106 . This aids in preventing a dislodging of the compliant interposer material 123 from the card 100 and disrupting an electrical connections between contacts on the card 100 and on a respective side of the flexible printed circuit 116 .
- the receptacle 106 may comprise a zero insertion force receptacle such that no force is required to cause the insertion edge 106 to be inserted into the receptacle 106 as can be appreciated.
- the flexible printed circuit 103 may not be necessary for the flexible printed circuit 103 to wrap around the insertion edge 104 of the card 100 .
- the flexible printed circuit 116 may be attached as a component on respective sides of the card without wrapping around the edge 103 .
- the flexible printed circuit 116 would actually be two components, one attached to each respective side of the card 100 . In this manner, the degree of compliance imparted to the contact arrays 109 or 133 by use of the respective compliant interposer materials 123 is maintained.
- FIG. 3 shown is an exploded view of the insertion edge assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention.
- the adhesives 126 and 129 mate with the card 100 , and the compliant interposer materials 123 are then attached to the adhesives 123 , thereby attaching the interposer materials 123 to the card 100 .
- the flexible printed circuit 116 is attached to one side of the card 100 and then folded over and attached to the other side of the card 100 by way of the adhesive 126 and 129 .
- the card 100 comprises a structure that provides for positioning of the flexible printed circuit 116 relative to the card 100 itself. This facilitates alignment of the contact arrays 109 and/or 133 with the respective contact arrays on the card 100 . In this respect, the proper alignment insures that respective pairs of contacts of the respective mated arrays are electrically coupled to each other through the compliant interposer materials 123 .
- this structure comprises holes 143 that are aligned with holes 146 of the flexible printed circuit 116 , thereby aligning the flexible printed circuit 116 with the card 100 .
- the adhesive 126 also include holes in the case that the adhesive 126 comprises double sided tape so that the adhesive 126 does not impede the insertion of a pin or other device into the holes. In order to ensure that the holes 146 of the flexible printed circuit 116 are aligned with the holes 143 in the card 100 , a pin or other alignment device may be inserted through the respective holes that mate with each other.
- FIGS. 4A and 4B shown is a portion of the insertion end assembly with a partial section view of the insertion end assembly depicted in FIG. 4B according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the partial section view depicts the flexible printed circuit 116 disposed adjacent to the compliant interposer material 123 .
- the compliant interposer material 123 is exposed to the adhesive 126 and 129 that are, in turn, attached to the board 100 .
- disposed on the board 100 under the contact array 109 is a contact array 153 that exists on the board 100 as was described above.
- the contact array 153 is thus adjacent to the contact array 109 on the flexible printed circuit 116 , with the compliant interposer material 123 therebetween.
- the contact array 109 is in alignment with the contact array 153 such that respective pairs of contacts in the arrays 109 and 153 are electrically coupled to each other as described above.
- the holes 143 and 146 in the board 100 and the flexible printed circuit 116 are in alignment as depicted with respect to FIG. 4A .
- the holes 143 / 146 facilitate the alignment as a pin may be inserted through the respective holes 143 / 146 , thereby aiding in the alignment of the flexible printed circuit 116 with the card 100 .
- This in turn insures that the respective pairs of contact arrays to be mated through the respective compliance interposer materials 123 are in proper alignment as described above.
- a card 200 that includes a projection structure 203 that facilitates alignment of the flexible printed circuit 116 with the card 200 when the flexible printed circuit 116 is attached to the card 200 .
- the projection 203 may present corners, flat surfaces, or other types of shapes against which the flexible printed circuit 116 may abut when attaching the flexible printed circuit 116 to the card 200 to insure alignment between the respective contact arrays 109 and 153 as described above.
- the flexible printed circuit 116 is positioned relative to these projections 203 to insure proper alignment.
- FIG. 6A shown is an illustration of the card 100 as it is inserted into a receptacle 106 a according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the receptacle 106 a is a zero-insertion force (ZIF) female receptacle.
- ZIF zero-insertion force
- a lever 219 may be actuated on the receptacle 106 a to cause a moveable portion 223 to clamp the insertion edge 103 of the card 100 as shown.
- the insertion edge 103 is inserted into the open gap 226 and the lever 219 is pushed downward, thereby clamping the insertion edge 103 in the receptacle 106 a and mating the contacts of the respective contact arrays 109 / 113 .
- the complaint interposer material 123 introduces a degree of compliance with respect to the contact array 109 as described above, the corresponding contact array(s) in the receptacle 106 a do not need to be significantly compliant. This is because the degree of compliance imparted to the one or more contact arrays 109 allows the contact arrays 109 to conform to the topology of a corresponding contact array in the receptacle 106 a.
- FIG. 6B shown is an illustration of the card 100 as it is inserted into a receptacle 106 b according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.
- the receptacle 106 b is not a zero-insertion force (ZIF) female receptacle.
- the receptacle 106 b is a fixed female receptacle such as a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) connector as can be appreciated.
- PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect
Abstract
Description
- Electronic circuitry currently makes use of contact arrays that conduct multiple signals from integrated circuits and other devices to test equipment and the like. As the contact arrays get more dense, it becomes more difficult to electrically couple the respective contacts of two corresponding contact arrays to each other for proper operation without a fault or discontinuity. Significant cost may be incurred when such anomalies occur in attempting to correct for inadequate electrical contact between respective pairs of contacts in corresponding arrays.
- Embodiments of the present invention provide for various apparatuses and methods for electrical coupling contact arrays in a card edge with corresponding contact arrays in receptacles. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a first contact array on a card, the first contact array being located at a first predefined position relative to an insertion edge of the card. The apparatus also includes a flexible printed circuit having a second contact array that corresponds to the first contact array, the second contact array being positioned in alignment with the first contact array. A compliant interposer material is positioned between the first and second contact arrays, the compliant interposer material electrically coupling respective pairs of contacts in the first and second contact arrays, wherein the insertion edge is configured to be inserted into a receptacle, the second contact array being positioned relative to the insertion edge so as to mate with a corresponding contact array in the receptacle when the insertion edge is inserted into the receptacle.
- In another embodiment, a method is provided for electrical coupling a first contact array on a card with a corresponding contact array in a receptacle, wherein a flexible printed circuit includes a second contact array corresponding to the first contact array, the second contact array being in alignment with the first contact array, and wherein a compliant interposer material is positioned between the first and second contact arrays, the compliant interposer material electrically coupling respective pairs of contacts in the first and second contact arrays, the method comprising the steps of inserting an insertion edge of the card into the receptacle so as to mate the second contact array with the corresponding contact array in the receptacle, and conforming the second pad array to a topology of the corresponding contact array in the receptacle by virtue of a degree of compliance of the compliant interposer material.
- In still another embodiment, an apparatus for electrical coupling is provide that comprises a first contact array on a card, the first contact array being located at a first predefined position relative to an insertion edge of the card, and a first means for positioning a second contact array adjacent to the first contact array, the second contact array corresponding to the first contact array, and the second contact array being positioned in alignment with the first contact array. The apparatus further comprises second means for adding a degree of compliance to the second contact array relative to the first contact array, wherein respective contacts in the first array are electrically coupled to corresponding contacts in the second contact array, and, wherein the insertion edge is configured to be inserted into a receptacle, the second contact array being positioned relative to the insertion edge so as to mate with a corresponding contact array in the receptacle when the insertion edge is inserted into the receptacle.
- Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
- Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
-
FIG. 1 is a drawing of a card having a circuit with a contact array that is compatible with a receptacle according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 2A and 2B are drawings of various views of the card ofFIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is a drawing of an exploded view of an insertion edge assembly of the card ofFIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 4A and 4B are drawings of a portion of the insertion edge assembly and a sectional view of a portion of the insertion edge assembly of the card ofFIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a drawing of another embodiment of a card that mates with the receptacle ofFIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIGS. 6A and 6B are drawings that illustrate various examples the receptacle ofFIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. - With reference to
FIG. 1 , shown is acard 100 having aninsertion edge 103 that is inserted into areceptacle 106. Thecard 100 may be, for example, a printed circuit board or other device as can be appreciated. In this respect, a circuit comprising various electrical components may reside on thecard 100. Acontact array 109 that is electrically coupled to circuitry on thecard 100 is located on thecard 100 at a pre-defined position relative to aninsertion edge 103 of thecard 100. Theinsertion edge 103 of thecard 100 comprises a portion of thecard 100 that is inserted into thereceptacle 106. - The
receptacle 106 includes acontact array 113 that corresponds with thecontact array 109. In this respect, thecontact arrays contact arrays card 100 is inserted into thereceptacle 106. According to one embodiment, thecard 100 includes a second contact array on the side of the card opposite that upon which thecontact array 109 appears. Thus, in one embodiment, theinsertion edge 103 represents a male portion of a plug arrangement and thereceptacle 106 represents a female portion the plug arrangement. - The
contact array 109 is disposed on aflexible circuit 116. In one embodiment, theflexible circuit 116 wraps around theinsertion edge 103. Thecontact array 109 is aligned with a contact array on thecard 100 beneath the flexible printedcircuit 116. In this respect, thecontact array 109 corresponds to and is in alignment with the contact array beneath the flexible printedcircuit 116. Thus, as contemplated herein, a first contact array “corresponds to” a second contact array in the sense that the arrangement of contacts of the first contact array substantially matches the arrangement of contacts in the second array such that respective pairs of contacts from both arrays line up with each other when the contact arrays are in alignment. Thus, in one embodiment, a pair of contact arrays correspond to each other when individual contacts of each array are spaced such that they can come into contact with each other if the two contact arrays were mated together. - In order to effect an electrical coupling between the contacts of the
contact array 109 and the contacts of the contact array (not shown) disposed on thecard 100 beneath the flexible printedcircuit 116, acompliant interposer material 123 is positioned between the flexible printedcircuit 116 and thecard 100 so as to lie between the respective contact arrays. As a consequence, the client interposer material electrically couples respective pairs of contacts in thecontact array 109 and a contact array (not shown) disposed on thecard 100. - By virtue of the use of the
client interposer material 123 between the contact array on thecard 100 andcontact array 109 on the flexible printed circuit 1116, a degree of compliance is imparted to thecontact array 109 such that thecontact array 109 will mate up with thecorresponding contact array 113 in thereceptacle 106 in a more efficient and effective manner. In particular, the degree of compliance imparted to thecontact array 109 on the flexible printedcircuit 116 facilitates compliance of thecontact array 109 relative to the contact array on thecard 100 and/or the surface of thecard 100 itself. This allows thesecond contact array 109 to conform to the topology of thecontact array 113 with thereceptacle 106 when theinsertion edge 103 is inserted into thereceptacle 106. - In addition, when the
insertion edge 103 is inserted into thereceptacle 106, thereceptacle 106 may be configured to exert a force that compresses theinsertion edge 103, thereby compressing the flexible printedcircuit 116, thecompliant interposer material 123, and thecard 100 itself. In this respect, thecompliant interposer material 123 acts like a spring that generates a counter force against the receptacle, thereby causing thesecond contact array 109 to conform to the topology of thecontact array 113. - As contemplated herein, a “contact array” may comprise, for example, a pad array, pin array, or any other type of contact array that is capable of coupling to a second contact array through the
complaint interposer material 123 as described herein. - The
insertion edge 103 of thecard 100 is configured for insertion into thereceptacle 106. In this respect, the mechanical structure of theinsertion edge 103 is constructed so as to be compatible with thereceptacle 106 as can be appreciated. - Turning to
FIG. 2A , shown is a view of thecard 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flexible printedcircuit 116 is folded over to reveal thecompliant interposer material 123 that is attached to thecard 100 by way of adhesive 126 and 129. The adhesive 126 and 129 may be in the form of double sided tape, or other adhesives may be employed as can be appreciated. In other embodiments, thecompliant interposer material 123 may be attached to thecard 100 by way of a clamp or using some other attachment mechanism. Theadhesive 129 lies within a recess at the edge of thecard 100, although in alternative embodiments, theadhesive 129 may not lie with a recess. - The
compliant interposer material 123 may comprise, for example, an anisotropic conductive elastomer such as that described U.S. Pat. No. 7,059,874 entitled “An Anisotropic Elastomer Based Electrical Interconnect With Enhanced Dynamic Range.” Alternatively thecompliant interposer material 123 may comprise other materials offered by manufacturers such as RedPeak, Shinitzu, and Diamond Dust. For example, thecompliant interposer material 123 may comprise a Shinitzu connector material or other patterned elastomeric connector materials such as those used in integrated circuit contactors by SMB company of Korea. - Due to the fact that the flexible printed
circuit 116 is folded over as depicted inFIG. 2A , theadhesive client interposer material 123 so as to also contact the flexible printedcircuit 116 when it is pressed in place against thecard 100. Thus, the adhesive 126 and 129 facilitates attaching both thecompliant interposer material 123 and the flexible printedcircuit 116 to thecard 100. Alternatively, some other fastener or fastening structure may be employed to attach thecompliant interposer material 123 and/or the flexible printedcircuit 116 to thecard 100. - With reference to
FIG. 2B , shown is a second side of thecard 100 that is opposite the side depicted inFIG. 2A according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flexible printedcircuit 116 is attached to the depicted side of thecard 100, where the portion of the flexible printedcircuit 116 dangles free as was depicted with respect toFIG. 2A . As such, thecontact array 109 is depicted on the portion of the flexible printedcircuit 116 that dangles free. In addition, anothercontact array 133 is disposed on the remaining portion of the flexible printedcircuit 116 that is attached to the side of thecard 100. According to one embodiment, thecontact array 133 is aligned with and electrically coupled to a corresponding contact array disposed on the side of thecard 100 depicted inFIG. 2B . In this respect, underneath the flexible printedcircuit 116 attached to the side of thecard 100 are structures similar to those depicted with respect toFIG. 2A . - Specifically, underneath the flexible printed
circuit 116 iscompliant interposer material 123 and adhesive 126/129 that holds the structures to the side of thecard 100 in a manner similar to that described with reference toFIG. 2A . Thus, the structures on either side of thecard 100 may be identical according to an embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, the contact arrays on the respective sides of acard 100 may differ, where thecontact arrays card 100 - By virtue of the fact that the flexible printed
circuit 116 wraps around theinsertion edge 103 of thecard 100, the flexible printedcircuit 116 helps reduce an application of a frictional force by a receptacle 106 (FIG. 1 ) to thecompliant interposer material 123 when theinsertion edge 103 is inserted into thereceptacle 106. In this respect, the flexible printedcircuit 116 covers thecompliant interposer material 123 on either side of thecard 100 and ensures that thecompliant interposer material 123 is not subjected to rubbing caused by the insertion of theinsertion edge 103 into thereceptacle 106. This aids in preventing a dislodging of thecompliant interposer material 123 from thecard 100 and disrupting an electrical connections between contacts on thecard 100 and on a respective side of the flexible printedcircuit 116. - As an additional alternative, the
receptacle 106 may comprise a zero insertion force receptacle such that no force is required to cause theinsertion edge 106 to be inserted into thereceptacle 106 as can be appreciated. In this respect there are many different designs of zeroinsertion force receptacles 106 that may be employed. As such, in another embodiment, it may not be necessary for the flexible printedcircuit 103 to wrap around the insertion edge 104 of thecard 100. Rather, the flexible printedcircuit 116 may be attached as a component on respective sides of the card without wrapping around theedge 103. In this respect, the flexible printedcircuit 116 would actually be two components, one attached to each respective side of thecard 100. In this manner, the degree of compliance imparted to thecontact arrays compliant interposer materials 123 is maintained. - Referring next to
FIG. 3 , shown is an exploded view of the insertion edge assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention. Theadhesives card 100, and thecompliant interposer materials 123 are then attached to theadhesives 123, thereby attaching theinterposer materials 123 to thecard 100. Thereafter, the flexible printedcircuit 116 is attached to one side of thecard 100 and then folded over and attached to the other side of thecard 100 by way of the adhesive 126 and 129. - In one embodiment, the
card 100 comprises a structure that provides for positioning of the flexible printedcircuit 116 relative to thecard 100 itself. This facilitates alignment of thecontact arrays 109 and/or 133 with the respective contact arrays on thecard 100. In this respect, the proper alignment insures that respective pairs of contacts of the respective mated arrays are electrically coupled to each other through thecompliant interposer materials 123. According to one embodiment, this structure comprisesholes 143 that are aligned withholes 146 of the flexible printedcircuit 116, thereby aligning the flexible printedcircuit 116 with thecard 100. The adhesive 126 also include holes in the case that the adhesive 126 comprises double sided tape so that the adhesive 126 does not impede the insertion of a pin or other device into the holes. In order to ensure that theholes 146 of the flexible printedcircuit 116 are aligned with theholes 143 in thecard 100, a pin or other alignment device may be inserted through the respective holes that mate with each other. - Referring next to
FIGS. 4A and 4B , shown is a portion of the insertion end assembly with a partial section view of the insertion end assembly depicted inFIG. 4B according to an embodiment of the present invention. The partial section view depicts the flexible printedcircuit 116 disposed adjacent to thecompliant interposer material 123. Thecompliant interposer material 123 is exposed to the adhesive 126 and 129 that are, in turn, attached to theboard 100. In addition, disposed on theboard 100 under thecontact array 109 is acontact array 153 that exists on theboard 100 as was described above. Thecontact array 153 is thus adjacent to thecontact array 109 on the flexible printedcircuit 116, with thecompliant interposer material 123 therebetween. - The
contact array 109 is in alignment with thecontact array 153 such that respective pairs of contacts in thearrays holes board 100 and the flexible printedcircuit 116 are in alignment as depicted with respect toFIG. 4A . In this respect, theholes 143/146 facilitate the alignment as a pin may be inserted through therespective holes 143/146, thereby aiding in the alignment of the flexible printedcircuit 116 with thecard 100. This in turn insures that the respective pairs of contact arrays to be mated through the respectivecompliance interposer materials 123 are in proper alignment as described above. - With reference to
FIG. 5 , shown is acard 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention that includes aprojection structure 203 that facilitates alignment of the flexible printedcircuit 116 with thecard 200 when the flexible printedcircuit 116 is attached to thecard 200. In this respect, theprojection 203 may present corners, flat surfaces, or other types of shapes against which the flexible printedcircuit 116 may abut when attaching the flexible printedcircuit 116 to thecard 200 to insure alignment between therespective contact arrays circuit 116 is positioned relative to theseprojections 203 to insure proper alignment. - Referring next to
FIG. 6A , shown is an illustration of thecard 100 as it is inserted into areceptacle 106 a according to an embodiment of the present invention. Thereceptacle 106 a is a zero-insertion force (ZIF) female receptacle. Alever 219 may be actuated on thereceptacle 106 a to cause amoveable portion 223 to clamp theinsertion edge 103 of thecard 100 as shown. In order to mate thecontact array 109 on one or both sides of thecard 100 withcorresponding contact arrays 113 in thereceptacle 106 a, theinsertion edge 103 is inserted into theopen gap 226 and thelever 219 is pushed downward, thereby clamping theinsertion edge 103 in thereceptacle 106 a and mating the contacts of therespective contact arrays 109/113. Given that thecomplaint interposer material 123 introduces a degree of compliance with respect to thecontact array 109 as described above, the corresponding contact array(s) in thereceptacle 106 a do not need to be significantly compliant. This is because the degree of compliance imparted to the one ormore contact arrays 109 allows thecontact arrays 109 to conform to the topology of a corresponding contact array in thereceptacle 106 a. - With reference then to
FIG. 6B , shown is an illustration of thecard 100 as it is inserted into areceptacle 106 b according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Unlike thereceptacle 106 a (FIG. 1 ), thereceptacle 106 b is not a zero-insertion force (ZIF) female receptacle. Thereceptacle 106 b is a fixed female receptacle such as a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) connector as can be appreciated. As a consequence, an amount of friction is created between thereceptacle 106 b and theinsertion edge 103 when theinsertion edge 103 is inserted into thereceptacle 106 b as shown. However, this friction does not harm or dislodge thecomplaint interposer material 123 due to the fact that theflexible circuit 116 covers thecompliant interposer material 123 as described above. Given that thecomplaint interposer material 123 introduces the degree of compliance with respect to thecontact array 109 as described above, the corresponding contact array(s) in thereceptacle 106 b do not need to be significantly compliant. - It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/460,277 US7320617B1 (en) | 2006-07-27 | 2006-07-27 | Electrical coupling apparatus and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/460,277 US7320617B1 (en) | 2006-07-27 | 2006-07-27 | Electrical coupling apparatus and method |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US7320617B1 US7320617B1 (en) | 2008-01-22 |
US20080026635A1 true US20080026635A1 (en) | 2008-01-31 |
Family
ID=38950887
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/460,277 Active US7320617B1 (en) | 2006-07-27 | 2006-07-27 | Electrical coupling apparatus and method |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US7320617B1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7438582B2 (en) * | 2006-12-22 | 2008-10-21 | Amphenol Corporation | Flexible circuit connector assembly |
JP4678886B2 (en) * | 2008-12-12 | 2011-04-27 | 日本航空電子工業株式会社 | Electrical connection member |
JP6074711B2 (en) * | 2013-09-10 | 2017-02-08 | パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 | Cable holding member, electrical connection device, connector device |
JP6312028B2 (en) * | 2014-01-09 | 2018-04-18 | パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 | Cable holding member, plug connector, connector device, and method of assembling plug connector |
EP3392991B1 (en) * | 2015-12-17 | 2020-05-13 | Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. | Tape assembly, rotary connector, and method for producing tape assembly |
JP6597810B2 (en) * | 2018-02-02 | 2019-10-30 | 日本電気株式会社 | Mounting structure, structural component, and manufacturing method of mounting structure |
Citations (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5044980A (en) * | 1990-01-16 | 1991-09-03 | Beta Phase, Inc. | High density and multiple insertion connector |
US5123852A (en) * | 1991-05-17 | 1992-06-23 | International Business Machines Corporation | Modular electrical connector |
US5636996A (en) * | 1994-06-28 | 1997-06-10 | The Whitaker Corporation | Anisotropic interposer pad |
US6017244A (en) * | 1998-02-09 | 2000-01-25 | The Whitaker Corporation | Interconnection mechanism for flexible printed circuits |
US6368147B1 (en) * | 2000-03-02 | 2002-04-09 | Microhelix, Inc. | Zero insertion force percutaneous connector and flexible brain probe assembly |
US6497583B1 (en) * | 2001-10-03 | 2002-12-24 | Paricon Technologies Corporation | Interconnection components with integral conductive elastomeric sheet material, and method of manufacturing same |
US6702587B2 (en) * | 2001-08-08 | 2004-03-09 | Paricon Technologies Corporation | Separable electrical connector using anisotropic conductive elastomer interconnect medium |
US6755683B2 (en) * | 2000-02-15 | 2004-06-29 | Miraco, Inc. | Printed circuit connector |
US6769313B2 (en) * | 2001-09-14 | 2004-08-03 | Paricon Technologies Corporation | Flexible tactile sensor |
US6802720B2 (en) * | 1999-12-16 | 2004-10-12 | Paricon Technologies Corporation | Pin-array, separable, compliant electrical contact member |
US6835072B2 (en) * | 2002-01-09 | 2004-12-28 | Paricon Technologies Corporation | Apparatus for applying a mechanically-releasable balanced compressive load to a compliant anisotropic conductive elastomer electrical connector |
US6854985B1 (en) * | 1998-12-16 | 2005-02-15 | Paricon Technologies Corporation | Elastomeric interconnection device and methods for making same |
US6929484B2 (en) * | 2003-01-09 | 2005-08-16 | Roger E. Weiss | Apparatus for applying a mechanically-releasable balanced compressive load to an assembly such as a compliant anisotropic conductive elastomer electrical connector |
US7017260B2 (en) * | 2002-01-08 | 2006-03-28 | Weiss Roger E | Method of making an elastomeric conductive sheet |
US7059874B2 (en) * | 2002-03-19 | 2006-06-13 | Paricon Technologies, Inc. | Anisotropic conductive elastomer based electrical interconnect with enhanced dynamic range |
US7063542B2 (en) * | 2002-06-13 | 2006-06-20 | Paricon Technologies Corporation | Compliant electrical probe device incorporating anisotropically conductive elastomer and flexible circuits |
-
2006
- 2006-07-27 US US11/460,277 patent/US7320617B1/en active Active
Patent Citations (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5044980A (en) * | 1990-01-16 | 1991-09-03 | Beta Phase, Inc. | High density and multiple insertion connector |
US5123852A (en) * | 1991-05-17 | 1992-06-23 | International Business Machines Corporation | Modular electrical connector |
US5636996A (en) * | 1994-06-28 | 1997-06-10 | The Whitaker Corporation | Anisotropic interposer pad |
US6017244A (en) * | 1998-02-09 | 2000-01-25 | The Whitaker Corporation | Interconnection mechanism for flexible printed circuits |
US6854985B1 (en) * | 1998-12-16 | 2005-02-15 | Paricon Technologies Corporation | Elastomeric interconnection device and methods for making same |
US6802720B2 (en) * | 1999-12-16 | 2004-10-12 | Paricon Technologies Corporation | Pin-array, separable, compliant electrical contact member |
US6755683B2 (en) * | 2000-02-15 | 2004-06-29 | Miraco, Inc. | Printed circuit connector |
US6368147B1 (en) * | 2000-03-02 | 2002-04-09 | Microhelix, Inc. | Zero insertion force percutaneous connector and flexible brain probe assembly |
US6702587B2 (en) * | 2001-08-08 | 2004-03-09 | Paricon Technologies Corporation | Separable electrical connector using anisotropic conductive elastomer interconnect medium |
US6769313B2 (en) * | 2001-09-14 | 2004-08-03 | Paricon Technologies Corporation | Flexible tactile sensor |
US6649115B2 (en) * | 2001-10-03 | 2003-11-18 | Paricon Technologies Corporation | Method of manufacturing interconnection components with integral conductive elastomeric sheet material |
US6497583B1 (en) * | 2001-10-03 | 2002-12-24 | Paricon Technologies Corporation | Interconnection components with integral conductive elastomeric sheet material, and method of manufacturing same |
US7017260B2 (en) * | 2002-01-08 | 2006-03-28 | Weiss Roger E | Method of making an elastomeric conductive sheet |
US6835072B2 (en) * | 2002-01-09 | 2004-12-28 | Paricon Technologies Corporation | Apparatus for applying a mechanically-releasable balanced compressive load to a compliant anisotropic conductive elastomer electrical connector |
US7059874B2 (en) * | 2002-03-19 | 2006-06-13 | Paricon Technologies, Inc. | Anisotropic conductive elastomer based electrical interconnect with enhanced dynamic range |
US7063542B2 (en) * | 2002-06-13 | 2006-06-20 | Paricon Technologies Corporation | Compliant electrical probe device incorporating anisotropically conductive elastomer and flexible circuits |
US6929484B2 (en) * | 2003-01-09 | 2005-08-16 | Roger E. Weiss | Apparatus for applying a mechanically-releasable balanced compressive load to an assembly such as a compliant anisotropic conductive elastomer electrical connector |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US7320617B1 (en) | 2008-01-22 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7320617B1 (en) | Electrical coupling apparatus and method | |
KR101123718B1 (en) | Integrated circuit contact to test apparatus | |
KR100234578B1 (en) | Printed circuit board for use with card edge connector and method | |
US4922191A (en) | Electronic testing equipment interconnection assembly | |
JPH0334388A (en) | Pressed printed wiring board module | |
US5141444A (en) | Elastomeric connector with contact wipe | |
US7871274B2 (en) | IC adapter for removably mounting integrated circuit | |
US9853383B2 (en) | Conductive polymer contacts for surface mount technology connectors | |
US6913474B2 (en) | Connector coupling mechanism, system and method | |
JP2006127836A (en) | Connector device | |
GB2178252A (en) | Cammed resilient clamp connection between circuit devices | |
US11769966B2 (en) | Anti-attenuation apparatus and plug | |
TW201138231A (en) | Electronic device and assembly of the electronic device and a housing | |
TWI694648B (en) | Floating connector | |
AU2016340742A1 (en) | Connector systems for printed circuit boards | |
TWM584029U (en) | Connector assembly | |
JP2008249661A (en) | Inspection device | |
JP3245911U (en) | electrical connectors | |
TWM482197U (en) | Electronic connector for coupling a first circuit board and a second circuit board and electronic device using the same | |
CN219016383U (en) | Connecting device, connector and testing machine matched with floating interface | |
TWI430522B (en) | Plug-and-socket connector | |
US7690108B2 (en) | Self-compensating connector support method and apparatus | |
JP3227973U (en) | Guide insert connector | |
JP2505430Y2 (en) | FPC clip-type receptacle | |
US20060067626A1 (en) | Clamping member adapted to mount an optical connector pair in a connected state and capable of improving a component mounting density |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: VERIGY (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD., SINGAPORE Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BELLATO, STEPHEN;KARKLIN, KENNETH D;REEL/FRAME:018162/0674 Effective date: 20060726 |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAYER NUMBER DE-ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: RMPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ADVANTEST (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD, SINGAPORE Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:VERIGY (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD;REEL/FRAME:027896/0018 Effective date: 20120302 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ADVANTEST CORPORATION, JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ADVANTEST (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.;REEL/FRAME:035371/0265 Effective date: 20150401 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ADVANTEST CORPORATION, JAPAN Free format text: CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE ASSIGNEE ADDRESS PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL: 035371 FRAME: 0265. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT;ASSIGNOR:ADVANTEST (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.;REEL/FRAME:035425/0768 Effective date: 20150401 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ADVANTEST CORPORATION, JAPAN Free format text: CHANGE OF ADDRESS;ASSIGNOR:ADVANTEST CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:047987/0626 Effective date: 20181112 |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 12TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1553); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Year of fee payment: 12 |