WO2007076902A1 - Board connector module for mezzanine circuit board assemblies - Google Patents

Board connector module for mezzanine circuit board assemblies Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007076902A1
WO2007076902A1 PCT/EP2006/001692 EP2006001692W WO2007076902A1 WO 2007076902 A1 WO2007076902 A1 WO 2007076902A1 EP 2006001692 W EP2006001692 W EP 2006001692W WO 2007076902 A1 WO2007076902 A1 WO 2007076902A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
leads
board connector
board
frame
connector module
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2006/001692
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Roland Tristan De Blieck
Ron Christian Weber
Original Assignee
Fci
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Fci filed Critical Fci
Priority to PCT/EP2006/001692 priority Critical patent/WO2007076902A1/en
Priority to TW096100527A priority patent/TW200810248A/en
Publication of WO2007076902A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007076902A1/en

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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
    • H01R12/51—Fixed connections for rigid printed circuits or like structures
    • H01R12/55—Fixed connections for rigid printed circuits or like structures characterised by the terminals
    • H01R12/58—Fixed connections for rigid printed circuits or like structures characterised by the terminals terminals for insertion into holes
    • H01R12/585—Terminals having a press fit or a compliant portion and a shank passing through a hole in the printed circuit board
    • 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
    • H01R12/712—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures co-operating with the surface of the printed circuit or with a coupling device exclusively provided on the surface of the printed circuit
    • H01R12/716—Coupling device provided on the PCB
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/514—Bases; Cases composed as a modular blocks or assembly, i.e. composed of co-operating parts provided with contact members or holding contact members between them

Definitions

  • a board connector module comprising a frame accommodating an array of substantially parallel signal leads and ground leads extending in a longitudinal direction, wherein said frame comprises a force application structure for inserting said board connector module into a board and wherein one or more of said leads comprises a predefined force transfer zone structured to transfer a force applied on said force application structure to said leads.
  • the leads of the board connector module have a length in the longitudinal direction in a range between 10-60 mm, preferably 14-45 mm, allowing for an increased distance between a base board and a mezzanine card in a mezzanine circuit board assembly.
  • the frame is an essentially open frame exposing a significant portion of the individual leads.
  • the frame may comprise a force application bar and a further bar parallel to the force application bar and edges extending between said force application bar and said further bar in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction in the plane of said leads and wherein said force application bar, said further bar and said edges define a space that is essentially open apart from one or more optional transverse bars extending between said edges substantially parallel to said force application bar as this will be further discussed below.
  • Such an essentially open frame may result in a board connector module of reduced weight.
  • the leads of the board connector module are preferably separated by air as a dielectric medium, there exists a delicate balance between the amount of metal, air and plastic at each point of the board connector module to match the impedance of adjacent pairs of leads. A high amount of plastic at a particular location is usually compensated by a reduced amount of metal .
  • an essentially open frame may allow for metal leads of a constant width.
  • the force application structure comprises a force application bar for inserting said board connector module into a board.
  • the bar preferably extends substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the plane of said leads and is located at a height in said longitudinal direction substantially at said predefined force transfer zone. Transfer of the insertion force to the leads at the level where the force is applied on the frame minimized deformation of the plastic frame.
  • the leads at said predefined force transfer zone preferably have a reduced width.
  • the frame of the board connector module comprises edges extending parallel to said leads and comprising one or more holding structures capable of interacting with corresponding complementary structures of a housing of a board connector.
  • the embodiment allows retaining of the individual board connector modules into the board connector.
  • the frame of the board connector module comprises edges extending parallel to the leads and one or more transverse bars located below said force application structure and extending between said edges substantially perpendicularly to said longitudinal direction substantially in the plane of said leads.
  • These transverse bars may resist buckling of the leads.
  • the risk of buckling of the leads exists especially in case of relatively long leads where the insertion force is transferred near the proximal ends of the leads, i.e. the ends of the leads not inserted into a circuit board.
  • the frame comprises two or more transverse bars dividing said space in several portions that may be equal for instance. The equidistant transverse bars in the longitudinal direction increase buckling resistance along the leads.
  • the transverse bars comprise projections extending in a direction substantially perpendicularly to said plane of said leads.
  • the projections of adjacent board connector modules may abut each other or leave only a small gap in between. Further, the projections may abut the inner walls of the housing. Buckling of the leads may then be further minimized by interaction of the projections.
  • the leads at said transverse bars preferably have a reduced width.
  • the leads comprise press-fit board connection terminals for insertion in a circuit board on application of a force on said force application structure.
  • Press-fit terminals of the leads typically require high insertion forces, whereas the invention allows such forces to be applied with a reduced impact on the deformation of the frame.
  • the leads are separated by an air gap or another dielectric medium in said frame.
  • the predefined force transfer zone of each lead comprises a transfer structure shaped such that said air gap between transfer structures of adjacent leads in said frame has a substantially uniform width.
  • a board connector module comprising a frame accommodating an array of substantially parallel signal leads and ground leads extending in a longitudinal direction between board connection terminals capable of contacting a circuit board and mating terminals, wherein said frame comprises a force application structure for inserting said board connector module into a board and each of said leads comprises a predefined force transfer zone at substantially the same height in said longitudinal direction closer to said mating terminals than to said board connection terminals, said predefined force transfer zone being structured to transfer a force applied on said force application structure to said leads .
  • the force application structure is more easily accessible for a pressing tool.
  • the transfer of the insertion force from the force application structure to the leads near the mating terminals further reduces the risks of deformation of the frame.
  • a board connector module comprising a frame accommodating an array of substantially parallel signal leads and ground leads extending in a longitudinal direction between press-fit board connection terminals for contacting a circuit board and mating terminals, wherein said frame comprises a force application bar for inserting said board connector module into a board, said bar extending substantially transverse to said longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the plane of said leads and wherein each of said leads comprises a predefined force transfer zone at substantially the same height as said force application bar closer to said mating terminals than to said press-fit board connection terminals, said predefined force transfer zone being structured to transfer a force applied on said force application structure to said leads .
  • the invention further relates to a board connector comprising a housing accommodating a plurality of substantially parallel arranged board connector modules as discussed above.
  • a board connector e.g. a header or a receptacle
  • Such a board connector is advantageously used in a mezzanine circuit board assembly with a relatively large distance between the base board and the mezzanine card.
  • the frames of the board connector modules comprise holding structures capable of interacting with corresponding complementary structures of a housing of a board connector.
  • the frame comprises edges extending parallel to said leads and one or more transverse bars extending between said edges substantially perpendicularly to said longitudinal direction substantially in the plane of said leads, said transverse bars comprising projections extending in a direction substantially perpendicularly to said plane of said leads such that projections of transverse bars of a frame of an adjacent board connector module abut with said projections or define a gap with said projections less than 0,1 mm, preferably less than 0,05 mm. Buckling of the leads may ⁇ be minimized by interaction of the protrusions of adjacent board connector modules.
  • the invention also relates to a mezzanine circuit board assembly comprising a first circuit board and a substantially parallel second circuit board, wherein at least one of said circuit boards comprises a board connector as described above.
  • the first circuit board and second circuit board are provided at a distance in a range between 12-60 mm, preferably 14-45 mm, more preferably 14-30 mm.
  • Fig. 1 depicts a partially cutaway view of a mezzanine circuit board assembly according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Figs. 2A-2C show a board connector module according to an embodiment of the invention for the mezzanine circuit board assembly of Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 3 shows a board connector in cross-section according to an embodiment of the invention with a plurality of board connector modules as shown in Figs. 2A-2C, and
  • Figs. 4A and 4B schematically illustrate leads with interrupted transverse bars .
  • Fig. 1 depicts a partially cutaway view of a mezzanine circuit board assembly 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the assembly 1 comprises a first circuit board or base board 2 and a second circuit board or mezzanine card 3 arranged at a distance of 14-30 mm (stack height SH) .
  • the base board 2 and mezzanine card 3 may comprise several electronic components and circuit traces not shown in Fig. 1.
  • the base board 2 has inserted a board connector 4, hereinafter also referred to as header 4, comprising a housing 5 with a plurality of board connector modules 10 that will be described in further detail with reference to Figs. 2A-2C.
  • a board connector 4 hereinafter also referred to as header 4
  • header 4 comprising a housing 5 with a plurality of board connector modules 10 that will be described in further detail with reference to Figs. 2A-2C.
  • the mezzanine card 3 has a receptacle 6 configured to establish an electrical contact with the header 4 to allow signal transmission between the base board 2 and the mezzanine card 3.
  • the receptacle has a housing 7.
  • the mating level ML is provided in a range of 5.5-21.5 mm.
  • the board connector module 10 and board connector 4 are high speed board connectors enabling signal transfer in excess of 1 Gbit/s, preferably in excess of 2 Gbit/s, such as 10 Gbit/s or higher.
  • Figs: 2A-2C show a board connector module 10 in front view, in side view and in perspective view respectively.
  • the board connector module 10 has a frame 11 accommodating an array of substantially parallel signal leads S and ground leads G extending in a longitudinal direction L in a planar fashion.
  • the leads S, G extend substantially vertical between a mating terminal M and a press-fit board connection terminal PF.
  • the frame comprises a force application bar 12 for inserting the board connector module 10 into the base board 2 by application of a force F in the longitudinal direction L.
  • the leads S, G comprise a predefined force transfer zone 13 structured to transfer the force F applied on the force application bar 12 to the leads S, G.
  • the leads S, G are separated by air as a dielectric medium.
  • the leads S, G have a length in the range of 10-60 mm, such as 25 mm.
  • the frame 11 is a plastic frame manufactured e.g. of liquid crystal polymers (LCP' s). Apart from the force application bar 12, the frame 11 further comprises a lower bar 14 parallel to said force application bar 12 retaining the leads S, G. The frame 11 further has edges 15 extending between said force application bar 12 and said lower bar 14 in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L in the plane of the leads S, G.
  • the force application bar 12, lower bar 14 and edges 15 define a frame space 16 that is essentially open apart from transverse bars 17 that will be discussed in detail below.
  • the air separation of the leads S, G and the substantially open frame space 16 provide an improved dielectric medium of air instead of plastic. It should be noted, however, that plastic, such as LCP's may be used as a dielectric medium as well.
  • the force application bar 12 tightly fits with the predefined force transfer structure 13 facilitating the transfer of a force from the force application bar 12 to the leads S, G at the transfer structure 13.
  • the force application bar 12 is provided near the mating terminals M of the leads S, G such that the force application bar 12 is easily accessible for a pressing tool.
  • the force application bar 12 has a T-shape arranged such that the horizontal part is available for application of the force F, whereas the vertical leg is molded over the force transfer structure 13 to establish a tight shape fit.
  • the force transfer structures 13 have an undulating structure or cobra-shaped structure. It should be appreciated that alternative shapes for these force transfer structures can be envisaged wherein the cross-section of .the leads and the distance between adjacent leads remains substantially constant.
  • the force transfer structures 13 have a reduced width as compared to the width W of the leads S, G in the free frame space 16 for impedance matching between lead pairs inside the plastic frame. Further, the force transfer structures 13 are shaped such that the air gap between transfer structures 13 of adjacent leads S 7 G in the frame 11 has a substantially uniform width.
  • the transverse bars 17 of the frame 11 extend between the edges 15 and cross the open frame space 16. Since the insertion force F is transferred to the leads S, G already at the force transfer structures 13, these transverse bars 17 act as a barrier against buckling of the leads S, G.
  • the transverse bars are shown being transparent in Fig. 2A and partly transparent in Fig. 2C to show that the leads S, G are undercut, i.e. have a reduced width, at these bars 17 location to compensate for the presence of the plastic of the bars 17 in view of the impedance matching considerations mentioned above.
  • the transverse bars 17 are located on the edges 15 in the longitudinal direction L such that the frame space 16 is divided in substantially equal por- 10
  • transverse bars depends e.g. on the height of the board connector module 10 and the thickness of the leads S, G.
  • a board connector module of 15 mm may e.g. have one transverse bar 17, whereas a board connector module of 40 mm may e.g. have two, three or four transverse bars.
  • a board connector module of 15 mm with thick leads S, G may even require no bar, whereas a board connector module 10 of this height with very thin leads S, G may require a transverse bar 17.
  • the transverse bars 17 have projections 18 extending in a direction substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the leads S, G. The function of these projections 18 will be discussed further with reference to Fig. 3.
  • the frame 11 has holding structures 19 adapted to cooperate with complementary structures in the housing 5 of the header 4.
  • Fig. 3 shows a board connector 4 in cross-section with a plurality of board connector modules 10 as shown in Figs. 2A- 2C in a housing 5.
  • the holding structures 19 of the board connector modules 10 cooperate with complementary structures 8 of the housing 5 for guiding and retaining the board connector modules 10.
  • the holding structures 19 and complementary structures 8 may also function as polarization features.
  • the housing 5 further has receiving structures or stops 20 for receiving the lower bars 14 of the frames 11 of the respective board connector modules 10.
  • the arrangement of the board connector modules 10 is such that the T-shaped force application structures 12 are all positioned at the same height in the longitudinal direction such that the horizontal parts abut. As shown, the T-shaped force application structures 12 are easily accessible for application of an insertion force F to insert the press-fit board connection terminals PF into the base board 2 by a press tool (not shown) . 11
  • the projections 18 of the transverse bars 17 of adjacent' board connector modules 10 abut.
  • the projections 18 of the outer board connector modules 10 abut to the inner surface of the housing 5. If a lead S, G of a board connector module 10 deflects sideways, which is perpendicularly to the plane of leads S, G of a board connector module 10, on application of a force, • e.g. the insertion force F, the abutting projections 18 of adjacent board connector modules 10 resist the deflection of the leads.
  • a force • e.g. the insertion force F
  • board connector modules 10 with and without projections 18 may be alternately inserted in the housing 5 of the header 4, wherein the projection 18 of a first board connector module 10 abuts with the transverse bar of an adjacent second board connector module 10. Further, it should be appreciated that the projections 18 not necessarily abut may leave a small gap in between.
  • transverse bars 17 are not necessarily continuous bars, i.e. bars connecting- the edges 15 without being interrupted. Instead the transverse bars 17 may be interrupted, as schematically illustrated in Figs. 4A and 4B.
  • Figs. 4A and 4B schematically illustrate leads S, G and transverse bars 17 of a board connector module.
  • a transverse bar piece 21 (shown by the bold line) is mounted on each of the undercut sections (shown by dashed lines) of the leads S 7 G.
  • the transverse bars pieces 21 together form an interrupted transverse bar 17.
  • the tranverse bar pieces 21 have projections 18 (not shown) that may abut with or have a small gap with the projections of an, possibly interrupted, transverse bar 17 of an adjacent board connector module 17.
  • the leads S, G are not undercut but have a small hole (shown by the dashed circles) on which a transverse bar piece 21 (shown by the bold line) is mounted.
  • the transverse bars pieces 21 together form an interrupted transverse bar 17. 12
  • the tranverse bar pieces 21 have projections 18 (not shown) that may abut with or have a small gap with the projections of an, possibly interrupted, transverse bar 17 of an adjacent board connector module 17.

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  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a board connector module (10) comprising a frame (11) accommodating an array of substantially parallel signal leads (S) and ground leads (G) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) . The frame comprises a force application structure (12) for inserting said module into a board. One or more of the leads comprises a predefined force transfer zone (13) structured to transfer a force (F) applied on said force application structure to said leads. Consequently, deformation of the frame may be reduced on application of the force. The invention further relates to a board connector comprising such modules and a mezzanine circuit board assembly comprising the same.

Description

The increase in the distance between a base board and a mezzanine card in a mezzanine circuit board assembly requires higher board connectors with higher frames. Consequently, deformation problems are enhanced in these higher frames on application of an insertion force.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a board connector module and a board connector comprising a plurality of these board connector modules that allow for an increased distance between the base board and the mezzanine board in a mezzanine board assembly.
This object is accomplished by a board connector module comprising a frame accommodating an array of substantially parallel signal leads and ground leads extending in a longitudinal direction, wherein said frame comprises a force application structure for inserting said board connector module into a board and wherein one or more of said leads comprises a predefined force transfer zone structured to transfer a force applied on said force application structure to said leads.
By deliberately introducing a predefined force transfer structure on the leads, a reliable and predictable zone is obtained where the insertion force transfers from the force application structure to the leads. Consequently, deformation of the frame may be reduced, in particular when the force application structure directly interacts with the structure on the leads. As a result, higher board connector modules can be manufactured and applied on a circuit board allowing an increased distance between a base board and a mezzanine card in a mezzanine circuit board assembly.
In an embodiment of the invention, the leads of the board connector module have a length in the longitudinal direction in a range between 10-60 mm, preferably 14-45 mm, allowing for an increased distance between a base board and a mezzanine card in a mezzanine circuit board assembly. In an embodiment of the invention, the frame is an essentially open frame exposing a significant portion of the individual leads. In particular, the frame may comprise a force application bar and a further bar parallel to the force application bar and edges extending between said force application bar and said further bar in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction in the plane of said leads and wherein said force application bar, said further bar and said edges define a space that is essentially open apart from one or more optional transverse bars extending between said edges substantially parallel to said force application bar as this will be further discussed below. Such an essentially open frame may result in a board connector module of reduced weight. As the leads of the board connector module are preferably separated by air as a dielectric medium, there exists a delicate balance between the amount of metal, air and plastic at each point of the board connector module to match the impedance of adjacent pairs of leads. A high amount of plastic at a particular location is usually compensated by a reduced amount of metal . Accordingly, an essentially open frame may allow for metal leads of a constant width.
In an embodiment of the invention, the force application structure comprises a force application bar for inserting said board connector module into a board. The bar preferably extends substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the plane of said leads and is located at a height in said longitudinal direction substantially at said predefined force transfer zone. Transfer of the insertion force to the leads at the level where the force is applied on the frame minimized deformation of the plastic frame. In view of the impedance matching considerations between pairs of leads of the previous paragraph, the leads at said predefined force transfer zone preferably have a reduced width.
In an embodiment of the invention, the frame of the board connector module comprises edges extending parallel to said leads and comprising one or more holding structures capable of interacting with corresponding complementary structures of a housing of a board connector. The embodiment allows retaining of the individual board connector modules into the board connector.
In an embodiment of the invention, the frame of the board connector module comprises edges extending parallel to the leads and one or more transverse bars located below said force application structure and extending between said edges substantially perpendicularly to said longitudinal direction substantially in the plane of said leads. These transverse bars may resist buckling of the leads. The risk of buckling of the leads exists especially in case of relatively long leads where the insertion force is transferred near the proximal ends of the leads, i.e. the ends of the leads not inserted into a circuit board. Advantageously, the frame comprises two or more transverse bars dividing said space in several portions that may be equal for instance. The equidistant transverse bars in the longitudinal direction increase buckling resistance along the leads. Preferably, the transverse bars comprise projections extending in a direction substantially perpendicularly to said plane of said leads. When such board connector modules are placed adjacently in a board connector housing, the projections of adjacent board connector modules may abut each other or leave only a small gap in between. Further, the projections may abut the inner walls of the housing. Buckling of the leads may then be further minimized by interaction of the projections. In view of the impedance matching considerations between adjacent pairs of leads described previously, the leads at said transverse bars preferably have a reduced width.
In an embodiment of the invention, the leads comprise press-fit board connection terminals for insertion in a circuit board on application of a force on said force application structure. Press-fit terminals of the leads typically require high insertion forces, whereas the invention allows such forces to be applied with a reduced impact on the deformation of the frame.
Preferably, the leads are separated by an air gap or another dielectric medium in said frame. The predefined force transfer zone of each lead comprises a transfer structure shaped such that said air gap between transfer structures of adjacent leads in said frame has a substantially uniform width.
In another aspect of the invention, a board connector module is provided comprising a frame accommodating an array of substantially parallel signal leads and ground leads extending in a longitudinal direction between board connection terminals capable of contacting a circuit board and mating terminals, wherein said frame comprises a force application structure for inserting said board connector module into a board and each of said leads comprises a predefined force transfer zone at substantially the same height in said longitudinal direction closer to said mating terminals than to said board connection terminals, said predefined force transfer zone being structured to transfer a force applied on said force application structure to said leads .
By providing the force application structure and the force transfer zone closer to the mating terminals, the force application structure is more easily accessible for a pressing tool. The transfer of the insertion force from the force application structure to the leads near the mating terminals further reduces the risks of deformation of the frame.
It should be appreciated that the embodiments discussed above, or aspects thereof, may be combined with this board connector.
In another aspect of the invention, a board connector module is provided comprising a frame accommodating an array of substantially parallel signal leads and ground leads extending in a longitudinal direction between press-fit board connection terminals for contacting a circuit board and mating terminals, wherein said frame comprises a force application bar for inserting said board connector module into a board, said bar extending substantially transverse to said longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the plane of said leads and wherein each of said leads comprises a predefined force transfer zone at substantially the same height as said force application bar closer to said mating terminals than to said press-fit board connection terminals, said predefined force transfer zone being structured to transfer a force applied on said force application structure to said leads .
Again, it should be appreciated that the embodiments discussed above, or aspects thereof, may be combined with this board connector.
The invention further relates to a board connector comprising a housing accommodating a plurality of substantially parallel arranged board connector modules as discussed above. Such a board connector, e.g. a header or a receptacle, is advantageously used in a mezzanine circuit board assembly with a relatively large distance between the base board and the mezzanine card.
Preferably, the frames of the board connector modules comprise holding structures capable of interacting with corresponding complementary structures of a housing of a board connector.
In an embodiment of the invention, the frame comprises edges extending parallel to said leads and one or more transverse bars extending between said edges substantially perpendicularly to said longitudinal direction substantially in the plane of said leads, said transverse bars comprising projections extending in a direction substantially perpendicularly to said plane of said leads such that projections of transverse bars of a frame of an adjacent board connector module abut with said projections or define a gap with said projections less than 0,1 mm, preferably less than 0,05 mm. Buckling of the leads may¬ be minimized by interaction of the protrusions of adjacent board connector modules.
The invention also relates to a mezzanine circuit board assembly comprising a first circuit board and a substantially parallel second circuit board, wherein at least one of said circuit boards comprises a board connector as described above.
Preferably, the first circuit board and second circuit board are provided at a distance in a range between 12-60 mm, preferably 14-45 mm, more preferably 14-30 mm.
The invention will be further illustrated with reference to the attached drawings, which schematically show a preferred embodiment according to the invention. It will be understood that the invention is not in any way restricted to this specific and preferred embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings :
Fig. 1 depicts a partially cutaway view of a mezzanine circuit board assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figs. 2A-2C show a board connector module according to an embodiment of the invention for the mezzanine circuit board assembly of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 shows a board connector in cross-section according to an embodiment of the invention with a plurality of board connector modules as shown in Figs. 2A-2C, and
Figs. 4A and 4B schematically illustrate leads with interrupted transverse bars .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 depicts a partially cutaway view of a mezzanine circuit board assembly 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The assembly 1 comprises a first circuit board or base board 2 and a second circuit board or mezzanine card 3 arranged at a distance of 14-30 mm (stack height SH) . The base board 2 and mezzanine card 3 may comprise several electronic components and circuit traces not shown in Fig. 1.
The base board 2 has inserted a board connector 4, hereinafter also referred to as header 4, comprising a housing 5 with a plurality of board connector modules 10 that will be described in further detail with reference to Figs. 2A-2C.
The mezzanine card 3 has a receptacle 6 configured to establish an electrical contact with the header 4 to allow signal transmission between the base board 2 and the mezzanine card 3. The receptacle has a housing 7.
The mating level ML is provided in a range of 5.5-21.5 mm. The board connector module 10 and board connector 4 are high speed board connectors enabling signal transfer in excess of 1 Gbit/s, preferably in excess of 2 Gbit/s, such as 10 Gbit/s or higher.
Figs: 2A-2C show a board connector module 10 in front view, in side view and in perspective view respectively.
The board connector module 10 has a frame 11 accommodating an array of substantially parallel signal leads S and ground leads G extending in a longitudinal direction L in a planar fashion. The leads S, G extend substantially vertical between a mating terminal M and a press-fit board connection terminal PF. However, it should be appreciated that the invention may be useful for other types of terminals as well. For example, for terminals (e.g. pin-in-paste terminals) inserted in substrates by automatic placing machines that may result in overpressing of one or more leads. The frame comprises a force application bar 12 for inserting the board connector module 10 into the base board 2 by application of a force F in the longitudinal direction L. The leads S, G comprise a predefined force transfer zone 13 structured to transfer the force F applied on the force application bar 12 to the leads S, G.
The leads S, G are separated by air as a dielectric medium. The leads S, G have a length in the range of 10-60 mm, such as 25 mm.
The frame 11 is a plastic frame manufactured e.g. of liquid crystal polymers (LCP' s). Apart from the force application bar 12, the frame 11 further comprises a lower bar 14 parallel to said force application bar 12 retaining the leads S, G. The frame 11 further has edges 15 extending between said force application bar 12 and said lower bar 14 in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L in the plane of the leads S, G. The force application bar 12, lower bar 14 and edges 15 define a frame space 16 that is essentially open apart from transverse bars 17 that will be discussed in detail below.
The air separation of the leads S, G and the substantially open frame space 16 provide an improved dielectric medium of air instead of plastic. It should be noted, however, that plastic, such as LCP's may be used as a dielectric medium as well.
The force application bar 12 tightly fits with the predefined force transfer structure 13 facilitating the transfer of a force from the force application bar 12 to the leads S, G at the transfer structure 13. The force application bar 12 is provided near the mating terminals M of the leads S, G such that the force application bar 12 is easily accessible for a pressing tool.
The force application bar 12 has a T-shape arranged such that the horizontal part is available for application of the force F, whereas the vertical leg is molded over the force transfer structure 13 to establish a tight shape fit.
The force transfer structures 13 have an undulating structure or cobra-shaped structure. It should be appreciated that alternative shapes for these force transfer structures can be envisaged wherein the cross-section of .the leads and the distance between adjacent leads remains substantially constant. The force transfer structures 13 have a reduced width as compared to the width W of the leads S, G in the free frame space 16 for impedance matching between lead pairs inside the plastic frame. Further, the force transfer structures 13 are shaped such that the air gap between transfer structures 13 of adjacent leads S7G in the frame 11 has a substantially uniform width.
The transverse bars 17 of the frame 11 extend between the edges 15 and cross the open frame space 16. Since the insertion force F is transferred to the leads S, G already at the force transfer structures 13, these transverse bars 17 act as a barrier against buckling of the leads S, G. The transverse bars are shown being transparent in Fig. 2A and partly transparent in Fig. 2C to show that the leads S, G are undercut, i.e. have a reduced width, at these bars 17 location to compensate for the presence of the plastic of the bars 17 in view of the impedance matching considerations mentioned above. The transverse bars 17 are located on the edges 15 in the longitudinal direction L such that the frame space 16 is divided in substantially equal por- 10
tions. It is noted that the number of transverse bars depends e.g. on the height of the board connector module 10 and the thickness of the leads S, G. A board connector module of 15 mm may e.g. have one transverse bar 17, whereas a board connector module of 40 mm may e.g. have two, three or four transverse bars. A board connector module of 15 mm with thick leads S, G may even require no bar, whereas a board connector module 10 of this height with very thin leads S, G may require a transverse bar 17.
It should further be appreciated that other anti- deflection structures 17 to prevent buckling of the leads have been envisaged, such as bars that cross the frame space 16 in a diagonal fashion
The transverse bars 17 have projections 18 extending in a direction substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the leads S, G. The function of these projections 18 will be discussed further with reference to Fig. 3.
Finally, the frame 11 has holding structures 19 adapted to cooperate with complementary structures in the housing 5 of the header 4.
Fig. 3 shows a board connector 4 in cross-section with a plurality of board connector modules 10 as shown in Figs. 2A- 2C in a housing 5.
The holding structures 19 of the board connector modules 10 cooperate with complementary structures 8 of the housing 5 for guiding and retaining the board connector modules 10. The holding structures 19 and complementary structures 8 may also function as polarization features. The housing 5 further has receiving structures or stops 20 for receiving the lower bars 14 of the frames 11 of the respective board connector modules 10. The arrangement of the board connector modules 10 is such that the T-shaped force application structures 12 are all positioned at the same height in the longitudinal direction such that the horizontal parts abut. As shown, the T-shaped force application structures 12 are easily accessible for application of an insertion force F to insert the press-fit board connection terminals PF into the base board 2 by a press tool (not shown) . 11
Clearly, the projections 18 of the transverse bars 17 of adjacent' board connector modules 10 abut. As shown, the projections 18 of the outer board connector modules 10 abut to the inner surface of the housing 5. If a lead S, G of a board connector module 10 deflects sideways, which is perpendicularly to the plane of leads S, G of a board connector module 10, on application of a force, • e.g. the insertion force F, the abutting projections 18 of adjacent board connector modules 10 resist the deflection of the leads. It should be appreciated, however, that the board connector module 10 according to the invention does not necessarily have such transverse bars 17 and/or such projections 18. It should further be noted that board connector modules 10 with and without projections 18 may be alternately inserted in the housing 5 of the header 4, wherein the projection 18 of a first board connector module 10 abuts with the transverse bar of an adjacent second board connector module 10. Further, it should be appreciated that the projections 18 not necessarily abut may leave a small gap in between.
Finally, it should be appreciated that the transverse bars 17 are not necessarily continuous bars, i.e. bars connecting- the edges 15 without being interrupted. Instead the transverse bars 17 may be interrupted, as schematically illustrated in Figs. 4A and 4B.
Figs. 4A and 4B schematically illustrate leads S, G and transverse bars 17 of a board connector module.
In Fig. 4A, a transverse bar piece 21 (shown by the bold line) is mounted on each of the undercut sections (shown by dashed lines) of the leads S7G. The transverse bars pieces 21 together form an interrupted transverse bar 17. The tranverse bar pieces 21 have projections 18 (not shown) that may abut with or have a small gap with the projections of an, possibly interrupted, transverse bar 17 of an adjacent board connector module 17.
In Fig. 4B, the leads S, G are not undercut but have a small hole (shown by the dashed circles) on which a transverse bar piece 21 (shown by the bold line) is mounted. The transverse bars pieces 21 together form an interrupted transverse bar 17. 12
Again, the tranverse bar pieces 21 have projections 18 (not shown) that may abut with or have a small gap with the projections of an, possibly interrupted, transverse bar 17 of an adjacent board connector module 17.

Claims

13CLAIMS
1. A board connector module (10) comprising a frame (11) accommodating an array of substantially parallel leads (S,
G) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) , wherein said frame comprises a force application structure (12) for inserting said module into a board and wherein one or more of said leads comprise a predefined force transfer zone (13) structured to transfer a force (F) applied on said force application structure to said leads .
2. The board connector module (10) according to claim 1, wherein said leads have a length in said longitudinal direction in a range between 10-60 mm, preferably 15-40 mm.
3. The board connector module (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said frame (11) is an essentially open frame.
4. The board connector module (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said force application structure comprises a force application bar (12) for inserting said module into a board, said bar extending substantially transverse to said longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the plane of said leads and being located at a height in said longitudinal direction substantially at said predefined force transfer zone (13) .
5. The board connector module (10) according to claim 4, wherein said leads at said predefined force transfer zone (13) have a reduced width.
6. The board connector module (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said frame (11) comprises edges (15) extending parallel to said leads and comprising one or more holding structures (19) capable of interacting with corresponding complementary structures (8) of a housing (5) of a board connector (4) .
7. The board connector module (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said frame (11) comprises edges (15) extending parallel to said leads and one or more transverse bars (17) located below said force application structure (12) and extending between said edges substantially 14
perpendicularly to said longitudinal direction and substantially parallel to the plane of said leads.
8. The board connector module (10) according to claim 7, wherein said transverse bars (17) comprise projections (18) extending in a direction substantially perpendicularly to said plane of said leads .
9. The board connector module (10) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein one or more of said leads has a reduced width at the height of said transverse bars .
10. The board connector module (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said frame (11) comprises a force application bar (12) and a further bar (14) parallel to said force application bar and edges (15) extending between said force application bar and said further bar in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (L) in the plane of said leads and wherein said force application bar, said further bar and said edges define a space (16) that is essentially open apart from one or more optional transverse bars (17) extending between said edges substantially parallel to said force application bar.
11. The board connector module (10) according to claim 10, wherein said frame comprises two or more transverse bars (17) dividing said space (16) in several portions.
12. The board connector module (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said leads comprise press- fit board connection terminals (PF) for insertion in a circuit board on application of a force (F) on said force application structure (12) .
13. The board connector module (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said leads (S, G) are separated by an air gap or another dielectric medium in said frame
(11) •
14. The board connector module (10) according to claim 13, wherein said predefined force transfer zone of each lead comprises a transfer structure (13) shaped such that said air gap between transfer structures of adjacent leads in said frame has a substantially uniform width. 15
15. A board connector module (10) comprising a frame (11) accommodating an array of substantially parallel leads (S,
G) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) between board connection terminals (PF) capable of contacting a circuit board (2) and mating terminals (M) , wherein said frame comprises a force application structure (12) for inserting said module into said circuit board and each of said leads comprises a predefined force transfer zone (13) at substantially, the same height in said longitudinal direction closer to said mating terminals than to said board connection terminals, said predefined force transfer zone being structured to transfer a force (F) applied on said force application structure to said leads.
16. The board connector module (10) according to claim 15, comprising one or more of the features as defined in one or more of the claims 2-14.
17. A board connector module (10) comprising a frame accommodating an array of substantially parallel leads (S, G) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) between press-fit board connection terminals (PF) for contacting a circuit board
(2) and mating terminals (M), wherein said frame comprises a force application bar (12) for inserting said module into a board, said bar extending substantially transverse to said longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the plane of said leads and wherein each of said leads comprises a predefined force transfer zone (13) at substantially the same height as said force application bar closer to said mating terminals than to said press-fit board connection terminals, said predefined force transfer zone being structured to transfer a force (F) applied on said force application structure to said leads.
18. The board connector module (10) according to claim 17, comprising one or more of the features as defined in one or more of the claims 2-15.
19. A board connector (4) comprising a housing (5) accommodating a plurality of substantially parallel arranged board connector modules (10) according to one or more of the claims 1- 18. 16
20. The board connector (4) according to claim 19, wherein said frames (11) of said modules (10) comprise structures (19) capable of interacting with corresponding complementary structures (8) of a housing (5) of a board connector.
21. The board connector (4) according to claim 19 or 20, wherein said frame (11) comprises edges (15) extending parallel to said leads and one or more transverse bars (17) extending between said edges substantially perpendicularly to said longitudinal direction (L) substantially parallel to the plane of said leads, said transverse bars comprising projections
(18) extending in a direction substantially perpendicularly to said plane of said leads such that projections of transverse bars of a frame of an adjacent board connector module (10) abut with said projections or define a gap with said projections less than 0.1 mm, preferably less than 0.05 mm.
22. A mezzanine circuit board assembly (1) comprising a first circuit board (2) and a substantially parallel second circuit board (3) , wherein at least one of said circuit boards comprises a board connector (4) according to one or more of the claims 19-21.
23. The mezzanine circuit board assembly (1) according to claim 22, wherein said first circuit board (2) and second circuit board (3) are provided at a distance in a range between 12-60 mm, preferably 14-45 mm, more preferably 15-30 mm.
PCT/EP2006/001692 2006-01-06 2006-01-06 Board connector module for mezzanine circuit board assemblies WO2007076902A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2006/001692 WO2007076902A1 (en) 2006-01-06 2006-01-06 Board connector module for mezzanine circuit board assemblies
TW096100527A TW200810248A (en) 2006-01-06 2007-01-05 Board connector module for mezzanine circuit board assemblies

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2006/001692 WO2007076902A1 (en) 2006-01-06 2006-01-06 Board connector module for mezzanine circuit board assemblies

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2007076902A1 true WO2007076902A1 (en) 2007-07-12

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ID=36889257

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2006/001692 WO2007076902A1 (en) 2006-01-06 2006-01-06 Board connector module for mezzanine circuit board assemblies

Country Status (2)

Country Link
TW (1) TW200810248A (en)
WO (1) WO2007076902A1 (en)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000010233A2 (en) * 1998-08-12 2000-02-24 Robinson Nugent, Inc. Connector apparatus
US20030232527A1 (en) * 2002-06-13 2003-12-18 Shuey Joseph B. Connector for mounting to mating connector, and shield therefor
US6776659B1 (en) * 2003-06-26 2004-08-17 Teradyne, Inc. High speed, high density electrical connector
EP1502326B1 (en) * 2002-05-06 2005-11-02 Molex Incorporated High-speed differential signal connector

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000010233A2 (en) * 1998-08-12 2000-02-24 Robinson Nugent, Inc. Connector apparatus
EP1502326B1 (en) * 2002-05-06 2005-11-02 Molex Incorporated High-speed differential signal connector
US20030232527A1 (en) * 2002-06-13 2003-12-18 Shuey Joseph B. Connector for mounting to mating connector, and shield therefor
US6776659B1 (en) * 2003-06-26 2004-08-17 Teradyne, Inc. High speed, high density electrical connector

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