Electrical connectors – With insulation other than conductor sheath – Plural-contact coupling part
Reexamination Certificate
2001-12-31
2003-04-29
Bradley, P. Austin (Department: 2833)
Electrical connectors
With insulation other than conductor sheath
Plural-contact coupling part
C439S079000, C439S059000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06554654
ABSTRACT:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not applicable.
STATEMENTS REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to connectors for circuit boards, and more particularly to a multi-pin edge connector assembly for electrically connecting one circuit board to another circuit board.
2. Description of the Related Art
High speed connectors require low loss, low crosstalk, controlled impedance, and minimum physical size. Available connectors designed to operate above 1 GHz typically include embedded transmission line structures. In some cases, a coaxial transmission line is created at considerable cost. In other cases, stripline structures are created with multiple ground planes and segregate signal pins. These approaches create complex structures which are inherently costly and physically large.
It would therefore be desirable to provide a connector that has a relatively small profile and is relatively low in cost, yet capable of meeting the requirements of today's high speed connectors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention, a multi-pin edge connector assembly comprises a circuit board and an edge connector adapted for connection to the circuit board. The circuit board has opposite sides and a connection edge extending between the opposite sides. A plurality of vias with conductive surfaces are formed in the circuit board adjacent the connection edge. The edge connector has a plurality of electrically conductive pins. Each pin includes a first end for electrically contacting one of the conductive surfaces and a second end that projects beyond the connection edge. A retainer is adapted for connection to the circuit board for holding the pins in electrical contact with the conductive surfaces.
According to a further aspect of the invention, a multi-pin edge connector assembly comprises a circuit board and an edge connector mounted to the circuit board. The circuit board has opposite sides and a connection edge extending between the opposite sides. A plurality of vias with conductive surfaces are formed in the circuit board adjacent the connection edge. A plurality of openings are also formed in the circuit board, with each opening extending from the connection edge to one of the vias. The edge connector comprises a plurality of electrically conductive pins. Each pin has a first end in electrical contact with one of the conductive surfaces, a second end that projects beyond the connection edge, and a middle portion located between the ends and positioned in one of the openings. A retainer is mounted to the circuit board for holding the pins in electrical contact with the conductive surfaces.
According to an even further aspect of the invention, a multi-pin edge connector assembly for connecting a daughter board to a mother board, for example, comprises a plurality of vias with conductive surfaces that are formed in the daughter board adjacent a connection edge. A plurality of openings are also formed in the daughter board, with each opening extending from the connection edge to one of the vias. A plurality of electrically conductive pins are positioned in the openings. Each pin has a first end in electrical contact with one of the conductive surfaces and a second end that projects beyond the connection edge for electrically contacting conductive pads or surfaces on the mother board. A retainer is mounted to the daughter board for holding the pins thereon.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5256073 (1993-10-01), Reymond et al.
patent: 6388202 (2002-05-01), Swirbel et al.
Miller Joseph P.
Stoddard D. Joseph
Wright Mitchel
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld & LLP
Bradley P. Austin
Gilman Alexander
Hewlett--Packard Development Company, L.P.
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