Patent · US Expired

Method of manufacturing a high density connector system

US5276964A · kind A · utility

60Cited by
6References
5Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 11, 1993
Grant dateJan 11, 1994
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 11, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T29/53191
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

There is disclosed a high density electronic connector system in which a plastic insulating body supports on one or more levels a plurality of conductive circuit traces. Output contacts to these traces are provided by small metal balls. The metal balls are driven into tight contact with respective ones of the conductive traces and captivated by the plastic body. The balls are covered with gold and provide miniature, wear resistant closely spaced output contacts in the connector system. A ball may contact conductive traces on two levels of the insulating body and thereby provide an electrical connection between conductive traces. A method of manufacture of the connector system includes the steps of heating the plastic body to an elevated temperature, and driving the small metal balls through or against a respective conductive trace and into the plastic body which thereby captivates it. The conductive traces may be solder plated. After a ball is seated in contact with a conductive trace, the solder plating may be reflowed.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.