Slot for mechanically detecting the presence of a computer card
US5991158A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 26, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 23, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 26, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05K7/1414
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A switch is disclosed for indicating that a computer card is installed in an expansion slot of a computer. A conductive strip attaches to an end wall of the slot and deforms when a computer card is installed. A conductive contact is provided in the wall of the slot to complete an electrical connection when the conductive strip is deformed. The strip connects electrically to a conductor that is passively driven high by a voltage source and pull-up resistor. The contact connects electrically to ground, so that when the computer card causes the strip to touch the contact, the voltage on conductor is driven low, providing an indication to associated circuitry that a card is present in the slot. A pair of switches may be used to provide repetitive signals indicating a card is present. If only one switch is closed, the computer may indicate to the user that a card has been installed improperly, or contaminants are present in the slot.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.