Circuit board side interconnect
US6345989B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 4, 2000 |
| Grant date | Feb 12, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 4, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05K2201/10378
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The circuit traces of a circuit board extend to and usually outward from a side surface of the board for direct connection to contacts of a mating connector, circuit board or device. The contact portions of the traces are the end surfaces of the traces which in one embodiment extend outward of the plane of the associated side surface of the circuit board. The contact portion may be of greater cross-sectional area than that of the associated trace to provide a contact area of intended size. The contact portion of a trace may be plated with gold or other appropriate conductive material to enhance conductivity and prevent or minimize oxidation or corrosion. Interconnection to the contact portions of the traces is provided by mating contacts which respectively engage the contact and surfaces of the traces. Preferably, the mating contacts are resilient conductive columns or elements which are maintained in engagement with the contact ends by suitable hardware.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.