System interface assembly and method

US6462573B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• International Business Machines Corporation · US

Inventors

• Michael F. McAllister · Clintondale, US
• Klaus Kempter · Freising, DE
• Charles F. Pells · Wappingers Falls, US
• Stephan Richter · Neubiberg, DE
• Gerhard Ruehle · Sindelfingen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 16, 2000
• Grant date: Oct 8, 2002
• Expiry date: Mar 16, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01R1/045
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method and apparatus of interconnecting with a system board is presented. A system board having a metal stiffener mounted thereon is provided with an opening in the stiffener to provide access to an area of interest on the system board. A probe test assembly is positioned at the opening and secured to the stiffener when testing is desired to provide access to the pins of the device under test (e.g., a Multi Chip Module (MCM) on the system board). Alternatively, a system enhancement device, such as a MCM or Single Chip Module (SCM) having additional Central Processing Units (CPU's) or other features, may be installed on the system board at the opening in the stiffener to enhance the function of the system board. Another alternate includes an interface assembly positioned at the opening in the stiffener. A cover is positioned at the opening and secured to the stiffener at all other times.