Space transformer connector printed circuit board assembly
AssigneeQUALCOMM Incorporated
InventorsJames L. Blair, David W. Waite, Ashish Lohiya, Saritha Narra, Jeffrey T. Smith, Arvid G. Sammuli
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Space transformer connectors for coupling printed circuit boards and/or other electrical connections are disclosed. A scalar design of a multilayer space transformer connector allows for a variety of pad-array field connections. A conductive elastomer interface provides for repeated and consistent coupling and decoupling of the space transformer connector.
Claims50
A space transformer connector formed of a multilayer printed circuit board (PCB) comprising:
- a plurality of ground planes separated by layers of dielectric material in the PCB;
- a plurality of conductive vias extending at least partially through the PCB;
- a pad-array field having a plurality of contact pads located on opposing surfaces of the PCB, which are coupled to the conductive vias;
- and
- at least one coaxial mount for alignment and mounting, wherein the coaxial mount is located adjacent the pad-array field.
An assembly comprising:
- a daughter card coupled to a device-under-test (DUT) configured to distribute signals from the DUT to a first contact array;
- a mother board having a second contact array;
- a space transformer connector formed of a multilayer printed circuit board (PCB) having a connector portion comprising:
- a plurality of ground planes separated by layers of dielectric material in the PCB;
- a first pad-array field having a plurality of contact pads located on a first surface of the PCB configured to couple to the first contact array;
- a second pad-array field having a plurality of contact pads located on a second surface of the PCB configured to couple to the second contact array;
- a plurality of conductive vias extending at least partially through the PCB to couple the first and second pad-array fields;
- and
- at least one coaxial mount for alignment and mounting, wherein the coaxial mount is located adjacent the first and second pad-array fields;
- a first conductive elastomer disposed over the first pad-array field, wherein the first conductive elastomer is configured to electrically couple the first pad-array field to the first contact array;
- and
- a second conductive elastomer disposed over the second pad-array field, wherein the second conductive elastomer is configured to electrically couple the second pad-array field to the second contact array.
A space transformer connector formed of a multilayer printed circuit board (PCB) comprising:
- means for providing ground connections separated by layers of dielectric a dielectric means in the PCB;
- means for providing electrical conductivity extending at least partially through the PCB;
- means for providing electrical contact having a plurality of contact pads located on opposing surfaces of the PCB, which are coupled to the means for providing electrical conductivity;
- and
- means for aligning and mounting in an integrated unit, wherein the means for aligning and mounting is located adjacent means for providing electrical contact.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.