Patch Panel Assembly For Use With Data Networks

A patch panel assembly for operatively interconnecting a plurality of work area outlets on a data network to at least one network component, the patch panel assembly comprising:

• a face panel including a plurality of openings disposed therein, the openings defining connection ports for inserting plug connectors therein, the second openings being operatively associated with a plurality of visual indicators for selectively indicating at least one connection port on the face panel;
• a primary circuit board having first and second opposing surfaces, the primary circuit board including a plurality of first connectors supported thereby, the first connectors having receptacle openings disposed therein that are adapted to receive the plug connectors therein, said first connectors being arranged upon the primary circuit board first surface in alignment with the face panel openings, said first connectors further including connector housing portions projecting away from said primary circuit board first surface to define an open space adjacent to said first connector housings and adjacent to said primary circuit board first surface;
• a secondary circuit board having first and second opposing surfaces, the secondary circuit board being smaller than said primary circuit board, said secondary circuit board being disposed in the open space adjacent to said first connectors, the secondary circuit board being spaced away from said primary circuit board such that the secondary circuit board second surface confronts said primary circuit board first surface to define a hollow, protective nest therebetween and underneath said first connector housings;
• a plurality of integrated circuits disposed within said hollow nest on at least one of said primary circuit board first and said secondary circuit board second surfaces;
• and
• a cover for at least partially enclosing said primary and secondary circuit boards.

A patch panel for use in a data network, comprising:

• first and second elongated circuit boards, the second circuit board being smaller than the first circuit board, said second circuit board being mounted to said second circuit board by spacers so that said first and second circuit boards are spaced apart from each other, lengthwise, by an intervening space;
• said first and second circuit boards including respective first and second mounting surfaces that confront each other lengthwise and define sidewalls of the intervening space;
• a plurality of electronic elements supported by at least one of said first and second mounting surfaces;
• and
• a plurality of first connectors supported by said first circuit board on said first mounting surface, the first connectors extending away from said first mounting surface and over said intervening space.