High density connector system
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorsHerbert R. Anderson, Jr., Arthur Bross, Julian G. Cempa, Robert O. Lussow, Donald E. Myers, Thomas J. Walsh
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Abstract
There is disclosed a high density electronic connector system in which a plastic insulating body supports on one or more levels a plurality of conductive circuit traces. Output contacts to these traces are provided by small metal balls. The metal balls are driven into tight contact with respective ones of the conductive traces and captivated by the plastic body. The balls are covered with gold and provide miniature, wear resistant closely spaced output contacts in the connector system.
Claims14
An electronic connector system comprising:
- a body of plastic insulating material;
- a plurality of conductive traces supported by the body;
- a plurality of pieces of metal seated in mechanical and electrical engagement with respective ones of the conductive traces and captivated by surrounding portions of the plastic insulating material;
- and
- spring contacts adapted to bear against exposed portions of the respective metal pieces with a desired contact force.
An electronic connector system comprising:
- a body of plastic insulating material;
- a plurality of thin metal conductive traces supported on two levels by the body;
- a plurality of small metal balls seated in mechanical and electrical engagement with respective ones of the conductive traces on two levels, the balls being captivated by surrounding portions of the plastic insulating material, respective ones of the balls providing electrical connections between the two levels of conductive traces;
- and
- spring contacts adapted to bear against exposed portions of the respective balls with a desired contact force.
An electronic connector system comprising:
- a body of plastic insulating material;
- a plurality of thin metal conductive traces bonded to the body;
- a plurality of small metal balls having exposed portions and piercing respective ones of the conductive traces and projecting into the plastic body and being captivated thereby;
- and
- spring contacts adapted to bear against exposed portions of the respective balls with a desired contact force.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.