Circuit card interface system

Abstract

A circuit card interface system of minimized vertical clearance, capable of interfacing one or more circuit cards to a relatively small space on a mother board. The interface system includes an interfacing connector assembly and at least one stacking connector assembly, each adapted to receive a circuit card. The conductors of the interfacing connector assembly are coupled to a substrate such as a mother board. The interfacing connector assembly can be used alone or with one or more electrically interconnected stacking connector assemblies. Rapid electrical attachment of each stacking connector assembly is accomplished by mating a cooperating portion of the stacking connector assembly with a portion of the underlying interfacing connector assembly. A separable header connector assembly 204 is attachable to a metal frame 202 comprising rails for receiving the circuit card. The separable header is attached via a metal latch with an opening 224 that engages a plastic boss 222. A center mounted ejection lever mechanism facilitates removal of the installed circuit card. The ejection lever mechanism includes a reversible ejection lever 206 and push arm 210 which, in conjunction with symmetrical rails 212, 214 , enables left or right hand mounting of the ejection lever.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.