US 6,178,629 B2 · Method of utilizing a replaceable chip module

Abstract

A replaceable chip module for electrically connecting one or more first circuit members to a second circuit member. The replaceable chip module includes a module housing has a plurality of device sites each capable of receiving at least one first circuit member. A first connector is located in each of the device sites. The first connector includes one or more first contact members having a first compliant member defining a first circuit interface engageable with the first circuit member, a resilient, dielectric encapsulating material defining a second compliant member surrounding a portion of the first contact member, the first and second compliant members providing a first mode of compliance, and at least one end stop positioned to engage with the first contact member in a second mode of compliance. A second connector is positioned to electrically connect the first connector to the second circuit member. A third electrical connector can optionally be provided for electrically connecting the second circuit member to a third circuit member.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A method of utilizing a replaceable chip module for multiple phases in a life of a first circuit member, comprising the steps of:

locating a plurality of first circuit members in device sites in a module housing,
compressing the first circuit members into the device site to form a first circuit interface with a first connector, the first connector comprising a rigid contact member positioned generally within the module housing having first and second circuit interface portions, a first resilient, dielectric encapsulating material comprising a first compliant member surrounding at least a portion of the contact member, the encapsulating material providing a first mode of compliance when the contact member is displaced by a circuit member, and a second resilient material comprising a second compliant member interposed between the rigid connector member and the housing, the first and second compliant members providing a second mode of compliance;
locating a second connector on the module housing electrically connected to the first connector;
electrically connecting the second connector with a second circuit member;
electrically disconnecting the second connector from the second circuit member;
and
electrically connecting the second connector with a third circuit member.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method of utilizing a replaceable chip module

Life of this patent

Method of utilizing a replaceable chip module

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11