Serial-to-ethernet conversion port

Abstract

The present invention relates to a serial-to-Ethernet modular converter jack and a method of fabricating of the same. The serial-to-Ethernet converter electronic components, including the control software stored in on-board memory, are miniaturized and housed entirely in an RJ-45 jack. The present invention is constructed of a shielded housing that defines an open front portion for a connector port. The housing of the present invention also includes a segregated interior chamber, which encases all of the electrical components necessary to complete a serial-to-Ethernet conversion of data. Lead pins electrically connected to the circuitry within the interior chamber, protrude from the based of the connector jack providing for a means to mate the jack to a circuit board. First, second and third circuit boards collectively incorporate the serial-to-Ethernet circuitry components. Both the first circuit board incorporating magnetic circuitry and the second circuit board incorporating control circuitry are positioned in generally horizontal parallel relation within the interior chamber. The second circuit board which defines opposed sides includes electronic components disposed upon the upper and lower of both sides of the second circuit board. The third circuit board, incorporating connections to the LEDs, is positioned generally perpendicular in relation to the first and second circuit boards and is structurally connected to the first and second circuit boards, additionally providing an electrical connection between the first and second boards. Alternative embodiments of the invention are disclosed and include various arrangement of the serial-to-Ethernet circuitry within the interior chamber of the housing.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.