DVI-compatible multi-pole double-throw mechanical switch

The An n-pole double-throw switch, comprising:

• a first plurality of n contacts;
• a second plurality of n contacts;
• a third plurality of n contacts;
• a coupler having a first position for electrically coupling ‘n’ respective contacts of the first plurality of contacts with ‘n’ corresponding contacts of the second plurality of contacts, and having a second position for electrically coupling the ‘n’ respective contacts of the first plurality of contacts with ‘n’ corresponding contacts of the third plurality of contacts, wherein the coupler is movable along a linear axis to move between the first position and second position;
• and
• means for guiding the coupler along a linear path.

A multi-pole switching apparatus having a mechanical throw, comprising:

• a first connector having a first plurality of contacts and a second plurality of contacts, wherein for each one pole of the multiple-pole switch there is contact among the first plurality of contacts and a corresponding contact among the second plurality of contacts of the first connector;
• a second connector having a first plurality of contacts and a second plurality of contacts, wherein for each one pole of the multiple-pole switch there is contact among the first plurality of contacts and a corresponding contact among the second plurality of contacts of the second connector;
• and
• a conductor array having a plurality of conductive paths, each one path of the plurality of conductive paths having multiple contacts, wherein for each one pole of the multiple-pole switch there is at least one conductive path among the plurality of conductive paths;
• wherein at least one of the conductor array, first connector and second connector are movable;
• wherein the switching apparatus has a first throw in which contacts at the conductor array are brought into electrical communication with the first connector in manner bringing each one contact of the first plurality of contacts of the first connector into electrical communication with said each one contact's corresponding contact of the second plurality of contacts of the first connector;
• wherein the switching apparatus has a second throw in which contacts at the conductor array are brought into electrical communication with the second connector in a manner bringing each one contact of the first plurality of contacts of the second connector into electrical communication with said each one contact's corresponding contact of the second plurality of contacts of the second connector;
• wherein a change of the switching apparatus between the first throw and the second throw is achieved by a linear motion.

A multi-pole switch, comprising:

• a printed circuit board having a plurality of conductive traces;
• a first device connector coupled the printed circuit board, the first conductor having a plurality of terminals respectively coupled to a plurality of first conductive traces of the printed circuit board;
• a second device connector coupled the printed circuit board, the second conductor having a plurality of terminals respectively coupled to a plurality of second conductive traces of the printed circuit board;
• a third device connector coupled the printed circuit board, the third conductor having a plurality of terminals respectively coupled to a plurality of third conductive traces of the printed circuit board;
• a movable connector coupled to the printed circuit board, the movable connector having a plurality of terminals respectively coupled to the plurality of first conductive traces;
• a first header connector coupled to the printed circuit board, the first header connector having a plurality of terminals respectively coupled to the plurality of second conductive traces;
• a second header connector coupled to the printed circuit board, the second header connector having a plurality of terminals respectively coupled to the plurality of third conductive traces;
• wherein the movable connector has a first position for engaging the first header connector with the plurality of first conductive traces being electrically coupled to the plurality of second conductive traces, and a second position for engaging the second header connector with the plurality of first conductive traces being electrically coupled to the plurality of third conductive traces.

A multi-pole switch having a mechanical throw, the switch comprising:

• a printed circuit board having a plurality of conductive traces;
• a first DVI connector coupled the printed circuit board, the first conductor having a plurality of terminals respectively coupled to a plurality of first conductive traces of the printed circuit board;
• a second DVI connector coupled the printed circuit board, the second conductor having a plurality of terminals respectively coupled to a plurality of second conductive traces of the printed circuit board;
• a third DVI connector coupled the printed circuit board, the third conductor having a plurality of terminals respectively coupled to a plurality of third conductive traces of the printed circuit board;
• a first header connector coupled to the printed circuit board, the first header connector having a first plurality of terminals respectively coupled to the plurality of first conductive traces and a second plurality of terminals respectively coupled to the plurality of second conductive traces;
• a second header connector coupled to the printed circuit board, the second header connector having a first plurality of terminals respectively coupled to the plurality of first conductive traces and a second plurality of terminals respectively coupled to the plurality of third conductive traces;
• a movable array having a first position in which the first DVI connector is electrically coupled to the second DVI connector and having a second position in which the first DVI connector is electrically coupled to the third DVI connector, wherein each one of a plurality of poles of the multi-pole switch corresponds to a terminal of the first DVI connector.