Patent ID: 6833696
Filing Date: 2004-12-21
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A system for connecting a first plurality of signal lines to a second plurality of signals lines, comprising:a device-under test (DUT) assembly comprising a DUT board having a plurality of spine assemblies disposed thereon out of a plane of the DUT board, each spine assembly having a first outer face, a second outer face, and a first plurality of contacts on at least one of the first and second outer faces in electrical contact with a subset of the first signal lines, the DUT assembly also including a first mechanical alignment feature; and a connector assembly comprising a plurality of clamping assemblies corresponding to and arranged to receive the plurality of spine assemblies, each clamping assembly comprising a first inner face, a second inner face substantially parallel to the first inner face, and a second plurality of contacts on at least one of the first and second inner faces in electrical contact with a subset of the second signal lines, each clamping assembly being independently suspended within the connector assembly and including a second mechanical alignment feature; wherein the second contacts of each clamping assembly align with the first contacts of the corresponding spine assembly through interaction of the first and second mechanical alignment features, and wherein electrical connections between the first and second contacts are formed when the first and second inner faces of each clamping assembly are clamped to the first and second outer faces of the corresponding spine assembly, thereby electrically connecting the first and second signal lines.