Circuit link connector

Certain embodiments provide a power distribution unit that may be used to distribute power to a plurality of electronic devices. The power distribution unit may have one or more outlet gangs, integral components having a plurality of individual power outlets. Each outlet gang may be associated with one or more power rails which deliver power to each power outlet. A connector may be located on each power rail. The power distribution unit may include a circuit link interconnection board for connection to one or more electronic components, such as outlet gangs. A circuit link is coupled to the circuit link interconnection board and fuseably protects at least one circuit of the interconnection board. Access windows may be provided to provide access to the circuit link.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to circuit link connectors. Certain embodiments provide power distribution apparatus utilizing such circuit link connectors.

BACKGROUND

Electronic equipment racks commonly consist of rectangular or box-shaped housings or rack structures. Electronic equipment is commonly mountable in such racks so that the various electronic components are aligned vertically one on top of the other in the rack. Often, multiple racks are oriented side-by-side, with each rack containing numerous electronic components and having substantial quantities of associated component wiring located both within and outside of the area occupied by the racks.

Power distribution units have long been utilized to supply power to the equipment in such racks. Power distribution units have also been designed to allow a user to remotely monitor and control the power distribution unit or devices attached to the power distribution unit. Examples of such power distribution units can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,506,573, 5,949,947, and 6,711,613.

One particularly common such power distribution unit consists of an elongated box housing that has one or more power inputs penetrating the housing and a number of power outputs extending along the longitudinal face of the unit. This power distribution unit is designed to mount vertically adjacent or secured to the external rear side of a rack. In this fashion, the power supplied to the unit is then distributed through horizontally extending power outputs to the, typically, horizontally co-aligned electronic components mounted in the rack. An example of such a prior power distribution unit is sold under the trademark POWER TOWER by Server Technology, Inc., of Reno, Nev.

As previously stated, each power distribution unit typically contains a number of power outputs and at least one power input. The power distribution units may also contain other electronic components, such as fuses and monitoring devices. Typically, all of these electronic components must be wired together, which can create numerous problems and inefficiencies.

One such problem is that the size of the electronic components and the associated wiring may limit the dimensions and shape of the housing. A housing having a certain minimum size usually is required merely to hold the electronic components and wiring of the power distribution unit. The size of the housing can limit the locations in which the power distribution unit can be mounted. For example, the power distribution unit may be too large for certain spaces. The size of the components and wiring may limit how many and what kind of components can be included in a power distribution unit. The housing typically must be sized such that the various electronic components do not make undesired contact with each other.

Another problem with such prior art power distribution units is that they often require substantial time and effort to assemble because each electronic component is typically individually mounted in the housing. Furthermore, each electronic component is typically individually wired with line, neutral, and ground connections. The cost to build such power distribution units may be influenced by material costs that are partially determined by factors such as the size of the housing, the amount of wiring in each power distribution unit, and the amount of other materials, such as solder, needed to assemble each power distribution unit. In addition to possibly requiring greater assembly time, the numerous parts and connections in typical prior art power distribution units may result in a greater number of errors during the manufacturing process or a greater chance of equipment failure once the power distribution units are in use.

Another problem with some prior art power distribution units stems from the fuses or other devices that are typically used to protect the power distribution unit and attached electronic devices against current fluctuations. Often, the fuses may only be checked and replaced by removing the power distribution unit from a rack and opening the power distribution unit. In addition to possibly being time consuming and labor intensive, opening up the unit may violate a warranty on the unit.

Many standards setting organizations, certifying bodies, and codes are requiring branched circuit protection. That is, power outlets may be arranged in groups or “branches,” each of which must be separately fused. Branched circuit protection may result in an increased number of fuses in each power distribution unit, thus potentially increasing the size of, and the amount of wiring in, the power distribution unit.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure related to a circuit link interconnection board. Certain embodiments provide a power distribution unit constructed using at least one circuit link interconnection board.

In a first embodiment, the circuit link interconnection board includes at least one circuit link. A plurality of contacts are located on the circuit link interconnection board. A first portion of the plurality of contacts may place the circuit link interconnection board in communication with at least a first electrical component.

In a second embodiment, a second portion of the plurality of contacts may place the circuit link interconnection board in communication with at least a second electronic component. In the case of an electrical abnormality, such as a current spike, the circuit link interconnection board will open a circuit, interrupting communication with the first or second electronic components.

In a third embodiment, the circuit link interconnection board is connected to a power source. Power from the power source, such as AC line power, may be transmitted to the first or second electrical components through the circuit link interconnection board. In additional embodiments, the circuit link interconnection board may carry electrical signals which may represent data.

In a fourth embodiment, the first electronic component is a ganged power outlet. In a fifth embodiment, the first and second electronic components are ganged power outlets. Ganged power outlets are single electronic components that contain a plurality of individual power outlets. The outlet gang includes at least one power rail coupled to the individual power outlets. The power rail may be connected to each individual power outlet in the outlet gang in order to deliver power, such as AC line power, to each individual power outlet. The power rail may have a connector at least at one end. In certain embodiments, the power rail has connectors at two ends.

Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide power distribution units having reduced amounts of wiring. Wiring reduction can occur in a number of ways. First, in certain embodiments, electronic components are connected to power supplies or circuit links (such as fuses or circuit breakers) through the circuit link interconnection board. The use of the circuit link interconnection board can obviate the need for discreetly wiring each electronic component.

Similarly, in further embodiments, the electronic components are directly connected to the interconnection board. Direct connection of the electronic components to the interconnection board may eliminate the need to use discrete wires to connect the electronic components to the circuit link interconnection board.

Power distribution units having reduced wiring may provide a number of advantages. For example, the size of a power distribution unit may be reduced because each outlet no longer need necessarily be connected by standard wires. Because of the reduced number of parts, these embodiments may provide other benefits, such as faster assembly, fewer assembly errors, enhanced reliability, and easier repair and service.

In addition, the potential compactness of certain embodiments may allow additional electronic components to be added to the power distribution unit without significantly increasing the size of the housing. Also, the modular nature of circuit link interconnection boards and outlet gangs may allow easier repair or replacement of components of the power distribution unit.

In a sixth embodiment, the circuit link interconnection board comprises a fuse holder. In a seventh embodiment, the circuit link interconnection board includes a plurality of fuse holders. A fuse may be coupled to the fuse holders of the sixth and seventh embodiments.

In an eighth embodiment, the circuit link interconnection board includes a plurality of circuit links and is in power supply communication with a plurality of electrical devices. The electrical devices are connected to the interconnection board in a plurality of branches, each of the branches being protected by at least one circuit link.

In a ninth embodiment, an indicator is provided to display the status of a circuit link. In at least one embodiment, the indicator is coupled to the circuit link interconnection board. For example, an LED may be connected a particular circuit protected by a circuit link and normally lit when the circuit is closed. If the circuit link is tripped, such as when a fuse is blown, the LED will be turned off, indicating that the circuit is open.

In a tenth embodiment, the circuit link interconnection board is a printed circuit board having a plurality of layers. One or more layers of the printed circuit board may transmit a particular electrical component. For example, in AC line power transmission, one layer may correspond to an AC line connection and another layer may correspond to an AC neutral connection. Other layers could be used for a ground connection or to transmit other electrical signals, including communication signals.

Using an entire layer of a circuit board to transmit an electrical component may allow a larger amount of the electrical component, such as a component of AC line power, to be transmitted using the circuit board. The relatively large transmission capacity of the layers of the circuit board may allow the circuit board to function as an assembly of wires.

In an eleventh embodiment, the circuit link interconnection board is similar to the circuit link interconnection board of the tenth embodiment but includes at least one layer formed in a plurality of sublayers. An insulating barrier may separate each sublayer. Accordingly, each sublayer may be used to transmit a different electrical component, such as a component of AC line power or data. The use of a power connection board having a layer formed in a plurality of sublayers may allow the power connection board to have fewer layers, to transmit more electrical components, and/or be attached to a greater number of electrical parts. The size of the sublayer is preferably sufficiently large to allow effective transmission of the particular electric component.

In a twelfth embodiment, the interconnection board may allow connections to electronic components to be made in varying configurations. For example, certain embodiments of the invention may provide two electrical parts in a back to back configuration, with the interconnection board intermediate the electrical parts. If standard wires were used, the wires would need to cross in order to properly connect the electrical parts. The crossed wires may make the assembly of the power distribution unit more complex and may require more space in the housing. Using the interconnection board, this configuration (the crossing of the connection) can be made internal, requiring no modification of the housing or in how the power distribution units are assembled.

In a thirteenth embodiment, the circuit link interconnection board is disposed in a power distribution unit having circuit link access openings. The circuit link access openings may allow access to, or visual inspection of, circuit links of the circuit link interconnection board. In certain embodiments, an operator may reset the circuit link, such as by replacing a fuse or resetting a circuit breaker, without having to remove or disassemble the power distribution unit. The access openings may be covered, including by transparent windows or by protective coverings such as metal or plastic plates.

In a fourteenth embodiment, the circuit link interconnection board includes a ground connection for a circuit of the circuit link interconnection board. A fastener opening may be formed in the circuit link interconnection board and in communication with the circuit. A fastener may be inserted through the fastener opening and coupled to a ground, such as the housing of a power distribution unit. The use of the fastener as a ground connection may reduce the wiring requirements of power distribution units according to this embodiment because this embodiment may obviate wiring a separate ground connection.

It is to be understood that this Summary of the Invention lists various aspects of various embodiments of the present invention. Additional aspects of the present invention will become apparent as this specification proceeds.

It is also to be understood that all features noted above need not be included in a given embodiment and that not all deficiencies noted in the prior art need be overcome by a given embodiment in order for it to fall within the scope of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A power distribution apparatus (PDA)100according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIG. 1. The PDA100may be mounted to a rack (not shown). The PDA100has a housing104. The housing104may be of any suitable dimensions. The housing104is preferably sized for mounting to a rack. The housing104is shown as a rectangular box having longitudinally extending front106and back108(FIG. 3) faces, two longitudinally extending lateral sides110, a first end112, and a second end114. Of course, shapes other than rectangular boxes could be used.

The housing104is made of a substantially rigid and durable material, such as metals or plastics, including polycarbonate resins. In at least one embodiment, the housing104is made of sheet metal.

Two power inputs116are coupled to the housing104. Although two power inputs116are shown, more or less power inputs116could be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the power inputs116are connected through the front face106of the housing104, proximate the first end112of the housing104. The power inputs116may be connected to a power supply (not shown), such as an AC line power supply, to provide a desired level of power to one or more electrical appliances (not shown). The power inputs116may be adapted to employ single phase power or polyphase power, such as double or triple-phase power. In embodiments employing multiphase power, multiphase power may be provided to attached electrical devices. In other embodiments, the phases are resolved and a single phase is delivered to attached electrical devices.

The housing104may have one or more outlet apertures124(FIGS. 4 and 5) through which a plurality of power outlets128extend. The apertures124are rectangular openings in the front face106of the housing104. One or more power outlets128may represent a discrete power unit, or “branch”132. Each branch132may be independently supplied with power, provided with circuit protection (such as a fuse), monitored, controlled, or wired.

In certain embodiments, including the embodiment ofFIG. 1, the power outlets128are part of a ganged power outlet130. A ganged power outlet130is a module having a plurality of electrical outlets128. The ganged power outlets130may be integral components. The ganged outlets130are type 0909 ganged outlets available from Shurter, Inc., of Santa Rosa, Calif. Other types of ganged outlets may be used, including those disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/653,577, filed Feb. 15, 2005 and entitled “GANGED OUTLET APPARATUS,” by Andrew J. Cleveland, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The ganged outlets130are shown as generally linear arrangements of outlets128, which may be arranged in columns or rows. Each branch132may include one or more ganged outlets130and/or outlets128. As shown, two ganged outlets130are placed side-by-side, providing two columns of outlets128longitudinally extending down the front face106of the PDA100.

The ganged outlets130may be configured to deliver the same or different amounts and types of power to their corresponding power outlets128and their associated electronic components. For example, one ganged outlet130may provide 120V, 20 A power while another ganged outlet130may provide 240V, 50 A power. Other ganged outlets130may operate at 208V. In addition, the ganged outlets130may have varying numbers of power outlets128. The ganged outlets130may be used exclusively in the PDA100or in conjunction with individual outlets128(which may be configured to operate at any suitable voltage/current).

With continued reference toFIG. 1, a plurality of displays136are provided on the housing104. As shown inFIG. 1, two displays136are viewable on the front face106, proximate the second end114, of the housing104. The displays136are shown as LED displays, but may be of any suitable type, such as LCD displays.

The displays136provide users with information on the status of the PDA100. Such information may include the total current drawn by one or more of the outlet gangs130, the outlets128, branches132, or combinations thereof. In the embodiment ofFIG. 1, each display136may indicate the current drawn by one of the two branches132or the power supplied by an input116. In certain embodiments, one or more displays136indicate whether a circuit is closed or open, such as when a fuse has blown. In additional embodiments, the displays136display other information, such as the ambient temperature or humidity.

The PDA100is provided with communication connections138. The communication connections138are used to send information from, or provide information to, the PDA100. For example, the communication connections138may be used to provide information over a network, such as the Internet, regarding the PDA100to a remote user. In other embodiments, the communication connection138may be used by service technicians to troubleshoot, program, or obtain data from the PDA100. In additional embodiments, sensors, such as temperature and/or humidity sensors, may be attached to the communication connections138. The communication connections138may be configured to accept any desired type of communication means, such as USB connections, Ethernet connections, parallel port connections, serial connections, RS232 connections, etc.

A plurality of access openings140are formed in the front face106of the housing104. The rectangular access openings140are shown longitudinally disposed at regular intervals on the front face106of the housing104. The access openings140allow convenient access to certain components of the PDA100.

For example, a fuse assembly144is accessible through each access opening140. A fuse146may be removed from, or installed into, the fuse assembly144. Each fuse assembly144includes two pairs of clamp arms148, each pair of clamp arms148securing the removable fuse146and placing the fuse146in electrical communication with a circuit of the PDA100. Other interrupting devices (circuit links), such as circuit breakers, for example, may be utilized rather than the fuses146.

The access openings140are covered by removable protective coverings, such as plastic or glass windows150which are secured to the housing104by fasteners152. In at least one embodiment, the windows150are made from Lucite. The fasteners152are shown as screws, but other fasteners may be used, including bolts and pins. The fuses146may thereby be observed and replaced as desired without removing the PDA100from the rack and without significantly disassembling the PDA100.

A fuse state indicator154is provided to indicate the status of a fuse146. The fuse state indicator154may be part of the fuse146or separate. For example, a fuse146may be provided that changes appearance when it has blown. In other embodiments, such as that illustrated inFIG. 1, a separate fuse state indicator154is provided which is visible to a user. The separate fuse state indicator154may be an illumination device, such as an LED, in communication with the fuse146, and which changes state if the fuse146blows. In one embodiment, the fuse state indicator154is an LED that is normally illuminated. When a fuse146blows, the LED154is turned off, providing a visual cue that the fuse146has blown.

With reference now toFIG. 2, the PDA100has a plurality of strain relief mounts156spaced longitudinally along a longitudinal side110of the housing104. Stain relief devices (not shown), such as wire bails, may be attached to the strain relief mounts156. The strain relief devices are configured to abut power cords of devices attached to the outlets128of the PDA100. The strain relief devices serve to organize such power cords, as well as secure them in position.

Each fuse assembly144is mounted to the housing104by a fastener (not shown), such as a screw, a nail, a bolt, or a pin, which extends into a standoff mount322coupled to a cylindrical protrusion318on the housing104(also seeFIG. 5).

As shown inFIG. 3, the housing104has a plurality of fastener openings158located at the ends112,114of the housing104. The fastener openings158may be used in conjunction with a fastener (not shown), such as a nail, a bolt, a screw, a pin, etc., to secure the PDA100to a rack. The fastener openings158may be threaded for receiving a bolt or screw (not shown) which is received by a corresponding opening in the rack. The number, spacing, and location of the fastener openings158may be varied as desired in order to enable the PDA100to be mounted to various types of racks. In addition, the fastener openings158may be provided to additional or alternate sides, faces, or ends of the housing104as needed.

Alternatively, the housing104may be provided with mounting brackets (not shown) at the first112and/or second114ends of the PDA100. The mounting brackets may allow the PDA100to be mounted in a larger number of configurations. For example, racks are made by a variety of manufacturers and may differ in size and construction. The mounting adapters may allow the PDA100to be used with a variety of rack types. For example, racks made by American Power Conversion, Inc., of West Kingston, R.I., may be configured with mounting apertures that receive mounting pegs located on a device. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the PDA100may be provided with mounting pegs (not shown), which may be received by mounting apertures (not shown) in a rack, to help secure the PDA100to the rack. Additional mounting adapters, which may be located at the top114and/or bottom112ends of the PDA100, may further secure the PDA100to the rack.

Turning now toFIG. 4, an embodiment of a housing104for the PDA100is shown. In the embodiment ofFIG. 4, the housing104is composed of two substantially U-shaped portions206,208. The upper U-shaped portion206forms the front face106and partially forms the lateral sides110of the housing104. The lower U-shaped portion208forms the back face108and partially forms the lateral sides110of the housing104.

The lower U-shaped portion208and the upper U-shaped portion206may be coupled by any suitable means. In the embodiment ofFIG. 4, the lower U-shaped portion208slides over and matingly engages the upper U-shaped portion206. The ends of the upper U-shaped portion206include a flap220. The ends of the lower U-shaped portion208have flanges228that matingly engage the outer portion of the flaps220. The upper U-shaped portion206and the lower U-shaped portion208are secured together by inserting fasteners (not shown) through fastener openings230in the ends of the upper U-shaped portion206and the ends of the lower U-shaped portion208. The fastener openings230may be threaded for receiving matingly threaded fasteners.

FIGS. 5–7show how the various components of the PDA100may be assembled within the housing104. With reference first toFIG. 5, a view of the inside portion of the upper U-shaped portion206of the housing104is shown. A number of outlet apertures124can be seen extending longitudinally along the face106of the upper U-shaped portion206.

An access opening140is disposed between each pair of outlet apertures124. A window150is secured to each access opening140by fasteners152(FIG. 1). A rectangular mounting plate314is coupled to the top and bottom portion of each access opening140. The mounting plate314has a cylindrical protrusion318(also seeFIG. 2) extending into the interior of the housing104. The cylindrical protrusion318is threaded for receiving the fasteners152from the outside of the housing104and for receiving a standoff mount322on the inside of the housing104. The standoff mount322is matingly threaded for coupling to the cylindrical protrusion318.

With reference now toFIG. 6, a plurality of linear outlet gangs130are shown mounted in the upper U-shaped portion206, extending through the outlet apertures124(FIG. 5). Each outlet gang130provides a column of outlets128. As shown, three generally linear power rails238are coupled to the back of each outlet gang130. Depending on the application, more or less power rails238could be used. Each power rail238runs substantially the length of the back side of an outlet gang130and is connected to each outlet128in the outlet gang130. The power rails238may be laterally spaced, being generally co-aligned. In certain embodiments, the power rails238are parallel.

An insulating barrier (not shown), which may be a protrusion, such as a flange or ridge extending from the back of an outlet gang130, may be used to prevent electrical contact between adjacent power rails238. In certain embodiments, the power rails238may be located internally within the outlet gang130. Locating the power rails238within the outlet gangs130may reduce the chance for accidental contact between a power rail238and other components of the PDA100(including adjacent power rails238), as well as reducing the possibility of damage to the power rails238or other components.

Each power rail238has a protrusion (not shown) that extends into a particular receptacle (not shown) of each power outlet128in an outlet gang130. Each receptacle may receive a prong (not shown) from a power plug (not shown) of an electronic device (not shown). The power rails238therefore serve to electrically couple each power outlet128in an outlet gang130. Each power rail238corresponds to a particular electrical component, such as a line, neutral, or ground connection of AC line power. The power rails238are preferably made from a conducting material, such as a conductive metal.

The use of the power rails238obviates individually wiring together multiple individual power outlets128. Although the power rails238are shown as parallel, linear rails, other configurations could be used. For example, the power rails238could be curved in order to accommodate an arcuate pattern of power outlets128.

Each power rail238has a connecting prong244. Although the power rails238are shown as only having connecting prongs244at one end of each power rail238, in at least certain embodiments, the connecting prongs244are located at both longitudinal ends of each power rail238.

Each connecting prong244is used to place a power rail238, and therefore a corresponding outlet gang130, in electrical communication with other electrical components. The connecting prong244may be coupled to other electrical components by any suitable connecting means. In some embodiments, wires may be used as the connecting means. Of course, the present invention is not limited to power rails238having connecting prongs244. Any suitable means may be used for placing the power rails238in electrical communication with other electrical components.

With reference now toFIG. 7, each outlet gang130(two of which are shown in see-through, environmental lines, inFIG. 7), is shown covered by a layer of nonconductive material252that extends substantially across the width of the upper U-shaped portion206. More than one piece of the nonconductive material252may be used and the nonconductive material252may be shaped and sized as desired to insulate the electrical components of the PDA100. The nonconductive material252may be made of any suitable material that substantially does not conduct electricity, such as plastics, rubber, and the like. In at least one embodiment, the nonconductive material252is Mylar.

The nonconductive material252can be used to prevent unintended electrical communication between adjacent electrical components, such as between the outlet gangs130and the fuse assemblies144(FIG. 1). For example, the nonconductive material252may be placed over the back of the outlet gangs130and between the fuse assemblies144(FIG. 1). The nonconductive material252may have holes256to allow the connecting prongs244to pass therethrough.

In a further embodiment, the PDA100includes a circuit link interconnection board264that is connected to at least one electrical component. As shown inFIG. 6, the circuit link interconnection board264is connected to two outlet gangs130. However, the circuit link interconnection board264can be connected to more or less electrical components of various types. In one embodiment, the circuit link interconnection board264is an at least semi-rigid component capable of connecting to, and being in electrical communication with, at least one electrical component. In a presently preferred embodiment, the circuit link interconnection board164is capable of placing a plurality of electrical components in electrical communication. In certain embodiments, the circuit link interconnection board264is a printed circuit board. In at least one embodiment, the circuit link interconnection board264is a four-layer printed circuit board.

The circuit link connector264may have a number of holes (or pads)268extending therethrough. The holes268may be lined with a conducting material, such as a conductive metal. In at least one embodiment, a connecting prong244of a power rail238associated with an outlet gang130engages a hole268. If desired, the connecting prong244may be further secured to the circuit link interconnection board264, such as by soldering. Nonconductive material252may be placed between the connecting prongs244and the circuit link interconnection board264. The connecting prongs244may extend through openings256in the nonconductive material252.

The circuit link interconnection board264is coupled to the upper U-shaped portion206of the housing104. In one embodiment, the circuit link interconnection board264is provided with a fastener hole270. A fastener272, such as a screw, is inserted through the fastener hole270and securely received by a mount322(FIG. 5) on the upper U-shaped portion206. The fastener272may serve as a ground connection for a circuit of the PDA100(FIG. 1).

The fuse clamp arms148(FIG. 1) are mounted to the outwardly facing side of the circuit link interconnection board264. The fuse clamps arms148are secured by a rivet276and by soldered connections278to the circuit link interconnection board264. The circuit link interconnection board264has slip-on connectors282to which power inputs284are attached. Power may thus pass from the power inputs284, through the slip-on connectors282, and into the circuit link interconnection board264where it can be transferred through the clamp arms148and through the holes268to the power rails238of the outlet gangs130.

The circuit link interconnection board264may be used to transmit electrical signals to, or electrically couple, electrical parts attached to the circuit link interconnection board264. In at least one embodiment, the circuit link interconnection board264is used to transmit components of AC line power to electrical parts attached to opposite ends of the circuit link interconnection board264. In the case of outlet gangs130having connecting prongs244at only one end, similar connections between outlet gangs130and the circuit link interconnection board264may occur at opposite sides of opposite ends of the circuit link interconnection board264, such as between position286and position288. However, if the outlet gangs130are provided with connectors244at each end, similar connections between the outlet gangs130and the circuit link interconnection board264may occur at the same side at each opposite end of the circuit link interconnection board264, such as between position286and position290. The fastener272may serve as a ground connection for the circuit link interconnection board264and electrical components attached thereto, thus eliminating the need to provide a separate ground connection.

As shown inFIG. 7, a plurality of wires292connect the various components of the PDA100, such as the outlet gangs130and the circuit link interconnection board264. The wires292may be insulated wires, in order to help prevent unintended electrical contact between the wires292and the other components of the PDA100. In addition, the wires292may be placed on the opposite side of the nonconductive material252from the outlet gangs130in order to help prevent such unintended contact. The wires292may be secured together by fasteners (not shown), such as locking plastic bands.

In embodiments where the circuit link interconnection board264is a printed circuit board having multiple layers, each layer may correspond to a single electrical component. For example, when the circuit link interconnection board264is used for power transmission, such as AC line power transmission, one layer may correspond to a line, or “hot”, electrical connection, one layer may correspond to a neutral connection, and one layer may be connected to a ground. The use of an entire layer of the circuit link interconnection board264for each connection may allow for larger amounts of electricity to flow through the printed circuit board264.

FIG. 8depicts an alternate embodiment of a circuit board400for use in embodiments of the present invention, including as part of a circuit link interconnection board264. The circuit board400comprises a plurality of layers406. Each layer406may be used to transmit one or more electrical components, such as components of AC line power.

Layer412may be a signal layer having a connection416between a first connection point418and a second connection point420. The layer412may also have a connection422between a third connection point424and a fourth connection point426. Connections416and422serve to transmit electrical signals to, or electrically couple, devices or components attached to connection points418,420and424,426, respectively. Additional connection points, such as connection point430may also be provided. AlthoughFIG. 8depicts connections between connection points on the same side of the circuit board400, connections can be made between connection points at any location of the circuit board400. For example, a connection could be made between the connection point418and the connection point426.

Layer440is shown as a split plane. The layer440may be substantially a solid plane of conducting material, such as copper. However, the layer440has an insulating barrier442which divides the layer440into a first side444and a second side446. The insulating barrier442may be an area of the layer440where the conducting material has been removed, an insulating material or coating placed on or in the layer440, or any other suitable insulating means. The layer440also has connection points450,452and454,456which may be in communication with connection points418,420and424,426, respectively.

Each side444,446of the circuit board400may carry an electronic component, such as a component of AC line power, which may be the same or different. In at least one embodiment, the first side444carries a line component of AC line power and the second side446carries a neutral component of AC line power. In this way, power can be conducted through the layer440to devices attached to the connection points418–426. A connector458is shown having at least a portion of its conducting material removed, or otherwise being insulated from the connection point430.

As shown inFIG. 8, layer460may be a unified conductive layer, such as a copper layer. However, connectors464,466,468,470, located on layer460, have had at least a portion of their conducting material removed, or otherwise are insulated from connection points418–426and450–456. Connection point474is in communication with the connection point430. Layer480may be another signal layer.

The use of split plane layers may allow for a greater variety of electrical signals and power components to be distributed across the circuit board400, while allowing circuit boards having a relatively small number of layers to be used. In addition, circuit boards having split plane layers may allow a greater number of connections to be made, a greater variety of connections to be made, and/or a greater number of devices to be connected by, or to, a circuit board400.

Embodiments of the circuit board400are not limited to the circuit board400shown inFIG. 8. For example, greater or fewer layers could be used, the number and position of signal, solid, and split layers may be varied. In addition, transmission layers may be broken up into more than two sublayers. However, each sublayer is preferably suitably large enough to transmit the desired electrical component. In the case of power transmission, particularly AC power transmission, even more particularly AC-line power, each layer or sublayer is preferably suitably large enough to effectively transmit a component of AC line power.

It can thus be seen that certain embodiments of the present invention provide a PDU having substantially reduced wiring requirements, which may result in faster assembly, more economical construction, smaller size, greater reliability, and easier, safer maintenance or repair of the PDU. Further embodiments provide a PDU having fuses (or other circuit links) which are accessible from the exterior of the PDU without disassembling the PDU or removing the PDU from a rack. Yet further embodiments provide a circuit link interconnection board configured to deliver power to at least one electrical component and to place the at least one electrical component in communication with a circuit link, such as a fuse.

Certain embodiments provide a visual cue on a device containing one or more circuit link that one or more the device's circuit links needs to be reset or replaced. These embodiments may allow an operator to more easily locate such circuit links, among other circuit links on the device and other nearby circuit link containing devices, which may reduce equipment downtime and/or service costs.

At least certain embodiments provide for devices with branched circuit protection, where one or more outlets are protected by a circuit link, and each device typically has a plurality of branches. Reducing the number of outlets protected by each circuit link may limit the scope of any disruption caused by a failed circuit link.

Although generally described as including multiple outlets, a branch may contain a single outlet. The number of outlets protected by a circuit link can be varied as desired, including based on the operating conditions and/or the space available in devices that will contain the circuit links.

It is to be understood that the above discussion provides a detailed description of preferred embodiments. The embodiments are illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The above descriptions of the preferred embodiments will enable those skilled in the art to make many departures from the particular examples described above to provide apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention. The scope of the present invention is rather to be determined by the scope of the claims as issued.