Modular electronic prototyping platforms

The description relates to electronic prototyping platforms. One example can include an electrically insulative substrate having generally opposing first and second major surfaces and that includes an orientation feature that is visible on both of the first and second major surfaces. The example can include a first mounting hole through the substrate that is bordered by a first electrical conductor associated with data transmission. The example can also include a second mounting hole through the substrate that is bordered by a second electrical conductor associated with electrical ground, and a third mounting hole through the substrate that is bordered by a third electrical conductor associated with electrical power. The example can also include an edge connector tab defined by the substrate and having three exposed electrically conductive contacts that are coupled to the data electrical conductor, the ground electrical conductor, and the power electrical conductor and insulated from one another.

BACKGROUND

In the electronic device realm, many ideas may be tested before a successful solution is identified. Electronics prototyping platforms are designed to support quick exploration and iteration of the numerous ideas.

DESCRIPTION

The present concepts relate to modular electronics prototyping systems or platforms. Electronics prototyping platforms are designed to support quick exploration and iteration of ideas, typically resulting in an artefact that runs on the bench to demonstrate aspects of the operation of a device configuration. However, when an idea shows promise it is hard to move to the next stage of development. For example, the prototype may not be suitable for real-world deployment to support more realistic or comprehensive testing because it is too fragile, unreliable, and/or too bulky. Similarly, the prototype may be fiddly, time-consuming and/or expensive to replicate should more of them be needed for more extensive evaluation. The present concepts offer a technical solution to these and/or other technical problems.

The present concepts can be implemented on a prototyping platform or system that can include modules upon which an electronic functionality, such as a light or a sensor can be positioned. Multiple modules can be joined via a breadboard to achieve a desired overall functionality. For instance, the light of one module can be powered on or powered off depending on the output of the sensor on another module on the breadboard. These aspects are described in more detail below relative to the examples ofFIGS.1A-2B.

FIGS.1A-1Icollectively show an example system100. The system can include modules102and/or breadboards104.FIG.1Ashows an individual module102prepared for fastening to (e.g., mounting on) the breadboard104.FIG.1Bshows the individual module102fastened to the breadboard104.

The breadboards104can include mounting holes142extending through a substrate144from a first major surface146to a second major surface148. Fasteners150can extend through mounting holes118and142to both mechanically secure and electrically connect the modules102and the breadboards104. The elements are described in more detail below relative toFIGS.1A-1I,2A, and2B collectively and in some cases, relative to individual figures.

The module102can include workspace106where various electronic components108, such as lights, sensors, resistors, diodes, transistors, switches, etc. can be positioned. The workspace106can also include status indicators109(FIG.1C) relating to the electronic components108and/or the module102. Multiple modules102can be interconnected, such as on breadboards104to create a device110that includes the combined functionalities of the electronic components108on a single module or across multiple modules. (Note that these figures illustrate a large number of elements. In order to avoid clutter on the drawing page, not every instance of every element is labeled with specificity on each figure.)

The modules102can include an electrically insulative substrate112. The electrically insulative substrate112can be formed from various materials, such as polymers and/or laminates, for example. The electrically insulative substrate112can have generally opposing first and second major surfaces114and116that lie parallel to the xy reference plane and are separated by a thickness in the z reference direction. This aspect is visualized in the complementary opposing views of the first major surface114and the second major surface116inFIGS.1C and1D.

Mounting holes118can extend through the electrically insulative substrate112between the first and second surfaces114and116. In this case, four mounting holes118are arranged to define corners of a rectangular shape120(e.g., in a rectangular pattern). For instance, the first three mounting holes could be in an “L” shape (e.g., collectively define a right angle). The fourth mounting hole, when employed can complete a rectangular shape. This aspect is shown inFIG.1E. Other implementations with the mounting holes arranged in different configurations are contemplated.

The mounting holes118can be spaced apart by a given pitch or multiples of a common or given pitch. For instance, in this example the pitch can be 10 millimeters. For example, mounting holes118(1) and118(4) can be 10 millimeters apart and mounting holes118(1) and118(2) can be 10 millimeters apart (e.g., square configuration) or mounting holes118(1) and118(4) (e.g., shorter side) can be 10 millimeters apart and118(1) and118(2) (e.g., longer side) can be 20 millimeters apart (e.g., rectangular configuration with width of 10 mm and length of 20 mm), for example. In the illustrated configuration shown inFIG.1E, mounting holes118(1) and118(2) are 20 millimeters (e.g., pitch of 10 multiplied by whole number, which in this case is 2) apart and mounting holes118(1) and118(4) are 20 millimeters apart (e.g., pitch of 10 multiplied by whole number, which in this case is 2).

The electrically insulative substrate112can also have dimensions that relate to the pitch of the mounting holes118. For instance, in this case, the dimensions of the electrically insulative substrate112can equal the dimensions of the rectangular configuration of the mounting holes plus ½ (0.5) multiplied by the pitch (e.g., 10 mm pitch33 0.5=5 millimeters in this example). Thus, if the dimensions of the rectangular shape120defined by the mounting holes is 10 millimeters by 20 millimeters, the dimensions of a rectangular shape122of the electrically insulative substrate112can be 15 millimeters by 25 millimeters. In the illustrated mounting hole spacing of 20×20, the dimensions of the rectangular shape122of the electrically insulative substrate112can be 25 millimeters by 25 millimeters. Other shapes and sizes are contemplated.

The electrically insulative substrate112can include orientation feature124that is visible on both the first and second major surfaces114and116. In this case, the orientation feature124is manifest as a notch126located on a perimeter128of the electrically insulative substrate112. In this implementation, the orientation is intended to be positioned at the top left (e.g., at the 11 o'clock position). In another case, the orientation feature124could be a distinctive shape, such as a star shape or an arrow defined relative to the substrate so that the user can orient the substrate with the orientation feature124at a specified location. For instance, in one example, the star shape orientation feature could be printed on, imprinted into, and/or formed through the substrate to provide an unambiguous point of reference for the user to aid in orienting the module. This aspect will be discussed in more detail below. Stated another way, the orientation feature is not centered or otherwise positioned along a line that bifurcates the electrically insulative substrate112into two identical halves or otherwise creates ambiguity for the user in how to orient the module.

The electrically insulative substrate112can also include one or more edge connector tabs130. For instance, a single edge connector tab or multiple edge connector tabs could be positioned along a single side of the substrate112. The illustrated implementation includes opposing edge connector tabs130(1) and130(2). The edge connector tabs130can be separated from the mounting holes118by indents132in the electrically insulative substrate112. In some implementations, tips134of the edge connector tabs130can be at or within the perimeter128of the rectangular shape122of the substrate112. In other configurations, such as the illustrated implementation, tips134of edge connector tabs130can extend beyond the rectangular shape122of the electrically insulative substrate112. The indents132and/or tips134can facilitate coupling other assemblies to the module102.

As indicated onFIG.1F, each edge connector tab130can include three exposed electrically conductive contacts136. In this case, contact136A is a data contact, contact136B is a ground contact, and contact136C is a power contact. Contact136A is connected to data bus138A, contact136B is connected to ground bus138B, and contact136C is connected to power bus138C. Note that buses138are illustrated in ghost to indicate that they would likely not be visible in this view. For instance, they could be located within the substrate112and/or positioned on top of the substrate and covered with a protective insulative layer, among other configurations.

Note that contacts136can be positioned on a single side of the substrate112(e.g., either major surface114or major surface116). Alternatively, the contacts136can be positioned on both sides (e.g., on both major surfaces114and116) of the tabs130. In this implementation, vias139(labeledFIGS.1D and1E) allow conductors to extend through the substrate to electrically connect the contacts136on the opposing major surfaces114and116.

Contacts140are positioned around the mounting holes118. In this configuration contact140A is positioned around mounting hole118(1), contact140B(1) is positioned around mounting hole118(2), contact140B(2) is positioned around mounting hole118(3), contact140C is positioned around mounting hole118(4). Contact140A is connected to bus138A, contacts140B(1) and140B(2) are connected to bus138B, and contact140C is connected to bus138C. Thus, contacts136A and140A are connected via bus138A and electrically insulated from the other contacts, contacts136B and140B are connected via bus138B and electrically insulated from the other contacts, and contacts136C and140C are connected via bus138C and electrically insulated from the other contacts.

FIG.1Gshows examples of how the orientation feature124can guide device usability features. In this example, numbering and identification information can be employed relative to the orientation feature124. For instance, numbering for component identification, to promote proper circuit completion, and/or avoid short circuits can be based upon reference to the orientation feature124. For example, the mounting holes118can be referenced from the orientation feature124. For instance, mounting hole118(1) is closest to the orientation feature124and thus receives the designator “(1).” The designators can then be assigned in a clockwise manner (e.g., “(1),” “(2),” “(3),” and “(4).” Similarly, tab130(1) is proximate to the orientation feature and thus can be assigned the initial value of “(1)” (or “0” depending on the numbering convention employed). Remaining tabs (in this case tab130(2)) are assigned values in clockwise occurrence from the first tab.

The description now relates to several example visual aids that can be supplied on the modules. These visual aids are explained relative to areas or zones152and154, as well as symbols156, and naming spaces158.

FIG.1Galso shows example module102and how symbolic aids can be employed to assist the user to establish proper electrical connections. In this case, symbol156can be positioned proximate to individual mounting holes118to indicate which contact140(and hence bus138) the individual mounting holes are associated with. The symbols156can be oriented and located to be discernable by the user when the orientation feature124is oriented at the intended orientation (e.g., in this case at the upper left or 11 o'clock position). In this example, symbol156(1) entails overlapping parallel but oppositely oriented arrows to represent ‘data.’ Symbols156(2) and156(3) entail a negative symbol to represent ‘ground.’ Symbol156(4) entails a positive symbol to represent ‘power.’ Other symbols, symbol location, and symbol orientations are contemplated. For instance, names or other helpful description or nomenclature can be added to the module outside of the workspace106and can be oriented so that it is presented to the user in a standard left to right manner when the orientation feature124is oriented as intended (for instance at the top left or 11 o'clock position in this example). Two such examples are shown as ‘naming space’158(1) and158(2). Another such example is shown relative toFIG.1I.

FIG.1Hshows example module102. In some implementations, areas or zones152of the substrate112proximate to mounting holes118are reserved/dedicated for contacts140(shown inFIG.1F). Similarly, areas or zones154on tabs130can be reserved/dedicated for contacts136(shown inFIG.1F). Other conductors can be excluded or prohibited (e.g., exclusion zone or ‘keep out’ zone) from these areas152and154to avoid short circuits. Similarly, other layers, such as insulative layers can be excluded or prohibited to allow effective electrical contact between the fasteners150and the contacts136and/or140and/or the contacts and external connectors.

FIGS.1A and1Bshow a single fastener type that can provide both electrical contact and mechanical fastening. Note that this is but one of the contemplated configurations. Alternatively, multiple fastener types could be employed in a complementary manner. For instance, the illustrated fasteners could provide the electrical contact function and a spacing function between the module102and the breadboard104. Another fastener type could be employed to provide mechanical fastening of the module102and the breadboard104. For instance, a thinner fastener (e.g., a bolt) could be extended from above the module through a bore of the illustrated fastener and threaded into a corresponding nut positioned below the breadboard to provide mechanical fastening (in the z reference direction) of the module/breadboard assembly. Other configurations are also contemplated.

FIG.1Ishows example module102. The workspace106indicates areas where components can be added to the module102. In contrast, the ‘keep out’ area154(e.g., the area of the substrate that is not the workspace) delineates an area of the substrate where components are not allowed. The keep out area154can include contacts136(seeFIG.1F) on the tabs130and contacts140(seeFIG.1F) around the mounting holes118.

FIG.1Ialso shows symbols156relative to the mounting holes118to assist the user. In this example, symbol156(1) is an abbreviation for data (JD), symbols156(2) and156(3) are abbreviations for ground (GND), and symbol156(4) is an abbreviation for power (PWR).

In review, individual mounting holes118can be associated with individual buses138. The orientation feature124can provide unambiguous visual guidance to which mounting hole is which (e.g., which mounting hole is associated with the data bus, which mounting hole is associated with the ground bus, and/or which mounting hole is associated with the power bus). The orientation feature124can provide this guidance by having a unique spatial relationship with each of the individual mounting holes118. In this example, the unique spatial relationship is manifest in that each mounting hole118is located at a direction and distance from the orientation feature124that is different than each of the other mounting holes118. The mounting holes can provide dual functionality of contributing to the module being physically secured to other components, such as a breadboard and electrically connecting the module to the other components.

As introduced above, and as shown inFIGS.1A and1B, the breadboard104can include mounting holes142that correspond to the mounting holes118of the modules102. Fasteners150can extend through the module's mounting holes118into the breadboard's mounting holes142to both mechanically secure the module102to the breadboard104and electrically connect the module102to the breadboard104. Breadboards are described in more detail below relative toFIGS.2A and2Bas well asFIGS.3A-3CandFIGS.4A-4G.

The modules102and/or breadboards104can be implemented in various ways. Some implementations that are consistent with the present description are delineated by the Jacdac prototyping platform/protocol. These implementations and/or other implementations may be consistent with and/or interact with other prototyping protocols.

FIGS.2A and2Bcollectively show details of example breadboards.FIG.2Ashows example breadboard104.FIG.2Bshows another example breadboard104A. (As used in this instance, the suffix “A” is intended to indicate that breadboard104A may have different and/or additional elements and/or configurations compared to breadboard104).

FIG.2Ashows example breadboard104looking down at the first major surface146. In this case, mounting holes142extend through the substrate144from the first major surface146to the second major surface148(not visible) of the breadboard104.

The mounting holes142can be spaced apart at distances defined by and compatible with the pitch of the mounting holes of the module. Recall that in this example, the pitch is 10 mm×10 mm. As such, in this example the mounting holes142are positioned at 10 mm, 20 mm, and/or 30 mm, etc. intervals.

The mounting holes142have electrical contacts204proximate to them. In this case, the electrical contacts surround (e.g., circumscribe) the mounting holes142, but other configurations are contemplated. Conductors206are shown connecting like mounting holes142to form buses208. The conductors206and buses208are shown in ghost to indicate that they would likely not be visible in this view and would instead be obscured by insulative material, such as by substrate144and/or by layers positioned over the substrate.

Note that not all instances of the conductors206are shown in order to reduce clutter on the drawing page. Instead, a few clusters of conductors206are shown. The conductors206would actually connect all like contacts204. For instance, all contacts204A associated with data bus208A would be connected by conductors206A, all contacts204B associated with electrical ground bus208B would be connected by conductors206B, and all contacts204C associated with power bus208C would be connected by conductors206C. Note also that to avoid clutter on the drawing page, not all instances of the mounting holes142and contacts204are labeled with specificity. Instead, representative mounting holes and contacts are labeled.

Recall that various aspects were described above relative to the module to aid the user in properly connecting the module, such as the orientation feature124and the symbols156. Similar concepts can be manifest on the breadboard104. For instance, symbols156in the form of abbreviations for data (JD), ground (GND), and/or power (PWR) can be employed adjacent to individual mounting holes142. This implementation also includes an outline210of the modules at several potential locations and orientations on the breadboard. Within the outline210, the spacing and placement of mounting holes match those of the modules. For instance, the spacing is 20 mm×20 mm in this example. The outline210can further facilitate the user experience and reduce chances of the user inadvertently connecting mismatched mounting holes142of that breadboard104and mounting holes118of the modules102.

The breadboard104can also include tabs212with contacts214(labeled relative to tab212(4)) that are analogous to tabs130and contacts136of the module. The contacts214can be electrically connected to the buses208(e.g., contact214A to bus208A, contact214B to bus208B, and contact214C to bus208C). Tabs212can be accessible even when modules are positioned on the breadboard. Thus, other modules and/or devices can be electrically coupled to the buses208to expand the overall collective device or assembly and/or allow additional components to be added to the device.

FIG.2Bshows another example breadboard104A. This example shows the conductors206C connecting all of the positive contacts204C to the power bus208C. To avoid clutter on the drawing page, the ground and data conductors are not shown. Symbols156in the form of abbreviations for data (opposing arrow), ground (negative sign), and power (positive sign) are positioned proximate to each mounting hole142to aid the user in properly positioning and fastening modules to the breadboard so that positive (e.g., power) mounting holes are aligned with positive (e.g., power) mounting holes, negative (e.g., ground) mounting holes are aligned with negative (e.g., ground) mounting holes, and data mounting holes are aligned with data mounting holes. In this case, tab images216are printed on the substrate144to help the user with module placement. Positioning a module on the breadboard so that the tabs of the module line up with the tab images216will properly align the module mounting holes with the corresponding breadboard mounting holes142to both mechanically secure and electrically connect the module and the breadboard.

FIGS.3A-3Ccollectively show several configurations for both mechanically securing and electrically connecting modules102to breadboards104via fasteners150extending through corresponding mounting holes118and142.

InFIG.3Amounting hole118is bordered by contact140that circumscribes the mounting hole on the first major surface114. Similar configurations for the breadboard104are shown inFIGS.2A and2B. In this case, breadboard contacts204are plated through the mounting hole142(e.g., the conductor is positioned on an inwardly facing surface of the substrate144). The fastener150can be threaded and can be threadably received in the mounting hole142to mechanically secure the module102to the breadboard104. Alternatively, the fastener150can be friction fit into mounting hole142to retain the module102and the breadboard104together. For instance, radially biased fasteners, such as banana plugs and/or split spring-loaded push pins can be employed, among others. The fastener150can be formed from an electrically conductive material, such as a metal. Alternatively, the fastener can be formed from an electrically insulative material, such as a polymer that is coated with a conductive material. In either configuration, the fastener150can complete an electrical circuit between contact140of the module102and contact204of the breadboard104(e.g., from an individual bus, such as the power bus of the module, to a corresponding bus (e.g., power bus) of the breadboard104). The fastener150can achieve this electrical connection while also mechanically securing the module102to the breadboard104.

FIG.3Bshows an alternative configuration where contacts140are plated through mounting hole118and contacts204are plated through mounting hole142. In this configuration, the fastener150completes the electrical circuit between the contacts140and the contacts204. Thus, the fastener150can be either an electrically conductive material or coated with an electrically conductive material.

FIG.3Cshows an alternative configuration where an instance of contact140occurs on major surface116around the mounting hole118. This contact140can be aligned with and directly contact the corresponding contact204on major surface146of the breadboard. The fastener150can maintain alignment of the contacts140and204and force them together to facilitate electrical contact while it mechanically secures the module102and the breadboard104. This configuration does not rely on electrical conductivity through the fastener. As such, the fastener150can be electrically conductive or non-conductive.

FIGS.4A-4Gcollectively show another example breadboard104B. In this case, the breadboard includes multiple mounting holes142. The mounting holes142can be arranged at a given pitch, such as 10 mm (e.g., a 10 mm by 10 mm grid in both the x and y reference directions from one another center to center). In this case, each of the mounting holes142can be associated with a set of contacts402on the first major surface146. The set of contacts can include contact204A that is connected to the data bus208A, contact204B that is connected to the ground bus208B, and power contact204C that is connected to power bus208C. Thus, each mounting hole142has the potential to be connected to the data bus, ground bus, or power bus. The selection of the individual bus can be accomplished via selection washers404that are positioned between the module102and the breadboard104as shown inFIGS.4B,4D, and4F.

FIGS.4B and4Cshow a selection washer404A that is configured to connect to the data bus208A of the breadboard104B. Note that in each of the instances described in relation toFIGS.4B-4C,4D-4E, and4F-4G, a first surface406of the selection washer404that faces the module102is the same. The difference is on the second surface408that faces the breadboard104. The first surface406of the selection washer404includes a contact410A that is configured to touch (e.g. is similar in size and location) a contact204on the second surface116of the module102. Assume for purposes of explanation that in this case, the contact204on the module is a data contact. In such a case, an individual selection washer is selected that has a contact412A on second surface408that is configured to touch contact204A (e.g., the outer contact) of the set of contacts402. When the selection washer404is positioned between the module102and the breadboard104the contact410A will complete the electrical circuit between the data bus of the module and the data bus of the breadboard.

FIGS.4D and4Eshow a second option where the contact204is a ground contact that is connected to the ground data bus of the module102. In this case, an individual selection washer404B can be selected that has the intermediate (e.g., middle) contact412B on the second side408. The intermediate contact412B will complete the electrical circuit between the ground bus of the module and the ground bus of the breadboard. The fastener150can be installed through the mounting holes118and142to maintain the module and the breadboard against one another and at the same time maintain the electrical contact.

FIGS.4F and4Gshow a third option where the contact204on the module102is a power contact that is connected to the power bus of the module. In this case, an individual selection washer404C can be selected that has the inner contact412C on the second side408. The inner contact412C will complete the electrical circuit between the power bus of the module and the power bus of the breadboard. The fastener150can be installed through the mounting holes118and142to maintain the relationship between the module and the breadboard and to facilitate electrical contact between the module and the breadboard through the selected washer.

Thus, this breadboard104B and the selection washers404work cooperatively with the modules102described above where individual mounting holes118of the module102are associated with individual buses. The set of selection washers can include three different subsets; one subset configured to contact the inner contact, but not the intermediate or outer contact, another subset configured to contact the intermediate contact, but not the inner or outer contacts, and a final subset that is configured to contact the outer contact, but not the inner contact or the intermediate contact.

The set of contacts402around individual mounting holes of the breadboard allow each mounting hole142of the breadboard104to accept whatever contact is positioned over it by employment of the appropriate selection washer404A,404B, or404C. The thickness of the contact412on the washer in the z reference direction can be specified so that the contact touches the corresponding contact402, but no other parts of the selection washer touch the other (non-selected) contacts or other parts of the breadboard1048.

Note that in this implementation, the set of contacts402are nested around one another (e.g., concentric circles or rings). However, other implementations are contemplated. For instance, degrees of arc around each mounting hole142(as viewed relative to the z axis that is coaxial with the mounting hole) of the breadboard104B and the selection washer404could be assigned to an individual bus. For instance, zero or one degrees to 120 degrees could be assigned to a first bus and associated data contact, 121 degrees to 240 degrees could be assigned to a second bus and associated ground contact, and 241 degrees through 360 degrees could be assigned to a third bus and associated power contact. In another configuration a range of degrees could be reserved to avoid short circuits. For instance, 355 degrees to 5 degrees could be reserved/dedicated for separation and 6 degrees to 115 degrees can be assigned to a first bus, 116 degrees to 125 degrees could be reserved/dedicated for separation and 126 degrees through 235 degrees could be assigned to a second bus, 236 through 245 degrees could be reserved/dedicated to separation and 246-355 could be reserved/dedicated to the third bus, for example.

FIGS.5A and5Bcollectively show a protector502that can protect tabs130. The protector502can protect the tab130and contacts on the tab without interfering with other elements of the module102, such as the mounting holes118. The protector502can also allow conductive cables to be connected to and disconnected from the tab130without removing the protector. The protector502can be maintained on the module102without fasteners, yet can be removed with hand pressure by a user. The protector can achieve this technical solution by sliding into the indents132on each side of the tabs130. The protector502can define a slot that is approximately the same thickness (or, if the protector is made from a compliant material, slightly smaller) than a thickness of the substrate112. This configuration allows the substrate to be slid into the slot and retained by friction fit.

FIGS.6A and6Bcollectively show a housing602that can protect the module102. For instance, the housing can protect the module from crushing forces and/or limit dust ingress and/or liquid impingement, for example. The inside dimensions of the housing can be determined by the external dimensions (e.g., the perimeter) of the module to provide a snug fit that holds the module in place. In this case, the housing can entail a compliant wraparound side604that receives the module and allows access to the mounting holes. A top606and bottom608engage the side604to complete the housing602around the module. The housing602can also work cooperatively with the protector502to create a sealed enclosure around the module102while still allowing conductive cables to be connected to tab130.

FIG.7shows another example housing602A. The housing602A can include protuberances702that are positioned and sized to receive the mounting holes118of the module102. The housing602A can be manifest as a single piece that receives the module102. Alternatively, the housing602can entail two opposing complementary pieces (e.g., a clamshell configuration) into which the module is placed and the pieces closed against one another.

The protector502and the housings602can be formed from various materials, such as various polymers. The protectors can be formed utilizing various techniques, such as molding, 3D printing or other additive techniques, and/or machining, laser cutting, and/or other material removal techniques.

Individual elements of the modules and the breadboards can be made from various materials, such as metals, plastics, and/or composites, such as laminates. These materials can be prepared in various ways, such as from formed sheet metals, die cast metals, machined metals, 3D printed materials, molded or 3D printed plastics, and/or molded or 3D printed composites, among others, and/or any combination of these materials and/or preparations can be employed. Conductors can be formed/positioned using various formation techniques, such as lithographic techniques, trace formation techniques, etc.

Various methods of manufacture, assembly, and/or use for prototyping systems including modules and/or breadboards are contemplated beyond those shown above relative toFIGS.1A-7.

Various examples are described above. Additional examples are described below. One example includes a device comprising an electrically insulative substrate having generally opposing first and second major surfaces, an orientation feature defined in the substrate at a non-centered location, four mounting holes defined through the substrate between the first and second major surfaces in a rectangular pattern, a first individual mounting hole having a first spatial relationship with the orientation feature and bordered by an electrical conductor associated with data transmission, a second individual mounting hole having a second spatial relationship with the orientation feature and bordered by an electrical conductor associated with electrical ground, a third individual mounting hole having a third spatial relationship with the orientation feature and bordered by an electrical conductor associated with electrical ground, and a fourth individual mounting hole having a fourth spatial relationship with the orientation feature and bordered by an electrical conductor associated with device power and each of the first spatial relationship, second spatial relationship, third spatial relationship, and fourth spatial relationship are different from one another, and an edge connector tab defined by the substrate and extending beyond a perimeter of the rectangular pattern and having three exposed electrically conductive contacts that are coupled to the data electrical conductor, the ground electrical conductor, and the power electrical conductor and insulated from one another.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples where the rectangular pattern is square.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples where sides of the square are 10 millimeters and dimensions of the substrate are 15 millimeters by 15 millimeters or wherein the sides of the square are 20 millimeters and the dimensions of substrate are 25 millimeters by 25 millimeters.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples where the rectangular pattern comprises longer sides that have lengths that are whole number multipliers of a length of the shorter sides, or wherein the shorter sides and the longer sides are whole number multipliers of a common pitch.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples where the longer sides are 20 millimeters and the shorter sides are 10 millimeters and dimensions of the substrate are 15 millimeters by 25 millimeters.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples where the orientation feature is a notch formed along a perimeter of the substrate.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples where the notch is formed proximate to the first individual mounting hole.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples where the edge connector comprises first and second edge connectors.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples where the first and second edge connectors comprise first and second opposing edge connectors.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples where the edge connector comprises first and second edge connectors positioned on a single side of the substrate.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples where the device further comprises additional edge connectors.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples where the first individual mounting hole is bordered by an electrical conductor that circumscribes the first individual mounting hole.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples where the first individual mounting hole is bordered by an electrical conductor but the electrical conductor does not extend to an inwardly facing surface that defines the first individual mounting hole.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples where each of the first spatial relationship, the second spatial relationship, the third spatial relationship, and the fourth spatial relationship are different from one another in both direction and distance from the orientation feature.

Another example includes a device comprising an electrically insulative substrate having generally opposing first and second major surfaces and that includes an orientation feature that is visible on both of the first and second major surfaces, four mounting holes defined through the substrate between the first and second major surfaces in a rectangular pattern, at least one individual mounting hole bordered by an electrical conductor associated with data transmission, at least one other individual mounting hole bordered by an electrical conductor associated with electrical ground, and at least one further individual mounting hole bordered by an electrical conductor associated with electrical power, and opposing edge connector tabs defined by the substrate and having three exposed electrically conductive contacts that are coupled to the data electrical conductor, the ground electrical conductor, and the power electrical conductor and insulated from one another.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples where the rectangular pattern has a width and a length that are multipliers of a given pitch.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples where the given pitch is 10 millimeters.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples where the electrically insulative substrate has a width equal to a width of the rectangular pattern plus ½ multiplied by the pitch and a length that is equal to a length of the rectangular pattern plus ½ multiplied by the pitch.

Another example includes a breadboard comprising an electrically insulative substrate defining multiple holes extending between first and second major surfaces, the holes spaced at a given pitch, first second and third buses positioned on the substrate and electrically insulated from one another, and a set of first second and third electrical contacts positioned on the first major surface around each of the multiple holes with each first electrical contact electrically connected to the first bus, each second electrical contact connected to the second bus, and each third electrical contact connected to the third bus.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples where the first second and third electrical contacts are radially arranged around the holes with 0-120 degrees dedicated to the first electrical contact, 121-240 degrees dedicated to the second electrical contact, and 241-360 degrees dedicated to the third electrical contact, or wherein the first second and third electrical contacts are radially arranged around the holes with 5-115 degrees dedicated to the first electrical contact, 125-235 degrees dedicated to the second electrical contact, and 245-355 degrees dedicated to the third electrical contact.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples where the first second and third electrical contacts are arranged around the holes as an inner, middle, and outer nested rings.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples where the breadboard further comprises a set of electrically insulative electrical washers having holes extending between opposing first and second major surfaces that are a similar size as the holes in the substrate and having an electrical contact positioned on the first major surface and a first subset of the set having an electrical contact on the second major surface that is connected through the substrate to the electrical contact on the first surface and is configured to contact only one of the inner, middle, and outer nested rings when the hole of the washer is aligned with an individual hole of the breadboard.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples where the breadboard further comprises a second subset of the set having an electrical contact on the second major surface that is connected through the substrate to the electrical contact on the first surface and is configured to contact only a different one of the inner, middle, and outer nested rings when the hole of the washer is aligned with an individual hole of the breadboard.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples where the breadboard further comprises a third subset of the set having an electrical contact on the second major surface that is connected through the substrate to the electrical contact on the first surface and is configured to contact only a remaining one of the inner, middle, and outer nested rings when the hole of the washer is aligned with an individual hole of the breadboard.

Another example includes a device comprising an electrically insulative substrate having generally opposing first and second major surfaces and that includes an orientation feature that is visible on both of the first and second major surfaces, a first mounting hole through the substrate that is bordered by a first electrical conductor associated with data transmission, a second mounting hole through the substrate that is bordered by a second electrical conductor associated with electrical ground, and a third mounting hole through the substrate that is bordered by a third electrical conductor associated with electrical power, and an edge connector tab defined by the substrate and having three exposed electrically conductive contacts that are coupled to the data electrical conductor, the ground electrical conductor, and the power electrical conductor and insulated from one another.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples where the electrically insulative substrate is rectangular shaped or wherein the electrically insulative substrate is not rectangular shaped.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples where the first mounting hole the second mounting hole and the third mounting hole collectively define a right angle.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples where the device further comprises an exclusion zone around the first mounting hole where electronics connected to the second mounting hole or the third mounting hole are prohibited.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples where the device further comprises a naming space on the substrate having a position and orientation that is determined by the orientation feature.

Another example can include any of the above and/or below examples where the device further comprises a symbol proximate to each of the mounting holes to identify a bus associated with each of the mounting holes.