Method and apparatus for retention of a fragile conductive trace with a protective clamp

A module having an apertured conductive trace and an apertured substrate is disclosed wherein a clamp protectively retains the trace on the substrate. The clamp has a base with a number of retention means, such as posts, projecting downwardly therefrom, each of the retention means having a retention section adapted for retaining engagement with a corresponding aperture in the conductive trace. Each of the retention means is further adapted for fastening engagement with a corresponding aperture in the substrate.

TECHNICAL FIELD 
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for retaining a 
conductive trace (also known as a flexible, circuitized substrate) on a 
unitary clamp, and more particularly to an interconnect system designed to 
mount, secure, and protect a conductive trace having a multi-lead 
integrated circuit. A clamp, when assembled with a conductive trace having 
an integrated circuit, permits safe storage of the device, mounting of the 
device for testing of the electronic components, and safe and accurate 
mounting of the assembly on a printed circuit board during production of 
the latter. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The density of integrated circuits continues to increase and as a result, 
the number of delicate leads between the integrated circuit and a printed 
circuit board likewise increases. A difficult problem still confronting 
engineers in the electronics industry is an efficient and reliable way to 
secure an integrated circuit to a board while maintaining electrical 
connection and mechanical protection of the leads. 
A fabrication process known in the electronics packaging art is tape 
automated bonding (TAB). A continuous tape of fragile conductive traces, 
similar to, but far more fragile than photographic film, provides a basis 
for mounting integrated circuits on each frame of the tape. 
A metal pattern is formed on each frame of the conductive trace. These 
metal patterns radiate from the center of the trace where an integrated 
circuit is mounted to the peripheral edges of the frame to form leads. The 
circuit is mounted such that the contacts of the chip are mated with the 
corresponding metal pads in the central portion of the frame. These 
fragile conductive traces provide for electrical connection between the 
integrated circuit and the circuit board. 
The manufacture of electronic components, sub-assemblies and assemblies 
requires a number of functionally different manufacturing operations. 
Manufacturing the fragile components, testing, and final assembly of the 
components are three different operations which are required. The complex 
and additive nature of these operations makes cost effective manufacturing 
difficult. Each operation requires unique and complicated equipment. To 
perform these operations is relatively expensive, and there is also a 
relatively high possibility for defects. 
U.S. Pat. No. 5,099,392, entitled "Tape-Automated Bonding Frame Adapter 
System" and issued to the Hewlett-Packard company on Mar. 24, 1992, 
illustrates an adapter system for mounting an integrated circuit and 
conductive trace to a circuit board. This adapter system comprises three 
separate components to mount the frame to a circuit board by building a 
sandwich of parts. An adapter ring is positioned on the circuit board. A 
plurality of conductive elements are wrapped around members of the adapter 
ring to provide electrical connection between the circuit board and 
conductive trace. The conductive trace is mounted over the adapter ring. A 
seal is mounted over the conductive trace and finally a lid is provided 
over the entire assembly to protect the conductive trace. The entire 
assembly is secured in place by a number of fasteners (e.g., nuts and 
bolts). 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,696,526, entitled "Carrier for Tape Automated Bonded 
Semiconductor Device" and issued to the Intel Corporation on Sep. 29, 
1987, illustrates a device for mounting an integrated circuit and 
conductive trace to a base for electrical test of the integrated circuit. 
This device comprises two separate and complicated components to mount a 
conductive trace by building a sandwich of parts. A base is provided with 
a socket for receiving the trace. The trace is positioned within the base 
by a plurality of lugs. A cover is placed over the trace and locked in 
place with the base by a number of complimentary locking members. 
U.S. Pat. No. 5,005,070, entitled "Soldering Interconnect Method and 
Apparatus For Semiconductor Packages" and issued to the Hewlett-Packard 
company on Apr. 2 1991, illustrates a device for attaching the outer leads 
of a semiconductor package to lands on a circuit board. This device 
comprises a frame structure that urges the edges of a semiconductor 
package to the board. The frame structure is secured in position either 
adhesively, or by the thermal deformation of stakes. 
IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin Vol. 34, No. 11 of April, 1992, pp. 
234-236 and entitled, "Method of Bonding Tape Automated Bonding Packages 
Using Conventional Surface Mount Technologies", illustrates a temporary 
fixture that may be used in the assembly of a circuit module with a 
printed circuit board. The fixture temporarily grips the module in order 
to transport and place the module on a printed circuit board. After a 
solder process, the fixture releases the module and is removed for 
recycling, leaving the unprotected module behind. The circuit module is 
relatively thick and durable compared to the circuit trace contemplated 
herein. 
The structures illustrated in the above documents have a number of 
significant deficiencies. Most systems have multiple components which are 
costly to manufacture. Aligning a sandwich of components on a circuit 
board is difficult, costly and time consuming. Such alignment is also 
prone to error. 
Retention of a fragile conductive trace having an integrated circuit and 
retention on a circuit board in a unitary protective structure is not 
disclosed in the above documents. Typically, conductive traces having 
integrated circuits are stored and shipped separately from the mounting 
devices. Separate storing of the unprotected conductive traces is 
difficult due to the fragile nature of the traces and integrated circuits. 
This typically requires additional protective packaging for storage and 
shipping of components. 
It is believed that an electronic package, clamp for use therewith and 
method for providing such a package which overcomes the aforementioned 
problems while assuring protection in the manner cited below would 
constitute a significant advancement in the art. 
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a unitary 
structure which permits retention of a very thin, fragile conductive trace 
having an integrated circuit on a circuit board. 
It is another object of the invention to provide a clamp assembly that is 
useful for safe storage, placement in a circuit test apparatus, and 
mounting on a printed circuit board. 
In a broad aspect of the invention, the invention comprises a clamp having 
a base member for providing rigid support to a conductive trace and a 
plurality of retention means extending downwardly from said base, each of 
said retention means having a retention section adapted for retaining 
engagement with a plurality of corresponding apertures in the conductive 
trace. Each of the retention means is further adapted for providing 
fastening engagement with a plurality of corresponding apertures in the 
substrate. 
In another broad aspect of the invention, the invention comprises a 
conductive trace and a clamp, the clamp having a base member. The base 
member includes a plurality of retention means extending downwardly from 
the base, each of these retention means having a retention section adapted 
for retaining engagement with a plurality of corresponding apertures in 
the conductive trace. Each of the retention means is further adapted for 
fastening engagement with a plurality of corresponding apertures in the 
substrate wherein the trace is retained with said clamp. 
In another broad aspect of the invention, the invention comprises a 
conductive trace, a substrate and a clamp. The clamp includes a base 
member, the base member having a plurality of retention means extending 
downwardly from the base. Each of the retention means includes a retention 
section adapted for retaining engagement with a plurality of corresponding 
apertures in the conductive trace. Each of the retention means is further 
adapted for fastening engagement with a plurality of corresponding 
apertures in the substrate wherein said trace is retained with the clamp 
and the clamp is fastened to the substrate. 
The invention may include a standoff means to space a lower surface of the 
base member a predetermined distance above the circuit board. 
The invention may also include a locator such as an indentation trace 
formed in an upper surface of the base member to permit centering of a 
material cutter for removal of the clamp. 
In one embodiment of the invention, the base member is formed by the upper 
surface, sidewall and lower surface of the clamp structure, the substrate 
being a printed circuit board. The retention means is a cylindrical post 
(e.g., formed of plastic) having a diameter that press fits within an 
opening of the conductive trace. The standoff means is a plurality of 
downwardly extending members disposed at the peripheral edge of the base 
member or, alternatively, a rim formed in the posts. 
It is another object of the invention to provide a method of assembling a 
clamp with a fragile conductive trace having an integrated circuit wherein 
the trace is retained in the clamp. 
It is another object of the invention to provide a method of assembling a 
clamp with a conductive trace having an integrated circuit, the method 
comprising the steps of acquiring a clamp from a clamp feeder and pressing 
the clamp onto a conductive trace, thereby retaining the conductive trace 
and integrated circuit within the clamp. 
It is believed that such a structure and method will constitute a 
significant advancement in the art.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
For a better understanding of the present invention, together with other 
and further objects, advantages and capabilities thereof, reference is 
made to the following disclosure and appended claims in connection with 
the above described drawings. 
Referring to FIG. 1, a clamp assembly is generally illustrated at 10. An 
integrated circuit 14 located on a conductive trace (not visible) is 
retained in the clamp 12. The clamp 12 is mounted on a printed circuit 
board 16. The plurality of leads 18 of the conductive trace communicate 
with the plurality of pads 20 on the printed circuit board 16 for 
mechanical and electrical contact. In final form, the leads are preferably 
soldered to the pads. 
Clamp 12 is preferably formed of plastic from an injection molding process 
and is suitable for withstanding high temperatures during a soldering 
process. The clamp also possesses mechanical stability to protect the 
fragile conductive trace and integrated circuit 14 from damage when 
assembled as shown in FIG. 1. 
Referring to FIG. 2, features of the upper surface 30 of clamp 12 are 
shown. A rectangular shaped aperture 24 is formed in the center of clamp 
12. Location and size of aperture 24 may be varied as long as the aperture 
permits visual inspection of information located on a upper surface of the 
integrated circuit (not shown in FIG. 2). Such information may include a 
part number, lot number, or some other related technical markings. During 
the assembly process or during diagnostics after such assembly, the 
integrated circuit must be readily identifiable. Aperture 24 permits 
identification without having to add equivalent information to the top 
surface of clamp 12. 
A plurality of recesses 22 are formed along the four peripheral edges of 
clamp 12. These recesses 22 serve to permit visual inspection of leads 18 
before assembly. After such assembly, recesses 22 permit a visual 
inspection of the solder joint (if soldering is used) between leads 18 of 
the conductive trace 80 (FIG. 10a) and pads 20 of printed circuit board 16 
(refer to FIG. 1.) 
In a preferred embodiment, clamp 12 is substantially square having a recess 
22 at the peripheral edge of each side to permit inspection for each 
respective group of leads 18. 
A bevel 26 is formed on one side of the upper surface 30. The bevel permits 
orientation of the clamp assembly for correct positional placement of the 
assembly on the printed circuit board as the assembly must be electrically 
aligned with the board. Bevel 26 also provides clamp orientation in a 
storage tube (not shown) and facilitates the use of vibratory feeders 
during the assembly process. 
A plurality of indentations 28 (FIG. 6c) are also formed in the upper 
surface 30 of the clamp. These indentations 28 are formed directly over 
the downwardly extending posts 40 (FIG. 3). The diameter and depth of an 
indentation is selected to loosely receive an end of a post to permit 
tight stacking of clamps 12. The indentations also provide a visual 
indication from the upper surface 30 of clamp 12 to locate the posts 40 to 
facilitate removal of clamp 12 from a printed circuit board. A drill may 
be located over the indentation to drill down through upper surface 30 of 
clamp 12 and effectively remove post or tape material without damage to 
printed circuit board 16. This permits easy, accurate removal of the clamp 
assembly, e.g., upon electrical failure of integrated circuit 14, for 
non-destructive failure analysis of the circuit. 
Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 5, side views of clamp 12 are shown. The clamp 
has a sidewall 46 formed of a suitable thickness to provide mechanical 
rigidity of the structure and protection of the fragile conductive trace 
and integrated circuit. 
Clamp 12 is formed with an upper surface 30 and a lower surface 44. A 
plurality of posts 40 extend downwardly from lower surface 44. The posts 
engage apertures in the conductive trace (not shown) for retention of the 
conductive trace within clamp 12. The posts also engage apertures in the 
printed circuit board 16 (not shown) to retain the clamp 12 on the printed 
circuit board 16. 
Sidewall 46 has a plurality of standoffs 42 (see especially FIG. 20b) 
extending downwardly at each corner of clamp 12. The standoffs (also seen 
in FIG. 20b) are of a predetermined length to control the height of the 
clamp in a predetermined spaced relationship with printed circuit board 
16. 
Clamp assembly 10 is effectively located on the printed circuit board and 
pressed downwardly onto the board until the standoffs engage the upper 
surface of the board, providing the desired spaced relationship. The 
purpose of this spaced relationship will be discussed later with reference 
to FIG. 20b. 
Referring now to FIG. 4, a bottom view of clamp 12 is shown. From the lower 
surface 44, the downwardly extending posts 40 and standoffs 42 are shown. 
The cooperation between posts 40 and standoffs 42 permits retainment of 
the clamp assembly with the printed circuit board 16 at a predetermined 
height above the board. As seen in FIGS. 4 and 5 (and also in FIGS. 
16-20b), the posts 40 are positioned more inwardly (toward the center) on 
the clamp's base member than the shorter length standoffs 42. 
While the preferred embodiment illustrates four posts and four standoffs, 
those skilled in the art will appreciate that the number and placement of 
the posts and standoffs may vary without departing from the scope and 
spirit of the invention. 
Referring now to FIG. 4 and FIGS. 6a and 6b (which represent possible cross 
sectional configurations viewable along line C--C of FIG. 2), two profiles 
of lower surface 44 are illustrated. This profile of the lower surface 
depresses the leads 18 of the conductive trace (not shown) downwardly, 
effectively forcing the leads 18 of the conductive trace down for 
engagement with pads 20 on printed circuit board 16 (FIG. 1). 
In one embodiment of the invention, a rectangular ridge 50 is formed on the 
lower surface 44 of clamp 12, as shown in FIG. 6b. This ridge forms a 
rectangular shape around the lower surface 44 of clamp 12, as shown in 
FIG. 4. In another embodiment (FIG. 6a), lower surface 44 slopes 
downwardly and outwardly from the center of clamp 12 to depress the leads 
of the conductive trace. Posts 40 in turn retain a conductive trace 80 in 
a plane beneath the lower surface of the clamp. This plane is slightly 
above the lowest point of the lower surface or ridge in order to create 
the downward force on leads 18. 
Sufficient downward force on leads 18 will only occur if the leads lie 
below the plane of the integrated circuit's solderable surface as will be 
later described with reference to FIG. 20b. 
Referring now to FIGS. 6c, 6d, and 6e, sectional views of three possible 
embodiments of posts 40 as may be seen if viewed along line A--A of FIG. 2 
are provided. Each view illustrates the posts extending downwardly from 
the lower surface 44 of the clamp. As previously described, the posts 
provide retainment of the conductive trace in a spaced relationship with 
clamp 12 and also retainment of the clamp upon printed circuit board 16. 
In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 6c, posts 40 are substantially cylindrical 
for engagement with apertures in the conductive trace 80 and apertures in 
printed circuit board 16. A chamfer 60 located along the lowermost surface 
of each post 40 aids engagement with these apertures. 
In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 6d, the posts 40 are substantially 
cylindrical, having a slot 62 extending from the distant end of the post 
40 inwardly to form two flexible post leg members. The slot 62 permits 
inward flexation of these post leg members to aid with engagement of the 
respective apertures and to provide a tight press fit within the apertures 
of the printed circuit board for retention of the clamp assembly 10. 
In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 6e, integral standoffs are formed in 
the posts 40. In this embodiment, clamp 12 does not require the standoffs 
42 (FIG. 20b) to provide the spaced relationship between the clamp and the 
printed circuit board. The post forms an upper cylindrical surface 41 and 
a lower cylindrical surface 45. The upper surface 41 communicates with the 
aperture 76 (FIG. 7) of the conductive trace 80, as previously described. 
The lower surface 45 communicates with the aperture 90 (FIG. 11) of the 
printed circuit board, as previously described. The apertures 90 and lower 
surfaces 45 are of a different diameter, being smaller than the upper 
cylindrical surface 41. The smaller diameter again must provide a tight 
press fit. A lip 43 is formed at the Junction of the upper and lower 
surfaces. Lip 43 serves the function of a standoff by resting on the upper 
surface of printed circuit board 16. Lip 43 is positioned on the post to 
provide the predetermined spaced relationship between the clamp and 
printed circuit board. 
Referring now to FIG. 7, a tape 70 of conductive traces 80 is shown. A 
plurality of sprocket holes 72 are provided at the respective edges of the 
tape 70 to control movement of the tape during the manufacturing process. 
Electrical connection between the integrated circuit and printed circuit 
board is achieved using conductive trace 80. Preferably, however, a 
plurality of leads and corresponding conductive traces 80 are provided. 
Leads 18 are for electrical engagement with pads 20 on printed circuit 
board 16. A plurality of contacts 78 secure and electrically engage the 
integrated circuit. A plurality of lands 74 (FIG. 7) electrically connect 
leads 18 with respective ones of the contacts 78. 
Formed in each conductive trace 80 are a plurality (e.g., four) of 
apertures 76, each of which engages a post 40 for retention of the 
conductive trace 80 against clamp 12. 
In one embodiment, four circular apertures 76 are provided to engage four 
cylindrical posts 40 on clamp 12. The diameter of the posts 40 and the 
diameter of the apertures 76 are such that a press fit occurs 
therebetween, thus providing retention of the fragile trace without damage 
during the assembly process. The apertures 76 formed in the fragile film 
of the conductive trace 80 are surrounded by metal patterns to strengthen 
the area for engagement with the posts. These strengthened areas resist 
tearing of the film when engaged by the posts 40. It is appreciated by 
those skilled in the art that minor changes to the number of, and shape 
of, posts and corresponding apertures may be made without departing from 
the scope and spirit of the invention. 
Referring now to FIG. 8, a single conductive trace 80 has been excised from 
tape 70. The trace's leads 18 are angularly formed (i.e., in an S shape), 
as shown in FIG. 14. Obviously, the leads could assume other shapes, i.e., 
a gull wing. 
Referring now to FIGS. 9, and 10a, a clamp assembly 10 is shown. The 
conductive trace 80 is retained in the clamp 12 by the engagement and 
cooperation between the plurality of apertures 76 in the conductive trace 
80 and the plurality of posts 40 of the clamp. This assembly 10 may be 
stored in a shipping tube, or temporarily placed in a test apparatus and 
then removed, or retained on a printed circuit board. Integrated circuit 
14 is not shown in FIGS. 9 and 10a. 
Referring now to FIG. 10b, a sectional view of a post is shown cooperating 
with a conductive trace 80. The aperture formed in the conductive trace 80 
includes a plastic layer 81 having a diameter slightly larger than the 
diameter of the post, and a copper layer 83 having diameter slightly 
smaller that the diameter of the post. A peripheral edge of the copper 
layer 83 deflects downward when a post is inserted into the aperture. The 
edge provides a biting engagement with the post, retaining the conductive 
trace 80 with the post. 
Referring now to FIG. 11, a printed circuit board 16 is shown as configured 
to receive a clamp assembly 10. A plurality of pads 20 are arranged to 
engage the leads 18 of a conductive trace. The engagement is both 
mechanical, to secure contact by application of solder, and electrical. 
The pads 20 are electrically connected to other parts of the printed 
circuit board 16 by lands (lines) 92 etched on the board. 
A plurality of apertures 90 are arranged in a predetermined spaced 
relationship on the board 16 for receiving a plurality of posts 40 of the 
clamp 12 (not shown). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the 
arrangement of pads 20 and apertures 90 may be modified without departing 
from the scope and spirit of the invention. 
Referring now to FIG. 12, the method to assemble a clamp with a conductive 
trace will be described. The method starts at 110. A single conductive 
trace having an integrated circuit is removed from a tape by application 
of a die to excise the trace. The leads are formed by the complimentary 
surfaces of the die pressing the leads into an substantially S-shape 
(111). As stated, other suitable shapes (e.g., a gull wing) are possible. 
This single excised and lead formed trace is presented to a placement 
machine (112). A clamp is then acquired from a clamp feeder, for example 
by a vacuum nozzle (113). 
The clamp is placed onto the single excised and lead formed trace where the 
posts 40 engage apertures 90. A downward force moves the posts through the 
apertures a predetermined distance, without damage to the conductive 
trace. This operation retains the conductive trace with the clamp (114). 
The completed assembly may now be acquired for placement (115). 
The completed assembly of a clamp and trace may be placed in a storage 
package for shipping (117), or may be temporally placed in a test 
apparatus to electrically test the component (116), or may be mounted on a 
printed circuit board (118). 
Referring to FIGS. 13 through 17, a schematic cross section of the 
apparatus and components for the method to assemble a clamp and conductive 
trace is shown. 
In FIG. 13, a tape 70 of conductive traces 80 having integrated circuits 14 
is fed to an excise and lead form die, generally indicated at 100. The die 
has an upper member 102 and a lower member 104. The upper member 102 is 
operable to communicate with the lower member 104 where a single 
conductive trace 80 may be excised from the tape. Significantly, the leads 
18 may be formed during the same operation. The leads are formed into a 
shape by the contour 106 of the upper member 102 cooperating with the 
complimentary contour 108 of the lower member 104, thereby pressing the 
leads into shape. The result is a single conductive trace 80 as shown in 
FIG. 14. 
A clamp is obtained from a clamp feeder 122 (FIG. 15) by a vacuum nozzle 
120 and transported for engagement with a conductive trace located in the 
lower member 104 of the die. The vacuum nozzle 120 has a baffle over the 
aperture in the clamp to permit suction to effectively grip the upper 
surface 30 of the clamp. 
As shown in FIG. 16, the clamp is aligned over the conductive trace 80. 
This alignment operation centers the posts 40 directly over the apertures 
76 of trace 80. The lower member 104 of the die has a plurality of 
openings 124 directly under the apertures 76 of trace 80. The size of the 
openings must be large enough to loosely receive the posts 40 of the clamp 
12 and small enough to support the surrounding area of the conductive 
trace 80 as placed in the die. A downward force drives the posts 40 
through the apertures 76 (again, see FIG. 7) a predetermined distance to 
retain the conductive trace 80 in clamp 12. The posts 40 on the clamp are 
effectively press fit into apertures 76 on the trace without tearing or 
damaging the fragile conductive trace. 
The lower member 104 of the die is contoured so that the standoffs 42 of 
the clamp do not touch or engage the surface of die 104. This permits the 
clamp 12 to be pressed downward to unrestrictively receive the conductive 
trace 80 in a predetermined spaced relationship without interference by 
the standoffs. 
A completed assembly of a conductive trace 80 having an integrated circuit 
retained in a clamp 12 is removed from the die as shown in FIG. 17. As 
stated, this assembly may be placed in a test cell, a storage container, 
or provided for final assembly on a printed circuit board. 
Referring to FIG. 18, a completed assembly is shown in a test apparatus 
130. The test apparatus 130 may be soldered directly in place to a printed 
circuit board 16 in place of a completed clamp assembly 10. The test 
apparatus 130 acts as an interposer between the clamp assembly (while 
under electrical test) and the printed circuit board 16. 
The test apparatus 130 is substantially a bottomless square box with an 
operable lid 151. A plastic gate 132 pushes leads 18 onto its own contact 
pads 134 for electrical engagement. The upper surface of the integrated 
circuit 14 is also pressed against a copper slug 136 by a protruding 
member 150 formed on the lower surface of lid 151. A surface of the 
integrated circuit 14 communicates with a surface of the slug 136 in order 
to dissipate heat generated by the integrated circuit 14 while under 
electrical test. 
Thus the test apparatus provides both electrical and thermal contact of the 
integrated circuit 14 for burn-in testing of the integrated circuit 14 as 
retained within the clamp assembly 10. 
The lid 151 is pivotally connected at one end 152 to the side of the test 
apparatus and releasably connected at another end 153. These connections 
permit the lid 151 to operate from a closed position for testing to an 
open position for insertion and removal of a clamp assembly. The lid 151 
is releasably locked in the closed position in order to provide a downward 
force on the integrated circuit 14 by the protruding member 150. 
A plurality of copper posts 134 are soldered to pads on the printed circuit 
board 16. The copper posts 134 extend upwardly through the bottom 155 of 
the test apparatus 130 to form exposed pads 154. The leads 18 of the 
conductive trace 80 respectively contact the exposed pads 154 for 
electrical connection during test of integrated circuit 14. The height of 
the copper posts 134 and slug 136 are such that the posts of clamp 12 do 
not engage the apertures 90 of the printed circuit board 16 in order to 
permit removal of clamp 12 after the burn-in test. The bottom 155 has a 
plurality of openings to loosely receive the posts 40. 
The test apparatus 130 and gate 132 are designed so that the leads 18 of 
the conductive trace 80 are not deformed. This allows the clamp assembly 
10 to be removed from the test apparatus 130 after burn-in for later use, 
e.g., in the production of a printed circuit board. 
Referring to FIG. 19, a completed assembly 10 is shown in a tube container 
140 for storage and shipping. The overall shape of the clamp 12 cooperates 
with the overall shape of the tube container 140 to provide a single 
orientation of the clamp 12 within the container. The chamfer 26 of the 
clamp 12 communicates with a corresponding chamfer 142 of the container 
wherein these chamfers must be aligned before inserting clamp 12 into tube 
140. The inside dimensions of the tube are such that the clamp assembly 10 
may be slidably received and removed from the tube. A single tube 140 may 
contain a plurality of clamp assemblies 10 (e.g., in edge-to-edge 
orientation directly behind the assembly 10 in FIG. 19). 
Clamp 12 protects the fragile conductive trace 80 from damage that may 
occur from the top or sides of the clamp. The four corners of the clamp 
extend beyond the ends of the outer leads of the conductive trace 80 to 
protect the ends of the leads 18 from handling damage. This is best seen 
on the left side of clamp 12 in FIG. 19. 
In addition, the four posts 40 protect the outer leads 18 from below. These 
posts 40 partially prevent damage of the trace 80 from underneath by 
raising the trace above a smooth or level contacting surface. 
When the clamp assembly is placed in tube 140, the trace 80 is completely 
protected from damage, e.g., as may occur to the trace's underside. 
Tubes 140 containing these clamp assemblies 10 may be shipped without 
damage to the printed circuit board assembly plant. The tube 140 may be 
used in a manufacturing process and further indicates (by its shape) the 
orientation of clamp(s) contained therein for eventual placement on 
printed circuit boards. 
Referring to FIGS. 20a and 20b, a completed clamp assembly 10 is shown 
immediately before and after mounting on a printed circuit board 16. A 
placement machine acquires an assembly from a feeder and locates the 
assembly over a printed circuit board 16. The posts 40 of the clamp 12 are 
aligned over apertures 90 in the printed circuit board. The machine pushes 
clamp 12 downward onto the board. Clamp 12 and conductive trace 80 are 
retained on the board by the posts 40 press fitting into the apertures 90 
on the board. The clamp 12 is eased down onto the board. The chamfers 60 
on the posts 40 assist with engagement between the posts 40 and apertures 
90. The clamp 12 is then pushed down until the standoffs 42 engage the 
upper surface of the board to engage the outer leads 18 of the trace 80 
into solder paste which have been previously screened onto the printed 
circuit board 16. 
The ridge 50 (FIG. 3) depresses the leads 18 of conductive trace 80 
downwardly, effectively forcing the leads 18 of the conductive trace into 
engagement with the pads 20 of the printed circuit board 16, prior to a 
soldering process. 
The posts 40 engage the apertures 90 of the printed circuit board 16 for 
retention of the clamp 12 on the board. The length and diameter of the 
posts 40 and length diameter of the apertures 90 are such that a tight 
press fit occurs between the sidewall of the post and the sidewall of the 
aperture, preventing removal of clamp 12 from the board. 
The posts 40 provide retention of the fragile conductive trace 80 relative 
to the printed circuit board, once assembled to the printed circuit board 
16. 
The standoffs 42 rest on the upper surface of the board to provide a 
predetermined spaced relationship between clamp 12 and the board's upper 
surface. This spaced relationship permits forced engagement of the 
contacts 18 with the pads 20 and retains the integrated circuit 14 at a 
distance above the printed circuit board 16. 
Once a clamp assembly 10 is mounted on a printed circuit board 16, it 
provides mechanical protection to the delicate structure. 
The printed circuit card assembly may then be passed through a surface 
mount technology solder reflow oven to form the various solder joints. The 
clamp 12 remains in place on the printed circuit board 16 to provide 
mechanical protection to the fragile conductive trace 80 and integrated 
circuit 14. A surface of the integrated circuit may be soldered to the 
printed circuit board 16 to provide for cooling of the circuit. 
Optionally, an adhesive may be applied to the back bond of the integrated 
circuit to provide for cooling. 
While there have been shown and described what are at present considered 
the preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be obvious to those 
skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made 
therein without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the 
appended claims.