Mid-plane connector configuration

An apparatus with a specific connector configuration is disclosed. A system that includes the connector configuration of the apparatus is also disclosed. The apparatus includes a first connector having a first guide pin insertable into a first guide socket of a first mating connector. The first guide pin is blocked from being inserted into a second guide socket of a second mating connector. The second guide socket has a different shape than the first guide socket. The apparatus includes a second connector having a second guide pin with a different shape than the first guide pin. The second guide pin is insertable into the first guide socket of the first mating connector and insertable into the second guide socket of the second mating connector.

FIELD

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to connectors and more particularly relates to a mid-plane connector configuration.

BACKGROUND

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Information handling devices, such as desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, etc., may include mid-plane connectors. The mid-plane connectors typically mate with a mating connector on a mezzanine card. Certain mid-plane connectors may be configured to mate with specific mezzanine cards.

BRIEF SUMMARY

An apparatus with a specific connector configuration is disclosed. A system that includes the connector configuration of the apparatus is also disclosed. The apparatus includes a first connector having a first guide pin insertable into a first guide socket of a first mating connector. The first guide pin is blocked from being inserted into a second guide socket of a second mating connector. The second guide socket has a different shape than the first guide socket. The apparatus includes a second connector having a second guide pin with a different shape than the first guide pin. The second guide pin is insertable into the first guide socket of the first mating connector and insertable into the second guide socket of the second mating connector.

In one embodiment of the apparatus, an internal surface shape of the first guide socket includes an internal shape of the second guide socket plus an internal shape of an additional volume. In another embodiment of the apparatus, the first guide pin includes a guiding portion that guides connection of the first connector with the first mating connector and the second guide pin includes a guiding portion that guides connection of the second connector with either of the first mating connector and the second mating connector. In certain embodiments, a shape of an outer surface of the first guide pin substantially conforms to a shape of an inner surface of the first guide socket, and a shape of an outer surface of the second guide pin includes a shape that is common with a portion of the first guide pin and that conforms to a portion of the shape of the inner surface of the first guide socket. In such embodiments, the portion of the shape of the inner surface of the first guide socket that conforms to the first guide pin is shaped to maintain the second guide pin in position as the second guide pin is inserted into the first guide socket substantially without movement in a direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the second guide pin.

In some embodiments, an outer surface of a cross section of the second guide pin substantially conforms to a shape of a cross section of an inner surface of the second guide socket and an outer surface of a cross section of each of the first and second guide pins share a portion with a common shape and the outer surface of the cross section of the first guide pin includes an additional portion missing from the outer surface of the cross section of the second guide pin. In certain embodiments, an inner surface of a cross section of each of the first and second guide sockets share a portion with a common shape and the inner surface of the cross section of the first guide socket includes an additional portion missing from the inner surface of the cross section of the second guide socket.

In one embodiment, the second guide pin is stepped to include a first section having a first shape and a second section having second shape. In such an embodiment, a cross section of the first shape includes only a portion of a cross section of the second shape. Moreover, in such an embodiment, the first section is disposed on an end of the second guide pin first inserted into a guide socket. In certain embodiments, a cross section of the first guide pin substantially matches the cross section of the second shape, and the cross section of the first guide pin is uniform along a body length of the first guide pin. In another embodiment, the second guide socket is stepped to match the first and second sections of the second guide pin.

In one embodiment, the first guide pin has a circular cross section. In such an embodiment, the circular cross section may be substantially constant along a length of the first guide pin. In some embodiments, the second guide pin has a D-shaped cross section. In such embodiments, the D-shaped cross section includes at least half of a circle. In some embodiments, the D-shaped cross section is greater than half of a circle. In certain embodiments, the apparatus has a mid-plane that includes the first and second connectors. In one embodiment, the first and second connectors are mezzanine connectors.

Another apparatus includes a first connector having a first guide socket that receives a first guide pin of a first mating connector and blocks a second guide pin of a second mating connector. The second guide pin has a different shape than the first guide pin. The apparatus includes a second guide socket having a different shape than the first guide socket. The second guide socket is able to receive the first guide pin of the first mating connector and the second guide pin of the second mating connector.

One system that includes the connector configuration of the apparatus includes a first connector. The system also includes a first mating connector. In the system, one of the first connector and the first mating connector includes a first guide pin, and another of the first connector and the first mating connector includes a first guide socket. The first guide pin is insertable into the first guide socket and blocked from being inserted into a second guide socket. The second guide socket has a different shape than the first guide socket. The system includes a second connector and a second mating connector. In the system, one of the second connector and the second mating connector includes a second guide pin, and another of the second connector and the second mating connector includes the second guide socket. The second guide pin has a different shape than the first guide pin. The second guide pin is insertable into the first and second guide sockets. In one embodiment, the first connector is a connector of a standard input/output (“I/O”) mezzanine card and the second connector is a connector of a storage mezzanine card.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the embodiments are described below with reference to schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams of methods, apparatuses, systems, and program products according to embodiments. The schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of apparatuses, systems, and methods.

Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flowchart and/or block diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding embodiments. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the depicted embodiment. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted embodiment.

FIG. 1is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system100with a mid-plane connector configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The system100includes an apparatus102that further includes a mid-plane104having a first connector106and a second connector108. The system100also includes a standard input/output (“I/O”) mezzanine (“mezz”) card110having a first mating connector112. The first connector106mates with (i.e., connects to) the first mating connector112. As may be appreciated, the first connector106may be a plug or a receptacle (i.e., male or female). Furthermore, the first mating connector112may be a plug or a receptacle. However, as may be appreciated, if the first connector106is a plug, the first mating connector112is a receptacle, or vice versa.

The system100includes a storage mezz card114having a second mating connector116. The second connector108mates with (i.e., connects to) the second mating connector116. As may be appreciated, the second connector108may be a plug or a receptacle (i.e., male or female). Furthermore, the second mating connector116may be a plug or a receptacle. However, as may be appreciated, if the second connector108is a plug, the second mating connector116is a receptacle, or vice versa.

It should be noted that the system100includes only one embodiment of the first connector106, the second connector108, the first mating connector112, and the second mating connector116. In other embodiments, the first connector106, the second connector108, the first mating connector112, and the second mating connector116may be any connectors in any type of system, such as typical cable connectors in an electrical system, a computer system, a computer, a laptop, a network system, and so forth.

In the illustrated embodiment, the mid-plane104may be a printed circuit board found in any suitable computer system, such as a server, a rack-mounted system, an expandable system, and so forth. In other embodiments, the first and second connectors106,108are connected to something other than a mid-plane and a storage mezz card, which are depicted inFIG. 1. For example, the first and second connectors may be part of a motherboard, rack-mounted computer equipment, or other computer hardware in which a first connector106may be inserted into a first mating connector112but not a second mating connector116, and a second connector108may be inserted in the first mating connector112as well as the second mating connector116. In one embodiment, the mid-plane104may include a group of electrical connectors, such as the first and second connectors106and108, in parallel with each other so that each pin of each connector is linked to the same relative pin of all the other connectors forming a computer bus. Moreover, in some embodiments, the mid-plane104may be used as a backbone to connect several printed circuit boards together to make a complete computer system. In certain embodiments, the mid-plane104may be constructed with slots for connecting to devices on both sides.

The first connector106may be a mezzanine connector or any other suitable type of connector. Moreover, in some embodiments, the first connector106may include a 3×8 housing size with a layout of 9 pins and 8 columns. Note that the pin configuration, in the embodiment, is a differential pair grouping with two signal pins and a ground pin associated with a differential pair. In one embodiment, the first connector106mates with the first mating connector112of the standard I/O mezz card110, but is blocked from mating with the second mating connector116of the storage mezz card114. In certain embodiments, the first connector106may include a guide pin and/or a guide socket to enable mating with the first mating connector112and to block mating with the second mating connector116. Moreover, in some embodiments, the first connector106may include a guide block to facilitate mating with the first mating connector112. In certain embodiments, the first connector106may be a male connector (e.g., plug) and may include conductive pins used to make electrical connections, while in other embodiments, the first connector106may be a female connector (e.g., receptacle) and may include conductive sockets used to make electrical connections.

The second connector108may be a mezzanine connector or any other suitable type of connector. Moreover, in some embodiments, the second connector108may include a 3×14 housing size with a layout of 9 pins and 14 columns. Again, in the embodiment the pin configuration is a differential pair grouping. In one embodiment, the second connector108mates with both the first mating connector112of the standard I/O mezz card110and the second mating connector116of the storage mezz card114. In certain embodiments, the second connector108may include a guide pin and/or a guide socket to enable mating with the first and second mating connectors112and116. Moreover, in some embodiments, the second connector108may include a guide block (not shown) to facilitate mating with the first and second mating connectors112and116. In certain embodiments, the second connector108may be a male connector (e.g., plug) and may include conductive pins used to make electrical connections, while in other embodiments, the second connector108may be a female connector (e.g., receptacle) and may include conductive sockets used to make electrical connections.

The first mating connector112may be a mezzanine connector or any other suitable type of connector. Moreover, in some embodiments, the first mating connector112mates with either the first connector106or the second connector108. In certain embodiments, the first mating connector112may include a guide pin and/or a guide socket to enable mating with the first and second connectors106and108. Moreover, in some embodiments, the first mating connector112may include a guide block to facilitate mating with the first and second connectors106and108. In certain embodiments, the first mating connector112may be a male connector (e.g., plug) and may include conductive pins used to make electrical connections, while in other embodiments, the first mating connector112may be a female connector (e.g., receptacle) and may include conductive sockets used to make electrical connections.

The second mating connector116may be a mezzanine connector or any other suitable type of connector. Moreover, in some embodiments, the second mating connector116mates with the second connector108, but is blocked from mating with the first connector106. In certain embodiments, the second mating connector116may include a guide pin and/or a guide socket to enable mating with the second connector108, and to block mating with the first connector106. Moreover, in some embodiments, the second mating connector116may include a guide block to facilitate mating with the second connector108. In certain embodiments, the second mating connector116may be a male connector (e.g., plug) and may include conductive pins used to make electrical connections, while in other embodiments, the second mating connector116may be a female connector (e.g., receptacle) and may include conductive sockets used to make electrical connections.

While the apparatus102includes the mid-plane104having the first and second connectors106and108in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the apparatus102may include the first and second connectors106and108without including the mid-plane104. Furthermore, while the system100includes the standard I/O mezz card110and the storage mezz card114having the first and second mating connectors112and116, respectively, in other embodiments, the first and second mating connectors112and116may be part of any suitable device or devices. Indeed, the system100may be any suitable system including the first and second connectors106and108that mate to the first and second mating connectors112and116.

As will be described in greater detail inFIGS. 2 and 3, one of the first connector and the first mating connector includes a first guide pin, and another of the first connector and the first mating connector includes a first guide socket. The first guide pin is insertable into the first guide socket and blocked from being inserted into a second guide socket. The second guide socket has a different shape than the first guide socket. One of the second connector and the second mating connector includes a second guide pin, and another of the second connector and the second mating connector includes the second guide socket. The second guide pin has a different shape than the first guide pin, and the second guide pin is insertable into the first and second guide sockets.

FIG. 2is a schematic block diagram illustrating a second embodiment of a system200with a mid-plane connector configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The system200includes one embodiment of the apparatus102having the mid-plane104, the first connector106, and the second connector108, which are substantially similar to those described above in relation to the system100ofFIG. 1. It should be noted that while the mid-plane104includes multiple types of connectors including the first and second connectors106and108in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments (not shown), the mid-plane104may include just the first connector106, just the second connector108, or other connectors.

The system200also includes one embodiment of the standard I/O mezz card110having the first mating connector112, and the storage mezz card114having the second mating connector116, which are substantially similar to those described above in relation to the system100ofFIG. 1. The first connector106includes a first guide pin202, the first mating connector112includes a first guide socket204, the second connector108includes a second guide pin206, and the second mating connector116includes a second guide socket208, which are described below.

Although not shown for clarity, it should be noted that the first connector106, the second connector108, the first mating connector112, and the second mating connector116each include either conductive pins or conductive sockets. Furthermore, the first guide pin202, the first guide socket204, the second guide pin206and the second guide socket208may be positioned at any location relative to the conductive pins or conductive sockets. For example, the first guide pin202, the first guide socket204, the second guide pin206, and the second guide socket208may be positioned adjacent to, above, below, to the side of, to the left of, to the right of, and/or in the middle of the conductive pins or conductive sockets, and so forth.

Furthermore, and also not shown for clarity, the first connector106, the second connector108, the first mating connector112, and the second mating connector116may each include a guide block that may include additional guide pins, guide sockets, and/or guide features to facilitate mating of the connectors.

The first guide pin202of the first connector106is insertable into the first guide socket204of the first mating connector112and blocked from being inserted into the second guide socket208of the second mating connector116. In certain embodiments, an internal surface shape of the second guide socket208includes an internal shape of the first guide socket204plus an internal shape of an additional volume. As may be appreciated, the first guide socket204has a different shape than the second guide socket208. Furthermore, it should be noted that the first guide pin202includes a guiding portion that guides connection of the first connector106with the first mating connector112. Specifically, the first guide pin202guides (e.g., directs) connection between the first connector106and the first guide socket204of the first mating connector112so that the connector's respective pins and sockets align for proper electrical connection. This is further illustrated and described in relation toFIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B, as found herein. Moreover, a shape of an outer surface of the first guide pin202substantially conforms to a shape of an inner surface of the first guide socket204so that the respective pins and sockets of the first connector106and the first mating connector112align and the pins move straight into the sockets.

The first guide socket204of the first mating connector112is shaped to receive and support insertion of both of the first guide pin202and the second guide pin206. Moreover, a portion of the shape of the inner surface of the first guide socket204that conforms to the first guide pin202is shaped to maintain the second guide pin206in position as the second guide pin206is inserted into the first guide socket204substantially without movement in a direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the second guide pin206.

The second guide pin206of the second connector108is insertable into the first guide socket204of the first mating connector112and insertable into the second guide socket208of the second mating connector116. As may be appreciated, the first guide pin202has a different shape than the second guide pin206. Furthermore, it should be noted that the second guide pin206includes a guiding portion that guides connection of the second connector108with either of the first mating connector112and the second mating connector116. Specifically, the second guide pin206includes a guiding portion that guides (e.g., directs) connection between the second connector108and the first and second guide sockets204and208of the first and second mating connectors112and116so that the connector's respective pins and sockets align for proper electrical connection. This is further illustrated and described in relation toFIGS. 4B, 4C, 4D, 5B, 5C, 5D, 6B, 6C, and 6D, as found herein. Moreover, a shape of an outer surface of the second guide pin206includes a shape that is common with a portion of the first guide pin202and that conforms to a portion of the shape of the inner surface of the first guide socket204so that the respective pins and sockets of the second connector108and the first mating connector112align and the pins move straight into the sockets. In addition, the shape of the outer surface of the second guide pin206substantially conforms to a shape of an inner surface of the second guide socket208so that the respective pins and sockets of the second connector108and the second mating connector116align and the pins move straight into the sockets. The second guide socket208of the second mating connector116is shaped to receive and support insertion of the second guide pin206, and blocks insertion of the first guide pin202.

As may be appreciated, the first and second guide pins202and206and the first and second guide sockets204and208are used to enable and/or to block connection of various connectors (e.g., keying). However, in certain embodiments, the first guide pin202, the first guide socket204, the second guide pin206, and/or the second guide socket208may be used as electrical conductors in addition to being used for keying.

In some embodiments, the first and second guide pins202and206and the first and second guide sockets204and208may be keyed as described, while in other embodiments, other guide pins and/or other guide sockets of the connectors may be a standard or uniform design, some connectors may include multiple keyed connectors, or some connectors may include multiple keyed guide pins and/or guide sockets. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the first and second guide pins202and206may be the same size and/or the first and second guide sockets204and208may be the same size.

FIG. 3is a schematic block diagram illustrating a third embodiment of a system300with a mid-plane connector configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The system300includes one embodiment of the apparatus102having the mid-plane104, the first connector106, and the second connector108, which are substantially similar to those described above in relation to the system100ofFIG. 1. The system300also includes one embodiment of the standard I/O mezz card110having the first mating connector112, and the storage mezz card114having the second mating connector116, which are substantially similar to those described above in relation to the system100ofFIG. 1. The first connector106includes a first guide socket302, the first mating connector112includes a first guide pin304, the second connector108includes a second guide socket306, and the second mating connector116includes a second guide pin308, which are described below.

The first guide pin304of the first mating connector112is insertable into the first guide socket302of the first connector106and insertable into the second guide socket306of the second connector108. As may be appreciated, the first guide pin304has a different shape than the second guide pin308. The first guide socket302of the first connector106is shaped to receive and support insertion of the first guide pin304, and block insertion of the second guide pin308.

The second guide pin308of the second mating connector116is insertable into the second guide socket306of the second connector108and blocked from being inserted into the first guide socket302of the first connector106. As may be appreciated, the first guide socket302has a different shape than the second guide socket306. The second guide socket306of the first connector108is shaped to receive and support insertion of both of the first guide pin304and the second guide pin308.

FIG. 4Ais a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a cross section of a first guide pin400in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The first guide pin400may be substantially similar to the first guide pin202described above in relation to the system200ofFIG. 2and/or the first guide pin400may be substantially similar to the second guide pin308described above in relation to the system300ofFIG. 3. The first guide pin400includes a shape having an outer surface402, a portion404with a common shape, and an external shape of an additional portion406(or additional volume), which are described below.

FIG. 4Bis a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a cross section of a first guide socket408in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The first guide socket408may be substantially similar to the first guide socket204described above in relation to the system200ofFIG. 2and/or the first guide socket408may be substantially similar to the second guide socket306described above in relation to the system300ofFIG. 3. The first guide socket408includes a shape having an inner surface410, a portion412with a common shape, and an internal shape of an additional portion414(or additional volume), which are described below.FIG. 4Balso illustrates a first direction416perpendicular to a second direction418that extends into the page, and a third direction420perpendicular to the first and second directions416and418.

FIG. 4Cis a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a cross section of a second guide pin422in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The second guide pin422may be substantially similar to the second guide pin206described above in relation to the system200ofFIG. 2and/or the second guide pin422may be substantially similar to the first guide pin304described above in relation to the system300ofFIG. 3. The second guide pin422includes a shape having an outer surface424and a portion426with a common shape, which are described below.

FIG. 4Dis a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a cross section of a second guide socket428in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The second guide socket428may be substantially similar to the second guide socket208described above in relation to the system200ofFIG. 2and/or the second guide socket428may be substantially similar to the first guide socket302described above in relation to the system300ofFIG. 3. The second guide socket428includes a shape having an inner surface430and a portion432with a common shape, which are described below.

The first guide pin400and the first guide socket408each have a circular cross section in the illustrated embodiment; however, in other embodiments, the first guide pin400and the first guide socket408may have any suitably shaped cross section. In some embodiments, the circular cross section of the first guide pin400may be substantially constant along a length of the first guide pin400. Furthermore, the circular cross section of the first guide socket408may be substantially constant along a length of the first guide socket408. In one embodiment, the shapes of the cross sections of the first guide pin400and the first guide socket408match each other, while in other embodiments, the shapes of the cross sections of the first guide pin400and the first guide socket408do not match each other.

The second guide pin422and the second guide socket428each have a D-shaped cross section in the illustrated embodiment; however, in other embodiments, the second guide pin422and the second guide socket428may have any suitably shaped cross section. In some embodiments, the D-shaped cross section includes at least half of a circle, while in other embodiments, the D-shaped cross section includes greater than half of a circle. In one embodiment, the shapes of the cross sections of the second guide pin422and the second guide socket428match each other, while in other embodiments, the shapes of the cross sections of the second guide pin422and the second guide socket428do not match each other.

In some embodiments, a shape of the outer surface402of the first guide pin400substantially conforms to a shape of the inner surface410of the first guide socket408. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, a shape of the outer surface424of the second guide pin422substantially conforms to a shape of the inner surface430of the second guide socket428. Moreover, in one embodiment, the shape of the outer surface424of the second guide pin422includes a shape that is common with a portion of the first guide pin400and that conforms to the portion412of the shape of the inner surface410of the first guide socket408.

In some embodiments, the portion412of the shape of the inner surface410of the first guide socket408is shaped to maintain the second guide pin422in position as the second guide pin422is inserted into the first guide socket408in the second direction418. Specifically, the first guide socket408is shaped to maintain the second guide pin422in position as the second guide pin422is inserted into the first guide socket408substantially without movement in a direction perpendicular (e.g., the first direction416, the third direction420) to the direction of insertion of the second guide pin422(e.g., the second direction418). Indeed, because the second guide pin422includes more than half of the circular shape of the first guide socket408, the sides of the second guide pin422block the second guide pin422from moving downward. In other embodiments, such as an embodiment in which the second guide pin422is exactly half of the circular shape of the first guide socket, the guide block may facilitate guiding the pins into the sockets without lateral movement and/or downward movement.

In certain embodiments, the outer surface424of a cross section of the second guide pin422substantially conforms to a shape of a cross section of the inner surface430of the second guide socket428and the outer surfaces402and424of each of the first and second guide pins400and422share the portions404and426. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the outer surface402of the cross section of the first guide pin400includes the additional portion406missing from the outer surface424of the cross section of the second guide pin422.

In one embodiment, the inner surfaces410and430of a cross section of each of the first and second guide sockets408and428share the portions412and432. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the inner surface410of the cross section of the first guide socket408includes the additional portion414missing from the inner surface430of the cross section of the second guide socket428.

In the illustrated embodiment, because the first guide pin400is round it will fit in the first guide socket408, and because the second guide pin422includes the portion426that matches the round shape of the portion412of the first guide socket408, the second guide pin422will also fit in the first guide socket408. As may be appreciated, because the first guide pin400is fully round, it will not fit into the second guide socket428because of the missing additional portion406of the circle, but the second guide pin422will fit in the second guide socket428because the second guide pin422does not have the additional portion406of the circle.

It should be noted that the additional portions406and414of the circle shape that are missing from the second guide pin422and the second guide socket428may be on a side, a top, a bottom, etc. of the second guide pin422and the second guide socket428. Moreover, positions of the additional portions406and414of the circle shape that are missing from the second guide pin422and the second guide socket428could be mixed and/or matched on multiple guide pins and guide socket to include many variations. For example, one connector type could have two guide sockets and the guide pins could have various shapes (i.e., one is round and the other is round with a portion missing on the bottom, one is round and the other could have one pin with a missing portion on the side, etc.). There are numerous possibilities when there are two or more guide pins and the shapes differ for the guide pins. The underlying commonality is that the guide pins work to guide the guide pins into the guide sockets without lateral movement while having the appropriate keying.

FIG. 5Ais a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a cross section of a first guide pin500in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The first guide pin500may be substantially similar to the first guide pin202described above in relation to the system200ofFIG. 2and/or the first guide pin500may be substantially similar to the second guide pin308described above in relation to the system300ofFIG. 3. The first guide pin500includes a shape having an outer surface502, a portion504with a common shape, and an external shape of an additional portion506(or additional volume), which are described below.

FIG. 5Bis a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a cross section of a first guide socket508in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The first guide socket508may be substantially similar to the first guide socket204described above in relation to the system200ofFIG. 2and/or the first guide socket508may be substantially similar to the second guide socket306described above in relation to the system300ofFIG. 3. The first guide socket508includes a shape having an inner surface510, a portion512with a common shape, and an internal shape of an additional portion514(or additional volume), which are described below.FIG. 5Balso illustrates a first direction516perpendicular to a second direction518that extends into the page, and a third direction520perpendicular to the first and second directions516and518.

FIG. 5Cis a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a cross section of a second guide pin522in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The second guide pin522may be substantially similar to the second guide pin206described above in relation to the system200ofFIG. 2and/or the second guide pin522may be substantially similar to the first guide pin304described above in relation to the system300ofFIG. 3. The second guide pin522includes a shape having an outer surface524and a portion526with a common shape, which are described below.

FIG. 5Dis a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a cross section of a second guide socket528in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The second guide socket528may be substantially similar to the second guide socket208described above in relation to the system200ofFIG. 2and/or the second guide socket528may be substantially similar to the first guide socket302described above in relation to the system300ofFIG. 3. The second guide socket528includes a shape having an inner surface530and a portion532with a common shape, which are described below.

In one embodiment, the shapes of the cross sections of the first guide pin500and the first guide socket508match each other, while in other embodiments, the shapes of the cross sections of the first guide pin500and the first guide socket508do not match each other. In addition, in one embodiment, the shapes of the cross sections of the second guide pin522and the second guide socket528match each other, while in other embodiments, the shapes of the cross sections of the second guide pin522and the second guide socket528do not match each other.

In some embodiments, a shape of the outer surface502of the first guide pin500substantially conforms to a shape of the inner surface510of the first guide socket508. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, a shape of the outer surface524of the second guide pin522substantially conforms to a shape of the inner surface530of the second guide socket528. Moreover, in one embodiment, the shape of the outer surface524of the second guide pin522includes a shape that is common with a portion of the first guide pin500and that conforms to the portion512of the shape of the inner surface510of the first guide socket508.

In some embodiments, the portion512of the shape of the inner surface510of the first guide socket508is shaped to maintain the second guide pin522in position as the second guide pin522is inserted into the first guide socket508in the second direction518. Specifically, the first guide socket508is shaped to maintain the second guide pin522in position as the second guide pin522is inserted into the first guide socket508substantially without movement in a direction perpendicular (e.g., the first direction516, the third direction520) to the direction of insertion of the second guide pin522(e.g., the second direction518). Indeed, because the second guide pin522includes bottom portions around the protrusion of the first guide socket508, the second guide pin522is blocked from moving downward or laterally within the first guide socket508.

In certain embodiments, the outer surface524of a cross section of the second guide pin522substantially conforms to a shape of a cross section of the inner surface530of the second guide socket528and the outer surfaces502and524of each of the first and second guide pins500and522share the portions504and526. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the outer surface502of the cross section of the first guide pin500includes the additional portion506missing from the outer surface524of the cross section of the second guide pin522.

In one embodiment, the inner surfaces510and530of a cross section of each of the first and second guide sockets508and528share the portions512and532. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the inner surface510of the cross section of the first guide socket508includes the additional portion514missing from the inner surface530of the cross section of the second guide socket528.

In the illustrated embodiment, because the first guide pin500is square with the additional portion506it will fit in the first guide socket508, and because the second guide pin522includes the portion526that matches the square shape of the portion512of the first guide socket508, the second guide pin522will also fit in the first guide socket508. As may be appreciated, because the first guide pin500includes the additional portion506that extends beyond the square shape, it will not fit into the second guide socket528because of the missing additional portion506, but the second guide pin522will fit in the second guide socket528because the second guide pin522does not have the additional portion506extending beyond the square shape.

In certain embodiments, the first guide pin500and the first guide socket508may have more than one of the additional portions506and514. Moreover, the additional portions506and514may be any suitable shape, such as triangular, circular, and so forth. Furthermore, the additional portions506and514may be positioned on a side, a top, a bottom, etc. of the first guide pin506and the first guide socket508.

FIG. 6Ais a perspective view of one embodiment of a first guide pin600in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The first guide pin600may be substantially similar to the first guide pin202described above in relation to the system200ofFIG. 2and/or the first guide pin600may be substantially similar to the second guide pin308described above in relation to the system300ofFIG. 3. The first guide pin600has a cross section having a circular shape602that is uniform (i.e., substantially constant) along an entire body length604of the first guide pin600.

FIG. 6Bis a perspective view of one embodiment of a first guide socket606in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The first guide socket606may be substantially similar to the first guide socket204described above in relation to the system200ofFIG. 2and/or the first guide socket606may be substantially similar to the second guide socket306described above in relation to the system300ofFIG. 3. The first guide socket606has a cross section having a circular shape608that is uniform along an entire body length610of the first guide socket606.

FIG. 6Cis a perspective view of one embodiment of a second guide pin612in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The second guide pin612may be substantially similar to the second guide pin206described above in relation to the system200ofFIG. 2and/or the second guide pin612may be substantially similar to the first guide pin304described above in relation to the system300ofFIG. 3. The second guide pin612is stepped to include a first end614having a D-shaped cross section and a second end616having a circular cross section. Although the first end614has a D-shaped cross section and the second end616has a circular cross section, other embodiments may have different shapes for the first and second ends614and616. The D-shaped cross section extends through a first section618of the second guide pin612and the circular cross section extends through a second section620of the second guide pin612.

FIG. 6Dis a perspective view of one embodiment of a second guide socket622in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The second guide socket622may be substantially similar to the second guide socket208described above in relation to the system200ofFIG. 2and/or the second guide socket622may be substantially similar to the first guide socket302described above in relation to the system300ofFIG. 3. The second guide socket622is stepped to include a first end624having a D-shaped cross section and a second end626having a circular cross section. The D-shaped cross section of the first end624may include at least half of a circle in some embodiments, while in other embodiments, the D-shaped cross section of the first end624may include greater than half of a circle. Although the first end624has a D-shaped cross section and the second end626has a circular cross section, other embodiments may have different shapes for the first and second ends624and626. The D-shaped cross section extends through a first section628of the second guide socket622and the circular cross section extends through a second section630of the second guide socket622. In certain embodiments, the second guide pin612and the second guide socket622may be stepped differently than illustrated. For example, the missing portion from the cylindrical shape may be positioned on a side, a top, a bottom, etc. of the second guide pin612and the second guide socket622. In addition, the missing portion from the cylindrical shape may be a larger portion of the circular cross section, or a smaller portion of the circular cross section. Moreover, the length of the first and second sections618,628,620, and630may be larger or smaller. In some embodiments, the length of the first and second sections618,628,620, and630may be selected so that the step between the two different shapes is positioned to block connector pins and/or sockets from contacting one another if the first guide pin600is inserted into the second guide socket622.

The first guide pin600and the first guide socket606each have a circular cross section in the illustrated embodiment; however, in other embodiments, the first guide pin600and the first guide socket606may have any suitably shaped cross section. For example, the first guide pin600and the first guide socket606may be a square cross section with an additional portion extending therefrom, a triangular cross section with an additional portion extending therefrom, and so forth. In one embodiment, the shapes of the cross sections of the first guide pin600and the first guide socket606match each other, while in other embodiments, the shapes of the cross sections of the first guide pin600and the first guide socket606do not match each other.

A cross section of the first end614of the second guide pin612includes only a portion of a cross section of the second end616of the second guide pin612. In certain embodiments, a cross section of the second end616of the second guide pin612substantially matches a cross section of the first guide pin600. To couple the second guide pin612to the second guide socket622, the first end614of the second guide pin612is first inserted into the second end626of the second guide socket622. Accordingly, the shape of the second guide socket622is inverted as compared to the second guide pin612. In one embodiment, the shapes of the cross sections of the second guide pin612and the second guide socket622match each other if the second guide socket622is inverted as compared to the second guide pin612, while in other embodiments, the shapes of the cross sections of the second guide pin612and the second guide socket622do not match each other if the second guide socket622is inverted.

In some embodiments, a shape of an outer surface of the first guide pin600substantially conforms to a shape of an inner surface of the first guide socket606. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, a shape of an outer surface of the second guide pin612substantially conforms to a shape of an inner surface of the second guide socket622. Moreover, in one embodiment, the shape of the outer surface of the second guide pin612also substantially conforms to a portion of the shape of the inner surface of the first guide socket606.

In some embodiments, the portion of the shape of the inner surface of the first guide socket606is shaped to maintain the second guide pin612in position as the second guide pin612is inserted into the first guide socket606substantially without movement in a direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the second guide pin612.

In the illustrated embodiment, because the first guide pin600is cylindrical it will fit in the first guide socket606, and because the second guide pin612includes a portion that matches the cylindrical shape of the first guide socket606, the second guide pin612will also fit in the first guide socket606. As may be appreciated, because the first guide pin600includes an additional portion that is missing from the stepped second guide socket622, it will not fit into the second guide socket622, but the second guide pin612will fit in the second guide socket622because the second guide pin612is stepped to match the stepped shape of the second guide socket622.