Connector for multiple interface connection standards

Described are connectors having a substrate, a first interface connection terminal set electrically coupled to the substrate, a second interface connection terminal set electrically coupled to the substrate, a third interface connection terminal set electrically coupled to the substrate, a housing coupled to the substrate and surrounding at least a portion of the first interface connection terminal set, the second interface connection terminal set, and the third interface connection terminal set, and a shell coupled to the housing and the substrate, wherein the first interface connection terminal set and the second interface connection terminal set are configured to support at least two interface connection standards with interfaces that are mechanically different.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to mobile storage devices and the like.

BACKGROUND

Universal Serial Bus (“USB”) and External Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (“eSATA”) are two types of commonly used standards for connectors. Each of these standards have undergone rapid development since their inception.

The USB standard that governs the design of the USB connections has undergone several revisions since its earliest release in 1994. The first widely adopted version, USB 1.1, specified data rates of 1.5 Mbit/s (“Low-Bandwidth”) and 12 Mbit/s (“Full-Bandwidth”). USB 1.1 was replaced by USB 2.0 in 2000. USB 2.0 provided a higher maximum data transfer rate of 480 Mbit/s (“Hi-Speed”). In this version, the USB 2.0 cable has four wires: two wires for power (+5 volts and ground) and a twisted pair of wires for carrying data. In the USB 2.0 design, as well as USB 1.1, data is transmitted in one direction at a time (downstream or upstream).

In 2008, a new USB 3.0 standard was announced. USB 3.0 includes a new “SuperSpeed” bus, which provides a fourth data transfer rate of 5.0 Gbit/s. In order to achieve this increased throughput, the USB 3.0 cable has a total of eight wires: two wires for power (+5 volts and ground), the twisted pair for carrying non-SuperSpeed data (allows backward compatibility with earlier versions of USB devices), and two differential pairs for carrying SuperSpeed data. Full-duplex signaling occurs over the two differential pairs. To date, adoption of the USB 3.0 standard has been slow due to the need to re-design motherboard hardware that supports the USB 3.0 standard, and the need to revise operating systems to support the USB 3.0 standard.

Traditionally, SATA is an internal computer bus interface for connecting host bus adapters to mass storage devices. First generation SATA interfaces (“SATA I”) specified data transfer rates 1.5 Gbit/s. Second generation SATA interfaces (“SATA II”) specified data rates of 3.0 Gbit/s. All SATA data cables meeting the SATA spec are rated for 3.0 Gbit/s. In 2009, the third generation SATA interface (“SATA III”) was released, specifying a peak throughput of 6 Gbit/s. The SATA III standard is backwards compatible with SATA II. eSATA was standardized in 2004 and provides a variant of the SATA protocols for external connectively. In each version of eSATA (“eSATA I”, “eSATA II”, and “eSATA III”), the hardwire includes two differential pairs of wires, plus an additional three ground wires. Because eSATA uses the same ATA protocol as a computer's internal hard drive, a bridge chip is not needed to translate from the computer's internal ATA protocol to another protocol, such as USB. However, while most computers use SATA standards internally, many computers do not include external SATA connectors, opting instead to include external USB connectors.

Because eSATA connectors are not yet widely available, it is desirable to provide eSATA connectors that include full backward and forward compatibility between the SATA I, II, and III standards, in combination with USB connectors that include full backward and forward compatibility between the USB 2.0 and 3.0 standards.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention may comprise a connector having a substrate, a first interface connection terminal set electrically coupled to the substrate, a second interface connection terminal set electrically coupled to the substrate, a third interface connection terminal set electrically coupled to the substrate, a housing coupled to the substrate and surrounding at least a portion of the first interface connection terminal set, the second interface connection terminal set, and the third interface connection terminal set, and a shell coupled to the housing and the substrate, wherein the first interface connection terminal set and the second interface connection terminal set are configured to support at least two interface connection standards with interfaces that are mechanically different. In certain embodiments, the shell is metal.

In some embodiments, the first interface connection terminal set comprises a plurality of conductive pads. The second interface connection terminal set may comprise a plurality of springs. In certain embodiments, the substrate comprises a plurality of apertures, wherein each of the plurality of springs of the second interface connection terminal set are partially enclosed within each of the plurality of apertures. The third interface connection terminal set may comprise a plurality of springs. In some embodiments, the housing comprises a plurality of channels, wherein each of the plurality of springs of the third interface connection terminal set are partially enclosed within each of the plurality of channels.

In some embodiments, a recess is positioned between a lower surface of the housing and a component surface of the substrate. At least one controller may also be electrically coupled to the substrate. The controller may be at least partially surrounded by the housing and/or may be positioned within a recess, which is positioned between a lower surface of the housing and a component surface of the substrate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The described embodiments of the invention provide connectors for use with multiple interface connection standards. While the designs may be discussed for use with eSATA and USB standards, they are by no means so limited. Rather, embodiments of these designs may be used for other devices that couple to any type of serial bus connection, parallel bus connection, or otherwise as desired.

FIGS. 1-12illustrate embodiments of a connector10with multiple interface connection standards. In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 1-12, the connector10comprises a substrate12, a first interface connection terminal set14, a second interface connection terminal set16, a third interface connection terminal set18, a housing20, and a shell22.

As best shown inFIGS. 1-5and8-12, the substrate12may be a printed circuit board (“PCB”), which is used to mechanically support and electrically connect the first interface connection terminal set14, the second interface connection terminal set16, and the third interface connection terminal set18to other components that may be mounted to the substrate12. In some embodiments, the substrate12may include a component surface24and a connection surface26. Items such as an oscillator, an LED status light, discrete components, or other suitable devices, may be mounted and electrically coupled to the component surface24and/or the connection surface26.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS.1and3-5, the first interface connection terminal set14may be positioned proximate an end28of the substrate12and configured to be inserted within corresponding connector using the first interface connection standard. In some embodiments, such as the embodiments illustrated in FIGS.1and3-5, the first interface connection terminal set14may comprise a plurality of conductive pads30. In these embodiments, the conductive pads30may be mounted to or embedded within the connection surface26of the substrate12and electrically coupled to the substrate12. In certain embodiments, such as where the first interface connection standard is a USB 2.0 standard or any other standard that is forward or backwards compatible with the USB 2.0 standard, the conductive pads30may be configured to electrically couple to the power and ground wires and the twisted pair of wires (for Hi-Speed and lower data transfer) of the corresponding USB 2.0 connector when the connector10is inserted within the corresponding USB 2.0 connector. In the embodiments shown in FIGS.1and3-5, the first interface connection terminal set14may comprise four conductive pads30. However, one of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that any suitable number and configuration of conductive pads30may be used in conjunction with the first interface connection standard or other suitable standards.

In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIGS. 1,3-5, and9-10, the second interface connection terminal set16may be positioned proximate the end28of the substrate12, as well as behind and/or proximate the first interface connection terminal set14, and configured to be inserted within a corresponding connector using the second interface connection standard. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1,3-5, and9-10, the second interface connection terminal set16may comprise a plurality of contact springs32. Each spring32may be formed of a resilient material that, when bent or compressed, exerts a force to return to its original shape. One of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that the springs32may be made of any suitable material and have any suitable design that allows the second interface connection terminal set16to electrically couple to the corresponding connector when the connector10is inserted within the corresponding connector. In certain embodiments, such as where the second interface connection standard is a USB 3.0 standard or any other standard that is forward or backwards compatible with the USB 3.0 standard, the springs32, in combination with the conductive pads30, may be configured to electrically couple to the power and ground wires, the twisted pair of wires (for Hi-Speed and lower data transfer), and the two differential pairs of wires (for SuperSpeed data transfer) of the corresponding USB 3.0 connector when the connector10is inserted within the corresponding USB 3.0 connector. In the embodiments shown in FIGS.3and5-6, the second interface connection terminal set16may comprise five springs32. However, one of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that any suitable number and configuration of springs32may be used in conjunction with the second interface connection standard or other suitable standards.

Each spring32may also include a coupling projection34, as best illustrated inFIGS. 1,4-5, and9-10. In some embodiments, the coupling projection34may be integrally formed with the spring32. In other embodiments, the coupling projection34may be soldered or otherwise electrically coupled to the spring32in a suitable manner that allows the coupling projection34to be electrically coupled to the substrate12. The coupling projection34may have any suitable shape that provides sufficient contact with the corresponding connector when the connector10is inserted within the corresponding connector. Examples of suitable shapes include but are not limited to a triangular, L-shape, U-shape, T-shape, solid projection having a circular or rectilinear cross-sectional shape, or other suitable shapes.

The substrate12may include a plurality of apertures36in the connection surface26adjacent the plurality of springs32. The plurality of apertures36may be shaped so that the coupling projection34of each spring32extends through the aperture36and is positioned above the connection surface26, while the remainder of the spring32body is positioned within the substrate12, when each spring32is in an uncompressed position.

Each spring32may include an extension38that mounts to and electrically couples the spring32to the substrate12via a coupling point40located on the connection surface26. The substrate12may include a separate coupling point40for each spring32. In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 3,5-6, and9-10, the extension38may have a U-shape configuration that is shaped to extend above the aperture36and over a portion of the substrate12, then return to the connection surface26of the substrate12adjacent the coupling point40. An end42of the extension38may be soldered or otherwise electrically coupled to the coupling point40in a suitable manner that allows each coupling projection34to be electrically connected to the corresponding coupling point40.

The coupling points40may be mounted to or embedded within the connection surface26of the substrate12and electrically coupled to the substrate12. In these embodiments, the coupling points40may be positioned behind and/or adjacent the apertures36. In other embodiments, the coupling points40may be mounted to or embedded within the component surface24, while the conductive pads30may be mounted to or embedded within the connection surface26, or vice versa. One of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that the coupling points40may be positioned in any suitable location on the substrate12that allows the second interface connection terminal set16to electrically couple to the substrate12.

In some embodiments, when the connector10is inserted within the corresponding connector (not shown), the corresponding connector presses against the coupling projections34, in turn applying a compressive force to the springs32. When the springs32are compressed by the corresponding connector, the spring-loaded design of each spring32then applies a force to create a firm electrical coupling between the corresponding connector and each coupling projection34when the connector10is inserted within the corresponding connector.

The housing20may be coupled to the substrate12proximate the end28. The shell may be formed of composite materials, plastic materials, or other suitable materials. The housing20may comprise a front wall44and side walls46that are joined to form a U-shaped frame that substantially surrounds at least a portion of a front surface48and side surfaces50of the end28. In some embodiments, the side walls46may have substantially the same height as or may have a greater height than the side surfaces50, and the front wall44may have substantially the same height as or may have a greater height than the front surface48. In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 3-4and9-10, upper edges52of the front wall44and the side walls46are substantially aligned with the connection surface26. In these embodiments, lower edges54of the front wall44and the side walls46extend below the front surface48and the side surfaces50.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1-4and9-10, a rear wall56may be coupled to a portion of the upper edges52of the side walls46. The rear wall56may be configured to extend across the connection surface26behind and/or adjacent the apertures36. An upper platform58may be coupled to a portion of a front surface59of the rear wall56, wherein the upper platform58extends over the end28of the substrate12, but is spaced apart from the end28by the height of the rear wall56.

In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIGS. 1,3-4,7, and9-10, the third interface connection terminal set18may be positioned proximate an interior surface60of the upper platform58and configured to be inserted within a corresponding connector using the third interface connection standard. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1,3-4,7, and9-10, the third interface connection terminal set18may comprise a plurality of contacts62. In certain embodiments, such as where the third interface connection standard is an eSATA I, eSATA II, eSATA III, or any other standard that is forward or backwards compatible with any of the foregoing eSATA standards, the contacts62may be mounted to or embedded within the interior surface60of the upper platform58and configured to electrically couple to the two differential pairs of wires, plus an additional three ground wires, of the corresponding eSATA connector when the connector10is inserted within the corresponding eSATA connector. In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 1,3, and7, the third interface connection terminal set18comprises seven contacts62. However, one of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that any suitable number and configuration of contacts62may be used in conjunction with the third interface connection standard or other suitable connection standards.

Each contact62may include a main body64and a spring66, as best illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 7. Each spring32may be formed of a resilient material that, when bent or compressed, exerts a force to return to its original shape. One of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that the springs32may be made of any suitable material and have any suitable design that allows the third interface connection terminal set18to electrically couple to the corresponding connector when the connector10is inserted within the corresponding connector. In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 4, the main body64of each contact62may be positioned within a corresponding channel68located on the interior surface60of the upper platform58, so that the interior surface60includes a plurality of channels68. The main body64may be coupled to the spring66adjacent a front edge70of the channel68. In some embodiments, the channel68is shaped so that the spring66may be positioned alongside the main body64within the channel68.

Each spring66may also include a coupling projection72, as best illustrated inFIGS. 1,4, and9-10. In some embodiments, the coupling projection72may be integrally formed with the spring66. In other embodiments, the coupling projection72may be soldered or otherwise electrically coupled to the spring66in a suitable manner that allows the coupling projection72to be electrically coupled to the substrate12. The coupling projection72may have any suitable shape that provides sufficient contact with the corresponding connector when the connector10is inserted within the corresponding connector. Examples of suitable shapes include but are not limited to a triangular, L-shape, U-shape, T-shape, solid projection having a circular or rectilinear cross-sectional shape, or other suitable shapes.

The channels68may be shaped so that the coupling projection72of each spring66extends through the channel68and is positioned below the interior surface60, while the remainder of the spring66is positioned within the channel68, when each spring66is in an uncompressed position.

Each main body64may include an extension74that mounts to and electrically couples the spring66to the substrate12via a coupling point76located on the connection surface26. The substrate12may include a separate coupling point76for each spring66, as best shown inFIG. 2. In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 7, the extension74may have an L-shape configuration that is shaped to extend down from the upper platform58and over a portion of connection surface26of the substrate12adjacent the coupling point76. An end78of the extension74may be soldered or otherwise electrically coupled to the coupling point76in a suitable manner that allows each coupling projection72to be electrically connected to the corresponding coupling point76.

The coupling points76may be mounted to or embedded within the connection surface26of the substrate12and electrically coupled to the substrate12. In these embodiments, the coupling points76may be positioned behind and/or adjacent the apertures36, as well as adjacent the coupling points40. In other embodiments, the coupling points76may be mounted to or embedded within the component surface24, while the conductive pads30and/or the coupling points40may be mounted to or embedded within the connection surface26, or vice versa. One of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that the coupling points76may be positioned in any suitable location on the substrate12that allows the third interface connection terminal set18to electrically couple to the substrate12.

When the connector10is inserted within the corresponding connector (not shown), the corresponding connector presses against the coupling projections72, in turn applying a compressive force to the springs66. When the springs66are compressed by the corresponding connector, the spring-loaded design of each spring66then applies a force to create a firm electrical coupling between the corresponding connector and each coupling projection72when the connector10is inserted within the corresponding connector.

While in some embodiments, the first, second, and third interface connection standards may be a USB 2.0 standard, a USB 3.0 standard, and/or an eSATA I, eSATA II, eSATA III (or any other standard that is forward or backwards compatible with any of the foregoing standards), one of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that the three interface connection standards may be any suitable combination of interface connection standards that achieve the desired performance of the connector10.

The rear wall56may include apertures80shaped to allow the extensions38,74to pass through the rear wall56, which may otherwise form a barrier between the springs32,66and the coupling points40,76.

A lower surface82may be coupled to the lower edges54of the front wall44and the side walls46of the housing20, forming a partially enclosed recess84between the component surface24of the substrate12and the lower surface82. The recess84may provide a space for at least one controller86to be mounted to or embedded within the component surface24of the substrate12and electrically coupled to the substrate12. Specifically, in some embodiments, the controller86may be designed as a surface mount device (“SMD”) part, which makes it possible to mount the connector easily and does not require the presence of holes in the substrate12. By locating the controller86within the connector10, the connector10design conserves space and allows for the use of very short signal lines between the first interface connection terminal set14, the second interface connection terminal set16, and/or the third interface connection terminal set18, resulting in better signals and higher transmission speed.

The shell22may then be coupled to the housing20and the substrate12. The shell may be formed of metallic materials, composite materials, plastic materials, or other suitable materials. The shell22is shaped to wrap around at least a portion of the outer shape of the housing20. Edges88of the shell22may be joined below the lower surface82of the housing20, as shown inFIG. 8. In certain embodiments, the shell22comprises an opening90that is positioned adjacent the upper platform58. The opening90is surrounded by sides92, a front edge94, and a rear bridge96. In other embodiments, as shown inFIG. 12, the rear bridge96may be eliminated to reduce weight and costs.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 1-5,8, and12, the substrate12may be shaped so that the end28has a narrower width than a remaining portion98of the substrate12. Thus, the remaining portion98extends outwardly past the side walls46of the housing20. In these embodiments, the shell22may include tabs100that are shaped to couple to the remaining portion98adjacent and outside the side walls46of the housing20.

In other embodiments, as shown inFIG. 11, the substrate12has the same width in the remaining portion98and the end28. In these embodiments, the shell22may include tabs102that are shaped to couple to the side surfaces50adjacent the side walls46of the housing20.

The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of the present invention. Further modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.