Flexible, interruptible radial bus and bus-mounted bead device

A multi-conductor bus with radially arranged conductor wires on which addressable bead devices that may incorporate light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or other surface mount devices (SMDs) can be easily mounted. The radial bus is designed to provide an improved range of flexibility and motion while allowing for easy addition of bead devices along its length that utilize self-addressing bus protocols such as cascading device protocols. The design of the flexible, interruptible radial bus facilitates the use of pass-through and interrupted paths along the bus that simplifies the installation of addressable devices along the bus such as the bus-mounted bead devices disclosed herein.

FIELD

This disclosure is directed to improved systems and methods of constructing a bus on which addressable bead devices are mounted.

BACKGROUND

There are three common methods for connecting devices in a device chain along a bus. Those methods are a loose or twisted wire bus with plugs along the bus, flexible printed circuit board (PCB) or flex-print buses, and flat ribbon cable.

In a loose wire bus with electrical connections or plugs attaching, e.g., light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to the bus, the wires might be twisted together around each other or wrapped in a sleeve around the outside to protect the LEDs and electrical connections, or both.

The second type is flex-print in which the LEDs are surface mounted (i.e., soldered) onto a flexible printed circuit board that has a repeating connection pattern, which creates the bus pattern to connect the devices into a device chain.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This application discloses improved systems and methods of producing a flexible, interruptible radial bus for mounting addressable bead-like devices that can incorporate, for example, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or other surface mount devices (SMDs).

The Specification utilizes the following definitions:

Radial—oriented around a central point or axis

Interruptible Bus—a bus that has the characteristic of providing access for the removal of a section of a conductor, e.g., configured so that a wire can be cut or notched by a tool or machine without cutting or otherwise affecting adjacent wires

Stabilizer—device designed to prevent the movement of wires

Device Chain—A series of devices connected in series with signal paths that support the delivery of electrical potential, timing and data signals along the chain

Pass-Through Path—A bus path that passes electrical potential or signal down a bus unmodified and uninterrupted, e.g., a continuous wire

Interrupted Path—A bus path that has interruptions along the length of the path, e.g., a discontinuous wire, whereby a device attached to the bus (e.g., to both sides of the path across an interruption in the bus) will take the responsibility of propagating the signal across the interruption to the next device on the bus. The signal being propagated may or may not be modified by the device.

Radial Mounted Device (RMD)—a multipart component having parts that join to mount around a radial bus or substrate

The design of the flexible, interruptible radial bus is oriented towards the easy addition of cascading protocol devices along its length. Cascading protocol buses have pass-through and interrupted electrical paths running down the length of the bus. The pass-through paths typically carry electrical potential such as voltage and ground to all the devices on the bus, while the interrupted paths carry electrical signals such as clock and data down the length of the bus. The clock and/or data signals on the bus are specific to the particular protocol of the bus, but in a cascading bus, a device can receive the incoming clock and data signals and transmit a modified version of the signal down to the next participant on the bus.

For example, a cascading device protocol that utilizes a data train could transmit signals for three devices arranged as follows:

In this example protocol, the first device on the bus will be exposed to the entire signal transmitted from the bus driver. The cascading nature of the protocol is exhibited in the fact that the first device on the bus will remove the data at the head of the train as the signal is propagated down the length of the bus. In order for the data train to be modified as it transits the bus, the electrical path for the data signal must be interrupted. The following is an example of the data train that will be passed on from Device1and proceed down the bus to the second device in the bus.

And similarly, Device2will modify the data train by removing its data and sending subsequent data on to device number three.

Example Advantages

The flexible, interruptible radial bus and bus-mounted devices of the present disclosure offer significant advantages over prior art bus and SMD devices. For example:

1. Improved range of motion over current flat form factor addressable bus designs.

2. An integrated radial center stabilizer positions wires outward (as compared to a bus without a center stabilizer) to a perimeter distance that makes interrupted path wires accessible for interruption along the length of the bus.

3. The stabilizer holds a perimeter of radial wires in relative position around a central point along its length to enable efficient installation of electronic devices along the bus, which better supports automated manufacturing of lengths of strung devices.

4. The stabilizer holds signal and power wires in the same relative positions along its length, allowing pass-through and signal wires to be oriented such that pass through wires can double as a separation or barrier for interrupted wires.

5. The integrated radial center stabilizer holds wires in position for forming electrical connections, such as soldered connections, to devices spread along the length of the bus.

6. The integrated radial center stabilizer can contain a grounding wire that can be used to reduce crosstalk between signal wires and enhance bus transmission speeds.

7. A one-part or two- or more-part “bead” surface mount device package, e.g., a radial mounted device (RMD), can be mounted around the bus and can utilize surface mount soldering techniques

8. Radial mounted devices can be specifically designed to be mounted on the bus over the bus path interruptions that facilitate the device operation.

9. In some embodiments, a radial mounted device has electrical connection sites or connectors such as castellations or pads on the ends that allow for, e.g., the soldering of input and output signals to the bus and that serve to help anchor the bead in place over the interrupted signal paths of the bus that serve the purposes of the bead device.

10. In some embodiments, a two- or more-part radial mounted device has castellations or pads at the edges where the two (or more) parts of the bead join together to facilitate the propagation of signals, voltage and ground potentials between the two sides and around the bead and additionally serve to help hold the sections or parts of the bead together.

Bus Features

One feature of flexible, interruptible radial bus is that it enables four ranges of motion for various types of addressable device buses while maintaining the ease of manufacturing benefits of the less flexible printed buses. The bus also allows for a new type of SMD device that is shaped like a bead, e.g., a radial mounted device (RMD) to be easily installed along the length of the bus. This new type of SMD device has the benefit of having a surface that extends around the bus so it has the potential to offer a greater visual field for light based devices.

The current flex print type of bus only allows for the installation of devices on one surface, and the bus only offers flexibility in the up-and-down direction along with some flexibility in a twisting direction. The flexible, interruptible radial bus is designed to still allow for the easy installation of special bead SMD devices or radial mounted devices along its length but also offers flexibility in the up, down, left and right directions or combinations thereof as well as flexibility in a twisting direction.

Another feature of the bus is that it intentionally exposes its pathways for interruption so that devices can be installed anywhere along its length. Current flex-print buses utilize chemical etching processes to create pads, pathways, and interruptions into a layer of copper on the surface of the flex-print in fixed patterns based on the pre-defined spacing of the devices to be installed along the length of the bus. The flexible, interruptible radial bus utilizes a center stabilizer that holds conductors in a fixed orientation and at fixed distances from the central axis of the bus. The stabilizer is proportioned with respect to the bus wires so as to provide access for a tool to remove sections of specific signal pathways at locations along the bus where bead devices will be installed. For example, the stabilizer puts an interrupted path wire in a position where it is spaced from surrounding wires so that a nipping tool or machine can cut or notch the wire without cutting other (e.g., adjacent) wires.

The center stabilizer does not have to run the entire length of the bus. It can run the whole length, be injected or otherwise positioned at regular or intermittent intervals, or be removed from the center at various (e.g., fixed or irregular) intervals in between the installed beads or devices to increase flexibility.

A center conductor can be added to the radial bus between the signaling wires, e.g., inside the center stabilizer. For example, such a conductor can serve as a ground placed between signaling wires to minimize or reduce crosstalk between the signaling wires.

Bead Features

A bead device can be molded in one piece, such as in place at a site on the bus (e.g., over a cut in an interrupted path wire) or threaded onto the bus.

A two- or more-part bead semiconductor device is, in some embodiments, a semiconductor device that is designed to be manufactured as two or more parts that will mate together and fit to the flexible, interruptible radial bus or any other bus or substrate that the bead can fit around and that provides matching pads around the circumference of the bus or substrate. In the case of the flexible, interruptible radial bus, the matching pads are places where the bus pathways have been exposed by, e.g., removing the insulation of the pass-through path and/or interrupted path wires, and so the pads of the bead device can contact and be soldered to the pads or conductors of the installation site or mounting location. Where the bead device is configured for surface mount soldering around the periphery of the installation site or mounting location, the pads or conductors need to maintain fairly stable position during the installation process.

The bead device may provide solder pads at each end of the bead so as to allow for input and output signals on each side of the bead as well as interrupted paths that are surrounded by the bead to which the bead can be soldered on each end.

The two or more parts of a multi-part bead device may become one connected electronic device such that signals are passed and propagate between the parts of the device via castellations or pads that mate (and can be soldered together to ensure electrical and physical connectivity) at the surface where the parts of the device join together.

Example Bead Installation

Beads can be installed at any location along the bus, keeping in mind that putting the beads too close in proximity can reduce the flexibility of the bus. To install a bead onto the bus, in one embodiment, the installation site or mounting location is chosen. The signals that require interruption for the bead to operation properly are nipped or cut using a tool that removes a specific length of the signal path from the conductor. A portion of the outer insulation is removed from the surface of the pass-through path bus wires and/or the interrupted path bus wires where the bead ends will be soldered to the bus. The two halves of the bead (for example) are properly positioned with respect to signal location around the bus over the interruption site. The two halves of the bead can connect mechanically (e.g., having a protrusion and detent that lock or snap together). The two halves of the bead can have a glue or sealant coated to the inner surface (e.g., taking care not to coat solderable areas of the bead). The bead can then be held together while the bead is soldered to the bus on the ends and also soldered together in the center at then signal connection sites at the joint of the two bead halves. Once the bead is soldered, there is enough mechanical force to hold the bead in place while any sealants or glues dry that might be used to further add strength to the joining of the two halves of the bead.

Reference is now made in detail to the description of the embodiments as illustrated in the drawings. While embodiments are described in connection with the drawings and related descriptions, there is no intent to limit the scope to the embodiments disclosed herein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents. In alternate embodiments, additional devices, or combinations of illustrated devices, may be added to, or combined, without limiting the scope to the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the embodiments set forth below are primarily described in the context of wire-mounted LEDs. However, these embodiments described herein are illustrative examples and in no way limit the disclosed technology to any particular size, construction, or application.

The phrases “in one embodiment,” “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” and the like are used repeatedly. Such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “having,” and “including” are synonymous, unless the context dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

The disclosed flexible, interruptible radial bus and bus-mounted bead devices can take a variety of form factors.FIGS. 1A through 36illustrate several different arrangements and designs. The illustrated buses and bead devices are not an exhaustive list; in other embodiments, a bus or a bead device could be formed in different arrangements. However, it is not necessary to exhaustively show such optional implementation details to describe illustrative embodiments.

FIG. 1Aillustrates a diagram of a clocked cascading device chain that utilizes a 4-wire data bus. There are pass-through paths on the bus that the devices160tap into for power (or voltage)130and ground140, and there are interrupted paths on the bus for cascading data signals110and clock signals120. The bus thus supports a clocked cascading data device train.

It is also possible to have a device chain that utilizes a different number of electrical paths along the bus, e.g., three.FIG. 1Billustrates a diagram of a 3-path device chain. There are pass-through paths on the bus that devices tap for power (or voltage)130and ground140and there is a single interrupted path on the bus that carries a more precisely timed (or otherwise synchronized) data signal110. Synchronization by, e.g., timing of the data signal110eliminates the need for the clock signal120on the bus.

It is also possible to have cascading buses that propagate data trains to and from the devices along the bus, e.g., bidirectionally.FIG. 1Cillustrates a diagram of a clocked device chain with bidirectional paths for data signal110and reverse data signal150.

Cascading bus protocols can be utilized to drive multiple devices performing the same function that are wired in parallel. An example of such a device would be an LED bead device100that has 4 LED devices160, two on each half of the bead packages.FIG. 1Dillustrates a diagram of two bead LED devices100. Each bead100has 4 LED devices160wired in an addressable bus. The power (or voltage)130and ground140are wired to each led device160on the bead100. The incoming clock signal120is routed to the clock-in of each LED device100on the bead and the outgoing clock signal125is routed back to the bus to be passed on to the next device105in the chain. The incoming data signal110is routed to each LED device160on the bead and the outgoing data signal115is taken from a single device160on the bead100and routed back to the bus to be passed on the next device105in the chain.

FIG. 2illustrates a cutaway perspective view of an example four-wire radial bus200layout with a central binder or center stabilizer210. The present disclosure encompasses various center stabilizer210arrangements and shapes, e.g., square or diamond, circular, hollow, plus-sign shaped, spiral or helical, etc. In various embodiments, the center stabilizer210is attached (e.g., molded) to the insulation covering the conducting wires of the bus. In some embodiments, the center stabilizer includes a wire for conduction or shape-holding.

FIGS. 3A-3Billustrate perspective views of a four-wire radial bus300showing conductor wires310and cuts325in interrupted path conductors320in accordance with one embodiment. For clarity, the conductor wires310in the interrupted path conductors320are shown extending beyond their insulation315.FIG. 3Aillustrates the continuous electrical path of pass-through conductors330and the interrupted electrical path of interrupted path conductors320.FIG. 3Bshows how the center stabilizer210can position interrupted path conductors320to allow them to be cut325without affecting pass-through conductors330.

FIG. 4illustrates an isometric view of a four-wire radial bus400in accordance with one embodiment. The center stabilizer210has a different profile than that shown inFIGS. 2 and 3A-3B. A cutaway end shows conductors for, starting at the top and proceeding clockwise, data signals (e.g., blue)110, power or voltage (e.g., red)130, clock signals (e.g., green)120, and ground (e.g., black)140.

FIG. 5illustrates an isometric view of a four-wire radial bus showing cuts510,520in interrupted path conductors for data signal110and clock signal120in accordance with one embodiment. In this illustration, the red wire for power or voltage130in the left foreground and the black wire for ground140in the right background are pass-through conductors, and the blue wire for data signal110in the right foreground and the green wire for clock signal120in the left background are interrupted path wires.

FIG. 6illustrates an isometric view of a four-wire radial bus showing cuts510,520in interrupted path conductors for data signal110and clock signal120and insulation removed in accordance with one embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, insulation has been stripped at insulation cuts620,625from each of the conductors for clock signal120, power or voltage130, and ground140shown to either side of the interruptions or cuts510,520in the interrupted path wires (e.g., the green wire for clock signals120shown in the center). Insulation is stripped in corresponding locations along the pass-through path wires for power or voltage130and ground140. For clarity in this example, the insulation cuts620,625in the insulation are depicted as separate from the interruptions, although this is not required. In some embodiments, insulation cuts620,625are smaller, larger, merged with interruptions, or in different numbers (e.g., only one insulation cut620for a pass-through wire at a given mounting location).

FIGS. 7A-7Billustrate an end view and an isometric view of a three-wire radial bus700in a triangular arrangement in accordance with one embodiment.FIG. 7Ashows an example radial arrangement of three conductor wires with a center stabilizer210having a broad connection to each wire.FIG. 7Bshows the three conductors (e.g., blue data signal110or green clock signal120, black ground140, and red voltage130) with a cutaway end profile.

FIGS. 8A-8Billustrate an end view and an isometric view of a five-wire radial bus800in a pentagonal arrangement in accordance with one embodiment.FIG. 8Ashows an example radial arrangement of five conductor wires with a center stabilizer210having a broad connection to each wire.FIG. 8Bshows the five conductors (e.g., green clock signal120, blue data signal110, red voltage130, brown reverse data signal150, black ground140) with a cutaway end profile.

FIG. 9illustrates an isometric view with a cutaway end showing conductors of a five-wire radial bus900in a quincunx arrangement with a center conductor910in accordance with one embodiment. For example, such a center conductor910can serve as a ground placed between wires for data signal110and clock signal120to minimize or reduce crosstalk between the signaling wires.

FIG. 10illustrates a side view of an example radial bus1000having an intermittent central binder or center stabilizer1010. The center stabilizer1010is alternately present and absent along the length of the bus1000, leaving spaces1020between the conducting wires. This can increase flexibility of the bus, allow for insertion of devices or objects between the wires, lighten the bus, permit securing the bus with wire ties, etc. The center stabilizer can be added to or removed from the wires (e.g., injected) or otherwise positioned at intervals. Intervals may variously be regular or irregular, fixed or intermittent.

FIGS. 11-18illustrate construction of a radial mounted device such as an LED bead device1100in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 11illustrates a perspective view of an LED bead device's1100inner conductive elements1130,1140in accordance with one embodiment. One of the conductive elements1130in this example is configured to transmit voltage or power, and the other1140is configured to connect to ground potential. The conductive elements are arranged to connect to a wire for voltage130and a wire for ground140, respectively, and allow SMDs to easily connect to power and ground with minimal or no additional wiring.

FIG. 12illustrates a perspective view of cylindrical filler1210around the inner conductive elements1130,1140ofFIG. 11in accordance with one embodiment. The filler1210may be any non-conductive or insulating material, e.g., foam, glass, plastic, silicone sealant, etc. It may be of any hardness or character, such as rigid, soft, moldable, pliant, elastic, etc. The body material or filler1210in the illustrated example is configured to be shapeable and sufficiently sturdy to allow mounting of SMDs. The conductive elements1130,1140ofFIG. 11are exposed at various positions around and through the cylindrical filler1210.

FIG. 13illustrates a perspective view of shaping of the cylindrical filler1210ofFIG. 12in accordance with one embodiment. The material of filler1210may be shaped by tooling, heat, pressure, etc., or desired shapes may be molded in to begin with, e.g., by injection molding. In the illustrated example, the shaping includes external flat areas1310for mounting SMDs, an internal aperture1320through the bead device for bus wires to pass through, and an angled valley1330for passing one wire below another. In addition, conductive pads1350are attached to the filler. In this example, the conductive pads1350are to connect data signal110and clock signal120wiring.

FIG. 14illustrates a perspective view of dies1410positioned on the shaped cylindrical filler1210flat areas1310ofFIG. 13in accordance with one embodiment. A die1410is positioned on each of the flat areas1310for mounting SMDs.

FIG. 15illustrates a perspective view of power wiring to the dies1410ofFIG. 14in accordance with one embodiment. The view ofFIG. 15is rotated approximately 45 degrees from the view ofFIG. 14. Each die has short leads1530,1540connecting the die1410to the conductive elements1130,1140ofFIG. 11to provide power (voltage)130and ground140connections.

FIG. 16illustrates a perspective view of power and data signal wiring to the dies1410ofFIG. 14in accordance with one embodiment. The view ofFIG. 16is rotated approximately 180 degrees from the view ofFIG. 15. In this illustration, a conductive pad1350for a data signal110is connected by four small lead wires1610to the dies1410around the bead device1100. An outgoing data signal115from one of the dies1410is connected by a lead wire1615to a conductive pad1355on the other side of the device. Thus, the data signal110on an interrupted path is capable of being transmitted to each die1410on the bead device1100, and the next (e.g., altered) signal115can be transmitted to the next device (e.g., the next bead) in the chain.

FIG. 17illustrates a perspective view of power, clock signal, and data signal wiring to the dies1410ofFIG. 14in accordance with one embodiment. The view ofFIG. 17is rotated approximately 180 degrees from the view ofFIG. 16, providing an orientation similar toFIG. 15. The clock signal lead wiring1720,1725is laid out similarly to the data signal lead wiring1610,1615ofFIG. 16.

FIG. 18illustrates a perspective view of an assembled LED bead device1100having a transparent or translucent outer layer1810in accordance with one embodiment.

FIGS. 19-23illustrate mounting and connection of an LED bead device on a flexible, interruptible radial bus in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 19illustrates a perspective view of a flexible, interruptible radial bus400passing through the central aperture1320of the LED bead device1100ofFIG. 18in accordance with one embodiment. In this illustration, the bead1100is threaded onto the bus400as a decorative bead might be on a string. The four conductive pads of the bead device1100(including the externally visible portions of the inner conductive elements1130,1140ofFIG. 11, and the added conductive pads1350ofFIG. 13) are aligned next to their respective conductive wires.

FIG. 20illustrates a perspective view of notches2010interrupting two interruptible conductors of the flexible, interruptible radial bus400ofFIG. 19in accordance with one embodiment. In particular, the front wire (e.g., the green wire for clock signal120) and the oppositely disposed back wire (e.g., the blue wire for data signal110) are notched, forming interruptions in the interruptible path conductors).

FIG. 21illustrates a perspective view of sealant or filler2110in the notches2010in the interrupted conductors of the flexible, interruptible radial bus400ofFIG. 20in accordance with one embodiment. The sealant or filler2110may be, for example, a weather sealer, a corrosion preventant, or an electrical insulator. Sealing the notches is optional, depending on the application, the geometry of the interruption, and the devices to be attached. Air may form a sufficiently insulative gap filler.

FIG. 22illustrates a perspective view of the LED bead device1100ofFIG. 18positioned over the sealed or filled notches2010(not visible) in accordance with one embodiment. In this example, insulation315has been removed at insulation cuts620,625from the conductors310of the flexible, interruptible radial bus400ofFIG. 21on either side of the notches2010, such as described in connection withFIG. 6above.

FIG. 23illustrates a perspective view of soldering2310connecting the conductors of the flexible, interruptible radial bus to the LED bead device1100ofFIG. 22in accordance with one embodiment.

FIGS. 24-30illustrate assembly and mounting of a two-part radial mounted device (RMD) on a flexible, interruptible radial bus in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 24illustrates an isometric view of a two-part radial mounted device (RMD)2400in accordance with one embodiment. The RMD2400is of generally similar construction to the LED bead device1100ofFIGS. 11-18, but in two hemispheres or halves2410,2420. When one RMD hemisphere or half2410is combined with a matching or complementary hemisphere or half2420around a suitably prepared radial bus, a functional RMD2400is formed. An RMD2400may also be constructed in two parts that are not equal hemispheres (e.g., ⅓ and ⅔ circumferences) or in multiple parts. In this example, the conductive elements1130,1140are approximately the same as those ofFIG. 11; the filler2430, in addition to being formed in halves, leaves space for the arms2440of the conductive elements1130,1140to pass through; and the conductive pads2450are split such that they match up and can be connected, e.g., by solder. In some embodiments, the dividing line between parts of the RMD2400may be on an alternative axis such as not splitting conductive pads2450.

FIG. 25illustrates an isometric view of the two-part radial mounted device2400ofFIG. 24with a four-wire flexible, interruptible radial bus400in accordance with one embodiment. In this example, the RMD2400is shown positioned around a radial bus that has been prepared for mounting at a location where notches have already been cut and insulation has been stripped from the wires. The perspective here shows the blue wire for data signal110at front left.

FIGS. 26A-26Billustrate isometric views of the opposing hemispheres or halves2410,2420of the two-part radial mounted device2400ofFIG. 24being brought together around the four-wire flexible, interruptible radial bus400ofFIG. 25in accordance with one embodiment. The perspective here shows the green wire for clock signal120at front left.

FIG. 27illustrates an isometric view of the two-part radial mounted device2400ofFIG. 24assembled around the four-wire flexible, interruptible radial bus400ofFIGS. 26A-26Bin accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 28illustrates an isometric view of shaping2810of the cylindrical exterior of the assembled two-part radial mounted device2400ofFIG. 27and soldering2820of the two-part radial mounted device2400to the four-wire flexible, interruptible radial bus400in accordance with one embodiment. Shaping2810, e.g., milling or molding, may be performed before assembly of the radial mounted device's hemispheres or halves2410,2420. The perspective here is rotated approximately 45 degrees fromFIG. 27.

FIG. 29illustrates an isometric view of the assembled two-part radial mounted device2400ofFIG. 28including SMD dies1410and power lead1530. ground lead1540, data signal lead1610, and clock signal in lead1720and clock signal out lead1725wiring to the dies1410in accordance with one embodiment. This example shows a way of wiring dies1410to data signals110and clock signals120around opposite sides of the radial mounted device2400using shaping2810to allow one wire to cross below another.

FIG. 30illustrates an isometric view of an assembled radial mounted device2400having a translucent outer layer3010in accordance with one embodiment. In some embodiments, the radial mounted device2400is finished with, e.g., a flexible sealant, a relatively hard protective jacket such as a rubber or plastic, or some other covering around the solder connections between the radial mounted device and the flexible, interruptible radial bus.

FIGS. 31-39illustrate construction, assembly, and mounting of a castellated two-part radial mounted device3100on a flexible, interruptible radial bus in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 31illustrates a perspective view of two parts (opposing halves) of a castellated two-part radial mounted device3100in accordance with one embodiment. This shows an example general layout of conductive metal pads3150and non-conductive body material or filler3110without identifying the designation of particular connectors for specific purposes. In some embodiments, the radial mounted device can include fewer or more conductive elements.

FIG. 32illustrates an exploded breakout perspective view of the castellated two-part radial mounted device3100ofFIG. 31in accordance with one embodiment. Shown are example internal conductors for power or voltage3230, ground3240, data signals3210, and clock signals3220. A die3260with a slightly different arrangement of electrical connectors is pictured. In this example, the conductive elements are positioned as in a finished radial mounted device3100; the filler3110may be flowed or formed around them, for example. 3D printing and other manufacturing techniques may also be employed.

FIGS. 33A-33Beach illustrate a perspective view of the two parts (opposing or complementary halves3310,3320) of the castellated two-part radial mounted device3100ofFIG. 32including SMD dies3260and short power, data signal, and clock signal lead wiring to the dies in accordance with one embodiment. The internal conductors allow lead wiring to the dies1410to be short. The perspectives here are rotated approximately 180 degrees fromFIG. 32.

FIG. 34illustrates a perspective view of the two parts (opposing or complementary halves3310,3320) of the castellated two-part radial mounted device3100ofFIG. 33positioned to be brought together around a four-wire flexible, interruptible radial bus400in accordance with one embodiment. The bus is prepared for mounting the radial mounted device at the mounting location with notches in interruptible conductors and insulation removed, such as described above in connection withFIG. 6orFIG. 25.

FIG. 35illustrates a perspective view of the castellated two-part radial mounted device3100ofFIG. 34assembled around the four-wire flexible, interruptible radial bus400ofFIG. 34in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 36illustrates a perspective view of the two parts (opposing or complementary halves) of the assembled castellated two-part radial mounted device3100ofFIG. 35soldered3610together and to the four-wire flexible, interruptible radial bus400in accordance with one embodiment. This allows connections to be completed with minimal wiring, enhancing robustness.

FIGS. 37A-37Billustrate perspective views of two parts (opposing or complementary halves) of a different castellated two-part radial mounted device3700having fewer conductive metal pads3750in accordance with one embodiment. The two parts or halves3710,3720in this example are positioned to be brought together around a four-wire flexible, interruptible radial bus400in accordance with one embodiment. The bus400is prepared for mounting the radial mounted device at the mounting location with notches in interruptible conductors and insulation removed, such as described above in connection withFIG. 6orFIG. 25.FIG. 37Ashows a perspective with the blue wire for data signal110at front left and the red wire for power or voltage130at front right.FIG. 37Bshows a perspective with the red wire for power or voltage130at front left and the green wire for clock signal120at front right. A die3760with a slightly different arrangement of electrical connectors is pictured.

FIG. 38illustrates an exploded breakout perspective view of the castellated two-part radial mounted device3700ofFIGS. 37A-37Bin accordance with one embodiment. Shown for one part or half3720of the radial mounted device3700are example internal conductors for power or voltage3830, ground3840, data signals in3810and out3815, and clock signals in3820and out3825. In this example, the conductive elements are positioned as in a finished radial mounted device3700, with the filler not visible but the dies3760shown in place.

FIG. 39illustrates a perspective view of the two parts or halves3710,3720of the assembled castellated two-part radial mounted device3700ofFIGS. 37A-37Bsoldered3910together and to the four-wire flexible, interruptible radial bus in accordance with one embodiment. In this example, the radial mounted device3700is configured with only four conductors on each side, reducing the amount of manufacturing complexity and soldering required.

FIGS. 40A-40Billustrate perspective views of individual hemispherical parts of a two-part radial mounted device mounted in a SMD fashion to PCBs in accordance with one embodiment.FIG. 40Ashows one part or half of the radial mounted device3100ofFIGS. 31-36, andFIG. 40Bshows one part or half3720of the radial mounted device3700ofFIGS. 37A-39. In both examples, the hemispherical part or half of a two-part radial mounted device is a SMD mounted to a PCB4010,4110. It may similarly be mounted to a flex-print bus or any other convenient substrate. Thus, a single hemisphere of a device can be mounted in a SMD fashion or combined with a matching hemisphere to create a Radial Mounted Device (RMD).

FIG. 41illustrates a perspective cutaway view of one part or half3720of a radial mounted device3700mounted in a SMD fashion to a PCB4110in accordance with one embodiment. The filler for approximately one half of the mounted part of the radial mounted device (roughly a quarter section) is cut away to show example internal conductors for power or voltage3830, ground3840, data signals in3810and out3815, and clock signal in3820, and the leads connecting them to the dies3760, as well as solder connections to the PCB4110. The clock signals out3825conductor (seen inFIG. 38) is not visible from this perspective; it is soldered to a lead4125on the PCB4110.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, although various embodiments are described above in terms of LEDs, in other embodiments various other SMD devices may be used. In addition, the material forming the bus and/or any center connector may take different forms or have different cross-sections. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein.