Flexible organizational connect

A flexible organizational connect is shown and described. In one embodiment, the device comprises a flexible receiver assembly for receiving an interchangeable test adapter for a mass interconnect device. Typically, the flexible receiver assembly includes an integral structural unit and an interchangeable connection assembly. In other embodiments, a mass interconnect device includes an interchangeable test adapter and a flexible receiver assembly.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to electrical connectors and, more particularly, to an improved receiver and interchangeable testing components for enhancing the organizational and interchangeable electrical engagement between a test adapter and automated testing equipment.

BACKGROUND

Mass interconnect systems and devices enhance connectivity and allow for the reduction, or even elimination, of conventional wiring harnesses when testing complex electrical and electromechanical systems. Typically, mass interconnect systems bring many electrical contacts into contact with each other simultaneously to facilitate efficient connection and disconnection of the testing equipment. For instance, mass interconnect systems and devices may eliminate capacitances, signal crosstalk or other attenuational concerns presented by traditional cable-based systems and devices. Further, mass interconnect systems provide higher degrees of stability, which provide for improved system performance and up-time.

Mass interconnect systems often require the placement of interchange test adapters, or similar wiring modules with multiple electrical contacts in operative engagement with opposing co-acting contact of receiver modules. Typically, the receiver contacts and the interchangeable test adapter align with precision, for instance to minimize, or eliminate, wear and/or equipment damage.

Often the mass interconnect systems connect a testing unit to automated testing equipment. For instance, a mass interconnect system may provide electrical connection for a PCI eXtensions for Instrumentations (PXI)-based test system. PXI systems are intended to measure and automate high-performance applications. Typically, PXI systems incorporate standards governed by the PXI Systems Alliance, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. For instance, PXI may integrate timing and synchronization to rout synchronization clocks and be reprogrammed to match test, measurement and automation demands.

Traditional cable-based automatic test equipment systems and devices often require system calibrations, which take significant time to remove and carry the risk of performance problems once reinstalled. Mass interconnect systems also help lower the cost of integrating and wiring the systems.

Therefore, Applicants desire a system and method for flexible organization in a mass interconnect system without the drawbacks presented by the traditional systems and methods.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present disclosure, a flexible receiver assembly is provided for receiving an interchangeable test adapter for a mass interconnect device. This disclosure provides an improved mass interconnect device and receiver assembly that is convenient, efficient and safe for the user, particularly when used in operating PXI-based test system.

In one embodiment, in a mass interconnect system having a test adapter and a testing unit, a flexible receiver assembly comprising an integral structural unit and at least one rear-loading adjacent building block assembly. In particular examples, the integral structural unit may mirror connections and slidingly mount with the interchangeable test adapter. The flexible receiver assembly may include a frame having an upper tier opening adapted to secure interchangeable connection modules. The flexible receiver assembly may also include a frame having a lower tier opening adapted to secure interchangeable connection modules.

In some examples, the lower tier includes a rail assembly to secure interchangeable connection modules. The interchangeable connector modules may be assembled in adjacent carrier building blocks.

In yet other examples, the receiver may include a modular linkage assembly to engage the test adapter. The modular linkage assembly may have a torsional shaft between a pair of opposing vertical sides of the receiver. Further, the modular linkage assembly may have needle bearings at friction points.

In yet other embodiments, a mass interconnect system may comprise a test adapter and a flexible receiver assembly. The flexible receiver assembly may have interchangeable connection modules affixed from a rear face of the receiver assembly. Further, the flexible receiver assembly and interchangeable connection modules may form an integral structural unit to mirror and mate with the test adapter.

In particular examples, the test adapter may include at least one adapter module to mirror connection with the receiver interchangeable connection module. The adapter module may include a mating face adapted to interface with the receiver interchangeable connection module in an assembled position. The adapter module may include a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board may include a cable attachment for communication devices chosen from HDMI, Ethernet, DMI, USB, seta signal transmission technology and a combination thereof. The adapter module may include location tabs for orienting the adapter module into placement about the test adapter. The adapter module may include a low insertion force connection assembly.

In yet other examples, the interchangeable test adapter may include a test adapter frame having a first, second, third and fourth sides, the first and second sides opposing one another and the third and fourth sides opposing one another and the first and second sides being substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth sides. Further, the test adapter frame may separate the test adapter into an upper tier and a lower tier. The test adapter frame may include roller pins being positioned to align with the receiver assembly in a mated position. In particular embodiments, the test adapter is a legacy adapter.

In other embodiments, the disclosure provides a method of assembling a bench-top mass interconnect system having a test adapter and a flexible receiver. The method may comprise providing a test adapter with adapter modules and securing interchangeable connection modules on the receiver through a rear face of the receiver. The securing may be in alignment with the adapter modules. Additionally, the method may include mating the test adapter and the receiver in electrical communication for mass interconnect testing.

Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a flexible receiver assembly device that comprises an integral structural unit and an adjacent carrier building block assembly. The flexible receiver assembly may be for receiving an interchangeable test adapter for a mass interconnect device. The integral structural unit may mirror connections and slidingly mount with the interchangeable test adapter.

The flexible receiver assembly may include a generally rectangular frame having an upper tier opening. In some examples, the flexible receiver assembly may have a generally rectangular frame having a lower tier opening. The lower tier opening may be adapted to enclose adjacent carrier building blocks. The adjacent carrier building blocks may include a mating side. The adjacent carrier building blocks may include a chassis side.

Further, the adjacent carrier building blocks may include adapter openings The adapter openings may receive connector modules. The connector modules may be adapted to accommodate one test fixture per module. In other examples, the connector modules may be adapted to accommodate at least two test fixtures per module. In yet other examples, the adapter openings may be adapted to receive a test fixture.

In other embodiments, a mass interconnect device may include an interchangeable test adapter and a flexible receiver assembly. The flexible receiver assembly may form an integral structural unit to receive and mirror connections of the interchangeable test adapter. The mass interconnect device may include a plurality of adjacent connector modules. The connector modules may include a mating face for instance that is adapted to interface with the interchangeable test adapter. Further, the adjacent connector modules may include a wiring face for instance that is adapted to connect with a test fixture. The interchangeable test adapter may include a test adapter frame having a first, second, third and fourth sides, the first and second sides may be opposing one another and the third and fourth sides may be opposing one another and the first and second sides may be substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth sides.

In other examples, the test adapter frame may include an intermediary support member. The test adapter frame may define a bottom opening. Further, the test adapter frame may have a filler plate to conceal at least a portion of the bottom opening. The test adapter frame may define a top opening. The test adapter frame may have roller pins that are positioned to align with the receiver assembly, for instance in a second, mated position.

In other examples, the interchangeable test adapter is a legacy adapter. The interchangeable test adapter may also include connection pins to mirror connection pins on the receiver.

Another embodiment of the disclosure includes an interchangeable test adapter, a flexible receiver assembly and a plurality of adjacent connector modules. The flexible receiver assembly may form a flexible structural unit to mirror connections of the interchangeable test adapter and may include adjacent carrier building blocks.

The adjacent connector modules may include a wiring face that is adapted to connect with a test fixture. The interchangeable test adapter may include a test adapter frame having a first, second, third and fourth sides. The first and second sides may be opposing one another and the third and fourth sides opposing one another. The first and second sides may also be substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth sides. The test adapter frame may further include an intermediary support member. The test adapter frame may define a bottom opening. The test adapter frame may include a filler plate concealing at least a portion of the bottom opening. Further, the test adapter frame may define a top opening.

The test adapter frame may include roller pins being positioned to align with the receiver assembly, for instance in a second, mated position. The interchangeable test adapter may be a legacy adapter. The interchangeable test adapter may include connection pins to mirror connection pins on the receiver.

The flexible receiver assembly may include a generally rectangular frame having an upper tier opening. Further, the flexible receiver assembly may include a generally rectangular frame having a lower tier opening The lower tier opening may be adapted to enclose adjacent carrier building blocks. The adjacent carrier building blocks may include a chassis side. Additionally, the adjacent carrier building blocks may include a plurality of individual adapter openings. These adapter openings may be adapted to receive connector modules. The connector modules may be adapted to accommodate one test fixture per module. In other embodiments, the connector modules may be adapted to accommodate at least two test fixtures per module.

The above summary was intended to summarize certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Embodiments will be set forth in more detail in the figures and description of embodiments below. It will be apparent, however, that the description of embodiments is not intended to limit the present inventions, the scope of which should be properly determined by the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings in general andFIGS. 1 and 3in particular, it will be understood that the illustrations are for the purpose of describing embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the disclosure or any inventions thereto. As best seen inFIGS. 1 and 3, a mass interconnect assembly, and flexible receiver assembly10and interchangeable test adapter12in particular, is shown embodied according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Flexible receiver assembly10may include a receiver46, a carrier building block assembly14and interchangeable connector modules16,112and114. Typically, the interchangeable connector modules are integrated into the flexible receiver assembly10from the rear face of the receiver to reduce, or even eliminate, integration concerns associated with feeding the modules through the front face of the system. Typically, flexible receiver assembly10mechanically engages with interchangeable test adapter12(ITA) for testing of a piece of automated test equipment.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, receiver46is configured to provide the sprocket side of the interface with interchangeable test adapter12of the general type shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,329,005 and 7,016,199, the contents of which are both incorporated herein by reference. However, it is within the sprit of this disclosure for receiver46to be configured in a variety of interchangeable arrangements for mounting to a variety of particular pieces of test equipment.FIG. 1shows flexible receiver assembly10properly aligning the connections of receiver46to the connections in the interchangeable test adapter12to complete the electrical connection between the mating pin/socket contacts. Generally, interchangeable test adapter12is the plug to receiver's46sprocket and contains mirroring connection with receiver46.

Typically, receiver46has at least two pairs of opposing outer sides that form a generally rectangular, or square, receiver frame. As depicted inFIGS. 1 and 3, receiver46is adapted to be mounted and mated with interchangeable test adapter12in a substantially vertical manner, however other embodiments include a modular receiver46and such receiver46may be positioned in a variety of orientations with respect to the interchangeable test adapter12. For example, other embodiments may include non-rectangular geometrical receivers, for instance to mate with a variety of interchangeable test adapters, including non-rectangular interchangeable test adapters.

In particular embodiments, receiver assembly10includes multiple tiers in receiver46to house connection modules between interchangeable test adapter12and a piece of automated test equipment, for instance a PXI instrument. The multiple tiers may be openings that are framed by horizontal and vertical support members. Typically, the receiver assembly's 10 horizontal and vertical support members include outer wall members which define the outer periphery of the receiver to mate with ITA and which support inner rail assemblies. For instance, as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 3, examples of outer wall members in a two-tiered system include a bottom wall24, a top wall30and a middle wall26there between. Therefore, the receiver46in these examples have two openings: a lower tier opening22and an upper tier opening20. The spacing of the middle wall26between the bottom wall24and top wall30will vary based upon the dimensions of the various connector modules and interconnects, as discussed herein.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, bottom wall24and middle wall26define lower tier opening22, which is generally an elongated, rectangular-shaped orifice. Typically, lower tier opening22may be sized to receive a variety of receiver assembly1elements, for instance interconnect components and/or adjacent carrier building block assembly14, as an integral unit to be utilized in a variety of configurations. Similarly, middle wall26and top wall30define upper tier opening20. While two openings,22and20, are depicted inFIGS. 1 and 2, other embodiments including other arrangements having other numbers of openings, for instance a unitary opening and/or additional rows of openings as discussed later.

FIGS. 1 and 3further introduce the inner rails along the wall support members to engage the interconnect components and building block assemblies. In some examples, the inner rails may function as an orientation alignment for interchangeably positioning the interconnect components and building block assemblies in a variety of testing configurations and arrangements, while being aligned to mate with their corresponding connections as described herein. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, the rail assembly in a two-tier system may include a lower rail56, an upper rail58and an intermediate rail60there between. The spacing of the intermediate rail60between the lower rail56and upper rail58will vary depending upon the various connector modules and interconnects discussed herein.

Receiver46may have a sliding hanger assembly including a hanger structure and a hanger slide retainer, so that receiver46will be flush with the facing surfaces of interchangeable test adapter12. In some examples, mounted inwardly adjacent to the sliding hanger assembly are left and right slide plates36. The pair of slide plates may be mounted in any conventional manner so as to slide upwardly and downwardly with respect to the coordinate system of the figures. The motion of the slide plates may be coincident and simultaneous, and for instance, driven by a user. In particular examples, a user may actuate a handle42. As illustrated inFIGS. 1,3and9, handle42may be mounted to one side of receiver46and pivot about an axis defined by one end of a torsion shaft, for instance a shaft that runs about the length of receiver46, for instance as later illustrated inFIG. 8. In some examples, handle42may connect two drive linkages, for instance one on each of the left and right sides of receiver46, as also shown later inFIG. 8.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, each of slide plates36may include one or more cam slots34. Other embodiments include a variety of cam slots34, for instance to correspond to the number of roller pins44positioned on interchangeable test adapter12with which receiver46is designed to engage. Typically, cam slots34are sized to accommodate the interchangeable test adapter12roller pins, for instance during upward movement of the slide plates36. In some examples, cam slots34engage roller pins44to cause the interchangeable test adapter12to move inwardly, for example into engagement with receiver46. Typically, the electrical contacts carried by the interchangeable test adapter12are thereby brought into engagement with the corresponding electrical contacts carried on receiver46. Similarly, downward movement of slide plates35may trigger interchangeable test adapter12to move outwardly to disengage electrical contacts carried by the interchangeable test adapter12with electrical contacts carried by receiver46.

Turning toFIG. 8, a modular linkage assembly160may enhance engagement of the receiver46with the ITA12. The modular linkage assembly includes a torsion shaft164between opposing vertical sides162of receiver46. As shown, a pair of opposing drive linkages170,172on either the left, right or both sides of the receiver may connect the handle42and drive movement of the torsion shaft164. Bearings166, for instance needle bearings or the like, may be positioned at friction points along the modular linkage assembly to reduce, or even eliminate, galling or seizing. In these examples, the bearings166improve the life of the system, as well as provide significant improved feel for the operator when engaging, disengaging the receiver and ITA.

Returning toFIGS. 1 and 3, the lower tier opening22may house a variety of interconnect devices that mate with corresponding connections on the ITA. In one embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, a substantially permanent adjacent carrier building blocks14may mount different types of contacts, for example, contacts that carry electrical power or electrical signals, or contacts of different construction. Adjacent carrier building blocks14may define an integral system that is sized to accept and retain a plurality of connector modules to engage electrical contacts carried by the interchangeable test adapter12and receiver assembly10, as described below.

As shown inFIG. 1, adjacent carrier building blocks14may include a lower rail56and an upper rail58that define a chassis side50. Typically, the chassis side50may electrically engage connections in communications with testing equipment, for instance to a PXI. On the opposing side of the building block assembly is a mating side52to electrically engage the interchangeable test adapter12. In some examples, this arrangement is in a substantially fixed position. For instance, adjacent carrier building blocks14may be securely positioned within lower tier opening22in a substantially fixed position to allow modularity of electrical contacts corresponding to a variety of electrical contacts of interchangeable test adapter12. Further, carrier building blocks14may include adapter openings54that are sized in a substantially fixed position, so as to secure adjacent connect modules16in a variety of configurations.

In yet other embodiments, as illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, the receiver46may include an interchangeable infrastructure to support a variety of connector module arrangements to mate with their corresponding connections as described herein. For instance, as shown inFIG. 3, the rail assembly allows convenient integration and interchange of interconnect modules112and114, for example from the rear face of the assembly, to mate with ITA modules116and120. Typically, the upper tier includes a rail system between the bottom wall and the middle wall, wherein interconnect modules112may be secured from the rear face of the receiver and mate with the corresponding ITA module. Similarly, in a two-tier system as shown, the upper tier may include a rail system within the boundary of the top wall and middle wall to secure interconnect modules114to mate with the corresponding ITA module. Again, the interconnect modules114may be integrated in the system from the rear face to minimize, or eliminate, the concerns associated with feeding the system through the testing assembly and/or to reducing tooling and integration expertise.

The adjacent connector modules16and interconnect modules112and114may house a variety of electrical contacts and typically include a wiring side70and a mating side72. Connector modules16and interconnect modules112and114may be made from a variety of materials depending on the desired electrical characteristics. For instance, connector modules16may be comprised of NEMA Grade Epoxy Glass G-10 to provide enhanced electrical isolation values.

Further, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, adjacent connector modules16and interconnect modules112and114may include a wiring face70to carry either a digital or an analog signal. In some examples, the frequency range may be DC up to about forty gigahertz. Further, the current can be up to about fifty amps. In other embodiments, a thermocouple, vacuum and/or pneumatic may be included to complete the connection with connector modules16. However, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, adjacent connector modules16and interconnect modules112and114are typically sized to include electrical contacts to mate with the ITA modules and/or engage the electrical contacts carried by a test fixture interconnect80.

FIG. 2shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a receiver assembly10introduced inFIG. 1, with upper tier100and lower tier102in an assembled position. As illustrated, lower tier102may include connector modules16providing high and low density I/O connectors embedded in adjacent carrier building blocks14within the lower tier opening. From a rear perspective of this embodiment, the connector modules16may support a variety of electrical connection configurations. For instance, a plurality of connector modules16may include split line connectors to indicate at least two connectors on wiring side70. Other embodiments include a variety of connector and connector module16configurations as discussed below.

In one example of the assembled position, the mating side of connector modules16is positioned between adjacent carrier building blocks14, for example in a specific configuration to match a particular piece of testing equipment. A filler plate94may be included to block and protect elements of receiver assembly10, for instance unused connections in connector modules16. In such a mass interconnect system embodiment a PXI instrument may be attached to a receiver connector module, for instance through a direct access kit (DAK) adapter. The DAK adapter may provide direct connectivity between the PXI instrument and the receiver connector module. Typically, the instruments may be installed and/or removed through the front face of the receiver connector module. Unlike this DAK assembly, traditional cable-based ATE systems and devices often require system calibrations that take significant time to remove and carry the risk of performance problems once reinstalled.

As shown in the partially assembled position inFIG. 2, one embodiment of receiver assembly10connects with a test fixture interconnect80on the wiring side70of connector modules16. Test fixture interconnect80may include several thousand connections in a single engagement with connector module16. In particular examples, test fixture interconnect80may include Flex connectors, PC boards and pre-configured patch cords.

FIG. 4shows another embodiment of a receiver assembly10introduced inFIG. 3, with an upper tier and lower tier in an assembled position. As illustrated, the lower tier may include at least one interchangeable connection module112integrated on the receiver46and mated with a corresponding ITA connection adapter module116. Again, the connection module may provide high density I/O connections. As shown, the receiver assembly provides contact pins to incorporate small connectors with both large interchange assemblies and other smaller mass interconnect systems, thus reducing spares, inventory, tooling demands, and other wire cramping, etc. concerns. In particular examples, the ITA connection adapter module116may include a printed circuit board assembly122or the like for improved user connections as discussed hereinafter. Further, as shown inFIG. 4, the upper tier may include at least one upper interchangeable connection module114to generally mate with a corresponding ITA connection adapter module120. WhileFIGS. 3 and 4illustrate only one connection module on the upper and lower tiers, the inventions herein provide convenient infrastructure for a variety of connection module arrangements to meet a variety of mass interconnect demands.

FIG. 5shows an isolated view of one embodiment of an ITA connection module introduced inFIGS. 3 and 4. Typically, the ITA connection adapter module116includes a body to support an engagement lip to mate with an upper or lower interchangeable connection module112,114, as well as housing for contact points130. As shown, the upper and/or lower ends of the body may include apertures to receive fasteners to secure the ITA connection module with the opposing connection element. Further, as illustrated, location tabs134on the back side of the body allow the user to easily plug the element into place with fasteners through apertures132, or similar securing procedure recognized by those skilled in the art.

FIG. 6shows an isolated view of one example of the ITA connection adapter module with a printed circuit board assembly122introduced inFIGS. 3 and 4. Typically, a signal element body150may be secured to the connection adapter module116and generally support the printed circuitry board assembly. As shown, particular examples of the printed circuit board assembly122may include HDMI, or similar connections140. For instance, the printed circuit board may allow connection of HDMI, Ethernet, DMI, USB, seta signal transmission technology and the like, to interplay with the mass interconnect assembly. Such an arrangement significantly improves the interaction of the devices and minimizes the time for integration without the demands and concerns of traditional wiring systems. For instance, standard off-the-shelf cable products may be quickly and easily utilized in the connection140, thereby minimizing the integration demands and/or skill level required for testing set-up.

FIG. 7shows another embodiment of connection adapter module116having a low insertion force connection180that may be used in any of the flexible receiver assembly inventions described herein. For instance, a LIF connector may provide pin and socket connections, for instance for a more rugged connection alternative. Further, LIF embodiments may be advantageous where service requires frequent connects/disconnects. Some examples of LIF include 96, 156 and 260 contact configuration. Typically, LIF connectors are mounted by rotating the mechanism, for example about one hundred and eighty degrees, to engage the LIF mating half. The connector may include a LIF plug184affixed to the ITA connector adapter modules116. A shell182may enclose the connections with only the LIF plug protruding through the shell182.FIG. 7illustrates a partial shell to show internal components. Further, the shell182may be hinged188, or the like, and include fasteners, for instance attachment186as shown inFIG. 7and the like as recognized by those skilled in the art.

Other embodiments of LIF include a polarizing LIF to provide a unique identity to each connector. A variety of embodiments of LIF plug connectors may be incorporated into the mass interconnect assembly. For instance, a 156 position LIF plug may be used for discrete wiring. Further, hybrid LIF plug with 15 signal positions for instance 16 coax/power, may be incorporated into the system. Still further, a hybrid LIF plug with 72 signal positions for instance 18 coax/power may be incorporated into the system.

A variety of LIF sockets may be used in any of the inventions herein. For instance, a PCB socket may provide enhanced interconnection for rugged system for discrete wiring. Additionally, hybrid sockets that provide a 96 position LIF socket for discrete wiring; hybrid LIF socket for 16 signal positions, for instance having 16 coax/power; and/or hybrid LIF socket with 72 signal positions, for instance having 18 coax/power may be incorporated by any of the inventions shown and described herein.

In yet other examples, receiver coax elements may be incorporated into the inventions described herein. For instance, a 152 position coax module; a 59 position coax module; a 9 position hi-frequency coax module, for instance a 9 position module for SMA; a 12 position hi-frequency, 40 gigahertz module; an 18 position hi-frequency coax module rated for about 50/75 ohms; a 24 position mini-coax module; a 6 position triax module; and/or a 32 position coax module rated for about 50/75 ohms may be incorporated by any of the inventions shown and described herein.

Still further examples may include a variety of receiver power elements. For instance, a 152 position power module; a 24 position power module; and/or a 59 position power module may be incorporated by any of the inventions shown and described herein.

Additional examples include a variety of receiver signal elements. For instance, a mounting side and a wiring side of a 160 position DIN signal module; a 96 position HDI/DIN signal module; a 200 position HDI signal module; and/or a 96 position discrete signal module may be incorporated by any of the inventions described herein.

As introduced above, hybrid elements of certain embodiments of connector modules may be incorporated by any of the inventions described herein. For instance, a hybrid pneumatic plus 24 signal module may be incorporated by any of the inventions shown and described herein.

FIG. 9shows anther embodiment of the mass interconnect assembly introduced above, wherein the ITA includes only a single tier to mate with any of the receiver embodiments shown or described herein. In this embodiment, an ITA connection module120may span the entire distance between the upper wall120and lower wall124and mate with the corresponding receiver connection module. This ITA embodiment may include any of the features and elements shown and described above.

Returning toFIGS. 1 and 3, interchangeable test adapter12generally engages with the corresponding contacts of the connector modules16carried by receiver assembly10. In particular embodiments, interchangeable test adapter12includes predetermined numbers of replaceable modules having various arrays of electrical contacts thereon requiring engagement with the co-acting contacts carried by receiver assembly10. As shown, interchangeable test adapter12may include left and right sides and a set of locking members, for instance roller pins44.

In some examples, roller pins44have a set of adjacent, independently moveable roller sleeves. The receiver assembly10may be fully engaged with interchangeable test adapter12such that electrical contacts carried by interchangeable test adapter12are fully engaged with electrical contacts carried by receiver46. In some examples, interchangeable test adapter12abuts receiver46to form a moisture-resistant seal. In other embodiments, an enclosure encases the interchangeable test adapter12. The enclosure may include electromagnetic shielding. Further, the enclosure may include a hinged door or a removable face.

In other embodiments, the disclosure includes a mass interconnect kit. In such an embodiment, the kit may comprise a receiver, e.g. any of the receiver elements and components previously shown or described. Further, other embodiments of the kit may comprise an ITA, e.g. any of the ITA elements and components previously shown or described. In this respect, a receiver assembly10may be built on a bench, so that any of the elements or components described herein may be ‘built-up’ prior to installing the system as discussed above.

Building the assembly on a bench may allow for 360 degree access, for instance to load connectors from the back side. Therefore the harness may be built-up for a desired testing sequence, without having to feed the assembly through the interface into the system. This improves integration time, minimizes tooling and related expertise requirements, and reduces potential damages associated with feeding the assembly into the system after it is built. The result is a mass interconnect tool kit that operates in different mechanics, and is interchangeable with existing contacts by incorporating small connectors to utilize in larger connection packages.

In further use of some embodiments of the disclosure, the receiver assembly10of the flexible mass interconnect system may provide a PCB or short wire interconnection to the test system, for instance a PXI-based test system. For instance, the PXI instrument may be attached to receiver assembly10, i.e. connector module16housed in adjacent carrier building blocks14of receiver46, to provide direct connectivity between the PXI instrument, or similar testing equipment, and the receiver assembly10. The receiver assembly10of the flexible mass interconnect system may be easily installed and removed without disturbing the system wiring.

FIGS. 10aand10billustrate one example of a receiver assembly46, e.g. any of the receiver elements and components previously shown or described, with a work shelf400. Typically, the work shelf400is releasably connected to the receiver assembly46and includes a work surface to support connection elements previously shown or described.

Numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of structure and function. Many of the novel features are pointed out in the appended claims. The disclosure, however, is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts, within the principle of the disclosure, to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the general claims are expressed. It is further noted that, as used in this application, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent.