Abstract:
Apparatus for holding and securing an electrical module, IC, or other electronic components to a PCB that is easy to use and manipulate. The apparatus utilizes a transitional element to hold the electrical module or IC and then secure itself to the PCB using fasteners or the like. Preferred methods for assembling and using the apparatus are disclosed.

Description:
This invention relates generally to the mounting of electrical modules to printed circuit boards, and specifically to a module package for securing an electrical module to a printed circuit board that is both solderless and de-mountable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Most if not all electronic devices (such as computers and televisions) utilize stuffed printed circuit boards (PCBs) to interconnect and transmit electrical signals between modules, parts or components (hereinafter “components”). These components typically vary from inexpensive resistors and capacitors to costly IC chips, microprocessors, laser transmitters, photo diode receivers, and transceivers, just to name a few. As is common in the prior art, a stuffed PCB is produced by soldering components (or their lead lines) onto the PCB (via PCB tracks or contact pads). Although “solder” is used to describe the joining of components onto the PCB, various other techniques for generating conductive, resistive, convective, and radiant heat for bonding are also common in the prior art, including infrared reflow soldering and wave soldering. 
     While engineered for extended service, on occasion some of the components will fail, either due to mis-use, manufacturing defect, or wear and tear. When this occurs, the problem is diagnosed, the malfunctioned component(s) isolated, and a new PCB is swapped for the failed one, if economically feasible to do so. However, from time to time, it may also be necessary to repair the failed PCB instead of replacing it, especially when price is an issue. If repair is an option, it is generally necessary to de-solder the leads of the failed IC chip (or other failed components) on the PCB and replace the failed chip with a new one. 
     Some common tools used for de-soldering are soldering guns or soldering irons which are capable of generating heat as high as 700° F. (370° C.), and are therefore very effective at melting solder to thereby free the failed IC chip. However, during repairs, the use of soldering guns can and do often cause other components or PCB to fail. Through conduction, when 700° F. heat is applied to remove the failed IC chip, the temperature also travels to nearby surfaces to effect other (good) components. This migration of heat has been known to cause failure to other components and possibly the entire PCB, which can cost from hundreds of dollars to several thousand dollars. 
     Thus, there remains a need for a solderless in-line lead module package and methods for using said package for safely securing and removing individual electronic components from a PCB without damaging nearby components or the PCB itself 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a new and unique apparatus and method for securing an electrical module onto a PCB. A preferred embodiment includes a receptacle with anchoring surface in which fasteners or the like may be used instead of solder to encase and secure the electrical module onto the PCB. 
     In one embodiment, an in-line lead module package is provided for fixedly securing an electrical module to an electrical conducting medium, said package comprising a flex connector, a receptacle, and locking means, said receptacle is configured to secure the electrical module onto the flex connector by at least one of direct pressure and solder, and is further configured to secure the flex connector to the electrical conducting medium by at least one of direct pressure and solder, and wherein at least one direct pressure is generated by said locking means. 
     In another embodiment, an electrical module clamping apparatus for fixedly anchoring the module to the PCB is provided. Said apparatus comprising a receptacle, a flex circuit, and at least two alignment pins; said at least two alignment pins are configured to align the electrical module and its plurality of device leads to said flex circuit and its corresponding set of contacts or to align said flex circuit and its different set of contacts to said PCB and its corresponding contacts; and said receptacle is configured to removably secure said electrical module to said PCB by providing a locking surface to which screws or the like can cooperatively engage the entire assembly with the PCB. 
     In still yet another embodiment, solder is used to fixedly secure one of the rows of contacts on a flex circuit. However, in this configuration, provisions are provided so that the electrical module may be removed independent of said soldered flex circuit, or is removed with said flex circuit but independent of said PCB. In other words, in both instances, de-soldering is not required. 
    
    
     These as well as other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following specification and the accompanying drawings, which are for the purpose of illustration only. Furthermore, it is understood that changes in the specific structure shown and described may be made within the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a semi-schematic isometric drawing of a preferred embodiment of an inline module package of the present invention in a clamped position; 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded semi-schematic isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a representative cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a receptacle; 
     FIG. 5 is an exploded semi-schematic isometric view of an alternative embodiment; 
     FIG. 6 is an exploded semi-schematic isometric view of yet another alternative embodiment; 
     FIG. 7 is a partial semi-schematic isometric view of the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 in an assembled state; 
     FIG. 7A is an exemplary enlarged view of a portion of a flex circuit of FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 8 is an exploded semi-schematic isometric view of another alternative embodiment; and 
     FIG. 9 is a semi-schematic isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 in an assembled position and from a different perspective. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of the in-line lead module package provided in accordance with the present invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the steps for constructing and operating the in-line lead module package of the present invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and structures may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. Also, as denoted elsewhere herein, like element numbers are intended to indicate like or similar elements or features. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown an embodiment of an in-line lead module package, generally designated  10 . The in-line lead module package  10  comprises a receptacle  12 , a flex circuit  14 , and a plurality of fasteners  16  (the fasteners may be screws, dowel pins, detents, spring clips, and the like). In broad terms, the in-line lead module package  10  is a novel electrical connector for anchoring an electrical module or component to a PCB without soldering. In one embodiment, this is achieved by providing a system of components to encase a laser diode or module  18  to a PCB  20  by anchoring the various components along with the laser diode  18  to the PCB  20  using a plurality of fasteners or screws  16 . 
     Although the laser module  18  is discussed extensively as a laser diode attach, and is commercially available from a number of vendors, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that any number of devices, including an IC chip, a receiver, or a transceiver may be used with the in-line module package  10 . As such, the laser diode attach is merely illustrative of an application of the present invention. Accordingly, any number of electrical module or component may be used with the exemplary embodiment without deviating from the spirit or scope of the invention. In addition, flexible circuits and PCBs are important elements to the preferred embodiments. But because these devices are well known in the prior art, further discussion of these devices is not believed necessary. 
     Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the in-line module package  10  further comprises a stiffener plate or a back plate  22 . As further discussed below, the back plate  22  serves to align the various electrical components to the PCB  20  and to provide a securing surface for the fasteners  16 . Optionally, the in-line lead module package  10  also includes a heatsink  24  in a removable engagement with the receptacle  12  and preferably in a contact arrangement with the surface of the laser diode  18 . As is known in the art, the function of the heat sink is to increase the surface area of the laser diode  18  to thereby increase heat transfer. The heat sink  24  is preferably secured to the receptacle  12  and to the module  18  by a spring clip  26 . However, as readily understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, the heat sink  24  may be held to the receptacle  12  by any number of means, including screws, detents, adhesive, etc. It is understood that such variation is contemplated to fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     In general terms, the laser module  18  is fixedly secured to the PCB  20  in a solderless fashion by utilizing at least one transitional element. In one embodiment, the receptacle  12  functions as this transitional element. The receptacle  12  provides a transitional function by encasing the laser module  18  and anchoring itself, via screws  16 , to the PCB  20  (FIG.  2 ), instead of soldering the module  18  directly to the PCB  20 . Because it is solderless, the in-line lead module package  10  may be removed by a user or a technician without de-soldering the laser module  18 . All that is required to remove the heat sink  24  is un-snapping the clip  26 , loosening the screws  16 , removing the receptacle  12 , replacing the laser module  18 , and then reversing the steps. Hence, risk of damaging nearby components or the PCB  20  itself when a failed electrical module is replaced via de-soldering is eliminated. 
     To serve as a conduit for electrical transfer between the laser module  18  and the PCB  20 , a flex circuit is used  14 . The flex circuit  14  serves as an additional electrical transfer medium (with the PCB  20  being the other electrical transfer medium). Although the PCB  20 , shown in FIGS. 1-3, appears relatively small, it is understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that the PCB  20  is merely illustrative of a larger stuffed PCB with dozens or hundreds of other electrical components soldered or mounted thereto, such as ICs, resistors, capacitors, diodes, etc. Some examples of these large stuffed PCBs may be found in computer servers such as mother boards and any number of computer controlled machines, such as aircraft. 
     Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the flex circuit  14  is a single layer gold dot type flex connector with conical shaped contact pads  27 . The flex circuit  14  consists of a strip of flexible insulating sheet (commonly made of polyimide material) formed around conductive metal traces with gold dot pads  27  on both ends of the traces. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the flex circuit  14  is folded over an elastomeric strip  29  and is adhered to the elastomeric strip  29  by high temperature resistant adhesive. As understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art (and as further explained below), the elastomeric strip  29  provides elastomeric pressure exertion to other circuitized substrates when pressure is applied to it by the receptacle  12 . The elastomeric strip  29  can be any number of elastomeric variety. In an exemplary embodiment, the elastomeric strip  29  is made of substantially solid durometer elastomeric material, such as silicon rubber. 
     The laser module  18  couples to the PCB  20  and to the other circuitized substrates on the PCB via electrical connection between the device leads  28  (on the laser module  18 ) and the traces  30  (on the PCB  20 ). The coupling is carried out in part by compressive force rather than solder or fusion. This compressive force is generated by encasing the receptacle  12  around the laser module  18  and securing the laser module  18  by tightening a plurality of fasteners against the stiffener plate  22 . Moreover, although the laser module  18  is described as having a plurality of device leads  28 , persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that there may be instances where the laser module (or other electrical modules if used instead of the laser module) may have only one or more than one device leads. If so, the connection described elsewhere herein to hold the electrical module against the PCB will still apply and minor modifications to the module package, such as to the receptacle and the flex circuit, may have to be made to ensure proper connection. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3 for a full disclosure of how pressure is generated by the receptacle  12  on the laser module  18 . The laser module  18  has a plurality of device leads  28  emanating from its two sides. The device leads  28  are in electrical communication with various internal circuits (not shown), and are the means by which the laser module  18  communicates with other circuitized substrates on the PCB  20 . As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, these device leads  28  emanate from slightly above the laser module bottom surface  32 . Thus, if the laser module  18  is placed on a flat surface, such as a PCB, there exists a small gap between the device leads  28  and the flat surface. In the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, electrical connection is made by bridging this gap with the flex circuit  14 . In effect, the flex circuit  14  acts as a conduit between the device leads  28  and the traces  30  by providing a conductive path between the two, via the flex circuit&#39;s contact pads  27  and conductive traces. A force is then exerted on the device leads  28 , the flex circuit  14 , and the PCB  20  to provide the necessary reliable contact pressure. 
     In the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the two flex circuits  14  are first placed across the PCB  20  to make contact with corresponding rows of traces  30  on the PCB  20 . The laser module  18  is then placed over the two flex circuits  14  with the device leads  28  in contact with the gold dots  27  on the flex circuits  14 . The receptacle  12  is then lowered over the laser module  18 . Referring to FIG. 3, on the inside of the receptacle  12 , there is shown a top wall  32  and a side wall  34 . The top wall  32  defines a pressure ledge  36  and the side wall defines a limiting wall  38 . 
     Again referring to FIG. 3, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that as the receptacle  12  is lowered over the laser module  18 , contact pressure is generated on the flex circuit  14 . This contact pressure is generated by the ledge  36  as the ledge is placed over the device leads  28  and tightened down by the screws  16 . In an exemplary embodiment, the tension generated by the screws  16  is limited by the limiting wall  38 , which is designed to be of sufficient height so that when fully tightened (as indicated in FIG.  3 ), the limiting wall permits limited compression on the flex circuits  14 , but not excessive compression so as to deform the contact pads  27  and  30 . Accordingly, in their uncompressed state, the two flex circuits  14  have a height that is approximate to or greater than the limiting wall  38 . Thus, when compressed, the flex circuits  14  generate elastomeric pressure as the compressed elastomeric strips  29  try to spring back or uncoil to their natural uncompressed state. In so doing, the elastomeric strips  29  expand out against the two rows of contact pads  27 , which in turn push out against the device leads  28  on one side and the traces  30  on the other side. Note that although FIG. 3 does not show actual contact between the various components or flex circuit  14  in a compressed state (for ease of illustration), contact pressure is assumed as discussed above. 
     Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the receptacle  12  is molded with a generally rectangular passage way  40  (FIG.  2 ), which is approximately the size of the module housing  42 . This passage way  40  allows the module housing  42  to be exposed along its top for heat ventilation. However, the size and shape of the passage way  40  can vary depending on the heat transfer and a number of other factors (such as space and anchoring requirement), and are contemplated to fall within the scope of the present invention. For instance, if heat ventilation is not an issue, the passage way  40  may be configured with a closed top or a semi-closed top, instead of a fully open top as indicated. 
     Turning particularly to FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment, the receptacle  12  is fabricated from high temperature resistant plastic, such as polyimide-based resin, although persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that other nonconductive materials may be used instead of plastic, such as ceramic. The receptacle  12  has several apertures molded therein. One such aperture is a recess  44  on one of the sides, which has a shape approximately that of the laser output nozzle  46 . In addition, four through holes  48  are formed along the periphery of the receptacle  12 , about the receptacle&#39;s four corners. 
     However, other locations, sizes, and configurations are also possible depending on the contour of the laser module  18  and possibly other requirements, such as space. Hence, the through holes  48  may be molded in other than the four corners. 
     As discussed above, a preferred mechanism for generating contact pressure is via ledge  32  on the device leads  28 . Thus, although the recess  44  is shown to encase the laser output nozzle  46 , no significant pressure is created by the contact. However, conceivably, the receptacle  12  may be molded to generate other forces on the laser module  18  if necessary, such as a force around the module outlet nozzle  46  by the recess  44 , by configuring the recess to be slightly smaller than the output nozzle. 
     Referring to FIG. 4 in addition to FIG. 3, to assist in aligning the device leads  28  to the contact pads  27 , optionally lead alignment ridges  50  may be formed along the ledge  32  to serve this function. The lead alignment ridges  50  are molded along the ledge  32  and are spaced evenly along the width of the ledge  32  and in the same orientation as the device leads  28 . Each lead alignment ridge corresponds in shape and dimension as each device lead  28 . Thus, when the receptacle  12  is placed over the laser module  18  and the ledge  32  makes contact with the device leads  28 , each alignment ridge fits over each device lead in a one to one fashion, similar to a tongue and groove arrangement. However, the device leads  28  are not completely recessed within the ridges. Among other things, this is to ensure that the electrical contact between the device leads  28  and the flex circuit  14  is not interfered with by the lead alignment ridges. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the back plate  22  is used to anchor the receptacle  12 , rather than anchoring the receptacle  12  directly onto the PCB  20 . Referring to FIG. 2, the back plate  22  has approximately the same outer contour as the receptacle  12  and is made of aluminum, although other materials may be used without deviating from the scope of the present invention. In addition, there are four alignment bosses  52  formed around the periphery of the back plate  22  which coincide with the four receptacle through holes  48 . The alignment bosses  52  are configured to fit through the corresponding apertures  54  on the PCB  20 , and, in a preferred embodiment, are configured with female threads to accept the fasteners  16 . However, as discussed elsewhere herein, spring clips, detents and the like may also be used to secure the receptacle  12  to the back plate  22 . A registry position is achieved between the flex connector  14 , the laser module  18 , and the traces  30  when the screws  16  are inserted through and tightened against the alignment bosses  52 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, a heat sink  24  is also used to increase the surface area of the laser module  18  and is preferably made of aluminum or other highly conductive material. However, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, the use of the heat sink  24  is optional and is dependent on the particular application. Although when required (for heat removal), the spring clip  26  or screws may be used to secure the heat sink  24  against the laser module  18 . 
     Turning to FIG. 5, there is shown an alternative embodiment  10 A of an in-line lead module package of the present invention. In this embodiment, a modified receptacle  56  is used to provide a modified in-line electrical contact arrangement. The modified receptacle  56  has an open arrangement for accommodating an externally mounted flex circuit  58 . Broadly speaking, the in-line module package  10 A is configured to electrically couple the laser module  18  to the PCB  20  by pressure contact along a first row  71  and by solder along a second row  73 . The laser module  18  is then held in place by the heat sink  24  and screws  16 . As before, the in-line lead module package  10 A allows the laser module  18  to be replaced without soldering and, because of its exposed side feature, allows the contacts between device leads  28  and the flex circuit  58  to be inspected (such as for misalignment, damage, etc.). 
     In this embodiment, the receptacle  56  is first secured to the PCB  20  via dowel pins  72 . The receptacle  56  is configured with a ramp  64 , a deck  66 , and four registered apertures  68  along its four corners (although the numbers and location of the apertures may vary depending on the space available and possibly other requirements). Instead of utilizing strictly pressure, in the embodiment of FIG. 5, as further discussed below, there are two contact rows  71  and  73 , one with pressure and the other with solder. 
     The first row  71  includes a plurality of contact pads  60  configured and designed to rest against the deck  66 . In an exemplary embodiment, the contact pads  60  are gold dot chisel contact pads which are provided due to their large surface contact area. As further discussed below, the large surface area allows more flexibility for aligning the device leads to the flex circuit  58 . Among other things, this is because the chisel contact pads have relatively large cross-sectional surface areas as compared to the width of the device leads. The flex circuit  58  is positioned on the deck  66  by placing a pair of flex tabs  70  over the alignment pins  72 . 
     The second row  73  includes an array of solder lugs  62  soldered directly onto the traces  30  of the PCB  20 . This makes the second row more or less permanent as de-soldering is not preferred. Accordingly, electrical coupling may be achieved between the laser module  18  and the PCB by way of pressure contact along the first row  71  and solder along the second row  73  of the flex connector  58 . Also, it is understood that while the flex circuit  58  is described as having a plurality of solder lugs  62  and chisel contact pads  60 , it is possible to provide a flex circuit having a single contact pad and a single solder lug connected by a single trace, should an electronic device with a single lead require such. 
     Still referring to FIG. 5, the laser module  18  is then lowered onto the receptacle  56 , with the laser module outlet  46  resting on the recess  74 . In this rested position, the device leads  28  make contact with the contact pads  60  along the first row  71 , and along the deck  66 . The laser module  18  is prevented from moving laterally in the x direction inside the receptacle  56  by close fitting. This close fitting ensures that the device leads  28  remain in contact with the contact pads  60  by the absence of lateral movement so that they are not displaced from the contact pads  60 . In an exemplary embodiment, this is achieved by configuring the distance between the back  76  of the receptacle  56  and the recess  74  to closely fit the outer contour of the laser module  18 . 
     As understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, in the configuration described, electrical signals flow from the laser module  18 , via the device leads  28 , to the contact pads  60  of the flex circuit  58  and onto the PCB  20 , via welded second row  73 . The laser module  18  is then held in place by positioning the heat sink  24  over the top of the laser module  18  and then tightening the screws  16  into four corresponding threaded apertures  78  on the receptacle  56 . The amount of torque applied to the screws  16  determines the amount of contact force applied on the device leads  28  and the contact pads  60 . Thus, pressure is dependent, in part, on the tensioning of the screws  16 . 
     In the embodiment of FIG. 5, when the laser module  18  malfunctions, instead of de-soldering the solder traces  30  along the second row  73 , a technician can simply unscrew the four screws  16  along the top of the heat sink  24  to thereby expose the laser module  18 . A new module is then replaced without having to de-solder the traces or the device leads. Unlike the in-line module package  10 , the flex circuit  58  in this instant remains with the receptacle  56  and the PCB  20 . 
     Although not shown, in another alternative embodiment, a pair of elastomeric strips approximately the size and shape of the deck  66  may be included. If used for added elastomeric pressure, these elastomeric strips can be mounted between the deck  66  and the flex circuit  58  along the first row  71 . In this fashion, the elastomeric strips are configured to generate similar elastomeric pressure when a force is applied as that shown and described in FIGS. 2 and 3 for flex circuit  14 . 
     Turning to FIG. 6, there is shown an alternative embodiment  10 B of an in-line lead module package of the present invention. In this embodiment, the heat sink  24  and the receptacle  84  are slightly modified. Instead of four threaded apertures, the receptacle  84  is configured with a pair of front ears  80  and a single back ear  82 . The flex circuit  58  remains the same, in that it includes the same two contact rows as that described for the in-line lead module package  10 A. The top of the heat sink  24  has been modified to include a flat surface area, similar to the letter “y”. This area corresponds to the shape of a modified spring clip  86 . In addition, the heat sink  24  has been fitted with a threaded retaining hole  88 . 
     The spring clip  86  is used to lock the modified heat sink  24  to the in-line lead module package  10 B. To engage the spring clip  86 , the front spring fingers  90  are wedged underneath the module  84  front ears  80 . In a similar fashion, the back spring finger  92  is pulled slightly outward to create an arcuate “y” at the center of the spring clip  86  and is then lowered past the back ear  82 . The bending provides sufficient clearance for sliding the clip  86  over the back ear  82 . In an exemplary embodiment, a retaining screw  94  is then used to secure the spring clip  86  and to prevent it from accidentally unsnapping from the ears. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, compressive force between the device leads  28  and the contact pads  60  is determined in part by the length of the extending spring fingers  90 ,  92 . Preferably, the spring fingers  90 ,  92  are configured to have a slight tensile stress when engaged in the ears  80 ,  82 . This is created in part by configuring the spring fingers  90 ,  92  to be slightly shorter than the combined thickness of the heat sink  24 , the module flange portion  96 , and the height of the ears  80 ,  82 . 
     FIG. 7 is a partial isometric view of the in-line lead module package  10 A and  10 B. As shown, the flex circuit  58  is held on one end by solder (i.e., the lugs  62  and the traces  30  are soldered). On the other end, the flex circuit  58  is secured by pressure. Preferably, the contact pads  60  are gold dot chisel contact pads. These contact pads resemble an elongated pyramid with the top of the pyramid removed. In a preferred embodiment, each contact pad  60  has a top surface area that is wider than the width of the device lead  28 . 
     Optionally, the space or gap between the ramp  64  and the flex circuit  58  can include a high-bond double-sided adhesive tape  98 , commonly referred to as VHB™ (Very High Bond) tape. Although not necessary for the operation of the in-line module package  10 A and  10 B, the tape  98  is preferable as it prevents the flex circuit  58  from lifting when the laser module  18  is removed for repair/replacement. This can happen, for example, when the device leads  28  “stick” to the contact pads  60  due to slight fusion from prolonged periods of usage. In addition, the adhesive tape  98 , when include a foam like layer such as an elastomeric material or a compressible material, may act to planarize the various contact points between the device leads and the contact pads (i.e., account for or compensate for the variations in the device leads and/or the contact pads). 
     FIG. 7A is an exemplary enlarged view of the contact between the device lead  28  and the chisel contact pad  60  of FIG.  7 . As shown and described, and as earlier discussed, the gold dot chisel contact pad  60  has a contact surface  61  that is relatively large as compared to the width of the device lead  28 . Thus, if vibration or misalignment was to cause the device lead  28  to shift, electrical contact is still preserved due to the large contact surface  61 . 
     FIG. 8 is another alternative embodiment  10 C of an in-line lead module package of the present invention. The modified in-line lead module package  10 C includes a stiffener plate  22 , dowel pins  72 , a modified receptacle  100 , a heat sink  24 , a flex circuit  102 , and an elastomeric pad  104 . In an exemplary embodiment, the modified receptacle  100  is positioned below the laser module  18 . The elastomeric pad  104  is then placed below the receptacle  100  with the flex circuit  102  to follow. Referring to FIG. 9, the flex circuit  102  has a plurality of contact rings  106 , with each ring  106  being configured to wrap around each device lead  28 . In an exemplary embodiment, each contact ring  106  is then soldered onto each corresponding device lead  28  to form a permanent soldered connection. 
     Still referring to FIG. 9, the flex circuit  102  has two rows of contact pads  108  along the horizontal underside. Each contact pad  108  is connected to a contact ring  106  by a conductive trace  110 . The flex circuit  102  is configured to electrically couple the laser module  18  to the PCB  20  by transferring electrical signals from the device leads  28 , through the contact rings  106 , through the conductive traces  110  and then to the contact pads  108 , then finally onto corresponding contact pads  30  on the PCB  20 . 
     The in-line lead module package  10 C is assembled by first aligning the stiffener plate  22  against the PCB  20  and held in place by dowel pins  72 . The assembled package (the laser module  18 , the receptacle  100 , the elastomer  104 , and the flex circuit  102  in a soldered state indicated above) is then lowered onto the PCB  20 . This is accomplished by aligning the assembled package via its registered holes  106  to the dowel pins  72 . The heat sink  24  is then lowered over the module package and then placed in contact with the laser module  18 . The screws  16  are then inserted through corresponding holes in the heat sink  24 , the laser module  18 , the PCB  20 , and the stiffener plate  22 , and then threadedly engaged with threaded apertures  108  on the stiffener plate  22 . As the screws  16  are tightened, they are in tension and impart a compressive force against the laser module  18 . 
     Thus, like the in-line lead module package  10 ,  10 A, and  10 B, when the in-line lead module package  10 C of FIG. 8 fails, instead of de-soldering the contact rings  106 , a technician can simply unscrew the four screws  16  to thereby loosen and toss away the assembled module package (with the soldered flex circuit  102 ). A new laser module is then replaced without de-soldering the contact rings  106  from the device leads  28 , or from the PCB  20 . 
     Although the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described with some specificity, the description and drawings set forth herein are not intended to be delimiting, and persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various modifications may be made to the embodiments discussed herein without departing from the scope of the invention, and all such changes and modifications are intended to be encompassed within the appended claims. Various changes to the module package may be made including using flex circuits with two rows or two sets of contacts but wherein each of the sets has only a single contact protrusion or pad, the receptacle and/or the stiffener plate can be made longer, thicker, having different contours, the electrical module can have a single lead emanating from its sides, etc. Accordingly, many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention, and specifically without deviating from the solderless removal/installation of an electrical module to other circuitized substrates.