Abstract:
A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for distributing power to electronic circuits. The apparatus can include one or more power arrays and one or more ground arrays. The power arrays and the ground arrays are located within a single housing. Some embodiments further distribute signals to the electronic circuits. The arrays can be arranged in a linear or coaxial configuration.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/132,586, titled Separable Coaxial Power Delivery Connection Methods, and filed on Apr. 25, 2002 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/801,437, titled Method and Apparatus for Delivering Power to High Performance Electronic Assemblies, filed on Mar. 8, 2001 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/432,878, titled Inter-Circuit Encapsulated Packaging for Power Delivery, filed on Nov. 2, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,356,448; all being hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    This invention relates to connection methods for providing electrical power and signals between two or more circuit boards, and in particular two methods and devices for improving the packaging and distribution of power and signals to high-performance electronic circuits.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0005]    Increases in transistor density within complex electronics, such as microprocessors, has resulted in stringent power delivery requirements to these devices. High current slew-rates (dI/dt) in the power delivery path has forced the interconnection methods between the voltage regulation module and the microprocessor package to have very high performance. Often, the electronic device (or devices) are mounted on one printed circuit board (PCB) and the voltage regulation module is mounted on another. A board-to-board interconnection system is typically mounted between them where the power is delivered from one board to the another. The performance required of the interconnect usually entails that the connector has low inductance (low ‘L’ for high AC currents), low DC resistance (low ‘R DC ’ for high DC currents), a sufficient number of signal interconnects, a small form factor, and be of relatively low cost. It has often been the case that in order to achieve a low inductance, an interconnect required a large number of conductors. This was because many such interconnection systems were typically designed to be of general use—that is, for both DC power and signal interconnection. Additionally, when connectors were designed solely for power distribution they were almost exclusively designed to carry high DC currents and were not intended to be low inductance for high frequency AC currents as well. For example, typical pin and socket connectors are designed to handle high speed signals and are often spaced far apart relative to other signal pins, to maintain a particular impedance. This large spacing is not conducive to low inductance and small form factor and thus often results in a large connection system. Moreover such connectors often need to have sufficient spacing between the signals due to relatively high voltage potentials. Today, microprocessor and other device voltages have been reduced to near the 1 volt level which has negated the need, in many cases, for large spacing between contacts in these connection systems. Additionally, such connectors are often designed such that they consist of two independent connectors (two-piece) a male side and a female side. For power distribution this adds cost by necessitating that a connector be placed on both the upper and lower PCB. Furthermore, for power distribution, many of these connection systems require only small numbers of low-speed signals between the voltage regulation module and the microprocessor negating the need to support high frequency signal interconnections. Thus, it is seen that there is a need to address the aforementioned problems through an interconnection system that confronts the needs for high performance AC and DC power delivery, small form factor, signal interconnect, and low cost.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    The systems and methods of the present invention have several features, no single one of which are solely responsible for its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of this invention as expressed by the claims which follow, its more prominent features will now be discussed briefly. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled “Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments,” one will understand how the features of this invention provide several advantages to connection methods and systems.  
           [0007]    One aspect is a connector suitable for electrically connecting a first printed circuit board to a second printed circuit board. The coaxial connector comprises a tubular housing having an inside surface, a first cylinder located adjacent to the inside surface and having an array of ground contacts with a first array of tabs extending therefrom, the array of ground contacts and the first array of tabs extend in substantially opposite directions, a second cylinder coaxially located within the first cylinder and having both an array of power contacts and a second array of tabs extending therefrom, the array of power contacts and the second array of tabs extend in substantially opposite directions from the second cylinder, and a dielectric ring located between the first cylinder and the second cylinder.  
           [0008]    Another aspect is a linear connector configured to electrically connect a first printed circuit board to a second printed circuit board. The linear connector comprises a housing, a receptacle extending into the housing and having a first inside surface and a second inside surface, a portion of the first inside surface is substantially parallel to a portion of the second inside surface and a first linear ground array extending into the receptacle and located adjacent to the first inside surface, the first linear ground array having both a first array of ground contacts and a first array of tabs extending therefrom, the first array of ground contacts and the first array of tabs extend in substantially opposite directions from the first linear ground array. The connector further comprises a second linear ground array extending into the receptacle and located adjacent to the second inside surface, the second linear ground array having both a second array of ground contacts and a second array of tabs extending therefrom, the second array of ground contacts and the second array of tabs extend in substantially opposite directions from the second linear ground array and a linear power array extending into the receptacle and located between the first linear ground array and the second linear ground array, the linear power array having a first row of power contacts, a second row of power contacts, and a third array of tabs, all extending from the linear power array, the third array of tabs extending in substantially opposite directions from the first and second row of power contacts.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]    Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 1 is an isometric exploded view of a coaxial power/signal connector assembly.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 2 is an isometric assembly view of the coaxial power/signal connector assembly from FIG. 1.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 3 is a cutaway isometric assembly view of the coaxial power/signal connector from FIG. 2.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 4 is a cutaway isometric assembly view of the coaxial power/signal connector from FIG. 2 located between two printed circuit boards (PCB).  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 5 is an isometric exploded view of a linear power connector assembly.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 6 is an isometric assembly view of the linear power connector from FIG. 5.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 7 is an isometric bottom view of the linear power connector from FIG. 6.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 8 is a cutaway isometric assembly view of the linear power connector from FIG. 6 located between two PCBs.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 9 is an isometric exploded view of a linear power/signal connector.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 10 is an isometric assembly view of the linear power/signal connector from FIG. 9.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 11 is an isometric exploded view of another embodiment of a linear power connector.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 12 is an isometric assembly view of the linear power connector from FIG. 11.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 13 is an isometric exploded view of another embodiment of a linear power connector.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 14 is an isometric assembly view of the linear power connector from FIG. 13.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 15 is a two-dimensional section view illustrating an architecture in which the present invention may be usefully employed in delivering power to a microprocessor.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 16 is a section view of a microprocessor package used in FIG. 15 which further illustrates the location of the power standoff assemblies associated with delivering power to the microprocessor shown in FIG. 15.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 17 is a conceptual isometric morphological progression of the coaxial power connector assembly into a linear power connector assembly. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0027]    These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings of several preferred embodiments which are intended to illustrate and not to limit the invention.  
         [0028]    Coaxial Power/Signal Connector  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 1 is an isometric exploded view of a coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100 . The coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100  includes an inner signal array subsection  102  and an outer power array subsection  104 . The components of the inner signal array subsection  102  and the outer power array subsection  104  are illustrated as having cylindrical shapes. However, the inner signal array subsection  102  and the outer power array subsection  104  are not so limited. The inner signal array subsection  102  and the outer power array subsection  104  can have ellipsoid, parabolic, square, or other non-cylindrical geometric shapes.  
         [0030]    In FIG. 1, the inner signal array subsection  102  has a cylindrical center body section  106 . At both ends of the cylindrical center body section  106  are parallel surfaces. The parallel surfaces of the cylindrical center body section  106  can connect or engage with two mating parallel surfaces (not shown in FIG. 1). In one embodiment, these mating parallel surfaces are printed circuit boards (PCB). In this embodiment, a distance between the two parallel surfaces of the cylindrical center body section  106  is selected depending on the desired proximity between the two PCBs. Preferably, the desired proximity between the two PCBs is greater than the distance between the parallel surfaces of the cylindrical center body section  106 .  
         [0031]    Spaced around a circumference of the cylindrical center body section  106  are cavity sections  110 . Each cavity section  110  extends between, and perpendicular to, the parallel surfaces located at the ends of the cylindrical center body section  106  to form a truncated rectangular channel therebetween. Each channel includes a bottom surface and two parallel sides. At least one of the parallel sides includes a retention feature. The retention feature limits the movement of, or retains, a signal contact  108 ( a )-( f ) when the signal contact is inserted into the cavity section  110 . Each signal contact  108 ( a )-( f ) includes a tab section  112 , a standoff section  114 , and a contact region  116 . The retention feature of the center body section  106  can be a ridge or step which engages with the standoff section  114  on the signal contact  108 . The standoff section  114  can be in the form of a complimentary ridge or step which mates with the ridge or step in the cavity section  110 . In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the cavity section  110  employs a ridge on both parallel sides of each channel. Each signal contact  108  in FIG. 1 employs a ridge that extends from opposite sides of the signal contact and in a direction towards the parallel sides of the channel. When a signal contact  108  is installed into the cavity section  110 , the standoff section  114  can abut against the ridge in the cavity section  110  and/or against the PCB. More specifically, the standoff section  114  can butt up against the PCB. In this way, the standoff section  114  acts as a physical stop against the PCB for subsequent soldering. When the standoff section  114  abuts against the PCB, the surface of the PCB can also serve as a reference plane for controlling the height of the signal contact  108  with respect to the surface of the PCB. The inner signal array subsection  102  and the outer power array subsection  104  can similarly use the surface of the PCB as a reference plane. In this way, the relative heights of the inner signal array subsection  102 , the outer power array subsection  104 , and the signal contacts  108  with respect to the surface of the PCB can be the same. However, the relative heights need not be the same. Alternatively, the relative heights of the various contacts vary with respect to the surface of the PCB. Variations between these contacts may be advantageous depending on the mating PCBs. The standoff sections  114  can further hold the individual contacts in place during assembly into the cavity section  110  prior to assembly to the PCB.  
         [0032]    In embodiments where the standoff section  114  engages against the mating ridge or step of the signal contact  108 , the ridge or step of the cavity section  110  limits movement of the signal contact with respect to the center body section  106  in a direction towards one of the PCBs. Alternatively, the cavity section  110  tapers along at least a portion of the channel to engage and retain the signal contact  108 .  
         [0033]    Each signal contact  108  is generally a unitary linear member which conducts a signal between the parallel PCBs that mate with the parallel surfaces of the cylindrical center body section  106 . One end of the signal contact  108  is the contact region  116  which forms a conductive pad surface. The conductive pad surface couples the signal contact  108  with the first of the two parallel PCBs. The portion of the signal contact between the contact region  116  and the standoff section  114  has a slightly curved shape. This curved shape allows the signal contact  108  to bend as the contact region  116  is brought in contact with the PCB. In this way, the PCB applies a compressive load to the contact region  116  which bends the portion of the signal contact located between the standoff section and the contact region  116 . This bending occurs during assembly of the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100  with the PCB. Moreover, minor relative movement of the PCB with respect to the coaxial power signal connector assembly  100  after the PCB is assembled with the coaxial power signal connector assembly will not cause the electrically connection between the contact region  116  and the PCB to be lost. Since the electrical connection between the contact region  116  and the PCB is not coupled in a permanent manner, the first PCB and coaxial power signal connector assembly  100  can be disassembled. In this way, the contact regions  116  are separable from the first PCB.  
         [0034]    The tab section  112  or opposite end of the signal contact  108  couples to the second PCB. This coupling can be permanent in nature in that the second PCB and the signal contact can form a solder joint. For example, the tab section  112  could be press-fit soldered to the second PCB. Alternatively, the connection between the second PCB and the signal contact is a press-fit connection. With the tab section  112  contacting the second PCB, the signal contact  108  forms an electrical path between the first and second PCBs.  
         [0035]    The outer power array subsection  104  includes an outer housing  118 , a coaxial ground cylinder array  120 , a ring  122 , and a coaxial power cylinder array  124 . The outer power array subsection  104  is assembled by concentrically locating the coaxial ground cylinder array  120 , the ring  122 , and the coaxial power cylinder array  124  within the outer housing  118 . In a similar manner, the inner signal array subsection  102  is placed within the outer housing  118  to form the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100 . Alternatively, the ground cylinder array  120 , the ring  122 , and the power cylinder array  124  are not coaxial with one another and thus do not share the same central axis.  
         [0036]    Alternatively, the electrical path through the coaxial ground cylinder array  120  and the coaxial power cylinder array  124  are reversed. In such an embodiment, the coaxial ground cylinder array  120  is used for power while the coaxial power cylinder array  124  is used for ground.  
         [0037]    In one embodiment, the outer housing  118  and the ring  122  are formed of a dielectric material. The use of dielectric material allows the ring to contact the coaxial ground cylinder array and the coaxial power cylinder array without creating an electrical connection therebetween. Similarly, in embodiments where the outer housing  118  is made from a dielectric material, simultaneous contact with the coaxial ground cylinder array and the coaxial power cylinder array does not create an electrical connection therebetween.  
         [0038]    The outer housing  118  can have a tubular shape. Once assembled, the coaxial ground cylinder array  120 , the ring  122 , and the coaxial power cylinder array  124  are located within an inner surface of the outer housing  118 . The inner surface of the outer housing  118  has a tapering shape that includes convex and concave features on the inner surface. A convex feature is a curved or rounded outward portion of the inner surface. A concave feature is a hollowed or rounded inward portion of the inner surface. As illustrated in FIG. 1, these concave and convex features are alternately spaced around the inner surface of the outer housing  118 . The concave features are in the form of grooves  126  in the inner surface. Located between two adjacent grooves  126  on the inner surface is the convex feature or land  128 . The lands  128  extend in a direction parallel to the grooves  126 . The concave features form valleys while the convex features form peaks or ridges around the inner surface of the outer housing  118 . Together, the grooves  126  and lands  128  provide a bi-level curvilinear support on the inner surface of the outer housing  118  to control the mechanical actuation and travel of the coaxial ground cylinder array  120  and the coaxial power cylinder array  120 . In this embodiment, the grooves  126  control the mechanical actuation and travel of the coaxial ground cylinder array  120 . The lands  128  control the mechanical actuation and travel of the coaxial power cylinder array  124 . Alternatively, the grooves  126  can control the mechanical actuation and travel of the coaxial power cylinder array  124  with the lands  128  controlling the mechanical actuation and travel of the coaxial ground cylinder array  120 . In this way, the outer housing  118  encases both the coaxial power cylinder array  124  and the coaxial ground cylinder array  120 .  
         [0039]    The coaxial ground cylinder array  120  includes tab sections  130 , ground standoff sections  132 , ground contacts or beams  134 , and ground contact points  136 . The coaxial ground cylinder array  120  has a ring like body with the beams  134  and tab sections  130  extending in substantially opposite directions therefrom. The beams  134  follow a curvilinear path and extend in a direction towards the first PCB. The tab sections  130  follow a linear path and extend in the opposite direction towards the second PCB. As with the signal contacts  108  previously described, this curved shape allows the beams  134  to bend as the ground contact points  136  on the ends of the beams are brought in contact with the first PCB. In this way, the first PCB applies a compressive load to the contact points  136  which bends the beams  134 . This bending occurs during assembly of the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100  with the first PCB. Since the electrical connection between the contact points  136  and the first PCB is not coupled in a permanent manner, the first PCB and coaxial power signal connector assembly  100  can be disassembled. In this way, the contact points  136  are separable from the first PCB.  
         [0040]    The tab sections  130  couple to the second PCB. This coupling can be permanent in nature in that the second PCB and the coaxial ground cylinder array  120  can form a solder joint. For example, the tab section  130  could be press-fit soldered to the second PCB. Alternatively, the connection between the second PCB and the coaxial ground cylinder array  120  is a press-fit connection. With the tab sections  130  contacting the second PCB, the coaxial ground cylinder array  120  forms an electrical path between the first and second PCBs.  
         [0041]    The beams or ground contacts  134  fit within the grooves  126  in the outer housing  118 . The beams  134  are free to move into and out of the grooves  126  in response to pressure being applied to the ground contact points  136 . However, the depths of the grooves  126  limit the maximum travel of the beams  134 . Similarly, the widths of the grooves  126  can limit movement of the beams  134  in a direction towards the adjacent lands  128 . For example, when adequate pressure is applied to the ground contact points  136  so that the beams  134  are in the grooves  126 , side to side movement of the beams  134  is limited by the adjacent lands  128 . In this way, the grooves  126  limit the actuation and travel of the ground contacts  134  during assembly of the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100  with the first PCB. Alternatively, the curve of the beams  134  of the coaxial ground cylinder array  120  is increased so that the beams fall within the grooves  126  when the beams are in an uncompressed state.  
         [0042]    The ground standoff sections  132  create landing zones or ridges at the intersections of the tab sections  130  with the ring like body of the coaxial ground cylinder array  120 . These landing zones increase the width of the tab sections  130  at the intersection of the tab sections with the ring like body so that when the coaxial ground cylinder array  120  is inserted into the second PCB, a correct insertion depth is maintained. This correct insertion depth of the tab section  130  is achieved when the ridges or landing zones rest upon the surface of the second PCB.  
         [0043]    The ring  122  slides within the inside diameter of the coaxial ground cylinder array  120 . When the ground cylinder array  120  and the coaxial power cylinder array  124  are both installed within the outer housing  118 , the ring  122  can provide electrical isolation between the ground cylinder array and the coaxial power cylinder array. The ring  122  illustrated in FIG. 1 extends for 360 degrees. However, the ring  122  can extend for less than 360 degrees around the inside diameter of the coaxial ground cylinder array  120  and still provide electrical isolation. Moreover, the ring  122  can be a unitary or multi-piece ring.  
         [0044]    The coaxial power cylinder array  124  includes tab sections  138 , power standoff sections  140 , power contacts or beams  142 , and power contact points  144 . The coaxial power cylinder array  124  has a ring like body with the beams  142  and tab sections  138  extending in substantially opposite directions therefrom. The beams  142  follow a curvilinear path and extend in a direction towards the first PCB. The tab sections  138  follow a linear path and extend in the opposite direction towards the second PCB. As with the signal contacts  108  previously described, this curved shape allows the beams  142  to bend as the power contact points  144  on the ends of the beams are brought in contact with the first PCB. In this way, the first PCB applies a compressive load to the contact points  144  which bends the beams  142 . This bending occurs during assembly of the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100  with the first PCB. Since the electrical connection between the contact points  144  and the first PCB is not coupled in a permanent manner, the first PCB and coaxial power signal connector assembly  100  can be disassembled. In this way, the contact points  144  are separable from the first PCB.  
         [0045]    The tab sections  138  couple to the second PCB. This coupling can be permanent in nature in that the second PCB and the coaxial power cylinder array  124  can form a solder joint. For example, the tab section  138  could be press-fit soldered to the second PCB. Alternatively, the connection between the second PCB and the coaxial power cylinder array  124  is a press-fit connection. With the tab sections  138  contacting the second PCB, the coaxial power cylinder array  124  forms an electrical path between the first and second PCBs.  
         [0046]    The beams or ground contacts  142  slidingly engage the lands  128  in the outer housing  118 . The beams  142  are free to move towards and away from the lands  128  in response to pressure being applied to the power contact points  144 . However, the lands  128  limit the maximum travel of the beams  142 . In this way, the lands  128  limit the actuation and travel of the power contact points  144  during assembly of the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100  with the first PCB. The widths of the beams  142  can be selected to prevent the beams  142  from contacting the beams  134  which are aligned with the adjacent grooves  126 .  
         [0047]    The ground standoff sections  140  create landing zones or ridges at the intersections of the tab sections  138  with the ring like body of the coaxial power cylinder array  124 . These landing zones increase the width of the tab sections  138  at the intersection of the tab sections with the ring like body so that when the coaxial power cylinder array  124  is inserted into the second PCB, a correct insertion depth is maintained. This correct insertion depth of the tab section  138  is achieved when the ridges or landing zones rest upon the surface of the second PCB.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 2 is an isometric assembly view of the coaxial power signal connector  100  from FIG. 1. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the coaxial power signal connector  100  is assembled by inserting the inner signal array subsection  102  into the outer power array subsection  104  as shown in FIG. 2. Once assembled, the coaxial power signal connector  100  forms a unitary compact assembly. Alternatively, the coaxial power signal connector includes combinations of one or more ground cylinder arrays  120  and one or more power cylinder array  124 . For example, the coaxial power signal connector  100  can include two power cylinder arrays  124  and two ground cylinder arrays  120 , each arranged coaxially. In such an embodiment, one or more rings  122  can separate the power and grounds arrays.  
         [0049]    As shown, the signal contacts  108  are installed into the cavity sections  110  of the center body section  106 . Signal contact  108 ( c ) is an exemplary signal contact identified in FIG. 2. The center body section  106  provides mounting and electrical isolation between the signal contact  108 ( c ), the adjacent power contacts  142 , the ground contacts  134 , and other signal contacts  108 . As shown, the signal contacts  108  are located adjacent to, but are not in contact with, the coaxial power cylinder array  124  (see FIG. 1) and the coaxial ground cylinder array  120  (see FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the signal contacts  108  and the cavity sections  110  have an interference fit. This interference fit holds the signal contacts  108  within the cavity sections  110  when the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100  is not attached to the mating PCBs. Once mated to the PCBs, the signal contacts  108  are fixedly attached to the PCBs. In FIG. 2, the standoff section  114  (see FIG. 1) can abut against the ridge in the cavity section  110  and/or against the PCB. Once engaged with the mating ridge or step of the signal contact  108 , the ridge or step of the cavity section  110  limits movement of the signal contact with respect to the center body section  106  in a direction towards one of the PCBs. The center body section  106  retains the signal contacts  108  and prevents shorting to other signal contacts and cylinder arrays  120 ,  124 .  
         [0050]    Upon assembly, the ground contacts  134  and power contacts  142  are arranged in an inter-digitated manner in the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100 . Inter-digitated means at least one ground contact  134  is located between two power contacts  142  or at least one power contact is located between two ground contacts around the inner surface of the outer housing  118 . By inter-digitating the power contacts  142  and the ground contacts  134 , the impedance and inductance for the power/ground portion of the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100  is reduced.  
         [0051]    In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the coaxial power cylinder array  124  has a smaller diameter than the coaxial ground cylinder array  120 . The power contacts  142  are located at a different distance from the center body section  106  than the ground contacts  134  are from the center body section. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the ground contacts  134  are at a greater distance from the center body section  106  than the power contacts  142 . However, the power contacts and the ground contacts can actuate a similar distance in a direction towards the bi-level curvilinear support on the inner surface of the outer housing  118 .  
         [0052]    During assembly, the grooves  126  provide support for the ground contacts  134  as the ground contact points  136  are compressed against the first PCB. The lands  128  provide support for the power contacts  142  as the power contact points  144  are compressed against the first PCB. Once assembled with the first and second PCBs, the ground contacts  134  and the power contacts  142  each contact the first PCB around different coaxial and circular contact regions. The ground contacts  134  contact the first PCB substantially along a first circular region on the first PCB. The power contacts  142  contact the first PCB substantially along a second circular region that is coaxial with the first circular region. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the second circular region is located within the first circular region. However, it need not be so. The power contacts  142  could be aligned with the grooves  126  while the ground contacts are aligned with the lands  128 . Continuing with this embodiment, the power contacts could actuate a greater distance than the ground contacts before the power contacts contact the grooves and the ground contacts contact the lands. Alternatively, the beams  134  for the power contacts  142  can have a greater curvature than the beams  132  for the ground contacts  134 . In this alternate embodiment, power contacts  142  and the ground contacts could actuate similar distances towards the grooves  126  and the lands  128 , respectively.  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 3 is a cutaway isometric assembly view of the coaxial power/signal connector  100  from FIG. 2. The cutaway section cuts through the coaxial power/signal connector  100  through two grooves  126  in the inner surface of the outer housing  118  and two signal contacts  108 ( d ),  108 ( b ). Spaced around the outer circumference of the cylindrical center body section  106  are the cavity sections  110 . Each cavity section  110  forms a truncated rectangular channel. Each channel includes a bottom surface and two parallel sides. As shown, the side adjacent to the signal contact  108 ( d ) and the side adjacent to the signal contact  108 ( b ) each include a ridge or step  146  retention feature. The ridges or steps  146  engage with the standoff section  114  or complimentary ridge or step on each the signal contacts  108  which then mates with the ridge or step in the cavity section  110 . Once engaged, the ridge or step  146  limits the movement of, or retains, the signal contacts  108 ( b ),  108 ( d ) when the signal contact is inserted into its respective cavity section  110 . Alternatively, the cavity section  110  tapers along at least a portion of the channel to engage and retain the signal contact  108 .  
         [0054]    In FIG. 3, the exemplary signal contact  108 ( d ) is mounted in the center body section  106  and adjacent to the coaxial ground cylinder array  120  and the coaxial power cylinder array  124 . In this way, the signal contacts  108  are both mechanically and electrically isolated from the coaxial power cylinder array  124  and the coaxial ground cylinder array  120 .  
         [0055]    The ring  122  mechanically and electrically isolates the coaxial power cylinder array  124  from the coaxial ground cylinder array  120 . In one embodiment, the ring  122  is made from a dielectric material. The tabs  130 ,  138  are arranged in an inter-digitated fashion with one another. Inter-digitated means at least one tab  130  is located between two tabs  138  or at least one tab  138  is located between two tabs  130  around the inner surface of the outer housing  118  adjacent to the second PCB. By inter-digitating the tabs  138  of the coaxial power cylinder array  124  and the tabs  130  of the coaxial ground cylinder array  120 , the impedance and inductance for the power/ground portion of the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100  is reduced. Inter-digitating the tabs  130 ,  138  and the beams  134 ,  142  can further reduce the impedance and inductance for the power/ground portion of the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100 .  
         [0056]    Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the number of beams  142  and the number of tabs  138  in the coaxial power cylinder array  124  are different. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, the ratio of beams  142  to tabs  138  is 2:1. However, this need not be so. The ratio of beams  142  to tabs  138  could be 1:1 in another embodiment. In still another embodiment, the number of tabs is greater than the number of beams. Likewise, the number of beams  134  and the number of tabs  130  in the coaxial ground cylinder array  120  are different. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, the ratio of beams  134  to tabs  130  is 2:1. However, this need not be so. The ratio of beams  134  to tabs  130  could be 1:1 in another embodiment. In addition, the ratio of tabs to beams for the coaxial ground cylinder array  120  could be different than the ratio of tabs to beams for the coaxial power cylinder array  124 .  
         [0057]    Referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 3, the tabs  138  and the beams  142  extend in opposite directions from the coaxial power cylinder array  124 . The tabs  138  extend from the coaxial power cylinder array  124  at points spaced around the coaxial power cylinder array. The beams  142  extend from the coaxial power cylinder array  124  at points spaced around the coaxial power cylinder array. However, the points from where the tabs  138  extend from and the point from where the beams  142  extend from do not coincide. The points associated with the tabs  138  are located between the points that are associated with the beams  142 . In this way, the beams  142  and the tabs  138  are askew from one another. However, this need not be so. In one embodiment, the points for the tabs  138  are aligned with the points for the beams. Alternatively, the points for the tabs  138  and the points for the beams  142  are askew with the points associated with the beams  142  being located between the points that are associated with the tabs  138 . Further, as discussed above, the ratio of tabs  138  to beams  142  can also vary among different embodiments.  
         [0058]    Still referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 3, the tabs  130  and the beams  134  extend in opposite directions from the coaxial ground cylinder array  120 . The tabs  130  extend from the coaxial ground cylinder array  120  at points spaced around the coaxial ground cylinder array. The beams  134  extend from the coaxial ground cylinder array  120  at points spaced around the coaxial ground cylinder array. The points associated with the tabs  130  are aligned with the points that are associated with the beams  134 . In this way, the beams  134  and the tabs  130  are inline with one another. However, this need not be so. In one embodiment, one or more of the points for the tabs  130  are not aligned with the points for the beams  134 . In these embodiments, the points for the tabs  130  could be located between the points for the beams  134  or the points for the beams  134  could be located between the points for the tabs  130 . Further, as discussed above, the ratio of tabs  130  to beams  134  can also vary among different embodiments.  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 4 is a cutaway isometric assembly view of the coaxial power signal connector  100  from FIG. 2 located between a first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board thereby forming a PCB and connector assembly  200 .  
         [0060]    The PCB and connector assembly  200  includes a coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100 , a first PCB assembly  202 , a second PCB assembly  204 , and a fastener  214 . In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100  is easily separated from the first PCB assembly  202  via the fastener  214 . In contrast, the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100  is not separable from the second PCB assembly  204 .  
         [0061]    The coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100  is mounted between the first PCB assembly  202  and the second PCB assembly  204 . In one embodiment, one end of the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100  is first fixedly attached to the second PCB assembly  204 . Then, the first PCB assembly  202  is brought into mating contact with the opposite end of the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100 . The fastener  214  maintains the mating contact between the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100  and the first PCB assembly  202 . Alternatively, one end of the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100  is initially and temporarily assembled to the second PCB assembly  204 . The first PCB assembly  202  is then brought into mating contact with the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100 . The fastener  214  maintains the mating contact between the first PCB assembly  202  and the second PCB assembly  204 . The coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100  is then permanently attached to the second PCB assembly  204 , via, for example, solder.  
         [0062]    Depending on the embodiment, the fastener  214  can apply a compressive load to the PCB and connector assembly  200  via engagement with the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100  and the first PCB assembly  202  or via engagement with the first and second PCB assemblies  202 ,  204 . In one embodiment, the fastener  214  couples the first PCB assembly  202  to the second PCB assembly  204 . This could be accomplished by, for example, allowing the fastener  214  to pass through but not engage the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100 . In this embodiment, the fastener  214  applies a compressive load to the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100  via engagement with the first and the second PCB assemblies  202 ,  204 . The engagement with the first and second PCB assemblies  202 ,  204  can be accomplished by, for example, the head of the fastener  214  bearing on the surface of the first PCB assembly  202  with the other end of the fastener engaging threads in the second PCB assembly  204 . Alternatively, the fastener  214  includes a second head on the opposite end of the fastener which bears on a surface of the second PCB assembly  204 . In this embodiment, the compressive load is still achieved without the fastener  214  engaging threads in the second PCB assembly  204 .  
         [0063]    Alternatively, the fastener  214  couples the first PCB assembly  202  to the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100 . In this embodiment, the fastener  214  applies a compressive load to the first PCB assembly  202  via engagement with the first PCB assembly and the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100 . In this embodiment, the fastener  214  is not required to engage with the second PCB assembly  204  since the fastener engages with the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100 . The engagement with the first PCB assembly  202  and the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100  can be accomplished by, for example, the head of the fastener  214  bearing on the surface of the first PCB assembly  202  with threads on the body of the fastener engaging threads in the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100 . The compressive load is achieved without the fastener  214  engaging with the second PCB assembly  204 . Embodiments, where the fastener  214  engages with one or more of the first and second PCB assemblies  202 ,  204  and the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100  is also contemplated and is clearly an aspect of the invention.  
         [0064]    The first PCB assembly  202  includes contact pads  212  and contact signal pads  210  located on the underside of the first PCB assembly  202 . The contact pads  212  include power contacts (not shown) and ground contacts (not shown). The power contacts and the ground contacts are arranged in a circle on the surface of the PCB. This arrangement aligns the power contacts on the PCB with the power contacts  142  and aligns the ground contacts on the PCB with the ground contacts  134 . In this way, each of the contact pads  212  individually mates with a power contact  142  or a ground contact  134 . The contact signal pads  210  mate with the signal contacts  108 (A)-(F).  
         [0065]    Fastener  214 , which may be a screw or some other mechanical fastener, is secured to the lower PCB  204 . The fastener  214  can be secured to a retention device located within the lower PCB  204  or located on the backside of the lower PCB assembly  204 . In this way, the fastener compresses the upper PCB assembly  202  against the power contacts  142 , the ground contacts  134 , and the signal contacts  108  of the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100 . The power contacts  142 , the ground contacts  134  and the signal contacts  108  are compressed to a known height and set by the center body section  106  of the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100 . The travel of the power contacts  142  and the ground contacts  134  is further limited by the curvilinear supports  126 ,  128 . As shown in FIG. 4, the center body section  106  contacts both the first PCB assembly  202  and the second PCB assembly  204 . However, contact between center body section  106  and one or more of the PCBs is not required as long as the power contacts  142 , the ground contacts  134 , and the signal contacts  108  are in contact with the upper PCB assembly  202 .  
         [0066]    The second PCB assembly  204  includes plated through holes  206 ,  208 . The plated through holes  206 ,  208  are configured to receive the tabs of the power contacts  142 , the ground contacts  134 , and the signal contacts  108 . In the illustrated embodiment, the plated through holes  206  are arranged in a circle on the surface of the second PCB assembly  204  and sized to receive the tabs  112  of the signal contacts  108 . There are six plated through holes  206  in the circle. Each hole receives one of the six signal contacts  108 ( a )-( f ).  
         [0067]    The plated through holes  208  are arranged in first and second concentric circles on the surface of the second PCB assembly  204 . The plated through holes  208  for the first concentric circle are aligned and sized for receiving the tabs  130  (see FIG. 1) from the coaxial ground cylinder array  120 . The plated through holes  208  for the second concentric circle are aligned and sized for receiving the tabs  138  (see FIG. 1) from the coaxial power cylinder array  124 . Alternatively, a single circle of plated through holes  208  are arranged on the second PCB to receive both tabs  130 ,  138 . In this embodiment, the size of the holes is increased to receive either tab  130 ,  138 .  
         [0068]    Alternate embodiments of the coaxial power signal connector  100  fall within the scope of the invention. For example, the signal contacts  108 (A)-(F) as shown in FIG. 2 may alternatively be placed in other locations within the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100 . For example, the signal contacts  108  could be located on a circumference of the coaxial power cylinder array  124  and the coaxial ground cylinder array  120 . In this embodiment, the coaxial power cylinder array  124  could be split and expanded to accommodate one or more of the signal contacts  108 . Alternatively, a portion of the coaxial power cylinder array  124  could be removed, thereby creating a space around its circumference for the insertion of the signal contact  108 . A similar accommodation could be made around the circumference of the coaxial ground cylinder array  120  to incorporate one or more of the signal contacts  108 . Moreover, additional cylinder arrays may be added to the coaxial power and signal connector assembly  100  as necessary to further enhance the applicability of the invention.  
         [0069]    Linear Power and Power/Signal Connector  
         [0070]    [0070]FIG. 5 is an isometric exploded view of a linear power connector assembly  300 . The linear power connector assembly  300  includes a subassembly power array  302 , a subassembly ground array  304 , and a housing  306 .  
         [0071]    The housing  306  includes a spacer and landing zone  348 , curvilinear support regions  344 ,  346 , and retention or mounting holes  350 . The outer housing  306  has a generally rectangular shape with two parallel inner surfaces. Once assembled, the subassembly power array  302  and the subassembly ground array  304  are located between the two inner surfaces of the housing  306 . Each inner surface of the outer housing  306  has a tapering shape that includes convex and concave features which together form the curvilinear support regions. A convex feature is a curved or rounded outward portion of the inner surface. A concave feature is a hollowed or rounded inward portion of the inner surface. As illustrated in FIG. 5, these concave and convex features are alternately spaced along each inner surface of the housing  306 . The concave features are in the form of grooves  346  in the inner surfaces. Located between two adjacent grooves  346  on each inner surface is the convex feature or land  344 . For each inner surface, the lands  344  extend in a direction parallel to the grooves  346  in that inner surface to divide two adjacent grooves  346  and thereby form a buffer region therebetween. The concave features form valleys while the convex features form peaks or ridges along the inner surfaces of the housing  306 . Together, the grooves  346  and lands  344  for each inner surface provide a single-level curvilinear support on that inner surface to control the mechanical actuation and travel for the subassembly power array  302  and the subassembly ground array  304 . In this embodiment, the grooves  346  in both inner surfaces control the mechanical actuation and travel of the subassembly ground array  304  and the subassembly power array  302 . The lands  344  provide the buffer region between each of the grooves  346 . In this way, the housing  306  encases both the subassembly ground array  304  and the subassembly power array  302 .  
         [0072]    Alternatively, the curvilinear support regions  344 ,  346  have a different shape. For example, the curvilinear support regions  344 ,  346  could be flat. Alternatively, the housing  306  does not include the curvilinear  344 ,  246  support regions. In such an embodiment, the housing  306  acts as a mechanical structure for temporarily holding the conductors rather than providing a mechanical actuation mechanism.  
         [0073]    The spacer and landing zones  348  provides a gap between the first and second PCBs. The spacer and landing zones  348  limit compression of the linear power array  308  and the linear ground arrays  324 ,  326  between the first and second PCBs. Note that no additional dielectric member is shown between the linear power array  308  and the linear ground arrays  324 ,  326 . An additional dielectric is not required because the separation between the linear power array and linear ground arrays is achieved within the housing  306  by alignment of the tab sections  310 ,  328 ,  330 , into their respective holes or slots  352  in the housing (see FIG. 7). The holes or slots  352  are formed between walls within the housing. For example, two parallel walls could form three separate slots in the housing. Each of the three slots could accommodate an array of tab sections  310 ,  328 ,  330 . Alternatively, a grid like pattern of walls could be used to form holes for each tab of each tab section. The physical space between the array of tab sections  310 ,  328 ,  330  act as a dielectric. The retention or mounting holes  350  are located at opposite ends of the housing  306 . The retention or mounting holes  350  provide conduits for insertion of fasteners through the housing  306  which connect the first PCB to the second PCB. Note that other means may be used to mount and align the PCBs with the linear power connector assembly  300 . For example, a boss or stud could be located beyond the outer surface of the housing  306  to form an alignment feature between the PCBs and the housing.  
         [0074]    The subassembly power array  302  includes a linear power array  308 . The linear power array  308  includes tab sections  310 , power standoff section  312 , beams or power contacts  314 ,  316 , and power contact points  318 ,  320 . The subassembly power array  302  has a linear like body with the power contacts/beams  314 ,  316  and tab sections  310  extending in substantially opposite directions therefrom. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the power contacts  314 ,  316  emanate from a single flat conductor. In this embodiment, the linear power array  308  is made from a unitary member. Alternatively, the linear power array  308  is assembled from two members. By assembling the linear power array  308  from two members, the subassembly power array  302  can be separated to facilitate manufacture and assembly. For example, the linear power array  308  may include a pair of separate linear arrays secured permanently along a joint  322 . Alternatively, the linear power array  308  may include a pair of linear arrays separated by a fixed distance within the housing  306 .  
         [0075]    The power contacts or beams  314 ,  316  extend from one side of the conductor and bend away from each other in an opposing fashion to form a first row of power contacts  314  and a second row of power contacts  316 . The first row of power contacts  314  can be a mirror image of the second row of power contacts  316 . The beams  314 ,  316  follow a curvilinear path and extend in a direction towards the first PCB. The tab sections  310  follow a linear path and extend in the opposite direction towards the second PCB. As with the signal contacts  108  previously described, this curved shape allows the beams  314 ,  316  to bend as the power contact points  318 ,  320  on the ends of the beams are brought in contact with the first PCB. In this way, the first PCB applies a compressive load to the contact points  318 ,  320  which bends the beams  314 ,  316 . This bending occurs during assembly of the linear power connector assembly  300  with the first PCB. Since the electrical connection between the contact points  318 ,  320  and the first PCB is not coupled in a permanent manner, the first PCB and linear power connector assembly  300  can be disassembled. In this way, the contact points  318 ,  320  are separable from the first PCB.  
         [0076]    The power contact points  318 ,  320  are located at the distal ends of the beams or power contacts  314 ,  316 . The power contact points  318  are located at the ends of the power contacts  314 . The power contact points  320  are located at the end of the power contacts  316 . The power contact points  318 ,  320  mate with contact pads of a first PCB when brought in contact with the first PCB. The contact pads which mate with the power contact points  318  are arranged in a substantially linear fashion on the surface of the first PCB. The contact pads which mate with the power contact points  320  are arranged in a substantially linear fashion on the surface of the first PCB. The contact pads that mate with the power contact points  320  are arranged on the surface of the first PCB in parallel with respect to the contact pads that mate with the power contact points  318 .  
         [0077]    The tab sections  310  emanate from a side of the single flat conductor that is substantially opposite from the power contacts  314 ,  316  side. During installation into the housing  306 , the tab sections  310  are inserted through the housing and contact a second PCB. The tab sections  310  couple to the second PCB. This coupling can be permanent in nature in that the second PCB and the subassembly power array  302  can form a solder joint. For example, the tab section  310  could be press-fit soldered to the second PCB. Alternatively, the connection between the second PCB and the subassembly power array  302  is a press-fit connection. With the tab sections  310  contacting the second PCB, the subassembly power array  302  forms an electrical path between the first and second PCBs.  
         [0078]    The beams or power contacts  314 ,  316  fit within the grooves  346  in the housing  306 . The beams  314 ,  316  are free to move into and out of the grooves  346  in response to pressure being applied to the power contact points  318 ,  320 . However, the depths of the grooves  346  limit the maximum travel of the beams  314 ,  316 . Similarly, the widths of the grooves  346  can limit movement of the beams  314 ,  316  in a direction towards the adjacent land  344 . For example, when adequate pressure is applied to the ground contact points  318  so that the beams  314  are in the grooves  346 , movement towards one side is limited by the adjacent land  344 . In this way, the grooves  346  limit the actuation and travel of the power contacts  314 ,  316  during assembly of the linear power connector assembly  300  with the first PCB. Alternatively, the curvature of the beams  314 ,  316  of the linear power array  308  is increased so that the beams fall within the grooves  346  when the beams are in an uncompressed state.  
         [0079]    The ground standoff sections  312  create landing zones or ridges at the intersections of the tab sections  310  with the linear like body of the linear power array  308 . These landing zones increase the width of the tab sections  310  at the intersection of the tab sections with the linear like body so that when the linear power array  308  is inserted into the second PCB, a correct insertion depth is maintained. This correct insertion depth of the tab section  310  is achieved when the ridges or landing zones rest upon the surface of the second PCB.  
         [0080]    The subassembly ground array  304  can include linear ground arrays  324 ,  326 . The linear ground arrays  324 ,  326  may be similar to each other in that one can be a mirror image of the other. The linear ground arrays  324 ,  326  have linear like bodies with the ground contacts/beams  336 ,  338  and tab sections  328 ,  330  extending, respectively, in substantially opposite directions therefrom. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the ground contacts  336 ,  338  emanate from two flat conductors.  
         [0081]    The ground contacts or beams  336 ,  338  extend from one side of each of the conductors and bend away from each other in an opposing fashion to form a first row of ground contacts  336  and a second row of ground contacts  338 . The first row of ground contacts  336  can be a mirror image of the second row of ground contacts  338 . The beams  336 ,  338  follow a curvilinear path and extend in a direction towards the first PCB. The tab sections  328 ,  330  follow a linear path and extend in opposite directions towards the second PCB. As with the signal contacts  108  previously described, this curved shape allows the beams  336 ,  338  to bend as the ground contact points  340 ,  342  on the ends of the beams are brought in contact with the first PCB. In this way, the first PCB applies a compressive load to the contact points  340 ,  342  which bends the beams  336 ,  338 . This bending occurs during assembly of the linear power connector assembly  300  with the first PCB. Since the electrical connection between the contact points  340 ,  342  and the first PCB is not coupled in a permanent manner, the first PCB and linear power connector assembly  300  can be disassembled. In this way, the contact points  340 ,  342  are separable from the first PCB.  
         [0082]    The ground contact points  340 ,  342  are located at the distal ends of the beams or ground contacts  336 ,  338 . The ground contact points  340 ,  342  are located at the ends of the ground contacts  336 ,  338 , respectively. The ground contact points  340 ,  342  mate with contact pads of a first PCB when brought in contact with the first PCB. The contact pads which mate with the ground contact points  340  are arranged in a substantially linear fashion on the surface of the first PCB. The contact pads which mate with the ground contact points  342  are arranged in a substantially linear fashion on the surface of the first PCB. The contact pads that mate with the ground contact points  342  are arranged on the surface of the first PCB in parallel with respect to the contact pads that mate with the ground contact points  340 .  
         [0083]    The tab sections  328 ,  330  emanate from sides of the flat conductors that are substantially opposite from the ground contacts  336 ,  338  sides. During installation of each linear ground array  324 ,  326  into the housing  306 , the tab sections  328 ,  330  are inserted through the housing and contact a second PCB, respectively. The tab sections couple to the second PCB. This coupling can be permanent in nature in that the second PCB and the linear ground arrays  324 ,  326  can form a solder joint. For example, the tab section could be press-fit soldered to the second PCB. Alternatively, the connection between the second PCB and the linear ground arrays  324 ,  326  is a press-fit connection. With the tab sections contacting the second PCB, each of the linear ground arrays  324 ,  326  forms an electrical path between the first and second PCBs.  
         [0084]    The beams or ground contacts  336 ,  338  fit within the grooves  346  in the housing  306 . The beams  336 ,  338  are free to move into and out of the grooves  346  in response to pressure being applied to the ground contact points  340 ,  342 . However, the depths of the grooves  346  limit the maximum travel of the beams  336 ,  338 . Similarly, the widths of the grooves  346  can limit movement of the beams  336 ,  338  in a direction towards the adjacent land  344 . For example, when adequate pressure is applied to the ground contact points  340  so that the beams  336  are in the grooves  346 , movement towards one side is limited by the adjacent land  344 . In this way, the grooves  346  limit the actuation and travel of the ground contacts  340 ,  342  during assembly of the linear power connector assembly  300  with the first PCB. Alternatively, the curvature of the beams  336 ,  338  of the linear ground arrays  324 ,  326  is increased so that the beams fall within the grooves  346  when the beams are in an uncompressed state.  
         [0085]    The ground standoff sections  332 ,  334  create landing zones or ridges at the intersections of the tab sections  328 ,  330  with the linear like body of the linear ground arrays  324 ,  326 . These landing zones increase the width of the tab sections  328 ,  330  at the intersection of the tab sections with the linear like body so that when the linear ground arrays  324 ,  326  is inserted into the second PCB, a correct insertion depth is maintained. This correct insertion depth of the tab section  328 ,  330  is achieved when the ridges or landing zones rest upon the surface of the second PCB.  
         [0086]    The subassembly power array  302  previously described, may include two arrays that are similar to the linear ground arrays  324 ,  326  rather than a single linear power array  308 . This alternate two-part subassembly power array  302  can be assembled from two separate arrays as previously mentioned. Continuing with this alternate embodiment, the new subassembly power array  302  may be shifted over one contact with respect to the contacts of the linear ground arrays  324 ,  326  in the final assembly so that the contact points of the power and ground arrays are not aligned with one another.  
         [0087]    [0087]FIG. 6 is an isometric assembly view of the linear power connector assembly  300  from FIG. 5. With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the linear power connector assembly  300  is assembled by inserting the subassembly power array  302  and the subassembly ground array  304  into the housing  306  as shown in FIG. 6. Once assembled, the linear power connector assembly  300  forms a unitary compact assembly.  
         [0088]    Upon assembly, the ground contacts  338  and power contacts  316  are arranged in an inter-digitated manner in the linear power connector assembly  300 . Inter-digitated means at least one ground contact  338  is located between two power contacts  316  or at least one power contact is located between two ground contacts along the inner surface of the housing  306 . Similarly, the ground contacts  336  and power contacts  314  are arranged in an inter-digitated manner in the linear power connector assembly  300 . Inter-digitated means at least one ground contact  336  is located between two power contacts  314  or at least one power contact is located between two ground contacts along the other inner surface of the housing  306 . By inter-digitating the power contacts and the ground contacts, the impedance and inductance for the power/ground portion of the linear power connector assembly  300  is reduced.  
         [0089]    During assembly, the grooves  346  provide support for the ground contacts  336 ,  338  as the ground contact points  340 ,  342  are compressed against the first PCB, respectively. The grooves  346  further provide support for the power contacts  314 ,  316  as the power contact points  318 ,  320  are compressed against the first PCB, respectively. Once assembled with the first and second PCBs, each of the four rows of ground contacts  336 ,  338  and power contacts  314 ,  316  each contact the first PCB along different parallel and linear contact regions. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the contact regions for the ground contacts  336 ,  338  are located outside of the contact regions for the power contacts  314 ,  316 . However, it need not be so. The rows of power contacts  314 ,  316  could be arranged outside of the rows of ground contacts  336 ,  338 . Alternatively, the beams  336 ,  338  for the ground contacts  324 ,  326  can have less curvature than the beams  314 ,  316  for the power contacts  314 ,  316 . In this alternate embodiment, power contacts  314 ,  316  and the ground contacts  324 ,  326  could actuate similar distances towards the grooves  346 .  
         [0090]    [0090]FIG. 7 is an isometric bottom view of the linear power connector  300  from FIG. 6. The tab sections  328 ,  330 , which are part of the linear ground arrays  324 ,  326 , respectively, are shown separated from each other. The tab sections  328 ,  330  for each array fit within a slot or hole  352  in the housing  306 . The tab section  310 , which is part of the single or multi-piece linear power array  308 , is shown joined together. As previously mentioned, other embodiments of the tabs, solder, or press-fit leads  310 ,  328 ,  330  may be envisioned. For example, the tab section  310  may be two tab sections.  
         [0091]    [0091]FIG. 8 is a cutaway isometric assembly view of the linear power connector  300  from FIG. 6 located between a first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board thereby forming a PCB and connector assembly  400 . The PCB and connector assembly  400  includes a first PCB assembly  402 , a second PCB assembly  404 , a linear power connector assembly  300 , and a fastener  410 . In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the linear power connector assembly  300  is easily separated from the first PCB assembly  402  via the fastener  410 . In contrast, the linear power connector assembly  300  is not separable from the second PCB assembly  404 .  
         [0092]    The linear power connector assembly  300  is mounted between the first PCB assembly  402  and the second PCB assembly  404 . In one embodiment, one end of the linear power connector assembly  300  is first fixedly attached to the second PCB assembly  404 . Then, the first PCB assembly  402  is brought into mating contact with the opposite end of the linear power connector assembly  300 . The fastener  410  maintains the mating contact between the linear power connector assembly  300  and the first PCB assembly  402 . Alternatively, one end of the linear power connector assembly  300  is initially and temporarily assembled to the second PCB assembly  404 . The first PCB assembly  402  is then brought into mating contact with the linear power connector assembly  300 . The fastener  410  maintains the mating contact between the first PCB assembly  402  and the second PCB assembly  404 . The linear power connector assembly  300  is then permanently attached to the second PCB assembly  404 , via, for example, solder.  
         [0093]    Depending on the embodiment, the fastener  410  can apply a compressive load to the PCB and connector assembly  400  via engagement with the linear power connector assembly  300  and the first PCB assembly  402  or via engagement with the first and second PCB assemblies  402 ,  404 . In one embodiment, the fastener  410  couples the first PCB assembly  402  to the second PCB assembly  404 . This could be accomplished by, for example, allowing the fastener  410  to pass through but not engage the linear power connector assembly  300 . In this embodiment, the fastener  410  applies a compressive load to the linear power connector assembly  300  via engagement with the first and the second PCB assemblies  402 ,  404 . The engagement with the first and second PCB assemblies  402 ,  404  can be accomplished by, for example, the head of the fastener  410  bearing on the surface of the first PCB assembly  402  with the other end of the fastener engaging threads in the second PCB assembly  404 . Alternatively, the fastener  410  includes a second head on the opposite end of the fastener which bears on a surface of the second PCB assembly  404 . In this embodiment, the compressive load is still achieved without the fastener  410  engaging threads in the second PCB assembly  404 .  
         [0094]    Alternatively, the fastener  410  couples the first PCB assembly  402  to the linear power connector assembly  300 . In this embodiment, the fastener  410  applies a compressive load to the first PCB assembly  402  via engagement with the first PCB assembly and the linear power connector assembly  300 . In this embodiment, the fastener  410  is not required to engage with the second PCB assembly  404  since the fastener engages with the linear power connector assembly  300 . The engagement with the first PCB assembly  402  and the linear power connector assembly  300  can be accomplished by, for example, the head of the fastener  410  bearing on the surface of the first PCB assembly  402  with threads on the body of the fastener engaging threads in the linear power connector assembly  300 . The compressive load is achieved without the fastener  410  engaging with the second PCB assembly  404 . Embodiments, where the fastener  410  engages with one or more of the first and second PCB assemblies  402 ,  404  and the linear power connector assembly  300  is also contemplated and is clearly an aspect of the invention.  
         [0095]    The first PCB assembly  402  includes two rows of contact pads  406 ,  408  located on the underside of the first PCB assembly. Each row of contact pads  406 ,  408  includes power contacts (not shown) and ground contacts (not shown). The power contacts and the ground contacts are arranged in a linear fashion on the surface of the PCB. This arrangement aligns each row of the power contacts on the PCB with the power contacts  314 ,  316  and aligns each row of the ground contacts on the PCB with the ground contacts  336 ,  338 , respectively. In this way, each of the contact pads  406 ,  408  individually mates with a power contact  314 ,  316  or a ground contact  336 ,  338 .  
         [0096]    Fastener  410 , which may be a screw or some other mechanical fastener, is secured to the lower PCB  404 . It should be noted that there are typically two or more fasteners  410  for each PCB and connector assembly  400 . The two or more fasteners  410  may be placed in an arrangement to minimize warping or deflection of the printed circuit boards. Those skilled in the art can envision other methods, such as external fasteners, which may be used to fasten the upper PCB assembly  402  to the lower PCB assembly  404 .  
         [0097]    The fastener  410  can be secured to a retention device located within the lower PCB  404  or located on the backside of the lower PCB assembly  404 . In this way, the fastener compresses the upper PCB assembly  402  against the power contacts  314 ,  316  and the ground contacts  336 ,  338  of the linear power connector assembly  300 . The power contacts and the ground contacts are compressed to a known height and set by the spacer and landing zones  348  of the linear power connector assembly  300 . The travel of the power contacts  314 ,  316  and the ground contacts  336 ,  338  is further limited by the grooves  346  of the curvilinear support. As shown in FIG. 8, the housing  306  and spacer and landing zones  348  contact both the first PCB assembly  402  and the second PCB assembly  404 . However, contact between the housing  306  and spacer and landing zones  348  and one or more of the PCBs is not required as long as the power contacts  314 ,  316  and the ground contacts  336 ,  338  are in contact with the first PCB assembly  402 .  
         [0098]    The second PCB assembly  404  includes plated through holes (not shown). The plated through holes are configured to receive the tabs of the power contacts and the ground contacts. In the illustrated embodiment, the plated through holes are arranged in lines on the surface of the second PCB assembly  404  and sized to receive the tabs  310 ,  328 ,  330 .  
         [0099]    [0099]FIG. 9 is an isometric exploded view of a linear power and signal connector  500 . The linear power and signal connector assembly  500  includes both power and signal contacts. The linear power and signal connector assembly  500  includes a subassembly power array  302 , a subassembly signal and ground array  502 , and a housing  504 . The linear power and signal connector assembly  500  is similar to the linear power connector assembly  300 , but additionally includes signal contacts  506 .  
         [0100]    The subassembly power array  302  is the same as previously described with reference to FIG. 5.  
         [0101]    The subassembly signal and ground array  502  includes linear ground arrays  324 ,  326  and signal contacts  506 (A)-(D). Each signal contact  506  further includes a tab section  508  and a contact point  510 . The linear ground arrays  324 ,  326  are as described with reference to FIG. 5. The signal contacts  506  are shown as being located at both ends of each of the linear ground arrays  324 ,  326 . However, as would be obvious to one of skill in the art, the signal contacts  506  could be located at other locations within the linear ground arrays  324 ,  326 .  
         [0102]    As shown in FIG. 9, the signal contacts  506 (A)-(D) are adjacent to but not in contact with their respective linear ground arrays  324 ,  326 . In this way, the linear power and signal connector assembly  500  provides connectivity for separate signals between the PCBs.  
         [0103]    The housing  504  is similar to the housing  306  described with reference to FIG. 5. However, the housing  504  is constructed so as to maintain a gap between the signal contacts  506  and the linear ground arrays  324 ,  326 . As in the linear power connector housing  306 , the housing  504  has curvilinear support regions  344 ,  346 . The grooves  346  in the curvilinear support regions support the power contacts  314 ,  316 , the ground contacts  336 ,  338 , and the signal contacts  506 . The lands  344  control movement by the power contacts  314 ,  316 , the ground contacts  336 ,  338 , and the signal contacts  506  in a perpendicular to the actuation direction. The holes or slots  352  in the housing  504  provide separation between the power array  302 , the linear ground arrays  324 ,  326 , and the signal contacts  506  by aligning with the tab sections for each array. The housing  504  further includes retention or mounting holes  350  and spacer and landing zones  348  for mechanical retention and alignment.  
         [0104]    [0104]FIG. 10 is an isometric assembly view of the linear power/signal connector from FIG. 9. The power contacts  316  and the ground contacts  338  are inter-digitated for lower impedance in the linear power and signal connector assembly  500 . Signal contact  506 (D) is shown also inter-digitated but need not be so. The housing  504  is configured to keep the signal contacts  506  and the linear ground arrays  324 ,  326  separated. This separation mitigates the need for a separate dielectric between them. While only signal contacts  506 (A)-(D) are shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, those skilled in the art can envision that placement and quantity of signal contacts  506 , linear ground arrays  324 ,  326 , and the subassembly power array  302  may be changed as necessary.  
         [0105]    [0105]FIG. 11 is an isometric exploded view of another embodiment of a linear power connector. The linear power connector assembly  600  includes a subassembly power and ground array  602  and a housing  604 . The subassembly power and ground array includes a linear power array  606  and a linear ground array  608 . The linear power array  606  includes a tab section  610 , a power standoff section  614 , power contacts  618 , and power contact point  622 . The linear ground array  608  includes a tab section  612 , a ground standoff section  616 , ground contact  620 , and ground contact points  624 .  
         [0106]    The linear power array  606  and the linear ground array  608  are similar to the subassembly ground array  304  described with reference to FIG. 5 except that the subassembly ground array  304  provides only a ground connection while the subassembly power and ground array  602  of FIG. 11 provides ground and power connections. In this way, the linear power array  606  and the linear ground array  608  provide conductivity for power and ground signals respectively.  
         [0107]    The housing  604  includes mounting and retaining features similar to the previous embodiments. However, the housing  604  includes a single curvilinear support region  626  in lieu of the grooves and lands of the curvilinear support regions  344 ,  346  (see FIG. 5). Each side of the housing  604  has a similar curvature in contrast to the alternating curvatures of the grooves and the lands shown in FIG. 5. This is because the power contacts  618  and the ground contacts  620  actuate separately against an inner surface of the housing  604 . Since the ground and power contacts actuate about the same axis, there is no need for inter-digitizing within the housing.  
         [0108]    [0108]FIG. 12 is an isometric assembly view of the linear power connector from FIG. 11. The ground contacts  620  and the power contacts  618  actuate away from each other, which is different than shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, the adjacent pairs of linear contacts with opposite polarities actuate in the same direction towards one of the inner surfaces of the housing  306 . Because the contacts on each linear power array  606  and linear ground array  608  are shown springing outward from each other, an increase in impedance can occur. This increase in impedance can result in a lower performance of the linear power connector assembly  600  relative to that of other embodiments. However, the mechanical simplicity of the linear power connector assembly  600  is advantageous. For example, the power contacts  618  and the ground contacts  620  may be designed with a wider Z-axis travel in mind since the contacts do not interfere with each other. Further embodiments of the linear power connector assembly  600  can arrange the power contacts  618  and the ground contacts  620  to be inter-digitated so as actuate towards each other. Still another embodiment of the linear power connector assembly  600  can have the power contacts  618  and the ground contacts  620  inter-digitated while actuating towards one side or the other from both of the linear power array  606  and the linear ground array  608 . Any of these embodiments, though not shown, would not limit the scope of the teachings in this description and may be applied to any one of the aforementioned linear connector embodiments for power and/or signal.  
         [0109]    [0109]FIG. 13 is an isometric exploded view of another embodiment of a linear power connector. The linear power connector  700  includes a subassembly ground array  706 , a subassembly power array  704 , and a linear ground array  702 . Alternatively, the different arrays  702 ,  704 ,  706  can be assigned to power in some embodiments and to ground in other embodiments. For example, the linear array  702  could be used for power.  
         [0110]    The subassembly power array  704  includes linear power arrays  714 ,  716 . The subassembly ground array  706  includes linear ground arrays  720 ,  722 .  
         [0111]    The linear ground array  702  has ground contacts  712  arranged in an alternating fashion and bending away from each other. The linear ground array  702  would typically be assigned to a ground reference, but need not be so.  
         [0112]    The linear power arrays  714 ,  716  of the subassembly power array  704  can be assigned to a positive voltage reference, but need not be so. The power contacts of the subassembly power array  704  are arranged in an alternating fashion.  
         [0113]    The subassembly ground array  706  is similar to the previously described subassembly ground array  304  with reference to FIG. 5. The linear ground arrays  720 ,  722  can be assigned to a ground reference, but also need not be so. This embodiment of the linear power connector  700  is intended for higher density and higher performance applications as compared to the previously described embodiments.  
         [0114]    [0114]FIG. 14 is an isometric assembly view of an embodiment of the linear power connector from FIG. 13. The power contact  718  and the ground contact  724  are inter-digitated with each other. The ground contact  712  slightly overlaps both of the power contacts  718  and the ground contacts  724  for lower overall impedance. The ground contacts  724  and the power contacts  718  are supported during actuation by curvilinear features  726 ,  728  of housing  708  (see FIG. 13). However, the ground contacts  712  from the linear ground array  702  are not supported by the curvilinear features  726 ,  728 . Thus, the power contacts  718  and the subassembly power array  704  have less travel than the ground contacts  712 ,  724 .  
         [0115]    Encapsulated Circuit Assembly  
         [0116]    Typically, a modem high performance microprocessor die is flip-chip attached to an organic or ceramic substrate utilizing a Controlled-Collapse-Chip-Connection (C4). The substrate has power planes which are used to distribute power to the chip connections. Often the power requirements of the microprocessor exceed 100 watts at operating voltages of approximately 1 volt and transient current requirements in excess of 1000 amps per microsecond. Typically power conditioning is provided by a voltage regulation module (VRM). The stringent power demands require that the VRM be very closely coupled to the microprocessor or directly mounted on to the microprocessor substrate in which case this configuration is often called On-Package-Voltage-Regulation (OPVR). OPVR architectures require combining VRM technology with high performance silicon technology all on a common substrate which is often very expensive because of the very large number of layers required to manage both the power and signal interconnect to the microprocessor die. The resulting assembly is very expensive has reduced yield and higher costs than what might be achieved if the microprocessor function could be separated from the VRM function without reducing performance.  
         [0117]    [0117]FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a stack up assembly  800  that includes a linear power connector assembly  300  to deliver power to a microprocessor substrate  802  and its associated lid  804  from a remotely located VRM assembly  806 . In the illustrated embodiment, the VRM assembly  806  surrounds the microprocessor lid  804 , thus saving space in the z (vertical) axis. The linear power connector assembly  300  can be used to electrically couple two printed circuit boards together, a printed circuit board with a microprocessor substrate, a printed circuit board with a microprocessor carrier, a printed circuit board with a lid of a microprocessor, or other desirable combinations of these components.  
         [0118]    The microprocessor lid  804  is thermally coupled to a heatsink structure  808  through a thermal coupling mesa  810 . This coupling can further include an appropriate thermal interface material (TIM) such as thermal grease (not shown). The thermal grease can be integral to the base of  810  or a separate structure that is coupled (i.e. bonded, or metallically fused) to the base of the heatsink structure  808 . Furthermore, heat generated from components in the VRM assembly  806  can be thermally attached directly to the base of heatsink assembly  808 , thus sharing the heat dissipation benefits of the heatsink assembly  808 . Signals from the microprocessor can be connected through pins (not shown) to socket  812  which is mounted to main board  814 .  
         [0119]    Power from the VRM assembly  806  is efficiently coupled to the microprocessor substrate  802  by utilizing one or more coaxial and/or linear power connector assemblies. The stack up assembly  800  uses linear power connector assemblies  300 . Alternatively, a coaxial power connector assembly could be used. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15, four linear power connector assemblies  300 ( a )-( d ) are each located proximate to a corner of the microprocessor substrate  802 .  
         [0120]    [0120]FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the location of the linear power connector assemblies  300 ( a )-( d ) located proximate to the corners of the microprocessor substrate  802 . The linear power connector assemblies  300 ( a )-( d ) may be located in other locations on the substrate  802  such as at the center of each side. Further, the number of linear power connector assemblies  300 ( a )-( d ) used can be varied to meet the power needs of target microprocessor or other high performance Integrated Circuit assembly.  
         [0121]    [0121]FIG. 17 is a conceptual isometric morphological progression of the coaxial power connector assembly  900  into a linear power connector assembly. Step A shows an exploded coaxial power connector assembly  900  that includes a coaxial power cylinder array  124 A and a coaxial ground cylinder array  120 A. Splits  902 ,  904  in both cylinders eliminate the concentricity of the cylinders  124 B,  120 B as shown in step B, respectively. Step C shows the unrolling of the cylinders now in forms  124 C and  120 C. Finally, step D shows the power signal array and the ground signal array in a partial assembly  908  where the beams  134 ,  142  have been mated in an inter-digitated fashion against a housing  906 .  
         [0122]    While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features of the invention as applied to various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.