Patent Publication Number: US-2013244454-A1

Title: Daughter card assembly having a latching sub-assembly with a coupling arm extending in an insertion direction

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject matter described and/or illustrated in the present application relates generally to a daughter card assembly configured to be engaged to a card connector. 
     Computers, servers, and switches can use numerous types of daughter card assemblies, such as processor and memory modules (e.g. Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), or Extended Data Out Random Access Memory (EDO RAM), and the like). The memory modules are produced in a number of formats such as, for example, Single In-line Memory Modules (SIMM&#39;s), Dual In-line Memory Modules (DIMM&#39;s), Small Outline DIMM&#39;s (SODIMM&#39;s), Fully Buffered DIMM&#39;s, and the like. The daughter card assemblies may be installed in card connectors that are mounted on a motherboard or other system board. 
     Daughter card assemblies often include a printed circuit board (PCB) having a mating edge that is received within a card slot of the card connector. When the mating edge is inserted into the card slot, contact pads on both sides of the mating edge engage opposite rows of electrical contacts in the card slot. The daughter card assemblies may also include communication cables that are coupled to the circuit board. However, daughter card assemblies are frequently located in environments where the daughter card assemblies are at risk of being damaged. For instance, the daughter card assemblies may encounter shock and/or vibrations that cause the mating edge to dislodge from the card slot. Also, in some environments, the card connectors are located in drawers that have limited stack heights in which it may be difficult for a person&#39;s hand to maneuver a daughter card assembly. Heat sinks, communication cables, and connectors of the daughter card assemblies may also be inadvertently damaged when the daughter card assembly is inserted into or removed from the card connector. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a daughter card assembly that is capable of remaining engaged to a card connector in various environments while also protecting other features of the daughter card assembly. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, a daughter card assembly is provided that includes a printed circuit board that defines a board plane and has a mating edge, a trailing edge, and a side edge that extends between the mating and trailing edges. The mating edge extends lengthwise along a longitudinal axis and has electrical contacts positioned therealong. The mating edge is configured to engage a card connector when the mating edge is moved in an insertion direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The daughter card assembly also includes a latching sub-assembly that is coupled to the circuit board and extends along the side edge. The latching sub-assembly includes a coupling arm that extends in the insertion direction and has a latch end that is proximate to the mating edge and configured to removably couple to the card connector. 
     Optionally, the latching sub-assembly includes a pair of the coupling arms. The coupling arms define a line-receiving slot therebetween that extends along the board plane. The daughter card assembly may include communication lines (e.g., fiber-optic lines or electrical conductors) that extend through the line-receiving slot between the coupling arms. In some embodiments, the daughter card assembly includes first and second communication sub-assemblies that are mounted to opposite board sides of the circuit board. The first and second communication sub-assemblies may include communication lines of the first and second communication sub-assemblies may extend through the line-receiving slot. 
     In another embodiment, a daughter card assembly is provided that includes a printed circuit board defining a board plane. The circuit board also includes a mating edge, a trailing edge, and a side edge that extends between the mating and trailing edges. The mating edge extends lengthwise along a longitudinal axis and has electrical contacts positioned therealong. The mating edge is configured to engage a card connector when the mating edge is moved in an insertion direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The daughter card assembly also includes a latching sub-assembly that is coupled to the circuit board and extends along the side edge. The latching sub-assembly includes a coupling arm that extends in the insertion direction and has a latch end that is proximate to the mating edge. The latching sub-assembly also includes a joint that joins the coupling arm to the circuit board and permits the coupling arm to flex within a swing plane that is parallel to or coincides with the board plane. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a communication system that includes a card connector and a daughter card assembly formed in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of one board side of the daughter card assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of the other board side of the daughter card assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of a latching assembly that may be used with the daughter card assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is another exploded perspective view of a latching assembly that may be used with the daughter card assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged perspective view of a cover body and a spring mechanism that may be used with the daughter card assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the latching assembly gripping a circuit board of the daughter card assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  illustrates the latching assembly and a communication assembly in greater detail. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-section of a portion of the card connector of  FIG. 1  when a latch end of the latching assembly is engaged to the card connector. 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view of a latching assembly formed in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a portion of a daughter card assembly that includes the latching assembly of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-section of a communication system that includes a card connector and a daughter card assembly formed in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a portion of a daughter card assembly in accordance with one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments described herein include daughter card assemblies, card connectors, and communication systems that include the same. The daughter card assembly may include latching assemblies that are configured to engage the card connector and hold the daughter card assembly in a mated or engaged position. The latching assemblies may also be configured to protect or shield (i.e., reduce the likelihood of damage) other features of the daughter card assemblies. By way of example only, the daughter card assemblies may be processor and memory modules (e.g. Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), or Extended Data Out Random Access Memory (EDO RAM), and the like). The daughter card assemblies may be produced in a number of formats such as, for example, Single In-line Memory Modules (SIMM&#39;s), Dual In-line Memory Modules (DIMM&#39;s), Small Outline DIMM&#39;s (SODIMM&#39;s), Fully Buffered DIMM&#39;s, and the like. The daughter card assemblies may be used in, for example, computing systems, servers, switches, and the like. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a communication system  100  that includes a card connector  102  and a daughter card assembly  104  formed in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system  100  is oriented with respect to mutually perpendicular axes  191 - 193 , including a longitudinal axis  191 , an insertion axis  192 , and a lateral axis  193 . The daughter card assembly  104  includes a circuit board  106 , a communication assembly  108  (or sub-assembly), and first and second latching assemblies  110 ,  112  (or sub-assemblies). The circuit board  106  has a planar body with opposite board sides  130 ,  132 . The circuit board  106  is defined by a plurality of board edges that include a mating edge  114 , a trailing edge  115 , and side edges  116 ,  117  that extend between the mating and trailing edges  114 ,  115 . (The side edge  116  is shown in  FIG. 2 .) The mating edge  114  extends lengthwise along the longitudinal axis  191  and includes an array of electrical contacts  118  positioned therealong on the board side  130 . The mating edge  114  may also include an array of electrical contacts  119  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) positioned along the mating edge  114  on the board side  132 . In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical contacts  118 ,  119  are arranged in corresponding rows. 
     The latching assemblies  110 ,  112  are coupled to the circuit board  106  and extend generally along the side edges  116 ,  117  toward the mating edge  114 . The latching assembly  110  includes coupling arms  140 ,  141  that extend generally along the side edge  116  toward the mating edge  114 , and the latching assembly  112  includes coupling arms  142 ,  143  that extend generally along the side edge  117  toward the mating edge  114 . 
     The communication assembly  108  may be an optical communication assembly or may be an electrical communication assembly, such as a high speed electrical connector. The communication assembly  108  includes communication lines  150  that are coupled directly or indirectly to the circuit board  106 . For example, the communication lines  150  may be soldered or coupled directly to the circuit board  106  using an adhesive or epoxy. Optionally, the communication assembly  108  includes a communication connector  148  that is mounted to the circuit board  106 , and the communication lines  150  are coupled to the communication connector  148 . The communication connector  148  may be a separable interface with respect to the circuit board  106 . In the illustrated embodiment, the communication lines  150  are fiber-optic lines configured to transmit optical signals to and/or from the communication connector  148 . In such embodiments, the communication connector  148  is an optical connector (e.g., signal converter) that is configured to convert electrical signals to optical signals and optical signals to electrical signals. In other embodiments, the communication lines  150  may be electrical conductors (e.g., wires) and the communication connector  148  may be an electrical connector. The electrical connector may mechanically and communicatively couple the communication lines to the circuit board  106 . The communication lines  150  extend to a remote location, which is indicated generally as  195 . The remote location  195  may be, for example, another termination with a connector or other device. 
     The card connector  102  is configured to be mounted to a circuit board (not shown), such as a motherboard. The card connector  102  has a connector housing  120  that extends lengthwise along the longitudinal axis  191 . The connector housing  120  has a connector-receiving face  122  that faces the daughter card assembly  104  in a direction along the insertion axis  192 . The connector-receiving face  122  has a card slot  124  that is configured to receive the mating edge  114 . The card connector  102  includes opposite rows  125 ,  126  of electrical contacts  128  in the card slot  124 . Also shown in  FIG. 1 , the connector housing  120  may include latch openings  134 ,  136  at opposite housing ends  152 ,  154  with the card slot  124  therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two latch openings  134  at the housing end  152  of the card slot  124  and two latch openings  136  at the housing end  154 . In alternative embodiments, there may be only one latch opening at one or both of the housing ends. 
     When the daughter card assembly  104  is moved to engage the card connector  102 , the mating edge  114  is moved along the insertion axis  192  in an insertion direction I 1 . The insertion direction I 1  is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  191 . The mating edge  114  is inserted into the card slot  124 . As the mating edge  114  advances into the card slot  124 , the row  125  of electrical contacts  128  engages the electrical contacts  118  along the board side  130  and the row  126  of electrical contacts  128  engages the electrical contacts  119  along the board side  132 . 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  are plan views of the daughter card assembly  104  and, more particularly, the board side  130  and the board side  132 , respectively, of the circuit board  106 . As shown, the circuit board  106  extends along and defines a board plane P 1 . The board plane P 1  extends parallel to the longitudinal and insertion axes  191 ,  192  (only shown in  FIG. 2 ). As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the latching assembly  110  includes a joint  171 , and the latching assembly  112  includes a joint  173 . The coupling arms  140 ,  141  extend from the joint  171 , and the coupling arms  142 ,  143  extend from the joint  173 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the coupling arms  141 ,  143  have respective latch ends  161 ,  163 . In  FIG. 3 , the coupling arms  140 ,  142  have respective latch ends  160 ,  162 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling arms  140 - 143  extend at least partially back toward the circuit board  106 . The joint  171  and the latch end  161  are substantially aligned with each other along the insertion axis  192 . The coupling arms  140 - 143  are configured to move about the respective joints  171 ,  173  relative to the circuit board  106 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the coupling arms  140 - 143  are configured to be deflected toward the circuit board  106  as the respective latch ends  160 - 163  engage the connector housing  120  ( FIG. 1 ). To release the daughter card assembly  104 , the coupling arms  140 - 143  may be pressed toward the circuit board  106  by an operator (e.g., individual or machine) so that the latch ends  160 - 163  are moved toward the circuit board  106 . When the coupling arms  140 ,  141  are deflected inward or pressed inward, the coupling arms  140 ,  141  may flex about the joint  171 , and the coupling arms  142 ,  143  flex about the joint  173 . Although the illustrated embodiment shows the coupling arms  140 ,  141  sharing the joint  171  and the coupling arms  142 ,  143  sharing the joint  173 , each of the coupling arms  140 - 143  may have a corresponding joint that is not shared by others. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the daughter card assembly  104  also includes a communication assembly  180  that has a communication connector  182  mounted to the board side  132  and communication lines  184  that are terminated to the communication connector  182 . In some embodiments, the communication assembly  180  and the elements thereof may be identical to the communication assembly  108  ( FIG. 2 ). However, in other embodiments, the communication connector  182  and the communication lines  184  may have different configurations. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the communication lines  184  and the communication lines  150  ( FIG. 2 ) extend alongside the circuit board  106  in a common direction and clear the circuit board  106  and the latching assembly  110  at the side edge  116 . In other embodiments, the communication lines  150 ,  184  may extend in different directions and clear the circuit board at different hoard edges. 
     In some embodiments, the communication lines  150 ,  184  are configured to extend away from the circuit board  106 . For example, the communication lines  150 ,  184  extend along the respective board sides  130 ,  132  and parallel to the board plane P 1 . As the communication lines  150 ,  184  clear (e.g., extend beyond) the side edge  116  and/or the latching assembly  110 , the communication lines  150 ,  184  extend in a longitudinal direction L 1  ( FIG. 3 ) that is perpendicular to the insertion direction I 1  ( FIG. 1 ). The longitudinal direction L 1  is parallel to the longitudinal axis  191  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     The daughter card assembly  104  has a height H 1  that is measured along the insertion axis  192 . In the illustrated embodiment, the height H 1  extends from the trailing edge  115  of the circuit board  106  to the latch ends  160 - 163  of the latching assemblies  110 ,  112 . The latch ends  160 - 163  may be proximate to the mating edge  114 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the coupling arms  140 - 143  extend beyond the mating edge  114  such that the latch ends  160 - 163  lead the daughter card assembly  104  when engaging the card connector  102  ( FIG. 1 ). In such embodiments, the latch ends  160 - 163  may facilitate aligning the mating edge  114  so that the mating edge  114  is received by the card slot  124  ( FIG. 1 ). However, in other embodiments, the latch ends  160 - 163  may be substantially even with the mating edge  114  or the mating edge  114  may lead the daughter card assembly  104  such that the mating edge  114  engages the card connector  102  before the latch ends  160 - 163 . 
     In particular embodiments, the communication connectors  148  ( FIG. 2 ),  182  ( FIG. 3 ) include one or more heat sinks (not shown). The communication connectors  148 ,  182  and the heat sinks may be exposed to the operational environment that surrounds the daughter card assembly  104 . As such, air that flows through the environment may carry thermal energy away from the daughter card assembly  104 . For instance, the daughter card assembly  104  may be open-sided along the board sides  130 ,  132 . More specifically, the daughter card assembly  104  may not include a housing that surrounds the circuit board  106 . In alternative embodiments, the daughter card assembly  104  includes a housing that surrounds the communication connectors  148 ,  182  and/or portions of the latching assemblies  110 ,  112 . 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  are exploded views of the latching assembly  110 . In the illustrated embodiment, the latching assemblies  110 ,  112  ( FIG. 1 ) are identical. Thus, the following description may also be applied to the latching assembly  112 . However, it should be noted that the latching assemblies  110 ,  112  are not required to be identical. For example, in other embodiments, the latching assemblies  110 ,  112  may include only some features that are the same but other features that are not. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the latching assembly  110  includes first and second cover bodies  202 ,  204  and a spring mechanism  206 . The spring mechanism  206  includes the coupling arms  140 ,  141  and the joint  171 . The joint  171  joins the coupling arms  140 ,  141  to the cover body  202 . In the illustrated embodiment, the spring mechanism  206  and the cover body  202  are integrally formed with each other such that the cover body  202  and the spring mechanism  206  are part of a single continuous element. For example, the cover body  202  and the spring mechanism  206  may be molded or die-cast from the same material. Various types of material may be used to form the cover body  202  and/or the spring mechanism  206 , including plastic material, metallic material, or a combination thereof. 
     However, in other embodiments, the cover body  202  may be separate from the spring mechanism  206  but be configured to be coupled to the spring mechanism  206  through, for example, a fastener or frictional engagement. In other embodiments, each of the cover bodies  202 ,  204  may be separate from the spring mechanism  206 . Yet in other embodiments, each of the cover bodies  202 ,  204  may be integrally formed with the spring mechanism  206  such that the entire latching assembly  110  is a single continuous element. 
     The cover body  204  has opposite inner and outer surfaces  242 ,  244 . The inner surface  242  is configured to face the circuit board  106  ( FIG. 1 ) and the outer surface  244  is configured to face away from the circuit board  106 . As shown, the inner and outer surfaces  242 ,  244  define a thickness T C1  and a thickness T C2  that is less than the thickness T C1 . The cover body  204  may provide a recessed portion  246  where the thickness T C2  exists. In some embodiments, the recessed portion  246  is sized and shaped to provide a gap between the recessed portion  246  and the circuit board  106  wherein the gap is substantially equal to or greater than cross-sectional dimensions of the communication lines  150  ( FIG. 1 ) so that the communication lines  150  are not clamped by the cover body  204 . 
     The cover body  204  may include body slots  248 ,  250  that extend through the outer surface  244  and the inner surface  242 . The body slots  248 ,  250  may be located along the recessed portion  246  such that the body slots  248 ,  250  extend through the thickness T C2 . The recessed portion  246  may include an extension  247  that projects away from the cover body  204 . Also shown in  FIG. 5 , the cover body  204  may include attachment posts  252 ,  254  that project away from the inner surface  242 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the coupling arms  140 ,  141  of the spring mechanism  206  have a line-receiving slot  214  that extends between the coupling arms  140 ,  141 . The line-receiving slot  214  is configured to have the communication lines  150  ( FIG. 1 ),  184  ( FIG. 3 ) extend therethrough to the remote location  195  ( FIG. 1 ). When the latching assembly  110  is attached to the circuit board  106  as shown in  FIG. 3 , the line-receiving slot  214  extends along the side edge  216  and the board plane P 1  in the insertion direction I 1 . In an exemplary embodiment, the board plane P 1  extends through the line-receiving slot  214 . However, in other embodiments, the board plane P 1  may extend adjacent to the line-receiving slot  214 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the line-receiving slot  214  extends continuously between the coupling arms  140 ,  141  to the latch ends  160 ,  161 . The latch ends  160 ,  161  have a slot gap  216  that provides access to the line-receiving slot  214 . Accordingly, the coupling arms  140 ,  141  are separate and capable of moving independently of each other. However, in other embodiments, the latching assembly  110  does not include the separate coupling arms  140 ,  141 , but may include only one coupling arm having one latch end. In such embodiments, the line-receiving slot  214  may extend through the single coupling arm but not completely to the corresponding latch end such that the slot gap  216  does not exist. Alternatively, the coupling arm does not include a line-receiving slot  214 . In such embodiments, the communication lines  150  may extend proximate to and pass over the coupling arm. 
     The spring mechanism  206  may also include an operator-actuated portion  208  that includes a grip surface  210  and, optionally, a guard feature  212 . In an exemplary embodiment, the operator-actuated portion is located proximate to the trailing edge  115  ( FIG. 1 ). The grip surface  210  may have a serrated or otherwise textured surface that enhances grip of an individual&#39;s finger on the grip surface  210 . The grip surface  210  generally faces in the longitudinal direction L 1 . In some embodiments, the grip surface  210  is configured to be pressed by the operator in a direction along the longitudinal axis  191  that is opposite the longitudinal direction L 1  to actuate the coupling arms  140 ,  141 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the latching assembly  110  includes the two cover bodies  202 ,  204 . However, in other embodiments, the latching assembly  110  may include only one cover body. For example, the latching assembly  110  may include only the cover body  202  and the spring mechanism  206 . The cover body  202  may be secured to the circuit board  106  using, for example, screws. 
       FIG. 6  is an enlarged view of the cover body  202  and a portion of the spring mechanism  206 . The cover body  202  also has opposite inner and outer surfaces  222 ,  224 . The inner surface  222  is configured to face the circuit board  106  ( FIG. 1 ) and the outer surface  224  is configured to face away from the circuit board  106 . The inner and outer surfaces  222 ,  224  define a thickness T D1  and a thickness T D2  that is less than the thickness T D1 . The cover body  202  may provide a recessed portion  226  where the thickness T D2  exists. In alternative embodiments, the recessed portion  226  may be provided without reducing a thickness of the cover body  202 . The cover body  202  also includes body slots  228 ,  230  that extend through the outer surface  224  and the inner surface  222 . The body slots  228 ,  230  may be located along the recessed portion  226  such that the body slots  228 ,  230  extend through the thickness T D2 . 
     The cover body  202  may include body holes  232 ,  234  that extend into the thickness T D1 . The body holes  232 ,  234  are dimensioned with respect to the attachment posts  252 ,  254  ( FIG. 5 ), respectively, so that interior walls that define the body holes  232 ,  234  engage the attachment posts  252 ,  254  and form a frictional engagement therebetween. For example, the body holes  232 ,  234  may have polygonal cross-sections (e.g., hexagonal cross-sections) and the attachment posts  252 ,  254  may have circular cross-sections. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover body  202  includes the body holes  232 ,  234  and the cover body  204  includes the attachment posts  252 ,  254 . However, in alternative embodiments, the cover body  204  may include holes and the cover body  202  may include corresponding attachment posts. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 6 , the cover body  202  may include a side wall  260 , and the spring mechanism  206  and/or the cover body  202  may also include a side wall  262 . The side walls  260 ,  262  are configured to engage the side edge  116  ( FIG. 2 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the cover body  202  extends along the circuit board  106  ( FIG. 1 ) parallel to the board plane P 1  ( FIG. 2 ) and the side walls  260 ,  262  extend along a plane that is perpendicular to the board plane P 1 . An access gap or opening  264  is located between the side walls  260 ,  262  and is substantially aligned with the recessed portion  226  and the line-receiving slot  214 . As shown, the joint  171  may be directly coupled to the side wall  262 . 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the latching assembly  110  when the latching assembly  110  is gripping the circuit board  106 . To secure the latching assembly  110  to the circuit board  106 , the inner surface  222  ( FIG. 6 ) of the cover body  202  may be pressed against the board side  130  and positioned such that the body holes  232 ,  234  are aligned with board holes (not shown) of the circuit board  106 . The board holes may be similar to the board holes  430 - 432  that are shown in  FIG. 12 . The attachment posts  252 ,  254  may then be inserted through the corresponding board holes and the body holes  232 ,  234  until the attachment posts  252 ,  254  frictionally engage the interior walls that define the body holes  232 ,  234 , respectively. The attachment posts  252 ,  254  may be forced into the respective body holes  232 ,  234  until the inner surface  242  ( FIG. 5 ) of the cover body  204  abuts the board side  132  ( FIG. 1 ). Accordingly, the circuit board  106  is located between and gripped by the cover bodies  202 ,  204 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the guard feature  212  is sized, shaped, and positioned to shield the communication lines  150 ,  184  from inadvertent touching by an operator. As shown, the communication lines  150 ,  184  are located between the guard feature  212  and the card connector  102  ( FIG. 1 ). The guard feature  212  may project away from the circuit board  106  ( FIG. 1 ) in the longitudinal direction L 1  and cover the communication lines  150 ,  184 . Thus, when a finger slides down the latching assembly  110  toward the mating edge  114  ( FIG. 1 ), the guard feature  212  may prevent the finger from touching the communication lines  150 ,  184 . In some embodiments, the guard feature  212  may also facilitate actuating the coupling arms  140 ,  141 . For example, the operator may engage the guard feature  212  and press the guard feature  212  in the insertion direction I 1  thereby pivoting the arms  140 ,  141  around the joint  171  and moving the latch ends  160  ( FIG. 3 ),  161  ( FIG. 2 ) toward the circuit board  106 . The guard feature  212  may be a plate or panel as shown in  FIG. 7 . Alternatively, the guard feature  212  may form a cover that surrounds the communication lines  150 ,  184 . 
     In some embodiments, one or more strain-relief elements  270 ,  272  may be used to couple (directly or indirectly) the communication lines  150  to the circuit board  106 . Although not shown, similar materials may be used to hold the communication lines  184  to the circuit board  106 . In an exemplary embodiment, the strain-relief elements  270 ,  272  may be cured materials that harden to hold the communication lines  150  to the circuit board  106 . For example, before or after the cover body  202  is pressed against the board side  130 , the material that forms the strain-relief element  270  may be deposited onto the communication lines  150  to initially couple the communication lines  150  to the circuit board  106 . In an exemplary embodiment, the material that forms the strain-relief element  270  is first deposited onto the communication lines  150  and the board side  130 . After the material is allowed to cure, the cover body  202  may then be positioned along the circuit board  106  as described above so that the strain-relief element  270  is received within the body slot  228 . After the latching assembly  110  is secured, the material that forms the strain-relief element  272  may be deposited into the body slot  230  and onto the communication lines  150  and the board side  130 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the strain-relief elements  270 ,  272  are different materials. For example, the strain-relief element  270  may be an adhesive whereas the strain-relief element  272  may be a thermoset material. When the communication lines  150  are coupled to the circuit board  106 , the communication lines  150  may include a static portion  274  that extends between the strain-relief element  270  and the communication connector  148  (or the circuit board  106 ) and a movable portion  276  that extends from the strain-relief element  272  and toward the remote location  195  ( FIG. 1 ). The static portion  274  has a fixed position with respect to the circuit board  106 , but the movable portion  276  is permitted to bend and flex when the daughter card assembly  104  is moved. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the daughter card assembly  104  illustrating the latching assembly  110  and the communication assembly  108  in greater detail. As shown, the communication lines  150  extend along the board side  130 . The communication lines  150  may extend immediately adjacent to the board side  130 . For example, the communication lines  150  may contact the board side  130  or be within 10 millimeters of the board side  130 . As shown, the communication lines  150  are arranged in a single row and terminated to the communication connector  148 . In other embodiments, the communication lines  150  may form multiple rows. In such embodiments in which the communication lines  150  are fiber-optic lines, the communication lines  150  are terminated so that optical signals can be transmitted from the communication connector  148  to the communication lines  150  and/or can be received by the communication connector  148  from the communication lines  150 . The heat sinks may be mounted onto the communication connector  148  and configured to dissipate heat therefrom. 
     The communication connector  148  may be an optical connector (e.g., signal converter) that is configured to receive data signals of a first signal form and convert the data signals into a different second signal form. More specifically, the communication connector  148  may receive electrical signals that are transmitted from the electrical contacts  118  ( FIG. 1 ) and through traces of the circuit board  106  to the communication connector  148 . The communication connector  148  may then convert the electrical signals into optical signals that are transmitted to the communication lines  150 . In such embodiments, the communication connector  148  may include a modulator (not shown) that receives the electrical signals. The modulator may encode the electrical signals for optical transmission. The communication connector  148  may also include a light source (e.g., LED) (not shown) that is driven by the modulator to produce the optical signals. 
     The communication connector  148  may also include a detector (not shown) that is capable of detecting the optical signals from the communication lines  150  and converting the optical signals into electrical signals. The electrical signals may be amplified and decoded. In the illustrated embodiment, the communication connector  148  converts electrical signals into optical signals and also converts optical signals into electrical signals. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 8 , the recessed portion  226  and the board side  130  may define a passage  280  therebetween. The passage  280  may be substantially aligned with the access gap  264  ( FIG. 6 ) and the line-receiving slot  214  so that the communication lines  150  are not required to bend or curve sharply. For example, the passage  280 , the access gap  264 , and the line-receiving slot  214  are aligned such that the communication lines  150  may extend in a linear manner along the circuit board  106  from the communication connector  148  to the side edge  116 . In an exemplary embodiment, the communication lines  150  extend parallel to the board plane P 1  ( FIG. 2 ) and the longitudinal axis  191  ( FIG. 1 ). Also, in an exemplary embodiment, the passage  280  is sized and shaped to permit the communication lines  150  to extend therethrough without the communication lines  150  being deformed by the cover body  202  and/or the board side  130 . The passage  280  may also be sized to allow excess material from the stress-relief elements  270 ,  272  ( FIG. 7 ) to extend into the passage  280 . 
       FIG. 9  is a cross-section of a portion of the card connector  102  when the latch end  160  is located in the respective latch opening  134  of the connector housing  120 . In particular embodiments, the coupling arm  140  is configured to move within a swing plane P S  that is parallel to or coincides with the board plane P 1 . For example, when the daughter card assembly  104  ( FIG. 1 ) is moved toward the card connector  102 , the latch end  160  may engage a reference surface  282  that deflects the latch end  160  in a longitudinal (or actuation) direction L 2  that is toward the circuit board  106  ( FIG. 1 ). The coupling arm  140  moves within the swing plane P S  when the latch end  160  is deflected. The reference surface  282  may define at least a portion of the latch opening  134 . As the latch end  160  slides against the reference surface  282 , the coupling arm  140  may be in a biased position. When the latch end  160  clears the reference surface  282 , the latch end  160  springs away from the circuit board  106  in the longitudinal direction L 1 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the latch end  160  is in a locked position. In the locked position, the latch end  160  may prevent inadvertent removal of the mating edge  114  ( FIG. 1 ) from the card connector  102 . As shown, the latch end  160  may include a positive stop  284  that grips the connector housing  120 . To release the daughter card assembly  104 , the coupling arm  140  may be moved toward the circuit board  106  in the longitudinal direction L 2  until the positive stop  284  clears the reference surface  282 . The coupling arm  140  may be moved when an operator presses the grip surface  210  ( FIG. 5 ) in the longitudinal direction L 2 . After the positive stop  284  clears the reference surface  282 , the daughter card assembly  104  may then be unmated or withdrawn from the card connector  102 . 
       FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view of a latching assembly  310  according to one embodiment. The latching assembly  310  is configured to be used in a similar manner as the latching assembly  110  ( FIG. 1 ) and, as such, may include similar elements and features as the latching assembly  110 . For example, the latching assembly  310  includes cover bodies  302 ,  304  and a spring mechanism  306  that includes coupling arms  340 ,  341 . The cover body  302  has three attachment posts  320 - 322 , and the cover body  304  includes two body holes  326 ,  328 . However, the latching assembly  310  may also include features that are not used by the latching assembly  110 . For example, the cover body  304  may include a key member  312 . The key member  312  projects away from the cover body  304  in an insertion direction. 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a portion of a daughter card assembly  314  that includes a circuit board  305  and the latching assembly  310  coupled to the circuit board  305 . The circuit board  305  has a mating edge  318  that is configured to engage a card connector  316  in a similar manner as described above with respect to the daughter card assembly  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, the cover body  304  may optionally be positioned so that the key member  312  engages the card connector  316  before the mating edge  318  engages the card connector  316 . For example, when the latching assembly  310  is assembled, the lower two attachment posts  321 ,  322  are inserted through the circuit board  305  and through the body holes  326 ,  328 , respectively. In such a configuration, the key member  312  extends beyond the mating edge  318  and would prevent the daughter card assembly  314  from mating with the card connector  316  when the daughter card assembly  314  is in an incorrect orientation. However, the operator may choose to not utilize the key member  312 . For example, the body holes  326 ,  328  may, instead, receive the attachment posts  320 ,  321 , respectively, so that the key member  312  does not project beyond the mating edge  318 . 
       FIG. 12  is a cross-section of a communication system  400  that includes a card connector  402  and a daughter card assembly  404  that are formed in accordance with one embodiment. The card connector  402  has a connector housing  403 . The daughter card assembly  404  includes latching assemblies  410 ,  412  and a circuit board  406  that is coupled to the latching assemblies  410 ,  412 . The latching assemblies  410 ,  412  may be secured to the circuit board  406  in a similar manner as described above with respect to the latching assembly  110 . For instance, and with specific reference to the latching assembly  410 , the latching assembly  410  may include cover bodies (not shown) that are coupled using attachment posts  420 - 422  that are inserted through board holes  430 - 432 , respectively, of the circuit board  406 . The attachment posts  420 - 422  may be frictionally engaged to corresponding body holes (not shown) of one of the cover bodies. 
     However, the latching assembly  410  is configured to operate differently than the latching assembly  110  ( FIG. 1 ). For instance, the latching assembly  410  may include a spring mechanism  440  having a coupling arm  442  that extends generally along a side edge  444  of the circuit board  406 . The coupling arm  442  is joined to at least one of the cover bodies through a joint  446 . The coupling arm  442  also includes an operator-actuated portion  448  that includes a grip surface  450  and a guard feature  452 . The grip surface  450  may have a serrated or otherwise textured surface that enhances grip between the grip surface  450  and an individual&#39;s finger. The guard feature  452  may be similar to the guard feature  212  ( FIG. 4 ) and project away from the circuit board  406 . 
     The coupling arm  442  also includes a latch end  460  having a positive stop  462 . Similar to the coupling arms  140 ,  141  ( FIG. 1 ), the coupling arm  442  is movable within a swing plane that extends parallel to or coincides with a board plane defined by the circuit board  406 . During a mating operation, the circuit board  406  is inserted into the card connector  402 . The latch end  460  may be deflected away from the circuit board  406  by a ledge  466  of the connector housing  403  and spring back toward the circuit board  406  when the latch end  460  has cleared the ledge  466 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , the coupling arm  442  and the latch end  460  are in a locked position. To release the daughter card assembly  404 , the grip surface  450  may be engaged and pressed toward the circuit board  406 . The coupling arm  442  may, in turn, swing about the joint  446  such that the latch end  460  moves away from and clears the ledge  466 . At such time, the daughter card assembly  404  may be removed. 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a portion of a daughter card assembly  504  in accordance with one embodiment. The daughter card assembly  504  may be similar to the daughter card assemblies  104  ( FIG. 1) and 404  ( FIG. 12 ) and include similar or identical components and elements. For example, the daughter card assembly  504  includes a circuit board  506 , a communication assembly  508 , and a latching assembly  510 . The circuit board  506  has a planar body with opposite board sides  530 ,  532 . The communication assembly  508  includes a communication connector  548  and a heat sink  550 . The communication connector  548  is mounted to the board side  530 , and the heat sink  550  is mounted over the communication connector  548  and secured to the circuit board  506  along the board side  530 . The heat sink  550  makes intimate contact with the communication connector  548  to absorb thermal energy therefrom. The communication connector  548  and the heat sink  550  may be exposed to the operational environment that surrounds the daughter card assembly  504 . As such, air that flows through the environment may carry thermal energy away from the daughter card assembly  504  and, in particular, the communication connector  548  and the heat sink  550 . As shown, the daughter card assembly  504  may be open-sided along the board side  530 . More specifically, the daughter card assembly  504  may not include a housing that surrounds the circuit board  506 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the heat sink  550  includes a thermal-absorbing body  552  and a plurality of projections or legs  554 ,  556  that extend along the board side  530 . The projections  554 ,  556  are secured to the circuit board  506  using, for example, threaded fasteners (not shown). However, the heat sink  550  may be secured to the circuit board  506  in other manners (e.g., using adhesive or interference fit). The projections  554 ,  556  define a line-receiving space  560  therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, communication lines  562  of the communication assembly  508  may extend between the projections  554 ,  556  and adjacent to the circuit board  506  through the line-receiving space  560 . Accordingly, the heat sink  550  may protect or cover the communication lines  562  to prevent inadvertent contact, such as from an individual&#39;s hand. 
     As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional elements not having that property. 
     It is to be understood that the above description and the figures are intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described and/or illustrated embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the subject matter described and/or illustrated herein without departing from its scope. Dimensions, types of materials, orientations of the various components (including the terms “upper”, “lower”, “vertical”, and “lateral”), and the number and positions of the various components described herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments, and are by no means limiting and are merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description and the figures. The scope of the subject matter described and/or illustrated herein should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means—plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.