Patent Publication Number: US-6908333-B2

Title: Ejector latch indicator light and connector

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present claimed invention relates to the field of computer chassis structures. More specifically, the present claimed invention relates to an ejector latch indicator light and connector employed in conjunction with computer chassis structures. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Presently, printed circuit assemblies (PCAs) are comprised of a substrate (e.g., PC board) with associated microcircuits. Typically, PCAs are used in conjunction with chassis structures to allow a large amount of processing ability to fit into a small space. In general, the chassis structure may contain a multiplicity of PCAs operating independently, in conjunction, or as a portion of a larger network. Often, the PCA is attached to the chassis type structure in conjunction with very specific standards. Typically, PCA attaching standards include, for example, the compact peripheral component interconnect (cPCI) standard, and the VersaModular Eurocard (VME) standard. 
     Typically, PCAs used in the chassis type structure fabricated to one of the above-mentioned standards (e.g., cPCI or VME) have indicator lights such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on the printed circuit board (PCB). The LEDs are conventionally used to signal various states of the applications running on the PCA including, but not limited to: when the PCA is available for hot swapping, diagnostic states, and progress indicators. For example, the cPCI industry standard LED color for the hot swapping status of a PCA is blue. Therefore, if the light is on (or off, or blinking depending on the specification) the PCA is ready to be hot swapped. In addition to application state information such as indicating hot swapping status, LEDs may be used to indicate local area network (LAN) connectivity, connection speeds (e.g., 10 megabits, 100 megabits, 1000 megabits, etc.), power on or off, or the like. 
     Another utilization of the LED on a PCA is for identification. Specifically, if service personnel are working on a chassis and need to identify a specific PCA an operator can turn an LED on or off for a short period of time, thus allowing correct identification of the PCA. 
     Since the LED is mounted on the PCB, both visual and physical access to the LED (or LEDs) is normally limited. For example, in order for a user to see the LED, holes must be drilled through the bulkhead of the PCA. The LED may then shine through the hole allowing a user to have visual feedback with regard to the status of the PCA. Sometimes, a light diffusing pipe is used in conjunction with the hole in the bulkhead of the PCA to allow a better view of the LED. 
     One deleterious effect of drilling a hole through the bulkhead of a PCA in order to observe the LED is the lack of uniformity between LED locations per PCA. For example, there is no cPCI industry standard for the location of the LED(s). Therefore, whoever designs the system (or PCA) must also establish the location(s) of the LED(s), design the bulkhead with the correct hole location(s), and choose whether or not to use a light diffusing pipe (or pipes) in conjunction with the LED(s). 
     In addition to the custom bulkhead requirements mentioned above, since there is no industry standard LED location, users (e.g., administrators and service personnel) can never be sure of the location of the LED with respect to the bulkhead. Therefore, a user may believe the blue LED is off and the PCA is ready for hot swapping, but in fact, they may be looking through the wrong hole or at the wrong LED. In such a case, the PCA may be removed prematurely and damage to components within the PCA may occur. 
     Another problem with the use of LEDs on a PCB is the amount of room they require. For example, not only does the LED take up space on the PCB but other connectors, cables, indicators, and the like, must be carefully placed around the LED and the viewing hole for the LED to ensure there is no blockage of the light from the LED to the bulkhead. Moreover, the bulkhead of the PCA also has limited room. Therefore, drilling a hole (or holes) in the bulkhead (in order to establish a viewing window for the LED) leaves less room for connectors, labels, communication ports, and the like. 
     Furthermore, PCAs used in the chassis type structure fabricated to one of the above-mentioned standards (e.g., cPCI or VME) have ejector latches that are utilized to provide attachment of the PCA with the chassis. In order to ensure correct attachment of the PCA with the chassis has occurred, an engaged/disengaged circuit is integrated with the ejector latch. Therefore, when the PCA is properly installed, the ejector latch circuit is closed and operation of the PCA may commence. However, if the PCA is incorrectly installed, then the ejector latch circuit will remain open and operation of the PCA may not commence. In addition, when an operational PCA is prepared for removal from the chassis, the ejector latches are disengaged. The disengagement of the ejector latch opens the ejector latch circuit and allows the PCB to prepare for removal from the chassis. For example, when the ejector latches are disengaged, the PCB may begin the process of shutting down in preparation for removal from the system. 
     In general, during the assembly of a PCA, the ejector latch is mounted partially to a bulkhead, and then the PCB is attached to the ejector latch. The PCB is then screwed into position with respect to both the bulkhead and the ejector latch. A pigtail from the ejector latch is then plugged into the PCB. On average, the length of the pigtail is one inch, therefore, the plug in location on the PCB must be somewhat close to both the ejector latch and the bulkhead. 
     One deleterious effect of utilizing the above stated pigtail to connect the ejector latch with the PCB is the requirement of plugging in the pigtail before inserting the PCA into the chassis. For example, during shipping of an assembled PCA the connection between the ejector latch and the PCB may become loose. If a user is unaware of the disconnection, the PCA mounted on the chassis may not operate due to a false open signal generated by the PCB. In such a condition, the user would be required to troubleshoot the PCA or hire a technician to troubleshoot the PCA in order to resolve the issue. 
     Another problem with the pigtail connector is the wear and tear of the wires in the pigtail. For example, the wear and tear associated with insertion or removal of the PCA from the chassis. Specifically, the wires may rub against other structures on the chassis (e.g., card guides, framework, other PCA&#39;s, etc.) or the PCA itself (e.g., locator pin, etc.) resulting in disconnection of the male end of the connector from the female end. Furthermore, the wear and tear on the wires may result in a short circuit between the wires resulting in a false open or closed ejector latch status. Additionally, the wear and tear may result in complete separation of a wire in the connector. 
     In addition to the disconnection problems mentioned above, there is no cPCI industry standard PCB plug-in location. That is, PCB designers may place the PCB connector for the ejector latch pigtail in a range of locations. Therefore, the expense and time or further custom manufacturing is required. For example, the designer may have a range of one-inch diameter in which the placement of the PCB connector for the ejector latch pigtail. Moreover, if a designer uses or designs a PCB for use with an ejector latch having a two-inch pigtail, then a user may be further limited to the type of ejector latches that may be used with a specific PCB. 
     Thus, the utilization of ejector latch connectors is non-standard, time-consuming, and lacks the desired “Design for Manufacturability.” 
     DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an ejector latch indicator light and connector method and apparatus which establishes a conventional location for LEDs. The present invention also provides an ejector latch indicator light and connector method and apparatus which achieves the above accomplishment and which facilitates utilization of a standard bulkhead having no visual port. The present invention also provides an ejector latch indicator light and connector method and apparatus which achieves the above accomplishments and which can be adapted to readily interface with industry standard components and meet industry standard specifications. 
     Specifically, an ejector latch indicator light and connector assembly for reducing the interference by a bulkhead of light emitted from an indicator light and establishing an electrical connection between an ejector latch and a printed circuit board (PCB) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention is comprised of an ejector latch. The present embodiment is further comprised of an indicator light integrated with the ejector latch. The indicator light adapted to emit light from the ejector latch such that interference by the bulkhead of the light emitted from the indicator light is reduced. The present embodiment is also comprised of a compression-fit connector integrated with the ejector latch. The compression-fit connector adapted to provide a removably coupleable electrical connection between the ejector latch and a printed circuit board (PCB) such that inadvertent disconnection of the removably coupleable electrical connection between the ejector latch and the PCB is reduced. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention: 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  are side views of ejector latch indicator light assemblies in accordance with embodiments of the present claimed invention. 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  are side views of ejector latch indicator light assemblies in accordance with embodiments of the present claimed invention. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are side views of ejector latch indicator light assemblies in accordance with embodiments of the present claimed invention. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are side views of ejector latch indicator light assemblies in accordance with embodiments of the present claimed invention. 
         FIGS. 5A through 5G  are front views of ejector latch indicator light assemblies in accordance with embodiments of the present claimed invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a flow chart of steps performed in accordance with one embodiment of the present claimed invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of an ejector latch connector assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present claimed invention. 
         FIGS. 8A through 8D  are side views of an exemplary coupling process of an ejector latch connector assembly with a bulkhead and a printed circuit board in accordance with an embodiment of the present claimed invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a flow chart of steps performed in accordance with one embodiment of the present claimed invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of an ejector latch light and connector assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present claimed invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a flow chart of steps performed in accordance with one embodiment of the present claimed invention. 
       The drawings referred to in this description should be understood as not being drawn to scale except if specifically noted. 
     
    
    
     BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention. 
     Ejector Latch Indicator Light Physical Characteristics 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 1A-3B , side views of ejector latch indicator light assemblies in accordance with embodiments of the present claimed invention are shown. The following discussion will begin with a detailed description of the physical characteristics of the present ejector latch indicator light assemblies. The discussion will then contain a detailed description of the use and operation of the present ejector latch indicator light assemblies. Regarding the physical structure of the present ejector latch indicator light assemblies, for purposes of clarity, only one side of the ejector latch indicator light assemblies (e.g.,  100  through  350 ) are shown in  FIGS. 1A-3B . In the present embodiment ejector latch indicator light assemblies (e.g.,  100  through  350 ) includes an ejector latch  105 . Importantly, as will be discussed in detail below, in one embodiment, ejector latch  105  is formed having dimensions and characteristics which are in compliance with an industry standard such as, for example, the compact peripheral component interconnect (cPCI) standard, and the VersaModular Eurocard (VME) standard. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1A , ejector latch indicator light assembly  100  also includes an indicator light  115  that is integrated with ejector latch  105 . In one embodiment, indicator light  115  is comprised of a light-emitting diode (LED). Indicator light  115  is ultimately employed as a status indicator for a printed circuit assembly (PCA) to which it is coupled. Although an LED is specifically mentioned as the indicator light  115  in the present embodiment, the indicator light  115  is also well suited to use with various other types of indicator lights including, for example, light bulbs, and the like. For purposes of brevity and clarity each of the numerous possibilities of indicator lights are not shown in the present Figures. As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , indicator light  115  is comprised of a head portion  120 , and an electrical wire (e.g.,  125  and  130 ). As will be discussed below in detail, in one embodiment (e.g., FIG.  2 A and FIG.  3 A), head portion  120  is adapted to be arranged flush with ejector latch  105 . Indicator light  115  is adapted to emit light from ejector latch  105  such that the light is not interfered with by a bulkhead to which ejector latch  105  is adapted to be coupled.  FIGS. 5A-5G  illustrate other embodiment of the present invention in which a plurality of indicator lights  115  are adapted to emit light from said ejector latch  105  to reduce the interference of the light emitted from the indicator light  115  with respect to a bulkhead. 
     With reference still to  FIG. 1A , in one embodiment ejector latch indicator light assembly  100  also includes a light diffusing pipe  110  integrated with ejector latch  105 . Light diffusing pipe  110  is employed to direct the light from indicator light  115  to the outside of ejector latch  105 . In one embodiment, light diffusing pipe  110  may be an optical fiber, light channel, or the like. As illustrated in FIG.  1 B and  FIG. 3B , light diffusing pipe  110  may be of sufficient length to allow variable placement of indicator light  115 . In other embodiments (e.g.,  FIG. 2A , FIG.  2 B and FIG.  3 A), light diffusing pipe  110  is optional, and indicator light  115  may be used without light diffusing pipe  110  without detrimental operation. 
     Ejector latch indicator light assembly  100  of  FIG. 1A  also includes electrical wire  125  and electrical wire  130  which are coupled to head portion  120  of indicator light  115 . Electrical wire  125  and electrical wire  130  electrically couple head portion  120  with a printed circuit board (PCB) or a printed circuit assembly (PCA). Electrical wire  125  and electrical wire  130  are employed to transmit the signals that control head portion  120  which may be received from the PCB or PCA. With reference now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , a current limiting resistor  420  may be coupled to electric wire (e.g.,  125  and  130 ). In one embodiment, current limiting resistor  420  is coupled with an integrated switch that terminates at a PCB connector  410 . Current limiting resistor  420  allows the utilization of a plurality of voltage levels to activate indicator light  115 . For example, indicator light  115  may be set to operate at 1.5, 3.3, or 5 volts. Further details of current limiting resistor  420  are described herein. 
     Ejector Latch Indicator Light Use and Operation 
     The following is a detailed description of the use and operation of the present ejector latch indicator light assembly. With reference again to  FIG. 1A , in one embodiment, indicator light  115  is integrated with an ejector latch such as ejector latch  105 . In one embodiment (e.g., FIG.  1 A), indicator light  115  is integrated with ejector latch  105  proximate to the end of ejector latch  105 , and a light diffusing pipe  110  is used to diffuse the light emitted from indicator light  115 . In another embodiment (e.g., FIG.  1 B), indicator light  115  is integrated with ejector latch  105  at a point other than the end of ejector latch  105  and a light diffusing pipe  110  is used to transmit the light from indicator light  115  to the end of ejector latch  105 . In yet another embodiment (e.g., FIG.  3 B), indicator light  115  is integrated with ejector latch  105  at a point other than the end of ejector latch  105  and a light diffusing pipe  110  is used to transmit the light from indicator light  115  to an outside portion of ejector latch  105 . 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates an embodiment in which indicator light  115  is integrated with ejector latch  105  such that the top surface of head portion  120  is flush with ejector latch  105 . In another embodiment (e.g., FIG.  2 B), head portion  120  is inset from the outside surface of ejector latch  105  and an opening (or channel)  260  is utilized to allow the light from indicator light  115  to be emitted. Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 3B , in one embodiment, indicator light  115  may be flush with an outside portion of ejector latch  105  at a point other than the end of ejector latch  105 . 
     Importantly, the present invention is well suited to integrating indicator light  115  with an ejector latch  105  in order that indicator light  115  will remain visible to a user by offsetting the indicator light  115  from the PCA bulkhead. In addition, the present embodiment further allows the location of indicator light  115  to become standard. Therefore, unlike prior art approaches, the present embodiment does not arbitrarily choose the location of indicator light(s)  115 . In addition, unlike prior art approaches, the present embodiment does not require post manufacture of standard PCA bulkheads in order to establish visual ports for viewing indicator lights. Instead, the present embodiment allows customers to realize the beneficial reduced visual interference achieved with the present embodiment, while utilizing the particular PCA bulkhead of the customer&#39;s choice. For example, ejector latch  105  is well suited to use with various types of bulkheads having cables and electrical connections which are removably coupled thereto, and also bulkheads having cables and electrical connections which are integral therewith without detrimentally effecting the visual properties of the indicating light source. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 1A through 4B , in one embodiment indicator light  115  includes a head portion  120  and an electrical wire portion (e.g.,  125  and  130 ). Electrical wire portion (e.g.,  125  and  130 ) are electrically coupled with a PCA or PCB such that the signals that activate head portion  120  may be received from the PCA or PCB. Furthermore, with reference to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , in one embodiment electrical wire (e.g.,  125  and  130 ) electrically couple with a PCA or PCB via an integrated switch that terminates at a PCB connector  410 . In general, PCB connector  410  is a standard link tab that corresponds to mounting holes disposed on a PCB or a computer chassis and is utilized to signal the open or closed status of ejector latch  105 . As a result, the present invention allows electric wire (e.g.,  125  and  130 ) of indicator light  115  to be coupled to the PCA or PCB via PCB connector  410  without concern for deleterious rewiring or remanufacture of ejector latch  105  or the PCA or PCB to which it may attach. 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , a current limiting resistor  420  may be coupled to electric wire (e.g.,  125  and  130 ). In one embodiment, current limiting resistor  420  is coupled with the integrated switch that terminates at a PCB connector  410 . In general, current limiting resistor  420  allows the utilization of a plurality of voltage levels to activate indicator light  115 . For example, one electric wire (e.g.,  125 ) may have a current and ground connection. The other (e.g., electric wire  130 ) may be coupled with a current limiting resistor  420 . Thus, different voltage levels (e.g., 1.5, 3.3, 5, or the like) may be used within the PCA to drive the indicator light  115  while the current limiting resistor  420  limits the current reaching indicator light  115  to the appropriate level. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 5A-5G  front views of ejector latch indicator light assemblies are shown. Specifically, examples of embodiments in which the present invention utilizes differing locations for indicator light  115  and one or more indicator lights  115  are illustrated. As shown in  FIGS. 5A ,  5 C, and  5 E, indicator light  115  may be located at a plurality of locations within (or upon) ejector latch  105 . In addition, indicator light  115  may utilize a light diffusing pipe  110  for transmitting the light from indicator light  115  through ejector latch  105 . For example, to indicate the hot swap status, a blue LED may be integrated with ejector latch  105 . 
     Moreover, as shown in  FIGS. 5B ,  5 D,  5 E, and  5 G, a plurality of indicator lights  115  may be located at a plurality of locations within (or upon) ejector latch  105 . In addition, some or all of the plurality of indicator lights  115  may utilize light diffusing pipe  110 . For example, if a plurality of indicators are selected to show the operational status of the PCA (e.g., indicating hot swapping status, indicating local area network (LAN) connectivity, connection speeds (e.g., 10 megabits, 100 megabits, 1000 megabits, etc.), power on or off, or the like), then they may all be integrated with ejector latch  105  and located at a plurality of locations thereon. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 6 , a flow chart  600  summarizing the steps performed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. At step  602 , the present embodiment integrates an indicator light with an ejector latch. As described in detail above, the indicator light (e.g. indicator light  115 ) is adapted to emit light from the ejector latch such that the light is not interfered with by a bulkhead to which the ejector latch is adapted to be coupled. 
     Next, at step  604 , the present embodiment then electrically couples the indicator light with a PCB using an electrical wire. Beneficially, the present embodiment eliminates the need to custom fit each bulkhead of a PCA with the specific PCB and indicator light locations thereon. Instead, the present embodiment allows PCA assemblies to be independently manufactured without concern for the subsequent location of indicator lights or the bulkhead being utilized. Furthermore, with the relocation of the indicating light (e.g., LED) more room is available on the PCB and the manufacturing requirements are reduced since connectors, cables, indicators, and the like will no longer block the indicator light from being viewed. Thus, the present invention achieves a “Design for Manufacturability” lacking in the prior art. Additionally, by reducing visual interference and standardizing the location of the hot swap indicator, the present invention is extremely well suited to use in hot swapping environments. 
     Ejector Latch Connector Physical Characteristics 
     With reference now to  FIG. 7 , a side view of an ejector latch connector assembly is shown in accordance with embodiments of the present claimed invention. The following discussion will begin with a detailed description of the physical characteristics of the present ejector latch connector assembly. The discussion will then contain a detailed description of the use and operation of the present ejector latch connector assembly. Regarding the physical structure of the present ejector latch connector assembly, for purposes of clarity, only one side of the ejector latch connector assembly (e.g.,  700 ) is shown in FIG.  7 . In the present embodiment ejector latch connector assembly  700  includes an ejector latch  705 . Importantly, as will be discussed in detail below, in one embodiment, ejector latch  705  is formed having dimensions and characteristics which are in compliance with an industry standard such as, for example, the compact peripheral component interconnect (cPCI) standard, and the VersaModular Eurocard (VME) standard. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 7 , ejector latch connector assembly  700  also includes a compression-fit connector  725  that is integrated with ejector latch  705 . In one embodiment, compression-fit connector  725  is a surface mount connector (SMT). Compression-fit connector  725  is ultimately employed as a removably coupleable electrical connection between ejector latch  705  and a printed circuit board (PCB) to which it is coupled. Although an SMT is specifically mentioned as compression-fit connector  725  in the present embodiment, compression-fit connector  725  is also well suited to use with various other types of compression-fit connectors. For purposes of brevity and clarity each of the numerous possibilities of compression-fit connectors are not shown in the present figures. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , compression-fit connector  725  is comprised of a pad portion  730 , and an electrical wire  720 . As will be discussed herein in detail, in one embodiment (e.g., FIG.  7  and FIGS.  8 A- 8 D), pad portion  730  is adapted to be coupled with PCB  830 . Compression-fit connector  725  is adapted to provide a removably coupleable electrical connection between ejector latch  705  and PCB  830  such that inadvertent disconnection of the removably coupleable electrical connection between ejector latch  705  and PCB  830  is reduced. 
     In one embodiment, electrical wire  720  of compression-fit connector  725  is integrated with ejector latch  705 . Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 7  (side view of electrical wire  720 ) electrical wire  720  is comprised of an S-shaped, stiff (gold plated berilium-copper) conducting portion for increasing connectivity with respect to pad portion  730 . Although an S-shaped portion is shown, it is appreciated that electrical wire  720  may incorporate any type of bend and any type of material which may induce a better electrical connection. Furthermore, electrical wire  720  may be a straight wire thereby incorporating no bend for inducing a better electrical connection. Lastly, though three wires are shown in  720 , the concept extends to an arbitrary number. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 7 , pad portion  730  may be comprised of several traces of copper. In addition, pad portion  730  may be comprised of copper that may be etched in different patterns and enhanced with mechanical guides to establish a better electrical connection with electrical wire  720 . Although copper is mentioned as a material utilized for pad portion  730 , any conductive material (e.g., silver, gold, platinum, or the like) may be used. 
     With reference still to  FIG. 7 , in one embodiment ejector latch connector assembly  700  also includes a fastener arm  710  integrated with ejector latch  705 . Fastener arm  710  is employed to correctly position ejector latch  705  with bulkhead  820  and PCB  830 , of FIG.  8 . In one embodiment, fastener arm  710  may utilize a screw to fasten ejector latch  705  with PCB  830 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 8A through 8D , fastener arm  710  correctly positions ejector latch  705  with PCB  830  thus allowing electrical wire  720  to establish an electrical connection with pad portion  730 . 
     Ejector Latch Connector Use and Operation 
     The following is a detailed description of the use and operation of the present ejector latch connector assembly. With reference now to  FIG. 8A , in one embodiment, compression-fit connector  725  is integrated with an ejector latch such as ejector latch  705  and a PCB such as PCB  830 . In one embodiment (e.g., FIG.  8 ), electrical wire  720  of compression-fit connector  725  is integrated with ejector latch  705  below fastener arm  710 . Moreover, pad portion  730  is coupled with PCB  830  in a position such that a further step of connecting the electrical connection between ejector latch  705  and PCB  830  is not required. That is, due to the placement of electrical wire  720  and pad portion  730  upon assembly of the PCA (e.g., attaching bulkhead  820  with ejector latch  705  and PCB  830 ) the compression-fit connector establishes a removably coupleable electrical connection. It is appreciated that only a portion of both bulkhead  820  and PCB  830  are shown in the present embodiments. It is further appreciated that most PCA&#39;s have two ejector latch  705 &#39;s attached thereon. However, for purposes of brevity and clarity only one ejector latch  705  is shown. 
     Importantly, the present invention is well suited to electrically coupling ejector latch  705  with PCB  830  in order that a signal from ejector latch  705  may be received by PCB  830 . In addition, the present embodiment further allows the location of compression-fit connector  725  to become an industry standard. Therefore, unlike prior art approaches, the present embodiment does not arbitrarily choose the location of the electrical wire receptor (e.g., pad portion  730 ) on PCB  830 . In addition, unlike prior art approaches, the present embodiment does not require post assembly connection of an electrical wire between an ejector latch  705  and PCB  830  in order to establish an electrical connection between ejector latch  705  and PCB  830 . Instead, the present embodiment allows customers to realize the beneficial reduced maintenance achieved with the present embodiment. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 8A through 8D , one embodiment of an exemplary coupling process of an ejector latch connector assembly with a bulkhead and a printed circuit board is shown. Specifically, with reference to  FIG. 8A , PCA  800  is comprised of ejector latch  705 , bulkhead  820 , PCB  830  and compression-fit connector  725 . Additionally, bulkhead  830  includes a fastening portion  840  for removably coupling with fastener arm  710 . Although bulkhead  820  and PCB  830  are shown as being coupled together first, this is done merely for purposes of brevity and clarity. In fact, bulkhead  820  and PCB  830  may not be coupled together first but instead ejector latch  705  and bulkhead  820  may be coupled together first. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8B and 8C , bulkhead  820  and PCB  830  are shown approaching the point of coupling with ejector latch  705 . With reference to  FIG. 8C , PCA  850  shows electrical wire  720  making initial contact with pad portion  730  previous to the complete coupling of ejector latch  705  with PCB  830 . Therefore, the removably coupleable electrical connection is being established during the initial assembly of PCA  850 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 8D , PCA  875  is shown after all portions (e.g., ejector latch  710 , bulkhead  820 , and PCB  830 ) have been removably coupled therewith. Upon complete assembly, electrical wire  720  and pad portion  730  are electrically coupled via a compression-fit connection. Additionally fastener arm  710  is aligned with fastening portion  840  and removably coupled therewith. Thus, PCA  875  has been assembled and a concurrently coupled electrical connection has been established between ejector latch  705  and PCB  830  without the requirement of any additional assembly steps or user interaction. Therefore, the position of ejector latch  705  (e.g., open or closed) may now be detected by PCB  830  thus allowing correct operation of PCA  875 . For example, in one embodiment when PCA  875  is inserted in a chassis and ejector latches  705  are engaged, PCB  830  will be able to operate within the system. In addition, when the ejector latches are disengaged (e.g., for hot swapping, maintenance of PCA  875 , or the like) PCB  830  will be able to perform a shutdown prior to the removal from the chassis, thereby protecting PCA  875  from being removed from a chassis while it is still in operation. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 9 , a flow chart  900  summarizing the steps performed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. At step  902 , the present embodiment integrates a compression-fit connector with an ejector latch. As described in detail herein, the compression-fit connector (e.g. compression-fit connector  725 ) is adapted to provide a removably coupleable electrical connection between ejector latch  705  and PCB  830  such that a further step of connecting the electrical connection between ejector latch  705  and PCB  830  is not required. 
     Next, at step  904 , the present embodiment couples a pad portion  730  with PCB  830  wherein pad portion  730  is adapted to provide a removably coupleable electrical connection between PCB  830  and ejector latch  705 . Beneficially, the present embodiment eliminates the need to electrically couple each ejector latch of a PCA with the specific PCB after the coupling of the PCB with the ejector latch. Instead, the present embodiment allows PCA&#39;s to be assembled without concern for the subsequent electrical connection of ejector latches to the PCB being utilized. Furthermore, with the standardization of the compression-fit connector less custom manufacturing of the PCB is necessary. Thus, the present invention achieves a “Design for Manufacturability” lacking in the prior art. Additionally, by standardizing the location and increasing the reliability of compression fit connector  725 , the present invention is extremely well suited to use in hot swapping environments. 
     Ejector Latch Indicator Light and Connector Physical Characteristics 
     The following is a detailed description of the use and operation of the present ejector latch indicator light and connector assembly. In the present embodiment ejector latch indicator light assembly  1000  of  FIG. 10  includes an ejector latch  1005 . Importantly, as will be discussed in detail below, in one embodiment, ejector latch  1005  is formed having dimensions and characteristics which are in compliance with an industry standard such as, for example, the compact peripheral component interconnect (cPCI) standard, and the VersaModular Eurocard (VME) standard. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 10 , ejector latch indicator light and connector assembly  1000  also includes an indicator light  115  that is integrated with ejector latch  1005 . In one embodiment, as stated herein, indicator light  115  is comprised of a light-emitting diode (LED) which may be ultimately employed as a status indicator for a printed circuit assembly (PCA) to which it is coupled. Although an LED is specifically mentioned as the indicator light  115  in the present embodiment, the indicator light  115  is also well suited to use with various other types of indicator lights including, for example, light bulbs, and the like. 
     As stated herein, indicator light  115  is comprised of a head portion  120 , and an electrical wire (e.g.,  125  and  130 ). As has been discussed in detail, head portion  120  is adapted to be arranged in a plurality of locations with respect to ejector latch  1005 . Indicator light  115  is further adapted to emit light from ejector latch  1005  such that the light is not interfered with by a bulkhead to which ejector latch  1005  is adapted to be coupled. As stated herein, a plurality of indicator lights  115  may be utilized. 
     With reference still to  FIG. 10 , in one embodiment ejector latch indicator light and connector assembly  1000  also includes a light diffusing pipe  110  integrated with ejector latch  1005 . Light diffusing pipe  110  is employed to direct the light from indicator light  115  to the outside of ejector latch  1005 . As stated herein, light diffusing pipe  110  may be in a plurality of shapes and used in a plurality of locations. In addition, light diffusing pipe  110  may be an optical fiber, light channel, or the like. In other embodiments, light diffusing pipe  110  is optional, and indicator light  115  may be used without light diffusing pipe  110  without detrimental operation. 
     Ejector latch indicator light and connector assembly  1000  of  FIG. 10  also includes electrical wire  125  and electrical wire  130  which are coupled to head portion  120  of indicator light  115 . Electrical wire  125  and electrical wire  130  electrically couple head portion  120  with a printed circuit board (PCB) or a printed circuit assembly (PCA). Electrical wire  125  and electrical wire  130  are employed to transmit the signals that control head portion  120  which may be received from the PCB or PCA. A current limiting resistor (e.g.,  420  of  FIG. 4A ) may be coupled to electric wire (e.g.,  125  and  130 ), although it is not shown in  FIG. 10  for purposes of brevity and clarity. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 10 , in one embodiment, ejector latch indicator light and connector assembly  1000  also includes compression-fit connector  725 . In one embodiment, electrical wire  720  of compression-fit connector  725  is integrated with ejector latch  1005  below fastener arm  710 . Compression-fit connector  725  may be one of the methods utilized to transmit the signals that control head portion  120  which may be received from the PCB or PCA. It is further appreciated that most PCA&#39;s have two ejector latch  1005 &#39;s attached thereon. However, for purposes of brevity and clarity only one ejector latch  1005  is shown. 
     Ejector Latch Indicator Light and Connector Use and Operation 
     The following is a detailed description of the use and operation of the present ejector latch indicator light and connector assembly. With reference again to  FIG. 10 , in one embodiment, indicator light  115  is integrated with ejector latch  105  proximate to the end of ejector latch  1005 , and a light diffusing pipe  110  is used to diffuse the light emitted from indicator light  115 . Although only one embodiment (e.g.,  FIG. 10 ) is shown, it is appreciated that the previously described figures and locations of indicator light  115  may be utilized in conjunction with the connector assembly  725  also described in detail herein. 
     Moreover, pad portion  730  may also be coupled with a PCB in a position such that a further step of connecting the electrical connection between ejector latch  1005  and the PCB is not required. That is, due to the placement of electrical wire  720  and pad portion  730  upon assembly of the PCA (e.g., attaching a bulkhead with ejector latch  1005  and PCB) the compression-fit connector establishes a removably coupleable electrical connection. 
     Importantly, the present invention is well suited to electrically coupling ejector latch  1005  with the PCB in order that a signal from ejector latch  705  may be received by the PCB and that indicator light  115  will remain visible to a user by offsetting the indicator light  115  from the PCA bulkhead. In addition, the present embodiment further allows the location of compression-fit connector  725  and indicator light  115  to become an industry standard. Therefore, unlike prior art approaches, the present embodiment does not arbitrarily choose the location of the electrical wire receptor (e.g., pad portion  730 ) or the location of indicator light(s)  115  on a PCB such as PCB  830  of FIG.  8 . In addition, unlike prior art approaches, the present embodiment does not require post assembly connection of an electrical wire in order to establish an electrical connection between ejector latch  1005  indicator light  115  and a PCB. Instead, the present embodiment allows customers to realize the beneficial reduced maintenance while utilizing the particular PCA bulkhead of the customer&#39;s choice. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 11 , a flow chart  1100  summarizing the steps performed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. At step  1102 , the present embodiment integrates an indicator light with an ejector latch. As described in detail herein, the indicator light (e.g. indicator light  115  of  FIG. 10 ) is adapted to emit light from the ejector latch such that the light is not interfered with by a bulkhead to which the ejector latch is adapted to be coupled. 
     Next, at step  1104 , the present embodiment integrates a compression-fit connector with an ejector latch. As described in detail herein, the compression-fit connector (e.g. compression-fit connector  725 ) is adapted to provide a removably coupleable electrical connection between ejector latch  705  and a PCB such that a further step of connecting the electrical connection between ejector latch  1005  and the PCB is not required. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 11 , and now to step  1106 , the present embodiment couples a pad portion  730  with the PCB wherein pad portion  730  is adapted to provide a removably coupleable electrical connection between the PCB and ejector latch  1005 . Beneficially, the present embodiment eliminates the need to electrically couple each ejector latch of a PCA with the specific PCB after the coupling of the PCB with the ejector latch. Instead, the present embodiment allows PCA&#39;s to be assembled without concern for the subsequent electrical connection of ejector latches to the PCB being utilized. Furthermore, the present embodiment eliminates the need to custom fit each bulkhead of a PCA with the specific PCB and indicator light locations thereon. Instead, the present embodiment allows PCA assemblies to be independently manufactured without concern for the subsequent location of indicator lights or the bulkhead being utilized. Furthermore, with the relocation of the indicating light (e.g., LED) more room is available on the PCB and the manufacturing requirements are reduced since connectors, cables, indicators, and the like will no longer block the indicator light from being viewed. Thus, the present invention achieves a “Design for Manufacturability” lacking in the prior art. Additionally, by reducing visual interference and standardizing the location of the hot swap indicator, the present invention is extremely well suited to use in hot swapping environments. 
     Thus, present invention provides an ejector latch indicator light and connector method and apparatus which establishes a conventional location for LEDs. The present invention also provides an ejector latch indicator light and connector method and apparatus which achieves the above accomplishment and which facilitates utilization of a standard bulkhead having no visual port. The present invention also provides an ejector latch indicator light and connector method and apparatus which achieves the above accomplishments and which can be adapted to readily interface with industry standard components and meet industry standard specifications. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.