Patent Publication Number: US-7594817-B2

Title: Electrical flex connector for mounting on a printed circuit board

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
   This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/028,944 filed Feb. 15, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference. 

   TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to electrical connectors for use on printed circuit boards and, more particularly, to an electrical flex connector configured to be mounted on or otherwise secured to a printed circuit board. 
   DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
   Many electronic devices such as mobile telephones, computers, media players and so forth include printed circuit boards. Printed circuit boards also may be referred to as printed wire boards. The printed circuit board may retain one or more circuit components (e.g., integrated circuit packages) and may establish connectivity to contacts of the circuit components. For instance, the printed circuit board may include conductive electrical signal pathways to connect the circuit component to power, ground and/or other signals. In addition, the printed circuit board may include conductive electrical pathways to connect the circuit component to another component that is mounted on the printed circuit board (e.g., another integrated circuit package) or another component that is located remotely off of the printed circuit board so that signals may be exchanged between the circuit component and these other components. 
   Flex connectors are generally used to connect printed circuit boards to other printed circuit boards. Conventional flex connectors (e.g., standard BTB connectors) consume a substantial amount of space inside the electronic device, which generally requires electronic devices to be bulkier than otherwise desired. 
   SUMMARY 
   To reduce the size and cost of electronic devices utilizing multiple printed circuit boards, there is a need in the art for an electrical connector that is thinner; has stronger mechanical bonding properties; has increased electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection; and is less expensive to manufacture than conventional printed circuit board flex connectors. 
   One aspect of the invention relates to an electrical connector for a printed circuit board, the connector including: a body having a fixation portion for affixing the connector to an associated printed circuit board, wherein the fixation portion includes a first side formed between a second and third side; and a first tab member extending from the first side, wherein the first tab member is configured to exert a compressive force on an associated flex connector to securely hold the associated flex connector between the first tab member and the associated printed circuit board. 
   Another aspect of the present invention relates to the fixation portion being secured to the printed circuit board with a securing agent. 
   Another aspect of the present invention relates to the securing agent being a soldering agent. 
   Another aspect of the present invention relates to the soldering agent being a tin paste that when in a liquid form functions to position the connector on the associated printed circuit board by use of capillary forces. 
   Another aspect of the present invention relates to the first tab member including a first end extending in a cantilever manner from the first side and a second free end having an edge portion configured to facilitate receiving the associated flex connector. 
   Another aspect of the present invention relates to the second free end of the first tab member includes a contact portion adjacent the edge portion for contacting the associated flex connector. 
   Another aspect of the present invention includes alignment guides on the second and third sides of the fixation portion, wherein the alignment guides facilitate alignment of the associated flex connector in a lateral direction. 
   Another aspect of the present invention relates to the alignment guides being positioned a predetermined distance from the first side. 
   Another aspect of the present invention includes a spanning member formed in the body, wherein the spanning member extends upward from a plane formed from the second side and third side of the fixation portion and the spanning member when secured to the associated printed circuit board forms a port with the associated printed circuit board for receiving the associated flex connector. 
   Another aspect of the present invention includes a second tab member extending toward the first side to secure the flex connector in an axial direction. 
   Another aspect of the present invention relates to the second tab member including a first end extending in a cantilever manner from the spanning member and a second free end having an edge portion configured to facilitate removal of the associated flex connector from the port. 
   Another aspect of the present invention relates to the second free end of the second tab member includes a contact portion adjacent the edge portion for contacting the associated flex connector. 
   Another aspect of the present invention relates to the body being manufactured from spring steel. 
   Another aspect of the present invention relates to the connector being positioned over one or more contact patterns that form an electrical connection from the associated printed circuit board to the associated flex connector. 
   Another aspect of the invention relates to the second free end of the second tab member including a contact portion adjacent the edge portion for contacting the associated flex connector to secure the second tab member over one or more second contacts that form an electrical connection from the associated printed circuit board to the associated flex connector. 
   Another aspect of the invention relates to a second tab member extending from the spanning member in an opposite direction from the first side to secure the associated flex connector in an axial direction. 
   Another aspect of the invention relates to a third tab member extending from the spanning member toward the first side to secure the third tab member over one or more second contacts that form an electrical connection from the associated printed circuit board to the associated flex connector. 
   One aspect of the invention relates to a method of securing an electrical connector to a printed circuit board, the method comprising: forming one or more contact patterns on a printed circuit board; providing an electrical connector as described in the claims including a body having a fixation portion for affixing the connector to the printed circuit board, wherein the fixation portions includes a first side formed between a second and third side; and a first tab member extending from the first side, wherein the first tab member is configured to exert a compressive force on an associated flex connector to securely hold the associated flex connector between the first tab member and the associated printed circuit board; adhering a fixation pattern that corresponds to the fixation portion of the electrical connector to the printed circuit board, wherein the pattern is provided around at least a portion of the one or more contact patterns formed in the printed circuit board; and placing the electrical connector on the fixation pattern with a compressive force. 
   Another aspect of the present invention relates to the connector being placed on the fixation pattern of the printed circuit board with a pick and place machine. 
   Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of using an electrical connector provided on a printed circuit board, the method including: providing one or more contact patterns on a printed circuit board; providing an electrical connector as described in the claims; receiving a flex connector at the port formed by the spanning member and the printed circuit board; and guiding the flex connector to the proper lateral position by sliding the connector against at least on of the alignment guides. 
   Another aspect of the present invention relates to upon engaging the second tab member, the flex connector exerts a force against the second tab member free end causing the free end of the second tab member to move and allow the flex connector to traverse past the second tab member and engage the one more or more contacts of the printed circuit board. 
   Another aspect of the present invention relates to when the flex connector is properly positioned in the electrical connector, the second tab member exerts a compressive force on the flex connector. 
   Another aspect of the present invention relates to upon engaging the first tab member, the flex connector exerts a force against the first tab member free end causing the free end to expand and allowing the flex connector to traverse below the first tab member and engage the one more or more contacts of the printed circuit board. 
   Another aspect of the present invention relates to when the flex connector is properly positioned in the electrical connector, the first tab member exerts a compressive force over at least a portion of flex connector contacts engaging the contacts on the printed circuit board. 
   These and further features of the present invention will be apparent with reference to the following description and attached drawings. In the description and drawings, particular embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail as being indicative of some of the ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed, but it is understood that the invention is not limited correspondingly in scope. Rather, the invention includes all changes, modifications and equivalents coming within the spirit and terms of the claims appended hereto. 
   Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and/or in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments. 
   It should be emphasized that the terms “comprises” and “comprising,” when used in this specification, are taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an illustration of an exemplary mobile telephone in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic illustration of components of an exemplary mobile telephone in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is an exemplary electrical flex connector in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 4-8  illustrate exemplary methods in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  is another exemplary electrical flex connector in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
       FIG. 10  is an exemplary illustration of a male connector engaging a female connector in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an exemplary method in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
   Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. It will be understood that the figures are not necessarily to scale. 
   In the present application, the invention is described primarily in the context of an electrical connector for a printed circuit board for use in a mobile telephone. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not intended to be limited to the context of a mobile telephone and may relate to an electrical connector for a printed circuit board used in any type of electronic equipment. Non-limiting examples of other types of electronic equipment include a media player, a gaming device, a computer, a video monitor, an appliance, and a global positioning system. Also, the interchangeable terms “electronic equipment” and “electronic device” include portable radio communication equipment. The term “portable radio communication equipment,” which herein after is referred to as a “mobile radio terminal,” includes all equipment such as mobile telephones, pagers, communicators, electronic organizers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), smartphones, portable communication apparatus or the like. 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , a mobile telephone  10  is illustrated. The mobile telephone  10  may include a user interface  12  that enables the user easily and efficiently to perform one or more communication tasks (e.g., identify a contact, select a contact, make a telephone call, receive a telephone call, look up a telephone number, maintain various appointment logs, etc). The user interface  12  of the mobile telephone  10  generally includes one or more of the following components: a display  14 , an alphanumeric keypad  16 , function keys  18 , a speaker  20 , and a microphone  22 . 
   The mobile telephone  10  includes a display  14 . The display  14  displays information to a user such as operating state, time, telephone numbers, contact information, various navigational menus, status of one or more functions, etc., which enable the user to utilize the various features of the mobile telephone  10 . The display  14  may also be used to visually display content accessible by the mobile telephone  10 . The displayed content may include E-mail messages, geographical information, journal information, audio and/or video presentations stored locally in memory  24  ( FIG. 2 ) of the mobile telephone  10  and/or stored remotely from the mobile telephone  10  (e.g., on a remote storage device, a mail server, remote personal computer, etc.). Such presentations may be derived, for example, from multimedia files received through E-mail messages, including audio and/or video files, from a received mobile radio and/or television signal, etc. The audio component may be broadcast to the user with a speaker  20  of the mobile telephone  10 . Alternatively, the audio component may be broadcast to the user though a headset speaker (not shown). 
   The mobile telephone  10  further includes a keypad  16  that provides for a variety of user input operations. For example, the keypad  16  may include alphanumeric keys for allowing entry of alphanumeric information such as E-mail addresses, distribution lists, telephone numbers, phone lists, contact information, notes, etc. In addition, the keypad  16  typically may include special function keys such as a “call send” key for transmitting an E-mail, initiating or answering a call, and a “call end” key for ending, or “hanging up” a call. Special function keys may also include menu navigation keys, for example, for navigating through a menu displayed on the display  14  to select different telephone functions, profiles, settings, etc., as is conventional. Other keys associated with the mobile telephone  10  may include a volume key, audio mute key, an on/off power key, a web browser launch key, an E-mail application launch key, a camera key, etc. Keys or key-like functionality may also be embodied as a touch screen associated with the display  14 . 
   The mobile telephone  10  includes conventional call circuitry that enables the mobile telephone  10  to establish a call, transmit and/or receive E-mail messages, and/or exchange signals with a called/calling device, typically another mobile telephone or landline telephone. However, the called/calling device need not be another telephone, but may be some other device such as an Internet web server, E-mail server, content providing server, etc. 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , a functional block diagram of an exemplary mobile telephone  10  is illustrated. The mobile telephone  10  includes a primary control circuit  30  that is configured to carry out overall control of the functions and operations of the mobile telephone  10 . The control circuit  30  may include a processing device  32 , such as a CPU, microcontroller or microprocessor. The processing device  32  executes code stored in a memory (not shown) within the control circuit  30  and/or in a separate memory, such as memory  24 , in order to carry out operation of the mobile telephone  10 . The memory  24  may be, for example, a buffer, a flash memory, a hard drive, a removable media, a volatile memory and/or a non-volatile memory. 
   Continuing to refer to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the mobile telephone  10  includes an antenna  34  coupled to a radio circuit  36 . The radio circuit  36  includes a radio frequency transmitter and receiver for transmitting and receiving signals via the antenna  34 , as is conventional. The mobile telephone  10  generally utilizes the radio circuit  36  and antenna  34  for voice, data and/or E-mail communications over a cellular telephone network. The mobile telephone  10  further includes a sound signal processing circuit  38  for processing the audio signal transmitted by/received from the radio circuit  36 . Coupled to the sound processing circuit  38  are the speaker  20  and a microphone  22  that enable a user to listen and speak via the mobile telephone  10  as is conventional. The radio circuit  36  and sound processing circuit  38  are each coupled to the control circuit  30  so as to carry out overall operation. 
   The mobile telephone  10  also includes the aforementioned display  14  and keypad  16  coupled to the control circuit  30 . The mobile telephone  10  further includes an I/O interface  42 . The I/O interface  42  may be in the form of typical mobile telephone I/O interfaces, such as a multi-element connector at the base of the mobile telephone  10 . As is typical, the I/O interface  42  may be used to couple the mobile telephone  10  to a battery charger to charge a power supply unit (PSU)  44  within the mobile telephone  10 . In addition, or in the alternative, the I/O interface  42  may serve to connect the mobile telephone  10  to a wired personal hands-free adaptor, to a personal computer or other device via a data cable, etc. The mobile telephone  10  may also include a timer  46  for carrying out timing functions. Such functions may include timing the durations of calls and/or events, tracking elapsed times of calls and/or events, generating timestamp information, e.g., date and time stamps, etc. 
   The mobile telephone  10  may include various built-in accessories, such as a camera  48  for taking digital pictures. Image files corresponding to the pictures may be stored in the memory  24 . In one embodiment, the mobile telephone  10  also may include a position data receiver  50 , such as a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver, Galileo satellite system receiver or the like. The mobile telephone  10  may also include an environment sensor  51  to measure conditions (e.g., temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, etc.) in which the mobile telephone is exposed. 
   The mobile telephone  10  may further include a local wireless interface adapter  52 , such as a Bluetooth adaptor to establish wireless communication with other locally positioned devices, such as the a wireless headset, another mobile telephone, a computer, etc. In addition, the mobile telephone  10  may also include a wireless local area network interface adapter  54  to establish wireless communication with other locally positioned devices, such as a wireless local area network, wireless access point and the like. Preferably, the WLAN adapter  54  is compatible with one or more IEEE 802.11 protocols (e.g., 802.11(a), 802.11(b) and/or 802.11(g), etc.) and allows the mobile telephone  10  to acquire a unique address (e.g., IP address) on the WLAN and communicate with one or more devices on the WLAN, assuming the user has the appropriate privileges and/or has been properly authenticated. 
   The processing device  32  and/or the control circuit  30  are generally provided on a printed circuit board. One or more of the functional components described above may be secured directly to the printed circuit board that contains the processing device  32  and the control circuitry  30  and/or be located remotely on a printed circuit board by itself and/or with other functional components. As discussed below, one or more of the printed circuit boards are secured to another printed circuit board using an electrical flex connector  100 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , an electrical flex (female) connector  100  in accordance with aspects of the present invention is illustrated. The electrical flex connector  100  may be made from a conductive material or a non-conductive material depending on the design and the needs of the application. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the electrical flex connector  100  is formed from a body  102 . In one embodiment, the body  102  is generally a unitary construction manufactured from a resilient material. For example, the electrical flex connector  100  may be manufactured from spring steel, titanium, steel, or any other resilient conductive and/or non-conductive material. 
   The electrical flex connector  100  may be manufactured in any desired manner. One manner of manufacturing the electrical flex connector  100  is by die cutting a desired material (e.g., spring steel) and applying compressive force on the body  102  to achieve the structure discussed below. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that there are a variety of ways to form the electrical flex connector  100  in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
   The body  102  includes a fixation portion  104  for affixing the electrical flex connector  100  to an associated printed circuit board  106  (illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 9 ) or another substrate for securing to the printed circuit board. The fixation portion  104  may have any desired configuration and may vary based on form factor, desired connection functionality and/or other criteria. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the fixation portion  104  includes a first side  108  formed between a second side  110  and a third side  112 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the fixation portion  104  is U-shaped and configured to receive a male flex connector (through the open end). The fixation portion  104  may be soldered or otherwise secured to a printed circuit board by an adhesive, tape or glue. 
   The electrical flex connector  100  includes a first tab member  114  for exerting a compressive force on an associated flex connector to securely hold the associated flex connector between the first tab member and the associated printed circuit board. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the tab member  114  extends upward from the first side  108  in a cantilever manner. As used herein, cantilever means a member supported at only one end. 
   The first tab member  114  generally extends from the first side  108  into a region defined by the second and third sides  110 ,  112  of the fastening portion  104 . The first tab member  114  includes a first end  116  extending in a cantilever manner from the first side  108  and a second free end  118  having an edge portion  120  configured to facilitate receiving an associated flex connector. The second free end  118  of the first tab member includes a contact portion  122  adjacent the edge portion  120  for maintaining a secure connection between the contacts of the printed circuit board and the contacts provided on the flex connector, as described below. 
   The electrical flex connector  100  further includes alignment guides  130 A and  130 B. The alignment guides may be located on the second and third sides  110 ,  112  of the fastening portion  104 . The alignment guides  130 A,  130 B may also be formed in the first tab member  114 . The alignment guides facilitate alignment of the associated flex connector in a lateral direction (e.g., the y-direction as illustrated in  FIG. 3 ). The alignment guides  130 A,  130 B may be positioned in any desired position. In one embodiment, alignment guides  130 A,  130 B are positioned a predetermined distance from the first side, wherein the predetermined distance may based on the length of the first tab member  114 , the length of the first tab member  114  and/or any other design consideration. In another embodiment, the alignment guides may include a single alignment guide that functions in a similar manner as dual alignment guides. 
   The electrical flex connector  100  is generally configured to matingly engage with a male flex connector from another printed circuit board and/or other circuitry. The thickness of the electrical flex connector  100  is preferably less than 5 millimeters, more preferably less than 3 millimeters, and even more preferable approximately 1 millimeter or less. The thickness of the electrical flex connector  100  is preferably measured from the bottom of the fixation portion  104  to the top of the first tab  114  while in use and/or in a relaxed position. 
   The electrical flex connector  100  optionally may include a spanning member  140 . The spanning member  140  may be formed in the body  102 . The spanning member  140  extends upward from a plane formed from the second side  110  and third side  112  of the fixation portion  104 . In one embodiment, the spanning member  140 , when secured to the associated printed circuit board, forms a port  142  (shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  7  and  9 ) with the associated printed circuit board for receiving the associated flex connector. 
   The spanning member  140  may include a second tab member  144  formed therein. The second tab member  144  generally extends from the spanning member  140  toward the first side  108  of the fastening portion  104  to secure the flex connector cable in an axial direction (e.g., in the x-direction), as shown in  FIG. 3 . In another embodiment, the second tab member  144  may extend from the spanning member  140  in a direction opposite the first side  108  to secure the flex connector cable in an axial direction, as shown in  FIG. 9 . Like the first tab member  114 , the second tab member  140  generally includes a first end  146  extending in a cantilever manner from the spanning member  140  and a second free end  148  having an edge portion configured to facilitate removal of the associated flex connector from the port. The second free end  148  of the second tab member  140  includes a contact portion  150  adjacent the edge portion for contacting and securing the associated flex connector. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 4-8 , a method of securing an electrical connector to a printed circuit board is illustrated. Referring to  FIG. 4 , one or more contact patterns  200  are formed on a printed circuit board  100 . The one or more contact patterns  200  are shown formed in and/or otherwise secured to a printed circuit board  106 . For purposes of clarity, only the contact pattern  200  and the printed circuit board  106  are illustrated. The contact pattern  200  may be any desired form and include multiple patterns. Generally, each contact that is electrically isolated from another contact in the contact pattern  200  corresponds to an independent signal that may receive and/or transmit signals to and/or from one or more circuits populated on the printed circuit board  106  and/or otherwise coupled to one of the contacts associated with the contact pattern  200 . 
   For example, the contact pattern  200  includes two distinct patterns. The first pattern  202  corresponds to several independent signals that may be used to facilitate communication between printed circuit board  106  and another printed circuit board and/or circuit through a cable having corresponding contacts. The second pattern  204  extends generally around three sides of the periphery of the first pattern  202 . The signal along all three sides of the second pattern  204  is generally substantially identical. The second pattern  204  may be used to provide a common ground signal to the connector  100  for use by connector  100  and the received male connector to provide ESD protection. 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , a securing agent  206  is applied over at least a portion of the second pattern  204 . The securing agent  206  and the second pattern  204 , in this example, generally correspond to the fixation portion  104  of the electrical flex connector  100  to the printed circuit board  106 . The securing agent  206  may be any soldering agent (e.g., tin paste), adhesive (e.g. pressure sensitive adhesive, curing adhesive, etc.), tape and/or glue, alone or in combination, that is capable securely mounting the electrical flex connector  100  to the printed circuit board  106 . In one embodiment, the securing agent  206  is a solder pad that includes a soldering agent comprised of tin paste. The tin paste soldering agent functions to assist in the positioning of the connector on the pattern of the printed circuit board along the solder pad by the use of capillary forces when the solder pad is in a liquid state. 
   Referring to  FIG. 6 , an electrical flex connector  100 , as described above is placed on the securing agent  206  (e.g., fixation pattern) to secure the electrical flex connector  100  to the printed circuit board  106 . This may be accomplished by any means know in the art or later developed technology. For example, a pick and place machine may be used to securely place the connector  100  in the proper position on the printed circuit board  106 . As show in  FIG. 6 , the electrical flex connector  100  is positioned over one or more contact patterns  200  that form an electrical connection from the associated printed circuit board  106  to the associated flex connector. When a soldering agent is used, it may be desirable to heat (or otherwise bake) at least a portion of the printed circuit board (e.g., the securing agent  206 ) in order to wet the soldering agent for affixing the connector to the printed circuit board. One advantage of using a tin paste soldering agent is that capillary forces associated with the tin paste soldering agent when in a liquid form function to properly position the connector on the printed circuit board. Generally the capillary forces are generated based on the configuration (e.g., size, thickness, orientation, geometry, etc.) of the securing agent on the printed circuit board. 
     FIG. 7  illustrates a male flex connector  300  from a cable  302  affixed to the electrical flex connector  100 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the male flex connector  300  may be inserted and removed. Curved portions near the edges of the free ends  120 ,  152  allow easy insertion of the male connector  300  in to the electrical flex connector  100 . The curved portions allow the tab members  114 ,  146  to bend upward and give way to the male flex connector  300  during insertion. Upon removal of the male flex connector  300 , the tab members  114  and  146  preferably enter their relaxed positions. Preferably the distance between contact points  150  and  122  and the plane of the printed circuit board that forms the port for entry of the male flex connector  300 , respectively is smaller in the relaxed state than when the male flex connector  300  is inserted into the port. This allows for increased mechanically stability of the male flex connector  300  in the female flex connector  100 . 
     FIG. 8  illustrates a bottom view (with the printed circuit board removed) of the female connector  100  engages with the male connector  300 . As shown, when the male connector  300  is fully engaged with the female connector  100 , the contacts  350  of the male connector are positioned over the contact of the printed circuit board (not shown). The tab members  114  and  146  exert a compressive force against male connector  300  into the printed circuit board (removed for illustration purposes. 
     FIG. 9  illustrates another embodiment of female connector  360  in accordance with another aspect of the present invention. The female connector  360  includes a third tab member  362 . The third tab member  362  may be configured to be any desired size and/or configuration. For example, the third tab member  362  may be the same size as the first tab member  114  and/or a size that is dependent on the number of contacts in which the third tab member  362  may be positioned over. The third tab member  362  may be positioned over another set of contacts  368 , as shown in  FIG. 10  for securing the contacts of the male connector to the contacts of the printed circuit board. The connector  360  optionally includes second tab member  144  for securing the male connector  300  to the printed circuit board. 
   The third tab member  362  generally includes a first end  370  extending from the spanning member  140  and a second free end  372  having an edge portion configured to facilitate insertion and/or removal of the associated flex connector from the port  142 . The second free end  372  of the second tab member  362  includes a contact portion  374  adjacent the edge portion for contacting and securing the associated flex connector. Generally, the contact portion  374  extends toward printed circuit board and confines a portion of the port  142  when in its relaxed state. When a male connector is inserted, the contact portion  374  extends away from the printed circuit board and exerts a compressive force on the male connector. 
   In one embodiment, the third tab  362  is configured to be positioned over the contacts  368 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . For example, when the male connector  300  is fully engaged with the female connector  360 , the contacts  368  of the male connector are positioned over the contact of the printed circuit board (not shown) and the second set of contacts  368  of the male connector are positioned over corresponding contacts of the printed circuit board (not shown), in a similar manner as discussed above with respect to  FIG. 8 . 
   The contacts  368  may be electrically connected to contacts  350 , be independent of each other, or some may be electrically connected and others may be independent. Such configuration allows the designer great functionality to securely mate a wide variety of contacts between the printed circuit board contacts and the contacts of the male connector  300 . 
   A method  400  of using an electrical connector provided on a printed circuit board is shown in  FIG. 11 . At block  402 , one or more contact patterns are provided on a printed circuit board  106 . 
   At block  404 , an electrical flex connector (female)  100  is provided over the one or more contact patterns. The electrical flex connector  100  is identical to the connector  100  described above. At block  406 , a male electrical flex connector  300  is received at the port formed by the spanning member and the printed circuit board  106 . At block  408 , the flex connector is guided to the proper lateral position by the user sliding the connector  300  against at least one of the alignment guides  130 A and  130 B. 
   During insertion of the male flex connector  300  through the spanning member  146  and upon engaging the second tab member  148 , the flex connector exerts a force against the male flex connector  300 , which causes the contact  150  of the free end  148  of the second tab member  146  to move upward (away from the printed circuit board  106 ) and allow the male flex connector  300  to traverse past the second tab member  146  and engage the first tab member  114 . The edge  120  of the first tab member engages the male flex connector  300  and upon a sufficient amount of insertion force, the male flex connector  300  causes the free end of the first tab member  114  to move upward (away from the printed circuit board) and allows the male flex connector  300  to advance until the contacts of the male flex connector  300  are aligned with the corresponding contacts of the 200 associated with the printed circuit board  106 . When the flex connector is properly positioned in the electrical connector, the second tab member  114  exerts a compressive force on the flex connector to maintain mechanical stability and electrical conductivity between the male flex connector  300  and the contacts of the printed circuit board. 
   Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, it is understood that equivalents and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of the specification. The present invention includes all such equivalents and modifications, and is limited only by the scope of the following claims.