Patent Publication Number: US-2019190196-A1

Title: Modular electronic building systems and methods of using the same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/607,145 filed Dec. 18, 2017 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/733,306, filed Sep. 19, 2018, each of the disclosures of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     This application is related to co-pending U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/845,730, filed on Dec. 18, 2017, each of the disclosures of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/975,923, entitled “Modular Electronic Building Systems with Magnetic Interconnections and Methods of Using the Same,” filed Aug. 26, 2013, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/728,103, entitled “Modular Electronic Building Systems with Magnetic Interconnections and Methods of Using the Same,” filed Nov. 19, 2012, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/593,891, entitled “Modular Electronic Building Systems with Magnetic Interconnections and Methods of Using the Same,” filed Aug. 24, 2012, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/527,860, filed Aug. 26, 2011, each of the disclosures of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/228,707, entitled “Modular Electronic Building Systems with Magnetic Interconnections and Methods of Using the Same,” filed Aug. 4, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/696,922, entitled “Modular Electronic Building Systems with Magnetic Interconnections and Methods of Using the Same,” filed Apr. 27, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/593,891, entitled “Modular Electronic Building Systems with Magnetic Interconnections and Methods of Using the Same,” filed Aug. 24, 2012, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/527,860, filed Aug. 26, 2011, each of the disclosures of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Embodiments are described herein that relate to devices and methods used in the field of electronics and, more particularly, to electronic building blocks and toy building sets. 
     Some known building block systems can include inter-connectable electronic components that can be used to create various projects, toys and electronic products. Some such systems can be intimidating, time consuming, and demand an expert skill set, as well as specialized hardware/software platforms. This makes building objects with lights, sounds, buttons and other electronic components very difficult and prohibitive to, for example, kids, young students, designers, non-engineers, and others lacking electronics experience. As advances in the miniaturization of technology increase, the need for electronics to be more accessible to non-experts in a cost effective manner continues to grow. Some electronic building systems exist that have been simplified to allow users to be able to design and assemble electronic products, objects, items, etc. without specialized skills; with the ever changing technology of electronics and the desire of people to experience new challenges, however, the need for improved electronic building systems continues to increase. 
     Thus, a need exists for a new and/or improved simple, easy to use, accessible electronic building block system that can enable the design and assembly of complex, interdependent systems. Such a system would enhance learning, enable experimentation and promote innovation. A need also exists for a building block system that can be used in conjunction with and be inter-connectable with other building block systems, and/or to be used or combined with other traditional materials such as paper, cardboard, screws, or other electronic components. 
     SUMMARY 
     In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a first connector including a first housing portion having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a second connector including a second housing portion having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface. The second housing portion has a form factor that substantially corresponds to a form factor of the first housing portion. A circuit board having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface is permanently coupled to the first housing portion of the first connector and permanently coupled to the second housing portion of the second connector such that a first portion of the bottom surface of the circuit board contacts at least a portion of the top surface of the first housing portion of the first connector and such that a second portion of the bottom surface of the circuit board contacts at least a portion of the top surface of the second housing portion of the second connector. A contact assembly is coupled to the first housing of the first connector such that at least a portion of the contact assembly electrically and directly engages a portion of the bottom surface of the circuit board. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1A  is a schematic illustration of an electronic building system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 1B-1E  are each a schematic illustration of a side view of a module of an electronic building block system, according to an embodiment, and  FIG. 1F  is a schematic illustration of a top view of the three modules of  FIGS. 1B-1D  coupled together. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a first end of a module of an electronic building block system, according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a second end opposite the first end of the module of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the module shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         FIG. 5A  is a top view of the module of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         FIG. 5B  is a side cross-sectional view of the module of  FIG. 5A  taken along line  5 B- 5 B in  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 6  is an end view of the module of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         FIG. 7  is an opposite end view than  FIG. 6  of the module of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of the module of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         FIG. 9  is an opposite side view than  FIG. 7  of the module of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 10A  is a partial exploded perspective view and  FIG. 10B  is a partial exploded side view of the module of  FIGS. 2 and 3  showing the circuit board detached from the connectors. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a first connector of the module of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         FIG. 12  is a partial exploded perspective view of the connector of  FIG. 11 , showing the contact assembly and magnets detached from the connector. 
         FIG. 13  is a partial exploded perspective view of the connector of  FIG. 11 , showing the contact assembly exploded. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a second connector of the module of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         FIG. 15  is a partial exploded perspective view of the connector of  FIG. 14 , showing the contact assembly and magnets detached from the connector. 
         FIG. 16  is a partial exploded perspective view of the connector of  FIG. 14 , showing the contact assembly exploded. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the module of  FIGS. 2 and 3  shown being coupled to another module of the electronic building block system. 
         FIG. 18A  is a perspective view of a first end of a module of an electronic building block system, according to another embodiment;  FIG. 18B  is a perspective view of a second opposite end of the module of  FIG. 18A . 
         FIG. 19A  is a top view of the module of  FIGS. 18A and 18B . 
         FIG. 19B  is a bottom view of the module of  FIGS. 18A and 18B . 
         FIG. 20A  is a side view of the module of  FIGS. 18A and 18B . 
         FIG. 20B  is a side view opposite the side view of  FIG. 20A  of the module of  FIGS. 18A and 18B . 
         FIG. 21A  is an end view of the module of  FIGS. 18A and 18B . 
         FIG. 21B  is an end view opposite the end view of  FIG. 21A  of the module of  FIGS. 18A and 18B . 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the module of  FIGS. 18A and 18B  shown coupled to another module of the electronic building block system. 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the modules of  FIG. 22  shown coupled together and coupled to a component of a different building block system. 
         FIG. 24A-24C  are each a schematic illustration of a side view of a different embodiment of a module. 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of a module of an electronic building block system, according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 26  is an exploded view of the module of the electronic building block system of  FIG. 25 . 
         FIG. 27  is a bottom perspective view of the module of the electronic building block system of  FIG. 25 . 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of the module of the electronic building block system of  FIG. 25  shown coupled to a component of a different building block system. 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of multiple modules of the electronic building block system of  FIG. 25 . 
         FIG. 30A  is a first end perspective view of a module of an electronic building block system, according to another embodiment, with the circuit board shown transparent for illustration purposes. 
         FIG. 30B  is a second end perspective view opposite the first end of  FIG. 30  of the module of the electronic building block system of  FIG. 30 . 
         FIG. 31  illustrates a perspective view of two modules of  FIGS. 30A and 30B  coupled together. 
         FIG. 32A  is a first end perspective view of the module of the electronic building block system of  FIG. 30A  with the circuit board and adapters removed for illustration purposes. 
         FIG. 32B  is a partial exploded view of the module of the electronic building block system of  FIG. 30A  without the contact assemblies for illustration purposes. 
         FIG. 33  is a bottom perspective view of the module of the electronic building block system of  FIG. 30A . 
         FIG. 34A  is a perspective view of a first adapter of the module of the electronic building block system of  FIG. 30A . 
         FIG. 34B  is a perspective view of a second adapter of the module of the electronic building system of  FIG. 30A . 
         FIG. 35  is a side perspective view of the module of the electronic building block system of  FIG. 30A . 
         FIG. 36A  is a first end view of the module of the electronic building block system of  FIG. 30A . 
         FIG. 36B  is a second end view opposite the first end view of  FIG. 36A  of the electronic building block system of  FIG. 30A . 
         FIG. 37  is a top view of the module of the electronic building block system of  FIG. 30A . 
         FIG. 38  is a bottom view of the module of the electronic building block system of  FIG. 30A . 
         FIG. 39  is a first end perspective view of a module of an electronic building block system, according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 40  is a second end perspective view opposite the first end of  FIG. 39  of the module of the electronic building block system. 
         FIG. 41  is an exploded view of the module of the electronic building block system of  FIG. 39 . 
         FIG. 42  is a bottom perspective view of the module of the electronic building block system of  FIG. 39 . 
         FIG. 43  is a perspective view of the module of the electronic building block system of  FIG. 39  shown coupled to a component of a different building block system. 
         FIG. 44  is a perspective view of multiple modules of the electronic building block system of  FIG. 39 . 
         FIG. 45  is a side perspective view of a module of an electronic building block system, according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 46  is a side perspective view opposite the side perspective view of  FIG. 45  of the module for an electronic building block system of  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 47  is a bottom perspective view of the module for an electronic building block system of  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 48  is a side view of the module for an electronic building block system of  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 49A  is a first end view of the module for an electronic building block system of  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 49B  is a second end view opposite the first end view of  FIG. 49A  of the module for an electronic building block system of  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 50A  is an exploded side perspective view of the module for an electronic building block system of  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 50B  is an exploded side perspective view opposite the side perspective view of  FIG. 50A  of the module for an electronic building block system of  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 51  is a side perspective view of the module for an electronic building block system of  FIG. 45  with the caps removed for illustration purposes. 
         FIG. 52  is a side perspective view of the housing structure of the module for an electronic building block system of  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 53  is a top view of the housing structure of the module for an electronic building block system of  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 54A  is a top view of the module for an electronic building block system of  FIG. 45  with the circuit board and caps removed for illustration purposes. 
         FIG. 54B  is a side perspective view of a magnet of the module for an electronic building block system of  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 55  is a top view illustrating two of the modules of the electronic building block system of  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 56  is a bottom perspective view of the circuit boards and contact assemblies of the two modules of the electronic building block system of  FIG. 55 . 
         FIG. 57  is a top view illustrating four modules of the electronic building block system of  FIGS. 45-56  shown coupled together. 
         FIG. 58A  is a top view of the power module of  FIG. 57 . 
         FIG. 58B  is an end perspective view of the power module of  FIG. 58A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In some embodiments, an electronic educational toy or a modular electronic building block system is provided that can teach the logic of programming and circuit building without requiring expertise in either. In some embodiments, the modular electronic building block system (also referred to herein as “system” or “block system” or “electronic building system”) includes modules that include pre-assembled printed circuit boards (PCB) and connectors coupled to the PCB. The connectors can be interconnected using, at least in part, small magnets. Each module (also referred to as a “block”) can perform one or more discrete functions (e.g., an LED, a pushbutton, a light sensor with a threshold, etc.), and the modules can be combined to produce larger circuits. Some modules can respond to external events such as mechanical forces, touch, proximity, radio frequency signals, environmental conditions, etc. Some blocks can have pre-engineered functionalities and some blocks simply pass current like wire blocks. Yet other blocks can provide current, such as, for example, a power module. 
     In some embodiments, the modules described herein may be divided into categories corresponding to their function. Examples of categories can include, but are not limited to: power modules, input modules, output modules, wire modules, etc. Power modules, for example, can take current from a battery, an AC adapter (e.g., wall wart), or other power source, and convert it into current, feeding the other components of the system. In any working configuration of modules, there may be at least one power module. Input modules can include, but are not limited to: buttons, switches, sensors, etc. Output modules can include, but are not limited to: LEDs, displays, sound modules, motors, etc. In some embodiments, wire modules may not perform a particular function, but act as wire extensions, configuration changers, and in some cases logic and state modules. 
     In some embodiments, the general electrical operation of the system can include modules that can include a standard interface and communicate automatically when connected. In some embodiments, each module can include three or more electrical lines and such lines are interconnected between and throughout all modules. For example, the electrical lines can each be coupled to one or more conductors of a module. These lines can include, for example, data, power, signal and ground. In some embodiments, a module(s) can have at least three conductors, and includes three electrical lines including a power line, a signal line and a ground line. In some embodiments, power and signal lines of the power modules are at 5 Volts, the system is relatively low power, and the power and ground lines are shared among all the modules. In other exemplary embodiments, the power may be something other than 5 Volts such as, for example, 3V, 9V, 12V, 15V, alternating current (AC), etc. In some embodiments, a power line of a first module of a module system can provide power at a different voltage than a power line of another module of the module system. Input modules can take the incoming signal, manipulate it according to the module&#39;s function, and output the modified signal. In the case of a pressure sensor connected to a power module, for example, the sensor module takes 5 Volts into the signal line, and outputs a voltage between 0 and 5 Volts depending on the amount of pressure applied to the sensor. Output modules respond to the signal line by representing the voltage in light, sound, display, movement, or other forms. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor scales the input signal in proportion to the pressure at the sensor, and passes that scaled signal to the output. Output modules transform or transduce incoming signal information into perceivable actions, such as light, sound, motion, or other perceivable actions. 
     All modules are pre-assembled, pre-engineered, and contain the logic and circuitry used to make the module readily usable. For example, an LED module can contain a resistor corresponding to its current rating, an Operation Amplifier (OpAmp) as a buffer from the remainder of the circuit, or any other conceivable electronic circuitry. In another example, a coin cell battery module can incorporate a discharge protection circuit. In some exemplary embodiments, the system does not require any hardware or software platform. In other exemplary embodiments, the system may include a hardware and/or software platform. In some embodiments, the modules can be programmed. In some embodiments, the modules do not need to be programmed and do not require a central circuit controlling them. In such embodiments, the system can be standalone and does not need a computer or hub. In some embodiments, however, the system may be connected to a device such as a computer, hub, memory storage, or personal electronic mobile device, such as, for example, a cellular phone, smart phone, etc., to access or produce additional functionality or to retrieve information or power from the device. 
     In some embodiments, an electronic building system as described herein can include logic and state modules that can be used for programming. Such modules can enable a user to program certain behaviors of his/her designed system without needing to learn a programming language, to write code on a computer, or to program a microcontroller circuit. For example, programming can be done through using logic modules to produce decision trees. In some embodiments, microcontroller programming can be done on the system. Also, a module can include feature controls, such as, for example, switches, knobs and buttons that enable selection of modes of behavior. Some modules can allow for the selection of a mode or adjustment of their behavior. For instance, a proximity sensor module can contain a mode switch and a potentiometer. Through the manipulation of the embedded potentiometer, the threshold level can be set, determining the input signal level beyond which the module should output a high. Also, by, for example, flipping a switch, the module can go from normally-high to normally-low, in essence inverting its response to the desired threshold. In some embodiments, this functionality can be implemented in software as well. 
     In some embodiments, a system as described herein can provide and include multiple electrical modules selectively couplable together to transmit electrical current from one electrical module to another electrical module, each module having at least one functionality associated therewith and including a connector adapted to couple to a connector of another electrical module. When the modules are coupled together (e.g., via the connectors), a functionality of at least one of the electrical modules can be dependent upon at least another one of the electrical modules. 
     In some embodiments, a system can include one or more modules that can communicate with one another via a wireless communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth radios). In other words, one or more modules can communicate with each other without being mechanically coupled together. 
     In some embodiments, a system as described herein can include at least four different categories of modules: power; input; output; and wire; although more types of modules are possible. Power modules provide electricity to the system. Input modules can interpret data or their surroundings and provide that input to the system. Output modules can make visual, physical, or audible changes to their surroundings based on input(s) to the system. Thus, the output modules can produce perceivable sensory or physical events. Wire modules can route power and/or communication between the modules in the system. Wire modules can also modify the electrical signals. 
     Many different types of modules are possible in each category, including but not limited to the following: (i) power modules, including for example, wall power modules, battery power modules, solar power modules, discharge protection circuits; (ii) input modules, including for example, pulse modules, pressure sensor modules, proximity modules, input recording modules, potentiometer modules, button modules, temperature modules, accelerometer modules, memory modules, timer modules; (iii) output modules, including, for example, motion modules, motor modules, vibration motor modules, fan modules, RGB LED modules, LED modules, bar graph modules, speaker modules, electroluminescent wire modules and display modules such as organic light emitting diodes (OLED) modules, or liquid crystal display (LCD) modules; and (iv) logic modules, including, for example, wire modules of various lengths, extender modules, splitter modules, programmable microcontroller unit (MCU) modules, and interface modules. Any known type of circuit or electronic component or combination of components may be used to create a module and thus form a portion of a system built using such components. 
     In some embodiments, when a first power module is connected to a second module, the power signal from the power module is transferred from the power module to the second module. Accordingly, the second module is powered by the first module. If, for example, a button module, sensor module, or other type of module is placed somewhere between the first power module and a second module, the signal or current may be affected by the action of the button module or the sensor module. For example, the signal or current may not pass (or, alternatively, may continuously pass) from the first module (power module) to the second module unless the button on the button module is depressed or the sensor on the sensor module is activated. Similarly, if a sensor module is only partially activated, then only partial current is transferred from the first module (power module) to the second module  34 . 
     The modules described herein may be provided as individual modules or provided as part of a set or kit. A kit can include, for example, standard module components as well as specialized components such as sensor sets, mechanical sets, biological sets, sound sets, etc. 
     According to some embodiments, a kit that can include at least a portion of a building block system having multiple modules as well other supporting components, such as, for example, accessory components to allow a user to build a particular electronic device, such as, for example, a lamp, a toy vehicle, a light switch dimmer, etc. In some embodiments a kit may include one or more different category of modules (power, input, output, and/or wire), one or more different types of each category of modules, a container in which to store the modules, a mounting board or substrate upon which to place or couple modules, learning materials, accessories, instructions, or a variety of other components. For example, a kit may include multiple modules that may be connected in an almost unlimited number of combinations to perform numerous different input and output functions. In other exemplary embodiments, the kit may also include a limited number of modules that are intended to be assembled in a limited number of combinations, including a single combination, to perform a limited number of functions. For example, for a kit intended to be used to build a particular functional system, the kit can include as many as tens or hundreds or more modules, or it can include just two modules (a power module and an output module). In some embodiments, a kit may include modules and components intended to augment an existing module library or existing kit, in which case it may include just one type of module, such as, for example, a kit of only wire modules or only output modules. A kit may also be directed to a certain age group, with a kit for an elementary level including fewer and/or less complicated modules than a kit designed for a high school level, for example. In some embodiments, a kit may include instructions, videos, or other means, which inform the user as to one or more possible combinations of the modules. For example, the instructions may instruct the user how to assemble the modules into a battery-powered motion sensor that emits an audible alarm upon detection of movement. 
     In some embodiments, a system can be adapted to give access to sophisticated devices through, for example, analog or other interfaces. Example complex devices may include, but are not limited to, LCD displays, OLED screens, timers, accelerometers, logic gates, and many more. In some embodiments, this may be accomplished by pre-engineering one or more modules and providing “entry points” into the devices. The entry points can be, for example, knobs or switches that allow the user to adjust the intensity or frequency of pulsing, change modes of operation, set thresholds, make decisions, or remember a configuration, among many other operations. These may be considered “entry points” because they are based on similar devices that people know how to use from their everyday lives. The example modular systems described herein may take lessons and iconography from consumer electronics (such as, for example, blenders, DVD players, alarm clocks, game consoles) and apply them to these semi-raw electronic modules. 
     An example entry point module may include an OLED screen module, which includes an SD card slot in which users can insert an SD card preloaded with images and video. Images and videos may also be provided by a connected edge-router module and sent to another module via a digital communication protocol. The OLED screen module may also include a microcontroller on-board, which is pre-programmed with firmware to access and display the images. In some embodiments, also integrated in the OLED screen module may be a toggle switch and a knob, where the toggle switch selects between fixed images/video or looping and the knob adjusts the looping speed. In the above example, even though the circuit board and firmware itself may be complex, the end result will be an easy-to-use OLED screen module with appropriate iconography that may be accessible to children and novice users alike. The exemplary system may allow for and include the pre-engineering and design of numerous other complex modules similar to the OLED screen example. 
     In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a first connector portion including a first housing portion having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a second connector portion including a second housing portion having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface. The second housing portion has a form factor that substantially corresponds to a form factor of the first housing portion. A circuit board having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface is permanently coupled to the first housing portion of the first connector portion and permanently coupled to the second housing portion of the second connector portion such that a first portion of the bottom surface of the circuit board contacts at least a portion of the top surface of the first housing portion of the first connector portion and such that a second portion of the bottom surface of the circuit board contacts at least a portion of the top surface of the second housing portion of the second connector portion. A contact assembly is coupled to the first housing of the first connector portion such that at least a portion of the contact assembly electrically and directly engages a portion of the bottom surface of the circuit board. 
     In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a first connector portion including a housing portion having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a front surface facing in a direction that is substantially transverse to the bottom surface and the top surface. A contact assembly is coupled to the housing of the first connector portion and has at least one contact that extends outwardly from the front surface of the housing portion of the first connector portion. A circuit board having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface is permanently coupled to the first connector portion such that at least a portion of the bottom surface of the circuit board contacts at least a portion of the top surface of the housing portion of the first connector portion and at least a portion of the contact assembly electrically and directly engages a portion of the bottom surface of the circuit board. The first connector portion can be coupled to a second connector portion of another apparatus distinct from the apparatus such that a portion of the front surface of the housing portion of the first connector portion engages a portion of a front surface of a housing portion of the second connector portion and at least a portion of the contact assembly electrically engages at least a portion of a contact assembly coupled to the housing of the second connector portion. 
     In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a first connector portion including a first housing portion having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface and including a front surface. A second connector portion includes a second housing portion having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface and includes a front surface. A circuit board is permanently coupled to the first housing portion of the first connector portion and permanently coupled to the second housing portion of the second connector portion. A first contact assembly is coupled to the first housing portion of the first connector portion and includes multiple protrusions. A second contact assembly is coupled to the second housing portion of the second connector portion and defines multiple recesses. Each protrusion from the multiple protrusions of the first contact assembly are configured to be slidably received within a different recess from multiple recesses of a third contact assembly coupled to a third connector portion of a second apparatus distinct from the apparatus when the first connector portion is removably coupled to the third connector. Each recess from the multiple recesses of the second contact assembly are configured to slidably receive a different protrusion from multiple protrusions of a fourth contact assembly coupled to a fourth connector portion of a third apparatus distinct from the apparatus and distinct from the second apparatus when the second connector portion is removably coupled to the fourth connector portion. 
     In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a first connector portion that includes a first housing portion having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a front surface facing in a direction substantially traverse to the bottom surface and the top surface of the first housing portion. A second connector portion includes a second housing portion having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a front surface facing in a direction substantially traverse to the bottom surface and the top surface of the second housing portion. A contact assembly is coupled to the first housing portion of the first connector portion and has at least one contact. The second connector portion includes a receiving pocket configured to receive a contact assembly of a third connector portion of a second apparatus distinct from the apparatus. A circuit board has a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface of the circuit board. The circuit board is permanently coupled to the first connector portion such that at least a portion of the bottom surface of the circuit board contacts at least a portion of the top surface of the first housing portion of the first connector portion and at least a portion of the contact assembly electrically and directly engages a portion of the bottom surface of the circuit board. The circuit board is permanently coupled to the second connector portion such that at least a portion of the bottom surface of the circuit board contacts at least a portion of the top surface of the second housing portion of the second connector portion. 
     Referring now to the figures,  FIG. 1A  is a schematic illustration of a modular electronic building block system, according to an embodiment.  FIGS. 1B-1E  each illustrate an example of a different module  120 , and  FIG. 1F  illustrates three modules of  FIGS. 1B-1D  coupled together. The modular electronic building block system  100  (also referred to herein as “system”, “block system” or “electronic building block system” or “electronic building system”) can include one or more electronic modules  120  (also referred to herein as “modules,” “blocks,” or “electronic blocks”) that can each be removably coupled to at least one other module  120 .  FIG. 1A  illustrates two modules  120 . Each module  120  can include a printed circuit board  122  (also referred to as “PCB” or “circuit board”) coupled to two or more connectors or connector portions, such as connectors  124  and  126 , shown in  FIG. 1A . In some embodiments, a module  120  may have only a single connector  124 ,  126 . The circuit board  122  can include various associated electronic or electrical components to perform various desired functions, and include at least two interfaces (e.g., an input interface and an output interface). In some embodiments, the circuit board  122  can include, for example, two input interfaces and two output interfaces. Although the circuit board  122  is shown having a particular length and width, it should be understood that the circuit board  122  can have different lengths and widths than the example embodiments shown and described. It should also be understood that although the circuit board  122  is shown as being rectangular, the circuit board  122  can alternatively be a variety of different shapes, e.g., square, triangular, etc. 
     The connectors (also referred to herein as connector portions)  124  and  126  can each include a housing or housing portion  128  that can be fixedly or permanently coupled to the circuit board  122  with, for example, a mechanical fastener (e.g., bolt, screw, rivet, etc.). In other embodiments, the connectors can be coupled to the circuit board with a friction fit, and in yet other embodiments, the connectors can be coupled to the circuit board with a spring-loaded mechanism. As shown in the schematic illustrations of  FIGS. 1B-1E , the circuit board  122  is coupled to the connectors  124  and  126  such that a bottom surface of the circuit board  122  contacts at least a portion of a top surface of the connectors  124  and  126 . Thus, the circuit board  122  is disposed over the connectors  124  and  126 . In some embodiments, when the circuit board  122  is coupled to the connectors  124 ,  126 , at least a portion of a front surface of the circuit board  122  is aligned or substantially aligned with a front surface of the connectors  124 ,  126 , and/or a side surface of the circuit board  122  is aligned or substantially aligned with a side surface of the connectors  124 ,  126 . 
     In some embodiments, a module  120  can include a single housing structure that includes the housings or housing portions  128  for each connector  124 ,  126  and a base portion between the housing portions  128 . In other words, the housings  128  for each connector  124 ,  126  are monolithically formed as a single component. In some embodiments, such a housing structure can define in part an interior region or volume, in which components of the module  120  can be disposed such as circuitry and other electrical hardware. 
     The housing  128  can be the same or substantially the same form factor for both connectors  124  and  126  as described in more detail below. In other words, the connector  124  and the connector  126  each include the same or common housing  128 . In alternative embodiments, the connectors  124  and  126  can each include a different form factor housing  128 . The housing  128  can be for example, formed with an appropriate plastic material and be injection molded. The housing  128  can be a single injection molded component or can include multiple components coupled together (e.g., with ultrasonic welding, friction fit, or with fasteners). The housing  128  can define one or more receptacles (not shown in  FIG. 1A ) that can receive therein a magnet that can be used to removably couple a connector (e.g.,  124 ) of one module  120  to a connector (e.g.,  126 ) of another module  120  as described in more detail below. The receptacles can have an open end at a top surface portion of the housing  128  and a closed bottom end. Thus, when a magnet is disposed within the receptacle, the magnet can rest on a bottom surface at the closed end of the receptacle. 
     The magnets on one connector (e.g.,  124 ) of a module  120  can have the north face of the magnet(s) facing out and the other connector (e.g.,  126 ) of the module  120  can have the south face of the magnet(s) facing out. The south facing side of the connector of one module  120  can only be coupled to the north facing side of a connector on another module  120 . This ensures proper connection and appropriate polarity for the electronic circuit/PCB of the modules. The repelling polarities inhibit the magnets from one connector (e.g.,  124 ,  126 ) connecting to another connector (e.g.,  124 ,  126 ) in an inappropriate manner to facilitate the electrical connection of the modules  120  in the correct manner. For example, a connector with a magnet with the north face of the magnet facing outward cannot be coupled to another connector with a magnet with the north face of the magnet facing outward. In some embodiments, multiple magnets having alternating or identical polarities can also be used in the manner described above. 
     In some embodiments, the connectors (e.g.,  124 ,  126 ) of a module  120  can also include an interlocking coupling mechanism (not shown in  FIGS. 1A-1F ) that includes at least one protrusion and at least one recess defined by the housing  128  that can interlock, mate, or complimentarily fit with at least one recess and at least one protrusion, respectively, of another connector of another module  120 . In some embodiments, the interlocking mechanism can include at least one protrusion and at least one recess that is provided by another component of the module  120  such as the contact assembly (not show in  FIGS. 1A-1F ) as described in more detail below with respect to specific embodiments. The interlocking of the protrusions and recesses can inhibit the modules  120  from sliding laterally or side-to-side with respect to each other when removably coupled together. Thus, a connector of one module can be coupled to a connector of another module with the magnets and/or the interlocking coupling mechanism. When a first module  120  is removably coupled to a second module  120  (via the magnets of the connectors  124 ,  126 ), a front surface of the connector of the first module  120  contacts a front surface of the connector of the second module. In some embodiments, when a first module  120  is removably coupled to a second module  120 , a side surface of the connector of the first module  120  can be aligned with a side surface of the connector of the second module  120 . 
     The modules  120  further include a first contact assembly (not shown in  FIGS. 1A-1F ) that can be coupled to the connector  124  and a second contact assembly (not shown in  FIGS. 1A-1F ) that can be coupled to the connector  126 . The first contact assembly and the second contact assembly can each include a base with multiple electrical contacts or conductors coupled to the base. For example, in some embodiments, the first contact assembly and the second contact assembly can each have from 2-15 contacts, or any suitable number of contacts. The first contact assembly can have the same or different number of contacts as the second contact assembly. The electrical contacts or conductors can be, for example, spring probes or small metal plate. In some embodiments, the electrical contacts can be coupled to the base with soldering; in other embodiments, the electrical contacts can be coupled to the base without soldering, with for example, mechanical couplings or by engagement of the contacts with the base. Further, in some embodiments, the first contact assembly is permanently connected to the connector  124  and to the circuit board  122  without the use of a solder connection between contacts of the contact assembly and the circuit board  122  or housing  128  of the connector  124 . Similarly, the second contact assembly can be permanently connected to the connector  126  and to the circuit board  122  without the use of a solder connection between contacts of the contact assembly and the circuit board  122  or housing  128  of the connector  126 . For example, the contact assemblies can be sandwiched at least partially between the housing  128  of the connectors  124 ,  126  and the circuit board  122  when the circuit board  122  is coupled to the housings  128  with mechanical fasteners. In some embodiments, the circuit board  122  is permanently or fixedly coupled to the housings  128  of the connectors  124 ,  126  such that the contact assemblies are maintained permanently or fixedly coupled to the connector  124 ,  126  with a pressure fit. 
     The first contact assembly and the second contact assembly can each include a base and one or more contacts coupled to the base. The base of the first contact assembly and the base of the second contact assembly can be different or can be the same or substantially the same (e.g., the same or substantially same form factor). Similarly, the contacts of the first contact assembly can be the same (e.g., the same or substantially same form factor) or different than the contacts of the second contact assembly. When the first contact assembly is coupled to the connector  124 , and the circuit board  122  is coupled to the connector  124 , a portion of the first contact assembly extends outwardly from a front surface of the connector  124  and a front surface of the circuit board  122 . When the second contact assembly is coupled to the connector  126 , and the circuit board  122  is coupled to the connector  126 , a portion of the second contact assembly extends outwardly from a portion of the circuit board  122 . The portion extending outwardly from the first contact assembly can include multiple elongate protrusions, and the portion extending outwardly from the second contact assembly can define multiple elongate recesses or slots. When a first module  120  is removably coupled to a second module  120 , the multiple elongate protrusions of a first contact assembly of the first module  120  can be received within multiple slots or recesses of a second contact assembly of the second module  120  and the contacts of the first contact assembly of the first module engage the contacts of the second contact assembly to electrically couple the first module to the second module. 
     Thus the magnets of the connectors  124 ,  126  act as magnetically polarizing and mechanically connecting elements, whereas the contact assemblies carry an electronic signal from one circuit board  122  of a first module  120  to the next circuit board  122  of a second module  120  through the mating of the connectors (e.g.,  124 ,  126 ) and the contact assemblies. In some embodiments, a connector  124  with a first contact assembly coupled thereto can be referred to as a male connector, and the corresponding connector  126  with a second contact assembly can be referred to as a female connector. As described above, the circuit board  122  can include an input interface and an output interface, and the circuit board  122  can be coupled to the connectors  124  and  126  such that one of the connectors  124 ,  126  is near the input interface of the circuit board  122 , and the other connector  124 ,  126  is near the output interface. Thus, for example, when a first module  120  is coupled to a second module  120 , the connector near the output interface of the first module  120  can be coupled to a connector near the input interface of the second module  120  such that electrical current can be carried or transferred from the first module  120  to the second module  120  via the contact assembly, and transferred to a third module  120  coupled to the second module  120  via the input interface of the second module to the output interface of the second module  120  and then to the input interface of the third module  120 . 
     The modules  120  can also be used or interconnected with components or block B of different interlocking building block systems. For example, each module  120  can be coupled to a component or block B of a LEGO® block system. More specifically, each connector  124 ,  126  can include one or more mounting portions  130  (e.g., see  FIGS. 1B-1E ) that can matingly couple to such a component or block B of a different building block system. As shown in  FIGS. 1B-1E , the mounting portions  130  extend from a bottom portion of the connectors  124 ,  126  such that the module  120  can be removably coupled to a top portion of a component B. In addition, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 1E , a module  120  can include additional adapters  164  and  166  coupled to a top surface of the circuit board  122  such that the module  120  can be coupled to a bottom portion of a component B of a different interlocking building block system. The adapters  164 ,  166  can be configured to couple the module  120  to a component B of the same interlocking building block system as the mounting portions  130  and/or to a component B of a different interlocking building block system than the mounting portions  130 . Further details of such mounting portions  130  and adapters  164  and  166  are described below with reference to module  320 . 
     Each module  120  can also include one or more electrical or electronic components  135  that can perform a particular function. Example electrical components  135  can include, power components (e.g., various type of batteries, power adapters), sensors (e.g., pressure, temperature), switches, push buttons, knobs, potentiometers, mode switches, tactile switches, timers, speakers, and other audio related components, visual components such as light components (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)), recorders, motors, fans, thermometers, etc. In some embodiments, a module  120  can include, for example, a processor, micro-processor, controller, micro-controller, firmware, or a display such as a digital display. The various electrical or electronic components can be coupled (e.g., soldered) to the circuit board  122  of a module  120 . Electrical power can be provided to the electrical components  135  via a power module (described below) and via the contact assemblies and circuit boards  122  of the modules  120  as described above. 
     As described above, various categories and types of modules  120  can also be referred to by the particular functionality the module provides. For example, a power module, a light module, a sensor module, a switch module, etc. As described above, in some embodiments, a system  100  can include at least four different categories of modules: power; input; output; and logic; although more types of modules are possible. Power modules provide electricity to the system. Input modules can interpret data or their surroundings and provide that input to the system. Output modules can make visual, physical, or audible changes to their surroundings based on signals present in the system. Wire modules can route or modify power, signals and/or communications between the modules in the system and/or interface with other systems, such as, e.g., the MIDI protocol, a digital display, dot matrix display or video display. 
     In one example, a power module  120  provides power components and can take current from a battery, an AC adapter (e.g., wall wart), or AC to DC converter, or other power source, and convert it into current, feeding the other components of the system (e.g., other electrical components of the modules coupled to the power module). Thus, in any working configuration of modules (e.g., multiple modules removably coupled together to create a desired functionality), there is typically at least one power module to supply power to the desired system. In some embodiments, some or all of the modules can include a power source. An example power module  120  is shown in the schematic illustration of  FIG. 1B  and can include, a power adapter  127  with a cord  123  that can be releasably coupled to a power source PS (shown in  FIG. 1A ). In other embodiments, a power module can include a battery block that can receive one or more batteries, a coin battery, a rechargeable battery (e.g., Lithium-Ion (L-Ion) battery or Lithium Polymer (LiPo) battery), or other type of power source within the power module itself. In some embodiments, a power module can include a battery charger, a USB port, and/or a Bluetooth or other type of component to provide wireless capabilities. 
       FIG. 1C  illustrates another example module. A tactile switch module  120  can include a push button  129  (or other type of switch) that can be coupled (e.g., soldered) onto the circuit board  122  as shown in  FIG. 1C . As described above, the circuit board  122  can have an input interface and an output interface. The tactile switch module can have, for example, a connector  126  near the input interface and a connector  124  near the output interface. The connector  126  of the tactile switch module  120  can be designed to couple with a connector near an output interface of another module  120 , and the connector  124  of the tactile switch module  120  can be designed to couple to a connector near the input interface of a different module. The tactile switch module  120  can include electrical conductors designed to complete connections between two engaging interfaces for a power line and a ground line. A signal line can go through the push button  129 , which makes or breaks the circuit, and thus transfers a modified signal line to the output interface corresponding to the module function. 
     In another example, a light emitting diode (LED) module  120  is shown in the schematic illustration of  FIG. 1D . The LED module can include, for example, a LED component  131  (e.g., a dip package LED component) coupled (e.g., soldered) to the circuit board  122 . In yet another example, a sound generator module  120  is shown in  FIG. 1E , and can include a speaker, alarm, buzzer, or other sound emitting component  161 . When, for example, the power module of  FIG. 1B  is coupled to the tactile switch module of  FIG. 1C  and the tactile switch module is coupled to the LED module as shown in  FIG. 1E , and the power module is connected to a power source, when a user pushes the push button of the switch module, a circuit is completed and the LED illuminates. The power module adapter  127  delivers power to the power module and the pre-integrated circuitry in the power module then converts the voltage to a desired voltage such as, for example, 5 Volts in the present example. If the tactile switch module is removed from between the two other modules, the LED module can be coupled directly to the power module, constant power will be delivered to the LED module and the LED will remain illuminated until the power is terminated. In the above-described example, there is one power module, one input module (the tactile switch module) and one output module (the LED module). It should be understood that this is merely one example of the various types of modules that can be coupled together to achieve a particular functionality. In other examples, the LED module could be replaced with an audio module (e.g., a buzzer module) so that when the push button of the tactile switch module is pressed, the audio module makes an audible sound (a buzzer). Many other combinations and sub-combinations are possible with different modules having different functionality all forming different circuits, with immediate response of the elements, and without any need for programming, soldering or circuit assembly. 
     In some embodiments, input (e.g., user input) need not be limited to just a mechanical input device (e.g., a mechanical switch) but also can be digital input. For example, in some embodiments, a module can have a wireless receiver, and in such an embodiment, a user can use a processor with a wireless transmitter to send a wireless signal to make an input. 
     In another example module (not shown), a power module can include a battery component, such as, for example, a coin cell battery block. The coin battery can deliver a little over 3 Volts stepped up to 5 Volts by the electronic circuit of the module. The circuit can also include a discharge protection circuit, which demonstrates an example of how the electronic building system can be designed to make the system easier to use and safe for users. The circuit may also include an embedded switch that enables a user to turn on or off the battery component so as not to waste battery power. Connected to the battery module can be a pressure sensor module, which can read the amount of pressure applied to a pressure sensor component and output voltage in the range of, for example, 0 to 5 Volts depending on the amount of pressure applied. As more pressure is applied to the pressure sensor component, higher voltage transmits to the next modules. In this example, the next modules can be, for example, a vibrating motor module and an LED module, which respectively vibrate more and illuminate brighter as the applied pressure increases. It should be understood that the above example of 0-5 Volts is merely an example, and that other voltage ranges can be used to accomplish the electronic functions described. 
     In some embodiments, each module  120  can include control and protection circuitry to facilitate safe and easy operation of the module  120 . In some embodiments, each module  120  can include an operational amplifier component or other electronic circuits used in a buffer configuration to reduce the amount of overall current consumption on the overall system of coupled modules  120 . This assists with facilitating the cascading of multiple modules  120  without significant loss of power, as well as scaling the system as may be desired. In other exemplary embodiments, the system  100  may include a booster module in the overall system of coupled modules to boost the current and/or power traveling through the power lines and ensure proper functioning of all the modules  120  in the system  100 . 
     In another example, a user can program behavior of a circuit by manipulating physical elements. In an example embodiment, a power module can include a 9 Volt battery, which module can be coupled to a temperature sensor module that includes a threshold component, and the temperature sensor module can be coupled to an audio module. In this example, the temperature sensor module may be more advanced than a traditional sensor module and can include a temperature sensor and a potentiometer that may be adjusted to set a temperature threshold. If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is above the set temperature threshold, the temperature sensor module outputs a high reading. This is an example of integrating logic with a simpler analog module to enable complex circuit configurations. An output of a high reading from the temperature sensor module will cause the audio module to activate and a speaker on the audio module to play a pre-recorded message associated with a high reading. For example, this exemplary circuit could be used by a person wishing to have an alarm to turn on the air conditioning. When the temperature exceeds a pre-set threshold temperature, the audio module could play back a message “time to turn on the AC!” Also, the audio module may instead be replaced with, for example, a fan module, which may activate a fan upon receiving a high temperature reading signal from the temperature sensor module. 
     In some embodiments, the temperature sensor module may incorporate a mode switch that can change the behavior of the module from ‘normally-low’ to ‘normally-high’. In contrast to the above described configuration (which was normally-low), a ‘normally-high’ setting would cause the temperature module to output a high reading except when the temperature exceeds the threshold. This means the audio module would be playing recurrently until the room gets warmer, at which point the audio module will cease to output audio. These controls, in addition to pre-programmed modules, logic modules and state modules, can allow the system to enable complex prototypes and circuits with no programming or electronics knowledge. 
     Each module  120  of a system  100  may also be uniquely configured to provide a quick visual indication to a user of each module&#39;s function. The modules  120  may be uniquely configured in any manner and have any characteristic to identify the functionality of the modules. Additionally, any portion of the module  120  may be uniquely configured and have any characteristic to represent the unique configuration feature. For example, the modules may have a characteristic that uniquely identifies the modules by color-coding, patterning, or may include unique structuring such as shapes, housings, interconnection or couplings, etc. In one example, the connectors of a module can be color-coded as the manner of uniquely configuring modules to provide visual indicators as to the function of the modules. In other examples, the module can include color-coded fasteners to identify a particular type or category of module, or a module can include an indicator component coupled to the circuit board and/or one or both of the connectors to identify a particular type or category of module. It should be understood that the color-coding examples provided are merely examples and not intended to be limiting, as the modules  120  may be uniquely configured in any manner. Color-coding of the modules can provide a user with a quick visual confirmation of the type of module, the functionality of the module, as well as allowing the user to learn which color combinations are possible. The functionality of the modules identified by the unique configurations and characteristics may be any type or level of functionality. For example, the unique configurations may indicate that the modules are input modules, power modules, wire modules, output modules, etc. In other examples, the unique configurations of the modules may be more specific such as, for example, an LED module, a 9-volt battery module, a cell battery module, a potentiometer module, a switch module, a pressure sensor module, a pulse module, a button module, a vibration motor module, a wire module, etc. 
       FIGS. 2-17  illustrate components of another embodiment of a modular electronic building system. A modular electronic building block system  200  (also referred to herein as “system”, “block system” or “electronic building block system” or “electronic building system”) can include one or more electronic modules  220  (also referred to herein as “modules,” “blocks,” or “electronic blocks”) that can each be removably coupled to at least one other module  220  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 17  illustrating two modules  220  being coupled together). 
     A single module  220  is described with respect to  FIGS. 2-17 , but it should be understood that other modules of the system  200  can have the same or similar components and be coupled to another module in the same manner as described for module  220 . Further, although not shown in  FIGS. 2-17 , the modules  220  of the system  200  can each include one or more electrical components (e.g., electrical components  135 ) as described above for system  100  that can each provide a module  220  with a particular functionality, and include various categories and types of modules as described above. For example, the system  200  can include a power module  220  and when the power module  220  is removably coupled to another module  220  having an electrical component, the power module  220  can provide power to that other module  220 . The electrical component(s) can be, for example, coupled to the circuit board  222  (e.g., to a top surface  241  of the circuit board  222 ). 
     The module  220  includes a printed circuit board  222  (also referred to as “PCB” or “circuit board”) coupled to a first connector or connector portion  224  and a second connector or connector portion  226 . The circuit board  222  can include various associated electronic or electrical components to perform various desired functions, and include an input interface and an output interface. The circuit board  222  can also have various lengths and widths other than those shown with respect to  FIGS. 2-17 . 
     The connectors  224  and  226  (also referred to herein as connector portions) each include a common housing  228  (i.e., same shape and size) that can be fixedly or permanently coupled to the circuit board  222  with, for example, a mechanical fastener (e.g., bolt, screw, rivet, etc.) (not shown). For example, the circuit board  222  includes or defines openings  236  and the connectors  224  and  226  can each define corresponding openings  257  (see e.g.,  FIGS. 10A, 11 and 12 ) that can receive a fastener (not shown) therethrough to secure the circuit board  222  to the connectors  224  and  226 . The circuit board  222  also defines openings  238  that can receive a locating pin  252  of the connectors  224  and  226  (see e.g.,  FIGS. 10A, 10B, 11 and 12 ). The locating pins  252  can help position the circuit board  222  during assembly. 
     As described above for the previous embodiment, the circuit board  222  is coupled to the connectors  224  and  226  such that a bottom surface  243  of the circuit board  222  contacts a top surface  255  of the housing  228  of the connectors  224  and  226 . When coupled to the circuit board  222 , the connectors  224  and  226  are disposed below or beneath the circuit board  222 . In addition, a side surface  239  of the circuit board  222  is aligned or substantially aligned with a side surface  233  of the connectors  224  and  226 , and a front or end surface  245  of the circuit board  222  is aligned or substantially aligned with a front surface  237  of the connectors  224  and  226 . As described herein, reference to the side surface  233  of the connectors  224  and  226  also refers to a side surface  233  of the common housing  228  of the connectors  224  and  226 , and the front surface  233  of the connectors  224  and  226  also refers to a front surface  233  of the common housing  228  of the connectors  224  and  226 . 
     The circuit board  222  further includes a cut-out portion  265  and two extension portions  263  as best shown in  FIGS. 2, 3 and 5A . The extension portions  263  are shaped and sized to align with extension portions  262  of the housing  226  of connector  226  as best shown in  FIG. 3 . The extension portions  262  and  263  can be used to couple the connector  226  of a first module  220  to a connector  224  of a second module  220  as described in more detail below. 
     The common housing  228  defines two receptacles  256  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 12 ) that can each receive therein a magnet  250  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 10A, 11-13 ). The receptacles  256  can have an open end at the top surface  255  of the housing  228  and a closed bottom end. Thus, when a magnet  250  is disposed within a receptacle  256 , the magnet  256  can rest on a bottom surface at the closed end of the receptacle  256 . The magnets  250  can be used to removably couple each of the connectors  224  and  226  to a connector of a different module  220  of the system  200 . For example, with the magnets  250  disposed within the receptacles  256 , a magnetic force can be applied/transferred through the front surface  237  of the housing  228  of the connectors  224  and  226 . Thus, the connectors  224  and  226  can each be removably coupled to another connector of another module  220  through magnetic force when the front surface  237  of the connectors  224  and  226  engages/contacts a front surface  237  of another connector (similarly constructed with magnets  250  disposed within receptacles  256 ). In other words, the connectors  224  and  226  will be magnetically coupled to the other connectors via magnetic force of the magnets  250 . 
     As described above, the magnets  250  of one connector (e.g.,  224 ) of the module  220  can have the north face of the magnet(s) facing out and the other connector (e.g.,  226 ) of the module  220  can have the south face of the magnet(s) facing out. The repelling polarities inhibit the magnets  250  from one connector (e.g.,  224 ,  226 ) connecting to another connector (e.g.,  224 ,  226 ) in an inappropriate manner to facilitate connecting of the modules in the correct manner. For example, a connector with a magnet  250  with the north face of the magnet facing outward cannot be coupled to another connector with a magnet  250  with the north face of the magnet facing outward. 
     The module  220  further includes a first contact assembly  240  that is coupled to the connector  224  and a second contact assembly  260  that is coupled to the connector  226 . The first contact assembly  240  includes a base  244  and multiple electrical contacts or conductors  246  coupled to the base  244  as best shown in  FIGS. 11-13 . The second contact assembly  260  includes a base  267  and multiple electrical contacts or conductors  268  as best shown in  FIGS. 14-16 . The contacts  246  and the contacts  268  can be, for example, spring probes or a small metal plate(s). In this embodiment, there are 13 contacts  246 , and 13 contacts  268 , but it should be understood that a different number of contacts  246  and/or a different number of contacts  268  can be used. The contacts  246  are coupled to the base  244  through engagement with the base  244 , without the use of a solder connection. Similarly, the contacts  268  are coupled to the base  267  through engagement with the base  267 , without the use of a solder connection. 
     The first contact assembly  240  can be fixedly or permanently or fixedly connected to the connector  224  and to the circuit board  222  without the use of a solder connection between the contacts  246  of the contact assembly  240  and the circuit board  222  or housing  228  of the connector  224 . Similarly, the second contact assembly  260  can be fixedly or permanently connected to the connector  226  and to the circuit board  222  without the use of a solder connection between the contacts  268  of the contact assembly  260  and the circuit board  222  or housing  228  of the connector  226 . For example, the contact assemblies  240  and  260  can be coupled to the connectors  224  and  226 , respectively, and the circuit board  222  can be coupled to the connectors  224  and  226  such that the contact assemblies  240  and  260  are disposed between at least a portion of the connectors  224 ,  226  and the circuit board  222 . Thus, when the circuit board  222  is coupled to the connectors  224 ,  226 , the contact assemblies  240  and  260  can be maintained permanently coupled to the connector  224 ,  226  with, for example, a pressure fit. 
     More specifically, the contact assembly  240  is positioned within an open region  251  of the housing  228  of connector  224 , as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . When disposed within the housing  228  of connector  224 , a top or upper portion of the contacts  246  extend within an upper open region  259  of the housing  228  and extend upwardly from a top surface  255  of the housing  228  of connector  224  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 10A, 10B and 11 ), and a front portion of the contact assembly  240  extends outwardly from the front surface  237  of the connector  224  (see, e.g., the side view of  FIG. 8 ). Similarly, the contact assembly  260  is positioned within the open region  251  of the housing  228  of connector  226 , as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . When disposed within the housing  228  of connector  226 , a top or upper portion of the contacts  268  extends within the upper open region  259  of the housing  228  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 10A, 10B and 11 ) and upwardly from a top surface  255  of the housing  228  of connector  226  as best shown in the partially exploded side view of  FIG. 10B . A front portion of the contact assembly  260  extends outwardly from the front surface  237  of the connector  226  (see, e.g., the side view of  FIG. 9 ) 
     With the magnets  250  disposed within the receptacles  256  of the housing  228 , and the circuit board  222  permanently coupled to the housing  228  of the connector  224  (via fasteners within openings  238  and  254 ) and to the housing  228  of connector  226  (via fasteners within openings  238  and  254 ), the top portion of the contacts  246  of contact assembly  240  contact and electrically engage the circuit board  222 , and the top portion of the contacts  268  contact and electrically engage the circuit board  222 . With the circuit board  222  permanently coupled to the housings  228  of the connectors  224 ,  226 , both contact assemblies  240  and  260  are maintained permanently coupled to the connectors  224  and  226 , respectively, with a pressure fit. The magnets  250  are also maintained within the receptacles  256  when the circuit board  222  is coupled to the connectors  224 ,  226 . Thus, the contact assemblies  240 ,  260 , and the magnets  250  are permanently coupled to the connectors  224 ,  226  and to the circuit board  222  without the use of a solder connection between contacts  246 ,  268  and the circuit board  222  or housings  228 . As shown, for example, in  FIGS. 2-5A, 8 and 9 , when the module  220  is assembled with the circuit board  222  coupled to the connectors  224  and  226 , a portion of the contact assembly  240  extends outwardly from the front surface  237  of the housing  228  of connector  224  and a portion of the contact assembly  260  extends outwardly from the front surface  237  of the housing  228  of the connector  226 . In addition, because of the cut-out portion  265  of the circuit board  222 , a portion of the contact assembly  260  extends outwardly from a front surface  245  of the circuit board  222 , as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 3 and 5A . 
     In addition to the magnets  250  to removably couple a connector of a first module  220  to a connector of a second module  220 , the connectors  224  and  226  also include an interlocking coupling mechanism. More specifically, in this embodiment, the contact assemblies  240  and  260  provide the interlocking coupling mechanism. The base  244  of the contact assembly  240  includes multiple elongate protrusions  232 , and the base  267  of the contact assembly  260  defines at least in part multiple elongate recesses  234 . More specifically, two recesses  234  that are disposed adjacent or proximate the extension portions  262  of the housing  228  are defined collectively by the contact assembly  260  and the housing  228  of the connector  226  (when coupled together). The inner recess  234  is defined by the contact assembly  240 . The protrusions  232  of a connector  224  of a first module  220  can be received within recesses  234  of a connector  226  of a second module  220 . The interlocking (or mating, or complimentary fit) of the protrusions  232  and recesses  234  can inhibit two modules  220  from sliding laterally or side-to-side with respect to each other when removably coupled together. The two outermost protrusions  232  (the two protrusions  232  closest to the extension portions of the housing  228 ) of the contact assembly  240 , together with the extension portion  262  of the housing  228  of the connector  224 , provide a guide to help in the removable coupling of a first module  220  to a second module  220 . For example, when removably coupling a connector  224  of a first module  220  to a connector  226  of a second module  220 , the extension portions  262  of the connector  226  and the extension portions  263  of the circuit board  222  of the second module  220 , can slidably engage in a vertical direction the extension portions  262  of the connector  224  and the extension portions  263  of the first module  220  and the outermost protrusions  232  can help guide and position the vertical insertion of the connector  226  to the connector  224 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 17 , to couple a connector  224  of a first module  220  to a connector  226 ′ of a second module  220 ′, the protrusions  232  of the first module  220  can be slidably received in a vertical direction within the recesses (not visible in  FIG. 17 ) of the second module  220 ′, and the extension portions  262 ′ and  263 ′ of the second module  220 ′ can slidably mate with and contact the extension portions  262  of connector  224  and the end surface  245  of circuit board  222  in a vertical direction using the outermost protrusions  232  (closest to the extension portions  262  of connector  224 ) to guide the slidable coupling of the connector  224  to the connector  226 ′.  FIG. 17  illustrates the first module  220  in a partial insertion position relative to the second module  220 ′. To fully couple the first module  220  to the second module  220 ′, the first module  220  would continue to be vertically and slidably coupled to the second module  220 ′ until, for example, the top surfaces  241  and  241 ′ of the circuit boards  222  and  222 ′, respectively, are substantially aligned in the same plane. Further, as the first module  220  and second module  220 ′ are being coupled, the respective magnets of each module  220 ,  220 ′ will help align the connectors  224 ,  226 ′. Thus, the modules  220  can be removably coupled together through vertical insertion of one connector of a first module  220  to another connector of a second module  220 . In a further example, because of the vertical insertion capability, a second module can be inserted/coupled between a first module and a third module. In other words, if a series of modules are coupled together and it is desired to remove and replace a module between two other modules, that module can be removed vertically and a new module can be inserted in its place by inserting it vertically as described above with reference to  FIG. 17 . 
     As described above, the connectors  224 ,  226  of the module  220  can each be coupled to a different connector of another module  220  with the magnets  250 , and the interlocking coupling mechanism (e.g., protrusions  232  and recesses  234 ) can further help maintain the connectors of the different modules coupled together. When the module  220  is removably coupled to another module  220  via the magnets  250  of the connectors  224  or  226 , a front surface  237  of the connectors  224 ,  226  of the module  220  contacts a front surface  237  of the connector of the other module  220 . Further, when the module  220  is removably coupled to a another module  220  via the magnets  250  of the connectors  224  or  226 , a side surface  233  of the connector  224  or  226  of the module  220  is aligned or substantially aligned with a side surface of the connector of the other module  220 . 
     In addition, when a connector  224  of a first module  220  is removably coupled to a connector  226  of a second module  220 , the contact assembly  240  of the connector  224  electrically engages the contact assembly  260  of the connector  226 , and thus, electrically couples the first module  220  to the second module  220 . For example, as a first module  220  and second module  220  are being coupled in a vertical direction as described above, the contacts  246  of the contact assembly  240  will engage the contacts  268  of the contact assembly  260  in a wiping motion and at least one of the contacts  246  and the contacts  268  can flex upon contact/engagement with the other. The contact assembly  240  can then carry a signal from the circuit board  222  of the first module  220  to the circuit board  222  of the second module  220  and vice versa. 
     Although a first module  220  and second module  220  are described above as being coupled in a vertical direction, it is possible to couple a first module  220  and a second module  220  together in a lateral direction. For example, the protrusions  232  of a connector  224  of a first module  220  can be inserted laterally into the recesses  234  of a connector  226  of a second module, and the extension portions  262  and  263  of the connector  226  of the second module  220  can be placed laterally into contact/engagement with the extension portions  262  of connector  224  and end surface  245  of circuit board  222  of the first module  220 . In doing this, the magnets  250  of the first module  220  and the magnets  250  of the second module  220  will magnetically couple the first module  220  and second module  220  together and help align the first module  220  and the second module  220  to each other. In such a case, the vertical wiping between the contacts  246 ,  268  of the corresponding contact assemblies  240 ,  260 , respectively, would not occur, but the contacts  246  and  268  would engage and compress each other to electrically couple the first module  220  to the second module  220   
     As described above for the previous embodiment, the module  220  can also be used or interconnected with a component of a different building block system, such as a LEGO® block system. More specifically, each connector  224 ,  226  includes mounting portions  230  that can be used to removably couple the module  220  to such a component of a different building block system (see, e.g.,  FIG. 23  illustrating modules  320 ,  320 ′ coupled to a LEGO® block LB). In this embodiment, the mounting portions  230  are substantially u-shaped and define a recessed area, as best shown in the bottom view of  FIG. 4 . The recessed area of the mounting portions  230  can matingly couple to, for example, a protrusion or post P of a LEGO® block LB (see, e.g., posts P of block LB in  FIG. 23 ) to removably couple the module  220  to the LEGO® block LB. 
       FIGS. 18A-23  illustrate components of another embodiment of a modular electronic building block system. A modular electronic building block system  300  (also referred to herein as “system”, “block system” or “electronic building block system” or “electronic building system”) can include one or more electronic modules  320  (also referred to herein as “modules,” “blocks,” or “electronic blocks”) that can each be removably coupled to at least one other module  320  (see  FIG. 22-23  illustrating two modules  320  and  320 ′ coupled together). 
     The modules  320  can include the same or similar features and can provide the same or similar function(s) as described above for modules  120  and  220 , and each module  320  of system  300  can be coupled to another module  320  in the same manner as described for module  220 . Thus, some details of the module  320  are not described herein. Further, although not shown in  FIGS. 18A-23 , the modules  320  of the system  300  can each include one or more electrical components (e.g., electrical components  135 ) as described above for system  100  that can each provide a module  320  with a particular functionality, and include various categories and types of modules as described above. For example, the system  300  can include a power module  320  and when the power module  320  is removably coupled to another module  320  having an electrical component, the power module  320  can provide power to that other module  320 . 
     The module  320  includes a printed circuit board  322  (also referred to as “PCB” or “circuit board”) coupled to a first connector or connector portion  324  and a second connector or connector portion  326 . The circuit board  322  can have the same or similar structure and function as the circuit boards  122  and  222  described above. In this embodiment, the module  320  also includes adapters  364  and  366  can be used to couple the module  320  to a component of a different building block system as described in more detail below. The adapters  364  and  366  each includes coupling portions that include a post  370 , half-posts  371  and define recessed regions or volumes  372 . The recessed regions  372  can provide access to couple the adapters  364  and  366  to the circuit board  322  and connectors  324  and  326  (described below). For example, the same fasteners used to couple the circuit board to the connectors  324  and  326  can be used to couple the adapters  364  and  366  to the circuit board  322 . The post  370  and half-posts  371  can be used to matingly couple the module  320  to a component of a different interlocking building block system such as a LEGO® block system, as described in more detail below with reference to  FIG. 23 . 
     The adapter  364  is coupled to the circuit board  322  above the connector  324  and the adapter  366  is coupled to the circuit board  322  above the connector  326 . The adapter  364  includes an extension portion  374  that extends outwardly from the front surface  345  of the circuit board and side recesses  376 . The adapter  366  defines a recessed area  373  that is sized and shaped to align with the size and shape of the recessed or cut-out potion (e.g., cut-out portion  265  described above for circuit board  222 ) of the circuit board  322 , and extension portions  375  that are sized and shaped to align with the extension portions (e.g.,  262  of connector  226 ) of the connector  326  and the extension portions (e.g.,  263  of circuit board  222 ) of the circuit board  322 . Thus, when a connector  324  of a first module  320  is coupled to a connector  326  of a second module  320 , the extension portion  374  of the connector  322  of the first module  320  can be received within the recess area  373  of the connector  326  of the second module  320 , and the extension portions  375  can be received with side recesses  376 . In an alternative embodiment, the adapter  364  may not include an extension portion  374 . In such an embodiment, clearance can be provided between a front face of the adapter  364  and the recessed area  373  of the adapter  366  when a first module with adapter  364  is coupled to a second module  320  with an adapter  366 . 
     The connectors  324  and  326  (also referred to herein as connector portions) can also be the same as or similar to the connectors  224 ,  226  described above. For example, each connector  324  and  326  includes a common housing  328  that can be fixedly or permanently coupled to the circuit board  322  with, for example, a mechanical fastener (e.g., bolt, screw, rivet, etc.) (not shown). For example, as described above for module  220 , the circuit board  322  can include or define openings (not shown) and the connectors  324  and  326  can each define corresponding openings (not shown) that can receive the fastener therethrough to secure the circuit board  322  to the connectors  324  and  326 . The circuit board  322  can also define openings (not shown) that can receive a locating pin (not shown) of the connectors  324  and  326  as described above for module  220 . 
     As with previous embodiments, the circuit board  322  is coupled to the connectors  324  and  326  such that a bottom surface  343  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 19B, 20A, 20B ) of the circuit board  322  contacts a portion of a top surface (not shown) of the housing  328  of each of the connectors  324  and  326 . When coupled to the circuit board  322 , the connectors  324  and  326  are disposed below or beneath the circuit board  322 . In addition, a side surface  339  of the circuit board  322  is aligned or substantially aligned with a side surface  333  of the connectors  324  and  326 , and a front or end surface  345  of the circuit board  322  is aligned or substantially aligned with the front surface  337  of the connectors  324  and  326  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 22 ). 
     The common housing  328  defines two receptacles (not shown) that can each receive therein a magnet (not shown) that can be used to removably couple each of the connectors  324  and  326  to a connector of a different module  320  of the system  300 . The magnets can be the same as or similar to and function the same as or similar to the magnets described above for modules  120  and  220 . For example, with the magnets disposed within the receptacles, a magnetic force can be applied/transferred through a front surface  337  of the housing  328  of the connectors  324  and  326 . Thus, the connectors  324  and  326  can each be removably coupled to another connector of another module  320  through magnetic force when the front surface  337  of the connectors  324  and  326  engages/contacts a front surface of another connector (similarly constructed with magnets disposed within a receptacle). In other words, the connectors  324  and  326  will be magnetically coupled to the other connectors via magnetic force of the magnets. 
     The module  320  further includes a first contact assembly  340  that is coupled to the connector  324  and a second contact assembly  360  that is coupled to the connector  326 . The first contact assembly  340  can be constructed the same as or similar to the contact assembly  240 , and the second contact assembly  360  can be constructed the same as or similar to the contact assembly  260 . The contact assemblies  340  and  360  can be coupled to the connectors  324  and  326 , respectively, in the same manner as described for contact assemblies  240  and  260 . For example, the first contact assembly  340  can be fixedly or permanently coupled to the connector  324  and to the circuit board  322  without the use of a solder connection. 
     The connectors  324  and  326  of the module  320  also include an interlocking coupling mechanism as described above for modules  220  that includes, for example, protrusions  332  provided as part of the contact assembly  340  and recesses  334  defined at least in part by the second contact assembly  360  as described above for module  220 . The protrusions  332  of a connector  324  of a first module  320  can be slidably received in a vertical direction within recesses  334  of a connector  326  of a second module  320 . The interlocking of the protrusions  332  and recesses  334  can inhibit two modules  320  from sliding laterally or side-to-side with respect to each other when removably coupled together. 
     The connectors  324 ,  326  of the module  320  can each be coupled to a different connector of another module  320  with the magnets and the interlocking coupling mechanism (e.g., protrusions  332  and recesses  334 ) further helps maintain the connectors of the different modules coupled together. As described above, to couple a connector  326  of a first module  320  to a connector  324  of a second module  320 , the protrusions  332  of the connector  324  can be received within the recesses  334  of connector  326  in a vertical direction, and extension portions  362  of the connector  326  and extension portions  363  of the circuit board  322  can slidably engage in a vertical direction the extension portions  362  of the connector  324  of the second module  320  and can use the outermost protrusions  332  (the protrusions closest to the extension portions  362  of connector  324 ) to help guide the insertion. Further, the extension portion  374  of the adapter  364  can be slidably received in a vertical direction within corresponding recess area  373  of adapter  366 , and the extension portions  375  of adapter  366  can slidably engage in a vertical direction the side recesses  376  of adapter  364 . When the module  320  is removably coupled to another module  320 , a front surface  337  of the connectors  324 ,  326  of the module  320  contacts a front surface of the connector of the other module  320 , as described above for previous embodiments. Further, when the module  320  is removably coupled to another module  320 , a side surface  333  of the connector  324  or  326  (or the housings  328 ) of the module  320  is aligned or substantially aligned with a side surface (or the housing) of the connector of the other module  320 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 22 , the module  320  is removably coupled to the module  320 ′ and the side surface  333  of connector  326  is aligned with the side surface  333 ′ of the connector  324 ′. 
     As described above for the previous embodiments, the module  320  can also be used or interconnected with a component of a different interlocking building block system, such as a LEGO® block system. More specifically, each connector  324 ,  326  includes mounting portions  330  that can be used to removably couple the module  320  to such a component of a different building block system (see, e.g.,  FIG. 23  illustrating modules  320 ,  320 ′ coupled to a LEGO® block  315 ). In this embodiment, the mounting portions  330  are substantially u-shaped and define a recessed area, as best shown in the bottom view of  FIG. 19B . The recessed area of the mounting portions  330  can matingly couple to, for example, a protrusion or post P of a LEGO® block LB as shown in in  FIG. 23  to removably couple the modules  320 ,  320 ′ to the LEGO® block LB. 
     In addition, as described above, in this embodiment, the module  320  includes adapters  364  and  366  that can also be used to matingly couple the module  320  to a component of a different interlocking building block system. For example, although not shown in  FIG. 23 , a block LB as shown in  FIG. 23  can be coupled to the adapters  364  and  366  by coupling the bottom side of the block LB to the adapters  364  and  366  such that the post  370  and half-posts  371  are received within voids defined on the bottom side of the block LB. The adapters  364  and  366  can alternatively be configured to couple a module  320  to a component of block of a different interlocking building system than the mounting portions  330 . Thus, the module  320  can be coupled on a bottom side to a component of a different interlocking building block system and on a top side to a component of a different interlocking building block system. 
     Although embodiments of modules (e.g.,  120 ,  220 ,  320 ) are shown and described as having a connector (e.g., connectors  124  and  126 ) coupled to one end or two opposite ends or edges of a circuit board (e.g., circuit boards  122 ), in other embodiments, a module can include connectors coupled to more than two ends or edges of a circuit board. For example,  FIGS. 24A-24C  are each a schematic illustration of a side view of a module including a circuit board and one or more connectors. The modules of  FIGS. 24A-24C  can include various different embodiments of a connector and/or circuit board as described herein. 
       FIG. 24A  illustrates a module  420 A including a circuit board  422 A, one connector  426 A coupled to a single edge or end portion of the circuit board  422 A, and an electronic component  435 A.  FIG. 24B  illustrates a module  420 B including a circuit board  422 B, two connectors  424 B and  426 B coupled to a single edge or end portion of the circuit board  422 B, and an electronic component  435 B.  FIG. 24C  illustrates a module  420 C including a circuit board  422 C, three connectors  424 C,  424 C′,  426 C coupled to three different edges or end portions of the circuit board  422 C, and an electronic component  435 C. The module  420 C can also include a fourth connector, e.g., a connector  426 C′ (not shown in the side view) on the opposite side of the circuit board  422 C as connector  424 C′. 
       FIGS. 25-30  illustrate components of another embodiment of a modular electronic building block system. A modular electronic building block system  500  (also referred to herein as “system”, “block system” or “electronic building block system” or “electronic building system”) can include one or more electronic modules  520  (also referred to herein as “modules,” “blocks,” or “electronic blocks”) that can each be removably coupled to at least one other module  520  in a similar manner as described above for previous embodiments. 
     The modules  520  can include the same or similar features and can provide the same or similar function(s) as described above for modules  120 ,  220  and  320 , and each module  520  of system  500  can be coupled to another module  520  in the same or similar manner as described for module  220 . Thus, some details of the module  520  are not described herein. Further, although not shown in  FIGS. 25-29 , the modules  520  of the system  500  can each include one or more electrical components (e.g., electrical components  135 ) as described above for system  100  that can each provide a module  520  with a particular functionality, and include various categories and types of modules as described above. For example, the system  500  can include a power module  520  and when the power module  520  is removably coupled to another module  520  having an electrical component, the power module  520  can provide power to that other module  520 . 
     In this embodiment, the module  520  includes a printed circuit board  522  (also referred to as “PCB” or “circuit board”) coupled to a housing structure  508 . The housing structure  508  includes housing portions  528  and  518  of a first connector or connector portion  524  and a second connector or connector portion  526 , respectively, and a base portion  517  between the housing portions  528  and  518 . The housing portions  528  and  518  and the base portion  517  are monolithically formed as a single component. The base portion  517  includes two side walls  516  and a bottom floor  515  that collectively with the housing portions  518  and  528  define an interior region  519  (as shown in the exploded view of  FIG. 26 ). The interior region  519  can contain various components of the module  520 , such as circuitry and other electrical hardware (not shown in  FIGS. 25-29 ). In some embodiments, the floor  515  can define openings  514  as shown in  FIG. 27 . The openings  514  can provide viewing access to the interior region  519  such that a user can view the interior components of the module  520 . In some embodiments, alternatively or in addition to the openings  514 , the floor  515  can be formed with a clear or translucent material such that a user can view the interior components through the floor  515 . 
     The floor  515  also includes mounting portions  530  (as shown in  FIG. 27 ) disposed on an exterior side of the floor  515  that can be used to removably couple the module  520  to a component of a different building block system (see, e.g.,  FIG. 28  illustrating module  520  coupled to a LEGO® block LB). In this embodiment, the mounting portions  530  are substantially circular shaped and define a recessed area, as shown in the bottom view of  FIG. 27 . The recessed area of the mounting portions  530  can matingly couple to, for example, a protrusion or post P of a LEGO® block LB (see, e.g., posts P of block LB in  FIG. 28 ) to removably couple the module  520  to the LEGO® block LB. As shown in  FIG. 27 , there are three rows of three mounting portions  530 . Each of the rows of three mounting portions  520  is disposed along a width of the module  520 , which provides for the module  520  to be coupled to a LEGO® block LB and span four protrusions or post P of the LEGO® block LB. 
     The circuit board  522  can have the same or similar structure and function as the circuit boards  122  and  222  described above. Each module  520  can also include one or more electrical or electronic components (not shown) such as components  135  described above that can perform a particular function. The various electrical or electronic components can be coupled (e.g., soldered) to the circuit board  522  of a module  520 . Electrical power can be provided to the electrical components via a power module (described above) and via the contact assemblies and circuit boards  522  of the modules  520  as described above for previous embodiments. 
     The connectors  524  and  526  (also referred to herein as connector portions) can also be the same as or similar to the connectors  224 ,  226  described above. For example, the housing portion  528  of connector  524  and the housing portion  518  of the connector  526  can be fixedly or permanently coupled to the circuit board  522  with, for example, a fastener  578 . For example, as described above for module  220 , the circuit board  522  can include or define openings  536  and the housing portions  528  and  518  of the connectors  524  and  526 , respectively, can each define corresponding openings  557  that can receive the fastener therethrough to secure the circuit board  522  to the connectors  524  and  526  (see  FIG. 26 ). The circuit board  522  can also define openings  538  that can receive a locating pin  552  of the connectors  524  and  526  as described above for module  220 . 
     As with previous embodiments, the circuit board  522  is coupled to the connectors  524  and  526  such that a portion of a bottom surface (not shown) of the circuit board  522  contacts a portion of a top surface  555  of the housing portion  528  of connector  524  and a top surface  555  of the housing portion  518  of the connector  526 . 
     In this embodiment, the housing portion  528  includes extension portions  562  and front surfaces  537 , and the housing portion  518  includes concave portions  581  and front surfaces  580 . Each of the housing portions  528  and  518  defines two receptacles  556  that can each receive therein a magnet (not shown) that can be used to removably couple each of the connectors  524  and  526  to a connector of a different module  520  of the system  500 . The magnets can be the same as or similar to and function the same as or similar to the magnets  250  described above for modules  120  and  220 . For example, with the magnets disposed within the receptacles  556 , a magnetic force can be applied/transferred through a front surface  537  of the housing portion  528  of the connector  524  and a front surface  580  of the housing portion  518  of the connector  526 . Thus, the connectors  524  and  526  can each be removably coupled to another connector of another module  520  through magnetic force when the front surfaces  537  and  580  of the connectors  524  and  526  engages/contacts a front surface of another connector (similarly constructed with magnets disposed within a receptacle). In other words, the connectors  524  and  526  will be magnetically coupled to the other connectors via magnetic force of the magnets. 
     The module  520  further includes a first contact assembly  540  that is coupled to or included within the connector  524  and a second contact assembly  560  that is coupled to or included within the connector  526 . The first contact assembly  540  can be constructed the same as or similar to the contact assembly  240 , and the second contact assembly  560  can be constructed the same as or similar to the contact assembly  260 . The first contact assembly  540  includes a base  544  and multiple electrical contacts or conductors  546  coupled to the base  544  as best shown in  FIG. 26 . The second contact assembly  560  includes a base  567  and multiple electrical contacts or conductors  568  as best shown in  FIG. 26 . The contacts  546  and the contacts  568  can be, for example, spring probes or a small metal plate(s). In this embodiment, there are 13 contacts  546 , and 13 contacts  568 , but it should be understood that a different number of contacts  546  and/or a different number of contacts  568  can be used. The contacts  546  are coupled to the base  544  through engagement with the base  544 , without the use of a solder connection. Similarly, the contacts  568  are coupled to the base  567  through engagement with the base  567 , without the use of a solder connection. The contact assemblies  540  and  560  can be coupled to the connectors  524  and  526 , respectively, in the same or similar manner as described for contact assemblies  240  and  260 . For example, the first contact assembly  540  and the second contact assembly  560  can each be fixedly or permanently coupled to the housing portion  528  of the connector  524  and the housing portion  518  of the connector  526 , respectively, and to the circuit board  522  without the use of a solder connection. 
     The connectors  524  and  526  of the module  520  also include an interlocking coupling mechanism as described above for modules  220  that includes, for example, protrusions  532  provided as part of the contact assembly  540  and recesses  534  defined at least in part by the second contact assembly  560  as described above for module  220 . The protrusions  532  of a connector  524  of a first module  520  can be slidably received in a vertical direction within recesses  534  of a connector  526  of a second module  520 . The interlocking of the protrusions  532  and recesses  534  can inhibit two modules  520  from sliding laterally or side-to-side with respect to each other when removably coupled together. 
     In this embodiment, the module  520  also includes adapters  564  and  566  that can be used to couple the module  520  to a component of a different building block system such as a LEGO® block as described herein for modules  320 . In this embodiment, the adapters  564  and  566  each include coupling portions that include two posts  570  and define openings  577 , as shown in the exploded view of  FIG. 26 . The adapters  564  and  566  can be coupled to the circuit board  522  and connectors  524  and  526  (described in more detail below) with, for example, threaded fasteners  578 . For example, the same fasteners used to couple the circuit board to the connectors  524  and  526  can be used to couple the adapters  564  and  566  to the circuit board  522 . The circuit board  522  is coupled to the housing structure  508  such that outer side edges  582  (see  FIG. 26 ) of the circuit board  522  are disposed within the interior region  519  and bounded by the walls  516 , and end surfaces  583  (see  FIG. 26 ) of the circuit board  522  are disposed under the adapters  564  and  566  and unexposed on the ends of the modules  520 . 
     The adapter  564  includes extension portions  575  and a recessed area  573 . The extension portions  575  correspond to a contour and shape of the extension portions  562  and front surfaces  537  of the housing portion  528  of the connector  524 . The adapter  566  includes concave portions  579  and a recessed area  569 . The concave portions  579  are sized and shaped to align with the size and shape of concave portions  581  (see  FIG. 27 ) of the housing portion  518  of connector  526 . Thus, housing portion  528  and adapter  564  of connector  524  have a different shape than the housing portion  518  and the adapter  566  of connector  526 . As shown in the figures, the asymmetry of the shape and contour of the connectors  524  and  526  provide a visual indicator to a user to help with connectivity of one module  520  to another module  520 . Thus, the likelihood of a short circuit or otherwise damaging a module  520  by wrongly connecting the modules together can be reduced. 
     The connectors  524  and  526  of the module  520  can each be coupled to a different connector of another module  520  with the magnets and the interlocking coupling mechanism (e.g., protrusions  532  and recesses  534 ) further helps maintain the connectors of the different modules coupled together. As described above, to couple a connector  526  of a first module  520  to a connector  524  of a second module  520 , the protrusions  532  of the connector  524  can be received within the recesses  534  of connector  526  in a vertical direction, and the concave portions  581  of the housing portion  518  of the connector  526  can slidably engage in a vertical or horizontal direction with the extension portions  562  of the connector  524  of the second module  520 . When a module  520  is removably coupled to another module  520 , the front surface  537  of the connector  524  contacts the front surface (e.g.,  580 ) of the connector (e.g.,  526 ) of the other module  520 , as described above for previous embodiments. Further, when the module  520  is removably coupled to another module  520 , the side surfaces  533  of the housing structure  508  (and of the housing portions  528  and  518 ) of the module  520  are each aligned or substantially aligned with a side surface (of the housing) of the connector of the other module  520 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 29 , the module  520  can be removably coupled to the module  420 ′ and the side surfaces  533  of housing portion  528  of the connector  524  can be aligned with the side surfaces  533 ′ of the housing portion  518 ′ of the connector  526 ′, and the front surfaces  537  of the connector  524  can abut and contact the front surfaces (not shown in  FIG. 29 ) of the connector  526 ′. 
       FIGS. 30A-38  illustrate components of another embodiment of a modular electronic building block system that is similar to the system  500 . A modular electronic building block system (also referred to herein as “system”, “block system” or “electronic building block system” or “electronic building system”) can include one or more electronic modules  620  (also referred to herein as “modules,” “blocks,” or “electronic blocks”) that can each be removably coupled to at least one other module  620  in a similar manner as described above for previous embodiments.  FIG. 31  illustrates two modules  620  coupled together. 
     The modules  620  can include the same or similar features and can provide the same or similar function(s) as described above for module  520  of system  500  and can be coupled to another module  620  in the same or similar manner as described for module  520 . Thus, some details of the module  620  are not described herein. Further, although not shown in  FIGS. 30A-38 , the modules  620  of the system  600  can each include one or more electrical components (e.g., electrical components  135 ) as described above for system  100  that can each provide a module  620  with a particular functionality, and include various categories and types of modules as described above. For example, the system  600  can include a power module  620  and when the power module  620  is removably coupled to another module  620  having an electrical component, the power module  620  can provide power to that other module  620 . 
     In this embodiment, the module  620  includes a printed circuit board  622  (also referred to as “PCB” or “circuit board”) coupled to a housing structure  608 . The housing structure  608  includes housing portions  628  and  618  of a first connector or connector portion  624  and a second connector or connector portion  626 , respectively, and a base portion  617  between the housing portions  628  and  618 . The module  620  also includes contact assemblies  640  and  660  described below. 
     The housing portions  628  and  618  can be the same as or similar to the housing portions  528  and  518 , respectively, and therefore some details are not described with respect to this embodiment. For example, the housing portion  628  includes extension portions  662  and front surfaces  637 , and the housing portion  618  includes concave portions  681  and front surfaces  680 . 
     Each of the housing portions  628  and  618  also defines two receptacles (not shown) that can each receive therein a magnet (not shown) that can be used to removably couple each of the connectors  624  and  626  (also referred to herein as connector portions) to a connector of a different module  620  of the system  600 . The magnets can be the same as or similar to and function the same as or similar to the magnets  250  described above for modules  120 ,  220  and  520  and provide similar coupling capabilities. The housing portions  628  and  618  and the base portion  617  are monolithically formed as a single component. The base portion  617  includes two side walls  616  each having a side surface  633 , and a bottom floor  615  that collectively with the housing portions  618  and  628  define an interior region  619 . As with module  520 , the interior region  619  can contain various components of the module  620 , such as circuitry and other electrical hardware (not shown in  FIGS. 30A-38 ). In some embodiments, although not shown, the floor  615  can optionally define openings as with floor  515  described above, to provide viewing access to the interior region  619 . In some embodiments, alternatively or in addition to openings, the floor  615  can be formed with a clear or translucent material such that a user can view the interior components through the floor  615 . 
     The floor  615  also includes mounting portions  630  disposed on an exterior side (as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 33, 34 and 38 ) that can be used to removably couple the module  620  to a component of a different building block system, such as, for example, a LEGO® block. In this embodiment, the mounting portions  630  are substantially circular shaped and define a recessed area. The recessed area of the mounting portions  630  can matingly couple to, for example, a protrusion or post of a LEGO® block to removably couple the module  620  to the LEGO® block as described above, for example, for module  520 . In addition, in this embodiment, the floor  615  includes two additional mounting portions  613 , which can provide further coupling to a component of a different building block system. Other features of the housing portions  628  and  618  not described, such as the shape and contour, can be the same as or similar to the housing portions  528  and  518 , respectively. 
     The circuit board  622  is shown transparent or clear in  FIGS. 30A, 30B, 32B and 37  for illustration purposes to enable viewing of the interior region  619 . The circuit board  622  can have the same or similar structure and function as the circuit boards described above. For example, the circuit board  622  defines openings  636  (see  FIG. 32B ) that can be used to couple the circuit board  622  to the housing  608  as discussed in more detail below. Each module  620  can also include one or more electrical or electronic components (not shown), such as components  135  described above, that can be coupled to the circuit board  622  and perform a particular function. 
     The connectors  624  and  626  can be the same as or similar to the connectors  524 ,  526  described above. For example, the housing portion  628  of connector  624  and the housing portion  618  of the connector  626  can be fixedly or permanently coupled to the circuit board  622  with, for example, fasteners  678  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 32A, 32B, 33 and 38 ) as described in more detail below. As with the previous embodiment, the circuit board  622  is coupled to the housing structure  608  (e.g., housing portions  628  and  618 ) such that outer side edges (not shown) of the circuit board  622  are disposed within the interior region  619  and bounded by the walls  616 , and end surfaces (not shown) of the circuit board  622  are disposed under adapters  664  and  666  (described below) and unexposed on the ends of the modules  620 . As with previous embodiments, the circuit board  622  is coupled to the connectors  624  and  626  such that a portion of a bottom surface (not shown) of the circuit board  622  contacts a portion of a top surface  655  (see  FIG. 32 ) of each of the housing portions  628  and  618 . 
     The adapters  664  and  666  can be used in the same or similar manner as the adapters  564  and  566 , and can be structurally similar, and therefore, it should be understood that some features not discussed with respect to this embodiment can be the same as with adapter  564  and  566 . As with the adapters  564  and  566 , each of adapters  664  and  666  includes coupling portions that include two posts  670 . The adapter  664  includes extension portions  675  and a recessed area  673 . The extension portions  675  correspond to a contour and shape of the extension portions  662  and front surfaces  637  of the housing portion  628  of the connector  624 . The adapter  666  includes concave portions  679  and a recessed area  669 . The concave portions  679  are sized and shaped to align with the size and shape of concave portions  681  of the housing portion  618  of connector  626 . 
     In this embodiment, the adapters  664  and  666  also include tubular posts  688  (see  FIGS. 34A and 34B ) with threaded interior walls (not shown) that can be used to couple the adapters  664  and  666  to the circuit board  622  and housing structure  608  with the fasteners  678  as described in more detail below. 
     In this embodiment, the circuit board  622  and adapters  664  and  666  are coupled to the housing portions  618 ,  628  with the fasteners  678  inserted through a bottom portion of the module  620 . More specifically, as shown in  FIGS. 32 and 38 , the housing  608  includes four channels  686  with threaded interior walls (not shown). The circuit board  622  can be placed on a top surface of the housing structure  608  such that the four openings  636  of the circuit board  622  are aligned with the four channels  686 . The adapters  664  and  666  can be positioned over the circuit board  622  and the respective housing portions  628  and  618  with the posts  688  of the adapters  664  and  666  inserted through the openings  636  of the circuit board and aligned with the channels  686 . The fasteners  678  can be inserted through bottom openings  687  (see  FIG. 33 ) in communication with the channels  686  and threadably secured with the threaded interior walls of the channels  686  and the posts  688 . Thus, when the fasteners  678  are secured, end portions of the circuit board  622  are sandwiched between the adapters  664  and  666  and the housing portions  628  and  618 . 
     The first contact assembly  640  is coupled to or included within the connector  624  and the second contact assembly  660  is coupled to or included within the connector  626 . The first contact assembly  640  can be constructed the same as or similar to the contact assemblies  240  and/or  540 , and the second contact assembly  660  can be constructed the same as or similar to the contact assemblies  260  and/or  560 , and therefore, are not discussed in detail with respect to this embodiment. 
     The connectors  624  and  626  of the module  620  also include an interlocking coupling mechanism as described above for modules  220  and  520  that include, for example, protrusions  632  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 30A ) provided as part of the first contact assembly  640  and recesses  634  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 30B ) defined at least in part by the second contact assembly  660  as described above for modules  220 . The protrusions  632  of a connector  624  of a first module  620  can be slidably received in a vertical or horizontal direction within recesses  634  of a connector  626  of a second module  620 . The interlocking of the protrusions  632  and recesses  634  can inhibit two modules  620  from sliding laterally or side-to-side with respect to each other when removably coupled together. 
     The connectors  624  and  626  of the module  620  can each be coupled to a different connector of another module  620  with the magnets, and the interlocking coupling mechanism (e.g., protrusions  632  and recesses  634 ) further helps maintain the connectors of the different modules coupled together in the same or similar manners as described above for module  620 . As described above, to couple a connector  626  of a first module  620  to a connector  624  of a second module  620 , the protrusions  632  of the connector  624  can be received within the recesses  634  of connector  626  in a vertical direction, and the concave portions  681  of the housing portion  618  of the connector  526  can slidably engage in a vertical or horizontal direction with the extension portions  662  of the connector  624  of the second module  620 . When a module  620  is removably coupled to another module  620 , the front surface  637  of the connector  624  contacts the front surface (e.g.,  680 ) of the connector (e.g.,  626 ) of the other module  620 , as described above for previous embodiments. Further, when the module  620  is removably coupled to another module  620 , the side surfaces  633  of the housing structure  608  (and of the housing portions  628  and  618 ) of the module  620  are each aligned or substantially aligned, for example, within acceptable machine tolerances, with a side surface (of the housing) of the connector of the other module  620 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 31 , the module  620  can be removably coupled to the module  620 ′ and the side surfaces  633  of the housing structure  608  of the connector  624  of module  620  can be aligned with the side surfaces  633 ′ of the housing structure  608 ′ of the connector  626 ′ of module  620 ′, and the front surfaces  637  of the connector  624  can abut and contact the front surfaces (not shown in  FIG. 31 ) of the connector  626 ′. 
       FIGS. 39-44  illustrate components of another embodiment of a modular electronic building block system. A modular electronic building block system  700  (also referred to herein as “system”, “block system” or “electronic building block system” or “electronic building system”) can include one or more electronic modules  720  (also referred to herein as “modules,” “blocks,” or “electronic blocks”) that can each be removably coupled to at least one other module  720  in a similar manner as described above for previous embodiments. 
     The modules  720  can include the same or similar features and can provide the same or similar function(s) as described above for modules  120 ,  220 ,  320 ,  520  and  620 , and each module  720  of system  700  can be coupled to another module  720  in the same or similar manner as described for previous modules. Thus, some details of the module  720  are not described herein. Further, although not shown in  FIGS. 39-44 , the modules  720  of the system  700  can each include one or more electrical components (e.g., electrical components  135 ) as described above for system  100  that can each provide a module  720  with a particular functionality, and include various categories and types of modules as described above. For example, the system  700  can include a power module  720  and when the power module  720  is removably coupled to another module  720  having an electrical component, the power module  720  can provide power to that other module  720 . 
     In this embodiment, the module  720  includes a printed circuit board  722  (also referred to as “PCB” or “circuit board”) coupled to a housing structure  708 . The housing structure  708  includes housing portions  728  and  718  of a first connector or connector portion  724  and a second connector or connector portion  726 , respectively, and a base portion  717  between the housing portions  728  and  718 . The housing portions  728  and  718  and the base portion  717  are monolithically formed as a single component. In this embodiment, the housing portions  728  and  718  have the same form factor or are symmetric. The base portion  717  includes two side walls  716  and a bottom floor  715  that collectively with the housing portions  718  and  728  define an interior region  719  (as shown in the exploded view of  FIG. 41 ). The interior region  719  can contain various components of the module  720 , such as circuitry and other electrical hardware. In some embodiments, the floor  715  can define openings (not shown in  FIGS. 39-44 ) as described above for module  520  to provide viewing access to the interior region  719  such that a user can view the interior components of the module  720 . In some embodiments, alternatively or in addition to the openings, the floor  715  can be formed with a clear or translucent material such that a user can view the interior components through the floor  715 . 
     The floor  715  also includes mounting portions  730  (as shown in  FIG. 42 ) that can be used to removably couple the module  720  to a component of a different building block system (see, e.g.,  FIG. 43  illustrating module  720  coupled to a LEGO® block LB). In this embodiment, the mounting portions  730  are substantially circular shaped and define a recessed area, as shown in the bottom view of  FIG. 42 . The recessed area of the mounting portions  730  can matingly couple to, for example, a protrusion or post P of a LEGO® block LB (see, e.g., posts P of block LB in  FIG. 43 ) to removably couple the module  720  to the LEGO® block LB. As shown in  FIG. 42 , in this embodiment, there are three rows of three mounting portions  730 . Each of the rows of three mounting portions  720  is disposed along a width of the module  720 , which provides for the module  720  to be coupled to a LEGO® block LB and span four protrusions or post P of the LEGO® block LB. 
     The circuit board  722  can have the same or similar structure and function as the circuit boards  122  and  222  described above. Each module  720  can also include one or more electrical or electronic components (not shown) such as components  135  described above that can perform a particular function. The various electrical or electronic components can be coupled (e.g., soldered) to the circuit board  722  of a module  720 . Electrical power can be provided to the electrical components via a power module (described above) and via the contact assemblies and circuit boards  722  of the modules  720  as described above for previous embodiments. 
     The connectors  724  and  726  (also referred to herein as connector portions) can also be the same as or similar to the connectors  524 ,  526  and  624 ,  626  described above. For example, the housing portion  728  of connector  724  and the housing portion  718  of the connector  726  can be fixedly or permanently coupled to the circuit board  722  with, for example, the fastener  778 . For example, the circuit board  722  can include or define openings  736  and the housing portions  728  and  718  of the connectors  724  and  726 , respectively, can each define corresponding openings  757  that can receive the fastener therethrough to secure the circuit board  722  to the connectors  724  and  726  (see  FIG. 41 ). The circuit board  722  can also define openings  738  that can receive a locating pin  752  of the connectors  724  and  726  as described above for module  220 . 
     As with previous embodiments, the circuit board  722  is coupled to the connectors  724  and  726  such that a portion of a bottom surface (not shown) of the circuit board  722  contacts a portion of a top surface  755  of the housing portion  728  of connector  724  and a top surface  755  of the housing portion  718  of the connector  726 . 
     In this embodiment, both the housing portion  728  and housing portion  718  include extension portions  762  and front surfaces  737 . Each of the housing portions  728  and  718  defines two receptacles  756  that can each receive therein a magnet  750  (see exploded view of  FIG. 41 ) that can be used to removably couple each of the connectors  724  and  726  to a connector of a different module  720  of the system  700 . The magnets  750  can be the same as or similar to and function the same as or similar to the magnets  250  described above for modules  120  and  220 . For example, with the magnets  750  disposed within the receptacles  756 , a magnetic force can be applied/transferred through a front surface  737  of the housing portion  728  of the connector  724  and the housing portion  718  of the connector  726 . Thus, the connectors  724  and  726  can each be removably coupled to another connector of another module  720  through magnetic force when the front surfaces  737  of the connectors  724  and  726  engages/contacts a front surface of another connector (similarly constructed with magnets disposed within a receptacle). In other words, the connectors  724  and  726  will be magnetically coupled to the other connectors via magnetic force of the magnets  750 . 
     The module  720  further includes a first contact assembly  740  that is coupled to or included within the connector  724  and a second contact assembly  760  that is coupled to or included within the connector  726 . The first contact assembly  740  can be constructed the same as or similar to the first contact assembly  240 , and the second contact assembly  760  can be constructed the same as or similar to the second contact assembly  260 . The first contact assembly  740  includes a base  744  and multiple electrical contacts or conductors  746  coupled to the base  744  as best shown in  FIG. 41 . The second contact assembly  760  includes a base  767  and multiple electrical contacts or conductors  768  as best shown in  FIG. 41 . The contacts  746  and the contacts  768  can be, for example, spring probes or a small metal plate(s). In this embodiment, there are 13 contacts  746 , and 13 contacts  768 , but it should be understood that a different number of contacts  746  and/or a different number of contacts  768  can be used. The contacts  746  are coupled to the base  744  through engagement with the base  744 , without the use of a solder connection. Similarly, the contacts  768  are coupled to the base  767  through engagement with the base  767 , without the use of a solder connection. The contact assemblies  740  and  760  can be coupled to the connectors  724  and  726 , respectively, in the same or similar manner as described for contact assemblies  240  and  260 . For example, the first contact assembly  740  and the second contact assembly  760  can each be fixedly or permanently coupled to the housing portion  728  of connector  724  and the housing portion  718  of connector  726 , respectively, and to the circuit board  722  without the use of a solder connection. 
     The connectors  724  and  726  of the module  720  also include an interlocking coupling mechanism as described above for modules  220  that includes, for example, protrusions  732  provided as part of the contact assembly  740  and recesses  734  defined at least in part by the second contact assembly  760  as described above for module  220 . The protrusions  732  of a connector  724  of a first module  720  can be slidably received in a vertical direction within recesses  734  of a connector  726  of a second module  720 . The interlocking of the protrusions  732  and recesses  734  can inhibit two modules  720  from sliding laterally or side-to-side with respect to each other when removably coupled together. 
     In this embodiment, the module  720  also includes adapters  764  and  766  that can be used to couple the module  720  to a component of a different building block system such as a LEGO® block as described herein for modules  320  and  420 . In this embodiment, the adapters  764  and  766  each include coupling portions that include one post  770  and two half-posts  771  and define openings  777 , as shown in the exploded view of  FIG. 41 . The adapters  764  and  766  can be coupled to the circuit board  722  and connectors  724  and  726  (described in more detail below) with, for example, threaded fasteners  778 . For example, the same fasteners used to couple the circuit board to the connectors  724  and  726  can be used to couple the adapters  764  and  766  to the circuit board  722 . The circuit board  722  is coupled to the housing structure  708  such that the outer side edges  782  of the circuit board  722  are aligned with the outer surfaces  733  of the housing structure  708 , and end surfaces  783  of the circuit board  722  (see, e.g., exploded view of  FIG. 41 ) are disposed under the adapters  564  and  766  and unexposed on the ends of the modules  720 . More specifically, each of the adapters  764  and  766  include an over-flange  784  that is disposed against the end surfaces  783  of the circuit board  722  and on the top surfaces  755  of the respective connector  724  and  726  when connected thereto. Further, a front surface  785  of the over-flanges  784  of the adapters  764  and  766  is disposed substantially aligned with the front surfaces  737 . 
     As with the previous embodiments, the connectors  724  and  726  of the module  720  can each be coupled to a different connector of another module  720  with the magnets  750  and the interlocking coupling mechanism (e.g., protrusions  732  and recesses  734 ) further helps maintain the connectors of the different modules coupled together. As described above, to couple a connector  726  of a first module  720  to a connector  724  of a second module  720 , the protrusions  732  of the connector  724  can be received within the recesses  734  of connector  726  in a vertical direction. When a module  720  is removably coupled to another module  720 , the front surfaces  737  of the connector  724  contact the front surfaces (e.g.,  737 ) of the connector (e.g.,  726 ) of the other module  720 , as described above for previous embodiments. Further, when the module  720  is removably coupled to another module  720 , the side surfaces  733  of the housing structure  708  (and of the housing portions  728  and  718 ) of the module  720  are aligned or substantially aligned with side surfaces (of the housing) of the connector of the other module  720 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 43 , the module  720  can be removably coupled to the module  720 ′ and the side surfaces  733  of housing portion  728  of the connector  724  can be aligned with the side surfaces  733 ′ of the housing portion  718 ′ of the connector  726 ′, and the front surfaces  737  of the connector  724  can abut and contact the front surfaces (not shown in  FIG. 43 ) of the connector  726 ′. 
       FIGS. 45-56  illustrate components of yet another embodiment of a modular electronic building block system that is similar to, for example, the systems  500  and  600 . A modular electronic building block system  800  (also referred to herein as “system”, “block system” or “electronic building block system” or “electronic building system”) can include one or more electronic modules  820  (also referred to herein as “modules,” “blocks,” or “electronic blocks”) that can each be removably coupled to at least one other module  820  in a similar manner as described above for previous embodiments.  FIG. 55  illustrates two modules  820  just prior to being coupled together and  FIG. 57  illustrates four modules  820  coupled together. 
     The modules  820  can include the same or similar features and can provide the same or similar function(s) as described above for modules  520  and  620  and can be coupled to another module  820  in the same or similar manner. Thus, some details of the module  820  are not described herein. Further, although not shown in  FIGS. 45-55 , the modules  820  of the system  800  can each include one or more electrical components (e.g., electrical components  135 ) as described above for system  100  that can each provide a module  820  with a particular functionality, and include various categories and types of modules as described above. For example, the system  800  can include a power module  820  and when the power module  820  is removably coupled to another module  820  having an electrical component, such as for example a light or audio component, the power module  820  can provide power to that other module  820 . 
     In this embodiment, the module  820  includes a printed circuit board  822  (also referred to as “PCB” or “circuit board”) coupled to a housing structure  808 . The housing structure  808  includes housing portions  828  and  818  of a first connector or connector portion  824  and a second connector or connector portion  826 , respectively, and a base portion  817  between the housing portions  828  and  818 . In this embodiment, the module  820  includes a single contact assembly  840  on one end of the module  820  and a receiving pocket  842  on an opposite end of the module  820  as described in more detail below. The module  820  also includes caps  864  and  866 . 
     The housing portion  828  includes convex corner portions  862  and front surfaces  837 , and the housing portion  818  includes concave corner portions  881  and front surfaces  880 . Each of the housing portions  828  and  818  also defines two receptacles  856  (see  FIGS. 52 and 53 ) that can each receive therein a magnet  850  (see  FIGS. 54A and 54B ) that can be used to removably couple each of the connectors  824  and  826  to a connector of a different module  820  of the system  800 . The magnets  850  can be the same as or similar to and function the same as or similar to the magnets  250  described above for modules  120 ,  220  and  520  and provide similar coupling capabilities. The receptacles  856  have a first end open at the top surface of the housing portions  828  and  818  and a second end opposite the first end of the receptacles  856  that is closed. When the circuit board  822  is coupled to the housing portions  818 ,  828 , the circuit board  822  covers the first end of the receptacles  856 , preventing the magnets  850  from being removed from the receptacles  856 . 
     The housing portions  828  and  818  and the base portion  817  are monolithically formed as a single component. The base portion  817  of the housing  808  includes two side walls  816  each having a side surface  833 , and a bottom floor  815  that collectively with the housing portions  818  and  828  define an interior region  819  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 52-54A ). As described above for previous modules, the interior region  819  can contain various components of the module  820 , such as circuitry and other electrical hardware (not shown in  FIGS. 45-56 ). In some embodiments, although not shown, the floor  815  can optionally define openings as with floor  515  described above, to provide viewing access to the interior region  819 . In some embodiments, alternatively or in addition to openings, the floor  815  can be formed with a clear or translucent material such that a user can view the interior components through the floor  815 . 
     The floor  815  also includes mounting portions  830  disposed on an exterior side (as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 47, 48, 49A -B and  50 ) that can be used to removably couple the module  820  to a component of a different building block system, such as, for example, a LEGO® block. In this embodiment, the mounting portions  830  are substantially circular shaped and define a recessed area. The recessed area of the mounting portions  830  can matingly couple to, for example, a protrusion or post of a LEGO® block to removably couple the module  820  to the LEGO® block as described above, for example, for module  520 . In addition, in this embodiment, the floor  815  includes two additional mounting portions  813 , which can provide further coupling to a component of a different building block system. 
     The shape and contour of the housing portions  828  and  818  are such that when one module  820  is coupled to another module  820 , the housing portion  828  of one module  820  complimentarily fits to the housing portion  818  of the other module  820 , as shown for example for modules  620  in  FIG. 31 . Similarly, the shape and contour of the caps  864  and  866  are such that when one module  820  is coupled to another module  820 , the cap  864  of one module  820  complimentarily fits to the cap  866  of the other module  820 . 
     The circuit board  822  can have the same or similar structure and function as the circuit boards described above. Each module  820  can also include one or more electrical or electronic components (not shown), such as components  135  described above, that can be coupled to the circuit board  822  and perform a particular function. In this embodiment, the circuit board  822  includes contacts  848  disposed on a bottom surface  843  of the circuit board  822  at each end of the circuit board  822  as shown in  FIG. 56 . The contacts  848  provide an electrical connection between modules when coupled together as described in more detail below. 
     The housing portion  828  of connector  824  and the housing portion  818  of the connector  826  can be fixedly or permanently coupled to the circuit board  822  with, for example, fasteners (not shown in  FIGS. 45-56 ) such as fasteners  678  shown in  FIGS. 32, 33 and 38  for module  620 . The circuit board  822  is coupled to the housing structure  808  (e.g., housing portions  828  and  818 ) such that a portion of the outer side edges of the circuit board  822  are bounded on the sides by a top portion of the walls  816 . A portion of the outer side edges near the ends of the circuit board  822  are hidden by flanges of the caps  864  and  866 . An end surface of the portion of the circuit board  822  disposed under cap  864  is unexposed, as shown in  FIG. 49A , and an opposite end surface of the circuit board  822  is disposed under the cap  866 , but visible at that end of the module  820 , as shown for example, in  FIG. 49B . As with previous embodiments, the circuit board  822  is coupled to the connectors  824  and  826  (also referred to herein as connector portions) such that a portion of a bottom surface  843  of the circuit board  822  contacts a portion of a top surface (see, e.g.,  FIG. 51 ) of each of the housing portions  828  and  818 . 
     The cap  864  includes convex corner portions  875  that substantially correspond in shape to the convex corner portions  881  of the housing portion  828  and a front or end surface  873  that is flush or aligned with the front surfaces  837  of housing portion  828 . The cap  866  includes corner concave portions  879  that substantially correspond in shape to the convex corner portions  881  of the housing portion  818  and a front or end surface  869  that is flush or aligned with the front surfaces  837  of housing portion  828 . Thus, the shape and contour of the end faces of the caps  864  and  866  substantially correspond to the shape and contour of the housing portions  828  and  816 , respectively. Although not shown, in alternative embodiments, the caps  864  and  866  can each include mounting portions, such as mounting portions  570 ,  670 ,  770  or  771 , on a top side of the caps  864 ,  866  that can be used to couple or interconnect the module  820  to a component or block of a different interlocking building system, such as for example, a component or block of a LEGO® block system, as described above for previous embodiments. 
     The caps  864  and  866  each includes tubular posts  888  with threaded interior walls that can be used to couple the caps  864  and  866  and the circuit board  822  to the housing structure  808  with fasteners (not shown in  FIGS. 45-56 ) (such as fasteners  678 ) inserted through a bottom portion of the module  820 . More specifically, as shown in  FIGS. 52, 53, 54A and 54B , the housing  808  includes four channels  886  with threaded interior walls (not shown). The circuit board  822  defines four openings  836  and can be placed on a top surface of the housing structure  808  such that the openings  836  are aligned with the four channels  886 . The caps  864  and  866  can be positioned over the circuit board  822  with the posts  888  inserted through the openings  836  of the circuit board  822  and aligned with the channels  886 . Fasteners (not shown in  FIGS. 45-56 ) such as fasteners  678  described above, can be inserted through bottom openings  887  in communication with the channels  886  and threadably secured with the threaded interior walls of the channels  886  and the posts  888 . Thus, when the fasteners are secured, end portions of the circuit board  822  are sandwiched between the caps  864  and  866  and the housing portions  828  and  818 . 
     The contact assembly  840  is coupled to or included within the connector portion  824 . The contact assembly  840  includes a base  844  and multiple contacts or conductors  846  coupled to the base  844 . The base  844  includes a coupling block  854  that can be received within a cavity  853  (see  FIGS. 50A, 52 and 53 ). In this embodiment, nine contacts  846  are included, but in alternative embodiments a different number of contacts  846  can be used. The contacts  846  each includes a first engagement portion  849  and a second engagement portion  847 . When coupled to the housing portion  828  of connector  824 , and to circuit board  822 , the first engagement portion  849  extends outwardly from an end surface of the housing structure  808 , and the second engagement portion  847  is disposed within the module  820  and is in electrical engagement with contacts  848  on the bottom surface of the circuit board  822  to which the contact assembly  840  is attached. 
     In this embodiment, the connector portion  826  includes a receiving pocket  842  that can receive therein a portion of a contact assembly  840  of another module  820 . The receiving pocket  842  can be defined collectively by the housing portion  818  and the circuit board  822  as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 49B and 50B . Contacts  848  disposed on the bottom surface of the circuit board  822  are accessible within the receiving pocket  842 . More specifically, when a contact assembly  840  of a first module  820  is inserted into the receiving pocket  842  of a second module  820 , the first engagement portion  849  of the first module  820  can electrically engage with the contacts  848  disposed within the receiving pocket  842  of the second module  820 . The contact assembly  840  can be inserted into the receiving pocket  842  in a horizontal direction or a direction slightly transverse to the horizontal direction. 
       FIG. 55  illustrates two modules  820 ,  820 ′ just prior to being coupled together, and  FIG. 56  illustrates two circuit boards  822 ,  822 ′ and two contact assemblies  840 ,  840 ′ of corresponding modules  820  and  820 ′, showing the contacts  848 ,  848 ′ on the circuit boards  822 ,  822 ′ that engage with the first engagement portions  849 ,  849 ′ and the second engagement portions  847 ,  847 ′ of the contacts  846 ,  846 ′ of the contact assemblies  840 ,  840 ′. More specifically, the second engagement portions  847  of contacts  846  of contact assembly  840  engage with contacts  848  on circuit board  822 , and the second engagement portions  847 ′ of contacts  846 ′ of contact assembly  840 ′ engage with contacts  848 ′ on circuit board  822 ′. As also shown in  FIG. 56 , when the module  820  is coupled to the module  820 ′, the first engagement portion  849 ′ of contacts  846 ′ of contact assembly  840 ′ is moved into engagement with the contacts  848  disposed on circuit board  822 , as illustrated by the arrow A. 
     The connectors  824  and  826  of the module  820  can be releasably coupled to another module  820  with the magnets  850 . As described above, the magnets  850  are disposed within receptacles  856  defined within an interior of the respective housing portions  818  and  828 , behind the front or end surfaces  880  and  862 , of connectors  826  and  824 , respectively. When a first module  820  is coupled to a second module  820 , the front or end surfaces  880  and  862  are brought together and the magnetic force of the magnets  850  holds the first module  820  to the second module  820 . Further, the insertion of the contact assembly  840  of a first module within a receiving pocket  842  of a second module can inhibit the two modules  820  from sliding laterally or side-to-side with respect to each other when removably coupled together. When the first module  820  is removably coupled to the second module  820 , the front surfaces  837  of the connector  824  of the first module  820  contact and abut the front surfaces  880  of the connector  826  of the second module  820 , as described above for previous embodiments. Further, when the first module  820  is removably coupled to the second module  820 , the side surfaces  833  of the housing structure  808  (and of the housing portions  828  and  818 ) of the first module  820  are each aligned or substantially aligned with a side surfaces  816  of the housing  808  of the second module  820 . As described above, the shape and contour of the connector  824  of the first module  820  complimentarily fits with the shape and contour of the connector  826  of the second module, which can further help maintain the connectors of the different modules coupled together. 
       FIG. 57  illustrates a portion of the modular electronic building block system  800  including a power module  820 - 1 , a light sensor module  820 - 2 , a button module  820 - 3  and a mini-matrix module  820 - 4 , and  FIGS. 58A and 58B  are a top view and an end perspective view of the power module  820 - 1 . The power module  820 - 1  includes a Bluetooth component  890 , an on/off button  891  and a USB port  895  (shown in  FIG. 58B ). The light sensor module  820 - 2  includes a light sensor  892 , the button module  820 - 3  includes a button  893  and the mini-matrix module  820 - 4  includes mini light components  894  (e.g., LEDs). 
     Although embodiments of modules  520 ,  620 ,  720 , and  820  are shown and described as having a connector (e.g., connectors  524  and  526 ) disposed at one end or two opposite ends of a circuit board (e.g., circuit boards  522 ) and housing structure (e.g., housing structure  508 ), in other embodiments, a module can include connectors disposed at more than two ends of the module or less than two ends of the module. For example, in some embodiments, a module can include a single connector disposed on one end portion of the housing structure. In some embodiments, a module can include two connectors disposed along a single end or side portion of the housing structure. In some embodiments, a module can include, for example, three or four connectors each disposed at three or four different edges or end portions of the housing structure. 
     In some embodiments, the modules described herein can include contact assemblies (e.g.,  540 ,  560 ,  640 ,  740 ) disposed at opposite end portions of the module that have the same structure or the contact assemblies can have different structures. For example, in some embodiments, a system can include modules that each include a first contact assembly disposed at a first end portion of the module that has a different structure than a second contact assembly disposed at a second end portion of the module. In such an embodiment, the first contact assembly may be configured to electrically couple only to a second contact assembly of another module of the system. In some embodiments, a system can include modules with contact assemblies on each end portion of the modules that have the same structure and can electrically couple to any contact assembly of any module of the system. In some embodiments, a module as described herein can include a contact assembly disposed on only one end (e.g.,  840 ) or side portion of the module. For example, a module can include a connector portion on opposite end portions of the module to allow the module to connect to another module, but with only one of the connector portions having a contact assembly. The opposite end portion of the module can include contacts that can electrically engage the contacts from the contact assembly of another module. 
     As described above, any module, such as the modules  520 ,  620 ,  720  and  820 , can have a floor component (e.g.,  515 ,  615 ,  715 ,  815 ) that can be transparent and/or include openings to provide viewing into the interior region of the module. In some embodiments, the modules  520 ,  620 ,  720 ,  820  can be constructed without a floor component or with a partial floor component. 
     Although not shown, for any of the electronic building block systems described herein an adapter(s) or foot member can be included to adjust the height of a connector (e.g.,  124 ,  126 ,  224 ,  226 , etc.). For example, an adapter can be coupled to a bottom portion of a connector to increase a length or height of the connector. Such adapters can be, for example, adhesively coupled to a bottom portion of the connector. In some embodiments, the adapter can include a mounting member or portion similar to the mounting portions (e.g.,  130 ,  230 , etc.) described above, such that the adapter can engage complementarily shaped components of a different building block system such as a LEGO® block. 
     As described herein, modules of an electronic building block system are adapted to have a variety of different types of functionality and to include the appropriate connectors, circuit boards, and associated electrical components coupled to the circuit boards to perform the desired functionality. The modules shown in the illustrated embodiments are for exemplary and demonstrative purposes, and are not intended to be limiting. 
     It should be understood that the structures, features, functionality, and other characteristics of the various example embodiments of the systems disclosed herein and illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-56  may be combined with each other in any manner and in any combination or sub-combination and all such manners and combinations are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     As described above in the many examples of modules and systems, numerous modules may be coupled together to achieve various functionalities of the systems. Modules may be coupled in a cascading manner in which the inclusion of one module in the system may affect the functionality of downstream modules in a first manner and inclusion of a different module in the system may affect the function of downstream modules in another manner different than the first manner. That is, modules coupled together in a system may have dependencies upon one another to affect functionality thereof and of the entire system. A simple example to demonstrate this concept, but is not intended to be limiting, includes a system having three modules, for example, a power module, a button module, and an LED module. The button module and the LED module are dependent on the power module, and the LED module is dependent on the button module. To demonstrate the dependency of the button module and the LED module on the power module, if the power module is not providing any power, then neither the button module nor the LED module can operate in their intended manner. Similarly, to demonstrate the dependency of the LED module on the button module, if the button is not depressed or otherwise activated to close the circuit, the LED module will not be illuminated, and if the button is depressed, the LED module will be illuminated. In other words, cascading modules in a system affect operation and functionality of downstream modules. In some embodiments, if the button is not disposed between the LED and power module, the LED will illuminate and the button will have no function. 
     The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. The descriptions were selected to explain the principles of the invention and their practical application to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 
     While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Where schematics and/or embodiments described above indicate certain components arranged in certain orientations or positions, the arrangement of components may be modified. While the embodiments have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made. Any portion of the apparatus and/or methods described herein may be combined in any combination, except mutually exclusive combinations. The embodiments described herein can include various combinations and/or sub-combinations of the functions, components, and/or features of the different embodiments described. 
     Where methods described above indicate certain events occurring in certain order, the ordering of certain events may be modified. Additionally, certain of the events may be performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above. 
     In addition to the previously described exemplary connectors, many modifications to the connectors are possible, including, but not limited to, the housing of a connector, the type of conductors or contacts used, the number of conductors or contacts, as well as the number of magnets, the shape of the magnets, the polarity of the magnets, the manner in which the connectors are couple to the circuit board of the module, etc. 
     For example, in alternative embodiments, the protrusions (e.g.,  232 ,  332 ) and recesses (e.g.,  234 ,  334 ) can complimentarily fit such that the protrusions and recesses are interlocked such as with a dove-tail shape or configuration, or other interlocking shape and configuration. In such embodiments, the protrusions can be slidably received within the recesses in a vertical direction and interlock such that the coupling of the protrusions and recesses can removably couple a first module to a second module. The dovetail configuration would prevent movement between the two modules in a horizontal direction. To uncouple the first module from the second module, the module with the dovetail protrusions could be uncoupled from the module with the dovetail recesses by sliding the module with the protrusions vertically out of the recesses. Thus, in such an embodiment, magnets (e.g., magnets  250 ) may not be included and used to couple a first module to a second module. In some embodiments, the modules may not include a protrusion(s) and mating recess(es) and instead rely solely on the magnets (e.g.,  150 ,  250 ) to maintain the position of a first module relative to a second module when coupled together with the magnets. 
     In another example, in an alternative embodiment, the housings (e.g.,  228 ) for both connectors (e.g.,  224 ,  226 ) can be monolithically or integrally formed and the circuit board (e.g.,  222 ) can be encased within the housing. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the housings (e.g.,  228 ) for both connectors (e.g.,  224 ,  226 ) can be monolithically or integrally formed and the circuit board (e.g.,  222 ) can be coupled to the housing. For example, the circuit board can be coupled to a top portion or a bottom portion of the integrally formed housing. In some embodiments, the housings (e.g.,  228 ) for both connectors (e.g.,  224 ,  226 ) can be monolithically or integrally formed and can define a slot or pocket in which the circuit board (e.g.,  222 ) can be disposed. 
     Although in some embodiments, the mounting portions (e.g.,  130 ,  230 ,  330 ) were shown and described as being disposed on a bottom side of the connectors (e.g.,  124 ,  126 ,  224 ,  226 ,  324 ,  326 ), in alternative embodiments, the mounting portions can be disposed on a top side of the connectors or a top side of the circuit board of a module. If the mounting portions are disposed on a top side of the connectors, the circuit board could be coupled to a bottom side of the connectors. In some embodiments, adapters (e.g., adapters  364  and  366 ) can be disposed on a bottom portion of the connectors and the mounting portions (e.g.,  330 ) can be disposed on a top portion of the connectors, such as shown and described for modules  520 ,  620 , and  720 . In some embodiments, a module can have an adapter (e.g., adapter  364 ,  366 ) disposed on one or both side surfaces (i.e., a surface orthogonal to a top and bottom surface, and orthogonal to an end surface) of the circuit board to allow for coupling a component of a different interlocking building block system to the side of the module. 
     In some embodiments, the mounting portions (e.g.,  130 ,  230 ,  330 ,  530 ,  630 ,  730 ,  830 ) can include a post or a partial post (e.g., half-post or quarter-post) that can be received within an opening or space of a component or block of a different interlocking building block system. In some embodiments, the mounting portions can be configured to be coupled to a mounting component, such as a mounting board or other intermediary component that can then be coupled to a component or block of a different interlocking building block system. In some embodiment, the adapters (e.g.,  164 ,  166 ,  364 ,  366 ,  564 ,  566 ,  664 ,  666 ,  764 ,  766 ) or caps  864 ,  866  can be configured to be coupled to a mounting component that can then be coupled to a component or block of a different interlocking building block system.