Abstract:
Disclosed is an electronic card comprising a printed circuit board interposed between card shields having edges. Tabs on an edge of one shield engage recesses on the edge of the other shield. The jointed shields of the card provide high levels of rigidity, sufficient to exceed applicable bending and torsional resistance specification. Adequate rigidity is thereby provided. Also included is an I/O connector grounded without a separate ground contact and shielded over its length. The tabs include an arcuate member having a medial oblique projection which engages a ledge of the other shield near the recess. The electronic card of the invention also comprises a printed circuit board interposed between card shields having edges. Tabs on the edges of one shield engage recesses on the edge of the other shield. Adequate rigidity is thereby provided. A frame bar is interposed between the shields. Also included is an I/O connector grounded without a separate ground contact and shielded over its length.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates to electronic cards and more particularly to exterior shells for such cards.  
           [0003]    2. Brief Description of Prior Developments  
           [0004]    Electronic cards are widely used, especially for adding capacity and/or functionality to personal computers. The Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (P MCIA) has established standards for such cards, and has categorized them as type I, type II and type III cards.  
           [0005]    Previously cards have employed cover shields latched and/or adhesively fixed to an intermediate frame and covers laser welded or ultrasonically welded together. More recent cards employ metal shields that are directly fixed together, without a frame. However, there are difficulties experienced in having such structures maintain sufficient rigidity to withstand flexing, bending and tension forces which would be expected to be placed on it in the course of ordinary use. There is, therefore, a need for an electronic card which avoids the above mentioned difficulties.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    The electronic card of the invention comprises a printed circuit board interposed between card shields having edges. Tabs on the edges of one shield engage recesses on the edge of the other shield. Adequate rigidity is thereby provided. Also included is an I/O connector grounded without a separate ground contact and shielded over its length.  
           [0007]    The electronic card of another embodiment of the invention comprises a printed circuit board interposed between card shields having edges. Tabs on the edges of one shield engage recesses on the edge of the other shield. Adequate rigidity is thereby provided. A frame bar is interposed between the shields. Also included is an I/O connector grounded without a separate ground contact and shielded over its length. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]    The invention is further described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic card of the present invention;  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the card shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the area in circle III in FIG. 1;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIGS. 4 a - 4   f  are schematic illustrations of various ways in which the tabs and recesses in the card illustrated in FIG. 1 may be engaged within the scope of the present invention;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIGS. 5 a  and  5   b  are respectively an exploded perspective view of an I/O connector used in the card shown in FIG. 1 and its accompanying universal grounding part and the I/O connector in which its universal grounding part is engaged;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIGS. 6 a  and  6   b  are respectively an exploded view of an alternate I/O connector and a view of the alternate I/O connector in which its grounding part is engaged;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate shielded I/O receptacle;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate shield member which may be used with the I/O receptacle shown in FIG. 7;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the card of the present invention;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the card of FIG. 9;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a card shield used in the card shown in FIG. 9;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 12 is a detailed view of the area within circle XII in FIG. 11;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 13 is a detailed view of the area with circle XIII in FIG. 11;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 14 is a detailed view of the I/O connector used in the card connector shown in FIG. 9;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view through an engaged latch;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 16 is a cross section through XVII-XVII in FIG. 16; and  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 17 is a cross section through XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 16.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 18 is a top plan view of a shield used in another preferred embodiment of the card of the present invention;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the shield shown in FIG. 18;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 20 is an end view of the shield shown in FIG. 18;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 21 is an end view of the entire card which makes use of the shield shown in FIG. 18;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 22 is a top plan view of a shield used in another preferred embodiment of the card of the present invention;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of the shield shown in FIG. 22;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 24 is an end view of the shield shown in FIG. 22;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 25 is a top plan view of a shield used in another preferred embodiment of the card of the present invention;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of the shield shown in FIG. 22;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 27 is an end view of the shield shown in FIG. 22;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 28 is a partial perspective view of the shield shown in FIG. 18;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of the area within circle XXIX in FIG. 28;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 30 is a blank from which the shield shown in FIG. 18 may be manufactured;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 31 is an enlarged view of the area within circle XXXI in FIG. 30;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIGS. 32 a  and  32   b  are views of alternate preferred embodiments of tabs and recesses respectively.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 33 is a detailed perspective fragmented views of the frame bars used in the card of the present invention;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the entire frame bar shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0043]    FIGS.  35 - 38  are side and plan views of portions of the card;  
         [0044]    FIGS.  39 - 42  are various perspective and schematic views illustrating the assembly of the frame in the shield;  
         [0045]    FIGS.  43 - 46  are various plan and edge views illustrating various parts of the card;  
         [0046]    FIGS.  47 - 51  are perspective illustrating various parts of the card;  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 52 is a side and top view of the frame support on the back of the coding key; and  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 53 is a schematic view illustrating a torque test of the card. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0049]    Referring to FIGS.  1 - 3 , the PCB assembly consists of the metallized receptacle I/O connector  1  at one end and the 68 pos MTB (MICRO TRIBEAM™) receptacle connector  2  at the other end of the board. This connector  2  has the two coding keys  3  and  4  integrated to sides of the plastic housing, simultaneously an upstanding ridge  5  on the top and bottom of this housing. On each of the two coding key ends of the connector  2 , top and bottom surfaces, are also located two recesses  6 . The I/O receptacle is described in detail hereafter.  
         [0050]    The top and bottom card shields  7  and  8  are identical stampings of sheet metal eg. stainless steel. Over a substantial length of the shield, at one side are preferably periodically spaced, located upstanding tabs  9 , and on the other side at same locations and periodicity appropriate recesses  10 . In addition, at the front side  13  of a shield are located two fixation tabs  11 , while at the rear side of each shield are extension portions  12  which are perpendicularly bent to be flush with in front of the metal shield of the connector plug opening of I/O connector  1 . Such a perpendicular bend results in an improved aesthetics and also prevents an opening between I/O connector and shield and prevents what is known as a “smile” effect of the card while allowing for proper axial positioning of the PCB assembly.  
         [0051]    When the two card shield halves  7  and  8  are positioned and moved toward each other over on either side of the PCB assembly, the tabs  9  and fixation tabs  11  cooperate with oppositely positioned recess  10  and  6  respectively, to obtain a final card assembly  14  shown in FIG. 2.  
         [0052]    Ordinarily if only one tab  9  cooperates with one properly positioned recess  10 , the force to retain the card assembly structure intact (see FIG. 2), notwithstanding the mechanical flexure/tension it is subjected to during application, is low. Due, to the employment of a relatively large number of tabs and recesses evenly spaced over the assembly length on both sides, sufficient rigidity of the assembly can be achieved. In general, there can be, and usually is, a true-position mismatch-match between tabs and the recesses, due to stamping tolerances. As a result, there can be a friction-fit of the two card shields on each other and with the recesses  6  of plastic housing of MTB connector  2 . These individual friction forces can be enhanced by appropriate choice of the relative dimension/shape of the tab/recess cooperating together to form the mechanical structure. For example, considering the Section A of tab  9  in FIG. 4 a , frictional engagement between the tabs and recesses can result if the tab is longer than the recess, as shown in FIG. 4 d , the tab is twisted (FIG. 4 e ) or the tab is curved (FIG. 4 c ). In addition, several options for latching the tab in the recess are presented in FIG. 4 b  and FIG. 4 g  and  4   c  and  4   h , wherein a latch  9   a , either centrally located or formed on one end of the tab, by a sheared portion, latches the tab in the recess when fully mated. The objective of the latching arrangements is to withstand the mechanical forces and hold the assembly intact. Another object is to present substantially flat metal sides of card assembly to allow appropriate contact with a ground contact of equipment slot (not shown) which the PCMCIA card needs to fit.  
         [0053]    The I/O connector is shown in FIGS. 5 a  and  5   b  in which it is shown that plastic is removed at ends of the top and bottom plastic walls  20  to allow the entry from the rear (PCB side) of two metal springs with legs  21  and  22  having inwardly projecting latches  23  and  24  and ends  25  and  26 . In the final assembled condition the latches  23  and  24  contact the metal shield plug connector  18  of assembled I/O plug connector while the ends  25  and  26  are pressed on metal upper and lower shields  7  and  8  to complete the total ground connection of system. These two metal spring members are connected to the ground track on the PCB at two connector ends by rivets, as in initial design.  
         [0054]    Referring to FIGS. 6 a - 6   b , another embodiment is shown in which one metal piece is inserted over for the top and bottom plastic walls of receptacle I/O connector. The advantage in this arrangement, being not only, is one part needed, but that the metal shield extends over the total length of the connector while ensuring there is no potential drop between the two ground locations situated at connector ends. In this design, the inward projecting latches  23  and  24  face the central plastic insert  13  to finally connect with mating plug I/O shield  18 . The outward latches  27  of the other side of the I/O connector contact the upper and lower shields  7  and  8 , while the edges  25  and  26  are located also against the edges of the card shields.  
         [0055]    Referring to FIGS.  7 - 8 , a further development of the I/O receptacle shield in combination with the substitute for ground contact  7  in initial design, is shown. Here the upper and shield portions are shown as two separate half&#39;s, each with symmetrical segments of latch retaining openings  12  facing towards each other. This design alternative is not only present a metal plate with latch retaining openings, but also present at the rear end  28  of the receptacle I/O, besides the area needed for SMT legs of terminals, a metal wall over the remaining width of the card. This feature is more clearly evident in FIG. 4 showing the rear from the PCB side view of the receptacle I/O. This rear end  28  (FIG. 8) in this design when locked above a similar wall extending from lower shield portion, then affords a means for EMI/ESD shielding between the PCB electronics circuit I/O connector on this side of the card assembly.  
         [0056]    Referring to FIGS.  9 - 16 , the PCB assembly includes the metallized receptacle I/O connector  101  at one end and the 68 pos MTB receptacle connector  102  at the other end of the board. This MTB connector  102  has the two coding keys  103  and  104  integrated to sides of the plastic housing, simultaneously an upstanding ridge  105  on the top and bottom of this housing. On each of the two coding key ends of the MTB connector  102 , top and bottom surfaces, are also located on the I/O connector ends and two recesses  106 . The I/O receptacle is described in detail hereafter.  
         [0057]    The top and bottom card shields  107  and  108  are sheet metal e.g. stainless steel. Over a substantial length of the shield, at one side are periodically located upstanding tabs  109 , and on the other side at same locations and periodicity are appropriate recesses  110 . In addition, at the front side  113  of a shield is located a fixation tab  111 , and at the rear side of the shield are extension portions  112  which are perpendicularly bent to be flush with in front of the metal shield of the connector plug opening of I/O connector  101  in the final card assembly condition. Such a perpendicular bend results in an improved aesthetics of the card while allowing for proper longitudinal axial positioning of the PCB assembly.  
         [0058]    When the two card shield halves  107  and  108  are positioned and moved towards each to enclose of the PCB assembly, the tabs  109  cooperate with recess  110  along side and fixation tabs  111  cooperate with oppositely positioned recess  144  on the opposite side of the top shield through slot  100 , to obtain a final card assembly.  
         [0059]    The periodicity of tabs and recess over the assembly length on both sides, is sufficient to ensure the desired assembly rigidity. As previously stated, there usually is a true-position miss-match between the tabs and recess, due to stamping tolerances. This arrangement, then results in at least an initial friction-fit of the two card shields on each other by reason of the side tabs  109  entering side recesses  110 , and two front fixation tabs  111  passing through two  106  to enter front recess  144  of the opposite shield of plastic housing of connector  102 . These individual friction forces can be enhanced by appropriate choice of the relative dimension/shape of the tab/recess cooperating together to form the mechanical structure.  
         [0060]    Referring particularly to FIGS.  9 - 10  and  14 , a further development of the I/O receptacle shield in combination with the substitute for ground contact  107  in initial design, is shown. Here the upper and shield portions are shown as two separate halves each with symmetrical segments of latch retaining openings  112  facing towards each other. This design is not only present at a metal plate with latch retaining openings, but also present at the rear end  128  of the receptacle I/O, besides the area needed for SMT legs of terminals, a metal wall over the remaining width of the card.  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 11 and  12  shows modified forms of securing tabs wherein the tabs  109  comprise an upstanding arcuate section  130  having opposed rigid sides  131  and chamfers  132  from which a spring latch  133  extends downwardly and outwardly. Referring particularly to FIG. 13, the recesses  110  are formed in a ledge  134 . The ends of the recesses  110  have edges  135  and  136  which are angled inwardly to points  138 . Referring particularly to FIGS.  15 - 17 , the tab  133  engages the underside of ledges  134  in the recesses  110 .  
         [0062]    The two card shields of this embodiment are preferably made from 0.2 mm stainless steel and have a number of mechanical snap fit fasteners. After assembling the two shields to each other, these fasteners make the card surprisingly and unexpectantly rigid and stiff against bending and torsion. These fasteners also effect good electrical connection for grounding between the two card shields due to multiple contact points, and also because no intermediate load bearing surfaces are utilized the card is optimally shielded for EMI. These fasteners comprise a number of tabs  109  which engage recesses  110 . It will be seen from the drawings (in parts at FIGS. 15 and 16) that each of the tabs  109  and latch  133  are angled inwardly from the perpendicular plane, for example, by angle of (FIG. 15) to better engage the recesses  110 . Each tab  109  comprises a spring section  132  integrated with a latch  133 , which hooks in a latch  134  underneath the area of each recess  110 . This latch  133  holds the two card shields from opening after assembly. During mating, the tab  109  will be subjected to elastic bending and torsion forces from the tip of latch  133  up both rigid sides.  
         [0063]    Each tab  109  includes also two rigid sides  131  which engage with some play in both ends of the recess  110 . The total number of rigid sides  131  and recess ends give the mechanical connection between the two card shields a high shear strength, which results in a high stiffness against bending and torsion. It will also be noted that the two card shields are identical and are hermaphodite, that is, each shield contains both male and female fastening elements.  
         [0064]    As is shown in particular with regard to FIGS.  12 - 14 , during mating the chamfers  132  will first touch the leading edges  135  and  136  so that they will guide the tab  109  to the end position beyond points  138  and guarantee that the latch  133  will hook underneath edge  134 . The points  138  function as latches to hold the tab in position in the recess and provide an audible “snap” that indicates proper latching. The relative dimensions of the chamfers  132  and ledges  135  and  136  are designed to absorb manufacturing (stamping) tolerances.  
         [0065]    The latch mechanism is designed in a way that there is an initial play between the latch and the ledge  134  in vertical direction, which is taken away by a second spring function of ends  137  of the ledge. As these ends have a bending angle less than 90°, these make first contact when assembling the two card shields and then these have to be pressed together a little before the latch  133  will be mated. After that the latch mechanism has no further play.  
         [0066]    Preferably the overall cumulative lengths of the spring like tabs will be at least 10% of the length of the shield and more preferably will be 50% of the length of the shield.  
         [0067]    Referring particularly to FIG. 9, it will also be seen that there is a slot  106  at each end of the connector  102 , which allows the tab  111  to pass through the connector to engage a recess  144  in the opposing card shield. Thus there is a completely metal to metal contact so that it is not necessary to engage the plastic in the connector  102 . More particularly, if only two card shields  107  and  108  are engaged without using the connector  101  and  102  the resulting card case is rigid.  
         [0068]    A torque test, bend test and finger nail simulation test were conducted on this second PCMCIA card version described above. The tests are shown respectively on the attached Tables I, II and III.  
         [0069]    Referring to FIGS.  18 - 21 , an embodiment is shown in which no I/O receptacle is employed. Otherwise this embodiment is generally the same as that described in FIGS.  9 - 17 . That is, it has identical tabs  245  which engage identical recesses  254 , and it also has a space  240  for an MTB connector (not shown). Referring particularly to FIGS.  20 - 21 , it will be noted that the joining tabs and recesses of the rear are disposed to the side and there is centrally adjoining panels  241  and  242 . Referring to FIGS.  22 - 24 , another embodiment is shown which is similar to the foregoing embodiment except that it makes use of a single  15  position I/O connector  343 . The tabs  309  and recesses  310  are the same as was described above. In this embodiment the connecting tabs and recesses  345  and  354  respectively are positioned outwardly adjacent the I/O connector on the front end of the card while tabs  311  and recess  344  cooperate with each other on the MTV connector side.  
         [0070]    Referring to FIGS.  25 - 27 , another embodiment is shown which makes use of two I/O connectors  446  and  447 . Otherwise this embodiment is essentially the same as the ones described above. It will be noted that at the rear end of this card the tab and recess  448  are positioned between the I/O connectors and the rear side of the card.  
         [0071]    Referring to FIGS.  28 - 29 , it will be seen that the full metal corners of the embodiments described above are comprised of a folded metal wall shown generally at  549 . Referring to FIGS.  30 - 31 , it we be noted that this curved corner may be produced from a blank having a medial protrusion  450  and lateral protrusions  451  and  452  which may be folded upwardly and inwardly in segments to produce the desired rounded effect. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the advantages of the construction of this full metal corner in terms of EMI EST shielding or similar full metal shielding without use of plastic or open air. This feature is also aesthetically advantageous since it has no sharp edges.  
         [0072]    The following modifications may also be incorporated into the card described above.  
         [0073]    a) Incorporating a frame-bar in addition to the metal card shields to support the interior electronic circuitry; and  
         [0074]    b) Affording a means to mechanically connect and fix the metal card shields to the PCB.  
         [0075]    In this additional embodiment, means are provided to appropriately align the two end connectors (I/O and the MTB connector) with respect to the PCB before their fixation by a solder reflow process. Preferably this alignment should be achieved without the need of tight connector peg-to-board hole clearances. Removing this requirement for both or one (e.g. MTB side) PCMCIA case would suffice.  
         [0076]    To incorporate these changes a design modification has been undertaken without alteration to the basic metal latch snap-fit feature discussed earlier on edges of metal shield; neither is there a change to the basic I/O connector configuration.  
         [0077]    1) Frame-bar  
         [0078]    The embodiment includes the incorporation of a plastic bar which is attached to one side edge of the metal card shield as shown in FIG. 33. Since the frame-bar&#39;s attachment along the longitudinal direction in the card shield is a key subject, forthcoming discussion and diagrams are related to the combination. The same frame-bar is utilized in the top and bottom shields. FIG. 34 shows two different views (in addition to a 360 rotation of second view with respect to the first) of one such frame-bar  601  having several upstanding lobes  602  and two longitudinally separated upstanding pegs  603  towards its middle portion, while several tapered recessed areas  604  are distributed over its length. Each lobe has one vertical face  605  and a tapered face  607 ; this vertical face of all lobes form one integral vertical face as at  605  extending over the length of the frame-bar  601 . The two pegs  603  and  603 ′, each having a chamfered ledge  606 , protrude away from the vertical face  605 . This protrusion is along a semi-circular periphery  608  and  608 ′, which both protrude from vertical face  605  in a space adjacent to the PCB edge. This protrusion towards the PCB is slightly different for these two pegs  603  and  603 ′ due to a slight difference in their sizes and it faces the metal card shield edge  610 . This is also the case for the tapered faces  607  as is further clear from FIG. 33 in which case  607  is opposite to the upstanding arcuate section  611  extending from the metal card  613  with several retaining latches  612  distributed over the length of shield edge  610 .  
         [0079]    To understand the assembly of this frame-bar  601  on one edge of one metal card  613 , the relative (process) positioning of the MTB connector  614  is effected by the use of steps  620  and tabs  619 , using the concept of the panel  618 , is emphasized. Corresponding perspective versions are shown in FIG. 47 and  48 . In these figures the connector rear ends  604  immediately behind the coding keys, are defined. Now the I/O connector  615  can be located in holes  623 , shown in FIG. 44 still using the frame structure as positioning means. Once all other electronic circuitry elements have been located on the PCB by the customer, a single reflow operation is used to form an integral electronic assembly, for example, a PCMCIA card. This assembly obviously includes the two end connectors. Finally, each electronic assembly can be separated from the frame by shearing-off in the vicinity of the joints  621 . It is to be noted such a design foresees a means to accommodate also two I/O connectors, or no I/O connectors at all.  
         [0080]    The user can locate such an assembly on a previously prepared combination of frame  201  with metal card  613 . As shown in FIG. 49 (without an I/O connector), the pegs  603  and  603 ′ allow for the fixation of this assembly, as discussed previously. Looking from the I/O to the MTB connector side, and assuming that the PCB and connector tails are transparent, results in FIG. 38. Different perspective views can be derived from FIG. 39.  
         [0081]    [0081]FIG. 40 shows another aspect of this design useful in “inverse” application of a card assembly. Due to the coding keys, such a card may be inserted only in one direction into the peripheral equipment. By inverted application (misuse), large longitudinal forces may be transmitted by the MTB connector to through the solder legs to the PCB  616 . If the user continues to insert push the card from the I/O side, there may be a mechanical rupture to the solder joints on PCB, destroying the card. As evident in FIG. 40, the rear end  624  of the MTB connector in this design butts against the front of the frame  601 . Since the latter is fixed in the case, such forces may be easily withstood by the edges of the PCB before force is transmitted to the solder connection. The current specification for PCMCIA cards is 60 Newton.  
         [0082]    Another advantage of this design is its ability to withstand torque and twist, as demonstrated in FIG. 41. It needs to be understood that in this mode of mechanical loading, the upper and lower metal card constituting the PCMCIA assembly, have a tendency to move in opposite directions relative to each other. As the twist is being applied from the I/O end, the ensuing relative movement between the shields are effective at the MTB connector side. Consequently, the connection between the two card shields to the MTB connector ends, are subject to relatively large (shear) forces, which may easily rupture the joint. Since the peg lobes  602 , shown in this figure as a cross-section over the total width of one lobe of the frame-bar  601 , enter from opposite shield sides and locate in appropriate recesses in the shield edges  610 , the relative longitudinal movements between the two shields are immobilized. Again, this immobilization mechanism is distributed on several locations, on both sides of the PCMCIA card (in the length direction). Many other designs are prone to failure in this mode of loading. This, therefore, is a significant advantage of this design. Thus the integration of the frame-bar gives a further enhancement of assembly robustness in addition to an extra safeguard (PCB alignment/positioning and fixation) to the electronic circuitry contained within the case.  
         [0083]    It will be appreciated that a card connector has been provided which allows for optimum shear strength and stiffness against bending and torsion.  
         [0084]    While the present invention has been described in connection with the preferred embodiments of the various figures, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiment for performing the same function of the present invention without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the recitation of the appended claims.  
                                       TABLE I                           PCMCIA version 2            1. Torque test       ¼ hard stainless steel, thickness 0.2 mm       Test conditions:       card kit consists of two shields plus two connectors, no PCB       applied torque is 1.236 (Nm)       torque is applied on the cards one time in each direction (instead of 5       times)       torque has been applied on the cards for about 10 seconds (instead of 5       minutes)       maximum torque is applied, even when maximum angle of 10° is       exceeded       test has been performed before bend test (according to PCMCIA spec.)       and finger nail test                TORQUE   ROTATION           SAMPLE   (Nm)   ANGLE [°]   REMARKS               1   1.236   11.3   2 CLOCKWISE       1   1.236   12.6   COUNTER-CLOCKWISE       2   1.236   10.9   CLOCKWISE       2   1.236   11.7   COUNTER-CLOCKWISE       AVERAGE   1.236   11.63   NO VISIBLE DAMAGES AT                   THE OUTSIDE                                          
 
         [0085]    [0085]                                                 TABLE II                           PCMCIA version 2            2. Bend test       ¼ hard stainless steel, thickness 0.2 mm       Test conditions:       card kit consists of two shields plus two connectors, no PCB       applied force is 19.6 (N)       test according to PCMCIA specification       clamping device is the gauge according to SK33279       cards are clamped quite firmly       test has been performed after torque test and before finger nail test            machine-settings:   y-axis: F = 500 N, rate 1:1, range 5 mV/om (1 om =           2.5 N)           x-axis: L = 5, rate 1:1, range 5 mV/om (1 om = 1 mm)                FORCE   DEFLECTION           SAMPLE   (N)   (mm)   REMARKS               1   20.7   3.6   I/O SIDE CLAMPED, UP       1   20.2   3.3   I/O SIDE CLAMPED, DOWN       1   20.2   2.3   68 POS SIDE CLAMPED, UP       1   20.5   4.0   68 POS SIDE CLAMPED, DOWN       2   20.2   3.4   I/O SIDE CLAMPED, UP       2   20.1   3.4   I/O SIDE CLAMPED, DOWN       2   20.6   3.1   68 POS SIDE CLAMPED, UP       2   20.4   2.9   68 POS SIDE CLAMPED, DOWN       average   20.30   3.43       I/O       average   20.43   3.08       68                                             
         [0086]    [0086]                                                                                             TABLE III                           PCMCIA version 2                    DESPLACE-               FORCE (N)   MENT (mm)   REMARKS                        SAMPLE 1            1   145   20   2.08   103       2   120   24   1.72   14       3   165   33   2.24   112       I/O4     120   24   0.42   21       I/O5     90   10   0.25   125       6   113   23.9   1.66   83       7   130   26   1.44   72       8   95   10   1.18   39       average   127.92       1.72       average I/O   105.00       0.34            SAMPLE 2            1   105   21   1.68   84           2   95   19   1.34   67        3.   165   83   1.94   97       I/O4     110   22   0.30   15       I/O5     95   10   0.28   14       6   110   22   1.36   68       7   120   24   1.24   62       8   115   23   1.26   63       average   118.33       1.47       average I/O   102.50       0.29       long sides   123.13       1.59       average value over                           two samples       I/O side   103.75       0.31       average value over                           two samples                           no visible damages                           at the outside