Patent Description:
A ferrite bead (also known as a ferrite blocks, core, ring, EMI filter, or choke) is a passive electric component that can suppress high frequency noise, for example, noise ranging from <NUM>'s of kHz to ten or more MHz, and common mode currents. Ferrite beads can concentrate the magnetic field associated with current flow and increase inductance to impede or filter noise. Ferrite beads can also produce resistive losses within the ferrite itself. The result is an impedance over a relatively broad frequency range that reduces or eliminates noise over that frequency range.

<CIT> describes an electrical connector that includes a dielectric housing having a mating face, a plurality of openings therein configured as pairs of aligned openings and a receptacle for receiving a plurality of internal modules therein. A plurality of electrically conductive contacts are positioned within the housing with a portion of each contact extending into one of the openings for engaging contacts of a mateable connector. At least one conductive inter-module shield is located within the receptacle and extends generally towards the mating face to define a plurality of module receiving cavities.

<CIT> describes a device that holds a choke.

<CIT> describes an inductive component e.g. coil, for surface mounted device printed circuit board assembly that has recess provided on side of supporting units for accommodating and guiding connecting cable of electrical components.

<CIT> describes inductance element that includes a doughnut-shaped magnetic core and a bottomed container for housing the doughnut-shaped magnetic core. The bottomed container has a cylindrical outer wall portion, a cylindrical inner wall portion, a bottom portion, an open section and a hollow portion. The open section of the bottomed container is covered with an adhesive portion for integrally fixing the doughnut-shaped magnetic core and the bottomed container. The adhesive portion has an extended portion extended in the cylindrical inner wall portion.

<CIT> describes a filter assembly for a high-voltage connector arrangement.

<CIT> describes a device for mounting electric components on a circuit board in which a carrier housing for the electric componentshas a two-part design. The lower part locks directly on the printed circuit board while an upper housing part serving as a component carrier may be locked in two different positions on the lower housing part.

The present patent is directed to a device according to claim.

Such a relatively robust mechanical coupling can be beneficial in a number of applications where the printed circuit board is part of a moveable component or if a component that is vibrated, jolted, or otherwise mechanically disturbed. For example, printed circuit boards may be mounted in moving vehicles (e.g., automobiles, trams), in power generation apparatus on or near moveable parts (e.g., windmills, generators), on construction equipment (e.g., cranes), in industrial applications, or the like. By forming a relatively robust coupling, the relative positioning of the ferrite bead, the board, and wires or other electrical conductors remains more consistent. Further, forces associated with movement of the ferrite bead and the board are borne by the coupling between the ferrite bead and the board rather than, e.g., any electrical conductor that passes through the bead.

Embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

are schematic representations of an assembly for mounting a filter component, such as a ferrite, to a printed or other circuit board, and an example mounting of assemblies on a circuit board.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art that the specific detail need not be employed to practice the present invention. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. Particular features, structures or characteristics may be included in an integrated circuit, an electronic circuit, a combinational logic circuit, or other suitable components that provide the described functionality. In addition, it is appreciated that the figures provided herewith are for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled in the art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

As mentioned above, ferrite beads are a passive electric component that can suppress high frequency noise. Ferrite beads can be implemented in a variety of different form factors. For example, ferrite beads can be fixed onto conductors or around the pins of circuit-board components, such as transistors, connectors and integrated circuits. Ferrite beads can also be implemented as "snap-on" or "clamp-on" cores that clamp a wire (and its insulation). In general, a ferrite bead is slipped onto a wire which is coupled to a circuit board via a connector. However, in applications where the circuit board is part of a moveable component that is vibrated, jolted, or otherwise mechanically disturbed, the movement can dislodge the ferrite bead. In some cases, the dislodging of the ferrite bead can cause vibration test failures or damage the connection between the wire and the board or even the wire itself.

The housing is designed to be mechanically coupled to a circuit board, such as a printed circuit board indirectly by one or more intervening elements. The housing can be coupled to the board within the vicinity of a wire-to-board connector. For example, the pass-through filter component housing can be connected to the printed circuit board in the vicinity of the wire-to-board connector. In any case, a relatively robust mechanical coupling can be established between the pass-through filter component and the board.

As discussed above, relatively robust mechanical couplings can be beneficial in a number of applications where the printed circuit board is part of a moveable component or if a component is vibrated, jolted, or otherwise mechanically disturbed. For example, a printed circuit board can implement an IGBT gate driver. Further, IGBT gate drivers can be electrically coupled (e.g., in parallel or in series) together in moving vehicles, in power generation, transportation or consumption apparatus, on construction equipment, or the like. Wires that extend from one printed circuit board to another printed circuit board can implement such electrical couplings.

These and other wires that electrically connect to IGBT gate driver circuit boards can benefit from filter component housings. IGBT gate drivers are quite prone to noise issues and common mode current. Ferrite beads and other filter components can be used to reduce common mode noise and increase signal immunity. However, if a filter component is simply slid onto a wire that is electrically connected to an IGBT gate driver circuit boards, the wire may be subject to unduly high forces when mechanically disturbed.

are schematic representations of an assembly <NUM> for mounting a ferrite bead or other filter component to a printed or other circuit board, and an example mounting of one or more assemblies <NUM> on a circuit board. Each assembly <NUM> includes an electrical connector assembly <NUM> and a housing <NUM> for a ferrite bead or other filter component. Electrical connector assembly <NUM> forms a wire-to-board connection that fastens a wire to a circuit board <NUM> shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. Housing <NUM> is an assembly that is dimensioned to a house a filter component <NUM>. Housing <NUM> defines an opening <NUM> through which one or more wires can pass to reach electrical connector assembly <NUM>. Electrical connector assembly <NUM> and housing <NUM> is coupled to a circuit board <NUM> to form a relatively robust coupling that provides consistent mechanical and electrical properties even if the circuit board <NUM> and assembly <NUM> are moved.

For the sake of convenience, the text will hereafter refer to housing <NUM> as a "ferrite bead housing <NUM>" and to filter component <NUM> as "ferrite bead <NUM>. " It is however to be understood that housing <NUM> can in some case house a filter component other than a ferrite bead. <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an assembly <NUM> including electrical connector assembly <NUM> and housing <NUM>. For the assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> is mounted onto the electrical connector assembly <NUM>. In the illustrated implementations, electrical connector assembly <NUM> includes wire-to-board connector <NUM> and a mount <NUM>. Although the wire-to-board connector <NUM> is not shown in <FIG>, wire-to-board connector <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. Wire-to-board connector <NUM> can be any of a number of different connectors that are suited for forming one or more electrical connections between conductor(s) of the circuit board and wire(s) that extend off the board. Wire-to-board connector <NUM> can use any of a variety of different technologies including, e.g., pin-and-socket, blade/contact, solder, or the like to form the electrical connection(s). Electrical terminals of the wire-to-board connector <NUM> can connect to the conductor(s) of the circuit board in either a thru-board or surface-mount arrangement.

Mount <NUM> is a mechanical member that is configured to provide a relatively robust mechanical coupling between the ferrite bead housing <NUM> and the circuit board in the vicinity of wire-to-board connector <NUM>. Mount <NUM> is generally made from a mechanically stable, non-conductive material. Mount <NUM> acts an intermediary member between the ferrite bead housing <NUM> and the circuit board <NUM> in the vicinity of wire-to-board connector <NUM>. In general, mount <NUM> surrounds wire-to-board connector <NUM> and is connected to the circuit board at multiple locations radially distributed around wire-to-board connector <NUM>.

In the illustrated implementation, mount <NUM> includes a receptacle <NUM>, a number of through-board protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, and a number of mounting flanges <NUM>, <NUM>. It should be appreciated that receptacle <NUM> is not explicitly shown in <FIG>, but is shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and 7C. Similarly, mounting flanges <NUM>, <NUM> are not explicitly shown in <FIG>, but are shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. Receptacle <NUM> defines a volume or space that is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of wire-to-board connector <NUM>. As will be later illustrated and discussed, receptacle <NUM> is generally in the center of mount <NUM>. Protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> and mounting flanges <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged generally symmetrically and radially around receptacle <NUM>. However, this is not necessarily the case and protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> and mounting flanges <NUM>, <NUM> can also be arranged asymmetrically around receptacle <NUM>. Indeed, asymmetrical arrangements may be preferred in applications where the directionality of likely mechanical disturbances is known.

Through-board protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> extend vertically from the board-facing surface of mount <NUM> and are dimensioned to span the thickness of a circuit board <NUM> seen generally in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. In the illustrated implementation, through-board protrusions <NUM> are snap-fit members that include wings <NUM>. When assembled, wings <NUM> extend outward from protrusions <NUM>. Wings are inwardly flexible toward protrusions <NUM> during insertion through an appropriately-dimensioned opening in the circuit board <NUM> but return to an outwardly extended position as the board-facing surface of mount <NUM> approaches the circuit board <NUM> to form a robust mechanical coupling. In contrast to through-board protrusions <NUM>, through-board protrusions <NUM> do not include wings. Protrusions <NUM> are dimensioned and positioned to pass through appropriately-dimensioned and positioned openings in the circuit board. Through-board protrusions <NUM> can thus ensure proper relative positioning of mount <NUM> on the circuit board and provide some measure of additional mechanical stability.

In other implementations, the mechanical coupling between mount <NUM> and the circuit board can be formed in other ways. For example, the number and arrangement of through-board protrusions can differ. As another example, other types of mechanical couplings (compression fittings, threaded fittings, solder or melt couplings, epoxy or other glues, or the like) can be used.

In the illustrated implementation, ferrite bead housing <NUM> is a generally tubular member that is dimensioned to house a ring-shaped ferrite bead. In particular, ferrite bead housing <NUM> includes a base <NUM> and a lid <NUM> that-when they are coupled together-define a cavity dimensioned to receive a ferrite bead. In general, the cavity is vertically aligned with a site that forms the electrical connection between the wire and wire-to-board electrical connector <NUM>. Although-aside from opening <NUM>-base <NUM> and lid <NUM> are shown as generally solid structures, this is not necessarily the case. For example, base <NUM> and/or lid <NUM> can include one or more openings that expose ferrite bead <NUM>. The ferrite bead housing <NUM> is generally made from a mechanically stable, non-conductive material.

In one example of construction, a circuit board could be provided with the mount <NUM> attached to the circuit board and surrounding the wire-to-board connector <NUM>. A user could then slide one or more wires through the opening <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (which includes the ferrite bead, base <NUM> and lid <NUM>) prior to attaching the one or more wires to the wire-to-board connector <NUM>. Once the one or more wires are attached to the wire-to-board connector <NUM>, the user can attach the base <NUM> of the housing <NUM> to the mount <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded view of the assembly <NUM> along an axis A, including the ferrite bead <NUM>. As shown, the ferrite bead housing <NUM> is generally dimensioned to house ferrite bead <NUM> and includes base <NUM> and lid <NUM>. In the illustrated implementation, base <NUM> includes an inner wall <NUM>, an outer wall <NUM>, and a floor <NUM>. Floor <NUM> is outlined in a dotted line to illustrate that the floor <NUM> is generally hidden in a perspective view. Inner wall <NUM> is dimensioned to pass through the inside opening of a ring-shaped ferrite bead <NUM>. Inner wall <NUM> also provides a first vertical opening <NUM> dimensioned to receive one or more wires that are electrically connected to wire-to-board connector <NUM>. Inner wall <NUM> is also dimensioned to provide a second vertical opening <NUM> which is surrounded by floor <NUM>. Outer wall <NUM> is dimensioned to surround the outside of the ferrite bead <NUM>. In the illustrated implementation, outer wall <NUM> includes a number of protrusions <NUM> that are dimensioned and positioned to form a snap-fit connection with corresponding recesses <NUM> in lid <NUM>. In other implementations, a mechanical coupling between base <NUM> and lid <NUM> can be formed in other ways. For example, the number and arrangement of protrusions and recesses can differ. As another example, other types of mechanical couplings (compression fittings, threaded fittings, solder or melt couplings, epoxy or other glues, or the like) can be used.

Floor <NUM> extends between inner wall <NUM> and outer wall <NUM> to support, from below, a ring-shaped ferrite bead <NUM> that is received in base <NUM>. The bottom surface of floor <NUM> includes a number of protrusions <NUM>, which define slits <NUM>, and protrusions <NUM>. The protrusions <NUM> are not explicitly shown in <FIG>, but are illustrated in FIG. Further, slits <NUM> are also shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Slits <NUM> and protrusions <NUM> are arranged generally symmetrically around a second vertical opening <NUM> to interact with corresponding mounting flanges <NUM>, <NUM> on mount <NUM>. As will be further discussed with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>, protrusions <NUM> are oriented such that slits <NUM> are laterally-oriented and extend radially inward toward the second vertical opening <NUM>. Each protrusion <NUM> is configured and positioned to receive a tip portion of a corresponding laterally-oriented mounting flange <NUM> in the slit <NUM> defined by the protrusion <NUM>. In particular, each mounting flange <NUM> can be positioned adjacent to a corresponding protrusion <NUM> and slit <NUM>. Relative rotation between mount <NUM> and ferrite bead housing <NUM> can slide the tip portions of mounting flanges <NUM> into the respective slit <NUM>. In the illustrated implementation, each protrusion <NUM> includes a wall <NUM> which defines the end of the slit <NUM> and that prevents the tip portions of mounting flanges <NUM> from exiting the other side of a corresponding slit <NUM>. In the illustrated implementation, mount <NUM> and ferrite bead housing <NUM> are reversibly connected. In particular, relative rotation between mount <NUM> and ferrite bead housing <NUM> in the opposite direction can be performed to disconnect the ferrite bead housing <NUM> from the mount <NUM> without damage to either.

Lid <NUM> is dimensioned and configured to form-- in conjunction with base <NUM>- the generally cavity that houses the ferrite bead <NUM>. In the illustrated implementation, the cavity that houses the ring-shaped ferrite bead <NUM> is also ring-shaped, albeit with larger dimensions that comfortably enclose the ferrite bead and limit relative movement between the ferrite bead and ferrite bead housing <NUM>. In the illustrated implementation, lid <NUM> includes a vertical wall <NUM> and a horizontal ceiling <NUM>. Ceiling <NUM> extends radially inward from vertical wall <NUM>. Ceiling <NUM> defines a hole <NUM> that is positioned and dimensioned to align with first vertical opening <NUM> when lid <NUM> caps base <NUM>. Hole <NUM> can receive the same one or more wires that pass through vertical opening <NUM> to connect with wire-to-board connector <NUM>.

Vertical wall <NUM> is dimensioned to surround outer wall <NUM> of base <NUM>. In the illustrated implementation, vertical wall <NUM> includes a number of recesses <NUM>. Recesses <NUM> are dimensioned and positioned to form a snap-fit connection with corresponding protrusions <NUM> on outer wall <NUM> of base <NUM> as seen more clearly in <FIG>. <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. Protrusions <NUM> are angled to aid the snap-fit connection of the lid <NUM> to base <NUM>. In the illustrated implementation, recesses <NUM> are holes that extend through vertical wall <NUM>, although this is not necessarily the case.

In other implementations, the mechanical coupling between lid <NUM> and base <NUM> can be formed in other ways. For example, the number and arrangement of recesses and protrusions can differ. As another example, other types of mechanical couplings (compression fittings, threaded fittings, solder or melt couplings, epoxy or other glues, or the like) can be used. Further, the lid <NUM> may be optional and the ferrite bead <NUM> may be secured within the base <NUM> by other means, such as glue.

<FIG> also illustrates an exploded view of the assembly <NUM> along an axis A, including the ferrite bead <NUM> and wire <NUM> or cable. A cable can include two or more insulated wires in a single jacket. It should be appreciated that the exploded view shown in <FIG> is similar to the exploded view of assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG>. One difference, however, is the wire <NUM> or cable is shown inserted into the assembly <NUM>. As shown, housing <NUM> defines an opening <NUM> through which one or more wires <NUM> (or cable) can pass to reach the electrical connector assembly <NUM>.

Housing <NUM> includes the base <NUM> and lid <NUM>. Also shown in <FIG> is the ferrite bead <NUM>. Base <NUM> of housing <NUM> includes an inner wall <NUM> and an outer wall <NUM>. The inner wall <NUM> is dimensioned to pass through the inside opening of a ring-shaped ferrite bead <NUM> and provides the first vertical opening <NUM>, which is dimensioned to receive one or more wires <NUM> that are electrically connected to wire-to-board connector. The lid <NUM> also defines a hole, which defines the opening <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, that is positioned and dimensioned to align with first vertical opening <NUM> when lid <NUM> caps base <NUM>. The opening <NUM> can receive the same one or more wires <NUM> that pass through vertical opening <NUM>.

In one example of construction, a circuit board could be provided with the mount <NUM> attached to the circuit board and surrounding the wire-to-board connector <NUM>. A user could then slide one or more wires and/or cable <NUM> through the opening <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (which includes the ferrite bead, base <NUM> and lid <NUM>) prior to attaching the one or more wires and/or cable <NUM> to the wire-to-board connector <NUM>. Once the user attaches the one or more wires and/or cable <NUM> to the wire-to-board connector <NUM>, the user can then attach the base <NUM> of housing <NUM> to the mount <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the base <NUM> of the ferrite bead housing <NUM> with the ferrite bead <NUM> inserted into the base <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the lid <NUM> is not shown to more clearly illustrate the ferrite bead <NUM> inserted into the base <NUM>. Similar to as described above, the base <NUM> includes inner wall <NUM>, outer wall <NUM>, and a floor <NUM>. It should be appreciated that in this view, the floor <NUM> is not visible. Inner wall <NUM> is dimensioned to pass through the inside opening of a ring-shaped ferrite bead <NUM>. Inner wall <NUM> also provides the first vertical opening <NUM> dimensioned to receive one or more wires that are electrically connected to wire-to-board connector <NUM>. Outer wall <NUM> is dimensioned to surround the outside of the ferrite bead <NUM>. In the illustrated implementation, outer wall <NUM> includes a number of protrusions <NUM> that are dimensioned and positioned to form a snap-fit connection with corresponding recesses <NUM> in lid <NUM>. Protrusions <NUM> are angled to aid the snap-fit connection of the lid <NUM> to base <NUM>. The base <NUM> shown in <FIG> also illustrates protrusions <NUM> which define slits <NUM> which interact with corresponding mounting flanges <NUM> on mount <NUM>. The protrusions <NUM> are oriented such that the slits <NUM> are laterally-oriented and extend radially inward toward the second vertical opening <NUM> (not shown). In the illustrated implementation, each protrusion <NUM> includes a wall <NUM> that defines the end of the slit <NUM> and prevents the tip portions of mounting flanges <NUM> from exiting the other side of a corresponding slit <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the bottom of the base <NUM> to further illustrate the protrusions <NUM> and protrusions <NUM> which define slits <NUM>. Similar to as described above, the base <NUM> includes inner wall <NUM>, outer wall <NUM>, and a floor <NUM>. The inner wall <NUM> is dimensioned to provide the second vertical opening <NUM>, which is surrounded by floor <NUM>. The bottom surface of floor <NUM> includes a number of protrusions <NUM>, which define slits <NUM>. The bottom surface of floor <NUM> also includes protrusions <NUM>. In the example shown, the protrusion <NUM> is generally circular, however the protrusion <NUM> could be oval, elliptical, or other shape. Protrusions <NUM>, with slits <NUM>, and protrusions <NUM> are arranged generally symmetrically around a second vertical opening <NUM> to interact with corresponding mounting flanges <NUM>, <NUM> on mount <NUM>. In particular, protrusions <NUM>, with slits <NUM>, interact with mounting flanges <NUM> while protrusions <NUM> interact with mounting flanges <NUM>. Protrusions <NUM> are oriented such that slits <NUM> are laterally-oriented and extend radially inward toward the second vertical opening <NUM>. In the illustrated implementation, each protrusion <NUM> includes a wall <NUM> which defines the end of the slit <NUM>.

Each protrusion <NUM> is configured and positioned to receive a tip portion of a corresponding laterally-oriented mounting flange <NUM> of mount <NUM> in the slit <NUM> defined by the protrusion <NUM> and floor <NUM>. In particular, each mounting flange <NUM> of mount <NUM> can be positioned adjacent to a corresponding protrusion <NUM> and slit <NUM> of housing <NUM>. As is further illustrated with respect to <FIG>, relative rotation between the mount <NUM> and ferrite bead housing <NUM> can slide the tip portions of mounting flanges <NUM> into the respective slit <NUM> of protrusion <NUM>. In the illustrated implementation, each protrusion <NUM> includes a wall <NUM> that prevents the tip portions of mounting flanges <NUM> from exiting the other side of a corresponding slit <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-section view of assembly <NUM> for mounting a ferrite bead or other filter component, including electrical connector assembly <NUM> and housing <NUM>. Electrical connector assembly <NUM> forms a wire-to-board connection that fastens a wire, one or more wires, and/or a cable to a circuit board. Ferrite bead housing <NUM> is an assembly that is dimensioned to house a ferrite bead or other filter component <NUM>. The ferrite bead housing <NUM> defines an opening <NUM> through which one or more wires can pass to reach the electrical connector assembly <NUM>.

The electrical connector assembly <NUM> includes the mount <NUM>. Mount <NUM> is a mechanical member that is configured to provide a relatively robust mechanical coupling between the ferrite bead housing <NUM> and the circuit board in the vicinity of a wire-to-board connector <NUM>. As mentioned above, mount <NUM> is generally made from a mechanically stable, non-conductive material. Mount <NUM> acts an intermediary member between the ferrite bead housing <NUM> and a circuit board in the vicinity of wire-to-board connector <NUM>. In general, mount <NUM> surrounds a wire-to-board connector <NUM> (as shown with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>) and is connected to the circuit board at multiple locations radially distributed around wire-to-board connector <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the mount <NUM> includes a receptacle <NUM> and through-board protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>. As will be further discussed, the mount <NUM> also includes mounting flanges. The receptacle <NUM> defines a volume or space that is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the wire-to-board connector and is generally in the center of mount <NUM>.

Protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged generally symmetrically and radially around receptacle <NUM>. However, it should be appreciated that this is not necessarily the case and protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> can also be arranged asymmetrically around receptacle <NUM>. Protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> extend vertically from the board-facing surface of mount <NUM> and are dimensioned to span the thickness of a circuit board. In the illustrated implementation, through-board protrusion <NUM> is a snap-fit member that includes wing <NUM>. When assembled, wing <NUM> extends outward from protrusion <NUM>. Wing <NUM> is inwardly flexible toward protrusion <NUM> during insertion through an appropriately-dimensioned opening in the circuit board but returns to an outwardly extended position as the board-facing surface of mount <NUM> approaches the circuit board to form a robust mechanical coupling.

In contrast to the through-board protrusion <NUM>, through-board protrusion <NUM> does not include a wing. Protrusion <NUM> is dimensioned and positioned to pass through appropriately-dimensioned and positioned openings in the circuit board. Through-board protrusion <NUM> can thus ensure proper relative positioning of mount <NUM> on the circuit board and provide some measure of additional mechanical stability. Dotted line <NUM> represents the planar surface of a circuit board. As such, portions of through-board protrusion <NUM> and protrusion <NUM> extend past the planar surface <NUM> of the circuit board.

Ferrite bead housing <NUM> is dimensioned to house a ferrite bead. In particular, ferrite bead housing <NUM> includes base <NUM> and lid <NUM>, which together define a cavity <NUM> dimensioned to receive a ferrite bead. In general, the cavity <NUM> is vertically aligned with a site that forms the electrical connection between the wire and wire-to-board electrical connector. Although-aside from opening <NUM>-base <NUM> and lid <NUM> are shown as generally solid structures, this is not necessarily the case. For example, base <NUM> and/or lid <NUM> can include one or more openings that expose the ferrite bead. The ferrite bead housing <NUM> is generally made from a mechanically stable, non-conductive material.

As discussed above and further shown in <FIG>, base <NUM> includes an inner wall <NUM>, an outer wall <NUM>, and a floor <NUM>. Inner wall <NUM> is dimensioned to pass through the inside opening of a ring-shaped ferrite bead. Outer wall <NUM> is dimensioned to surround the outside of the ferrite bead. Floor <NUM> extends between inner wall <NUM> and outer wall <NUM> to support, from below, a ring-shaped ferrite bead that is received in base <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the bottom surface of floor <NUM> includes a number of slits <NUM>. The bottom surface of floor <NUM> can also include protrusions, as is further shown in later figures. Slits <NUM> are arranged generally symmetrically around the second vertical opening <NUM>. In particular, slits <NUM> are laterally-oriented and extend radially inward toward the vertical opening <NUM>. As will be further shown, each slit <NUM> is configured and positioned to receive a tip portion of a corresponding mounting flange of the mount <NUM>.

Lid <NUM> is dimensioned and configured to form-- in conjunction with base <NUM>- the general cavity <NUM> that houses the ferrite bead. In the illustrated implementation, lid <NUM> includes a vertical wall <NUM> and a horizontal ceiling <NUM>. Ceiling <NUM> extends radially inward from vertical wall <NUM>. Ceiling <NUM> defines a hole that is positioned and dimensioned to align with vertical opening <NUM> when lid <NUM> caps base <NUM>. The hole of lid <NUM>, along with vertical opening <NUM> forms the opening <NUM> of assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the housing <NUM> and mount <NUM> of <FIG>. In particular, the perspective view illustrates the bottom of the housing <NUM> and the top of the mount <NUM> to illustrate their respective aligning mechanisms.

The right hand side of <FIG> illustrates the mount <NUM>. Mount <NUM> is a mechanical member that is configured to provide a relatively robust mechanical coupling between the ferrite bead housing <NUM> and the circuit board in the vicinity of wire-to-board connector <NUM>. As shown, the mount <NUM> includes a receptacle <NUM>, through-board protrusions <NUM>, and a number of mounting flanges <NUM>, <NUM>. Receptacle <NUM> defines a volume or space that is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of wire-to-board connector <NUM>. As illustrated, receptacle <NUM> is generally in the center of mount <NUM>. Through-board protrusion <NUM> extends vertically from the board-facing surface of mount <NUM> and dimensioned to span the thickness of a circuit board. In the illustrated implementation, through-board protrusions <NUM> are snap-fit members that include wings <NUM>. Protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> and mounting flanges <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged generally symmetrically and radially around receptacle <NUM>. However, this is not necessarily the case and protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> and mounting flanges <NUM>, <NUM> can also be arranged asymmetrically around receptacle <NUM>. Indeed, asymmetrical arrangements may be preferred in applications where the directionality of likely mechanical disturbances is known. It should be appreciated that protrusions <NUM> are not visible in <FIG>.

Mounting flanges <NUM>, <NUM> are dimensioned to interact with corresponding member(s) on ferrite bead housing <NUM> and connect ferrite bead housing <NUM> to the mount <NUM>. In the illustrated implementation, mounting flanges <NUM>, <NUM> are distributed about receptacle <NUM> and extend laterally (i.e., in a direction generally parallel with the surface of the circuit board) from the vertical (i.e., in a direction generally perpendicular to the surface of the circuit board) walls of receptacle <NUM>. Mounting flanges <NUM> are each dimensioned and positioned to be received in a corresponding slit <NUM> of protrusion <NUM> in the board-facing surface of the ferrite bead housing <NUM> when ferrite bead housing <NUM> is connected to mount <NUM>. In the illustrated implementation, mounting flanges <NUM> each include a depression <NUM> that is dimensioned and positioned to receive a corresponding protrusion <NUM> in the board-facing surface of the ferrite bead housing <NUM>. In the example shown, the depression <NUM> and the protrusion <NUM> are generally circular. However, it should be understood that the depression <NUM> and protrusion <NUM> could be oval, elliptical, or other shape. In other implementations, the board-facing surface of the ferrite bead housing <NUM> can include a depression and mounting flanges <NUM> can include a corresponding protrusion. In any case, mounting flanges <NUM>, <NUM> interact with slits <NUM> of protrusion <NUM> and protrusion <NUM> to provide a relatively robust connection between ferrite bead housing <NUM> to the mount <NUM>. As discussed further below, the connection is reversible and ferrite bead housing <NUM> can be separated from mount <NUM> without damage to either. In another example, the connection between the ferrite bead housing <NUM> and the mount <NUM> is not reversible.

In other implementations, the mechanical coupling between ferrite bead housing <NUM> and mount <NUM> can be formed in other ways. For example, the number and arrangement of flanges can differ. As another example, other types of mechanical couplings (compression fittings, threaded fittings, solder or melt couplings, epoxy or other glues, or the like) can be used.

As shown on the left hand side of <FIG>, the housing <NUM> includes base <NUM> and lid <NUM>. Base <NUM> includes inner wall <NUM>, outer wall <NUM> and floor <NUM>. Inner wall <NUM> provides the second vertical opening <NUM> dimensioned to receive one or more wires that are electrically connected to a wire-to-board connector. Outer wall <NUM> is dimensioned to surround the outside of the ferrite bead. In the illustrated implementation, outer wall <NUM> includes a number of protrusions <NUM> that are dimensioned and positioned to form a snap-fit connection with corresponding recesses in the lid <NUM>.

Floor <NUM> extends between inner wall <NUM> and outer wall <NUM> to support, from below, a ring-shaped ferrite bead that is received in base <NUM>. The bottom surface of floor <NUM> includes a number of slits <NUM> and protrusions <NUM>. The protrusions <NUM> shown are generally circular, however oval, elliptical, or other shapes could be used. Slits <NUM> of protrusions <NUM> and protrusions <NUM> are arranged generally symmetrically around the second vertical opening <NUM> to interact with corresponding mounting flanges <NUM>, <NUM> on mount <NUM>. In particular, slits <NUM> are laterally-oriented and extend radially inward toward vertical opening <NUM>. Each protrusion <NUM> is configured and positioned such that slit <NUM> receives a tip portion of a corresponding laterally-oriented mounting flange <NUM>. In particular, each mounting flange <NUM> can be positioned adjacent to a corresponding protrusion <NUM> and slit <NUM>. Relative rotation between mount <NUM> and ferrite bead housing <NUM> can slide the tip portions of mounting flanges <NUM> into the respective slit <NUM> of protrusion <NUM>. In the illustrated implementation, each protrusion <NUM> includes a wall <NUM> that prevents the tip portions of mounting flanges <NUM> from exiting the other side of a corresponding slit <NUM>. In the illustrated implementation, mount <NUM> and ferrite bead housing <NUM> are reversibly connected. In particular, relative rotation between mount <NUM> and ferrite bead housing <NUM> in the opposite direction can be performed to disconnect the ferrite bead housing <NUM> from the mount <NUM> without damage to either.

Protrusions <NUM> are vertically-oriented and extend from the board-facing surface of floor <NUM>. Protrusions <NUM> are dimensioned and positioned to be received by a corresponding depression <NUM> in mounting flange <NUM> when mounting flanges <NUM> are received in their corresponding slits <NUM>. Reception of protrusions <NUM> in the corresponding depression <NUM> in mounting flange <NUM> can reversibly maintain the relative rotational positioning of ferrite bead housing <NUM> and mount <NUM>. Slits <NUM> and protrusions <NUM> thus interact with mounting flanges <NUM>, <NUM> to provide a relatively robust connection between ferrite bead housing <NUM> and mount <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded view of an electrical connector assembly <NUM> including the mount <NUM> and a wire-to-board connector <NUM> while <FIG> illustrates a top view of the electrical connector assembly <NUM> with the mount <NUM> surrounding the wire-to-board connector <NUM>.

In the illustrated implementation, electrical connector assembly <NUM> includes wire-to-board connector <NUM> and a mount <NUM>. Wire-to-board connector <NUM> can be any of a number of different connectors that are suited for forming one or more electrical connections between conductor(s) of the circuit board and wire(s) that extend off the board. Wire-to-board connector <NUM> can use any of a variety of different technologies including, e.g., pin-and-socket, blade/contact, solder, or the like to form the electrical connection(s). Electrical terminals of the wire-to-board connector <NUM> can connect to the conductor(s) of the circuit board in either a thru-board or surface-mount arrangement.

In the implementation shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, wire-to-board connector <NUM> is a dual-row plug. However, other types of electrical connections between conductor(s) of the circuit board and wire(s) can be used. For example, wires can be soldered to pads on circuit boards with a separate wire-to-board connector being present. As another example, a crimp connector can be used to connect a wire to a conductor of the circuit board.

As mentioned above, mount <NUM> is a mechanical member that is configured to provide a relatively robust mechanical coupling between the ferrite bead housing <NUM> and the circuit board in the vicinity of wire-to-board connector <NUM>. Mount <NUM> is generally made from a mechanically stable, non-conductive material. Mount <NUM> acts an intermediary member between the ferrite bead housing <NUM> and the circuit board <NUM> in the vicinity of wire-to-board connector <NUM>. In general, mount <NUM> surrounds wire-to-board connector <NUM> and is connected to the circuit board at multiple locations radially distributed around wire-to-board connector <NUM>.

Mount <NUM> includes a receptacle <NUM>, a number of through-board protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, and a number of mounting flanges <NUM>, <NUM>. Receptacle <NUM> defines a volume or space that is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of wire-to-board connector <NUM>. As illustrated, receptacle <NUM> is generally in the center of mount <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the mount <NUM> substantially surrounds the wire-to-board connector <NUM>. Protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> and mounting flanges <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged generally symmetrically and radially around receptacle <NUM>. However, this is not necessarily the case and protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> and mounting flanges <NUM>, <NUM> can also be arranged asymmetrically around receptacle <NUM>. Indeed, asymmetrical arrangements may be preferred in applications where the directionality of likely mechanical disturbances is known.

<FIG> are perspective views which illustrate another embodiment of mount <NUM>. The mount <NUM> shown in <FIG> are similar to the mount <NUM> described above. For example, the mount <NUM> shown in <FIG> include through-board protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> which span the thickness of the circuit board. Further, through-board protrusions <NUM> are snap-fit members that include wings <NUM> while through-board protrusions <NUM> do not include wings. The mount <NUM> shown also includes receptacle <NUM> which defines a volume or space that is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of wire-to-board connector <NUM>. At least one difference, however, is the mount <NUM> shown in <FIG> includes a resting surface <NUM>.

For example, the mount <NUM> shown in <FIG> includes a resting surface <NUM> for the ferrite bead housing <NUM>. The resting surface <NUM> is generally laterally oriented. Vertically protruding from the resting surface <NUM> are ridges <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> which attach and position the ferrite bead housing <NUM> to the mount <NUM>. <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> illustrate a perspective view <NUM>, top view <NUM>, side view <NUM>, and cross-section view <NUM> of the side view <NUM> of several assemblies <NUM>, including the ferrite bead housing <NUM> and the electrical connector assembly <NUM>, mounted onto a circuit board <NUM>. The various views <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> illustrate two assemblies <NUM> mounted onto the circuit board <NUM> and surrounding two wire-to-board connectors <NUM>. Further illustrated are wire-to-board connectors <NUM> which are not surrounded by the ferrite bead housing <NUM> or mount <NUM>. The wire-to-board connectors <NUM> which are surrounded by assemblies <NUM> are shown on the left hand side of the circuit board <NUM> while the wire-to-board connectors <NUM> which are not surrounded by assemblies <NUM> are shown on the right hand side of the circuit board <NUM>.

The perspective view <NUM> shown in <FIG> illustrates two assemblies <NUM> which surround wire-to-board connectors <NUM> on the left hand side of the circuit board <NUM>. The assemblies <NUM> include the mounts <NUM> assembled onto the circuit board <NUM>. Through-board protrusion <NUM> is shown in the perspective view <NUM>. Respective bases <NUM> and lids are attached onto the mounts <NUM>. Opening <NUM> is shown, which allows one or more wires to pass through the assembly and attach to the respective wire-to-board connector <NUM>.

In one example of construction, the circuit board <NUM> could be provided with the mounts <NUM> attached to the circuit board <NUM> and surrounding the wire-to-board connectors <NUM>. A user could then slide one or more wires through the opening <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (which includes the ferrite bead, base <NUM> and lid <NUM>) prior to attaching the one or more wires to the wire-to-board connector <NUM>. Once the one or more wires are attached to the wire-to-board connector <NUM>, the user can attach the base <NUM> of the housing <NUM> to the respective mount <NUM>.

Top view <NUM> shown in <FIG> illustrates how assemblies <NUM> surround wire-to-board connectors <NUM> and allows access for one or more wires to pass through the respective assembly <NUM> and attach to the respective wire-to-board connector <NUM>. Wire-to-board connector <NUM> can be any of a number of different connectors that are suited for forming one or more electrical connections between conductor(s) of the circuit board and wire(s) that extend off the board. Wire-to-board connector <NUM> can use any of a variety of different technologies including, e.g., pin-and-socket, blade/contact, solder, or the like to form the electrical connection(s). Electrical terminals of the wire-to-board connector <NUM> can connect to the conductor(s) of the circuit board in either a thru-board or surface-mount arrangement. In the illustrated implementation, wire-to-board connector <NUM> is a dual-row plug. However, other types of electrical connections between conductor(s) of the circuit board and wire(s) can be used. For example, wires can be soldered to pads on circuit boards with a separate wire-to-board connector being present. As another example, a crimp connector can be used to connect a wire to a conductor of the circuit board.

Side view <NUM> shown in <FIG> clearly illustrates the attachment of assembly <NUM> to the circuit board <NUM> with the through-board protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>. Through-board protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> extend vertically from the board-facing surface of mount <NUM> and are dimensioned to span the thickness of circuit board <NUM>. Through-board protrusions <NUM> are snap-fit members that include wings <NUM>. When assembled, wings <NUM> extend outward from protrusions <NUM>. Wings are inwardly flexible toward protrusions <NUM> during insertion through an appropriately-dimensioned opening in the circuit board <NUM> but return to an outwardly extended position as the board-facing surface of mount <NUM> approaches the circuit board <NUM> to form a robust mechanical coupling. In contrast to through-board protrusions <NUM>, through-board protrusions <NUM> do not include wings. Protrusions <NUM> are dimensioned and positioned to pass through appropriately-dimensioned and positioned openings in the circuit board. Through-board protrusions <NUM> can thus ensure proper relative positioning of mount <NUM> on the circuit board and provide some measure of additional mechanical stability.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-section view <NUM> of the side view <NUM> shown in <FIG>. As shown, the mount <NUM> substantially surrounds the wire-to-board connector <NUM>. The base <NUM> is illustrated as including inner wall <NUM>, outer wall <NUM> and floor. Inner wall <NUM> is dimensioned to pass through the inside opening of a ring-shaped ferrite bead and provides a vertical opening a vertical opening to receive one or more wires that are electrically connected to wire-to-board connector <NUM>. Outer wall <NUM> is dimensioned to surround the outside of the ferrite bead while floor <NUM> extends between the outer wall <NUM> and inner wall <NUM> to support the ferrite bead that is received in base <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the wire-to-board connector <NUM> partially extends in the vertical direction into the base <NUM> and the vertical opening defined by the inner wall <NUM>. The lid <NUM> is shown as attached to the base <NUM> and includes vertical wall <NUM> and ceiling <NUM>. Ceiling <NUM> extends radially inward from vertical wall <NUM>.

The above description of illustrated examples of the present invention, including what is described in the Abstract, are not intended to be exhaustive or to be limitation to the precise forms disclosed.

Claim 1:
A device comprising:
a circuit board (<NUM>);
a filter component (<NUM>);
at least one wire electrically connected to the circuit board (<NUM>) and passing through the filter component (<NUM>) to extend off the circuit board;
a filter component housing (<NUM>), the filter component (<NUM>) being housed in the filter component housing (<NUM>);
a wire-to-board electrical connector (<NUM>) coupled to the circuit board and electrically connecting the at least one wire that extends off the circuit board to the circuit board; and
a mount (<NUM>) that is attached to the circuit board and that acts an intermediary member between the filter component housing (<NUM>) and the circuit board (<NUM>) coupling the filter component housing (<NUM>) to the circuit board (<NUM>), wherein the mount surrounds the wire-to-board electrical connector and the filter component housing is reversibly coupled to the mount.