Patent Description:
Generally, a circuit board, such as a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) or a Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC), may exchange electrical power, ground reference, and/or communication signals with another electronic board through a hardware interface such as an electronic connector. A typical electronic connector includes a connector assembly configured to engage a corresponding receptacle assembly. There may be issues with maintaining the connection between the connector assembly and the receptacle assembly, such as in cases where the electronic connector is subject to vibration or other external mechanical forces. There have been attempts to address the aforementioned issues with maintaining the connection (e.g., by adding a separate component or enclosure/screen), however, they may not be satisfactory as they add cost, increase complexity, or require additional space.

Generally, an electronic connector may be enclosed within an Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI) shield, such as an EMI shield can, to prevent interference to nearby circuits and/or antennas. However, EMI shield cans are often damaged when the top wall is opened/removed.

Accordingly, more practical, space-efficient, and cost-effective EMI-shielded electronic connectors are needed. Documents <CIT> and <CIT> constitute the state of the art.

The scope is in accordance with the appended claims.

Embodiments provide an electronic connector assembly as defined in claim <NUM> and the dependent claims. In an aspect, the electronic connector assembly includes a first printed circuit board (PCB) including a first electrical circuit and a first connector member disposed on a first side of the first PCB and electrically connected to the first electrical circuit. The first connector member has a connector body sized to fit within an opening defined by walls of an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield frame comprising a magnetically-attractive material. In an aspect, the electronic connector assembly further includes a permanent magnet disposed on a second side of the first PCB opposite the first side. The permanent magnet has a magnet body sized to cover the opening in the EMI shield frame of a receptacle assembly. The magnet body is sized to provide a magnetic attraction force between the permanent magnet and the EMI shield frame to press the first PCB against an opposing portion of the walls of the EMI shield frame and cause grounded portion of the first side of the first PCB to make an electrical connection with the EMI shield frame. In yet another aspect, an electronic connector kit is provided in accordance with claim <NUM> and the dependent claims. The electronic connector kit includes an electronic connector assembly including a first PCB having a first electrical circuit; a first connector member configured to be mounted on a first side of the first PCB and to be electrically connected to the first electrical circuit; and a permanent magnet attachable on a second side of the first PCB opposite the first side. The electronic connector kit further includes a receptacle assembly including a second PCB; an EMI shield frame configured to be mounted on the second PCB and to be electrically connected to a grounded portion of the second PCB; and a second connector member configured to be mounted to the second PCB within the EMI shield frame and to be electrically connected to a second electrical circuit on the second PCB. The second connector member is configured to engage the first connector member to connect the first electrical circuit with the second electrical circuit. The first connector member has a connector body sized to fit within an opening defined by walls of the EMI shield frame. The EMI shield frame includes a magnetically-attractive material; and the permanent magnet has a magnet body sized to cover the opening in the EMI shield frame and to provide a magnetic attraction force between the permanent magnet and the EMI shield frame to press the first PCB against an opposing portion of the walls of the EMI shield frame and cause a grounded portion of the first side of the first PCB to make an electrical connection with the EMI shield frame.

The disclosed aspects will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit the disclosed aspects, wherein like designations denote like elements, and in which:
The disclosed aspects will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit the disclosed aspects, wherein like designations denote like elements, and in which:.

In some instances, well known components may be shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.

Aspects of the present disclosure include an electronic connector having a permanent magnet affixed on an electronic connector assembly, where the permanent magnet not only supplements the retention force that keeps the electronic connector assembly engaged with a corresponding receptacle assembly, but also enables or completes an Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI) shield by causing a grounded portion of the electronic connector assembly to make electrical contact with a top portion of an open, electrically conductive shield frame on the receptacle assembly so as to form an EMI-protected space. Accordingly, the supplemental retention force provided by the permanent magnet eliminates the need for a separate component or enclosure/screen to press on the electronic connector. Further, pressing the electronic connector assembly against the shield frame completes a top wall and encloses the EMI-protected space, eliminating the need for a separate EMI protection enclosure such as an EMI shield can. As a result of the above, a more cost-effective and space-effective electronic connector is provided by the present aspects.

Generally, some electronic connector assemblies may be configured with an EMI shield that prevents interference to nearby circuits and/or antennas, e.g., a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), cellular, and/or BLUETOOTH™ antenna of the device that implements the electronic connector. Such an EMI shield may also be referred to as a radio frequency (RF) shield. As an example, an EMI shield may include an EMI shield can, which may be a rectangular- or square-shaped metal enclosure having side walls connected to a top wall, and which is electrically mounted to a circuit board and covers an electronic component such as the electronic connector. The EMI shield cans are often damaged when the top wall is opened/removed in order to repair the electronic connector or other electrical components enclosed within the EMI shield can. As such, many EMI shield cans are not appropriate for implementations where there is a need for occasional opening/removal of the EMI shield from the electronic connector to provide access to the electronic connector. Further, such EMI shield cans add to the cost of the repair as they need to be reworked or replaced.

However, unlike electronic connectors that require EMI shield cans that cannot be easily repaired, the presently disclosed electronic connector assembly may be disengaged from and then re-engaged with the receptacle assembly without being damaged. Accordingly, the presently disclosed electronic connector assembly is therefore suitable for implementations where there is a need for occasional opening/removal of the EMI shield from the electronic connector to provide access to the electronic connector, e.g., for disassembly of a device, modification of a circuit, testing, troubleshooting, upgrade, etc. The electronic connector of this disclosure may be particularly well-suited for use as a board-to-board (B2B) connector.

Turning now to the figures, example aspects are depicted with reference to one or more components described herein, where components in dashed lines may be optional. In the following, <FIG>, which may include similar or related components, are described with reference to each other.

Referring to <FIG>, one example of an electronic connector assembly <NUM> includes at least a first connector member <NUM> (see <FIG>) attached to a first side <NUM> (<FIG>) of a first Printed Circuit Board (PCB) <NUM> and a permanent magnet <NUM> attached to a second side <NUM> of the first PCB <NUM>, such that the permanent magnet <NUM> enhances electrical contact of the first PCB <NUM> with an adjoining EMI shield and/or biases the first connector member <NUM> to remain connected to a corresponding connector member (as will be discussed below in more detail with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>). The first connector member <NUM> may be a male or female electrical connector, such as but not limited to an electrical B2B plug. The first PCB <NUM>, which may be but is not limited to a Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC), includes a first electrical circuit <NUM> to which the first connector member <NUM> is electrically connected, for example, through one or more electrically conductive first contact legs <NUM> extending from the first connector member <NUM>. For instance, the one or more electrically conductive first contact legs <NUM> may be soldered, surface mounted, or otherwise electrically attached to one or more electrically conductive first contact plates <NUM> defined on the first side <NUM> of the first PCB <NUM>. For example, the one or more electrically conductive first contact plates <NUM> may be electrically connected to the first electrical circuit <NUM>, on the first PCB <NUM>. The first connector member <NUM> may further include first electrical contacts <NUM> that are electrically connected to respective ones of the first contact legs <NUM> and that are further alignable with corresponding electrical contacts of a mating connector (as described below with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>). For example, in an implementation, the first electrical contacts <NUM> may be positioned on a body of the first connector member <NUM>, such as on an internal or external surface that comes into contact with or otherwise mates with the corresponding electrical contacts of the mating connector.

Optionally, in some implementations, the electronic connector assembly <NUM> may further include an adhesive layer <NUM> between the permanent magnet <NUM> and the second side <NUM> of the first PCB <NUM>. Additional details regarding the adhesive layer <NUM> are further described below with reference to <FIG>. In another optional or additional implementation, which may be used with or without the adhesive layer <NUM>, the electronic connector assembly <NUM> may further include an electrically conductive deformable ring <NUM> that is electrically connected to a ground on the first side <NUM> of the first PCB <NUM>. Additional details regarding the electrically conductive deformable ring <NUM> are further described below with reference to <FIG>.

Additionally referring to <FIG>, <FIG> (while still referring to <FIG>), the first connector member <NUM> may be sized and/or otherwise configured to engage a second connector member <NUM> of the receptacle assembly <NUM>. For example, the second connector member <NUM> may be a female or male connector, whichever is opposite the type of the first connector member <NUM>, such as but not limited to a B2B receptacle. The second connector member <NUM> may be mounted on a second PCB <NUM>, which may include a second electrical circuit <NUM> to which the second connector member <NUM> is electrically connected. For instance, the second connector member <NUM> may electrically connect to the second electrical circuit <NUM> through one or more electrically conductive second contact legs <NUM> that are soldered, surface mounted, or otherwise electrically attached to one or more electrically conductive second contact plates <NUM> (see <FIG>) on the second PCB <NUM>. The second connector member <NUM> further includes second electrical contacts <NUM> that are electrically connected to respective ones of the second contact legs <NUM> and that are further alignable with corresponding ones of the first electrical contacts <NUM>. For instance, when the first connector member <NUM> engages/mates with the second connector member <NUM>, the first electrical circuit <NUM> on the first PCB <NUM> is electrically connected to the second electrical circuit <NUM> on the second PCB <NUM> via the connection established between respective ones of the one or more electrically conductive first contact plates <NUM> connected to the first electrical contacts <NUM>, which are in removable electrical contact with respective ones of second electrical contacts <NUM> connected to respective ones of the second contact legs <NUM> that are connected to respective ones of the one or more electrically conductive second contact plates <NUM>.

The first connector member <NUM> has a connector body sized and/or otherwise configured to fit within an opening <NUM> defined by a first set of walls <NUM> (e.g., a cover or top walls) of an EMI shield frame <NUM> surrounding the second connector member <NUM> in the receptacle assembly <NUM> on the second PCB <NUM>. The EMI shield frame <NUM> further includes a second set of walls <NUM> (e.g., side/surrounding walls) defining a space <NUM> within which the first connector member <NUM> and the second connector member <NUM> reside when engaged. For example, in an implementation, the EMI shield frame <NUM> may be a container having one partially open end and an opposite fully open end, such as but not limited to a <NUM> sided box. In an aspect, each one of the first set of walls <NUM> or the second set of walls <NUM> may only be a single wall or may include multiple walls. In an aspect, the space <NUM> defined by the second set of walls <NUM> (and which may be further limited by the first set of walls <NUM>) is a cubic/box-shaped volume. In an aspect, the opening <NUM> may be defined by inner-facing edges of the first set of walls <NUM> such that the opening <NUM> may form a window into the space <NUM> within the EMI shield frame <NUM>. In an aspect, the first set of walls <NUM> extend in a first plane (e.g., an x-z plane) that is perpendicular to a second plane (e.g., an x-y plane) in which the second set of walls <NUM> extend. In an aspect, the first set of walls <NUM> extend in a first plane (e.g., a first x-z plane) that is parallel to a second plane (e.g., a second x-z plane) in which a body of the second PCB <NUM> extends. In an aspect, the second set of walls <NUM> extend in a second plane (e.g., an x-y plane) that is perpendicular to a plane (e.g., an x-z plane) in which the body of the second PCB <NUM> extends.

In an aspect, the material of the EMI shield frame <NUM> may be electrically conductive, and the EMI shield frame <NUM> is soldered or otherwise electrically attached to the second PCB <NUM> such that the EMI shield frame <NUM> is electrically connected to a grounded portion of the second PCB <NUM>. In an aspect, the first connector member <NUM> and the second connector member <NUM> may be formed from any non-electrically conductive material, or minimally electrically conductive material, such as but not limited to plastics, ceramics, or composites.

In addition to being electrically conductive, the material of the EMI shield frame <NUM> may also be a magnetically-attractive material, such as a ferrous or soft magnet material, for being magnetically attractable by the permanent magnet <NUM> attached to the second side <NUM> of the first PCB <NUM> opposite the first side <NUM> of the first PCB <NUM>. The permanent magnet <NUM> has a magnet body sized to cover the opening <NUM> defined by the first set of walls <NUM> of the EMI shield frame <NUM> of the receptacle assembly <NUM>. The magnet body of the permanent magnet <NUM> is further sized or otherwise configured or selected to provide a magnetic attraction force between the permanent magnet <NUM> and the EMI shield frame <NUM>, where the magnetic attraction force acts as a supplemental retention force to increase retention (relative to without the use of the permanent magnet <NUM>) between the first connector member <NUM> and the second connector member <NUM> when engaged. In an aspect, the magnet body of the permanent magnet <NUM> may be sized or otherwise configured to include a magnetic field such that when the EMI shield frame <NUM> is positioned within such magnetic field, the magnetic field magnetizes the magnetically-attractive material of the EMI shield frame <NUM>. As such, the interaction between the magnetic field of the permanent magnet <NUM> and the magnetized material of the EMI shield frame <NUM> results in the magnetic attraction force that acts as a supplemental retention force between the permanent magnet <NUM> and the EMI shield frame <NUM>.

The magnetic attraction force between the permanent magnet <NUM> and the EMI shield frame <NUM> may press the first PCB <NUM> against an opposing portion of the first set of walls <NUM> of the EMI shield frame <NUM>, so as to cause a grounded portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) on the first side <NUM> of the first PCB <NUM> to make an electrical connection with the EMI shield frame <NUM>. For example, the opposing portion of the first set of walls <NUM> may include an electric contact area, e.g., a top surface. Also, for example, the grounded portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) on the first PCB <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, a contact area such as a grounded ring, which is electrically connected to a ground layer in the first PCB <NUM>. For instance, as an example, the grounded portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) may be a stripe of electrically conductive material such as copper, where the stripe forms a ring along a perimeter of the first PCB <NUM>. In an example implementation, the top surface of the first set of walls <NUM> extends in a first plane (e.g., a first x-z plane) parallel to a second plane (e.g., a second x-z plane) in which a bottom surface, side, or face of the permanent magnet <NUM> that faces the second side <NUM> of the first PCB <NUM> extends and/or in which the grounded portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the first side <NUM> of the first PCB <NUM> extends. In such an engaged configuration, the magnetic attraction force between the permanent magnet <NUM> and the EMI shield frame <NUM> is sized to press the first PCB <NUM> against the contact area defined by the first set of walls <NUM> of the EMI shield frame <NUM>, so as to cause the grounded portion <NUM> of the first side <NUM> of the first PCB <NUM> to make an electrical connection with such contact area. Therefore, since the EMI shield frame <NUM> is also electrically connected to a grounded portion of the second PCB <NUM>, electrically connecting the EMI shield frame <NUM> with the grounded portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) on the first side <NUM> of the first PCB <NUM> forms an EMI-protected space <NUM> around the first connector member <NUM> and the second connector member <NUM> when engaged.

In aspects where the first PCB <NUM> is an FPC, the electronic connector assembly <NUM> may be referred to as an FPC assembly (FPCA). Generally, due to the flexibility of FPCs, a stiffener such as a metal may be mechanically disposed on an outer surface of an FPCA to make the FPCA rigid. However, in some present aspects where the first PCB <NUM> is an FPC, the permanent magnet <NUM> may also be configured as a stiffener positioned toward at least a portion of the FPC adjacent to the first connector member <NUM>. Accordingly, in addition to providing a magnetic attraction force that (<NUM>) supplements the retention force between the first connector member <NUM> and the second connector member <NUM> in an engaged positon, and (<NUM>) presses the first PCB <NUM> against the first set of walls <NUM> of the EMI shield frame <NUM> so as to define the EMI-protected space as described above, the permanent magnet <NUM> may also (<NUM>) act as a stiffener of at least a portion of the FPC that is adjacent to the electronic contact assembly <NUM>.

Optionally, as mentioned above, the electronic connector assembly <NUM> may further include the electrically conductive deformable ring <NUM> affixed to, and electrically connected to, the grounded portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the first side <NUM> of the first PCB <NUM>. For example, the electrically conductive deformable ring <NUM> may be made from a foam, an electrically conductive putty, an electrically conductive mesh, or any other electrically conductive and at least partially deformable or at least partially compressible or at least partially elastic material.

In this aspect, when the first connector member <NUM> engages the second connector member <NUM>, the magnetic attraction force between the permanent magnet <NUM> and the EMI shield frame <NUM> may be sufficient to compress the electrically conductive deformable ring <NUM> between the first PCB <NUM> and the first set of walls <NUM> of the EMI shield frame <NUM>. By causing or increasing (e.g., relative to without use of the permanent magnet <NUM>) compression of the electrically conductive deformable ring <NUM>, the permanent magnet <NUM> cause an improvement in the electrical connection between the grounded portion <NUM> of the first side <NUM> of the first PCB <NUM> and the EMI shield frame <NUM>, such as by increasing the number of contact points or the contact area, as described below.

In other words, for example, the magnetic attraction force between the permanent magnet <NUM> and the EMI shield frame <NUM> combined with the elasticity or deformability of the electrically conductive deformable ring <NUM> may in some cases cause the ring <NUM> to elastically deform at its the top and bottom surfaces. Such deformation may increase contact points and/or contact areas with corresponding surfaces of the grounded portion <NUM> of the first side <NUM> of the first PCB <NUM> and top side or face of the first set of walls <NUM> of the EMI shield frame <NUM>, thereby increasing electrical connectivity.

For instance, compressing the conductive deformable ring <NUM> between the first PCB <NUM> and the first set of walls <NUM> of the EMI shield frame <NUM> reduces an electrical contact resistance between the grounded portion <NUM> of the first side <NUM> of the first PCB <NUM> and the EMI shield frame <NUM> (e.g., relative to without use of the permanent magnet <NUM> and the conductive deformable ring <NUM>). For example, the permanent magnet <NUM> may be a relatively strong magnet, such as a Neodymium n52 grade magnet, that provides a compression force configured to sufficiently reduce the electrical contact resistance between the grounded portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the first side <NUM> of the first PCB <NUM> and the EMI shield frame <NUM>. Such improvement of the electrical connection between the grounded portion <NUM> of the first side <NUM> of the first PCB <NUM> and the EMI shield frame <NUM> improves the EMI shielding in the EMI-protected space described above.

In an aspect, for example, the size of the magnetic attraction force between the permanent magnet <NUM> and the EMI shield frame <NUM> may be configured to compress a thickness of the conductive deformable ring <NUM> by at least <NUM>%, and at most <NUM>%. In an aspect, the size of the magnetic attraction force between the permanent magnet <NUM> and the EMI shield frame <NUM> may be at least equal to an elastic force, e.g., a compression resistance force, of the conductive deformable ring <NUM>.

In an aspect, the EMI shield frame <NUM> is made of stainless steel. For example, in an aspect, the EMI shield frame <NUM> is made of a <NUM> grade steel or a higher grade steel. For example, in an aspect, the EMI shield frame <NUM> may be made of a <NUM> grade steel.

In an aspect, an adhesive may be used to connect the permanent magnet <NUM> to the second side <NUM> of the first PCB <NUM>. In these aspects, the electronic connector assembly <NUM> may include the adhesive layer <NUM> between the permanent magnet <NUM> and the second side <NUM> of the first PCB <NUM>. In an aspect, the adhesive layer <NUM> includes Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA).

In an aspect, a grounded portion of the second side <NUM> of the first PCB <NUM> may make an electrical connection with the permanent magnet <NUM>.

In an aspect, if the permanent magnet <NUM> is large enough and/or the magnetic attraction force between the permanent magnet <NUM> and the EMI shield frame <NUM> is sufficiently strong, the conductive deformable ring <NUM> may not be necessary, and instead one or more electrically conductive spring fingers <NUM> (see <FIG>) may be formed on the first set of walls <NUM> of the EMI shield frame <NUM> to contact the grounded portion <NUM> of the first side <NUM> of the first PCB <NUM> directly. Specifically, in an aspect, the one or more electrically conductive spring fingers <NUM> may be assembled on and electrically connected to the first set of walls <NUM> of the EMI shield frame <NUM>. The magnet body of the permanent magnet <NUM> may be further positioned to provide the magnetic attraction force between the permanent magnet <NUM> and the EMI shield frame <NUM> to press the first PCB <NUM> against the one or more electrically conductive spring fingers <NUM> (see <FIG>) and cause the grounded portion <NUM> of the first side <NUM> of the first PCB <NUM> to make the electrical connection with the EMI shield frame <NUM> through the one or more electrically conductive spring fingers <NUM> (see <FIG>).

In some implementations, the apparatus of the present disclosure may be in the form of a kit of parts that can be assembled to form the apparatus. For instance, in an aspect an electronic connector kit is provided. The electronic connector kit includes an electronic connector assembly including a first PCB having a first electrical circuit; a first connector member configured to be mounted on a first side of the first PCB and to be electrically connected to the first electrical circuit; and a permanent magnet attachable on a second side of the first PCB opposite the first side. The electronic connector kit further includes a receptacle assembly including a second PCB; an EMI shield frame configured to be mounted on the second PCB and to be electrically connected to a grounded portion of the second PCB; and a second connector member configured to be mounted to the second PCB within the EMI shield frame and to be electrically connected to a second electrical circuit on the second PCB. The second connector member is configured to engage the first connector member to connect the first electrical circuit with the second electrical circuit. The first connector member has a connector body sized to fit within an opening defined by walls of the EMI shield frame. The EMI shield frame includes a magnetically-attractive material; and the permanent magnet has a magnet body sized to cover the opening in the EMI shield frame and to provide a magnetic attraction force between the permanent magnet and the EMI shield frame to press the first PCB against an opposing portion of the walls of the EMI shield frame and cause a grounded portion of the first side of the first PCB to make an electrical connection with the EMI shield frame.

Thus, the described electronic connector may be used for connecting a PCB, such as an FPC, to another circuit board, such as another PCB, e.g., a mother board of a computing device. The electronic connector in an aspect includes a permanent magnet affixed on an outer surface of the FPC and magnetically attractive to an EMI shield frame that is soldered to another electronic board. The permanent magnet is sized to cause a magnetic attraction force between the permanent magnet and the EMI shield frame to improve the retention between a male and female portion of the electronic connector when in an engaged configuration. The magnetic attraction force is further sized to press the PCB against the EMI shield frame such that a ground of the PCB is electrically connected to a the EMI shield frame to create an EMI-protected space. The permanent magnet may further act as a stiffener of at least a portion of the PCB. Accordingly, a more cost-effective and space-effective electronic connector is provided that can also be dis-assembled and re-assembled without damaging the EMI shielding mechanism of the electronic connector.

<FIG> illustrates an example application of the electronic connector assembly <NUM> in an example computing device <NUM> that includes a mother board <NUM> and a user interface component <NUM>, such as a PCB of a display, where the electronic connector assembly <NUM> electrically connects at least one electrical circuit in the user interface component <NUM> with at least one electrical circuit in the mother board <NUM>. It should be understood that this is a non-limiting example, and that electronic connector assembly <NUM> may be used to connect two electrical components of any type. In an aspect, for example, the EMI shielding apparatus and functionality described herein may prevent EMI interference caused by the electronic connector assembly <NUM> from interfering with a communications component <NUM>, e.g., a modem, of the example computing device <NUM>, specifically when the communications component <NUM> communicates wirelessly. Although it should be understood that the EMI shielding may be used to reduce interference with any other electrical signals within the computing device <NUM> or outside the computing device <NUM>.

In an example, the mother board <NUM> includes a processor <NUM>, and the processor <NUM> may include a single or multiple set of processors or multi-core processors. Moreover, the processor <NUM> may be implemented as an integrated processing system and/or a distributed processing system. The mother board <NUM> may further include memory <NUM>, such as for storing local versions of applications being executed by the processor <NUM>, related instructions, parameters, etc. The memory <NUM> may include a type of memory usable by a computer, such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), tapes, magnetic discs, optical discs, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and any combination thereof. Additionally, the processor <NUM> and the memory <NUM> may include and execute an operating system executing on the processor <NUM>, one or more applications, display drivers, etc., and/or other components of the computing device <NUM>.

Further, the mother board <NUM> may include a communications component <NUM> that provides for establishing and maintaining communications with one or more other devices, parties, entities, etc. utilizing hardware, software, and services. The communications component <NUM> may carry communications between components on the computing device <NUM>, as well as between the computing device <NUM> and external devices, such as devices located across a communications network and/or devices serially or locally connected to the computing device <NUM>. For example, the communications component <NUM> may include one or more buses, and may further include transmit chain components and receive chain components associated with a wireless or wired transmitter and receiver, respectively, operable for interfacing with external devices.

Additionally, the mother board <NUM> may include a data store <NUM>, which can be any suitable combination of hardware and/or software, that provides for mass storage of information, databases, and programs. For example, a data store <NUM> may be or may include a data repository for applications and/or related parameters not currently being executed by processor <NUM>. In addition, the data store <NUM> may be a data repository for an operating system, application, display driver, etc., executing on the processor <NUM>, and/or one or more other components of the computing device <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An assembly of an electronic connector assembly (<NUM>) and a receptacle assembly (<NUM>), said receptacle assembly (<NUM>) comprising an electromagnetic interference, EMI, shield frame (<NUM>), the assembly comprising:
a first printed circuit board, PCB, (<NUM>) including a first electrical circuit (<NUM>);
a first connector member (<NUM>) disposed on a first side (<NUM>) of the first PCB (<NUM>) and electrically connected to the first electrical circuit (<NUM>), the first connector member (<NUM>) having a connector body sized to fit within an opening (<NUM>) defined by walls (<NUM>) of the electromagnetic interference, EMI, shield frame (<NUM>) comprising a magnetically-attractive material; and
a permanent magnet (<NUM>) disposed on a second side (<NUM>) of the first PCB (<NUM>) opposite the first side, the permanent magnet (<NUM>) having a magnet body sized to cover the opening (<NUM>) in the EMI shield frame (<NUM>) of a receptacle assembly (<NUM>), wherein the magnet body is sized to provide a magnetic attraction force between the permanent magnet (<NUM>) and the EMI shield frame (<NUM>) to press the first PCB (<NUM>) against an opposing portion of the walls (<NUM>) of the EMI shield frame (<NUM>) and cause a grounded portion (<NUM>) of the first side (<NUM>) of the first PCB (<NUM>) to make an electrical connection with the EMI shield frame (<NUM>).