Patent Description:
Advances in semiconductor manufacturing and circuit design technologies have enabled the development and production of integrated circuits (ICs) with increasingly higher operational frequencies. In turn, electronic products and systems incorporating such integrated circuits are able to provide much greater functionality than previous generations of products. This additional functionality has generally included the processing of increasingly larger amounts of data at increasingly higher speeds.

Many electronic systems include multiple printed circuit boards (PCBs) upon which these high-speed ICs are mounted, and through which various signals are routed to and from the ICs. In electronic systems with at least two PCBs and the need to communicate information between those PCBs, a variety of connector and backplane architectures have been developed to facilitate information flow between the boards. Unfortunately, such connector and backplane architectures introduce a variety of impedance discontinuities into the signal path, resulting in a degradation of signal quality or integrity. Connecting to boards by conventional means, such as signal-carrying mechanical connectors, generally creates discontinuities, requiring expensive electronics to negotiate. Conventional mechanical connectors may also wear out over time, require precise alignment and manufacturing methods, and are susceptible to mechanical jostling.

<CIT> discloses: Tightly-coupled near-field transmitter/receiver pairs are deployed such that the transmitter is disposed at a terminal portion of a first conduction path, the receiver is disposed at a terminal portion of a second conduction path, the transmitter and receiver are disposed in close proximity to each other, and the first conduction path and the second conduction path are discontiguous with respect to each other. In some examples, close proximity refers to the transmitter antenna and the receiver antenna being spaced apart by a distance such that, at wavelengths of the transmitter carrier frequency, near-field coupling is obtained. In some examples, the transmitter and receiver are disposed on separate substrates that are moveable relative to each other. In alternative examples, the transmitter and receiver are disposed on the same substrate.

The dependent claims obtain advantages embodiments of the present invention. First connector according to claim <NUM> includes a housing that defines a first connector face configured to be positioned in at least one of a first position and a second position proximate to a second connector face of a second connector. The first connector also includes a first extremely high frequency (EHF) communication unit disposed in the housing relative to the first connector face for communicating with a second EHF communication unit of the second connector when the first connector face is positioned in at least one of the first position and the second position relative to the second connector face.

A connector system according to claim <NUM> includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a first housing defining a first connector face. The first connector also includes a first EHF communication unit disposed in the first housing relative to the first connector face. The first connector also includes a first magnet disposed in the first housing relative to the first connector face. The second connector includes a second housing defining a second connector face configured to be positioned in at least one of a first position and a second position proximate to the first connector face. The second connector further includes a second EHF communication unit configured to communicate with the first EHF communication unit over a first channel when the first connector face is positioned in at least one of the first position and the second position relative to the second connector face.

In yet another example, a third EHF communication unit supported in the first housing and configured to communicate with a fourth EHF communication unit on a second channel. The first connector also includes at least two first connector magnets supported in the first housing. The second connector is configured to couple with the first connector. The second connector definesa second connector face configured to be positioned in at least one of a first position and a second position proximate to the first connector face. The second connector includes a second EHF communication unit supported in the second housing and configured to communicate with the first EHF communication unit over the first channel. The second connector includes at least two second connector magnets supported in the second housing. The polarities of the at least two first connector magnets, and the at least two second connector magnets are oriented such that the first connector couples with the second connector in a desired connector orientation and is held in a coupled state by attraction of the first magnet of the at least two first connector magnets to the first magnet of the at least two second connect magnets and attraction of the second magnet of the first connector magnets to the second magnet of the second connector magnets.

Illustrative embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of connectors and connector systems are shown.

Connectors interconnect electronic devices and provide a pathway for signal and/or power transfer. Data transfer may be at very high rates. Connector systems are preferably easily manufactured, modular, and efficient. Examples of communication systems are disclosed in <CIT> and <CIT>.

In today's society and ubiquitous computing environment, high-bandwidth modular and portable memory devices are being used increasingly. Security and stability of communication between and within these devices is important. In order to provide improved secure high-bandwidth communications, EHF communication units may be utilized. An example of an EHF communications unit is an EHF comm-link chip. Throughout this disclosure, the terms comm-link chip, comm-link chip package, and EHF communication link chip package will be used to refer to EHF antennas embedded in IC packages. Examples of such comm-link chips are described in detail in <CIT>; and <CIT>. Comm-link chips are an example of a communication device, also referred to as communication unit, whether or not they provide wireless communication and whether or not they operate in the EHF frequency band.

<FIG> illustrates a connector system <NUM> where various embodiments of the present disclosure may function. As shown, the connector system <NUM> includes a first connector <NUM> configured to couple to a second connector <NUM>. An example of structural components of the first connector <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG> and an example of structural components of the second connector <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first connector <NUM> includes a first housing <NUM> defining a first connector face <NUM> configured to be positioned in at least one of a first position and a second position proximate to a second connector face <NUM> of the second connector104 (See <FIG>). Hereinafter, the first housing <NUM> and a housing <NUM> may refer to same component and may be used interchangeably without changing its meaning.

The first connector <NUM> also includes a first extremely high frequency (EHF) communication unit <NUM> disposed in the housing <NUM> relative to the first connector face <NUM> for communicating with a second EHF communication unit <NUM> of the second connector <NUM> when the first connector face <NUM> is positioned in at least one of the first position and the second position relative to the second connector face <NUM>. Further, the first EHF communication unit <NUM> may be electrically and physically connected to a cable (not shown in these figures) configured to receive at least one of power and one or more informational signals from an external source. The external source may be a power source or other electrical or electronic device and may not be part of the first connector <NUM>.

The first connector <NUM> further includes a first magnet <NUM> disposed in the housing <NUM> relative to the first connector face <NUM>. The first magnet <NUM> repels a second magnet <NUM> disposed relative to the second connector face <NUM> when the first connector face <NUM> is positioned in the second position relative to the second connector face <NUM>. Further, the first magnet <NUM> is configured not to repel the second magnet <NUM> when the first connector face <NUM> is positioned in the first position relative to the second connector face <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first magnet <NUM> has a magnet face that may be aligned with the first connector face <NUM>.

In some examples, the first connector <NUM> may further include a first magnetic element <NUM> disposed in the housing <NUM> relative to the first connector face <NUM> and spaced away from the first magnet <NUM>. The first magnetic element <NUM> may be configured to align with and/or attract the second magnet <NUM> when the first connector face <NUM> is positioned in the first position relative to the second connector face <NUM>. Further, the first magnetic element <NUM> may be at least one of, but not limited to, a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, and a ferromagnetic element. In an embodiment, the first magnetic element <NUM> may be a third magnet <NUM>. The first magnet <NUM> and the third magnet <NUM> may have opposite magnetic polarities at the first connector face <NUM>.

The first connector <NUM> may further include a third EHF communication unit <NUM> that may be configured to communicate with a fourth EHF communication unit <NUM> of the second connector <NUM> when the first connector face <NUM> is positioned in the at least one of the first position and the second position relative to the second connector face <NUM>.

The first connector <NUM> may further include a connector printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM> supported in the housing <NUM>. Further, the first connector <NUM> includes a first connector alignment element <NUM> configured to mate with a complementary second connector alignment element <NUM> of the second connector <NUM>. The first connector alignment element <NUM> matingly receives the second connector alignment element <NUM> when the first connector face <NUM> is positioned in the first position and in the second position relative to the second connector face <NUM> for providing physical alignment feedback to a user. The physical alignment feedback may be one or a combination of haptic feedback, tactile feedback or visual feedback.

The first connector <NUM> may include a signal indication circuit <NUM> having one or more light emitting diode (LED) indicators. The connection circuit may be responsive to an electrical signal transmitted between the first and second EHF communication units.

Furthermore, the first connector <NUM> may include a connector body <NUM> disposed in the housing <NUM> and configured to encapsulate the connector PCB <NUM> and the first EHF communication unit <NUM>. The first magnet <NUM> may be configured to act as an electromagnet. Further, the first connector <NUM> may include an electromagnet controller <NUM> configured to alternatingly activate and either deactivate or reverse activate the electromagnet (i.e. the first magnet <NUM>), thereby producing vibration of the first connector <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the second connector <NUM> includes a second housing <NUM> defining the second connector face <NUM> configured to be positioned in at least one of a first position and a second position proximate to the first connector face <NUM>. The second EHF communication unit <NUM> is configured to communicate with the first EHF communication unit <NUM> over a first channel when the first connector face <NUM> is positioned in at least one of the first position and the second position relative to the second connector face <NUM>.

Further, the second connector <NUM> includes the second magnet <NUM> disposed in the second housing <NUM> relative to the second connector face <NUM>. The second magnet <NUM> is configured not to repel the first magnet <NUM> when the first connector face <NUM> is positioned in the first position relative to the second connector face <NUM>. Further, the second magnet <NUM> is configured to repel the first magnet <NUM> when the first connector face <NUM> is positioned in the second position relative to the second connector face <NUM>. Further, the first magnetic element <NUM> and the second magnetic element <NUM> may include respective ferromagnetic elements. The fourth EHF communication unit <NUM> may be disposed in the second housing <NUM> relative to the second connector face <NUM>.

Further, the second connector <NUM> may include a second magnetic element <NUM> disposed in the second housing <NUM> relative to the second connector face <NUM>. The second magnetic element <NUM> may be configured to align with and be attracted to the first magnet <NUM> when the first connector face <NUM> is positioned in the first position relative to the second connector face <NUM>. Further, the second magnetic element may include a fourth magnet <NUM> disposed in the second housing <NUM> relative to the second connector face <NUM>. Further, the fourth magnet <NUM> may be configured to align with and to attract the first magnet <NUM> when the first connector face <NUM> is positioned in the first position relative to the second connector face <NUM>. Further, the fourth magnet <NUM> may be configured to repel the third magnet <NUM> when the first connector face <NUM> is positioned in the second position relative to the second connector face <NUM>.

<FIG> is side view of an example of the first EHF communication unit of the first connector <NUM> showing some internal components. <FIG> is an isometric view of an example of the first EHF communication unit <NUM> of the first connector <NUM>. As discussed with reference to <FIG>, the first EHF communication unit <NUM> may be mounted on the connector printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM> of the first connector <NUM>. <FIG> shows a similar illustrative first EHF communication unit <NUM>. It is noted that <FIG> and <FIG> portray a first EHF communication unit <NUM> using computer simulation graphics, and thus some components may be shown in a stylized fashion. As illustrated, the first EHF communication unit 206may include a die <NUM>, a lead frame <NUM>, one or more conductive connectors such as bond wires <NUM>, a transducer such as an antenna <NUM>, and an encapsulating material <NUM>.

The die <NUM> may include any suitable structure configured as a miniaturized circuit on a suitable die substrate, and is functionally equivalent to a component also referred to as a "chip" or an "integrated circuit (IC). " The die substrate may be formed using any suitable semiconductor material, such as, but not limited to, silicon. The die <NUM> may be mounted in electrical communication with the lead frame <NUM>. The lead frame <NUM> may be any suitable arrangement of electrically conductive leads configured to allow one or more other circuits to operatively connect with the die <NUM>. The leads of the lead frame <NUM> may be embedded or fixed in a lead frame substrate. The lead frame substrate may be formed using any suitable insulating material configured to substantially hold the leads in a predetermined arrangement.

Further, the electrical communication between the die <NUM> and leads of the lead frame <NUM> may be accomplished by any suitable method using conductive connectors such as, one or more bond wires <NUM>. The bond wires <NUM> may be used to electrically connect points on a circuit of die <NUM> with corresponding leads on the lead frame <NUM>. In another embodiment, the die <NUM> may be inverted and conductive connectors including bumps, or die solder balls rather than bond wires <NUM>, which may be configured in what is commonly known as a "flip chip" arrangement.

The antenna <NUM> may be any suitable structure configured as a transducer to convert between electrical and electromagnetic signals. The antenna <NUM> may be configured to operate in an EHF spectrum, and may be configured to transmit and/or receive electromagnetic signals, in other words as a transmitter, a receiver, or a transceiver. In an embodiment, the antenna <NUM> may be constructed as a part of the lead frame <NUM>. In another embodiment, the antenna <NUM> may be separate from, but operatively connected to the die <NUM> by any suitable method, and may be located adjacent to the die <NUM>. For example, the antenna <NUM> may be connected to the die <NUM> using antenna bond wires <NUM>. Alternatively, in a flip chip configuration, the antenna <NUM> may be connected to die <NUM> without the use of the antenna bond wires <NUM>. In other embodiments, the antenna <NUM> may be disposed on the die <NUM> or on the PCB <NUM>.

Further, the encapsulating material <NUM> may hold the various components of the first EHF communication unit <NUM> in fixed relative positions. The encapsulating material <NUM> may be any suitable material configured to provide electrical insulation and physical protection for the electrical and electronic components of first EHF communication unit <NUM>. For example, the encapsulating material <NUM> may be a mold compound, glass, plastic, or ceramic. The encapsulating material <NUM> may be formed in any suitable shape. For example, the encapsulating material <NUM> may be in the form of a rectangular block, encapsulating all components of the first EHF communication unit <NUM> except the unconnected leads of the lead frame <NUM>. One or more external connections may be formed with other circuits or components. For example, external connections may include ball pads and/or external solder balls for connection to a printed circuit board.

In <FIG>, it may be seen that the die <NUM> is encapsulated in the first EHF communication unit <NUM>, with the bond wires <NUM> connecting the die <NUM> with the antenna <NUM>. In this embodiment, the first EHF communication unit <NUM> may be mounted on the connector PCB <NUM>. The connector PCB <NUM> may include one or more laminated layers <NUM>, one of which may be PCB ground plane <NUM>. The PCB ground plane <NUM> may be any suitable structure configured to provide an electrical ground to circuits and components on the PCB <NUM>.

The second EHF communication unit <NUM> may be included and configured to allow EHF communication between the first EHF communication unit <NUM> and the second EHF communication unit <NUM>. Further, either of the EHF communication units <NUM> or <NUM> may be configured to transmit and/or receive electromagnetic signals, providing one-way or two-way communication between the first EHF communication unit <NUM> and the second EHF communication unit <NUM> and accompanying electronic circuits or components. In an embodiment, the first EHF communication unit <NUM> and the second EHF communication unit <NUM> may be co-located on the single PCB <NUM> and may provide intra-PCB communication. In another embodiment, the first EHF communication unit <NUM> may be located on a first PCB (similar to PCB <NUM>) and the second EHF communication unit <NUM> may be located on a second PCB (similar to PCB <NUM>) and may therefore provide inter-PCB communication.

Regardless of where the first EHF communication unit <NUM> and the second EHF communication unit <NUM> are mounted, it remains important to provide improved signal security and integrity when communicating between any two EHF communication units (such as EHF communication units <NUM>, <NUM>). One method for enhancing or ensuring proper signal security and integrity is to verify that the second EHF communication unit <NUM> is within a predetermined range before or during a communication attempt. To that end, systems and methods for detecting the presence of the second EHF communication unit <NUM> and/or for ensuring another device or surface is within a certain distance may be included. Examples of such systems and methods are described in <CIT>.

<FIG> illustrates a front face 500A of an example <NUM> of the first connector <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a back face 500B of connector <NUM>. The first connector <NUM> may be any suitable connector component configured to provide a zero-insertion or low-insertion EHF connection interface for a corresponding connector component on another device or system. The first connector <NUM> includes two magnets, 502A and 502B. As discussed with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> and <FIG>, the first connector <NUM> may further include the first EHF communication unit <NUM>, the third communication unit <NUM>, the connector PCB <NUM>, the connector body <NUM>, the first connector alignment element <NUM>, and/or one or more LED indicators 222A-N. Furthermore, the first connector <NUM> may be electrically and physically connected to a cable <NUM>.

The connector body <NUM> may serve as a housing or container for other components of the first connector <NUM>. In some embodiments, the connector body <NUM> may encapsulate the PCB <NUM>, the first EHF communication unit <NUM>, the third EHF communication unit <NUM>, and one or more LED indicators 220A-N using a suitable dielectric material or materials such as plastic. Further, the connector body <NUM> may also be sized and configured to allow convenient manipulation by a user. In an embodiment, the magnets 502A and 502B may be at least partially housed in the connector body <NUM> and may be mounted such that both magnets 502A-502B may flush with the mating surface <NUM> of the connector body <NUM>.

The mating surface <NUM> may be configured to provide a suitable physical coupling surface with a corresponding connector on a corresponding device such as the external device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the mating surface <NUM> is coplanar with a surface of the external device <NUM>. In other embodiments, the mating surface <NUM> is curved. In still other embodiments, the mating surface <NUM> may include the first connector alignment element <NUM>. The first connector alignment element <NUM> may be a protrusion, ridge, knob, bevel, pin, recess, or other member configured to mate with a corresponding alignment element on a corresponding second connector face <NUM> (or connector surface <NUM> of the external device <NUM>), to provide physical alignment feedback to the user. The second connector face <NUM> (or connector surface <NUM> of the external device <NUM>) may be a target connection region for the first connector <NUM>.

The magnets 502A and 502B (or first connector magnets 502A-502B) may be any suitable magnetic components configured to non-destructively releasably hold the first connector <NUM> in aligned proximity to the second connector face <NUM> (or the connector surface <NUM> of the external device <NUM>). Hereinafter, the magnets 502A-502B may be referred as first connector magnets 502A-502B without changing its meaning. The second connector <NUM> may be a part of the external device <NUM>.

Further, the second connector <NUM> includes at least two magnets (or second connector magnets), such as shown in <FIG>. In this context, the alignment and proximity may refer to the alignment and proximity of corresponding EHF communication unit (e.g. <NUM>), which must be substantially aligned and in close enough proximity to enable communication between a given pair of EHF communication units. In some embodiments, the magnets 502A, 502B are one or a combination of permanent magnets, electromagnets, or be formed of ferrous material capable of being magnetically attracted to magnets.

The first EHF communication unit <NUM> and the third EHF communication unit <NUM> may be mounted on the connector PCB <NUM>. In some embodiments, more or fewer EHF communication units may be provided in the first connector <NUM> or the PCB <NUM>. The first EHF communication unit <NUM> may be mounted on the PCB <NUM> in an orientation that is orthogonal to that of the third EHF communication unit <NUM>, to take advantage of polarization effects. Orthogonal orientation may allow the EHF communication units (e.g. <NUM> or <NUM>) to be mounted closely together, because orthogonal EHF signals may not substantially interfere with each other. The connector PCB <NUM> and related circuits may be electrically connected to the cable <NUM> to allow the first connector <NUM> to obtain power and/or informational signals from a source outside of the first connector <NUM>. For example, the cable <NUM> may provide the first connector <NUM> with electrical power as well as providing a signal path to and/or from a personal computer or other associated device.

A shielding material (not shown) may be provided around at least a portion of the connector body <NUM>. The shielding material may include any electrically conductive material or a layer configured to absorb or otherwise block the EHF radiation. In an embodiment, the magnets 502A and/or 502B, possibly in combination with the shielding material, may provide a circuit ground for one or more circuits in the first connector <NUM>.

Furthermore, a first magnet of the first connector magnets 502A and 502B may be electrically connected to a power conductor in the cable <NUM>, and a second magnet of the first connector magnets 502A and 502B may be connected to a circuit ground. This configuration may allow power to be provided to the external device 602through the magnets 502A and 502B. The magnets 502A-502B may be shaped accordingly to provide a suitable electrical interface when aligned and mated with the connector surface <NUM> of the external device <NUM>. In an embodiment, the magnets 502A and 502B may have protrusions to provide controlled point connections and to avoid "a-spot" problems inherent in flat connector surfaces.

One or more LED indicators 220A-N may be mounted in or on the first connector <NUM> to provide visual feedback to the user. The LED indicators 220A-N may be electrically connected to the connector PCB <NUM> and may provide indication of a connector, connection status, or signal transmission status. In an embodiment, the LED indicators 220A-N may blink or light up if the connector <NUM> is receiving power and to confirm a proper or correct connection. In other embodiments, a green LED indicator 220N may light up if the connector <NUM> is properly aligned and affixed to the connector surface <NUM> of the external device <NUM>.

<FIG> is an isometric view of a connector system <NUM> including the first connector <NUM> or <NUM> proximate to the second connector <NUM> or <NUM>. The external device <NUM> may include the second connector (such as connector <NUM>) having a second housing <NUM> defining a second connector face or connector surface <NUM> configured to be positioned in at least one of a first position and a second position proximate to the first connector face <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the first and second connectors can be placed together in a first position with EHF communication unit <NUM> aligned with EHF communication unit <NUM> and EHF communication unit <NUM> aligned with EHF communication unit <NUM>, or in a second position that is the reverse.

As depicted, the external device <NUM> may include an external device PCB <NUM> with two EHF communication units <NUM> and <NUM> disposed near an edge <NUM> of the external device <NUM>. The EHF communication units of the external device <NUM> may be referred as a second EHF communication unit <NUM> and a fourth EHF communication unit <NUM>. In some examples, more or fewer EHF communication units may be provided. The second EHF communication unit <NUM> may be configured to communicate with the first EHF communication unit <NUM> over a first channel when the first connector face <NUM> is positioned in at least one of the first position and the second position relative to the second connector face <NUM>. Hereinafter, the connector surface <NUM> and second connector face <NUM> may be used interchangeably without changing their meaning.

Further, the connector surface <NUM> at the edge <NUM> may include portions made of ferrous material or any other material that provides a magnetically attractive surface to which the first connector magnets 502A-502B may attach. Further, the first magnet 502A may have a magnet face that is aligned with the first connector face <NUM>. In an embodiment, placing the first connector <NUM> near the connector surface <NUM> of the external device <NUM> may cause the magnets 502A and 502B to be attracted to the connector surface <NUM>, pulling the connector <NUM> into proper position and alignment to allow the first EHF communication unit <NUM>, the third EHF communication unit <NUM>, the second EHF communication unit <NUM>, and the fourth EHF communication unit <NUM> to align and communicate. In some embodiments, the first connector magnets 502A and 502B may be connected to a power-providing circuit, this attraction and holding of the first connector <NUM> may also facilitate electrical power conduction.

In some embodiments, the second connector <NUM> of the external device <NUM> may include a second magnet (similar to magnet <NUM>) disposed in the second housing <NUM> of the external device <NUM>. The second magnet may be disposed in the second housing <NUM> relative to the second connector face <NUM>. In an embodiment, the second magnet may be configured not to repel the second magnet when the first connector face <NUM> is positioned in the first position relative to the second connector face <NUM>. Furthermore, the second magnet is configured to repel the first magnet when the first connector face <NUM> is positioned in the second position relative to the second connector face <NUM>.

As discussed with reference to <FIG>, the first connector <NUM> includes the first magnetic element (502B) disposed in the first housing <NUM> relative to the first connector face <NUM> (or <NUM>) and spaced from the first magnet 502A (or <NUM>). The first magnetic element (502B) is configured to align with and attract the second magnet (e.g. magnet <NUM>) when the first connector face <NUM> is positioned in the first position relative to the second connector face <NUM>. Further, the first magnetic element <NUM> may be at least one of a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, and a ferromagnetic element. In an embodiment, the first magnetic element (or magnet 502B) may be a third magnet <NUM> of the first connector <NUM>. Further, the first magnet 502A (or <NUM>) and the third magnet 502B (or <NUM>) have opposite magnetic polarities at the first connector face <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the second connector <NUM> of the external device <NUM> may include a fourth magnet (not shown in <FIG>, but it is similar to fourth magnet <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in the second housing <NUM> relative to the second connector face <NUM>. The fourth magnet may be configured to align with and to attract the first magnet <NUM> when the first connector face <NUM> is positioned in the first position relative to the second connector face <NUM>. Further, the fourth magnet (such as magnet <NUM>) may be configured to repel the third magnet when the first connector face <NUM> is positioned in the second position relative to the second connector face <NUM>.

The second connector <NUM> may further include the second magnetic element (such as one of the magnets 502C-502D) disposed in the second housing <NUM> relative to the second connector face <NUM>. Further, the second magnetic element (such as one of the second connector magnets shown in <FIG>) is configured to align with and be attracted to the first magnet when the first connector face is positioned in the first connector face <NUM> is positioned in the first position relative to the second connector face <NUM>. The first magnetic element and the second magnetic element may include respective ferromagnetic elements.

In an embodiment, the first connector <NUM> may further include the third EHF communication unit <NUM> disposed in the first housing <NUM> relative to the first connector face <NUM> (or <NUM>). In another embodiment, the second connector <NUM> may further include the fourth EHF communication unit <NUM> disposed in the second housing <NUM> (or <NUM>) relative to the second connector face <NUM>. The third EHF communication unit <NUM> may be configured to communicate with the fourth EHF communication unit <NUM> when the first connector face <NUM> is positioned in the at least one of the first position and the second position relative to the second connector face <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate exemplary configurations of magnetic components of the connector system <NUM> including the first connector <NUM> and the second connector <NUM> of <FIG>. As shown, the connector surface <NUM> (or the second connector face <NUM>) may include one or more magnets 502C and 502D. Including the magnets 502C and 502D at or near the connector surface <NUM> of the external device <NUM> allows additional functionality and additional haptic feedback to a user. Further, the magnets 502A-502B (or first connector magnets) may be configured to provide a ground connection in the electrical circuit and may be configured to form in combination an electromagnetic shield around the first EHF communication unit <NUM> and the third EHF communication unit <NUM>.

Each of the first connector magnets 502A-502B have a first pole of a first polarity and a second pole of a second polarity opposite of the first polarity. Similarly, each second connector magnets 502C-502D have a first pole of a first polarity and a second pole of a second polarity opposite of the first polarity.

In different examples, various alignments of the poles of magnets 502A, 502B, 502C, and 502D may be possible. These alignments and combinations of alignments may allow tactile feedback regarding proper alignment and positioning of the first connector <NUM> at the connector surface based on the attraction or repulsion of the aligned magnet pairs.

As shown in <FIG>, a connector system not according to the claimed invention may be configured such that the first connector <NUM> may connect in either of two orientations. In this embodiment, poles of one set of magnets are aligned and presented to opposing poles of another aligned set of magnets. In other words, magnets 502A and 502B may always present their south poles to the magnets 502C and 502D. The magnets 502C and 502D may always present their north poles. In this configuration, the magnets may always attract each other in both positions of connector <NUM> relative to connector <NUM> as long as the opposite magnet pairs are placed in approximate physical alignment.

As shown in <FIG>, a connector system not according to the claimed invention may instead be configured with the same poles of each set of magnets facing each other, such that the first connector <NUM> may always be repelled. In other words, the magnets 502A and 502B may present their south poles to the magnets 502C and 502D. The magnets 502C and 502D may also present their south poles, thus repelling the magnets 502A and 502B and thereby associated first connector <NUM>. This may be desirable, for example, if there are two possible connector surfaces <NUM> on the external device <NUM>. The connectors may be configured so that each is only attracted to a corresponding mate, and repelled by the other candidate.

<FIG> show a configuration according to the invention, where magnetic poles within each set of magnets on a connector are aligned in opposite directions. As shown, one of magnets 502A and 502B presents a north pole while the other magnet presents a south pole. The magnets 502C and 502D similarly present the opposing poles such that the magnets attract when the second connector <NUM> is in the proper orientation and repel when the second connector <NUM> is not in the proper orientation relative to first connector <NUM>. In this embodiment, the first connector <NUM> may therefore only connect in one orientation or position of the two orientations or positions in which the opposing magnet pairs are aligned. All of these configurations provide tactile feedback to the user attempting to connect the connectors together.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an illustrative connector <NUM> having one or more electromagnetic components. Additional feedback and functionality may be possible by using one or more electromagnets for the various magnets (502A-D) already described. In the example depicted in <FIG>, the external device, such as device602, may include electromagnets 802A and 802B controlled by an electromagnet controller <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first magnet i.e. magnet 502A, is an electromagnet configured to be selectively activated by the electromagnet controller <NUM>. The electromagnet controller <NUM> may be configured to alternatingly activate and either deactivate or reverse activate the electromagnets 802A-802B or 502A, thereby producing vibration of the first connector <NUM>.

Using electromagnets (802A-802B) may allow the an external device <NUM> to selectively enable or disable the magnetic attraction of its connector surface or surfaces <NUM>, as well as possibly reversing polarity of any given electromagnet. In some examples, the electromagnet controller <NUM> may be configured to eject the first connector <NUM> by reversing polarity or by turning the electromagnets off. In other embodiments, the connector surfaces <NUM>(or <NUM>) may be selectively enabled, disabled, and/or configured with a certain polarity combination. The electromagnet controller <NUM> may also cause electromagnets 802A and/or 802B to vibrate or buzz based on certain predetermined conditions. In other embodiments, the electromagnets 802A, 802B, and/or electromagnet controller <NUM> may be disposed in the first connector <NUM>, or in both connectors. In some embodiments, one or more magnetic components on a connector may be electromagnets. Further, in an embodiment, the magnets 502A-502B of the first connector may act as electromagnets and may be controlled by the electromagnet controller <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an illustrative first connector <NUM> and an illustrative mechanical connector <NUM>. <FIG> shows that the first connector <NUM> in the form shown similar to connector <NUM> and having an alignment element <NUM> in the form of an elongate ridge with spaced-apart magnets <NUM> and <NUM>, such as magnets 502A and 502B, requires significantly less physical insertion to connect with a complementary connector <NUM> or <NUM> than mechanical connector <NUM>, which would require insertion into a complementary receptacle having aligned conductors to establish a conductive signal and/or power path.

The following paragraphs may provide further information regarding illustrative versions of the above-described systems and methods related to EHF communications devices.

The first magnetic element may be at least one of a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, and a ferromagnetic element. The first magnetic element may be a third magnet, and the first magnet and the third magnet have opposite magnetic polarities at the first connector face.

The first connector may further comprise a third EHF communication unit configured to communicate with a fourth EHF communication unit of the second connector when the first connector face is positioned in the at least one of the first position and the second position relative to the second connector face.

The first connector may further comprise a connector printed circuit board (PCB) supported in the housing; a first connector alignment element configured to mate with a complementary second connector alignment element of the second connector, wherein the first connector alignment element matingly receives the second connector alignment element when the first connector face is positioned in the first position and in the second position relative to the second connector face for providing physical alignment feedback to a user; a signal indication circuit having one or more light emitting diode (LED) indicators responsive to an electrical signal transmitted between the first and second EHF communications units; and a connector body disposed in the housing and configured to encapsulate the connector PCB and the first EHF communication unit.

The first EHF communication unit may be electrically and physically connected to a cable configured to receive at least one of power and one or more informational signals from an external source. The first magnet may have a magnet face that is aligned with the first connector face.

The first connector may further comprise an electromagnet controller, wherein the first magnet is an electromagnet configured to be selectively activated by the electromagnet controller, the electromagnet controller is configured to alternatingly activate and either deactivate or reverse activate the electromagnet thereby producing vibration of the first connector.

The first connector may further comprise a third EHF communication unit disposed in the first housing relative to the first connector face, and the second connector may further comprise a fourth EHF communication unit disposed in the second housing relative to the second connector face. The third EHF communication unit may be configured to communicate with the fourth EHF communication unit when the first connector face is positioned in the at least one of the first position and the second position relative to the second connector face. In some examples, the first connector may further comprise a connector printed circuit board (PCB) supported in the first housing; a first connector alignment element configured to mate with a complementary second connector alignment element of the second connector, wherein the first connector alignment element matingly receives the second connector alignment element when the first connector face is positioned in at least one of the first position and the second position relative to the second connector face for providing physical alignment feedback to a user; a signal indication circuit having one or more light emitting diode (LED) indicators responsive to an electrical signal transmitted between the first and second EHF communications units; and a connector body disposed in the first housing and configured to encapsulate the connector PCB and the first EHF communication unit.

In some examples, a connector system may comprise a first connector including a first housing; a first EHF communication unit supported in the first housing; a third EHF communication unit supported in the second housing; and at least two first connector magnets supported in the first housing; and a second connector configured to couple with the first connector. The second connector may comprise a second housing defining a second connector face configured to be positioned in at least one of a first position and a second position proximate to the first connector face; a second EHF communication unit supported in the second housing and configured to communicate with the first EHF communication unit over a first channel; a fourth EHF communication unit supported in the second housing and configured to communicate with the third EHF communication unit on a second channel; and at least two second connector magnets supported in the second housing. Polarities of the at least two first connector magnets, and the at least two second connector magnets may be oriented such that the first connector couples with the second connector in a desired connector orientation and is held in a coupled state by attraction of the first magnet of the at least two first connector magnets to the first magnet of the at least two second connect magnets and attraction of the second magnet of the first connector magnets to the second magnet of the second connector magnets.

The first EHF communication unit may comprise at least one of an insulating material, a chip having an integrated circuit (IC), and an antenna capable of communicating with the IC, further wherein the antenna is fixed at a location by the insulating material.

In some examples, the first magnet of the at least two first connector magnets and the at least two second connector magnets may be electrically conductive, and in electrical contact when the first connector couples with the second connector in the desired connector orientation. The first magnet of the at least two first connector magnets and the at least two second connector magnets form a first path of electrical current in an electrical circuit in the first and second connectors. The second magnet of the at least two first connector magnets and second magnet of the at least two second connector magnets may be electrically conductive and in electrical contact when the first connector couples with the second connector in the desired connector orientation. The second magnet of the at least two first connector magnets and the second magnet of the at least two second connector magnets may form a second path of electrical current in the electrical circuit in the first connector and the second connector.

The at least two first connector magnets may be configured to provide a ground connection in the electrical circuit and may be configured to form in combination an electromagnetic shield around the first EHF communication unit and the third EHF communication unit. The first connector may be electrically and physically connected to a cable to obtain at least one of power and one or more informational signals from an external source. Each of the at least two first connector magnets may have a first pole of a first polarity and a second pole of a second polarity opposite of the first polarity, and the respective first poles of the at least two first connector magnets may be oriented in the same direction.

Claim 1:
A first connector (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) defining a first connector face (<NUM>) configured to be positioned in at least one of a proper first position and a not proper second position relative to a second connector face (<NUM>) of a second connector (<NUM>);
a first extremely high frequency, EHF, communication unit (<NUM>) disposed in the housing (<NUM>) relative to the first connector face (<NUM>) configured to communicate with a second EHF communication unit (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the second connector (<NUM>) when the first connector face (<NUM>) is positioned in at least one of the first position and the second position relative to the second connector face (<NUM>);
a first connector alignment element (<NUM>) configured to mate with a complementary second connector alignment element (<NUM>) of the second connector (<NUM>), wherein the first connector alignment element (<NUM>) matingly receives the second connector alignment element (<NUM>) when the first connector face (<NUM>) is positioned in the first position and in the second position relative to the second connector face (<NUM>) for providing physical alignment feedback to a user, the physical alignment feedback being haptic feedback;
wherein the first connector (<NUM>) includes a set of two magnets, namely a first magnet (<NUM>/502A) and a third magnet (<NUM>/502B), configured to repel from or attract with a set of two magnets (<NUM>/502C, <NUM>/502D) of the second connector (<NUM>),
the magnetic poles within each set of magnets are aligned in opposite directions, so that one of the magnets (<NUM>/502A) of the first connector (<NUM>) presents a north pole while the other magnet (<NUM>/502B) of the first connector (<NUM>) presents a south pole,
wherein the magnets (<NUM>/502A, <NUM>/502B) of the first connector (<NUM>) are configured to attract with the magnets (<NUM>/502C, <NUM>/502D) of the second connector (<NUM>) when the connectors (<NUM>, <NUM>) are in the first position, and configured to repel with the magnets (<NUM>/502C, <NUM>/502D) of the second connector (<NUM>), when the connectors (<NUM>, <NUM>) are in the second position.