Patent ID: 6933853

Claim:
A printed circuit assembly (PCA) with built-in circuitry to detect and communicate an interconnect failure, the PCA comprising: a continuity detect circuit for detection of continuity failure in the interconnect; a connector coupled to the continuity detect circuit and configured to interconnect to an electronic unit, the connector including a first pin which is coupled to an input of the continuity detect circuit, a second pin which is electrically grounded, a third pin, a fourth pin, and a first signal trace for electrically connecting the third and fourth pins; and an interface circuit coupled to the continuity detect circuit for communicating data pertaining to status of the interconnect to system management; wherein the electronic unit includes a second signal trace for electrically connecting the first and third pins when the electronic unit is properly seated in the connector, and further includes a third signal trace for electrically connecting the fourth and second pins when the electronic unit is properly seated in the connector.