PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-7540742-B2
Application Number: US-93016504-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Board connector

Abstract:
A card connector that allows a card to be at least partially coplanar with a logic board is described herein. A system having a card at least partially coplanar with a logic board is also disclosed. A card connector that allows at least one longitudinal plane through the logic board to intersect at least a point of the card is also disclosed. The card may be a memory module.

Claims:
1. A system, comprising:
 a logic board extending substantially in a first plane; 
 a card extending substantially in a second plane; and 
 a connector, attached to the logic board and configured to receive the card, wherein the connector comprises an attachment element, the card adapted to be angularly moveable to a first position and the card adapted to be angularly moveable to a second position, wherein the attachment element receives the card and supports the card such that at least a portion of the card is coplanar with the logic board and the first plane and the second plane are substantially coplanar. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the card comprises an auxiliary logic board. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 2 , wherein the auxiliary logic board comprises a memory module. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 1 , wherein an angle between the first position of the attachment element and the second position of the attachment element is from 0 to 90°. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 1 , wherein an angle between the first position of the attachment element and the second position of the attachment element is 25°. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises a board conforming portion. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 6 , wherein the logic board comprises an opening adapted to receive at least a portion of the card, and wherein the board conforming portion is adapted to connect to the logic board to lock the card such that at least a portion of the card is coplanar with the logic board. 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 6 , wherein the board conforming portion comprises a first conforming wall and the second conforming wall, the first conforming wall adapted to contact a top surface of the logic board and the second conforming wall adapted to contact a side surface of the logic board. 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment element comprises a connector slot to receive the card, and wherein the connector slot comprises an opening having a slanted wall to allow the card to rotate within the connector slot. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 9 , wherein the connector comprises a connector body, the connector body having a top surface that is shorter than a bottom surface of the connector body to allow the card to rotate within the connector slot. 
     
     
       11. A system, comprising:
 a logic board extending substantially in a first plane; 
 a card extending substantially in a second plane; and 
 a connector, attached to the logic board and configured to receive the card, wherein the connector comprises an upper planar portion, a lower planar portion, and an attachment element, the attachment element being adapted to be moveable to a first position and adapted to be moveable to a second position, wherein the attachment element receives the card, at least a portion of the attachment element is coplanar with at least a portion of the logic board when the attachment element is moved to the second position, such that at least a portion of the card is coplanar with the logic board when the attachment element is moved to the second position, the first plane and the second plane are substantially coplanar, and at least a portion of the attachment element is placed between the upper planar portion and the lower planar portion, wherein at least one of the upper planar portion and the lower planar portion is not movable while the attachment element moves from the first position to the second position to receive the card. 
 
     
     
       12. The system of  claim 11 , wherein the attachment element is at an angle from 0 to 90° with respect to a longitudinal plane of the logic board. 
     
     
       13. The system of  claim 11 , wherein the attachment element is at an angle of 25° with respect to a longitudinal plane of the logic board. 
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 11 , wherein the card comprises an auxiliary logic board. 
     
     
       15. The system of  claim 14 , wherein the auxiliary logic board comprises a memory module. 
     
     
       16. A system, comprising:
 means for connecting an auxiliary logic board having circuitry to a logic board extending substantially in a first plane such that the auxiliary logic board is rotatable from a first position to a second position wherein the auxiliary logic board extending substantially in a second plane is coplanar with the logic board and the first and second plane are substantially coplanar. 
 
     
     
       17. The system of  claim 16 , wherein the auxiliary logic board comprises a memory module. 
     
     
       18. A method, comprising:
 inserting an auxiliary logic board into a connector at a first position; and 
 rotating the auxiliary logic board in the connector to a second position wherein the auxiliary logic board extending in a second plane is coplanar in the second position with a logic board extending in a first plane, and the first plane and second plane are coplanar.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to data processing systems, such as computers, and in particular, a connector for a logic board in a data processing system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Most contemporary data processing systems, such as computers, portable media players, and the like, include logic boards and memory modules, which are connected to the logic board by a connector. 
     In conventional computers, the memory modules are positioned vertically relative to the logic board. However, with laptop computers and other data processing systems having streamlined enclosures, height and thickness limitations prevent vertical positioning of the memory modules. 
     Accordingly, new technology has been developed which enables memory modules to be connected to the logic board horizontally relative to the logic board, such that the plane of a memory module is parallel to the plane of the logic board. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates one such prior art system. The connector  100  is perpendicularly installed on the top surface of the logic board  130 , such that the connector slot  108  is horizontally directed. A memory module  140  is inserted into the horizontally-directed connector slot  108 , such that the memory module  140  is kept above and parallel to the logic board  130 . A longitudinal axis Ca extends through the center of the connector slot  108  and is positioned parallel to a longitudinal axis Ba extending through the logic board  130 . 
       FIG. 1A  is a side cross-sectional view showing the connector of the prior art, which enables horizontal attachment of the memory module to the logic board. The connector  100  is fixed on the logic board  130  by the multiple terminal posts  113  penetrating the board surface. 
     The prior connectors, as illustrated in  FIG. 1A , still take up a significant amount of space within the enclosure of laptop computers or other data processing systems, preventing further streamlining and limiting airflow within the enclosure. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a system including a housing, a logic board having a longitudinal plane disposed within the housing, a memory module, and a connector, attached to the logic board and configured to receive the memory module, is provided. The housing is in close proximity to a surface of the memory module. At least a portion of the memory module is at least partially coplanar with the longitudinal plane of the logic board. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a system including a logic board having a longitudinal plane, an auxiliary logic board having circuitry thereon, and a connector, attached to the logic board and configured to receive the auxiliary logic board, is provided. At least a portion of the auxiliary logic board is coplanar with the longitudinal plane of the logic board. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a system including a logic board having a longitudinal plane, a memory module, positioned coplanar to the longitudinal plane of the logic board, and a connector, attached to the logic board and configured to receive the memory module, is provided. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a system including a logic board, a card, and a connector, attached to the logic board and configured to receive the card is provided. The connector includes an attachment element, adapted to be moveable to a first position, wherein the attachment element receives the card, and moveable to a second position, wherein the attachment element locks the card such that at least a portion of the card is coplanar with the logic board. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a system including a logic board, a card, and a connector, attached to the logic board and configured to receive the card is provided. The connector includes an attachment element, adapted to be moveable to a first position, wherein the attachment element is angled to receive the card, and moveable to a second position, wherein at least a portion of the attachment element is coplanar with at least a portion of the logic board, such that at least a portion of the card is coplanar with the logic board. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus including a connector body configured to contact at least two sides of a logic board, and a connecting element, attached to the connector body and configured to receive an auxiliary logic board is provided. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a system including a logic board having a body and a first tab and a second tab, a connector, attached to the logic board, and a support rail, attached to the connector and the logic board is provided. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a system including a logic board having a longitudinal plane, a card, positioned coplanar to the longitudinal plane of the logic board, and a connector, attached to the logic board and configured to receive the card is provided. The connector includes a support rail, extending laterally away from the connector. The support rail is also configured to receive the card. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a system including a logic board having a body, a first tab, a second tab, and a longitudinal plane running through the body, first tab, and second tab, a card, positioned at least partially coplanar to the longitudinal plane of the logic board, having at least one edge, and a connector, attached to the logic board, and configured to receive the card, is disclosed herein. The connector includes a support rail, which extends laterally and away from the connector to the first and second tabs, and is configured to support at least one edge of the card. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a system including a logic board having a longitudinal plane, an auxiliary logic board, positioned coplanar to the longitudinal plane of the logic board, having a high number of connections, and a connector, attached to the logic board, and configured to receive the auxiliary logic board is provided. The connector includes a high number of connections (e.g., over 30 connections) corresponding to the high number of connections of the auxiliary logic board. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a system including a logic board having a longitudinal plane, a first auxiliary logic board, positioned coplanar to the longitudinal plane of the logic board, and a first connector, attached to the logic board and configured to receive the first auxiliary logic board is provided. A second auxiliary logic board, positioned parallel to the longitudinal plane of the logic board, and a second connector, attached to the logic board and configured to receive the second auxiliary logic board, is also provided. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a system including a logic board having a longitudinal plane, an auxiliary logic board having circuitry thereon, and a connector, attached to the logic board and configured to receive the auxiliary logic board is provided. The longitudinal plane of the logic board intersects at least a point of the auxiliary logic board. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention may best be understood by referring to the following description and accompanying drawings that are used to illustrate embodiments of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a connector for a logic board of the prior art. 
         FIG. 1A  is a cross-sectional view of the connector of the prior art. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a connector in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the connector of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIGS. 4A-B  are cross-sectional side views of the connector of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a connector with a support rail. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a connector attached to a logic board in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of a logic board, connector, and memory module assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of a logic board, connector, and memory module assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic bottom view of a logic board, connector, and memory module assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic side view of one embodiment of the logic board, connector, and memory module assembly. 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic side view of one embodiment of the logic board, connector, and memory module assembly. 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic side view of one embodiment of the logic board, connector, and memory module assembly. 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic side view of one embodiment of the logic board, connector, and memory module assembly. 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic side view of one embodiment of the logic board, connector, and memory module assembly. 
         FIG. 14  is a partial schematic top view showing the connector contacts in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic view of a computer system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following detailed description presents various specific embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention can be embodied in a multitude of different forms as defined and covered by the claims. In this description, reference is made to the drawings wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout. 
     A system and apparatus for enabling attachment of an auxiliary logic board, such as a memory module, to a logic board, such that at least a portion of the auxiliary logic board is at least partially coplanar with the logic board is disclosed herein. The various embodiments may be used in a variety of systems and form factors. For example, it may be used in data processing systems such as laptop computers or desktop computers or in digital media players such as MP3 music players, and the like. 
     For simplicity, the system and apparatus are described as enabling attachment of a memory module to a logic board, both of which typically include a plurality of integrated circuits (ICs) and some discrete circuit components. It is envisioned that any auxiliary logic board having circuitry may be attached to the logic board. It is also envisioned that the auxiliary logic board may be a card. An example of a memory module, in accordance with the present invention, is described in JEDEC Standard No. 21C, Release 13, Section 4.20.6, PC3200/PC2700/PC2100/PC1600 DDR SDRAM Unbuffered SO-DIMM, Jan. 13, 2003, which is herein incorporated by reference, and other related standards. In some embodiments, all of the memory for the computer or other data processing system is provided on the memory module. In some other embodiments, a portion of the memory is provided on the memory module. The memory module may include any type of memory. In some embodiments, the memory module may include dynamic RAM (Random Access Memory). 
     Similarly, the system and apparatus are described with respect to a logic board. The logic board may be a main board, a main circuit board, a mother board, and the like, as commonly known to those of skill in the art. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2-3 , one embodiment of a connector in accordance with the present invention is shown. Connector  200  includes a body  204 , a plurality of contacts  206 , and a connection slot  208 . 
     Connection slot  208  is adapted to receive a memory module (not shown) or other logic board, as will be described hereinafter. Plurality of electrically conductive contacts  206  are adapted to electrically couple the memory module and logic board (not shown). Each of the contacts  206  typically electrically connects one signal line on the memory module to another signal line on the logic board. Connector body  204  may also include a connecting element (not shown) for mechanically coupling the connector  200  to the logic board, as known to those of skill in the art. 
     Connector body  204  may also include a pair of projections  212 . Projections  212  each include an opening  214 , adapted to receive a support element (not shown), as will be described hereinafter with reference to  FIG. 5 , which support element is designed to support the memory module. In an alternative embodiment, openings  214  are formed in the connector body  204 . Connector body  204  also includes a board conforming portion  210 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , board conforming portion  210  includes a first conforming wall  216  and a second conforming wall  218 . First and second conforming walls  216 ,  218  may be perpendicular to one another to conform to a generally rectangular logic board (not shown), as will be described hereinafter with reference to  FIG. 6 . 
     The connector body  204  may be made of any suitable material or combination of materials, including, for example, a plastic material, a composite material, a circuit board material, and the like. In one embodiment, the connector body  204  is made of a high-temperature plastic, which is an insulator. 
     In one embodiment, the connector body  204  has a length of about 75 mm, a width of about 8 mm and a height of about 4 mm. In one embodiment, the first conforming wall  216  has a width of about 2.5 mm and the second conforming wall  218  has a height of about 2 mm. The dimensions provided are for exemplary purposes. The actual dimensions may depend on the dimensions of the housing in which the connector resides, the dimensions of the logic board, the dimensions of the memory module, and other such factors, as known to those of skill in the art. 
     In one embodiment, the connector body  204  is injection molded. Other methods of manufacturing the connector body  204  may be used, as known to those of skill in the art. The plurality of contacts  206  may also be made of any suitable material and using any suitable techniques, as known to those of skill in the art. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , a cross-sectional view of connector  200  is shown. Connector  200  includes a plurality of contacts  206  and a connector slot  208 . 
     Connector  200  is shown connected to a logic board  430  and a memory module  440 . Logic board  430  and memory module  440  will be discussed in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 6-13 . 
     The plurality of contacts  206  provide an electrical (electrically conductive) connection between the memory module  440  and the logic board  430 . In some embodiments, each of the contacts  206  include a first contacting portion  422 , a second contacting portion  424  and a third contacting portion  426 . The first contacting portion  422  is configured to contact (both physically and electrically) a conductor on a top surface of the memory module. The second contacting portion  424  is configured to contact connector  200 . The third contacting portion  426  is configured to contact (both physically and electrically) a conductor on the logic board and electrically couple the connector and the logic board. In one embodiment, the first contacting portion  422 , second contacting portion  424  and third contacting portion are integral. The third contacting portion  426  may be soldered to its corresponding contact on the logic board, and this soldered connection provides both a physical and electrical connection. 
     Connector slot  208  is adapted to receive the memory module  440 . Connector slot  208  may include an opening  426  having a slanted wall  427 , enabling the memory module to rotate within the connector slot  408 . Additionally, the top surface  428  of connector body  204  may be shorter (in the distance it extends away from the logic board  430 ) than the bottom surface  429  of connector body  204  to further enable rotation of memory module. 
     In some embodiments, memory module is inserted into the connector slot  208  in a first position, as shown in  FIG. 4B . The memory module may be inserted into the connector slot  208  in the first position at an angle  442  (which is the angle between the first position and the second position). Angle  442  may be any value or range of values between about 0° and 90°. In one embodiment, angle  442  is about 25°. The angle  422  of insertion may in some embodiments be the same as the slope of wall  428 . As discussed above, the top surface  428  may be shorter than the bottom surface, such that the memory module can be inserted in the first position at the angle  422 . 
     In some embodiments, the memory module may then be adjusted to a second position, wherein at least a portion of the memory module is at least partially coplanar (e.g., sharing at least a portion of the same plane) with the logic board (see  FIG. 4A ). In some embodiments, the memory module is adjusted by rotating the memory module. 
     In some other embodiments, the memory module is inserted in the connector slot  208  directly into the second position without being placed in an initial first position (i.e., angle  422  is 0°), as shown in  FIG. 4A . 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a connector in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, connector  200  may include a support element  550  and a support attachment element  560  at each end of connector  200 . In some embodiments, support element  550  and support attachment element  560  are a support rail. In some embodiments, support element  550  is integral with connector  200 . In some embodiments, one end of the first and second arms  554 ,  556  is adapted to be inserted into opening  214  of connector  200  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
     In some embodiments, support element  550  includes a first arm  554 , a second arm  556 , and a support tab  558 . 
     In some embodiments, the support tab  558  is provided on second arm  556 . In some embodiments, the support tab  558  is integral with second arm  556 . In some other embodiments, support tab  558  is mechanically attached to second arm  556 . Examples of mechanical attachment include, for example, fastening, gripping, bonding, and the like. 
     In some embodiments, the support element  550  includes a plurality of support tabs. The support tab  558  attaches to at least one surface of the logic board, such as, for example, the top surface of the logic board. In some embodiments, the support tab can be soldered onto the logic board to securely attach the support element  550  to the logic board. In some other embodiments, support tab may be mechanically attached to the logic board. In one embodiment, support tab includes a fastener which is inserted into an opening in the logic board. In one embodiment, the support tab may include first and second gripping parts (not shown) to securely grip the logic board. In still other embodiments, the support tab may be attached to the logic board with an adhesive. 
     The support element  550  is formed from any suitable material. In some embodiments, the support element  550  is metallic or plastic. 
     In some embodiments, the support attachment element  560  is integral with the support element  550 . In some embodiments, the support attachment element  560  is releasably attached to the support element  550 . In some embodiments, the support attachment  560  is attached to the first arm  554  of the support element  550 . In some embodiments, support attachment element  560  includes a first attaching portion  562  and a second attaching portion  564 . 
     First attaching portion  562  secures the support attachment element  560  to the end of the support element  550 . In one embodiment, first attaching portion  562  is a solder ball, enabling the support attachment element  560  to be soldered to the support element  550 . In some other embodiments, the first attaching portion  562  may mechanically attach the support attachment element  560  to the support element  550 . Examples of mechanical attachment include, for example, fastening, gripping, bonding, and the like. 
     Second attaching portion  564  attaches the memory module to the support element  550 . In some embodiments, second attaching portion  564  releasably secures the memory module to the support element  550 . In one embodiment, the second attaching portion  564  grips the memory module. 
     The support attachment element  560  is formed from any suitable material. In some embodiments, the support attachment element  560  is plastic while in other embodiments the support attachment element  560  is metallic. The support attachment element  560  is made by any suitable method. In some embodiments, the support attachment element is injection molded. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a connector  200  is shown attached to a logic board  430 . 
     In some embodiments, logic board  430  has a body portion  632 , a first tab  634  and a second tab  636 . The first tab  634  is provided at one end of the body portion  632 , and the second tab  636  is provided at an opposite end of the body portion  632 . In some embodiments, the distance between the first tab  634  and the second tab  636  approximately corresponds to the length of the memory module (see  FIG. 7A ). In some embodiments, the distance between the first tab  634  and the second tab  636  corresponds to the length of the connector  200  (see  FIG. 7A ). 
     The logic board  430  is made using any suitable techniques and materials, as will be known to those of skill in the art. In some embodiments, a generally rectangular logic board  430  is formed, and the logic board is cut to form the main body portion  632 , first tab  634 , and second tab  636 . 
     As discussed herein, connector  200  may be electrically and mechanically attached to the logic board  430 . The connector  200  is positioned on body portion  632  between first tab  634  and second tab  636 . In some embodiments, connector  200  is positioned at an edge of the body portion  632  of logic board  430 . In some embodiments board conforming portions  210  conform to the first and second tabs  634 ,  636 . 
     Connector  200  is shown including a support element  550  having support tabs  558 , and a support attachment element  560 . 
     Support tabs  558  are attached to first and second tabs  634 ,  636  of logic board  430 , as described herein with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
     The support element  550  extends laterally away from connector  200  and main body portion  632 , and is generally parallel to first and second tabs  634 ,  636  of logic board  430 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 7A , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a memory module  440  is shown inserted into connector  200 , which is attached to a logic board  430 . The memory module  440  may be at least partially coplanar with the logic board  430 .  FIG. 9  shows an example of how the memory module  440  may be at least partially coplanar with the logic board  430 . In this case, at least one longitudinal plane through both boards (e.g., memory module  440  and logic board  430 ) is common and hence in the same plane. In another case (e.g.,  FIG. 11 ), at least one longitudinal plane through the logic board (e.g., a memory module) is common and hence in the same plane. 
     Connector  200  is shown with a support element  550  having support tabs  558 , and a support attachment element  560 . 
     Support tabs  558  are attached to first and second tabs  634 ,  636  (e.g., the support tabs  558  rest on the tabs  634  and  636 ) of logic board  730 , as described herein with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
     Memory module  440  is inserted into connector  200  at connector slot (part  208  in  FIG. 2 ). The memory module  440  may additionally be secured in place with the support attachment element  560  attached to support element  550 . 
     Memory module  440  is shown as being entirely within the perimeter of the logic board (where the perimeter is considered in this case to extend between the tabs  634  and  636 ). In some other embodiments, only a portion of the memory module fits within the perimeter of the logic board. In still other embodiments, none of the memory module is within the perimeter of the logic board. 
     With reference to  FIG. 7B , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a memory module  440  is shown inserted into connector  200 , which is attached to a logic board  430 . 
     In some embodiments, logic board  430  has a first body portion  732 , a first tab  734 , a second tab  736 , and a second body portion  738  (such that a rectangular opening is provided in the logic board  430 ). The first tab  734  is provided at one end of the first body portion  732  and second body portion  738 , and the second tab  736  is provided at an opposite end of the first body portion  732  and second body portion  738 . In some embodiments, the distance between the first tab  734  and the second tab  736  approximately corresponds to the length of the memory module. In some embodiments, the distance between the first tab  734  and the second tab  736  corresponds to the length of the connector  200 . In some embodiments, the distance between the first body portion  732  and the second body portion  738  approximately corresponds to the width of the memory module  440 . 
     The logic board  430  is made using any suitable techniques and materials, as will be known to those of skill in the art. In some embodiments, a generally rectangular logic board  430  is formed, and the logic board is cut to form the first body portion  732 , first tab  734 , and second tab  736 , and second body portion  738 . 
     As discussed herein, connector  200  may be electrically and mechanically attached to the logic board  430 . The connector  200  is positioned on either first body portion  732  or second body portion  738  between first tab  734  and second tab  736 . In some embodiments, connector  200  is positioned at an edge of the first body portion  732  or second body portion  734  of logic board  430 . In some embodiments board conforming portions  210  conform to the first and second tabs  734 ,  736 . 
     Connector  200  is shown including a support element  550  having support tabs  558 , and a support attachment element  560 . Support tabs  558  are attached to first and second tabs  734 ,  736  of logic board  430 , as described herein with reference to  FIG. 5 . The support element  550  extends laterally away from connector  200 , and is generally parallel to first and second tabs  734 ,  736  of logic board  430 . 
     The memory module  440  may be at least partially coplanar with the logic board  430 .  FIG. 9  shows an example of how the memory module  440  may be at least partially coplanar with the logic board  430 . In this case, at least one longitudinal plane through both boards (e.g., memory module  440  and logic board  430 ) is common and hence in the same plane. In another case (e.g.,  FIG. 11 ), at least one longitudinal plane through the logic board (e.g., a memory module) is common and hence in the same plane. 
     Memory module  440  is inserted into connector  200  at connector slot (part  208  in  FIG. 2 ). The memory module  440  may additionally be secured in place with the support attachment element  560  attached to support element  550 . 
     Memory module  440  is shown as being entirely within the perimeter of the logic board (where the perimeter is considered in this case to extend between the tabs  734  and  736  and body portions  732  and  738 ). 
       FIG. 8  is a bottom view showing a connector  200  with a support element  550 , attached to the logic board  430 , and a memory module  440  inserted into the connector  200 . An embodiment wherein only part of the memory module fits within the perimeter of the logic board is illustrated in  FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, support element  550  supports only a portion of the memory module. The amount of the memory module which the support element supports may be any value or range of values up to and including the entire memory module. 
       FIG. 9  is a side view showing the memory module  440  connected to the logic board  430  via a connector  200 , such that at least a portion of the memory module  440  is at least partially coplanar with the logic board  430 . 
     Logic board includes a first axis  970  corresponding to a first longitudinal plane through the logic board. A corresponding axis  972  is shown through the memory module, corresponding to a first longitudinal plane through the memory module. The first longitudinal plane through the logic board, represented by axis  970 , and the first longitudinal plane through the memory module, represented by axis  972 , are coplanar. Logic board also includes a second axis  974  corresponding to a second longitudinal plane through the logic board. A corresponding axis  976  is shown through the memory module, corresponding to a second longitudinal plane through the memory module. The second longitudinal plane through the logic board, represented by axis  974 , and the second longitudinal plane through the memory module, represented by axis  976 , are coplanar. Logic board also includes a third axis  978  corresponding to a third longitudinal plane through the logic board. A corresponding axis  980  is shown through the memory module, corresponding to a third longitudinal plane through the memory module. The third longitudinal plane through the logic board, represented by axis  978 , and the third longitudinal plane through the memory module, represented by axis  980 , are coplanar. 
     As described above, a portion of the memory module (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB) of the memory module or the circuitry, such as an IC, attached to the PCB of the memory module) is at least partially coplanar with a portion of the logic board, which is typically a PCB. It will be appreciated circuit components, such as integrated circuits (e.g., a microprocessor) will typically be mounted on the logic board  430  and will extend perpendicularly away from the axis  974 ; for example, integrated circuits may be mounted on either side (upper or lower surfaces) of the logic board  430 . As illustrated, each of the planes of the logic board between the planes represented by axis  970  and  978  are coplanar with each of the planes of the memory module between the planes represented by axis  972  and  980 , respectively. It is envisioned that there may be embodiments wherein only one longitudinal plane of the logic board is coplanar with one longitudinal plane of the memory module. It is also envisioned that there may be embodiments wherein the entire logic board is coplanar with the memory module. Similarly, the axes shown need not be the only axes representing coplanar planes. 
     In some embodiments, the plurality of contacts  206  are surface-mounted to the logic board  430 . Surface-mounting is well known to those of skill in the art, and therefore will not be discussed in more detail. In some embodiments, the plurality of contacts  206  are thru-hole mounted to the logic board  430 . Thru-hole mounting is commonly known to those of skill in the art, and will not be discussed in further detail. In some other embodiments, some of the plurality of contacts  206  are thru-hole mounted and some of the plurality of contacts  206  are surface-mounted. 
     Connector  200  is shown attached to one side of logic board. In an alternative embodiment, the connector  200  may be attached to the other side of the logic board. 
     Board conforming portion is shown conforming to two sides of the logic board. First conforming wall  216  contacts the bottom surface of the logic board (also represented by axis  978 ). Second conforming wall  218  contacts the end surface of the logic board. 
       FIG. 10  is a side view showing the memory module  440  connected to the logic board  430  via a connector  200 , as described with reference to  FIG. 9 . In some embodiments, a second connector  1082  may be attached to the other side of the logic board  430 , such that two memory modules (or other types of logic boards) can be used. In some embodiments, the second connector  1082  may be similar to a connector of the prior art, as described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-1A . A longitudinal axis  1086  extends through the second memory module  1084  and is parallel to a longitudinal axis  980  extending through the first memory module  440 , but the axis  1086  is not coplanar with any plane which is parallel with and within the logic board  430 . 
     Connector  200  is shown attached to the bottom surface of the logic board, and the second connector  1084  is shown attached to the top surface of the logic board. Alternatively, the second connector  1084  may be attached to the bottom surface of the logic board, and connector  200  may be attached to the top surface of the logic board. 
       FIG. 11  is a side view showing a memory module  440  connected to a logic board  430  via a connector  1190 , such that at least a portion of the memory module  440  is at least partially coplanar with the logic board  430 . 
     Connector  1190  includes a body, a plurality of contacts (not shown), and a connection slot  208 . Connector body includes a first extending portion  1191  and a second extending portion  1192 . Unlike connector  200 , connector  1190  does not conform to a corner of the logic board. Connector  1190  is shown contacting the top surface of the logic board  430 . The first extending portion is shorter than a first extending portion of a standard connector (see  FIG. 12 ), thereby reducing the total height of the connector. In one embodiment, the height of connector  1190  is about 3.0 mm. The height of a standard connector is about 5.0 mm. 
     Logic board includes a first axis  1194  corresponding to a first longitudinal plane through the logic board. A corresponding axis  1195  is shown through the memory module, corresponding to a first longitudinal plane through the memory module. The first longitudinal plane through the logic board, represented by axis  1194 , and the first longitudinal plane through the memory module, represented by axis  1195 , are coplanar. Logic board also includes a second axis  1196  corresponding to a second longitudinal plane through the logic board. A corresponding axis  1198  is shown through the memory module, corresponding to a second longitudinal plane through the memory module. The second longitudinal plane through the logic board, represented by axis  1196 , and the second longitudinal plane through the memory module, represented by axis  1198 , are coplanar. 
     As described above, a portion of the memory module is at least partially coplanar with a portion of the logic board. As illustrated, each of the planes of the logic board between the planes represented by axis  970  and  978  are coplanar with each of the planes of the memory module between the planes represented by axis  972  and  980 , respectively. It is envisioned that there may be embodiments wherein only one longitudinal plane of the logic board is coplanar with one longitudinal plane of the memory module. It is also envisioned that there may be embodiments wherein at least one longitudinal plane through the logic board is coplanar with a longitudinal plane running through components directly coupled to another board (e.g., a memory module). It is also envisioned that there may be embodiments wherein the entire logic board is coplanar with the memory module. Similarly, the axes shown need not be the only axes representing coplanar planes. 
     In some embodiments, logic board includes thru-hole leads  1193 , for thru-hole mounting connector  200  to the logic board  430 . In some embodiments, the plurality of contacts  206  are surface-mounted to the logic board  430 . In some other embodiments, some of the plurality of contacts  206  are thru-hole mounted and some of the plurality of contacts  206  are surface-mounted. 
       FIG. 12  is a side view showing the memory module  440  connected to the logic board  430  via a connector  1190 , as described with reference to  FIG. 11 . A second connector  1082  may be attached to the other side of the logic board  430 , such that two memory modules (or other types of logic modules) may be provided. A longitudinal axis  1086  extends through the second memory module  1084  and is parallel to a longitudinal axis  1299  extending through the first memory module  440 . 
       FIG. 13  is a side view showing the memory module  440  connected to the logic board  430  via a connector  1301 , such that at least one plane through the logic board  430  crosses the memory module  440  at at least one point. 
     Connector  1301  includes contacts  206 . The memory module  440  is positioned in connector  1301  at an angle relative to a longitudinal plane thorough the logic board. In some embodiments, the angle is from about 1° to about 89°, and in some embodiments, the angle is from about 20° to about 70°, and, in one embodiment, the angle is about 45°. 
     Logic board includes a first axis  1303  corresponding to a first longitudinal plane through the logic board. A first point  1305  corresponds to a first point on the memory module, at which the first longitudinal plane through the logic board, represented by first axis  1303 , intersects the memory module  440 . A second point  1307  is another point on the memory module, at which the first longitudinal plane through the logic board, represented by first axis  1303 , intersects the memory module  440 . 
     It will be appreciated that circuit components, such as integrated circuits (e.g., a microprocessor) will typically be mounted on the logic board  430  and will extend perpendicularly away from the axis  1303 ; for example, integrated circuits may be mounted on either side (upper or lower surfaces) of the logic board  430 . It is envisioned that there may be embodiments wherein only one longitudinal plane of the logic board intersects the memory module. However, there may be several longitudinal planes of the logic board that intersect the memory module. Similarly, the points shown need not be the only points representing points of intersection. 
     In some embodiments, the plurality of contacts  206  are surface-mounted to the logic board  430 . In some embodiments, the plurality of contacts  206  are thru-hole mounted to the logic board  430 . In some other embodiments, some of the plurality of contacts  206  are thru-hole mounted and some of the plurality of contacts  206  are surface-mounted. 
     Connector  200  is shown attached to one side of logic board. In an alternative embodiment, the connector  200  may be attached to the other side of the logic board. 
       FIG. 14  is a detailed schematic view showing the electrical connections of contacts  206  (first contacting portion  422  as described above with reference to  FIG. 4A ). In some embodiments, connector  200  includes a high number of electrical connections. In some embodiments, the number of electrical connections is any value or range of values between about 30 and about 500. The actual number of electrical connections may be below or above this range. In one embodiment, the number of electrical connections is about 200. 
       FIG. 15  shows one example of a typical computer system which may be used with the present invention. Note that while  FIG. 15  illustrates various components of a computer system, it is not intended to represent any particular architecture or manner of interconnecting the components as such details are not germane to the present invention. It will also be appreciated that network computers and other data processing systems which have fewer components or perhaps more components may also be used with the present invention. The computer system of  FIG. 15  may, for example, be a Macintosh computer from Apple Computer, Inc. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , the computer system  1510 , which is a form of a data processing system, includes a bus  1520  which is coupled to a microprocessor(s)  1530  and a ROM (Read Only Memory)  1570  and volatile RAM  1550  and a non-volatile memory  1560 . The microprocessor  1530  may be a G3 or G4 microprocessor from Motorola, Inc. or one or more G5 microprocessors from IBM. The bus  1520  interconnects these various components together and also interconnects these components  1530 ,  1570 ,  1550 , and  1560  to a display controller and display device  1540  and to peripheral devices such as input/output (I/O) devices which may be mice, keyboards, modems, network interfaces, printers and other devices which are well known in the art. Typically, the input/output devices  1590  are coupled to the system through input/output controllers  1580 . The volatile RAM (Random Access Memory)  1550  is typically implemented as dynamic RAM (DRAM) which requires power continually in order to refresh or maintain the data in the memory. The RAM  1550  may be disposed on one or more of the memory modules described herein, such as memory module  440 . The mass storage device  1560  is typically a magnetic hard drive or a magnetic optical drive or an optical drive or a DVD RAM or other types of memory systems which maintain data (e.g., large amounts of data) even after power is removed from the system. Typically, the mass storage  1560  will also be a random access memory although this is not required. While  FIG. 15  shows that the mass storage  1560  is a local device coupled directly to the rest of the components in the data processing system, it will be appreciated that the present invention may utilize a non-volatile memory which is remote from the system, such as a network storage device which is coupled to the data processing system through a network interface such as a modem or Ethernet interface. The bus  1520  may include one or more buses connected to each other through various bridges, controllers and/or adapters as is well known in the art. In one embodiment the I/O controller  1580  includes a USB (Universal Serial Bus) adapter for controlling USB peripherals and an IEEE 1394 controller for IEEE 1394 compliant peripherals. 
     One advantage of the present invention is that the connector allows a memory expansion slot on products which have less than 4 mm of space between the logic board and the enclosure, housing or other obstruction. Another advantage of the present invention is that the connector creates more clearance for airflow. 
     Although the present invention has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further changes and modifications may be made hereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the true scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is not to be limited by the particular embodiments described, but is to be defined only by reference to the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20040830
Publication Date: 20090602
Grant Date: 20090602
Priority Date: 20040830
Inventors: HARDELL DAVID A.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R12/7005", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/83", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/52", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/721", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/52", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/7005", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/721", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/83", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 35457259