Circuit panel assembly with elevated power buses

Claim 1

A circuit panel having a plurality of electrical components mounted thereon at respective locations and requiring electrical power, comprising: a rigid dielectric substrate having opposed major side surfaces having circuit path means thereon for signal transmission, at least one of said major side surfaces having a plurality of electrical components mounted thereon at respective locations, said substrate having at least one edge portion selected to be an active edge for receipt of electrical power at a plurality of power-receiving locations spaced therealong each having a respective terminal means; and at least one bus assembly mounted to and along a respective said substrate side surface and including a plurality of power buses and at least one return bus adapted to conduct electrical power therealong from said active edge to said electrical components, each said power and return bus comprises a rigid metal bus member of substantial conductive mass and including an elongate body section of selected thickness and having opposed parallel major side surfaces of substantially constant width and opposed parallel side edge surfaces, said body section extending between a first termination section and a second termination section; each said first termination section joined to a corresponding terminal means of a respective one of said power-receiving locations along said active edge for electrical engagement with respective power or return path conductor means, and each said second termination section adapted to be ultimately electrically connected to a said electrical component, and each said body section being insulated from other circuit path means of the substrate; said bus assembly being secured to said substrate side surface such that each said bus member is disposed on edge with respect to said substrate, and substantial lengths of said body sections extend to interior regions of said circuit panel and are grouped together adjacent and substantially against each other, said substantial lengths being separated by insulative material, and angled portions extend from said body sections proximate said active edge and along said substrate surface on edge to conclude in respective said first termination sections joined to respective said terminal means spaced along said active edge, whereby the substantial lengths of the body sections of the several bus members essentially extend to interior panel regions along one path and power is supplied thereto in a manner maximizing the surface area available for signal transmission circuit paths and mounting of electrical components.