US5667388A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Printed circuit board adapter carrier for input/output cards
Assignee: Intel Corp
•
Filing: 1994-11-14
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Granted: 1997-09-16
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Expires: 2014-11-14
Abstract
Abstract A printed circuit board (PCB) adapter carrier provides for the configuration of relatively increased electronics and circuitry for an input/output (I/O) card. The PCB adapter carrier positions an extension printed circuit board (PCB) with a host printed circuit board (PCB) within the package of the I/O card. The PCB adapter carrier includes a lead or leads supported by the PCB adapter carrier to provide for electrical connection between contact areas for the host PCB and the extension PCB, allowing the host PCB and the extension PCB to electrically interact with one another. With an increased amount of PCB real estate to support electronics and circuitry, the functional capabilities for an I/O card may be relatively enhanced. Dummy leads are also provided to increase mechanical rigidity.
Inventors
- 👤 Stephen E. Cottrell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 22:17
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05K; H05K5/00; H05K5/02; H05K5/0256; H05K5/026; H05K5/0265; H05K5/0269; G; G06; G06F; G06F1/00; G06F1/16; G06F1/18; G06F1/183; H01; H01R; H01R12/00; H01R12/50; H01R12/51; H01R12/52; H05K1/00; H05K1/02; H05K1/14; H05K1/141; H05K5/0273; H05K2201/00; H05K2201/10; H05K2201/10227; H05K2201/10424; H05K3/00; H05K3/30; H05K3/32; H05K3/34; H05K3/3405; H05K3/341; H05K3/3421; H05K3/3426; H05K3/36; H05K3/368; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S439/00; Y10S439/946
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 42
Claim 1
Independent Claim
131 words
A printed circuit board (PCB) adapter carrier for connecting a first printed circuit board (PCB) with a second printed circuit board (PCB) within a package for a PCMCIA compatible input/output (I/O) card, said card being insertable into a socket within a data processing system, the first PCB having circuitry and a surface with a first contact area, the second PCB having circuitry and a surface with a second contact area, the PCB adapter carrier comprising: a support structure having a top for supporting the surface of the second PCB and having a bottom for connection to the surface of the first PCB; and a lead coupled to the support structure for electrical connection between the first contact area of the first PCB and the second contact area of the second PCB.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
131 words
A printed circuit board (PCB) adapter carrier for connecting a first printed circuit board (PCB) with a second printed circuit board (PCB) within a package for a PCMCIA compatible input/output (I/O) card, said card being insertable into a socket within a data processing system, the first PCB having circuitry and a surface with a first contact area, the second PCB having circuitry and a surface with a second contact area, the PCB adapter carrier comprising: a support structure having a top for supporting the surface of the second PCB and having a bottom for connection to the surface of the first PCB; and a lead coupled to the support structure for electrical connection between the first contact area of the first PCB and the second contact area of the second PCB.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The PCB adapter carrier of claim 1, wherein the first contact area is a bonding pad and the second contact area is a bonding pad.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The PCB adapter carrier of claim 1, comprising a dummy lead coupled to the support structure for connection to a dummy contact area of the first PCB.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
54 words
The PCB adapter carrier of claim 1, wherein the support structure includes a frame having a top for supporting the surface of the second PCB and having a bottom for connection to the surface of the first PCB, the frame having at least three sides and having an interior perimeter that defines an opening.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The PCB adapter carrier of claim 4, wherein the interior perimeter of the frame defines a ledge for supporting the second PCB within the frame.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
49 words
The PCB adapter carrier of claim 4, wherein the lead extends into the opening of the frame for electrical connection to the second contact area of the second PCB and extends to the bottom of the frame for electrical connection to the first contact area of the first PCB.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
163 words
A printed circuit board (PCB) combination for connection to a first printed circuit board (PCB) within a package for a PCMCIA compatible input/output (I/O) card, said card being insertable into a socket within a data processing system, the first PCB having circuitry and a surface with a first contact area, the PCB combination comprising: (a) a second printed circuit board (PCB) having circuitry and a surface with a second contact area; and (b) a printed circuit board (PCB) adapter carrier for connecting the first PCB with the second PCB, the PCB adapter carrier comprising: (i) a support structure having a top supporting the surface of the second PCB and having a bottom for connection to the surface of the first PCB, and (ii) a lead, coupled to the support structure and electrically connected to the second contact area of the second PCB, for electrical connection between the first contact area of the first PCB and the second contact area of the second PCB.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
163 words
A printed circuit board (PCB) combination for connection to a first printed circuit board (PCB) within a package for a PCMCIA compatible input/output (I/O) card, said card being insertable into a socket within a data processing system, the first PCB having circuitry and a surface with a first contact area, the PCB combination comprising: (a) a second printed circuit board (PCB) having circuitry and a surface with a second contact area; and (b) a printed circuit board (PCB) adapter carrier for connecting the first PCB with the second PCB, the PCB adapter carrier comprising: (i) a support structure having a top supporting the surface of the second PCB and having a bottom for connection to the surface of the first PCB, and (ii) a lead, coupled to the support structure and electrically connected to the second contact area of the second PCB, for electrical connection between the first contact area of the first PCB and the second contact area of the second PCB.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The PCB combination of claim 7, wherein the first contact area is a bonding pad and the second contact area is a bonding pad.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The PCB combination of claim 7, comprising a dummy lead coupled to the support structure for connection to a dummy contact area of the first PCB.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
52 words
The PCB combination of claim 7, wherein the support structure includes a frame having a top supporting the surface of the second PCB and having a bottom for connection to the surface of the first PCB, the frame having at least three sides and having an interior perimeter that defines an opening.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
The PCB combination of claim 10, wherein the interior perimeter of the frame defines a ledge for supporting the second PCB within the frame.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
48 words
The PCB combination of claim 10, wherein the lead extends into the opening of the frame for electrical connection to the second contact area of the second PCB and extends to the bottom of the frame for electrical connection to the first contact area of the first PCB.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
142 words
A PCMCIA input/output (I/O) card, said card being insertable into a socket within a data processing system, said card comprising: (a) a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly comprising: (i) a first printed circuit board (PCB) having circuitry and a surface with a first contact area, (ii) a second printed circuit board (PCB) having circuitry and a surface with a second contact area, and (iii) a printed circuit board (PCB) adapter carrier comprising: (A) a support structure having a top supporting the surface of the second PCB and having a bottom connected to the surface of the first PCB, and (B) a lead coupled to the support structure and electrically connected to the first contact area of the first PCB and to the second contact area of the second PCB; and a PCMCIA compatible input/output (I/O) card package for packaging the PCB assembly.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
142 words
A PCMCIA input/output (I/O) card, said card being insertable into a socket within a data processing system, said card comprising: (a) a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly comprising: (i) a first printed circuit board (PCB) having circuitry and a surface with a first contact area, (ii) a second printed circuit board (PCB) having circuitry and a surface with a second contact area, and (iii) a printed circuit board (PCB) adapter carrier comprising: (A) a support structure having a top supporting the surface of the second PCB and having a bottom connected to the surface of the first PCB, and (B) a lead coupled to the support structure and electrically connected to the first contact area of the first PCB and to the second contact area of the second PCB; and a PCMCIA compatible input/output (I/O) card package for packaging the PCB assembly.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
26 words
The PCMCIA compatible I/O card of claim 13, wherein the first contact area is a bonding pad and the second contact area is a bonding pad.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
28 words
The PCMCIA compatible I/O card of claim 13, comprising a dummy lead coupled to the support structure for connection to a dummy contact area of the first PCB.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
53 words
The PCMCIA compatible I/O card of claim 13, wherein the support structure includes a frame having a top supporting the surface of the second PCB and having a bottom connected to the surface of the first PCB, the flame having at least three sides and having an interior perimeter that defines an opening.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
26 words
The PCMCIA compatible I/O card of claim 16, wherein the interior perimeter of the frame defines a ledge for supporting the second PCB within the frame.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
50 words
The PCMCIA compatible I/O card of claim 16, wherein the lead extends into the opening of the frame for electrical connection to the second contact area of the second PCB and extends to the bottom of the frame for electrical connection to the first contact area of the first PCB.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
112 words
A primed circuit board (PCB) adapter carrier for connecting a first printed circuit board (PCB) with a second printed circuit board (PCB) within a package for a PCMCIA compatible input/output (I/O) card, said card being insertable into a socket within a data processing system, the first PCB having circuitry and a surface with a second contact area, the PCB adapter carrier comprising: support means for supporting the surface of the second PCB and for connection to the surface of the first PCB; and connector means coupled to the support means for providing electrical connection between the first contact area of the first PCB and the second contact area of the second PCB.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
112 words
A primed circuit board (PCB) adapter carrier for connecting a first printed circuit board (PCB) with a second printed circuit board (PCB) within a package for a PCMCIA compatible input/output (I/O) card, said card being insertable into a socket within a data processing system, the first PCB having circuitry and a surface with a second contact area, the PCB adapter carrier comprising: support means for supporting the surface of the second PCB and for connection to the surface of the first PCB; and connector means coupled to the support means for providing electrical connection between the first contact area of the first PCB and the second contact area of the second PCB.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
25 words
The PCB adapter carrier of claim 19, wherein the first contact area is a bonding pad and the second contact area is a bonding pad.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
25 words
The PCB adapter carrier of claim 19, comprising means coupled to the support means for providing mechanical connection to the surface of the first PCB.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
54 words
The PCB adapter carrier of claim 19, wherein the support means includes a frame having a top for supporting the surface of the second PCB and having a bottom for connection to the surface of the first PCB, the frame having at least three sides and having an interior perimeter that defines an opening.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
25 words
The PCB adapter carrier of claim 22, wherein the interior perimeter of the frame defines a ledge for supporting the second PCB within the frame.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
53 words
The PCB adapter carrier of claim 22, wherein the connector means includes a lead extending into the opening of the frame for electrical connection to the second contact area of the second PCB and extending to the bottom of the frame for electrical connection to the first contact area of the first PCB.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
147 words
A printed circuit board (PCB) combination for connection to a first printed circuit board (PCB) within a package for a PCMCIA compatible input/output (I/O) card, said card being insertable into a socket within a data processing system, the first PCB having circuitry and a surface with a first contact area, the PCB combination comprising: (a) a second printed circuit board (PCB) having circuitry and a surface with a second contact area; and (b) printed circuit board (PCB) adapter carrier means for connecting the first PCB with the second PCB, the PCB adapter carrier means comprising: (i) support means for supporting the surface of the second PCB and for connection to the surface of the first PCB, and (ii) connector means, coupled to the support means, for providing electrical connection between the first contact area of the first PCB and the second contact area of the second PCB.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
147 words
A printed circuit board (PCB) combination for connection to a first printed circuit board (PCB) within a package for a PCMCIA compatible input/output (I/O) card, said card being insertable into a socket within a data processing system, the first PCB having circuitry and a surface with a first contact area, the PCB combination comprising: (a) a second printed circuit board (PCB) having circuitry and a surface with a second contact area; and (b) printed circuit board (PCB) adapter carrier means for connecting the first PCB with the second PCB, the PCB adapter carrier means comprising: (i) support means for supporting the surface of the second PCB and for connection to the surface of the first PCB, and (ii) connector means, coupled to the support means, for providing electrical connection between the first contact area of the first PCB and the second contact area of the second PCB.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
24 words
The PCB combination of claim 25, wherein the first contact area is a bonding pad and the second contact area is a bonding pad.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
24 words
The PCB combination of claim 25, comprising means coupled to the support means for providing mechanical connection to the surface of the first PCB.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
52 words
The PCB combination of claim 25, wherein the support means includes a frame having a top supporting the surface of the second PCB and having a bottom for connection to the surface of the first PCB, the frame having at least three sides and having an interior perimeter that defines an opening.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
24 words
The PCB combination of claim 28, wherein the interior perimeter of the frame defines a ledge for supporting the second PCB within the frame.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
52 words
The PCB combination of claim 28, wherein the connector means includes a lead extending into the opening of the frame for electrical connection to the second contact area of the second PCB and extending to the bottom of the frame for electrical connection to the first contact area of the first PCB.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
143 words
A PCMCIA compatible input/output (I/O) card, said card comprising: (a) a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly comprising: (i) a first printed circuit board (PCB) having circuitry and a surface with a first contact area, (ii) a second printed circuit board (PCB) having circuitry and a surface with a second contact area, and (iii) a printed circuit board (PCB) adapter carrier means for connecting the first PCB with the second PCB, the PCB adapter carrier means comprising: (A) support means for supporting the surface of the second PCB and for connection to the surface of the first PCB, and (B) connector means, coupled to the support means for providing electrical connection between the first contact area of the first PCB and the second contact area of the second PCB; and (b) A PCMCIA compatible input/output (I/O) card package means for packaging the PCB assembly.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
143 words
A PCMCIA compatible input/output (I/O) card, said card comprising: (a) a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly comprising: (i) a first printed circuit board (PCB) having circuitry and a surface with a first contact area, (ii) a second printed circuit board (PCB) having circuitry and a surface with a second contact area, and (iii) a printed circuit board (PCB) adapter carrier means for connecting the first PCB with the second PCB, the PCB adapter carrier means comprising: (A) support means for supporting the surface of the second PCB and for connection to the surface of the first PCB, and (B) connector means, coupled to the support means for providing electrical connection between the first contact area of the first PCB and the second contact area of the second PCB; and (b) A PCMCIA compatible input/output (I/O) card package means for packaging the PCB assembly.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
26 words
The PCMCIA compatible I/O card of claim 31, wherein the first contact area is a bonding pad and the second contact area is a bonding pad.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
27 words
The PCMCIA compatible I/O card of claim 31, further comprising means coupled to the support means for providing mechanical connection to the surface of the first PCB.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
53 words
The PCMCIA compatible I/O card of claim 31, wherein the support means includes a frame having a top supporting the surface of the second PCB and having a bottom connected to the surface of the first PCB, the frame having at least three sides and having an interior perimeter that defines an opening.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
26 words
The PCMCIA compatible I/O card of claim 34, wherein the interior perimeter of the frame defines a ledge for supporting the second PCB within the frame.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
54 words
The PCMCIA compatible I/O card of claim 34, wherein the connector means includes a lead extending into the opening of the frame for electrical connection to the second contact area of the second PCB and extending to the bottom of the frame for electrical connection to the first contact area of the first PCB.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-09-15 | 2001-03-17 | 2001-09-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-09-15 | 2005-03-17 | 2005-09-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-09-15 | 2009-03-17 | 2009-09-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |