IPC분류정보
국가/구분 |
United States(US) Patent
등록
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국제특허분류(IPC7판) |
|
출원번호 |
US-0742501
(2003-12-19)
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발명자
/ 주소 |
- Van Schuylenbergh, Koenraad F.
- V?lkel, Armin R.
- DiStefano, Thomas H.
- Rosa, Michel A.
- Fork, David K.
- Chow, Eugene M.
- Lean, Meng H.
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출원인 / 주소 |
- Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
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대리인 / 주소 |
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인용정보 |
피인용 횟수 :
16 인용 특허 :
24 |
초록
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A data transmission interconnect assembly (e.g., a router) capable of transmission speeds in excess of 40 Gbps in which a line-card is detachably coupled to a backplane using flexible flat cables that are bent to provide a continuous, smooth curve between the connected boards, and connected by a con
A data transmission interconnect assembly (e.g., a router) capable of transmission speeds in excess of 40 Gbps in which a line-card is detachably coupled to a backplane using flexible flat cables that are bent to provide a continuous, smooth curve between the connected boards, and connected by a connection apparatus that employs cable-to-cable interface members that are transparent to the transmitted signal waves. Microspring contact structures are formed on the cables, or on a contact structure pressed against the cables, to provide interface arrangements that are smaller than a wavelength of the transmitted signal. A connector apparatus uses a cam mechanism to align the cables, and then to press a contact structure, having micro spring interface members formed thereon, against the cables. An alterative contact structure uses anisotropic conductive film.
대표청구항
▼
1. An interconnect assembly for transmitting high-speed signals between circuit structures in a communication system, the assembly comprising:a first flexible flat cable having a first end connected to a first circuit structure and a second end extending from the first circuit structure, wherein the
1. An interconnect assembly for transmitting high-speed signals between circuit structures in a communication system, the assembly comprising:a first flexible flat cable having a first end connected to a first circuit structure and a second end extending from the first circuit structure, wherein the first flexible flat cable includes a first flexible conductor having a free end exposed on the second end of the first flexible flat cable, wherein the exposed free end defines a first longitudinal direction, and wherein the first flexible flat cable further includes a ground plane that is separated from the first flexible flat conductor by a first insulating layer;a second flexible flat cable having a first end connected to a second circuit structure and a second end extending from the second circuit structure, the second flexible flat cable including a second flexible conductor having a free end exposed on the second end of the second flexible flat cable, wherein the exposed free end of the second conductor defines a second longitudinal direction, and wherein the second flexible flat cable further includes a ground plane that is separated from the second flexible flat conductor by a second insulating layer; anda connector apparatus for detachably coupling the first flexible flat cable to the second flexible flat cable such that the exposed free end of the first conductor is electrically coupled to the exposed free end of the second conductor, such that the ground plane of the first flexible flat cable is electrically coupled to the ground plane of the second flexible flat cable, and such that the first longitudinal direction is aligned with the second longitudinal direction.2. The interconnect assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first flexible flat cable and the second flexible flat cable comprises a low dielectric loss material, with a dielectric loss tangent smaller than 2.5%.3. The interconnect assembly according to claim 1, wherein an interface between the exposed free end of the first conductor and the exposed free end of the second conductor is smaller than a wavelength of a signal transmitted between the first and second substrates through the first and second conductors.4. The interconnect assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first and second flexible flat cables comprise one of a surface microstrip-type flexible flat cable and a stripline-type flexible flat cable.5. The interconnect assembly according to claim 1,wherein the first circuit structure comprises a first substrate defining a first plane and a first surface parallel to the first plane, the first substrate including a plurality of fixed conductors,wherein the first flexible flat cable is connected to the first surface such that a fixed end of the first flexible conductor is connected to a corresponding fixed conductor of the plurality of fixed conductors,wherein the second circuit structure comprises a second substrate defining a second plane and having an edge laying in the second plane,wherein the second flexible flat cable extends from the edge of the second substrate, and the second flexible conductor includes a fixed end electrically connected to at least one circuit mounted on the second substrate,wherein the second substrate is mounted such that the second plane forms a nonparallel angle relative to the first plane, andwherein at least one of the first flexible flat cable and the second flexible flat cable are bent to form a continuous curve between the first plane and the second plane.6. The interconnect assembly according to claim 5, wherein the first substrate includes a rigid circuit board structure defining an outer surface, and wherein the first end of the first flexible flat cable is secured to the outer surface.7. The interconnect assembly according to claim 6, wherein the first substrate defines an opening, and wherein the second end of the first flexible flat cable extends through the opening.8. The interconnect assembly according to claim 5,wherein the first substrate includes a rigid circuit board structure and a second rigid circuit board structure defining a plurality of openings,wherein the first portions of the first flexible flat cable is sandwiched between the first and second rigid circuit board structures, andwherein said second portions of the first flexible flat cable extends through the openings.9. The interconnect assembly according to claim 5, wherein the second substrate includes a rigid circuit board structure and a second rigid circuit board structure, andwherein said first end of the second flexible flat cable is sandwiched between the first and second rigid circuit board structures.10. The interconnect assembly according to claim 5, wherein the second substrate includes a rigid circuit board structure defining an outer surface, and wherein the first end of the flexible flat cable is secured to the outer surface.11. The interconnect assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of interface members mounted on the exposed free end of the first flexible flat cable, each interface member having an anchor portion and a free portion defining a tip, wherein the anchor portion of each said interface member is attached to the first conductor, the free portion of each said interface member extends away from the first conductor, and the tip of each said interface member contacts the exposed free end of the second conductor.12. The interconnect assembly of claim 11, wherein each conductive interface member comprises a spring finger having an internal stress gradient, wherein the anchor portion is attached to and extends parallel to a surface of the exposed free end of the first conductor, and wherein the free portion is bent such that the tip is positioned away from the first conductor.13. The interconnect assembly of claim 12, wherein the anchor portion of each spring finger is connected to a base structure that is mechanically affixed and electrically connected to the exposed free end of the first conductor.14. The interconnect assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector apparatus comprises:a first contact structure including a conductive strip, a first plurality of conductive interface members protruding from a first region of the conductive strip, and a second plurality of conductive interface members protruding from a second region of the conductive strip; anda contact mechanism for pressing the first contact structure against the first and second flexible flat cables such that the first plurality of conductive interface members contact the exposed free end of the first conductor and the second plurality of conductive interface members contact the exposed free end of second conductor, thereby providing an electrical path from the first conductor through the first plurality of conductive interface members to the conductive strip, and from the conductive strip through the second plurality of conductive interface members to the second conductor.15. The interconnect assembly according to claim 14,wherein the first plurality of conductive interface members and the second plurality of conductive interface members comprise spring fingers formed from a material having an internal stress gradient, each spring finger having an anchor portion and a free portion defining a tip,wherein the anchor portion of each spring finger is attached to and extends parallel to a surface of the conductive strip, andwherein the internal stress gradient is formed such that the free portion is bent and the tip is positioned away from the conductive strip.16. The interconnect assembly according to claim 14,wherein the first circuit structure comprises a first substrate,wherein the connector apparatus further comprises a housing mounted on the first substrate, the housing defining an opening and a slit;wherein the second end of the first flexible flat cable extends through the first opening into the housing, andwherein the second end of the second flexible flat cable extends though the slit into the housing.17. The interconnect assembly according to claim 16,wherein the contact mechanism comprises an actuating lever extending from the housing.18. The interconnect assembly according to claim 14,wherein each of the first and second flexible flat cables includes an associated alignment structure, andwherein the connector apparatus further comprises an alignment plate for engaging the alignment structures formed on the first and second flexible flat cables, and for applying a force to a first side of the first and second flat cables.19. The interconnect assembly according to claim 18, wherein the contact mechanism further comprises means for engaging the alignment plate to the first and second flexible flat cables while the first contact structure is positioned away from the first and second flexible flat cables, and then pressing the first contact structure against the first and second flexible flat cables while the alignment plate remains engaged with the first and second flexible flat cables.20. The interconnect assembly according to claim 19, wherein said means comprises a cam mechanism.21. The interconnect assembly according to claim 14, wherein the first plurality of conductive interface members and the second plurality of conductive interface members comprise conductors formed in one or more sections of anisotropic conductive film.22. The interconnect assembly according to claim 14,wherein each of the first and second flexible flat cables include first ground planes; andwherein the apparatus further comprises a second contact structure having a second conductive strip, a third plurality of interface members extending between the second conductive strip and a portion of the first ground plane formed on the first flexible flat cable, and a fourth plurality of interface members extending between the second conductive strip and a portion of the first ground plane formed on the second flexible flat cable, thereby electrically coupling the first ground planes of the first and second flexible flat cables.23. The interconnect assembly according to claim 22,wherein the first, second, third, and fourth pluralities of conductive interface members comprise spring fingers formed from a material having an internal stress gradient, each spring finger an anchor portion attached to and extending parallel to a surface of its corresponding conductive strip, and each spring finger having a free portion extending from its corresponding anchor portion to one of the first conductor, the second conductor, and the first ground plane formed on one of the first and second flexible flat cables.24. The interconnect assembly according to claim 14,wherein the first and second flexible flat cables respectively comprise a first ground plane and a second ground plane arranged such that the first and second conductors are located between said first and second ground planes, andwherein the first contact structure includes:a first portion extending through openings formed in the second ground plane of the first and second flexible flat cables, the first portion including the first and second pluralities of interface members; anda second portion having a third conductive strip, a fifth plurality of interface members extending between the third conductive strip and a portion of the second ground plane formed on the first flexible flat cable, and a sixth plurality of interface members extending between the third conductive strip and a portion of the second ground plane formed on the second flexible flat cable, thereby electrically coupling the second ground planes of the first and second flexible flat cables.25. The interconnect assembly according to claim 24,wherein the first, second, fifth, and sixth pluralities of conductive interface members comprise spring fingers formed from a material having an internal stress gradient, each spring finger an anchor portion attached to and extending parallel to a surface of its corresponding conductive strip, and each spring finger having a free portion extending from its corresponding anchor portion to one of the first conductor, the second conductor, and the second ground plane formed on one of the first and second flexible flat cables.26. The interconnect assembly according to claim 24, wherein the first, second, fifth, and sixth pluralities of conductive interface members comprise conductors formed in one or more sections of anisotropic conductive film.27. The interconnect assembly according to claim 24, wherein the apparatus further comprises a second contact structure having a second conductive strip, a third plurality of interface members extending between the second conductive strip and a portion of the first ground plane formed on the first flexible flat cable, and a fourth plurality of interface members extending between the second conductive strip and a portion of the first ground plane formed on the second flexible flat cable, thereby electrically coupling the first ground planes of the first and second flexible flat cables.28. The interconnect assembly according to claim 27,wherein the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth pluralities of conductive interface members comprise spring fingers formed from a material having an internal stress gradient, each spring finger an anchor portion attached to and extending parallel to a surface of its corresponding conductive strip, and each spring finger having a free portion extending from its corresponding anchor portion to one of the first conductor, the second conductor, and the second ground plane formed on one of the first and second flexible flat cables.29. The interconnect assembly according to claim 27,wherein the first flexible flat cable further comprises a third ground plane located below the first ground plane, and a third conductor located between the third ground plane and the first ground plane, andwherein the second contact structure further comprises a fourth conductive strip, a seventh plurality of interface members extending between the second conductive strip and a portion of the third conductor formed on the first flexible flat cable.30. The interconnect assembly according to claim 14,wherein the first flexible flat cable further comprises:a first ground plane and a second ground plane arranged such that the first conductor is located between respective said first and second ground planes,a conductive via structure extending between the first and second ground planes, andan elongated conductive strip connected to the conductive via structure and located adjacent to the first conductor,wherein the first contact structure further comprises a second conductive strip extending parallel to the first conductive strip, a seventh plurality of conductive interface members protruding from a first region of the second conductive strip and contacting the elongated conductive strip.31. The interconnect assembly according to claim 30, wherein the first and third pluralities of conductive interface members comprise spring fingers formed from a material having an internal stress gradient, each spring finger an anchor portion attached to and extending parallel to a surface of its associated conductive strips, and each spring finger having a free portion extending from its corresponding anchor portion to one of the first conductor and the elongated conductive strip.32. The interconnect assembly according to claim 24,wherein the first flexible flat cable includes an elongated support structure, and an exposed portion of the first ground plane formed on the elongated support structure, andwherein the first contact structure further comprises a third portion extending from the first portion and including a fourth conductive strip and a seventh plurality of interface members extending from the fourth conductive strip and contacting the first ground plane formed on the first flexible flat cable.33. The interconnect assembly according to claim 32, wherein the first, second, fifth, sixth, and seventh pluralities of conductive interface members comprise conductors formed in one or more sections of anisotropic conductive film.34. The interconnect assembly according to claim 32,wherein the first flexible flat cable further comprises a third ground plane located over the second ground plane, and a third conductor located between the third ground plane and the second ground plane, andwherein the first contact structure further comprises:a fourth portion mounted over the third portion and including a fifth conductive strip and an eighth plurality of interface members extending from the fifth conductive strip and contacting the third conductor; anda fifth portion mounted over the fourth portion and including a sixth conductive strip and a ninth plurality of interface members extending from the sixth conductive strip and contacting the third ground plane formed on the first flexible flat cable.35. The interconnect assembly according to claim 14, wherein the first contact structure includes a first micromachined alignment structure, and the first flexible flat cable includes a second micromachined alignment structure that is mated to the first micromachined alignment structure.36. The interconnect assembly according to claim 1,wherein the first flexible flat cable further comprises a first conductive protrusion extending from the exposed free end of the first conductor,wherein the second flexible flat cable further comprises a second conductive protrusion extending from the exposed free end of the second conductor, andwherein the connector apparatus comprises an anisotropic conductive element sandwiched between the first and second conductive protrusions.37. An interconnect assembly for transmitting high-speed signals between circuit structures in a communication system, the assembly comprising:a first flexible flat cable having a first end connected to a first circuit structure and a second end extending from the first circuit structure, wherein the first flexible flat cable includes a first flexible conductor having a free end exposed on the second end of the first flexible flat cable, and wherein the first flexible flat cable further includes a ground plane that is separated from the first flexible flat conductor by a first insulating layer;a second flexible flat cable having a first end connected to a second circuit structure and a second end extending from the second circuit structure, the second flexible flat cable including a second flexible conductor having a free end exposed on the second end of the second flexible flat cable, and wherein the second flexible flat cable further includes a ground plane that is separated from the second flexible flat conductor by a second insulating layer; anda connector apparatus for detachably coupling the first flexible flat cable to the second flexible flat cable such that the exposed free end of the first conductor is electrically coupled to the exposed free end of the second conductor, such that the ground plane of the first flexible flat cable is electrically coupled to the ground plane of the second flexible flat cable, and such that an interface between the exposed free end of the first conductor and the exposed free end of the second conductor is smaller than a wavelength of the high-speed signal transmitted between the first and second circuit structures through the first and second conductors.
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