National Instruments Corporation
High-Speed Performance Electrical Connector for Modular Electronics Systems

Abstract:

A connector gap between a module connector mating surface and the backplane connector of a chassis may be eliminated through a mechanism that forcefully pushes (or pulls) the module towards the backplane and/or forcefully pushes (or pulls) the backplane toward the module. A spring-loaded or resilient element may be used to fasten the module in a way that effectively fills any designed-in and tolerance-induced gap in the connector interface, allowing the connector to fully seat. In addition, a gasket or other compressible member may be included at the connector mating interface. The gap in the connector interface may be reduced by introducing adjustable card cage members that are capable of being set during the assembly or manufacturing process using special alignment fixtures. The gap in the connector interface may also be reduced by introducing a higher tolerance capable manufacturing process, such as machining, to the card cage sub-assembly.