Cisco Technology, Inc.

Frederic Michael Kozak

Kevin Franklin Casey

Milton Palmer Hilliard

Robert Gregory Twiss

Scott A Eastman

Norman Lester Creekmore

Mark Cameron Cassada

Mark Allen Rosen

Kevin Craig Redmon

Lester Creekmore

David J Dube

Real Gislain Pomerleau

Jim Korzik

Jim Stutts

Methods and apparatus for enabling internal circuitry associated with a device to be efficiently replaced in an operating environment for the device are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a device includes an enclosure that defines an interior of the device, and a circuit arrangement that is located in the interior. A data port interface is located in the interior, and the device also includes a receptacle and a protection circuitry arrangement. The receptacle is coupled to the circuit arrangement, and the protection circuitry arrangement provides protection to the circuit arrangement. The protection circuitry arrangement has an interface that is removably coupled to the receptacle such that at least a portion of the protection circuitry arrangement is contained in the interior of the device.

Field replaceable module for protection circuitry

Methods and apparatus for providing a switch that includes multiple parts, and is arranged to function after extended periods of being in a depressed state are disclosed. In one embodiment, a multi-part switch includes a first contact, a second contact, and a plate. The first contact is electrically coupled to a first lead on a circuit board, and a second contact is electrically coupled to a second lead on the circuit board. The plate includes an electrically conductive area that contacts the first contact and the second contact to allow a signal to flow from the first contact to the second contact through the plate. In contacting the first contact and the second contact, the plate applies a compressive force to the first contact and to the second contact.

Methods and apparatus for constructing a multi-part switch

Methods and apparatus for discharging cables that are to be coupled to a connector are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus includes at least one signal contact, a housing, and a ground arrangement. The housing defines a receptacle configured to receive a part of a cable assembly. The signal contact is disposed within the receptacle, and is configured to contact a first contact of the cable assembly when the cable assembly is received in the receptacle such that a signal may pass between the signal contact and the first contact. The ground arrangement is at least partially disposed on the housing, and is arranged to contact and to ground the first contact before the first contact contacts the at least one signal contact.

RJ style connector to eliminate cable electrostatic discharge events

A grounding member support forms an interference or friction fit with an opening defined by a circuit board. A compliant, electrically conductive grounding member couples to the grounding member support. The grounding member electrically couples a grounding layer of the circuit board with a support mount coupled to the circuit board. During assembly, insertion of the grounding member support within the opening defined by the circuit board creates an expansive or lateral force on the opening. Furthermore, during assembly, the support mount compresses the compliant, electrically conductive grounding member against the circuit board. The interference fit between the grounding member support and the opening along with compression of the grounding member between the circuit board and the support mount limits the amount of stress received by a surface of the circuit board. Such limitation of stress, in turn, limits potential damage to components mounted to the circuit board or to conductive layers within the circuit board.

Methods and apparatus for grounding a circuit board

An apparatus for securing an electromagnetic shield in a conductive, casing includes a conductive frame, spring devices on a first edge of the frame that secure an electromagnetic shield in the frame and electrically couple the shield to the frame, and spring devices on a second edge of the frame that secure the frame in an aperture through a conductive casing and electrically couple the frame to the casing. An electromagnetic shielding apparatus includes a conductive frame, an electromagnetic shield of conductive material formed into cells, and spring devices on the frame that hold the shield in the frame and electrically couple the shield to the frame.

Apparatus for securing an electromagnetic shield in a conductive casing

A circuit board apparatus for terminating shielded conductors having multiple different ground potential values is disclosed. In a signal interconnection region, a multi-layer laminated circuit board comprises a shield termination layer that is capacitively coupled to a separate ground reference layer by a dielectric layer. A signal layer is electrically isolated from both the ground reference layer and shield termination layer by a substrate. A shield of a shielded cable terminates at the shield termination layer of the interconnect region, and a signal conductor of the cable terminates at the signal layer. Buried capacitance is developed between the shield termination layer and the ground reference layer. As a result, RF emissions are minimized and an electrically safe termination of multiple ground sources is provided, without enlarging the surface area of an interconnection. In the specific context of E1/E3 equipment, buried capacitance may be incorporated into the back plane printed circuit board of a unit of telecommunications equipment. As a result, port density may be increased, while maintaining simplicity. The value of the capacitance can be varied by increasing or decreasing the physical area of the plane referenced to the shield of the cable through the connector.

Isolated ground circuit board apparatus

A small circuit board, preferably having or providing capacitance is mounted on the surface of a main circuit board opposite the surface where a BGA or other integrated circuit is mounted, and within the footprint defined the integrated circuit package. Preferably the small circuit board is formed from multiple interleaved conductive and dielectric layers to provide inherent capacitance in the circuit board itself. Capacitance provided by the small circuit board can be configured by selecting the number and/or size and/or placement of the conductive layers. Discrete devices can be mounted on the small circuit board if desired.

Method and apparatus for decoupling ball grid array devices

A grounding clip for computer peripheral cards includes a base and at least one finger. The base has a contact surface and contains an aperture. Further, the aperture is sized to receive the particular peripheral card that must be discharged by the grounding clip. The finger extends from an internal length portion of the base, and in the case where a plurality of fingers are provided, they paired and disposed in registry along opposing internal length portions of the base. Each finger includes a discharge surface for contacting and grounding the peripheral card.

Growing community of inventors

Raleigh, NC, United States of America

Frederic Michael Kozak