Trw Limited

Milton F Damerow

Donald A Porter

Barton G Shaler

Michael J Kocin

A line replaceable module (LRM) configured with a plurality of mini-modules, each of which have relatively higher contact densities than currently available LRMs with the same form factor, for example, a Standard Electrical Module-Size E (SEM-E) form factor. The mini-modules are significantly less expensive than an entire module allowing such mini-modules to be disposable, eliminating relatively costly fault diagnostics and repair. Each mini-module includes a printed circuit board which includes a rigid primary portion, a rigid secondary portion and flexible portion interconnecting the primary and secondary portions. The rigid secondary portion may be configured to provide dual-sided interconnection to a backplane data bus. Use of the dual-sided rigid secondary portion provides for generous spacing for contact densities much higher than known contact densities for LRMs with the same form factor. The rigid primary portion carries the components forming the LRM. The use of the flexible portion provides compensation for tolerance variations as well as vibrational and thermal stress relative to connector systems used on known SEM-E LRMs.

Sub-modular configurable avionics

A dual printed circuit board module having two printed circuit boards mounted in an inwardly facing relationship on two thermal frame members that also function as structural and enclosing members. A connector mounted between and at one edge of the thermal frame members serves to establish electrical connections between the circuit boards and a backplane circuit panel to which the boards are to be connected. A flexible interconnect circuit, located near the same edge of the boards as the backplane connector, is used both to connect the boards to the connector and to provide board-to-board connections independently of the connector. This arrangement greatly facilitates assembly and testing of the module, reduces signal path lengths, and enhances the structural and thermal integrity of the module.

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Poway, CA, United States of America

Milton F Damerow