Electronic component including insulation displacement interconnect means

Abstract

An electronic component is disclosed wherein the electronic component includes an insulation displacement connector for electrically connecting the electronic component to at least one external wire by displacing insulation from and contacting a conductor of the external wire. The insulation displacement connector can include a plurality of contacts electrically connected to the electronic component at one end thereof, and structure for displacing insulation from an external wire so that the external wire is placed in electrical communication with the conductive contact member at another end thereof. By locating the plurality of contact members closely adjacent each other, the insulation displacement connector can be engaged with a ribbon cable having a plurality of external wires, so that each contact is selectively engaged with an individual external wire in the ribbon cable. A cover can be provided which is removably engageable over the ribbon cable to lock the ribbon cable to the insulation displacement connector with the external wires of the ribbon cable electrically connected to the insulation displacement connector. Attachment structure can be provided on, for example, a lower surface of a hollow body to which the electronic component is mounted, for attaching the hollow body, and thus the electrical component, to any surface.