System and method for regulating staggered connection insertion timing

Abstract

A system for controlling staggered connection timing of an adapter module so that live insertion, or 'hot swapping', may be performed with the adapter module, has a connector with staggered pins, i.e., some pins being longer than others for initial contact with mating pins of a mating connector. The system further has a latch for controlling the timing of the connection of the staggered pins. As an adapter module is inserted into a housing, the latch allows the adapter module to be in one of three positions: (1) an entirely disconnected position where none of the pins of the adapter module are connected to the pins of the housing connector; (2) a 'stopped', or partially connected, position where the longer of the staggered pins are connected between the housing and adapter modules connectors; and (3) a 'fully-engaged' position wherein all pins of the connectors are engaged. The latch and the pin lengths are designed so that upon the longer pins making mating contact, the latch momentarily forces the module into the stopped position thereby allowing any circuits on the adapter module or elsewhere in the housing to sufficiently pre-charge.