The present invention generally relates to computers and electronic equipment, and more particularly relates to industrial and military computers, and even more particularly relates to methods and systems for providing rugged DIMM connections for use in demanding and hostile environments
Server class compute platforms are typically not employed in environments that are harsh, such as military vehicles, construction vehicles, weapons platforms, space launch systems, and etc. These server platforms are becoming necessary because of the need for virtualization and compute density in smaller spaces. One of several obstacles requiring resolution is the fragility of the Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC) style DIMM connector on these compute platforms. This connector is a high speed (electrical speeds in the 2-3 GHz range) interface using a leaf spring style contact which creates a line of surface electrical conduction where the spring side of the connector touches the circuit side of the DIMM via a gold plated pad on the circuit card. See
When acceleration is imparted on the masses of the compute platform, the forces can exceed the contacts ability to maintain surface contact with the circuit card housing the memory chips. More frequently, the spring contact and the circuit card lose electrical connectivity when the chassis is distorted. This level of chassis deflection creates enough force to curve the motherboard, which drives the JEDEC latch up and the DIMM out of the connector, thereby creating a break in the electrical connectivity between the DIMM and the motherboard. The latch, which is designed to both retain the memory as well as extract the memory, is prone to creating a problem in shock and vibration. This is a particularly devastating event for these system architectures as they fail to operate normally thereafter until the connection is reestablished. Previous solutions have involved permanently bonding the DIMM into the connector of applying a retention band, which must be damaged on removal. The former is unserviceable while the latter requires depot repair.
Consequently, there exists a need for improved methods and systems for connecting JEDEC memory modules in a compute platform used in harsh environments, such as military vehicles, weapons platforms, and space launch systems, all done in a reliable and cost efficient manner.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for connecting memory modules via a DIMM connector in an efficient manner.
It is a feature of the present invention to utilize a retention clip.
It is an advantage of the present invention to reduce inadvertent disconnection of memory modules from a DIMM connector.
It is another feature of the present invention to include a bumper spacer between adjacent retention clips.
It is another advantage of the present invention to provide a self-alignment capability for a plurality of adjacent retention clips.
It is yet another feature of the present invention to have a tab on the ends of clip.
It is still another advantage of the present invention to further deter rotation of a connector latch.
It is still another feature to have a lid contacting surface on the retention clip.
It is still another advantage of the present invention to provide a lid induced clamping force on a connector latch.
It is yet another feature to include a memory module mounted retention clip.
It is still an advantage to reduce a possibility of loose pieces occurring inside the system.
The present invention is an apparatus and method for making more robust the connections between a memory module and a JEDEC style DIMM connector to satisfy the aforementioned needs, provide the previously stated objects, include the above-listed features, and achieve the already articulated advantages. The present invention is carried out in a “inadvertent latch rotation-less” manner in a sense that the likelihood, of an unwanted disconnection of a memory module has been greatly reduced.
Accordingly, the present invention is a system comprising:
Accordingly, the present invention is a method comprising the steps of:
The invention may be more fully understood by reading the following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, in conjunction with the appended drawings wherein:
Through this description details are given of a DIMM and a DIMM connector, it should be understood that different circuit cards with different types of electronic components could be used with different connector sizes and configurations. It is intended that these specific details not limit the scope of the present invention but instead fully enable a one specific and best mode of the invention and other variations of this card and connector types are intended to be readily understood from the following description and included within the scope and spirit of the present invention.
Now referring to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like matter throughout, and more specifically referring to
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Retention clip 200 spans the longitudinal length of a standard JEDEC memory module such as DIMM memory module 110, such that each end, retention clip first end 202 and retention clip second end 204 of the retention clip 200, exerts through the retention clip first latch engaging end 222 and retention clip second latch engaging end 224, respectively; an inward pressure on the insertion and extraction of each latch; first pivoting latch 122 and second pivoting latch 124. The inward pressure is applied by retention clip 200 in such a way as to prevent rotation of first pivoting latch 122 and second pivoting latch 124 by exploiting the inherent tensile strength properties of the material from which it is constructed.
Key to the function of the retention clip 200 is the ability to flex around the first pivoting latch 122 and second pivoting latch 124 during the installation process of the DIMM memory module 110 into the DIMM connector 120, but provide adequate resistance to the inherent latch rotation during chassis deflection, which often occurs during operation of the compute platform. The retention clip 200 therefore must be resistant to elongation in some areas but allow for flexure in the areas necessary for rotating around the latches during installation. This is in essence a snap-fit approach to retaining the DIMM in the connector. Retention clip 200 has spring-like properties and can be made of any suitable material which provides for minimal stretching and compression in the longitudinal direction, but with the ability for limited flexing, bending or bowing in directions other than the longitudinal direction.
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Throughout this description, reference is made to an industrial PC and to a printed circuit board, because it is believed that the beneficial aspects of the present invention would be most readily apparent when used in connection with industrial PCs and printed circuit boards; however, it should be understood that the present invention is not intended to be limited to industrial PCs and printed circuit boards and should be hereby construed to include other non-industrial PCs and non-printed circuit boards as well.
It is thought that the method and apparatus of the present invention will be understood from the foregoing description and that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construct steps, and arrangement of the parts and steps thereof, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing all of their material advantages. The form herein described is merely a preferred exemplary embodiment thereof.
This application claims the benefit of the filing date of the provisional patent application having Ser. No. 62/381,939 filed Aug. 31, 2016, the contents of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.
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