Abstract:
This invention involves unique electroplated items comprising electrically conductive polymers. In addition, continuous production of electrically treated items is facilitated using electrically conductive resins. Many embodiments employ directly electroplateable resins for particular advantage. Unique methods of establishing electroplated electrical connections are taught.
Abstract:
A method to replace an electrical interface on a printed circuit board having a plurality of contact pads on a top surface, the contact pads being connected to conducting material extending through said circuit board. For the contact pad being replaced, drilling a hole through said printed circuit board at that location, and removing any remaining conductor material attached to the contact pad on the top board surface. Providing a replacement conductor/contact pad structure having a generally T-configuration with a stem and a head that completely surrounds the stem, wherein said head has a diameter greater than the diameter of the drilled hole. Inserting the replacement conductor/contact pad into the hole with said stem extending beyond the second surface of the board with the bottom surface of the head being in contact with the first surface of said board. A replacement conductor/contact pad on repaired board is also described.
Abstract:
A tape substrate includes IC lands electrically connected to pins of a driver IC (integrated circuit), circuit board terminal lands electrically connected to an external circuit board, test lands for testing the driver IC mounted on the tape substrate, and a plating terminal used for plating the land. The test lands are arranged in a matrix. The plating terminal is disposed so as to surround the IC lands, the circuit board terminal lands, and the test lands.
Abstract:
In a parallel design process for ICs, plural circuit features to be evaluated are laid out while designing an IC. Plural ICs are then fabricated and packaged. For a first packaged IC, an interior circuit feature coupled to at least one of the plural circuit features to be evaluated is identified. A trimming point on the interior circuit feature is identified using an x-ray inspection system; coordinates of the trimming point are related to coordinates of a visible reference marker; and the relationship between the visible reference marker and the trimming point is used to position a cutting tool over the trimming point. The cutting tool is used to cut into the first packaged IC until the interior circuit feature has been acceptably modified at the trimming point. Operation of the first packaged IC is compared to operation of a second packaged IC. Other parallel design processes are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Structure for forming a switchable shunt for a suspension assembly having conductive, insulating and metal base layers. The shunt includes a bridge in the conductive layer with either a continuous connection or small gap between ends of the bridge. The continuous connection of the bridge is severed either by temporarily moving the lands out of their original plane by stretching and rupturing the bridge or by shearing the continuous connection of the bridge. For the sheared or gapped bridge, at least one end of the bridge is moved out of the plane, compressed and elongated. When released, the separated ends of the bridge overlap and contact each other to form a normally-closed switch. To subsequently open the switchable shunt, at least one of the lands is moved out of plane to physically and electrically open the connection between the separated and overlapped ends of the bridge.
Abstract:
In a printed wiring board, capacitors have electrode layers that may be selectively trimmed to obtain high tolerances. The electrode layers can be formed from a plurality of elongated electrode portions, each of which can be selectively trimmed. The electrode layers can also be formed from interdigitated elongated electrode portions.
Abstract:
The present invention in situ reconfigures connections within an electric circuit, such that a previously open circuit becomes a permanent in situ electrical pathway. A heat-activated electrical coupling comprises a heat-activated coupler and a heater. The heat-activated coupler comprises a preform of a material that changes a physical or electrical state in response to heat from the heater to bridge a gap between separate but adjacent ends of respective circuit traces. An in situ reconfigurable circuit comprises the heat-activated electrical coupling, a fusible link, a primary circuit and a secondary or back-up circuit. An in situ recoverable electrostatic discharge (ESD) circuit comprises the heat-activated electrical coupling, a primary ESD protection portion, and a secondary or back-up ESD protection portion. A method of in situ reconfiguring a circuit comprises creating the heat-activated electrical coupling and activating the electrical coupling with heat.
Abstract:
Provided are a method for manufacturing a mounting substrate and a method for manufacturing a circuit device, both of which include the step of electroplating a number of electrodes. The method for manufacturing a mounting substrateincludes the steps of: forming a plurality of electrodes to a mounting substrate, the plurality of electrodes being electrically connected to each other by use of plating wires; energizing the electrodes via the plating wires to coat the electrodes with plated films 19 by electroplating; and electrically separating the individual electrodes from each other by cutting off the plating wires. Furthermore, the method for manufacturing a circuit device includes, in addition to the foregoing method for manufacturing a mounting substrate, the steps of: fixing a circuit element on the mounting substrate and electrically connecting the electrodes with the circuit element; and forming a sealing resin so as to cover the circuit element.
Abstract:
A multi-state indicator includes a section connecting a first trace to a second trace adapted to facilitate application of force to said section to disconnect said section from said first and/or second trace(s) and to disconnect said first trace from said second trace. In addition, the multi-state indicator includes circuitry to indicate a state based on whether said first trace connects to said second trace.
Abstract:
A printed circuit board, comprising a substrate, a first conductor and a second conductor. The substrate having an interior surface defining a hole. The first conductor is disposed within the hole. The second conductor is disposed within the hole. The first conductor is insulated from the second conductor.