CA2079418A1 - Apparatus and method for manufacturing printed circuit boards - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for manufacturing printed circuit boardsInfo
- Publication number
- CA2079418A1 CA2079418A1 CA002079418A CA2079418A CA2079418A1 CA 2079418 A1 CA2079418 A1 CA 2079418A1 CA 002079418 A CA002079418 A CA 002079418A CA 2079418 A CA2079418 A CA 2079418A CA 2079418 A1 CA2079418 A1 CA 2079418A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- board
- circuit board
- printed circuit
- base
- prototype
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K7/00—Constructional details common to different types of electric apparatus
- H05K7/02—Arrangements of circuit components or wiring on supporting structure
- H05K7/06—Arrangements of circuit components or wiring on supporting structure on insulating boards, e.g. wiring harnesses
- H05K7/08—Arrangements of circuit components or wiring on supporting structure on insulating boards, e.g. wiring harnesses on perforated boards
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K1/00—Printed circuits
- H05K1/02—Details
- H05K1/0286—Programmable, customizable or modifiable circuits
- H05K1/0287—Programmable, customizable or modifiable circuits having an universal lay-out, e.g. pad or land grid patterns or mesh patterns
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K3/00—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits
- H05K3/30—Assembling printed circuits with electric components, e.g. with resistor
- H05K3/306—Lead-in-hole components, e.g. affixing or retention before soldering, spacing means
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to printed circuits covered by H05K1/00
- H05K2201/09—Shape and layout
- H05K2201/09818—Shape or layout details not covered by a single group of H05K2201/09009 - H05K2201/09809
- H05K2201/09827—Tapered, e.g. tapered hole, via or groove
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to printed circuits covered by H05K1/00
- H05K2201/10—Details of components or other objects attached to or integrated in a printed circuit board
- H05K2201/10227—Other objects, e.g. metallic pieces
- H05K2201/10333—Individual female type metallic connector elements
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to printed circuits covered by H05K1/00
- H05K2201/10—Details of components or other objects attached to or integrated in a printed circuit board
- H05K2201/10227—Other objects, e.g. metallic pieces
- H05K2201/10393—Clamping a component by an element or a set of elements
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K2201/00—Indexing scheme relating to printed circuits covered by H05K1/00
- H05K2201/10—Details of components or other objects attached to or integrated in a printed circuit board
- H05K2201/10613—Details of electrical connections of non-printed components, e.g. special leads
- H05K2201/10742—Details of leads
- H05K2201/1075—Shape details
- H05K2201/10863—Adaptations of leads or holes for facilitating insertion
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits covered by H05K3/00
- H05K2203/01—Tools for processing; Objects used during processing
- H05K2203/0147—Carriers and holders
- H05K2203/0173—Template for holding a PCB having mounted components thereon
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits covered by H05K3/00
- H05K2203/16—Inspection; Monitoring; Aligning
- H05K2203/162—Testing a finished product, e.g. heat cycle testing of solder joints
Abstract
TITLE: Apparatus and Method for Manufacturing Printed Circuit Boards INVENTOR: Cody Z. Slater ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A circuit board assembly system for manufacturing a prototype printed circuit board having a matrix formed in it. A base board having a connection matrix that matches the matrix of the printed circuit board is hinged to a frame having tracks for receiving the printed circuit board, so that the printed circuit board is locatable in a fixed position in relation to the printed circuit board with their respective matrices matching. Component leads may be inserted into the connection matrix through the printed circuit board to form a circuit, which may be tested. The base board may be pivoted away from the printed circuit board to allow the leads to be soldered. The printed circuit board may then be removed from the base board. A cover that is latchable onto the printed circuit board may be used to prevent components from being accidentally removed from the printed circuit board.
A circuit board assembly system for manufacturing a prototype printed circuit board having a matrix formed in it. A base board having a connection matrix that matches the matrix of the printed circuit board is hinged to a frame having tracks for receiving the printed circuit board, so that the printed circuit board is locatable in a fixed position in relation to the printed circuit board with their respective matrices matching. Component leads may be inserted into the connection matrix through the printed circuit board to form a circuit, which may be tested. The base board may be pivoted away from the printed circuit board to allow the leads to be soldered. The printed circuit board may then be removed from the base board. A cover that is latchable onto the printed circuit board may be used to prevent components from being accidentally removed from the printed circuit board.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an apparatus and a method for manufacturing prototype printed circuit ;
boards. -~
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A printed circuit board is formed from a thin board of electrically non-conducting material in -~-which is formed a partly connected and partly disconnected network or matrix of electrically conducting elements. To make a particular circuit on a printed circuit board, components must be placed on -the board with electrical connections between them being made by the matrix. However, many electrical ~`
circuits are quite complex and require much testing and moving around of the circuit components. This means that the circuit board on which the original circuit is placed should allow the leads to be easily removed from the board and re-inserted into the board, while making good electrical connections when inserted into the board. For this reason, a breadboard is often used to prepare the initial circuit. The breadboard has a particular matrix of electrically connecting elements and this matrix is used to connect the ~ ;
components. Once the prototype circuit is made and proven to ~e functional, it must be converted to a prototype printed circuit board. This is accomplished -largely as follows. -1. The layout of the circuit is copied onto paper.
2. An experimenter's board of a suitable size is obtained. This board will have its own matrix of electrical connections that will not necessarily .~
match the breadboard matrix. ~- -'-2~7~
This invention relates to an apparatus and a method for manufacturing prototype printed circuit ;
boards. -~
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A printed circuit board is formed from a thin board of electrically non-conducting material in -~-which is formed a partly connected and partly disconnected network or matrix of electrically conducting elements. To make a particular circuit on a printed circuit board, components must be placed on -the board with electrical connections between them being made by the matrix. However, many electrical ~`
circuits are quite complex and require much testing and moving around of the circuit components. This means that the circuit board on which the original circuit is placed should allow the leads to be easily removed from the board and re-inserted into the board, while making good electrical connections when inserted into the board. For this reason, a breadboard is often used to prepare the initial circuit. The breadboard has a particular matrix of electrically connecting elements and this matrix is used to connect the ~ ;
components. Once the prototype circuit is made and proven to ~e functional, it must be converted to a prototype printed circuit board. This is accomplished -largely as follows. -1. The layout of the circuit is copied onto paper.
2. An experimenter's board of a suitable size is obtained. This board will have its own matrix of electrical connections that will not necessarily .~
match the breadboard matrix. ~- -'-2~7~
3. The circuit layout from the breadboard matrix is converted to a matrix suitable for the type of experimenter~s board being used.
4. All components are removed from the breadboard and placed on the experimenter~s board according to the layout developed in step 3.
5. All components and jumper wires are soldered in place on the experimenter~s board, and traces cut.
At this stage a hard wired prototype now exists, and is ready to be tested. However due to the complexity of this process there is considerable room for errors to be made and it is typical that even an experienced technician will expect to have to spend substantial additional time retracing and debugging the board.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
With the system of the present invention, this entire process is unnecessary. Using the system of the present invention, the initial breadboard prototype is turned into a hard wired prototype in one simple step. This i6 accomplished by the printed circuit board in effect creating the surface of the connector matrix which, once the prototype is functional, is removed from the connector matrix and soldered to create the final prototype. This unique process is believed to reduce the time required to produce a prototype by approximately 90% and to ensure that each prototype board will be fully functional upon completion.
There is therefore provided in accordance with one aspect of the invention, a circuit board assembly system for manufacturing a prototype printed 2079~18 circuit board having a matrix formed in it, the assembly system comprising:
a base board having a connection matrix that matches the matrix of the printed circuit board; and positioning means connectable to each of the base board and the printed circuit board for locating the printed circuit board in a fixed position relative to the base board.
According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of constructing a prototype board using a base board having a connection matrix, the prototype board having a matching matrix that matches the connection matrix, the method comprising the steps of:
locating the prototype board in a fixed position relative to the base board with the matching matrix aligned with the connection matrix;
inserting components having leads into the prototype board with the leads extending into the base board in electrical connection with the connection matrix to form a circuit;
testing the circuit;
removing the base board from the fixed position in relation to the prototype board; and soldering the leads of the components into the prototype board.
Further aspects of the invention will be found in the detailed description of the invention and in the claims that follow.
8RIEF DESClRIPTION OF THE DR~WINGS
There will now be described a preferred embodiment of the invention, with reference to the 2079~18 drawings, by way of illustration, in which like numerals denote like elements and in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view, partly broken away and exploded, of an apparatus according to the invention with printed circuit board in place, the printed circuit board including a matrix of electrically conducting elements, some long and some short;
Figure 2A is a cross-section through the apparatus shown in Figure 1 parallel to the shorter elements with a single component shown about to be inserted in the apparatus;
Figure 2B is a cross-section through the apparatus shown in Figure 1 perpendicular to the shorter elements with several components inserted in the apparatus; .
Figure 2C is a cross-section through the apparatus shown in Figure 1 parallel to the shorter elements with a single component shown about to be 20inserted in the apparatus, with springs inserted instead of clips for retaining the leads of the component;
Figure 3 is a perspective showing a printed circuit board being inserted for testing in the 25apparatus shown in Figure 1 together with a cover;
Figure 4 is a perspective showing a printed circuit board in place for testing in the apparatus shown in Figure 1 together with a cover; !
Figure 5 is a perspective of the apparatus .
30of Figure 3 with the cover closed; :
Figure 6 is a perspective of the apparatus shown in Figure 3, upside down, with the base board lifted away from the printed circuit board and with "
-` 2 0 7 9 ~
the ends of circuit component leads in position for soldering; and Figure 7 is a perspective showing the apparatus of Figure 3 with the prototype printed circuit board being removed from the apparatus.
DETAILED DES~RIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In this patent document and particularly as used in the claims: "connection matrix" in relation to a board means a matrix of partially connected and partially separated electrically conducting elements that permits numerous circuit designs to be formed on the board, depending on the placement of electrical components on the matrix; "matching matrix" in . -relation to a given connection matrix means a matrixof partially connected and partially separated electrically conducting elements which has the same (a matching) layout as the connection matrix;
"electrically conducting element~ means an electrical conducting wire or strip or similar device whose primary purpose is to conduct electricity; and "components" includes resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, switches, transistors, semi-conductor chips, transformers and other small scale electrical devices.
Referring to Figures 1, 2A and 2B, a printed circuit board 10 of mostly conventional construction includes a matrix 12 of electrically conducting elements 14a and 14b. Individual electrical conducting elements 14a and 14b are shown and for example may simply form a short narrow strip 14a for receiving and connecting several leads of components, or may form a long narrow strip 14b for receiving several leads of components and connecting them to a power source. The 2~79~18 elements 14a and 14b are for example formed from narrow copper strips with openings 16 spaced along the narrow strips. The openings 16 are preferably countersunk as shown in Figure 2B at 17, that is, tapered at the top, to allow for easy insertion of the leads. The leads 18 of a component 19 may be inserted into the openings 16 of the electrically conducting elements 14a or 14b to extend through the printed circuit board 10.
A base board 20 is formed from a non-conducting slab-shaped base (for example made of a suitable plastic) with a matrix 22 of electrically conducting elements 24 fixed on or within the base for receiving the leads 18 of components 19 such as the resistor shown and other components (such as those shown in Figure 2B) in the circuit being built.
Individual elements 24 preferably consist of a single metal strip of clip type contacts as shown, for example chrome plated steel, whose contacts are separated no more than the width of the leads expected to be inserted into them. Each clip should have length and width slightly larger than the length and width of a corresponding one of the linear openings or slots 26 in the base board 20, each clip being disposed within the base adjacent the corresponding one of the openings 26. Referring to Fig. 2C, a potential alternative to the clip is to use a spiral metal spring 27. However, if springs are used one must be careful to avoid arcing at the contacts, that might occur if for example the contact with a lead was weak.
This might occur if there were leads inserted in opposite ends of a spring, thus perhaps fixing the spring in a pulled apart position and a further lead was inserted between them. A further potential 2079~18 alternative to the clips or springs is to use conductive elastomeric elements. Such elements would be inserted (by injection moulding) into the base board 20, filling the slots 26. Such injection moulding could take place as a second step immediately after the moulding of the base board 20. The elastomeric elements would have holes to receive leads. Such conductive elastomeric elements have the desired advantage of contacting the lead on all sides of the lead. Conductive elastomers are commonly commercially available.
The function of an element 24 is to allow a lead to be inserted into it while making an electrical connection between the lead and the element, and to prevent the lead from slipping out easily (for example under its own weight) while allowing the lead to be readily removable from the element by hand. Hence the contact points of the element with the leads must have sufficient compression to prevent the component from falling out under its own weight.
The matrix 22 matches the matrix 12, so that there is a one to one correspondence between the electrically conducting elements 14a and 14b and the electrically conducting elements 24. Each discrepancy in the correspondence between the two matrices will tend to reduce the efficiency of the apparatus and the method of using it. Slots 26 in the upper surface 28 of the base board 20, one corresponding to each element 24,; receive the leads 18 of components 19, such as the resistor shown in Figure 2A. Barriers 30 are formed as part of the base board 20 to form chambers for receiving and holding the elements 24.
The barriers 30 also form insulating barriers between adjacent elements 24. Base board 10 is attached to a 2079~1~
base 34 by screws 39. An insulating layer 38 ~see Figs. 2B and 2C) is preferably interposed between the base 34 and the base board 10, so that the elements 24 do not make an electrical connection with the base 34.
Referring now also to Figure 3, the printed circuit board 10 and the base board 20 are shown with positioning means connectable to each of the base board and the printed circuit board for locating the printed circuit board in a fixed position relative to the base board. The positioning means includes a tracking frame 40 with grooves or channels 42 for receiving the edges 44 of the printed circuit board 10. A connection edge 46 of the printed circuit board 10 mates with a matching connector 48 of the tracking frame 40. A set of terminals 49 allow external connection of leads to the connection edge 46 and thence to the matrix printed circuit board 10.
Tracking frame 40 and the base 34 are hinged to each other at a pivot 50. The end of the apparatus near the pivot is referred to as the closed end of the apparatus while the,opposite end is referred to as the open end of the apparatus. A cover 52 is also hinged at the pivot 50 to the tracking frame 40 and the base 34. All three parts, the tracking frame 40, the base 34 and the cover 52 are free to rotate with respect to each other about an axis defined by the pivot 50, preferably at least over about a 135 range.
As shown in Figure 3 and in Figure 1, aligning posts 32 are formed in the two corners of the base board at the open end. These posts 32 are complementary to openings 36 in the printed circuit board 10, and form means to facilitate the alignment of the printed circuit board 10 and the base board 20 207941~
in relation to each other so that the matrices may be aligned with each other, one on top of the other.
The cover s2 is formed with sides 54 and top 56, with a latch 58 at the end of the cover at the open end of the apparatus. The latch 58 engages with the printed circuit board lO when the printed circuit board is fully inserted in the tracks 40 and the cover is closed. A slot 60 in the base 34 is provided if required so that the end of the latch 58 does not contact the base board 20. A second latch (not shown) may be provided to secure the cover to the base board 20 if desired. The cover 52 preferably includes a padding and insulating material 62 such as foam rubber attached, for example with adhesive, to the under side of the cover. The tracking frame 40 and cover 52 are preferably èach made of aluminum, but may be made of other suitable material. The base 34 is preferably made of steel.
Figure 4 shows an apparatus according to the invention with a printed circuit board that has numerous components 19, such as chip 68 inserted into the printed circuit board 10, forming an electrical circuit, with connections between the various components 19 being made through the elements 24 forming the matching matrix of the base board 20.
There is also shown an oscilloscope 70 with leads 72 and lead bending device 74 for use in testing the circuit on the printed circuit board 10. !
Figure 5 shows the apparatus according to the invention in the closed position with cover 52 closed and secured with latch 58 fastened about printed circuit board 10 to retain the cover 52 and the printed circuit board together. The padding 62 rests gently against the components 19 to prevent them -`: 2079~1~
from falling out of the elements 14a and 14b and 24 when the apparatus is inverted as shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6 shows the apparatus inverted, with the base board 20 rotated up and away from the underside of the printed circuit board 10. The leads 18 of the components 19 have been freed from the elements 24 and protrude from the underside of the printed circuit board 10. In this condition, no good connection is made between the leads 18, until soldered to the printed circuit board 10 to make an electrical connection with the matrix of the printed circuit board, using the soldering iron 80. Cutters 82 are used to sever the ends of the leads 18 that protrude from the solder.
The method of operation of the apparatus will now be described.
Rèferring to Figure 3, the cover 52 pivots on the pivot 50 to allow access for the printed circuit board 10 into the apparatus. The printed circuit board 10 is inserted into the apparatus by sliding it along the side tracking frame 40 until it identifies with the edge connector 46 at the base or closed end of the printed circuit board tracking frame 40. The two lower sections of the apparatus (the printed circuit board tracking frame 40, and the base board 20 with connection matrix) are snapped together with the identifying posts 32 and openings 36 automatically aligning the matrix 12 of the printed circuit board 10 with the connection matrix 22 of the base board 20 thus preparing the system for component insertion.
Referring to Figure 4, leads 18 of components 19 are inserted through the printed circuit board 10 into the connection matrix 22 thus providing 207941~
an electrical connection between the components 19.
This connection, provided by the elements 24 embedded in the plastic base board 20, is identical to the final connection provided by the copper tracks 14 of the printed circuit board 10. Through the built-in connection interface points or terminals 49 at the closed end of the apparatus, connections are made to the matrix 22 and printed circuit board 10 thus allowing for testing and modification of the circuit for example with the oscilloscope shown.
~ eferring to Figure 5, upon completion of the circuit, or to facilitate transport of an uncompleted circuit, the cover 52 of the apparatus with the padding 62 (the compression stage) is pivoted down until it latches into place on the printed circuit board 10 (using the latch 58) and, if desired, the base board 20 (using a further latch, not shown), thus securing all the components from being dislodged.
, Referring to Figure 6, in order to allow access to the solder side (under side) of the printed circuit board 10, the entire apparatus is first inverted, and then base board 20 is rotated away from the printed circuit board 10, tracks 40 and cover 52, with the connection matrix 22 disengaging from the leads 18 of the components 19 on the printed circuit board 10. This exposes the component leads 18 of the circuit, and the solder side of the printed circuit board 10, all held together by the latch 58.
While the components 19 are securely held in place in the printed circuit board 10 by the pressure exerted on the components 19 by the compression stage (cover 52 and padding 62), the component leads 18 are soldered into place on the printed circuit board 10.
When all the leads are soldered into place, and the 2~9418 additional length is trimmed from all the leads, the board is complete.
Rèferring to Figure 7, the latch 58 is released from the printed circuit board 10, thus allowing the printed circuit board 10 to be swung clear of both the compression stage (cover 52 and padding 62) and the base board 20, thus allowing the completed and tested printed circuit board 10 to be removed from the apparatus. The completed printed -circuit board 10 is ready for insertion into whatever application it was designed for.
Alternative Embodiments A person skilled in the art could make immaterial modifications to the invention described and claimed in this patent without departing from the essence of the invention.
' '" ~
At this stage a hard wired prototype now exists, and is ready to be tested. However due to the complexity of this process there is considerable room for errors to be made and it is typical that even an experienced technician will expect to have to spend substantial additional time retracing and debugging the board.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
With the system of the present invention, this entire process is unnecessary. Using the system of the present invention, the initial breadboard prototype is turned into a hard wired prototype in one simple step. This i6 accomplished by the printed circuit board in effect creating the surface of the connector matrix which, once the prototype is functional, is removed from the connector matrix and soldered to create the final prototype. This unique process is believed to reduce the time required to produce a prototype by approximately 90% and to ensure that each prototype board will be fully functional upon completion.
There is therefore provided in accordance with one aspect of the invention, a circuit board assembly system for manufacturing a prototype printed 2079~18 circuit board having a matrix formed in it, the assembly system comprising:
a base board having a connection matrix that matches the matrix of the printed circuit board; and positioning means connectable to each of the base board and the printed circuit board for locating the printed circuit board in a fixed position relative to the base board.
According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of constructing a prototype board using a base board having a connection matrix, the prototype board having a matching matrix that matches the connection matrix, the method comprising the steps of:
locating the prototype board in a fixed position relative to the base board with the matching matrix aligned with the connection matrix;
inserting components having leads into the prototype board with the leads extending into the base board in electrical connection with the connection matrix to form a circuit;
testing the circuit;
removing the base board from the fixed position in relation to the prototype board; and soldering the leads of the components into the prototype board.
Further aspects of the invention will be found in the detailed description of the invention and in the claims that follow.
8RIEF DESClRIPTION OF THE DR~WINGS
There will now be described a preferred embodiment of the invention, with reference to the 2079~18 drawings, by way of illustration, in which like numerals denote like elements and in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view, partly broken away and exploded, of an apparatus according to the invention with printed circuit board in place, the printed circuit board including a matrix of electrically conducting elements, some long and some short;
Figure 2A is a cross-section through the apparatus shown in Figure 1 parallel to the shorter elements with a single component shown about to be inserted in the apparatus;
Figure 2B is a cross-section through the apparatus shown in Figure 1 perpendicular to the shorter elements with several components inserted in the apparatus; .
Figure 2C is a cross-section through the apparatus shown in Figure 1 parallel to the shorter elements with a single component shown about to be 20inserted in the apparatus, with springs inserted instead of clips for retaining the leads of the component;
Figure 3 is a perspective showing a printed circuit board being inserted for testing in the 25apparatus shown in Figure 1 together with a cover;
Figure 4 is a perspective showing a printed circuit board in place for testing in the apparatus shown in Figure 1 together with a cover; !
Figure 5 is a perspective of the apparatus .
30of Figure 3 with the cover closed; :
Figure 6 is a perspective of the apparatus shown in Figure 3, upside down, with the base board lifted away from the printed circuit board and with "
-` 2 0 7 9 ~
the ends of circuit component leads in position for soldering; and Figure 7 is a perspective showing the apparatus of Figure 3 with the prototype printed circuit board being removed from the apparatus.
DETAILED DES~RIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In this patent document and particularly as used in the claims: "connection matrix" in relation to a board means a matrix of partially connected and partially separated electrically conducting elements that permits numerous circuit designs to be formed on the board, depending on the placement of electrical components on the matrix; "matching matrix" in . -relation to a given connection matrix means a matrixof partially connected and partially separated electrically conducting elements which has the same (a matching) layout as the connection matrix;
"electrically conducting element~ means an electrical conducting wire or strip or similar device whose primary purpose is to conduct electricity; and "components" includes resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, switches, transistors, semi-conductor chips, transformers and other small scale electrical devices.
Referring to Figures 1, 2A and 2B, a printed circuit board 10 of mostly conventional construction includes a matrix 12 of electrically conducting elements 14a and 14b. Individual electrical conducting elements 14a and 14b are shown and for example may simply form a short narrow strip 14a for receiving and connecting several leads of components, or may form a long narrow strip 14b for receiving several leads of components and connecting them to a power source. The 2~79~18 elements 14a and 14b are for example formed from narrow copper strips with openings 16 spaced along the narrow strips. The openings 16 are preferably countersunk as shown in Figure 2B at 17, that is, tapered at the top, to allow for easy insertion of the leads. The leads 18 of a component 19 may be inserted into the openings 16 of the electrically conducting elements 14a or 14b to extend through the printed circuit board 10.
A base board 20 is formed from a non-conducting slab-shaped base (for example made of a suitable plastic) with a matrix 22 of electrically conducting elements 24 fixed on or within the base for receiving the leads 18 of components 19 such as the resistor shown and other components (such as those shown in Figure 2B) in the circuit being built.
Individual elements 24 preferably consist of a single metal strip of clip type contacts as shown, for example chrome plated steel, whose contacts are separated no more than the width of the leads expected to be inserted into them. Each clip should have length and width slightly larger than the length and width of a corresponding one of the linear openings or slots 26 in the base board 20, each clip being disposed within the base adjacent the corresponding one of the openings 26. Referring to Fig. 2C, a potential alternative to the clip is to use a spiral metal spring 27. However, if springs are used one must be careful to avoid arcing at the contacts, that might occur if for example the contact with a lead was weak.
This might occur if there were leads inserted in opposite ends of a spring, thus perhaps fixing the spring in a pulled apart position and a further lead was inserted between them. A further potential 2079~18 alternative to the clips or springs is to use conductive elastomeric elements. Such elements would be inserted (by injection moulding) into the base board 20, filling the slots 26. Such injection moulding could take place as a second step immediately after the moulding of the base board 20. The elastomeric elements would have holes to receive leads. Such conductive elastomeric elements have the desired advantage of contacting the lead on all sides of the lead. Conductive elastomers are commonly commercially available.
The function of an element 24 is to allow a lead to be inserted into it while making an electrical connection between the lead and the element, and to prevent the lead from slipping out easily (for example under its own weight) while allowing the lead to be readily removable from the element by hand. Hence the contact points of the element with the leads must have sufficient compression to prevent the component from falling out under its own weight.
The matrix 22 matches the matrix 12, so that there is a one to one correspondence between the electrically conducting elements 14a and 14b and the electrically conducting elements 24. Each discrepancy in the correspondence between the two matrices will tend to reduce the efficiency of the apparatus and the method of using it. Slots 26 in the upper surface 28 of the base board 20, one corresponding to each element 24,; receive the leads 18 of components 19, such as the resistor shown in Figure 2A. Barriers 30 are formed as part of the base board 20 to form chambers for receiving and holding the elements 24.
The barriers 30 also form insulating barriers between adjacent elements 24. Base board 10 is attached to a 2079~1~
base 34 by screws 39. An insulating layer 38 ~see Figs. 2B and 2C) is preferably interposed between the base 34 and the base board 10, so that the elements 24 do not make an electrical connection with the base 34.
Referring now also to Figure 3, the printed circuit board 10 and the base board 20 are shown with positioning means connectable to each of the base board and the printed circuit board for locating the printed circuit board in a fixed position relative to the base board. The positioning means includes a tracking frame 40 with grooves or channels 42 for receiving the edges 44 of the printed circuit board 10. A connection edge 46 of the printed circuit board 10 mates with a matching connector 48 of the tracking frame 40. A set of terminals 49 allow external connection of leads to the connection edge 46 and thence to the matrix printed circuit board 10.
Tracking frame 40 and the base 34 are hinged to each other at a pivot 50. The end of the apparatus near the pivot is referred to as the closed end of the apparatus while the,opposite end is referred to as the open end of the apparatus. A cover 52 is also hinged at the pivot 50 to the tracking frame 40 and the base 34. All three parts, the tracking frame 40, the base 34 and the cover 52 are free to rotate with respect to each other about an axis defined by the pivot 50, preferably at least over about a 135 range.
As shown in Figure 3 and in Figure 1, aligning posts 32 are formed in the two corners of the base board at the open end. These posts 32 are complementary to openings 36 in the printed circuit board 10, and form means to facilitate the alignment of the printed circuit board 10 and the base board 20 207941~
in relation to each other so that the matrices may be aligned with each other, one on top of the other.
The cover s2 is formed with sides 54 and top 56, with a latch 58 at the end of the cover at the open end of the apparatus. The latch 58 engages with the printed circuit board lO when the printed circuit board is fully inserted in the tracks 40 and the cover is closed. A slot 60 in the base 34 is provided if required so that the end of the latch 58 does not contact the base board 20. A second latch (not shown) may be provided to secure the cover to the base board 20 if desired. The cover 52 preferably includes a padding and insulating material 62 such as foam rubber attached, for example with adhesive, to the under side of the cover. The tracking frame 40 and cover 52 are preferably èach made of aluminum, but may be made of other suitable material. The base 34 is preferably made of steel.
Figure 4 shows an apparatus according to the invention with a printed circuit board that has numerous components 19, such as chip 68 inserted into the printed circuit board 10, forming an electrical circuit, with connections between the various components 19 being made through the elements 24 forming the matching matrix of the base board 20.
There is also shown an oscilloscope 70 with leads 72 and lead bending device 74 for use in testing the circuit on the printed circuit board 10. !
Figure 5 shows the apparatus according to the invention in the closed position with cover 52 closed and secured with latch 58 fastened about printed circuit board 10 to retain the cover 52 and the printed circuit board together. The padding 62 rests gently against the components 19 to prevent them -`: 2079~1~
from falling out of the elements 14a and 14b and 24 when the apparatus is inverted as shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6 shows the apparatus inverted, with the base board 20 rotated up and away from the underside of the printed circuit board 10. The leads 18 of the components 19 have been freed from the elements 24 and protrude from the underside of the printed circuit board 10. In this condition, no good connection is made between the leads 18, until soldered to the printed circuit board 10 to make an electrical connection with the matrix of the printed circuit board, using the soldering iron 80. Cutters 82 are used to sever the ends of the leads 18 that protrude from the solder.
The method of operation of the apparatus will now be described.
Rèferring to Figure 3, the cover 52 pivots on the pivot 50 to allow access for the printed circuit board 10 into the apparatus. The printed circuit board 10 is inserted into the apparatus by sliding it along the side tracking frame 40 until it identifies with the edge connector 46 at the base or closed end of the printed circuit board tracking frame 40. The two lower sections of the apparatus (the printed circuit board tracking frame 40, and the base board 20 with connection matrix) are snapped together with the identifying posts 32 and openings 36 automatically aligning the matrix 12 of the printed circuit board 10 with the connection matrix 22 of the base board 20 thus preparing the system for component insertion.
Referring to Figure 4, leads 18 of components 19 are inserted through the printed circuit board 10 into the connection matrix 22 thus providing 207941~
an electrical connection between the components 19.
This connection, provided by the elements 24 embedded in the plastic base board 20, is identical to the final connection provided by the copper tracks 14 of the printed circuit board 10. Through the built-in connection interface points or terminals 49 at the closed end of the apparatus, connections are made to the matrix 22 and printed circuit board 10 thus allowing for testing and modification of the circuit for example with the oscilloscope shown.
~ eferring to Figure 5, upon completion of the circuit, or to facilitate transport of an uncompleted circuit, the cover 52 of the apparatus with the padding 62 (the compression stage) is pivoted down until it latches into place on the printed circuit board 10 (using the latch 58) and, if desired, the base board 20 (using a further latch, not shown), thus securing all the components from being dislodged.
, Referring to Figure 6, in order to allow access to the solder side (under side) of the printed circuit board 10, the entire apparatus is first inverted, and then base board 20 is rotated away from the printed circuit board 10, tracks 40 and cover 52, with the connection matrix 22 disengaging from the leads 18 of the components 19 on the printed circuit board 10. This exposes the component leads 18 of the circuit, and the solder side of the printed circuit board 10, all held together by the latch 58.
While the components 19 are securely held in place in the printed circuit board 10 by the pressure exerted on the components 19 by the compression stage (cover 52 and padding 62), the component leads 18 are soldered into place on the printed circuit board 10.
When all the leads are soldered into place, and the 2~9418 additional length is trimmed from all the leads, the board is complete.
Rèferring to Figure 7, the latch 58 is released from the printed circuit board 10, thus allowing the printed circuit board 10 to be swung clear of both the compression stage (cover 52 and padding 62) and the base board 20, thus allowing the completed and tested printed circuit board 10 to be removed from the apparatus. The completed printed -circuit board 10 is ready for insertion into whatever application it was designed for.
Alternative Embodiments A person skilled in the art could make immaterial modifications to the invention described and claimed in this patent without departing from the essence of the invention.
' '" ~
Claims (12)
1. A circuit board assembly system for manufacturing a prototype printed circuit board having a matrix formed in it, the assembly system comprising:
a base board having a connection matrix that matches the matrix of the printed circuit board; and positioning means connectable to each of the base board and the printed circuit board for locating the printed circuit board in a fixed position relative to the base board.
a base board having a connection matrix that matches the matrix of the printed circuit board; and positioning means connectable to each of the base board and the printed circuit board for locating the printed circuit board in a fixed position relative to the base board.
2. The circuit board assembly of claim 1 in which the positioning means includes a tracking frame for slidably receiving the printed circuit board, the tracking frame being pivotally connected to the base board by a pivot at one end of the base board.
3. The circuit board assembly of claim 2 further including a cover for the printed circuit board, the cover being pivotally attached at the open end to the base and the tracking frame, with the tracking frame between the base and the cover.
4. The circuit board assembly of claim 3 further including means to secure the cover on the printed circuit board.
5. The circuit board assembly of claim 3 in which the cover includes padding on the side of the cover adjacent the tracking frame.
6. The circuit board assembly of claim 4 in which the cover includes padding on the side of the cover adjacent the tracking frame.
7. A method of constructing a prototype board using a base board having a connection matrix, the prototype board having a matching matrix that matches the connection matrix, the method comprising the steps of:
locating the prototype board in a fixed position relative to the base board with the matching matrix aligned with the connection matrix;
inserting components having leads into the prototype board with the leads extending into the base board in electrical connection with the connection matrix to form a circuit;
testing the circuit;
removing the base board from the fixed position in relation to the prototype board; and soldering the leads of the components into the prototype board.
locating the prototype board in a fixed position relative to the base board with the matching matrix aligned with the connection matrix;
inserting components having leads into the prototype board with the leads extending into the base board in electrical connection with the connection matrix to form a circuit;
testing the circuit;
removing the base board from the fixed position in relation to the prototype board; and soldering the leads of the components into the prototype board.
8. The method of claim 7 in which locating the prototype board in a fixed position relative to the base board includes:
sliding the prototype board into a tracking frame that is pivotally attached to the base board;
and pivoting the tracking frame in relation to the base board until the prototype board and the base board are aligned.
sliding the prototype board into a tracking frame that is pivotally attached to the base board;
and pivoting the tracking frame in relation to the base board until the prototype board and the base board are aligned.
9. The method of claim 8 in which removing the base board from the fixed position in relation to the prototype board includes:
pivoting the tracking frame away from the base board.
pivoting the tracking frame away from the base board.
10. The method of claim 9 further including, before removing the base board from the fixed position in relation to the prototype board, covering the printed circuit board and the components on it with a cover and inverting the prototype board.
11. The method of claim 10 further including soldering the leads of the components while maintaining the cover in place.
12. A circuit board for mounting electrical components having leads, the leads having a known thickness, the circuit board comprising:
a substantially planar base formed of electrically insulating material and having a plurality of linear openings forming a matrix of openings in the base;
a plurality of electrically conducting elements each having length and width commensurate with the length and width of a corresponding one of the linear openings, each element being disposed within the base adjacent the corresponding one of the openings; and each element having a contact compression of sufficient tightness that the leads of the components cannot pass through the elements without engaging the elements.
a substantially planar base formed of electrically insulating material and having a plurality of linear openings forming a matrix of openings in the base;
a plurality of electrically conducting elements each having length and width commensurate with the length and width of a corresponding one of the linear openings, each element being disposed within the base adjacent the corresponding one of the openings; and each element having a contact compression of sufficient tightness that the leads of the components cannot pass through the elements without engaging the elements.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002079418A CA2079418A1 (en) | 1992-11-18 | 1992-11-18 | Apparatus and method for manufacturing printed circuit boards |
| US07/983,222 US5309327A (en) | 1992-11-18 | 1992-11-30 | Apparatus and method for manufacturing printed circuit boards |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002079418A CA2079418A1 (en) | 1992-11-18 | 1992-11-18 | Apparatus and method for manufacturing printed circuit boards |
| US07/983,222 US5309327A (en) | 1992-11-18 | 1992-11-30 | Apparatus and method for manufacturing printed circuit boards |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2079418A1 true CA2079418A1 (en) | 1994-05-19 |
Family
ID=25675559
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002079418A Abandoned CA2079418A1 (en) | 1992-11-18 | 1992-11-18 | Apparatus and method for manufacturing printed circuit boards |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5309327A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2079418A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE4338656C2 (en) * | 1993-11-12 | 1995-11-16 | Multiline International Europa | Device for aligning printed circuit boards and image carriers |
| US6787708B1 (en) | 2000-11-21 | 2004-09-07 | Unisys Corporation | Printed circuit board debug technique |
| US6650548B1 (en) * | 2002-06-05 | 2003-11-18 | Paul A. Swetland | Apparatus, method and system for interfacing electronic circuits |
| US7082676B2 (en) * | 2003-08-05 | 2006-08-01 | Qualitau, Inc. | Electrostatic discharge (ESD) tool for electronic device under test (DUT) boards |
| KR100730801B1 (en) * | 2005-12-28 | 2007-06-21 | 엠알 보드 인크 | Digital electrical parts and bread-board for electronic circuit study kit |
| US7649731B2 (en) * | 2007-01-31 | 2010-01-19 | Tyco Electronics Corporation | Power distribution module using buss bar |
| JP5487050B2 (en) * | 2010-08-19 | 2014-05-07 | 株式会社日本マイクロニクス | Probe card manufacturing method |
| JP2012042330A (en) * | 2010-08-19 | 2012-03-01 | Micronics Japan Co Ltd | Manufacturing method of probe card |
| CN102486480A (en) * | 2010-12-04 | 2012-06-06 | 鸿富锦精密工业（深圳）有限公司 | Motherboard testing bracket |
| JP6054150B2 (en) * | 2012-11-22 | 2016-12-27 | 日本電子材料株式会社 | Probe card case and probe card transport method |
| US9704417B2 (en) * | 2015-08-14 | 2017-07-11 | Michael T. Neal | Breadboard |
| JP2019012748A (en) * | 2017-06-29 | 2019-01-24 | 株式会社東芝 | Breadboard, breadboard system and program |
Family Cites Families (15)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3071876A (en) * | 1960-10-13 | 1963-01-08 | Gen Precision Inc | Electronic training apparatus |
| US3234629A (en) * | 1962-06-14 | 1966-02-15 | Defiance Printed Circuit Corp | Method for producing printed circuits |
| US3912983A (en) * | 1973-09-04 | 1975-10-14 | Micro Rel Inc | Hybrid circuit handling and testing system |
| US3952410A (en) * | 1974-03-28 | 1976-04-27 | Xynetics, Inc. | Probe card including a multiplicity of probe contacts and method of making |
| US4357062A (en) * | 1979-12-10 | 1982-11-02 | John Fluke Mfg. Co., Inc. | Universal circuit board test fixture |
| US4443756A (en) * | 1980-11-25 | 1984-04-17 | Lightbody James D | Apparatus and method for testing circuit boards |
| US4488354A (en) * | 1981-11-16 | 1984-12-18 | Ncr Corporation | Method for simulating and testing an integrated circuit chip |
| US4644269A (en) * | 1983-05-31 | 1987-02-17 | Pylon Company | Test fixture having full surface contact hinged lid |
| US4698906A (en) * | 1985-11-19 | 1987-10-13 | C-Cor Electronics, Inc. | Method for attaching a printed circuit board to a connector for testing purposes |
| DE3630548A1 (en) * | 1986-09-08 | 1988-03-10 | Mania Gmbh | DEVICE FOR ELECTRONICALLY CHECKING CIRCUITS WITH CONTACT POINTS IN 1/20 INCH GRID |
| US4812754A (en) * | 1987-01-07 | 1989-03-14 | Tracy Theodore A | Circuit board interfacing apparatus |
| US4907127A (en) * | 1988-03-21 | 1990-03-06 | Lee John K C | Printed circuit board construction and method for producing printed circuit end products |
| US4854039A (en) * | 1988-05-04 | 1989-08-08 | The Technology Congress, Ltd. | Prototype circuit board and method of testing |
| US4947112A (en) * | 1989-07-28 | 1990-08-07 | At&T Bell Laboratories | Apparatus and method for testing printed circuit boards |
| US5087878A (en) * | 1990-11-30 | 1992-02-11 | Compaq Computer Corporation | Top-accessible system, and related methods, for simultaneously testing the opposite sides of printed circuit board |
-
1992
- 1992-11-18 CA CA002079418A patent/CA2079418A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1992-11-30 US US07/983,222 patent/US5309327A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US5309327A (en) | 1994-05-03 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |