WO2014152396A2

WO2014152396A2 - User interface providing configuration and design solutions based on user inputs

Info

Publication number: WO2014152396A2
Application number: PCT/US2014/027297
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Christian WILLIAMS; Cody B. WHEELER
Original assignee: Samtec, Inc.
Priority date: 2013-03-14
Filing date: 2014-03-14
Publication date: 2014-09-25
Also published as: TW201447786A; WO2014152396A3

Abstract

Systems and methods comprising at least one interface coupled to a database that includes configuration information for configuration of components. Operations include navigating to the at least one interface corresponding to a product category and providing a plurality of filters. The navigating includes identifying the configuration options for configuration of components corresponding to the product category, filtering the identified configuration options using one or more business rules, and providing the plurality of filters corresponding to the product category. The filters display filtered identified configuration options. Filter selections are received and subsequent filters are updated based on previous filter selections, and a product is identified comprising at least one component of the components using the filter selections. The interface presents the product with corresponding visual representation including presenting technical links for accessing technical information corresponding to the product.

Description

USER INTERFACE PROVIDING CONFIGURATION AND DESIGN SOLUTIONS

BASED ON USER INPUTS

Inventors:

Daniel Christian WILLIAMS

Cody B. WHEELER

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of United States Patent Application No.

61/852,003, filed March 14, 2013.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments described herein relate generally to a web based interface tool for searching, identifying, designing and configuring hardware components and cable systems based on a series of user inputs.

BACKGROUND

There is a need for an electronic interface and database that includes configuration information for automatic configuration of components and component assemblies.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Each patent, patent application, and/or publication mentioned in this specification is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to the same extent as if each individual patent, patent application, and/or publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is an example of Samtec homepage, under an embodiment.

Figure 2 is a connector drop down menu located at Samtec homepage, under an embodiment. Figure 3 is a cable systems drop down menu located at Samtec homepage, under an embodiment.

Figure 4 is a Mezzanine product page with displayed Solutionator instance, under an embodiment.

Figure 5 shows a drop down menu enabling specification of total pins for mezzanine interconnect, under an embodiment.

Figure 6 shows drop down menu enabling specification of stack height for mezzanine interconnect given pin selection, under an embodiment.

Figure 7 shows drop down menu enabling specification of pitch for mezzanine interconnect given pin and stack height selection, under an embodiment.

Figure 8 shows identified configuration for mezzanine interconnect (i.e., a mated pair of interconnects) based on user inputs, under an embodiment.

Figure 9 shows side bar Solutionator for rugged high speed interconnects, under an embodiment.

Figure 10 shows side bar Solutionator for high density arrays, under an embodiment.

Figure 11 shows drop down menu corresponding to high density arrays enabling specification of total pins, under an embodiment.

Figure 12 shows drop down menu corresponding to high density arrays enabling specification of height/orientation given selection of total pins, under an embodiment.

Figure 13 shows drop down menu corresponding to high density arrays enabling specification of pitch given selection of total pins and height/orientation, under an embodiment.

Figure 14 shows drop down menu corresponding to high density arrays enabling specification of impedance given selection of total pins, height/orientation and pitch, under an embodiment.

Figure 15 shows identified configuration for high density array based on user inputs, under an embodiment. Figure 16 shows side bar Solutionator for ultra fine pitch interconnects, under an embodiment.

Figure 17 shows side bar Solutionator for 25 Gbps solutions, under an embodiment.

Figure 18 show the Micro Backplane System product page with displayed

Solutionator instance, under an embodiment.

Figure 19 show the High Speed Card Systems product page with displayed Solutionator instance, under an embodiment.

Figure 20 show the Micro Rugged Systems product page with displayed

Solutionator instance, under an embodiment.

Figure 21 shows side bar Solutionator configuration system for .050" systems, under an embodiment.

Figure 22 shows side bar Solutionator configuration system for micro pitch systems, under an embodiment.

Figure 23 shows side bar Solutionator configuration system for compression and one piece interfaces, under an embodiment.

Figure 24 shows one piece rugged and power product page with displayed Solutionator instance, under an embodiment.

Figure 25 shows extended life products product page with displayed Solutionator instance, under an embodiment.

Figure 26 shows solutionator menu offering "Design Solutions" and "Get Solutions" options on RF Interconnects product page, under an embodiment.

Figure 27 shows RF Interconnects products page with displayed Solutionator instance, under an embodiment.

Figure 28 is a flow chart of decisions of sidebar initial dataset, under an embodiment.

Figure 29 is a product landing page showing two mated product sets, under an embodiment. Figure 30 shows revealed technical links appearing when user selects technical information on a product page featuring two mated interconnect sets, under an

embodiment.

Figure 31 is a product page featuring a mated set of interconnects, under an embodiment.

Figure 32 is a flowchart showing user experience of a sidebar, under an embodiment.

Figure 33 is a product landing page featuring multiple components of a discrete wire product presented in grid format, under an embodiment.

Figure 34 is a product landing page featuring a single product component, under an embodiment.

Figure 35 shows drop down menu corresponding to rugged high speed strips enabling specification of total pins, under an embodiment.

Figure 36 shows drop down menu corresponding to rugged high speed strips enabling specification of height/orientation given selection of pins, under an embodiment.

Figure 37 shows drop down menu corresponding to rugged high speed strips enabling specification of pitch given selection of pins and height/orientation, under an embodiment.

Figure 38 shows identified configuration for rugged high speed strip based on user inputs, under an embodiment.

Figure 39 shows drop down menu corresponding to rugged high speed strips enabling specification of total pins, under an embodiment.

Figure 40 shows drop down menu corresponding to rugged high speed strips enabling specification of height/orientation given selection of pins, under an embodiment.

Figure 41 shows drop down menu corresponding to rugged high speed strips enabling specification of pitch given selection of pins and height/orientation, under an embodiment.

Figure 42 shows identified configuration for rugged high speed strip based on user inputs, under an embodiment. Figure 43 shows drop down menu corresponding to micro pitch systems enabling specification of total pins, under an embodiment.

Figure 44 shows drop down menu corresponding to micro pitch systems enabling specification of height/orientation given selection of pins, under an embodiment.

Figure 45 shows drop down menu corresponding to micro pitch systems enabling specification of pitch given selection of pins and height/orientation, under an

embodiment.

Figure 46 shows drop down menu corresponding to micro pitch systems enabling specification of contact system given selection of pins, height/orientation and pitch, under an embodiment.

Figure 47 shows identified configuration for micro pitch systems based on user inputs, under an embodiment.

Figure 48 shows drop down menu corresponding to micro pitch systems enabling specification of total pins, under an embodiment.

Figure 49 shows drop down menu corresponding to micro pitch systems enabling specification of height/orientation given selection of pins, under an embodiment.

Figure 50 shows drop down menu corresponding to micro pitch systems enabling specification of pitch given selection of pins and height/orientation, under an

embodiment.

Figure 51 shows drop down menu corresponding to micro pitch systems enabling specification of contact system given selection of pins, height/orientation and pitch, under an embodiment.

Figure 52 shows identified configuration for micro pitch systems based on user inputs, under an embodiment.

Figure 53 is an example on screen Specs Kit output of a Solutionator process, under an embodiment.

Figure 54 provides an email version of a Specs Kit, under an embodiment. Figure 55 shows interactive search tool located at top right of main company website showing search results containing phrase "ERF" by "products", "subcategory groups", "product features", "sites", and "product descriptions", under an embodiment.

Figure 56 shows interactive search tool located at top right of main company website showing search results containing phrase "ERF8" automatically showing all ERF8 products, under an embodiment.

Figure 57 shows on screen links to technical information for part series corresponding to exact match part identified using search tool, under an embodiment.

Figure 58 shows an implementation of Specs Kit technical information links through a Pricing and Delivery interface, under an embodiment.

Figure 59 is a block diagram of the Samtec web interface system, under an embodiment.

Figure 60 is a flowchart describing identification of a product based on filter inputs, under an embodiment.

Figure 61 is an example IDC/FFC hybrid sidebuilder UI, under an embodiment.

Figure 62 is an example sidebuilder screen that presents a solution with prompts for additional information, under an embodiment.

Figure 63 is an example sidebuilder solution page that presents an IDC solution and links to additional information of the solution, under an embodiment.

Figure 64 is an example discrete wire sidebuilder UI, under an embodiment.

Figure 65 is an example sidebuilder screen that presents a discrete wire solution with prompts for additional information, under an embodiment.

Figure 66 is an example sidebuilder solution page that presents a discrete wire solution and links to additional information of the solution, under an embodiment.

Figure 67 is an example high-speed cable assembly sidebuilder UI, under an embodiment.

Figure 68 is an example sidebuilder solution page that presents a cable assembly solution and links to additional information of the solution, under an embodiment.

Figures 69A-E show example data that is accessed via the links on the cable assembly solution page, under an embodiment.

Figure 70 shows an example technical specification of the cable assembly solution that is accessed via the links on the cable assembly solution page, under an embodiment.

Figure 71 is a flow diagram of the RF Solutionator configuration process, under an embodiment.

Figure 72 is an example UI for beginning the solution configuration process of the RF Solutionator, under an embodiment.

Figure 73 is an example UI for the RF cable system configuration process of the RF Solutionator, under an embodiment.

Figure 74 is an example cable detail chart presented in response to activation of the information link of the, under an embodiment.

Figure 75 is an example UI for the RF Cable System confirmation, under an embodiment.

Figure 76 is an example engineering drawing presented in response to selection of the engineering drawing link, under an embodiment.

Figures 77A-77D show flow diagrams of the Acclimate Solutionator processes, under an embodiment.

Figure 78 is an example UI of the Acclimate Solutionator, under an embodiment. Figure 79 shows example components of the user interface (UI) for defining the

Sealed Bayonet system, under an embodiment.

Figure 80 is an example Power Delivery Direction selector of the Sealed Bayonet UI, under an embodiment.

Figure 81 shows example components of the UI used to specify shell size and material selector of the Sealed Bayonet, under an embodiment.

Figure 82 is an example user interface (UI) for defining the Sealed Bayonet system pin count, under an embodiment.

Figure 83 is an example user interface (UI) for selecting a Bayonet System Solution, under an embodiment. Figure 84 is an example user interface (UI) for confirmation and checkout with a Bayonet System Solution, under an embodiment.

Figure 85 is an example Plating Options UI popup for the Bayonet System Solution, under an embodiment.

Figure 86 is an example Keying Options UI popup for the Bayonet System

Solution, under an embodiment.

Figure 87 is an example of the expandable section including additional detail and graphics for a configured System Assembly, under an embodiment.

Figure 88 is an example Solutionator UI screen showing a solution presented along with access to the Simulator ("Simulate Performance"), under an embodiment.

Figure 89 is an example output of the Simulator showing simulated operating characteristics of a configured solution, under an embodiment.

Figure 90 is an example presentation of a UI for accessing the Simulator of the Integrated Cable Solutionator, under an embodiment.

Figure 91 is an example presentation of the Full Simulator that is a feature of the integrated Cable Solutionator, under an embodiment.

Figure 92 is an example picture search UI, under an embodiment.

Figure 93 is an example picture search UI with an emphasized parts category ("Signal Integrity") in response to a cursor placed on the category, under an embodiment.

Figure 94 is an example picture search UI following selection of a parts category

("Signal Integrity"), under an embodiment.

Figure 95 is an example picture search UI with an emphasized part subcategory ("High Speed Cables") in response to a cursor placed on the part subcategory, under an embodiment.

Figure 96 is an example picture search UI following selection of a part subcategory ("High Speed Cables"), under an embodiment.

Figure 97 is an example picture search UI with an emphasized component ("Micro Flyover System") in response to a cursor placed on the component, under an embodiment. Figure 98 is an example component popup window of the picture search UI displayed in response to selection of the component ("Micro Flyover System"), under an embodiment.

Figure 99 is an example components page that includes the Solutionator UI, under an embodiment.

Figure 100 is an example interface during connector configuration showing remaining solution options in view of current user selections, under an embodiment.

Figure 101 is an example Dashboard of the Solutionator, under an embodiment. Figure 102 is an example Solutionator presentation corresponding to the

"Connectors" product category, under an embodiment.

Figure 103 is an example Solutionator presentation corresponding to the "Cable Systems" product category, under an embodiment.

Figure 104 is another example Solutionator presentation corresponding to the "Mezzanine" products, under an embodiment.

Figure 105 is an example Solutionator interface page corresponding to the "Q

Strip High Speed Interconnects" products, under an embodiment.

Figure 106 is an example Solutionator presentation corresponding to the "QSH" series, under an embodiment.

Figure 107 is an example Solutionator interface ("QSH series") with a pop-up window displaying additional information, under an embodiment.

Figure 108 is an example "tab-like" menu presented with the "series" interface, under an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein include systems and methods for providing a web- based interface for designing and configuring hardware components that include one or more of connectors, interconnects and cable systems based on a series of user inputs where available configuration options are filtered as the user selects design parameters. The server-based (e.g., server is web based, internet based, mobile server based, cloud based, etc.) interface of an embodiment, an element of which is also referred to herein as the Solutionator or Solutionator tool available from Samtec, Inc. ("Samtec"), New Albany Indiana, provides an interactive tool for designing and configuring interconnect systems/components, Radio Frequency (RF) cabling components, and certain sealed input/output (I/O) components.

Although the description herein includes many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following details are within the scope of the claimed invention. Thus, the following embodiments are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimed invention.

The Solutionator sidebar tool, as a web-based example embodiment of the server- based interface described herein, is available for a large number of Samtec products, for example. In fact, over a trillion part combinations are available to a customer visiting the Samtec website. Such part combinations include a tremendous variety of interconnects, cables, and assemblies. The website (inclusive of all corresponding software,

applications, hardware, interfaces, services, etc.) offers a number of navigational tools to assist the customer/user in navigating, configuring, designing and selecting Samtec parts and part configurations. The navigational tools include a series of Solutionator guides designed to assist website users in finding, configuring, selecting, researching and buying Samtec products. Each instance of the Solutionator corresponds generally to a set of products but embodiments are not so limited. Solutionator instances include a

Solutionator sidebar (the "Solutionator"), an Acclimate Solutionator (the "Acclimate Solutionator") and an RF Solutionator (the "RF Solutionator"), as described in detail herein. The Solutionator sidebar generally provides connector product and discrete wire product search capability. The Acclimate Solutionator provides sealed I/O (e.g., cable-to- cable, cable-to-board, cable-to-panel, etc.) and panel design solutions (e.g., panel mount connectors, sealed to panel cables, etc.). The RF Solutionator offers design guidance for RF interconnects products (e.g., higher frequency coaxial solutions, microwave RF, internal cable, external cable, semi-rigid cable, rigid cable, armored cable, board mount connector, panel mount connector, panel mount RF cable, right angle, vertical, straddle mount RP connectors, edgemount RF connectors, direct attached RF, etc.).

It should be noted that the Solutionator sidebar (or the "Get Solutions"

Solutionator, also referred to as "choose any filter") search capability is also available alongside other instances of the Solutionator tool. For example, the Acclimate

Solutionator is a configuration/design tool available to assist a user in

configuring/designing sealed I/O and panel solutions. When a user navigates to the "Sealed Circular and Rectangular" product page (e.g. by selecting the corresponding link in the Cable Systems drop down menu located at Samtec homepage), the user is presented with a "Design Solutions" and a "Get Solutions" option in a sidebar menu displayed at the left of the page. A selection of the "Get Solution" button replaces the sidebar with a Solutionator tool that the user may then use to search components. A selection of the "Design Solution" button navigates user to the front end of the Acclimate Solutionator tool that assists users in designing a sealed I/O cable system.

As another example, the Solutionator sidebar (or the "Get Solutions"

Solutionator) search capability is also available alongside the RF Solutionator. When a user navigates to the "50 Ohm" or "75 Ohm" product page (e.g. by selecting the corresponding link in the cable systems drop down menu located at the Samtec homepage), the user is presented with a "Design Solutions" (2650) and a "Get Solutions" (2660) option (alternatively referred to as "Choose Any Filter") in a sidebar menu displayed at the left of the page (see Figure 26). A "Get Solution" button selection replaces the sidebar with a Solutionator tool that the user may then use to search components. A "Design Solution" button selection navigates user to the front end of the RF Solutionator tool that assists users in designing RF cable systems.

Embodiments described herein are directed to the Solutionator search tool that assists user in identifying features, components, and assemblies. As indicated above, a user intuitively navigates to one or more of the solutionator instances by navigating to a product page that includes products of a type corresponding to the user' s desired solution. The Samtec website provides multiple avenues to its connector and cable products and therefore to corresponding Solutionator sidebars. A user may reach the entire range of Samtec products featuring corresponding Solutionator sidebar tools from the Samtec homepage located at www.samtec.com.

At the Samtec homepage, the user may reach the Solutionator tool by accessing information on connector or cable system products. At the top of the homepage (as seen in Figure 1), a Connector button (102) and Cable Systems button (104) offer drop down menu access to corresponding connector and cable systems options. It is noted that the drop-down functionality of each button is indicated by the downward arrow "v" icon but is not so limited. See Figure 2 and Figure 3 for examples of the connector and cable system drop down menu. In each such menu, an asterisk "*" is placed next to every product that features a Solutionator sidebar tool. Based on Figures 2 and 3, a user understands that the Solutionator tool is available for certain marked High Speed Board To Board connector products (210), Edge Card /Micro Backplane products (240), Micro Pitch Board to Board connector products (220), Rugged/Power connector products (230), RF interconnect products (260), Panel and I/O products (310) and Discrete Wire products (320) (e.g., including, but not limited to, discrete wire, RF, micro pitch board to board, high speed board to board, etc.).

High-Speed Board-To-Board connector products featuring a Solutionator sidebar include Mezzanine connectors, Rugged High Speed Strips, High Density Arrays, Ultra Micro, and 25+ Gbps Solutions, but are not so limited. A user may reach each such product page by selecting the appropriate drop down menu item. For example, selection of Mezzanine strips in the connector menu directs the user to the Mezzanine product page (Figure 4) where the Solutionator tool automatically appears in the sidebar position. On a product page such as the Mezzanine page, a user may alternate between products (410- 440 and 460) within the High Speed Board to Board category by simply tabbing to the desired product page. Between the menu access and the tabbed ribbon, there are also cascading description fields (e.g., "CONNECTORS > HIGH-SPEED-BOARD-TO- BOARD > MEZZANINE"), which permit the user to "see" between description levels. The use of these breadcrumbs helps users to not only backward navigate on the fly to an upper level decision, but also offers a chance to select parallel divergent solutions by right clicking and select new tab or new window. Each product within the High Speed Board to Board category occupies a position in a tabbed ribbon (480) across the top of the page presenting the user with a tabbed browsing/shopping experience. From the

Mezzanine product page, a user may simply select "High Density Arrays" tab (430) and navigate to the corresponding product page (Figure 10) where the Solutionator tool appears in sidebar position (if the Solutionator is available for that product). A show all tab (featured as the top left tab of the product ribbon 470) allows the user to display all products in the High-Speed Board-To-Board connector category. A user may take an alternate path to the Mezzanine connector page by selecting the corresponding hot link set forth at the bottom of the Samtec homepage underneath the "connectors" category.

As described in greater detail below, the Solutionator sidebar instance provides a series of menus that provide a discrete set of configuration options in each such menu. A user selects configuration options from top to bottom menus. The Solutionator of an embodiment progressively filters options available to the user and provides the user with a single product (i.e. mated set of interconnects) along with corresponding technical documentation. While the Solutionator sidebar of an embodiment automatically applies filters to the configuration options, the Solutionator of one or more alternative embodiments enables users to select filters in any order when a category and subcategory have been selected, and the other filters update based on the selection. As the sidebar filters are being selected, the Solutionator display changes such that the visible boxes of combined visuals of connector types and descriptions change depending upon the selection filters described. Noteworthy is that embodiments of the Solutionator have no limit as to the number of menu options, but the drop down menus that are presented correspond to the more likely options customers will choose from, as well as possible options that are available. Further, the available options presented by the Solutionator include the options that are possible under a given component or assembly series design, so that a user is not able to select and construct a series of invalid part numbers or impossible configurations. Figures 5-17 provide examples of user provided menu inputs and corresponding Solutionator part filtering and configuration. Figure 5 shows a drop-down menu enabling specification of a number of total pins for a mezzanine interconnect, under an embodiment. Figure 6 shows a drop down menu enabling specification of stack height for a mezzanine interconnect given pin selection, under an embodiment. Figure 7 shows drop down menu enabling specification of pitch for a mezzanine interconnect given pin and stack height selection, under an embodiment.

Figure 8 shows an identified configuration for a mezzanine interconnect (i.e., a mated pair of interconnects) based on user inputs, under an embodiment. More particularly, Figure 8 shows links that the user may follow in order to retrieve additional technical information regarding each part (810, 820) of the mated set. Technical information for the set includes technical drawings (e.g., used for determining

dimensions, size, shape, and geometries of the connector, component height clearance in the processing oven, can also help in determining approximate size, length, depth), footprint specifications (e.g., used to help design customer board layouts, footprint design, break-out design; noteworthy is the issue that these designs are complex and, as the footprint design in some high speed connectors can severely limit the performance of the connector, the footprint designs provided by the Solutionator of an embodiment are modeled specifically to balance between the needs of density, electrical performance, thermal and power performance, and mechanical processing and layout constraints from both Samtec and the customers board design), three-dimensional (3D) models that are compatible with a variety of third party applications including ACIS, IGES, Parasolid, STEP, and PADS (e.g., used for model import for bill of material, designing for manufacturability, designing for minimize customer PCB design time, etc.).

These 3D model types are industry standard formats, and represent a non- exhaustive list of popular import file types that are commonly used to transfer models from one software package into another software package. Unique with the Solutionator, however, is that selection of any 3D model link initiates a download of the requested model from the Solutionator, which generates the selected model in real-time using the corresponding modeling software and the specifications of the component being modeled. As such, the Solutionator of an embodiment is an integration of a web-based tool that generates in real-time a component or assembly based upon stored known data of the component file and additionally provides real-time output of the file for download by the customer. Alternatively, selection of a 3D model link generates an email request to Samtec for the respective model.

The technical specifications link navigates the user to a comprehensive product page that provides an exhaustive list of technical information for the part series corresponding to the respective product. The product page also allows the user to order a Specs Kit (830) and samples (840). The product page also provides the user an option to chat with an engineer (850), thereby quickly connecting the customer with

knowledgeable engineers who provide quality service with relevant information. The Solutionator therefore improves upon conventional systems, which present too much information in a large number of distracting links, by "chunking" detailed information into a single email or Specs Kit, thereby giving the end user an efficient solution by concisely providing all relevant information of all potential solutions of a customer to be delivered via an email or Specs Kit. Figure 9 shows side bar Solutionator for rugged high-speed interconnects, under an embodiment.

Figure 10 shows side bar Solutionator for high-density arrays, under an embodiment.

Figure 11 shows drop down menu corresponding to high-density arrays enabling specification of total pins, under an embodiment.

Figure 12 shows drop down menu corresponding to high-density arrays enabling specification of height/orientation given selection of total pins, under an embodiment.

Figure 13 shows drop down menu corresponding to high-density arrays enabling specification of pitch given selection of total pins and height/orientation, under an embodiment. Figure 14 shows drop down menu corresponding to high-density arrays enabling specification of impedance given selection of total pins, height/orientation and pitch, under an embodiment.

Figure 15 shows identified configuration for high-density array based on user inputs, under an embodiment.

Figure 16 shows side bar Solutionator for ultra fine pitch interconnects, under an embodiment.

The Edge Card/Micro Backplane connector products featuring a Solutionator sidebar include Micro Backplane Systems (1810) and High Speed Card Systems (1820). A user may reach each such product page by selecting the appropriate drop down menu item under the homepage connector menu. For example, selection of Micro Backplane System in the connector menu directs the user to the Micro Backplane Systems product page (Figure 18) where the Solutionator tool (1805) automatically appears in the sidebar position. On a product page such as the Micro Backplane Systems page, a user may alternate between products (1810, 1820) within the Edge Card/Micro Backplane category by simply tabbing to the desired product page. Each product within the Edge Card/Micro Backplane category occupies a position in a ribbon (1840) across the top of the page presenting the user with a tabbed browsing/shopping experience. From the Micro

Backplane Systems product page, a user simply selects High Speed Card Systems tab and navigates to the corresponding product page (Figure 19) where the Solutionator tool appears in sidebar position (if available for that product). A show all tab (1830) allows the user to display all products in the Edge Card/Micro Backplane product category. A user may take an alternate path to the Edge Card/Micro Backplane connector page by simply selecting the corresponding hot link set forth at the bottom of the Samtec homepage underneath the "connectors" category.

The Micro Pitch Board-to-Board connectors featuring a sidebar Solutionator include .050" systems (e.g., 0.050 inch pitch, pin and socket type connector) (2010), Rugged or Micro Rugged Systems (2020), Micro Pitch Systems (2030), and Compression/One Piece (2040). A user may reach each such product page by selecting the appropriate drop down connector menu item. For example, selection of Micro Rugged Systems in the connector drop down menu directs the user to the Micro Rugged Systems product page (Figure 20) where the Solutionator tool (2005) automatically appears in the sidebar position. On a product page such as the Micro Rugged Systems page, a user may alternate between product categories (2010-2040) within the Micro Pitch Board to Board category by simply tabbing to the desired product page. Each product within the Micro Pitch Board to Board category occupies a position in a ribbon (2050) across the top of the page presenting the user with a tabbed browsing/shopping experience. From the Micro Rugged product page, a user may simply select the Micro Pitch tab and navigate to the corresponding product page (Figure 22) where the Solutionator tool appears in sidebar position (if the Solutionator is available for that product). A show all tab 2060 (featured as the top left tab of the product ribbon 2050) allows the user to display all products in the Micro Pitch Board-to-Board connector category. A user may take an alternate path to the Micro Pitch Board to Board connector page by simply selecting the corresponding hot link set forth at the bottom of the Samtec homepage underneath the connectors category.

Figure 23 shows a side bar Solutionator configuration system for compression and one-piece interfaces, under an embodiment.

The Rugged/Power products featuring a sidebar solution include Power Systems (2410), Combination Signal/Power (2420), One Piece Rugged and Power (2430), Micro Rugged Systems (2440), and Extended Life Products (2450). A user may reach each such product page by selecting the appropriate drop down connector menu item. For example, selection of One Piece in the connector drop down menu directs the user to the One Piece product page (Figure 24) where the Solutionator tool (2405) automatically appears in the sidebar position. On a product page such as the One Piece page (2400), a user may alternate between products within the Rugged/Power category by simply tabbing to the desired product page (2410-2450). Each product within the Rugged/Power category occupies a position in a ribbon (2470) across the top of the page presenting the user with a tabbed browsing/shopping experience. From the Power Systems product page, a user may select the Extended Life tab and navigate to the corresponding product page (Figure 25) where the Solutionator tool appears in sidebar position (if the Solutionator is available for that product). A show all tab (featured as the top left tab of the product ribbon (2460)) allows the user to display all products in the Rugged/Power category. Further, the Rugged/Power category of an embodiment includes selection filters related to power (e.g., power, current, etc.). A user may take an alternate path to the

Rugged/Power product category pages by simply selecting the corresponding hot link set forth at the bottom of the Samtec homepage underneath the connectors category.

The RF Interconnect products featuring Solutionator sidebar solutions include 50 ohm and 75 ohm RF products. A user may reach each such product page by selecting the appropriate Cable Systems or connector drop down menu item. For example, selection of 50 ohm in the cable system drop down menu directs the user to the 50-ohm product page (Figure 26) where a Solutionator selection menu appears in sidebar position (2605). A Solutionator instance and an RF Solutionator instance are both available on the 50-ohm and 75-ohm product page. Selection of the "Get Solutions" button (2660) triggers availability of the Solutionator tool for searching Samtec component inventory (Figure 27, 2705) where selection of the "Design Solutions" (2650) button directs the user to the front end of the RF Solutionator cable system design tool (not shown).

As indicated above, selection of the 50-ohm drop down menu directs a user to the 50 Ohm product page (Figure 26) where the Solutionator sidebar appears in a sidebar solution. Note that the "Design Solutions" button of the sidebar corresponds to the question "Need a full cable assembly?" (e.g., positioned above the button) and the "Get Solutions" tab of the sidebar corresponds to the "Need components?" question

(positioned above the button). Each such question indicates the underlying purpose of the presented solution. The "Design Solutions" approach identifies system level solutions versus component level recommendations of the contrasting "Get Solutions" approach. In general, the sidebar Solutionator instance triggered by "Get Solutions" button (as described herein) recommends a single component (i.e., a mated set of interconnects) and foregoes additional design considerations such as mating mechanisms or cable assembly components. As otherwise described herein, the Solutionator generally identifies a single solution based on a limited number of user inputs. As opposed to presenting a

comprehensive set of inputs to the user (in the form of a comprehensive part builder mechanism), the Solutionator tool deliberately limits input fields to provide an intuitive path to a single component (i.e., mated set) solution without burdening the user with a complex series of configuration options. The Solutionator implements this "Get

Solutions" approach through a series of logic/business rules as further described below.

On a product page such as the 50-ohm page (Figure 26), a user may alternate between product pages (2610, 2620) within the RF Interconnect products category by simply tabbing to the desired product page. Each product within the RF Interconnect products category occupies a position in a ribbon (2640) across the top of the page presenting the user with a tabbed browsing/shopping experience. From the 50 ohm product page, a user may simply select the 75 Ohm tab (2620) and navigate to the corresponding product page (not shown) where the user is again presented with the Solutionator menu featuring the "Design Solutions" and "Get Solutions" options. A show all tab (2630) (featured as the top left tab of the product ribbon (2640)) allows the user to display all products in the RF Interconnect product category. A user may take an alternate path to the RF Interconnect product pages by simply selecting the corresponding hot link set forth at the bottom of the Samtec homepage underneath either the connectors or cable system categories. For every product category, the Solutionator displays a number of remaining solution options given the filters already applied. For example, Figure 100 is an example interface during connector configuration showing remaining solution options in view of current user selections, under an embodiment.

Panel and I/O products featuring Solutionator sidebar solution include sealed circular and rectangular products. A user may reach the sealed circular and rectangular product page by selecting the appropriate Cable Systems drop down menu item. A selection of the sealed circular and rectangular drop down menu item directs the user to a corresponding product page where a Solutionator selection menu appears (not shown). As indicated above, the Solutionator instance and the Acclimate Solutionator instance are both available on the sealed I/O panel products page. Selection of the "Get Solutions" button triggers availability of the Solutionator tool for sealed I/O panel products page where selection of the "Design Solutions" button directs the user to the front end of the Acclimate Solutionator design tool for sealed I/O panel products (not shown).

Discrete Wire products featuring Solutionator sidebar solution include 1,00 mm pitch, .050" Pitch Tiger Eye, 2,00 mm Pitch Tiger Eye, .100" Pitch Mini Mate, .100" Pitch Mini Mate Universal, .165" Pitch Power Mate, 5,00 mm Pitch PowerStrip /25 and .250" PowerStrip /35 products, for example. A selection of any product link in the cable systems drop down menu navigates to the corresponding product page featuring all products within the Discrete Wire category (not shown). A user may then vertically scroll/browse through all product categories. A Solutionator menu tracks the scrolled position of the page continually reorienting with respect to the viewing window at the top left of the page. The Solutionator of an embodiment supports tabbed browsing and permits the user to maintain current level and context when user decides to explore different options; this is also useful for users with multi-screen capabilities.

The Solutionator menu offers a "Design Assemblies" and "Get Solutions" button. The "Design Assemblies" provides a Solutionator sidebar for searching full cable assembly products (not shown). The "Get Solutions" button provides a Solutionator sidebar for searching discrete wire components. The Design Assemblies interface (not shown) will output only full cable system solutions for the user with the cable already included in the solution provided. The Get Solutions interface will output only the components the user needs. The Solutionator instance (corresponding to the Get

Solutions button) allows users to create their own system using Samtec components as their end options. Many Samtec customers maintain flexibility in application design by identifying component solutions, e.g. identifying board side connectors, while preserving control over remaining design considerations, e.g. cable length.

The Solutionator of an embodiment includes solutions for Insulation- Displacement Connectors (IDCs) and Flat Flex Cables (FFCs) that includes all IDC products (similar to the way the Discrete Wire Solutionator covers all DW products). This is a hybrid "sidebuilder" version, which is accessed by clicking on IDC and FFC under the Cable Systems menu of an embodiment, and it comprises .100" Pitch IDC Systems, 2mm Pitch IDC Systems, and .050" Pitch Systems.

The Solutionator for IDC and FFC solutions is also referred to herein as a hybrid sidebuilder because the user interface (UI) of this Solutionator is a hybrid of a

Solutionator and a builder as described herein. Figure 61 is an example IDC/FFC hybrid sidebuilder UI, under an embodiment. The sidebuilder UI, which in this example embodiment is presented in the left portion of the UI, initiates the process of generating a solution for a user by prompting the user to select or specify one or more IDC/FFC product-related parameters (e.g., family, body type, cable type, end option, gender, positions, row type). Following input of the parameters via the dropdown menus, the sidebuilder presents a solution along with prompt(s) for additional information (e.g., assembled length, option(s)) to further refine the desired solution. Figure 62 is an example sidebuilder screen that presents a solution with prompts for additional information, under an embodiment.

Following input or selection of the additional options, the sidebuilder presents a solution page that includes the solution along with links by which the user can access or download additional information or data of the solution, and request samples. Figure 63 is an example sidebuilder solution page that presents an IDC solution and links to additional information of the solution, under an embodiment. The additional information of an embodiment includes the Specs Kit as described herein, and numerous different models and drawings, but is not so limited. A link is also provided by which the user makes contact with a Samtec representative.

The Solutionator of an embodiment also includes a hybrid sidebuilder for discrete wire solutions. Figure 64 is an example discrete wire sidebuilder UI, under an embodiment. The sidebuilder Ul initiates the process of generating a solution for a user by prompting the user to select or specify one or more discrete wire product-related parameters (e.g., family, cable type, gender, pitch, row type). Following input of the selections via the dropdown menus, the sidebuilder presents a discrete wire solution along with prompt(s) for additional information (e.g., pins per row, wire gauge, plating options, assembled length, end option) to define the desired solution. Figure 65 is an example sidebuilder screen that presents a discrete wire solution with prompts for additional information, under an embodiment.

Following input or selection of the additional parameters, the sidebuilder presents a solution page that includes the discrete wire solution along with links by which the user can access or download additional information or data of the discrete wire solution, and request samples. Figure 66 is an example sidebuilder solution page that presents a discrete wire solution and links to additional information of the solution, under an embodiment. The additional information of an embodiment includes the Specs Kit as described herein, and numerous different models and drawings of the discrete wire solution, but is not so limited. A link is also provided for use in contacting a Samtec representative.

An embodiment includes a Solutionator in the High Speed Assemblies category, and this Solutionator is also a hybrid sidebuilder as described herein. This particular hybrid Solutionator, which is directed at products using a cable between two connectors, generally allows the user to arrive at a series level by populating a few filters just as the other Solutionators described herein. From there, the Solutionator enables the user to choose options to complete a cable, including but not limited to at least one of length, end options, and retention options, for example. The Solutionator result that is provided to the user is a fully configured, end-to-end cable assembly.

More specifically, Figure 67 is an example high-speed cable assembly sidebuilder UI, under an embodiment. The sidebuilder UI initiates the process of generating a solution for a user by prompting the user to select or specify one or more cable assembly product-related parameters (e.g., category, family, interconnect type, pitch, positions, signal type). Following input of the selections via the dropdown menus, the sidebuilder presents a cable assembly solution along with prompt(s) for additional information (e.g., pin mapping, assembled length, latching option) to define the desired solution.

Following input or selection of the additional options, the sidebuilder presents a solution page that includes the cable assembly solution along with links by which the user can access or download additional information or data of the cable assembly solution, and request samples. Figure 68 is an example sidebuilder solution page that presents a cable assembly solution and links to additional information of the solution, under an

embodiment. The additional information of an embodiment includes the Specs Kit as described herein, and numerous different models and drawings of the discrete wire solution, but is not so limited. Figures 69A-E show example data that is accessed via the links on the cable assembly solution page, under an embodiment. Figure 70 shows an example technical specification of the cable assembly solution that is accessed via the links on the cable assembly solution page, under an embodiment.

The sidebuilder cable assembly solution page also presents simulation data of the cable assembly solution along with an icon to launch the Simulator ("Launch Full Simulator"), as described in detail herein. Additionally, a link is provided for use in contacting a Samtec representative.

As described herein, the Solutionator sidebar tool includes numerous instances, where each instance of the Solutionator corresponds generally to a set of products.

Specifically, in addition to the Solutionator sidebar (the "Solutionator") and hybrid sidebuilder, Solutionator instances include the RF Solutionator and the Acclimate Solutionator.

More specifically, the RF Solutionator offers design guidance for RF interconnect combinations available from Samtec is significantly reduced by the RF Solutionator when the user selects products in the RF category. This decision reduces the component options presented to the user to only RF-related components, and embodiments use the RF Solutionator as a solid entry point to the sales channel for Samtec in the form of quotes and free samples for products in the RF category. Thus, the RF Solutionator includes many custom parts, cable lengths, and other non-standard Samtec part configurations that have been filtered to only include RF-related parts and part combinations. This allows Samtec to offer free samples through the RF Solutionator without incurring extraordinarily heavy costs or production times, and to provide a data set that ensures a selection of products so that the typical user could find an acceptable starting point to either get a quote in the case of a custom configuration, or a sample of their solution in the case of standard options.

In an example operation, the user navigates to the RF Solutionator via a pre- specified route (e.g., http://www.samtec.com -> Connectors/Cable Systems -> RF Interconnects - 50 Ohm/75 Ohm/Original Solutions - All links within these

categories). Alternatively, the user reaches the RF Solutionator by navigating to a specified web address (e.g., http://rf.samtec.com). From this entry point the RF

Solutionator guides the user through the configuration process. Figure 71 is a flow diagram of the RF Solutionator configuration process, under an embodiment. The process detailed in this example flow diagram is described in detail below in the context of operational examples.

The RF Solutionator of an embodiment includes options for 50 Ohm and 75 Ohm systems because these are the most common within the RF industry, however alternative embodiments can include systems with alternative impedances. Additionally, the maximum cable length for samples in an embodiment is set at one (1) meter in order to minimize sample production costs, but embodiments are not so limited. Some less commoditized solutions such as ganged, connector/RF combinations, and extremely high-density options are also omitted from the initial offering due to the complexity to sample, but alternative embodiments can include these solutions.

Figure 72 is an example UI for beginning the solution configuration process of the RF Solutionator, under an embodiment. This example UI page of the RF Solutionator is the entry point for a stepwise process that increases the likelihood the RF Solutionator results in a new lead. The UI includes one or more of the following links: a header link back to the Samtec.com homepage; a header link straight to the RF systems page on Samtec.com; a feedback link to provide feedback to the web team; a header link to get in touch directly with an RF engineer via chat; a footer link comprising the phone number to directly contact Samtec.

The first step in the RF Solutionator process of an embodiment involves the user filtering selections down from the full set of solutions using impedance. The user filters by selecting the impedance rating of the system, 50 or 75 Ohm. From here, only products carrying the selected impedance are considered in the final result set.

With impedance selected, the user then moves to the second step, RF cable system configuration, where they define the end options as a jack or plug, cable type and style, and cable length of their system. Figure 73 is an example UI for the RF cable system configuration process of the RF Solutionator, under an embodiment. The UI presented at this system configuration step includes representative images of Samtec products that vary based on user selection. These representative images include enough detail to provide the user with an understanding of the solution, while also being generic enough so as not to confuse the user. This facsimile approach allows a clean graphical representation of the products throughout the entire RF Solutionator. In addition to the component selection controls presented on this UI, this system configuration step also includes a link ("What are these?" on the "Cable" panel) to a cable chart in the event the user requires more information about cable offerings. Figure 74 is an example cable detail chart presented in response to activation of the information link of the, under an embodiment.

The selections made by the user in this second step are innovative in that they do not require a linear, left to right selection process. Instead, the RF Solutionator allows one to select a component of a system, whether it be the cable or connector, and the remaining component options are filtered in accordance with the selection. This provides flexibility in design options because a user is not forced to choose a particular option first. When selecting configuration options, the user chooses a first connector option for a first end ("End 1" panel) based on how their RF system needs to connect to their design. The user can choose either a jack or plug option. If a user chooses a cable type first, these options will be filtered to match.

Regarding cable selections, the user selects from three cable styles ("Cable" panel) including double ended, strip and tin, and blunt cut. The double-ended option is selected for a cable with an RF connector on each end. The strip and tin option, which is selected for a cable with an RF connector on one end and a small portion of the conductor exposed on the other, allows the user to attach their own connector without having to strip the cable themselves. The blunt cut option is selected for a cable with an RF connector on one end, and a clean cut of the RF wire on the other, and is often used for cable routing purposes before another connector is added.

In double-ended systems, the user chooses a second connector option for a second end ("End 2" panel) based on how their RF system needs to connect to their design. The user can choose either a jack or plug option. If a user chooses a cable type first, these options will be filtered to match.

The system configuration step of the RF Solutionator provides the ability to create a full system by enabling the addition of board level mates. As such, the RF Solutionator overcomes a shortcoming in conventional configuration tools that only offer the ability to build a cable, and do not take into account the connectors that are needed to connect the cable to a board.

The system configuration step is followed by a third step, confirmation. Figure 75 is an example UI for the RF Cable System confirmation, under an embodiment. At confirmation the user is presented with a mockup representation of the system configured in accordance with their selections during the impedance selection and system

configuration steps. The user is presented with pricing if it is available, as well as the cable option, and end options selected in the previous steps. The user is also presented with the option to view a drawing ("View Engineering Drawing"), and proceed with getting a quote, sample, or contacting sales to buy their system (e.g., "Get Samples, Quote and Buy", "Get Samples, Simulate, Quote and Buy", etc.), and a few other small configuration options.

If pricing is available for the part configured by the user, the confirmation UI displays the information in standard quantity breakdown increments of 1-99, 100-249, 250-499, 500-999, and 1 ,000-10,000, but any increments can be used in alternative embodiments. Custom volume pricing can be obtained here by contacting Samtec.

Prices do not include board level mates, but the embodiment is not so limited.

Regarding the cable assembly, the user is provided with a Features table that includes the exact part number of their system configuration as well as the selected configuration options. The Features table displays the options the user selected in an easy-to-read fashion, with the descriptions of the parts listed. While conventional applications may use part numbers to designate the user configuration selections, the Features table includes detail in the form of a descriptions field that more intuitively displays the configured solution to the user.

The user is presented, via the Features table, two additional configuration options.

In a first option, the user can input a custom label ("Labels") that will be applied to the cable assembly. As a second additional option, the user can select a heat shrink color ("Heat Shrink") (e.g., black, red, green, blue, yellow, etc.). In addition to the Features table, the user is presented a graphical mockup of the configured system, including cable and end options. From here, the user can view the engineering drawing on the Samtec website by selecting the link presented ("View Engineering Drawing"). Figure 76 is an example engineering drawing presented in response to selection of the engineering drawing link, under an embodiment. The engineering drawing presented in an embodiment is dynamically configured but is not so limited. For example, an

embodiment combines two or more engineering drawings of components in order to generate the engineering drawing that shows the dimensions of each connector shown. This helps the user ensure there is enough space in their design by looking at the system's exact dimensions before ordering their system. The confirmation UI also includes a badge ("Free Sample Available") alerting the user if a free sample is available of the configured solution. The use of this badge avoids excessive copy on the page explaining the free sample in lieu of a minimal but noticeable way to alert the user they can get a free sample.

The confirmation Ul includes a link the selection of which enables the user to request a sample and a quote, and a provides a method for contacting a sales

representative to purchase the configured part. The user can request a sample by checking a box if they would like a free sample of the system they configured. The user is also asked to confirm their request for a sample. Likewise, the user can request a formal quote of the system they configured by checking the request box. The user enters their contact information in order to fill in the sample and/or quote details. A comment field is provided in which the user can enter comments that are provided to the Samtec representative along with the sample or quote request. The user is sent an email with all of the information they submitted during the RF Solutionator process, including a PDF attachment of their system details, and the Samtec representative will subsequently follow up with them regarding the sales process.

The Acclimate Solutionator provides sealed I/O and panel design solutions. Embodiments include an Acclimate Solutionator that is a progressive, stepwise process, independent of the main Samtec website, that focuses the user on selecting a full cable assembly solution. More particularly, the Acclimate Solutionator that is an application by which a Full Cable Assembly Solution is presented to a user in response to minimal inputs speci fying a desired solution. The input of the Acclimate Solutionator involves a progressive stepwise process that leads to the output, which is either a standard part number(s) or a custom solution design via which a request can be submitted for creation, but embodiments are not so limited.

The user navigates to the Acclimate Solutionator via a pre-specified route (e.g., http://www.samtec.com -> Homepage -> Cable Systems -> Panel & I/O -> Sealed Circular and Rectangular -> Design Solutions (Not "Get Solutions")). Alternatively, the user reaches the Acclimate Solutionator by going to http://sealedIO.samtec.com. From this entry point the Acclimate Solutionator guides the user through the configuration process. Figures 77A-77D show flow diagrams of the Acclimate Solutionator processes, under an embodiment. The process detailed in these example flow diagrams is described in detail below in the context of operational examples.

Generally, navigation elements of the Acclimate Solutionator are placed at the top and bottom of the UI displays with selection criteria in the center. Navigational elements can be placed anywhere on the screen as long as the common intent is to advance the process. The navigational elements in this Acclimate Solutionator are dynamic and change based on the path(s) selected by the user.

The Acclimate Solutionator defines a filter step when a customer selects the product category "Panel & I/O/Sealed/Design Solutions", as only those associated components will be shown. From this entry point the Acclimate Solutionator

automatically performs additional filtering and grouping of the product series using business logic or rules.

The logic of an embodiment includes grouping by physical characteristics of

Locking Mechanism (Bayonet Locking or Threaded Locking) and Shape (Circular or Rectangular). The logic also avoids optional add-ons that do not change the electrical integrity of the product. Physical options like Latches, Guide Posts, and Packaging considerations are left off of the products in order to provide the customer with a relatively basic product. This product is meant to be a starting point for the customer, and is configurable after a sample/inquiry has been made.

Additionally, the logic promotes the most cost effective products (Standards). Non-catalog standard options are available, but a longer lead-time and no free sample is a result of the non-standard offering. All filtering/solutions of the Acclimate Solutionator® thus lead the use to one final solution.

Figure 78 is an example UI of the Acclimate Solutionator, under an embodiment. This example UI is an entry point, also referred to herein as Step 1, for the design of an Acclimate solution based on shape/locking type. The user selects a system based on the locking mechanism and shape as follows: a. Sealed Bayonet Circulars (Bayonet Path described in detail herein).

b. Sealed Threaded Circulars (Threaded Path described in detail herein). c. Sealed Rectangulars (Rectangulars Path described in detail herein).

Each of these paths leads the user to a unique sealed solution, while each path is different (e.g., number of steps, customizations, etc.) based on the initial selection.

Moreover, each path is progressive so that the selection process gradually narrows as the user progresses further in the process so that each subsequent selection is determined by the previous filter selections. This is done to limit the options in the filter, and to ensure that no filter set will ever result in zero solutions. At anytime during the design process, a chat option is available that connects the user to a Sealed 10 expert. The chat option provides the Samtec representative with a link to the current design configured by the user, but is not so limited.

In response to selection of the Sealed Bayonet Circulars interface at Step 1 the Acclimate Solutionator presents a UI by which the user further defines the Sealed Bayonet system. Figure 79 shows example components of the user interface (UI) for defining the Sealed Bayonet system, under an embodiment. The Bayonet Path of an embodiment prompts the user, at this step 2, to begin design of a Bayonet System. This is a progressive path, and the options comprising this process are built on each other. The UI of this example includes four (4) regions or panels where selections are entered. A first region, Panel 1 , queries the user to define how the first panel cable is to be terminated. The second region, External Cable, queries the user to define how the external cable is to be terminated and configured. Field Termination Kits are available as an option and require the user to decide if he/she would like to add bulk cable. The third region, Panel 2, is similar to Panel 1 inputs, but the options presented are limited based on the external cable inputs.

A very unique element of the Acclimate Solutionator is the ability to

automatically determine or filter connector gender by selecting a power delivery direction. As such, this option empowers the user to determine which connector will be a socket or terminal based on which way the power is flowing (e.g., Terminal Pins will not be powered to the touch). Consequently, a fourth region of the UI for defining the Sealed Bayonet system, Power Delivery Direction, enables the user to define connector genders in one click by deciding which way the power will flow through the connector. Terminal connectors will not be powered. Figure 80 is an example Power Delivery Direction selector of the Sealed Bayonet UI, under an embodiment.

Generally, selection of any option in any region of the UI narrows the remaining available selections. For example, the user selecting an option for External cable determines what can be selected in Panel 2 (Board Connector). Most options will require an external cable length input if cable is involved, but if no cable is involved then the Acclimate Solutionator® automatically removes the length input box from the UI.

During this step the UI displays a representative image that reflects the users input and defines the selections made. Also featured on this UI is a unit (inches/mm) converter.

Physical characteristics and material are offered as a final decision on the UI at Step 2. The UI simplifies the process by showing graphical and dimensions images from which the user can choose. Figure 81 shows example components of the UI used to specify shell size and material selector of the Sealed Bayonet, under an embodiment. With this UI the user has the ability to decide if they want a plastic or metal product ("Choose Shell Material"). Further, the user selects a size of the cable end ("Choose Shell Size"). This UI presents visual graphics and dimensions to help the user, as well as pin configuration options (when selecting "Details").

Selection of a pin count is simplified using the Acclimate Solutionator. Figure 82 is an example user interface (UI) for defining the Sealed Bayonet system pin count, under an embodiment. Once a shell size and material has been selected at Step 2, the available Standard and Modified pin configurations are provided to the user at this Step 3. Tabbed options are displayed here along with an approximate amperage value to help the user make a selection. The pin configurations of an embodiment are grouped according to two tabs (e.g., "Standard Lead Styles", and "Modified Lead Styles"). If the user does not see the required pin count he/she can click a link labeled "selected shell size" to go back and choose a different shell size. Upon selection of a pin count the details for the selected pin configuration are displayed in the grid on the UI. Again, wire gauge and approximate Pin Amperage are displayed to help the user in selecting a configuration.

The final decision presented to a user in an embodiment of the Sealed Bayonet system UI is selection of a Standard or Modified version of their configured solution, also referred to as Step 4. Figure 83 is an example user interface (UI) for selecting a Bayonet System Solution, under an embodiment. Simulations corresponding to the Standard Solution and the Modified Solution are available via icons presented on this UI. The simulations are generated and presented via the Simulator described in detail herein. Furthermore, Pin Count information (e.g., pin count, configuration images, etc.) is provided to communicate pin placement within the holder body. If a Standard Solution was selected from the previous UI screen (Step 3), no selection is necessary at this point because only a Standard Solution is presented. If a Modified Solution was selected, the user is presented the modified and the standard side-by-side solutions to assist in making a decision based on price/sample/delivery advantages.

Figure 84 is an example user interface (UI) for confirmation and checkout with a

Bayonet System Solution, under an embodiment. The Acclimate Solutionator presents at this point in the configuration process, also referred to as Step 5, the final screen that includes a graphical summary of the complete configuration along with dimensioned graphics and text details. Furthermore, customization options are offered at this point. For example, an embodiment presents "Plating" and "Keying" options in a popup for custom requests, but the embodiment is not so limited. Figure 85 is an example Plating Options UI popup for the Bayonet System Solution, under an embodiment. Figure 86 is an example Keying Options UI popup for the Bayonet System Solution, under an embodiment.

The user interface (UI) for confirmation and checkout also includes expandable sections ("Expand Details") to present additional details and graphics corresponding to the components of the design solution (e.g., Panel 1, External Cable, Panel 2, etc.). Figure 87 is an example of the expandable section including additional detail and graphics for a configured System Assembly, under an embodiment. The user is also presented with the option at this Step 5 to request a sample and a formal quote for each piece of the assembly or particular individual pieces. Upon completion of the Acclimate Solutionator process the user receives an email with specifics of their design and is provided an electronic link to the configured solution.

Returning to Step 1, with reference to Figure 78, another example is now presented based on selection by the user of Sealed Threaded Circulars. The Threaded Path of an embodiment prompts the user, at Step 2, to begin design of a Threaded System by prompting the user to select between USB or Ethernet.

The Acclimate Solutionator UI then presents the user with the corresponding Step 3, which is a progressive path for which the options comprising this process are built on each other. The UI of this example includes three (3) regions or panels where selections are entered. A first region, Panel 1 , requires the user to define how the first panel cable is to be terminated and to further define their desired interface from one several versions of USB/Ethernet that may be available. Also, Ethernet selectors prompt the user to first define a cable size. The second region, External Cable, prompts the user to define how the external cable will be terminated and configured. Field Termination Kits are available as an option and prompt the user to determine whether he/she desires to add bulk cable. The third region, Panel 2, is similar to Panel 1 selections, but the options presented are limited based on the inputs or selections at Panel 1 and the External Cable panel.

Selection of any option in any region of the UI narrows the remaining available selections. For example, the user selecting an option for External cable determines what can be selected in Panel 2 (Board Connector). Most options use an external cable length input if cable is involved, but if no cable is involved then the Acclimate Solutionator automatically removes the length input box from the UI. During this step the UI displays a representative image that reflects the users input and defines the selections made. Also featured on this UI is a unit (inches/mm) converter.

The final decision presented to a user in an embodiment is selection of a Standard or Modified version of their desired product. If a Standard Solution was selected from the preceding UI screen (Step 3), no selection is necessary because a Modified Solution is not presented. If a Modified Solution was selected, the modified and the standard side- by-side solutions are presented to the user to assist in making a decision based on price/sample/delivery advantages.

The Acclimate Solutionator at this point presents the final screen that includes a graphical summary of the complete configuration along with dimensioned graphics and text details.

The user is also presented with the option at this step to request a sample and a formal quote for each piece of the assembly or particular individual pieces. Upon completion of the Acclimate Solutionator process the user receives an email with specifics of their design and is provided an electronic link to the configured solution.

Returning to Step 1 , with reference to Figure 78, another example is now presented based on selection by the user of Sealed Rectangular interface. The

Rectangulars Path of an embodiment prompts the user, at Step 2, to begin design of a Threaded System by prompting the user to select between USB, Ethernet, or

Pins/Sockets.

The Acclimate Solutionator UI then presents the user with step 3, which is a progressive path for which the options comprising this process are built on each other. The UI of this example includes three (3) regions or panels where selections are entered. A first region, Panel 1 , requires the user to define how the first panel cable is to be terminated and to further define their desired interface from one several versions of USB/Ethernet that may be available. Also, Ethernet selectors prompt the user to first define a cable size, and Pin/Socket selectors present the option to configure a connector with or without latches. The second region, External Cable, requires the user to define how the external cable will be terminated and configured. Field Termination Kits are available as an option and require the user to decide if he/she would like to add bulk cable. The third region, Panel 2, is similar to Panel 1 selections, but the options presented are limited based on the inputs or selections at Panel 1 and the External Cable panel.

When the user selects Pin/Socket at step 2, the Acclimate Solutionator UI presents the user with an additional panel at step 3. The additional panel prompts the user to select a pin count before continuing to the other three panels described above. A link ("view details") is presented adjacent to each pin count option, and selection of this link results in presentation of detail screens comprising details of the corresponding Sealed Rectangular assembly.

Selection of any option in any region of the UI narrows the remaining available selections. For example, the user selecting an option for External cable determines what can be selected in Panel 2 (Board Connector). Most options will require an external cable length input if cable is involved, but if no cable is involved then the Acclimate

Solutionator automatically removes the length input box from the UI. During this step the UI displays a representative image that reflects the users input and defines the selections made. Also featured on this UI is a unit (inches/mm) converter.

The final decision presented to a user in an embodiment is selection of a standard or modified version of their desired product. If a standard solution was selected from the preceding UI screen (step 3), no selection is necessary. If a modified solution was selected, the modified and the standard side-by-side solutions are presented to the user to assist in making a decision based on price/sample/delivery advantages.

At this point the Acclimate Solutionator presents the final screen that includes a graphical summary of the complete configuration along with dimensioned graphics and text details.

The Acclimate Solutionator of an embodiment includes a Simulator that provides a real-time simulation of a Cable Assembly configured by the user. The Simulator takes into account cable length, pin size/amperage, and terminations and then determines the maximum current carrying capacity the solution can handle. All values resulting from the simulation are shown in a graphical representation on screen. Screen variations may vary as both the data represented and the retrieval method are unique. The Simulator is described in detail herein.

The Solutionator of an embodiment includes a Simulator or a coupling to a Simulator as described herein with reference to various instances of the Solutionator. The Simulator comprises a tool for users to access real-time simulation data for the solutions generated by the Solutionator without the need to physically have products in hand for testing. The Simulator of an embodiment is an online tool offered exclusively at Samtec.com to enable engineers to develop an immediate understanding of the electrical characteristics of a solution configured with the Solutionator. The Simulator presents detailed information of the electrical characteristics of a solution without requiring a user to locate and decipher complicated test reports that may or may not cover the exact characteristics of a given electrical situation, or even the need to have physical products in hand before knowing if they will work in a given application.

The Simulator of an embodiment is accessed as a component of another application (e.g., Solutionator) and/or as an independent application, but is not so limited. When accessed as a component of another application like the Solutionator, for example, the user first configures a solution and then selects a "Simulate" icon or button presented by the Solutionator along with the solution in order to simulate performance of the solution. Figure 88 is an example Solutionator UI screen showing a solution presented along with access to the Simulator ("Simulate Performance"), under an embodiment.

Selection of the Simulator icon launches the user into the Simulator with the part number of the solution configured in the Simulation.

The Simulator presents the user with numerous operating characteristics of a corresponding configured solution. Furthermore, the Simulator enables the user to change select characteristics of the operating environment (e.g., temperature, current, etc.) for the simulation performed on the solution. Figure 89 is an example output of the Simulator showing simulated operating characteristics of a configured solution, under an embodiment. This particular example is accessed via the SealedIO Solutionator (e.g., see URL, http://sealedio.samtec.com), but the embodiment is not so limited. Numerous other examples are available for solutions provided by the Solutionator. The Simulator of this example embodiment (e.g., SealedIO Solutionator) displays in a modal pop-out window in order to avoid interrupting the user-flow of part configuration, but is not so limited.

As an alternative to the Simulator access described above for the SealedIO Solutionator, Figure 90 is an example presentation of a UI for accessing the Simulator of the Integrated Cable Solutionator, under an embodiment. The Integrated Cable

Solutionator enables a user to configure a high-speed cable solution (e.g., see, http://www.samtec.com/cable-systems/high-speed/assemblies.aspx) as described in detail herein. When the user selects the Launch Full Simulator icon in the Integrated Cable Solutionator, a UI is presented that includes the full Simulator and enables the user to select or change input parameters, access Crosstalk, Insertion Loss, and Eye Diagrams, to name a few.

Figure 91 is an example presentation of the Full Simulator that is a feature of the integrated Cable Solutionator, under an embodiment. The High-Speed Cable Simulator of this example displays in a new window, as the output is relatively more complex, but is not so limited. This UI enables the user to toggle each different component of a design solution using the checkboxes and dropdown menus, thereby enabling the user to determine the individual impact of each component of the complete solution.

The Simulator enables users to easily input test conditions via the UI (e.g., left side of Simulator UI corresponding to the SealedIO version, top of Simulator UI corresponding to the High Speed Cable version), and in response to be presented an output display comprising simulation results. The testing conditions, including the part numbers, are also displayed along with the simulation results. The UI also includes an option to save and/or print the output as well as contact a Samtec representative for support.

As described herein, the Simulator is also accessed as an independent application. In this embodiment users access the Simulator by navigating to a corresponding UI presented via a webpage, enter a part number or one or more operating parameters via the UI, and view the Simulator results corresponding to the operating parameters. This version of the Simulator also enables the user to select or change elements of the

Simulation (e.g., cable length, connector ends, etc.) within the application.

The user may take an alternative route from the Samtec homepage to any of the product pages described above by clicking anywhere on the "Introducing the

Solutionator" icon (on the Samtec homepage) inviting users to try out the Solutionator design tool. A click through of the icon lands a user on Solutionator page presenting one or more Solutionator instances available with respect to each corresponding product. The Solutionator page of an embodiment includes hot links to each product page that offers a Solutionator instance. An alternative embodiment, however, can include other electronic paths or links to one or more product pages.

As described herein, the user may reach the Solutionator sidebar for a product by navigating to the corresponding product page from the Samtec homepage. An example of the hierarchical representation of sitemap/navigation to sidebars of an embodiment includes the following:

www.samtec.com: Homepage— >

Connectors

High Speed Board To Board

Mezzanine Strips

Rugged HS Strips

High Density Arrays

Ultra Fine Pitch

25 Gbps Solutions

Edge Card /Micro Backplane

Micro Backplane Systems

HS Card Systems

Micro Pitch Board to Board

.050" Systems

Micro Rugged Systems

Micro Pitch Systems Compression / One Piece

Standard Board to Board

.100" Pitch Square Post Systems 2mm Pitch Systems

Rugged / Power

Power Systems

Combination Signal / Power One Piece Rugged / Power

Micro Rugged Systems Extended Life Products

RF Interconnects

50 Ohm

75 Ohm

Cable Systems

High Speed Cable Assemblies

High Speed Assemblies

Discrete Wire (scrolling page presentation) 1 ,00 mm pitch

.050" Pitch Tiger Eye 2,00 mm Pitch Tiger Eye

.100" Pitch Mini Mate .100" Pitch Mini Mate Universal . 65" Pitch Power Mate

5,00 mm Pitch PowerStrip /25 .250" PowerStrip /35 products.

IDC & FFC

.100" Pitch IDC Systems 2mm Pitch IDC Systems

.050" Pitch IDC Systems

RF Interconnects

50 Ohm

75 Ohm

It is understood that interface navigation to product pages and corresponding Solutionator instances may under an embodiment cover a greater or few number of product categories.

Generally, the Solutionator UI presents categories of products in an embodiment using circled words and text to emphasize "broad buckets" of product category listings. As such, the Solutionator creates a relatively clean or simplified presentation that represents more than a trillion part number permutations. Furthermore, the wording used in the interface of an embodiment corresponds to the wording in corresponding print catalogs, thereby making the presentation more seamless and aiding the user who previously was searching for components via the catalog, but embodiments are not so limited. The Solutionator product category presentation also makes use of boxes that correspond to the various product categories, and the boxes include isometric images similar to or identical to those images of the corresponding print catalog. Figure 102 is an example Solutionator presentation corresponding to the "Connectors" product category, under an embodiment. Figure 103 is an example Solutionator presentation corresponding to the "Cable Systems" product category, under an embodiment.

Additionally, the Solutionator presents product categories associated with colors or color backgrounds in order to improve associations (e.g., Connectors correspond to color orange, Cables correspond to color purple, Optics and Sealed I/O cables correspond to color green, RF products (cables and connectors) correspond to color gray, etc.). As described herein, the product category/color associations used by the Solutionator correspond to the product category/color associations in corresponding print catalogs, but embodiments are not so limited.

The Solutionator product category presentation also makes use of boxes or blocks with isometric images identical to those images of the corresponding print catalog, with color background to improve associations. The blocks are made to "pop out" through the use of subtle edge shading, and the use of different color fonts, different size fonts, and/or different fonts focuses the eye on only the most relevant differentiating features of the product presentation, but embodiments are not so limited. Figure 104 is another example Solutionator presentation corresponding to the "Mezzanine" products, under an embodiment.

Figure 105 is an example Solutionator interface page corresponding to the "Q Strip High Speed Interconnects" products, under an embodiment. For this product example, and considering the description above regarding Solutionator presentations configured to focus users, the product identifiers of each product (e.g., "QSH", "QTH", "QTE", etc.) are emphasized as described herein because these identifiers are relatively more important for users to remember when compared with an abundance of technical jargon (e.g., "QSH" compared to the corresponding technical description "0.5mm Q-strip high speed ground plane socket strip"; the description is useful the first time a user encounters it, but becomes less relevant as the name "QSH" becomes the key part name primarily used by customers to reference the product).

Continuing with the example involving the QSH product, once the user has selected and navigated to information of the QSH series (from the "Q Strip High Speed Interconnects" interface of the Solutionator), the Solutionator removes any extraneous distractions (rather than flood the user with information) so that the user has the luxury of getting a broad scope of all available categories of information. Figure 106 is an example Solutionator presentation corresponding to the "QSH" series, under an embodiment.

The Solutionator enables a user to request additional information (e.g., catalog page, detailed report, etc., corresponding to the QSH series) relating to a product without navigating away from the current page. The Solutionator presents the requested information using a new window or tab pop-up, thereby keeping the user grounded at the page from which the request is activated (e.g., QSH series page). Figure 107 is an example Solutionator interface ("QSH series") with a pop-up window displaying additional information, under an embodiment. The Solutionator presents the pop-up window in response to a user hovering over any of the "series" links on the series page, and the pop-up window displays images of potential mating parts, for example, but the embodiment is not so limited.

With reference to the "series" page (e.g., "QSH series", Figure 106), the

Solutionator presents the "series" interface pages to include a "tab-like" menu in a region of the page. In this example the tab menu is presented in a left-most region of the interface, but is not so limited. Figure 108 is an example "tab-like" menu presented with the "series" interface, under an embodiment. The menu comprises options that include, but are not limited to, Series Overview, Product Tools, Models, Test Reports, Technical Library, Break Out Region, and Quality Information. These options are configured in order to present a variety of component-related information (e.g., technical, quality, etc.) to users, but are not so limited.

An alternative route to the Solutionator of an embodiment is via a picture search component. The Samtec website platform includes picture search functionality that presents visual representations of component solutions available from Samtec. As an example of the picture search functionality, a user navigates to the picture search area of the Samtec website. Figure 92 is an example picture search UI, under an embodiment. The UI presents components according to category (e.g., Micro Systems, Signal Integrity, Rugged Systems, etc.), for example, but alternative presentation formats or groupings can be used in alternative embodiments.

When a user moves a cursor over a parts category presented on the picture search UI, that parts category is emphasized while all other categories are deemphasized or faded, for example by reducing the contrast of those categories relative to the selected category. Figure 93 is an example picture search UI with an emphasized parts category ("Signal Integrity") in response to a cursor placed on the category, under an embodiment. When the user selects a parts category by clicking on the category with the cursor, the UI displays an exploded view of the contents of that selected category. Figure 94 is an example picture search UI following selection of a parts category ("Signal Integrity"), under an embodiment.

When a user moves a cursor over a part subcategory within the selected parts category, that part subcategory is emphasized while all other part subcategories are deemphasized or faded, for example by reducing the contrast of the parts in other displayed subcategories relative to the selected subcategory. Figure 95 is an example picture search UI with an emphasized part subcategory ("High Speed Cables") in response to a cursor placed on the part subcategory, under an embodiment. When the user selects a part subcategory with the cursor, the UI displays an exploded view of the components classified according to the selected part subcategory. Figure 96 is an example picture search UI following selection of a part subcategory ("High Speed Cables"), under an embodiment.

When a user moves a cursor over a component displayed within the selected parts subcategory, that component is emphasized while all other components are deemphasized or faded, for example by reducing the contrast of the components in the subcategory relative to the selected component. Figure 97 is an example picture search UI with an emphasized component ("Micro Flyover System") in response to a cursor placed on the component, under an embodiment. When the user selects a component with the cursor, the UI displays a component popup window comprising links to additional information corresponding to the selected component. Figure 98 is an example component popup window of the picture search UI displayed in response to selection of the component ("Micro Flyover System"), under an embodiment.

The electronic links to additional information of a selected component include a link to the Solutionator. Selection of the Solutionator icon transports the user to the portion or page of the website platform that includes the Solutionator that corresponds to the selected component as well as representative components of the selected part subcategory (e.g., "High Speed Cable Assemblies") of which the selected component is a member. Figure 99 is an example components page that includes the Solutionator UI, under an embodiment. This instance of the Solutionator operates in accordance with the Solutionator descriptions herein.

As described herein, over a trillion parts combinations and configurations are possible based on available Samtec product inventory and product options. The

Solutionator sidebar solution is designed to assist the user in identifying parts and components based on a limited number of user inputs and using an intuitive series of drop down menus that narrow the vast array of available inventory to a single product under one embodiment. The Solutionator implements a series of logic rules, filters and business rules that direct a user to a viable product selection as further described below. Filtering implementations are described below and include logic documentation, user interface considerations, and coding algorithms.

The Solutionator of an embodiment includes a Dashboard. Figure 101 is an example Dashboard of the Solutionator, under an embodiment. The Dashboard provides links for direct access to solutions generated during Solutionator sessions. For example, the Dashboard includes one or more of the following type of links, but is not so limited: My Saved Parts; My Cart; Sample Status; Order Status; Request A Sample; Place an Order (e.g., part number, etc.); Pricing and Delivery.

Logic Documentation

Under one embodiment, a series of business decisions are applied to filter the available set of Samtec products based on a combination of business decision

assumptions/optimizations and implicit and explicit user input. Under an embodiment, the following filters/rules are applied. 1 . From the Samtec homepage, over a trillion part combinations/configurations are possible.

2. PreFilters:

a. Under an embodiment, one filter step is already defined when a customer chooses the product category; i.e., each sidebar is pre-filtered to products and/or part series that fit within that navigational category, and those series associated with such product are shown. In other words, configuration options appearing in drop down filter menus correspond to the set of pre-filtered products. This filter step is consistent with the navigational logic of the Samtec website which provides an intuitive sitemap strategy directing users to product pages and corresponding Solutionator tools. Navigation to a product page applies a pre-filter restricting the Solutionator sidebar solution to part series corresponding to the featured product page. b. Under an embodiment, further filtering of the product series is

accomplished automatically using business logic provided by sales personnel, engineering personnel, executive personnel and/or other Samtec decision makers. Under an embodiment, such logic may include:

1. Avoiding the more technical product configurations including Differential Pair, Shielding, etc. "More Technical" under an embodiment refers to applications that are needed for very sensitive environments. These technical product configurations are often higher end options that are only required when a user is well down the road in a product selection process. Since the Solutionator is meant as mainly a high level sales tool to point a user in the right direction, these more complex options have been eliminated to simplify the product offering. As examples, differential pair and shielding can increase signal integrity by minimizing cross-talk as well as interference from other currents. This minimizes signal loss and degradation throughout the connector system. However, the Solutionator may avoid such technical configurations on behalf of the user. As an example, a user selecting an RF series means most likely only RF cables are required for user's application. Accordingly, the Solutionator approach assumes that user does not need differential pairs, twisted pairs, shielded twisted pairs, ribbon IDC cables, discrete wires or power cables.

11. Avoiding optional add-ons that do not change the electrical integrity of the product. Such physical options including Latches, Guide Posts, Packaging considerations, and such options are left off of the products in order to provide the user/customer with the most basic product. This product is meant to be a starting point for the customer, and is configurable after a sample/inquiry has been made. iii. The most cost effective product has been chosen / pre-filtered based on Plating availability. The precious metals that are used to create electrical conductivity in electronic connectors are expensive. The thicker the metal, and the more places the metal is used, the more material that must be used in order to achieve the desired level of plating. Because of this, business rules have limited the Solutionator choices to a standard level of plating that will work for most applications, and have eliminated options that are in excess of what most customers would likely be able to get by with.

Plating considerations introduce a complex set of cost considerations. All electrical connectors are made out of Copper Alloys. There are two primary copper alloy metals: BeCu or Berylium Copper; and PhosB or Phosphorous Bronze. Both coppers provide excellent conductivity of copper; however, both materials rust, or create oxides. So the materials are plated. First such materials may be plated with plain copper to fill up the microscopic pores and then with a nickel barrier. Then such metals are plated under one embodiment with either a non-precious metal like Tin or Tin-Lead or a precious metal like Gold. The Tin option is relatively cheap, but then again, more of the material is needed to protect the base metal which means more normal force is needed to wipe off a clean surface to make electrical contact. Under an alternative embodiment, gold is used. Gold is a noble metal, which means that it does not rust or oxidize. An embodiment using gold may plate very thin layers since not much is needed to protect what's below the plating. Of course, plating levels must be considered in view of mating cycles. During each mating and un-mating, a small portion of plating is removed. Therefore, it is key that the mating cycle does not wear the plating off too quickly and expose the

underplating and expose the base metal. Accordingly, smaller connectors and tight pitch connectors, or those providing lower normal forces typically use gold plating. Based on the discussion above, superior plating options introduce greater cost. Accordingly, an embodiment of the Solutionator limits Solutionator choices to a standard level of plating that will work for most applications. iv. Non-catalog standard options were omitted from the total list of products. These are options that are included on the product print, but come with an extra charge and therefore are not advertised on the catalog page. The catalog and product print both list how parts are configured, what options are available for them, and many other pieces of technical information that is relevant to the user/buyer. The difference is that the catalog pages are designed to be easier on the eyes. Catalog pages contain the most relevant information from the print, and are professionally designed in full color to use as marketing collateral. The product prints contain the most detailed information about the product, but are designed with an engineer in mind. These are very technical in nature, are usually black and white, and include a variety of information that is not listed in the catalog. In short, prints are engineering references. Catalog pages are sales references. Under an embodiment of the Solutionator approach, standard product offerings included in product print but not in catalog pages are omitted from the total list of products available through the respective Solutionator instance. This approach is consistent with the intent to select the most basic starting point for a product and configure upward. v. Under an embodiment, a final "business user" decision is made to filter products when more than 2 mated set solutions are returned. This decision is basically the "mutual best fit" decision. This means that when faced with more than 2 mated sets, a "business user" approach filters out extra matching configurations by deciding which part would be mutually best for both parties (i.e., user/customer and business enterprise) in terms of (including, but not limited to): Quality, Gross Profit, Simplicity, Price. As one example, a set of Solutionator selections may produce a large number of product options (even after applying logic rules described above). The set of remaining products may offer a range of pin length options as one example. Enterprise experience may indicate that shorter pins are stronger and more durable whereas longer pins are prone to bend in operation and thereby introduce quality issues. Therefore, the shorter pin solution is recommended over longer pin counterparts. Under an alternative embodiment, scores or weights may be assigned to product categories in order to generate a scoring metric as a means for picking a winning product solution. vi. All filtering is applied under an embodiment with the incentive of providing at most 2 mated set solutions by only providing between 2 and 5 filter options. The upper bound on available filters may under one embodiment may be based on observed end user experience. Such experience may indicate that increasing the number of filters increases configuration options at the expense of confusing and frustrating the average user. With this result in mind, the Solutionator aims to use as few filters as possible to arrive at a solution. vii. Under an embodiment, some filters combine otherwise mutually exclusive filters into a single drop down menu. Because of product complexities, a part may under an embodiment have either a stack height or an orientation but not both. In many cases, such filters have been combined as one filter because they are mutually exclusive. The stack height of an identified product comprises the distance from board side interconnect to top of the mated set of interconnects. A product may feature an array of stack height selections. However, stack height is irrelevant when mated sets interconnect in a horizontal (coplanar) or perpendicular orientation. In other words, a coplanar or perpendicular orientation negates the concept of stack height. The presentation of two filters for stack height and orientation (perpendicular or coplanar) would unnecessarily parse a mutually exclusive set of options into two filters.

Accordingly, an embodiment of the Solutionator instance combines the set of orientation and height selections into a single filter. See Figure 40, 4010 for an example of a height/orientation filter that presents a mutually exclusive and exhaustive set of height and orientation options given prior input of 208 total pins.

The approach described above merely combines two steps that would be redundant to list back to back. As another example, if a certain connector has 72 positions, it cannot be a single row connector, so the combined filter value would be 72 positions - 2 rows. There may still be many of these position-row options in one filter, but this "combined approach" eliminates the need to present a pin filter and a rows filter next, because all of the row options can be combined with the position options in a filter that presents the complete set of mutually exclusive options.

Figure 28 shows decisions of a sidebar initial dataset, under an embodiment. Step 2802 includes the entire Samtec product set comprising more than a trillion parts. As a general principle, each step represents a filtering of the entire product set to a smaller set associated with or corresponding to the respective product category or subcategory respectively. Steps 2804 and 2806 comprise filters applied respectively according to product category and subcategory. Step 2808, 2810 filters part series comprising unneeded physical options from the product set. Step 2812, 2814 filters part series comprising extraneous technical considerations from the product set. Step 2816, 2818 filters part series comprising non-catalogue standard options from the product set. Step 2820, 2822 filters part series to include the most cost effective remaining products based on Plating availability. In the event that the process described above returns more than 2 mated set solutions, the filtering process applies "business user" approach and performs a "mutual best fit" decision (2824, 2826). The "mutual best fit" means that a "business user" when faced with more than two mated sets eliminates product selections by prioritizing parts that would be mutually best for both parties in terms of quality, gross profit, simplicity and price under one embodiment. Step 2828 represents a final sidebar dataset.

User Interface: Filter Decisions to Design Mated Set Solutions

Under an embodiment, a Solutionator solution implements filters in the form of drop down menus. When a user/customer navigates to product page, a filtering of the overall Samtec product base occurs and is transparent to the viewer. The user may then select part options using a series of drop down menus presented in the Solutionator sidebar. The drop down menus serve a dual purpose. They display available part configurations based on prior filtering processes and represent user directed filters applied to the remaining set of set of configurations. A user directed filter is a user selection of a part option that is then applied to compute the remaining set of

configurations and subsequent filter options. The Solutionator instance implements user interface menus as further described below. 1. Under an embodiment, a given sidebar will have at least 2 filters on screen, but not more than 5.

a. More than five filters convert the Solutionator into a product builder and not a design solution. 2. Under an embodiment, each product family corresponds to its own unique set of filters. That means that a High Speed Board to Board Solutionator sidebar may have the same or different filters as the Discrete Wire Cable builder.

a These filter options are under an embodiment hand-picked by business users to be the most applicable filters based on the product category.

3. Under an embodiment, each filter set is progressive by design. This means that the filtering proceeds in a set order from top to bottom and is progressively applied to current set of configuration options as the user selects menu options from top menu to bottom menu. Under an embodiment, each subsequent filter is built by the previous filter. This progressive narrowing purposefully limits options in subsequent filters to ensure that no filter set will ever result in zero solutions.

4. Under an embodiment, if only one value is available for a given filter, that filter will be preselected. 5. For some filters, a value may not be available for a given set of products. For these products the default option of "Standard" is presented, and that "Standard" choice represents an alternative to a better offering. As one example, user input may generate a certain configuration of Impedance on High Density Arrays Sidebar (500 pins, 17mm stack height, .050 Pitch) that results in final filter offering a standard versus non-standard configuration. Based on the above referenced selection, the user is presented with an option to choose between standard impedance and 85 ohm impedance. The 85 -ohm impedance represents a special offering while the standard impedance is unmeasured/un- marketed and represents a standard attribute of the product. In other words, a product may feature a standard option in addition to alternative or better options. Returning to the example set forth above, a user may generate a certain configuration of Impedance on High Density Array Solutionator sidebar (40 pins, 7,00mm stack height, 0,80 mm pitch) which narrows available product configurations to those with a standard impedance offering. As the products belonging to the identified product set (based on previous user inputs in this example) feature only a standard impedance attribute, the Solutionator populates the impedance sidebar filter with a default "standard" selection.

User Interface: Selecting 1 of 2 Mated Set Solutions:

1. Under an embodiment, a user will be presented with up to two mated set solutions: a. If only one solution exists, that solution is presented to the user with the options for retrieving a specification kit or requesting a sample of the selected product. b. Under an embodiment (with reference to Figure 29), if two solutions exist, the user is prompted to choose between the two options (i.e., between one of the two mated sets) based on one or more of the following: i. Images (2906, 2908) of each product are provided and when available will match exactly to the part configuration. Due to graphical limitations, some product images may only be a representation of the series, and may not match exactly. ii. A family description (2910, 2912) is provided beneath each mated set that describes why that product is unique/beneficial. iii. Technical information (2914, 2916) is provided (as a hidden / requestable area) to further assist a decision based on mechanical/electrical capabilities. The requestable technical information is the same set of information (Figure 30, 3002, 3004) provided on a product landing page (Figure 31) featuring a single mated set and offering click through links to technical information (3102, 3104), email venue for requesting/receiving technical specifications (3106), option to chat with engineer (3108), and a venue to request a free sample (31 10). Technical information (available either immediately via hot links for a single mated set or available in a hidden /requestable area) may include drawings, footprint specifications, 3D models that are compatible with a variety of third party applications including ACIS, IGES, Parasolid, STEP, and PADS

(3102, 3104, 3002, 3004). A technical specifications link is also available that navigates a user to a comprehensive presentation of technical information for a given part and associated part series. 2. Under an embodiment and as described above, once a mated set solution is determined, the user will be taken to the final screen (i.e., product landing page) where all technical documentation available for the given solution is presented. Under an embodiment and with reference to Figure 31, the user is prompted with 3 options to continue:

a. Download a 'Specs Kit' (3106) - The user is prompted to provide and submit an email address whereupon the user receives a Specs Kit as an email containing a comprehensive set of technical information regarding the selected part. As indicated, the Specs Kit comprises an email that contains links to all of the technical documentation that supports this mated set solution. Links embedded in the email also provided a return path to the very page facilitating request of the Specs Kit page where the user may request samples or chat with an engineer as described below. It should be noted that the emailed specs kit includes links to the same set of technical documents for each component of the mated set as those available on the product landing page. Such documents include technical drawings, footprints, 3D models and a link to technical specifications that guide a user to a comprehensive list of technical information available for the selected product and related products in the respective part series. b. Sample Mated Set (31 10) ~ the sampling process is available upon clicking "Request Sample" button yielding a form-field entry (not shown) just beneath the specs kit request. The user can request a sample (provide shipping information) and the physical products will be mailed to the user, with a goal of 24-hour turn-around. A specs kit and confirmation is also sent to the user via email. c. Chat with an Expert/Engineer (3108)— in the event that the user does not see exactly what he/she wants, the option to chat with an engineer/expert is provided where the product may be further adapted/configured to meet the exact customer requirements. This is where the customer can advance the configuration further than the starting point (i.e., the Solutionator solution) and begin to customize platings, physical options, technical options, etc.

Figure 32 is a flowchart describing the user experience in navigating the Solutionator to one or more product results, under an embodiment. Step 3202 includes the initial Solutionator sidebar which presents user with a series of drop down configuration menus. Step 3202 represents the filtering of products based on user inputs and logic/business rules described herein. Step 3206 presents a single product recommended to the user whereby the sidebar experience proceeds to step 3208. Step 3204 includes presentation to the user of more than a single result. Step 3210 represents user selection of a product from two recommended solutions based on technical and graphical information provided to the user. After such selection, the user may choose 3208 to receive a sample or a specs kit and complete the process 3212. If the user does not identify/select a product, the use may re-initiate the Solutionator process again 3214 from the beginning. The Solutionator sidebar guides the user to at most two mated set solutions, but is not so limited. However, a product page may show multiple components as part of a single identified solution (as further described below with respect to discrete wire products). Furthermore, the Solutionator of an embodiment includes a "Reset Choices" function (not shown) that allows a user to reset the process of navigating to one or more product results. Presentation Considerations

Each sidebar Solutionator is designed to fit on the right or left side of a standard web page, as an optional source for product design and navigation. The Solutionator solutions are represented as an overlay to the current page and meant to fit over the existing content on the currently viewed product page. The Solutionator presentation comprises a designer element and a results screen element as further described below.

1. The designer element: The Solutionator comprises under an embodiment a vertical rectangle that can be positioned in any format allowing a user to choose a pre- specified number of filters or a filter range, both of which comprise drop down menus. As an example, the Solutionator of an embodiment enables a user to choose between 2 and 5 filters, but these numbers of filters are examples only and the embodiment is not limited to this number or range of filter numbers. The menus may be square, with or without borders, as long as the filters/menus represents a filter solution and an action to proceed. One given action to proceed under an embodiment includes the "Get Solutions" action which carries the user to the results screen corresponding to the configured product(s).

2. The results screen: The results screen may be in 2 different formats as described below but embodiments are not so limited. a. A first format (Figure 31) includes one mated set solution. This screen is meant to represent the one solution that best fits the user's filter selections. When one solution is represented the following is immediately available on screen under an embodiment:

i. Product Images (31 12, 31 14)

ii . Product Part Numbers (31 16, 3118)

iii. Technical Documentation (3102, 3104)

iv Actions:

1. Specs Kit Request (3106)

2. Sample Request (31 10)

3. Chat with an engineer (3108) b. A second format offers 2 mated set solutions. This screen is meant to show two mated sets that match the users filters. When two solutions are represented the following is immediately available on screen under an embodiment:

i. Product Images (2906, 2908)

ii. Product Part Numbers (2940, 2950), Family Description (2910,

2912)

iii. Technical Documentation (2914, 2916)

iv. Select Options (2918, 2920)

3. Variations of the results screen include:

a. Showing more than two product components is possible in some circumstances (e.g., Discrete wire products, etc.). In these cases all available product components are shown in a grid format of the same screen (Figure 33). However, it should be noted that the Solutionator under this embodiment has identified a single recommended product where the single product itself comprises a set of product components. As already indicated above, The Solutionator sidebar guides the user to two or more mated set solutions. However, a product page may show multiple components as part of a single identified solution. b. Showing less than two products is possible in some circumstances, like one-piece Interfaces. In this case, the product is shown as a standalone solution (Figure 34).

The Solutionator sidebar solution implements one or more of the following coding algorithms in providing the Solutionator configuration tool. 1. Technical Document Retrieval - document retrieval is accomplished for documents corresponding to an identified product via a lookup described below. Such documents may include Pads, 3D Models, and technical reports. Note that links on a product landing page at the end of Solutionator filtering process directs user to such documents with easy to see and easy to access links. Under one embodiment, a tech specs link provides a click through to a tech specs page which contains a comprehensive set of technical documents for the corresponding part series as further described below.

Under an embodiment, the logic used to match a part number to a file/report is based on significant matching characters. Such embodiment matches on each segment of a particular part number. Each segment of a part under an embodiment may be delimited by the dash (-) delimiter but is not so limited. The retrieval process compares the identified part number against entries in corresponding delimiter marked positions. For example, a part number "QTH-040-01-L-P-A" matches against number "QTH-030-01-L- A-A" in the first, third, fourth, and sixth positions. Note that the segments only match if they match in the same delimited location. In the above example, the "A" of the first file in sixth position does not generate a match against the "A" in the fifth position of the second file.

Part naming convention may use X's as a wild card. When a report filename contains X's, those characters are seen as insignificant, and are ignored. They are not counted as a "miss", but not counted as a match either. The algorithm moves on to the next segment of the part number and tries to match up with the next segment of the report filename. The best matching reports are returned as matches.

Consider application of the search algorithm to part number QTH-030-01-L-D-A against the filenames set forth below.

1. QTH-040-01-L-P-A

2. QTH-030-01-L-P-A

3. QTH-030-01 -L-D-A

4. QTH-030-01-X-D-X

The filenames above are assigned numbers 1 -4 for ease of reference. As indicated above, X characters are seen as insignificant. In this example, matching on a wild card is not a miss and is also not counted as a match. It is understood by one skilled in the art that various approaches may be taken with respect to wild cards which under different examples may be counted as a match or miss. As indicated above, the Solutionator approach identifies mated set solutions with complete part numbers. However, database references may experience missing values that may or may not be accounted for with wildcards. It should be noted that one skilled in the may address missing values in various ways (e.g. as matching, non-matching or otherwise).

Returning to the example, a search algorithm matches QTH-030-01-L-D-A against the part numbers set forth below.

1. QTH-040-01 -L-P-A

2. QTH-030-01-L-P-A

3. QTH-030-01 -L-D-A

4. QTH-030-01-X-D-X

The reference (or identified) part "QTH-030-01-L-D-A" matches against each database reference on the QTH sequence in the first location. Therefore, each file receives a scoring of " 1 " hit and "0" miss (i.e. 1-0) for the match. The reference part matches against database filenames 2-4 on the second position whereby all such parts receive an additional scoring increment of 1 in the hit column for a total score of "2-0" for each such file. The non-match at the same location for file 1 produces a miss and a score of " 1 -1 ". The reference part matches against each file 1-4 at the third position, and the "hit" scoring for each file increments by 1 leaving file 1 with a score of "2-1 " and files 2-4 with a respective score of "3-0". The reference part matches every database file 1 -4 at the fourth position. Note that reference part matches part 4 in the fourth position due to the wild card entry of "X". As indicated above, X characters are seen as insignificant, and are ignored. They are not counted as a "miss", but not counted as a match either. Therefore, file 1 is scored as "3-1 " and files 2-3 as "4-0". File 4 experiences no change in score and remains at "3-0". Continuing the algorithm, the reference part misses files 1-2 and matches files 3-4 at the fifth location. Therefore, file 1 is scored as "3-2", part 2 as "4-1 ". part 3 as "5-0" and part 4 as "4-0". The reference part matches all of the database files in the final position but matches file 4 due to the wild card X in such position. Therefore, the final scores for files 1 -4 are "4-2","5- l ","6-0" and "4-0" respectively. Therefore, file 3 is the winner and is returned. The technical document retrieval process may include rules to return a next best match if a perfect match is not identified and rules for breaking ties between equally scored files.

Technical document search and retrieval performs the above referenced search against part numbers maintained in Samtec databases. Technical documentation is under one embodiment manually associated with part numbers and stored in such databases. Note that technical documentation may or may not be associated with exact part numbers. As indicated above, part numbers may include wild card entries or other designations that may encode specific information with respect to a particular model. A search may produce matches as described above or may be devised to match on specially

designed/encoded entries in a part series or match on a particular concatenation of alphanumeric entries and delimiters. The technical document retrieval process may search according to type of file and further according to file format. Business user decisions may narrow or define sets of documents/information most relevant to user/customer application needs and/or shopping experience. The Solutionator process described herein provides access to identified documents, reports, and technical information via links on a product page presented to a user at the end of the Solutionator selection process.

2. Filter Sets - each sidebar has it's own unique, predefined filter set, that is identified by a numeric entity under an embodiment. The following steps may under one embodiment apply to retrieval and formatting of a sidebar.

a. Get<Sidebar>FilterByFilterType - for each sidebar, determine the associated filters and retrieve filter based on a numeric value. Determine the type of sidebar and render data for that datatype (Numeric, alpha, combined). At this stage, pre- filters have been applied. Each Solutionator is pre-filtered based on category

corresponding to the product category selected by the user. Only the data for that category exists in the initial data set before user filtering begins. b. Order Values top to bottom (numerical/alpha order). c. Combining Mutually Exclusive filters (Stack/Orientation) - For some filters, data sets from two different types that are mutually exclusive are combined. This step provides 2 filters in one dropdown menu. d. Determine if a checkbox or dropdown value is required (Boolean, or list).

If a boolean value exists, show a text box for "YES" or "NO".

3. Linkage to existing Samtec_Part database - Under an embodiment, Solutionator links to existing Samtec database to ensure product validity or obsolescence. Via this method, the Solutionator links to the existing Samtec Part Database so that when enterprise industrial engineering teams eliminate a product the product is eliminated from the Sidebar immediately under one embodiment. In a relational database a part carries a unique identifier that in turn links the id number (and therefore corresponding part) to information distributed across tables of a relational database scheme. As indicated above, Solutionator links to existing Samtec database. If enterprise decision-making

(business/engineering) discontinues a part, the unique id is removed from the database, and a query to the Samtec database no longer reaches a unique id for such part.

Therefore, Sidebar queries reflect the current status of inventory; accordingly database inquiries do not return configuration options that do not exist. In similar fashion product (and product options) that are changed/discontinued will either appear in changed format in the Solutionator sidebar solution or will no longer be available from the moment discontinued. 4. Filter changes - when filters change, an embodiment requires a refresh/show overlay of stale data. When a user makes changes to their initial filter set by changing one of the filter options, say because the user was not satisfied with the products returned to them, the data that is currently displayed must be disabled somehow. This is to avoid the user thinking that the data from the previous result set is valid for their new filter entries. To get their new results, they must refresh their data by clicking the Get Solutions button again. The Solutionator design avoids potential inference that the new filter selections correspond to the on screen product. The forced refresh populates the screen with the identified product corresponding to the altered filter selections. Under an embodiment, a changed filter value may result in an on screen message prompting user to press the "Get Solutions" button again in order to reach the product identified by the new filter selections. Based on revised inputs, the Solutionator may zero out subsequent filter selections that no longer correspond to the altered filter inputs. Under this circumstance, the "Get Solutions" button is no longer operable to identify/retrieve a recommended product. Accordingly, the user may need to enter new subsequent filter selections in order to re-enable functionality of the "Get Solutions" button. Under an alternative

embodiment, solutions presented to the user during a Solutionator process may change dynamically as filter selections are changed by the user. 5. Default values - an embodiment provides default values when only one data point is available in a filter.

6, Part images - an embodiment attempts to display actual part images, and falls back on series default when exact product image is not available. First look in the part master image table, then default to the series level table if the exact part does exist in the master image table.

As already shown in Figure 31, an identified solution page (i.e. a landing page presenting the user with an identified component) offers a technical specifications click through link to a comprehensive collection of information relating to the identified component and corresponding component series. As one example of the tech specs page with respect to part series SEAF8 0,80 mm SEARAY™ High Speed High Density Open Pin Field Array Socket, such technical information may include a part series overview including product specifications, catalog pages, and prints and footprints. The technical information also includes product tools. Product tools may include a build a part tool allowing full configuration of any Samtec part from start to finish. This tool allows further configuration of parts beyond the part recommended by the Solutionator. Product tools also include tools for selecting/determining packaging options. Technical information may include 3D Models. Technical information may also include

PADS/OrCAD libraries.

Such library files include all schematic symbol data, pin mapping, gate mapping and pin numbers along with the footprint. Footprint files contain how the product is laid out on the board. Technical information may include test reports comprising signal integrity performance, high speed test reports, and mechanical test reports. Subject to licensing agreements, technical information may include Samtec "Final Inch^®" information. Samtec "Final Inch^®" is the design of the break out region (BOR) on a printed circuit board (PCB). In this region, signals coming from the connector pins are connected to traces on the PCB. Generally, from the BOR, the traces can be designed as standard transmission line structures for signal distribution across the PCB. Technical information may also provide a means to obtain a RoHS Certificate of Compliance (compliance to the European Union Directive 201 1/65/EU) for up to 50 Samtec part numbers.

Technical information is not limited to the information set forth in the paragraph above. As one example under an embodiment with respect to certain parts, a Samtec Electrical Models library may be available offering many types of Electrical Models including HSPICE, PSPICE Allegro SigXplorer, IBIS ICM, ELDO, and ADS models. Such models simulate electrical properties of a selected part and corresponding part series.

Figures 35-52 provide additional examples of user provided menu/filter inputs and corresponding Solutionator part filtering and configuration solutions, under an embodiment.

Figure 35 shows drop down menu corresponding to rugged high-speed strips enabling specification of total pins, under an embodiment.

Figure 36 shows drop down menu corresponding to rugged high-speed strips enabling specification of height/orientation given selection of pins, under an embodiment.

Figure 37 shows drop down menu corresponding to rugged high-speed strips enabling specification of pitch given selection of pins and height/orientation, under an embodiment.

Figure 38 shows identified configuration for rugged high-speed strip based on user inputs, under an embodiment.

Figure 39 shows drop down menu corresponding to rugged high-speed strips enabling specification of total pins, under an embodiment.

Figure 40 shows drop down menu corresponding to rugged high-speed strips enabling specification of height/orientation given selection of pins, under an embodiment.

Figure 41 shows drop down menu corresponding to rugged high-speed strips enabling specification of pitch given selection of pins and height/orientation, under an embodiment. Figure 42 shows identified configuration for rugged high-speed strip based on user inputs, under an embodiment.

Figure 43 shows drop down menu corresponding to micro pitch systems enabling specification of total pins, under an embodiment.

embodiment.

As already indicated above, the Samtec website provides users with Specification Kit ("Specs Kit") documentation under various embodiments. Under one embodiment, a Specs Kit is a quick and simple way to provide technical documentation to website users in order to assist the user in making informed decisions about the parts they are considering for their applications. The Specs Kit concept overcomes a common problem on interconnect websites. Conventional interconnect websites force users to navigate difficult interface workflow to access technical information and documentation related to a part/component of interest to users. Users may not even be able to find desired information using conventional websites.

Samtec implements the Specs Kit concept into the Solutionator instance to facilitate user access to technical information and thereby increase the likelihood that Samtec products will be designed into customer applications.

A Specs Kit provides technical information available for an identified

part/component. When a complete set of information for a part is available (i.e., a Specs Kit at full capacity), a Specs Kit includes under an embodiment the following elements:

• Engineering Drawings

• Product Footprints

" 3D Models in the form of IGES, Parasolid, and STEP (the three most common 3D model formats)

• PADS Library

• Link to additional technical specifications

The information above represents under one embodiment 95% of what a typical user needs in order to determine whether a part fits into the user's application. Additional information can also be accessed by using the Technical Specifications link that is associated with every product on the Samtec website.

Under one embodiment, a Specs Kit includes links to documents detailing information corresponding to full part numbers. In other words, a Specs Kit provides technical information corresponding to a specific part number. Under an alternative embodiment, a Specs Kit may be available as a deliverable that is not limited to specific part numbers, but available at a higher level in the product decision process. For example, Samtec may provide a high level Specs Kit on the series level (ex. QSE, TSW, BCS, and ERM8 series) that will help a user determine if the user should move forward with this series, rather than requiring the user to sift through several standalone documents that a user would normally access via additional click through navigation.

The Specs Kit aggregates and bundles technical information that would otherwise be distributed across multiple standalone locations. The Specs Kit under one embodiment presents such information in a single convenient bundle where a user can access bits and pieces of technical documentation using a single interface. The user may use the interface to lookup a single piece of technical information without navigating away from the bundled information. When a user looks up or retrieves a piece of technical information for a specific part number, the interface under an embodiment remains available to the user providing continued and seamless access to the entire set of available technical information. Retrieved information of an embodiment includes electronic documents (e.g., PDF documents, etc.), 3D model formats, word documents, and image files, and may be delivered via email or through a web page.

Under an embodiment, a Specs Kits is delivered on-screen as a collection of clickable links that appear alongside a component identified by a user via the

Solutionator. Under an alternative embodiment, the Specs Kit may also be delivered via email. The emailed version of the Specs Kit duplicates the functionality of the on screen version with the difference that such links are available in an email presentation.

Figure 53 shows an onscreen version of the Specs kit, under an embodiment. The blue links (5302-5312) on the right in Figure 53 represent a full on screen Specs Kit for the "LSS-1 10-01 -L-DV-A" part number, under an embodiment. The user may under an embodiment simply click each link whereupon the Samtec website instantly delivers the corresponding document. Drawings (5302) and Footprints (5304) may open in a browser window so the user can view them instantly. Selection of 3D model files (5308, 5310) may queue a download to the user's computer after which a user may open the requested file using the corresponding 3D modeling software. The Specs Kit also provides a link to additional technical specifications (5312) for that product. The user may also request an email copy of the Specs Kit by using the E-mail Address tool (5314) on the left side of Figure 53. The email option delivers a detailed email with the same documentation that is listed on screen, with a convenient link to get back to the exact web page from which the user requested the emailed Specs Kit. Figure 54 provides an electronic (email) version of the Specs Kit, under an embodiment.

The Specs Kit is available in multiple locations on the Samtec website. As already described above, the Specs Kit is available through the Solutionator instance. Figure 53 displays an on screen Specs Kit for a full part number as output from the Solutionator process, under an embodiment. Under one embodiment, a user may reach an on screen specs kit from the main Samtec website. As but one example, the following path navigates a user to an on screen Specs Kit as output of the Solutionator process:

• http://www.samtec.com Connectors / Rugged High Speed Strips

o Fill in the Solutionator® inputs as follows:

^■ Total Pins - 208

^■ Height / Orientation - 12,00 mm

^■ Pitch - 0,635 mm

With each part number of the mated set returned as output of the Solutionator process (see Figure 42), a lookup is performed in the Samtec file system for available technical documentation corresponding to each such part number. As seen in Figure 42, the available technical documentation for that part is shown in the form of an on screen Specs Kit providing links to the technical data.

The Specs Kit is also available using the search feature of the Samtec website. The search tool allows flexible searching by entering a portion of the part name in a search tool field located at the top right of the Samtec website. Figure 55 shows interactive search tool located at top right of main company website showing search results containing phrase "ERF" by "products", "subcategory groups", "product features", "sites", and "product descriptions", under an embodiment. Figure 56 shows interactive search tool located at top right of main company website showing search results containing phrase "ERF8" automatically showing all ERF8 products, under an embodiment. The search tool allows for a specific product search based on part number. The output of the search tool (when an exact match is found) provides the same technical documentation returned as the Specs Kit output of the Solutionator. The on screen display may differ. Figure 57 shows on screen links to technical information for exact match part ERM8-060-08.0-L-DV, under an embodiment. The search result provides links (5710) to the available technical information for the part. Under this embodiment, the

aggregated/bundled links are not referred to as a Specs Kit. The provided links in the Search version of the Specs Kit still open and retrieve technical information the same way, allowing the user access to technical documentation by typing in a specific part number directly into the search box. Figure 57 shows a search version of the Specs Kit, under an embodiment. Note the Specs Kit download options (5710) in the bottom right corner of the Advanced P N (Part Number) search.

The Samtec website also offers a version of the Specs Kit through a Pricing and Delivery interface. The implementation of the Specs Kit result in the Pricing and

Delivery panel is under one embodiment virtually the same as the displayed technical links in the Search Results interface with slight variation in style of presentation.

Operation of the links in displaying and retrieving information remains the same. Figure 58 shows an implementation of Specs Kit technical information links (5810) through a Pricing and Delivery interface, under an embodiment. The Samtec website provides the following path to the Pricing and Delivery interface:

http://www.samtec.com - Pricing and Delivery -> Enter full part number Under another embodiment, the Specs Kit will also be available through a Build a Part tool configuration process that allows users to configure Samtec part numbers through a simple online interface. Once the user completes a part configuration, the user will have the option to "Generate a Specs Kit" based on the configured part number. This approach differs slightly from the Specs Kit embodiments described above. The reason for the differing approach is attributable to the fact that documentation that is returned is specific to the part number the user enters. Therefore to query the Samtec webservers each time a part variation was input would cause too much strain. The Build a Part tool is under an embodiment accessible via the following path:

http://www.samtec.com/ - Design Tools - Build a Part

Other Specs Kit embodiments include a comprehensive technical specification page for individual parts. As indicated above, a technical specifications link is provided to a user at the end of the Solutionator process alongside the presentation of the identified/recommended product. The technical specifications link provides a user with a comprehensive set of technical information for a part series. Under an alternative embodiment, an analogous technical specifications link/page may be available for a specific part versus part series. This alternative tech specs page may be provided in the following environments:

• Full Assembly Solutionators (i.e., the Acclimate Solutionator may provide access to the alternative part specific tech specs embodiment)

• Hybrid Solutionator (e.g., Discrete Wire and High Speed Cable hybrid

Solutionator instances may offer the alternative part specific tech specs embodiment; recall that a hybrid Solutionator or a "Design Solutions" approach offers additional design elements above and beyond the "Get Solutions" approach of the Solutionator instance described herein)

• Campaign Landing pages on Samtec.com (e.g. the website may provide a focused landing page for a product through a marketing campaign emailed directly to certain user where the product page may feature the part/model specific tech specs embodiment)

• Samtec.com Homepage via Solutionators (i.e., the standard Solutionator instances may provide the alternative part specific tech specs embodiment)

Figure 59 is a block diagram of the Samtec web interface system, under an embodiment. The system comprises a platform including at least one processor coupled to one or more memory devices or databases. A Samtec component or application executes on the processor and provides the interactions and interfaces described in detail herein. An alternative embodiment of the Solutionator may abstract the Solutionator instance described herein to allow a user to search initially on desired filters versus components. This alternative approach may under an embodiment be available to a user from the Samtec.com homepage. The alternative search approach may allow a user to begin a search based on selection of filter type. The search process may proceed based on a user selecting type of filters that matter most to a user's application or intended search strategy. As one example, based on a selection of pitch as a filter, the Samtec interface may present a series of filters still available based on that initial selection. In other words, certain filters may no longer be relevant to a set of products where pitch is a

configuration option. Once pitch is selected, the user may select stack height as a filter of interest. The Solutionator may then progressively identify remaining product family filters that are still available. This alternative embodiment of the Solutionator allows users to prioritize filter types most important to the user's specific purpose or application needs.

Figure 60 is a flowchart describing identification of a product based on filter inputs, under an embodiment. Step 6002 comprises a plurality of interfaces coupled to a database comprising configuration information, the configuration information including configuration options for configuration of components. Step 6004 represents navigating to an interface of the plurality of interfaces corresponding to a product category. Step 6006 identifies configuration options for configuration of components corresponding to the product category. Step 6008 filters the identified configuration options using one or more business rules. Step 6010 provides a first filter and a second filter each displaying filtered identified configuration options corresponding to the product category. Step 6012 receives a first selection of the first filter and updating options of the second filter based on the first selection. Step 6014 receives a second selection of the second filter. Step

6016 identifies a product comprising at least one component of the components using the first selection and the second selection. Step 6018 presents the product with

corresponding visual representation including presenting technical links for accessing technical information corresponding the product. Embodiments described herein include a method comprising providing a database comprising configuration information that includes configuration options for

configuration of components. The method includes providing an interface to the database. The interface comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes product information of components corresponding to the product category, and the second portion includes a plurality of filters comprising a first filter and a second filter. The method includes receiving data identifying the configuration options for configuration of components corresponding to the product category, and generating filtered configuration options by filtering the identified configuration options. The method includes providing the plurality of filters corresponding to the product category, displaying from the first filter a first collection of the filtered configuration options, and displaying from the second filter a second collection of the filtered configuration options. The method includes receiving a first selection of the first collection and updating the second collection based on the first selection. The method includes receiving a second selection of the second displayed collection. The method includes identifying a product comprising at least one component of the components using the first selection and the second selection. The method includes presenting the product with corresponding visual representation including presenting technical links for accessing technical information corresponding to the product.

Embodiments described herein include a method comprising: providing a database comprising configuration information that includes configuration options for configuration of components; providing an interface to the database, wherein the interface comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion includes product information of components corresponding to the product category, and the second portion includes a plurality of filters comprising a first filter and a second filter; receiving data identifying the configuration options for configuration of components corresponding to the product category, and generating filtered configuration options by filtering the identified configuration options; providing the plurality of filters

corresponding to the product category, displaying from the first filter a first collection of the filtered configuration options, and displaying from the second filter a second collection of the filtered configuration options; receiving a first selection of the first collection and updating the second collection based on the first selection; receiving a second selection of the second displayed collection; identifying a product comprising at least one component of the components using the first selection and the second selection; and presenting the product with corresponding visual representation including presenting technical links for accessing technical information corresponding to the product.

The visual representation includes an exact image of the product.

The visual representation includes a product series default image.

The providing of the plurality of filters includes providing a third filter displaying a third collection of the filtered identified configuration options and a fourth filter displaying a fourth collection of the filtered identified configuration options.

The method includes receiving a third selection of the third displayed collection and updating the fourth displayed collection based on the third selection. The method includes receiving a fourth selection of the fourth displayed collection. The method includes identi fying the product comprising at least one component of the components using the third selection and the fourth selection.

The providing of the plurality of filters includes providing a fifth filter of the plurality of filters displaying a fifth collection of the filtered identified configuration options.

The method includes updating the fifth displayed collection based on the fourth selection. The method includes identifying the product comprising at least one component of the components using the fifth selection.

The providing of the plurality of filters comprises providing at least two and at most six filters, the at least two and at most six filters selected on a basis of relevance to the product category according to one or more of industry and market experience of a seller. The providing of the plurality of filters includes providing a sidebar corresponding to the filtered identified configuration options, the sidebar comprising the plurality of filters.

The sidebar is identified by a unique numeric entity.

The providing of the plurality of filters includes identifying and retrieving the plurality of filters using the unique numeric entity.

The providing of the plurality of filters includes rendering data of one or more data types corresponding to the plurality of filters, wherein the data type is at least one of numeric, alpha and combined.

The providing of the plurality of filters includes ordering values of the one or more data types.

The providing of the plurality of filters includes combining mutually exclusive filters of the plurality of filters.

The combining of the mutually exclusive filters includes combining configuration options of a filter of the plurality of filters with configuration options of another filter of the plurality of filters into a combined filter, the combined filter including a set of discrete mutually exclusive set of configuration options.

The combining of the mutually exclusive filters includes combining stack height and orientation options.

The combining of the mutually exclusive filters includes combining pin position and row options.

The filtering of the identified configuration options includes applying one or more business rules to identify a portion of the identified configuration options.

The filtering of the identified configuration options includes filtering the portion from the identified configuration options.

The applying of the one or more business rules includes at least one of identifying technical configuration options, identifying add-on configuration options, identifying plating configuration options, and identifying non-catalog standard options, wherein the portion of the identified configuration options includes the identified technical configuration options, add-on configuration options, plating configuration options, and non-catalog standard configuration options.

The identifying of the technical configuration options includes identifying options exceeding current application needs of a typical user.

The technical configuration options comprise differential pair configuration options.

The technical configuration options comprise twisted pair configuration options. The technical configuration options comprise shielded twisted pair configuration options.

The technical configuration options comprise discrete wire configuration options.

The technical configuration options comprise shielded configuration options. The identifying of the add-on configuration options includes identifying a first state of a product comprising at least one of the add-on configuration options and a second state of a product without the at least one of the add-on configuration options, wherein electrical properties of the product in the first state are the same as electrical properties of the product in the second state.

The add-one configuration options include latches, guide posts, and packaging options.

The identifying plating configuration options includes identifying a standard level of plating that provides electrical conductivity properties of the product suitable for application needs of a user.

The identifying of the non-catalog standard options comprises identifying standard options appearing in product print and absent from catalog print.

The product print provides a greater level of product detail than the catalog print, the product print comprising an engineering reference, the catalog print comprising a sales reference.

The applying the one or more business rules comprises applying a mutual best fit determination, the mutual best fit determination identifying mutual best fit configuration options that maximize at least one benefit in respect of a product and with respect to a purchaser and a seller of the product.

The at least one benefit includes one or more of quality, gross profit, simplicity and price.

The filtering of the identified configuration options includes identifying a first set and a second set of the filtered identified configuration options, the first set including the mutual best fit configuration options and the second set including the remainder of the filtered identified configuration options.

The filtering of the identified configuration options comprises filtering the second set from the portion of the identified configuration options.

The technical links include links to one or more of engineering drawings, footprint specifications, 3D models, electrical models and technical reports corresponding to the product.

The technical links include a technical specifications link, wherein the technical specifications link provides click through access to a comprehensive set of technical information for a series of products corresponding to the product.

Selecting one of the technical links comprises retrieving at least one

corresponding file.

The retrieving of the at least one corresponding file includes matching delimiter separated segments of a part number corresponding to the product with delimiter separated segments of a filename of the at least one corresponding file.

The retrieving of the at least one corresponding file comprises converting the number of matching delimiter separated segments to a metric and identifying the at least one corresponding file for retrieval using the metric.

The retrieving of the at least one corresponding file includes retrieving a technical document in-browser alongside the presented product.

The retrieving of the at least one corresponding file includes retrieving a technical document presented as an electronic document alongside the presented product, wherein the electronic document comprises a document in a PDF format. The retrieving of the at least one corresponding file includes downloading industry standard files that are compatible with one or more third party applications.

The one or more third party applications include one or more of ACIS, IGES, Parasolid, STEP and PADS.

The identifying of the product comprises identifying one or two mated set solutions, wherein a mated set solution of the one or two mated set solutions comprise a matching set of interconnects.

The interconnects comprise at least one of High Speed Board To Board connectors, Edge Card/Micro Backplane connectors, Micro Pitch Board to Board, and Rugged/Power connectors.

The presenting of the product comprises navigating to a product page.

The product page comprises an intermediate product page presenting two mated set solutions.

The intermediate product page provides a visual representation of the two mated set solutions.

The intermediate product page provides click through access to the technical links for accessing technical information corresponding to the two mated set solutions.

The intermediate product page provides an option to select one of the two mated set solutions.

The product page comprises a product landing page presenting a single mated set solution.

The product landing page provides the technical links for accessing technical information corresponding the single mated set solution.

The product landing page includes an input option for delivering product sample and a link for initiating live chat with an engineer.

The input option provides a mechanism for requesting the delivery of the product sample.

The delivering of the product sample includes delivering the product sample within a pre-specified time of the request. The live chat links provide live online access to an engineer for discussing the configuration options for configuration of components.

The product landing page includes a specification kit email option.

The specification kit email option comprises a mechanism for requesting an email corresponding to the single mated set solution.

The email comprises the technical links for accessing technical information, the input option for delivering product sample and the links for initiating live chat with an engineer.

The email comprises a link providing access to the product landing page.

The filtered identified configuration options include one or more of pin options, stack height options, orientation options, pitch options, impedance options, card thickness options, position options, contact system options, wire gauge options, and application options.

Embodiments described herein include a method comprising providmg an interface to a database comprising configuration information that includes configuration options for configuration of components. The interface comprises a first portion that includes product information of components corresponding to a product category and a second portion that includes a plurality of filters. The method comprises generating filtered configuration options by filtering selected configuration options for configuration of components corresponding to the product category. The method comprises providing the plurality of filters to correspond to the product category, displaying from the first filter a first collection of the filtered configuration options, and displaying from the second filter a second collection of the filtered configuration options. The method comprises updating the second collection based on a first selection from the first collection. The method comprises identifying a product comprising at least one component of the components using the first selection and a second selection from the second displayed collection. The method comprises presenting the product with corresponding visual representation including presenting technical links for accessing technical information corresponding to the product. Embodiments described herein include a method comprising: providing an interface to a database comprising configuration information that includes configuration options for configuration of components, the interface comprising a first portion that includes product information of components corresponding to a product category and a second portion that includes a plurality of filters; generating filtered configuration options by filtering selected configuration options for configuration of components corresponding to the product category; providing the plurality of filters to correspond to the product category, displaying from the first filter a first collection of the filtered configuration options, and displaying from the second filter a second collection of the filtered configuration options; updating the second collection based on a first selection from the first collection; identifying a product comprising at least one component of the components using the first selection and a second selection from the second displayed collection; and presenting the product with corresponding visual representation including presenting technical links for accessing technical information corresponding to the product.

Embodiments described herein include a system comprising one or more servers coupled to at least one database comprising configuration information. The configuration information includes configuration options for configuration of components. The system comprises an electronic interface coupled to the one or more servers and accessing information of the at least one database. The accessing the information includes navigating to an interface of the electronic interface corresponding to a product category. The interface provides product information of components corresponding to the product category and a plurality of filters. The accessing the information includes identifying the configuration options for configuration of components corresponding to the product category, filtering the identified configuration options using one or more business rules, and providing the plurality of filters corresponding to the product category. The first filter of the plurality of filters displays a first collection of the filtered identified configuration options and the second filter displays a second collection of the filtered identified configuration options. The interface receives a first selection of the first displayed collection and updates the second displayed collection based on the first selection. The interface receives a second selection of the second displayed collection. The electronic interface identifies a product comprising at least one component of the components using the first selection and the second selection and presents the product through the interface with corresponding visual representation including presenting technical links for accessing technical information corresponding to the product, a link for requesting delivery of a product sample, and links for initiating live chat with an engineer.

Embodiments described herein include a system comprising: one or more servers coupled to at least one database comprising configuration information, the configuration information including configuration options for configuration of components; an electronic interface coupled to the one or more servers and accessing information of the at least one database, the accessing the information including navigating to an interface of the electronic interface corresponding to a product category, the interface providing product information of components corresponding to the product category and a plurality of filters, the accessing the information including identifying the configuration options for configuration of components corresponding to the product category, filtering the identified configuration options using one or more business rules, and providing the plurality of filters corresponding to the product category, the first filter of the plurality of filters displaying a first collection of the filtered identified configuration options and the second filter displaying a second collection of the filtered identified configuration options; the interface receiving a first selection of the first displayed collection and updating the second displayed collection based on the first selection; the interface receiving a second selection of the second displayed collection; and the electronic interface identifying a product comprising at least one component of the components using the first selection and the second selection and presenting the product through the interface with corresponding visual representation including presenting technical links for accessing technical information corresponding to the product, a link for requesting delivery of a product sample, and links for initiating live chat with an engineer. Embodiments described herein include a method comprising providing a database comprising a plurality of components and a plurality of parameters. The plurality of parameters represents at least one of physical characteristics and operational

characteristics consistent with the plurality of components. The method comprises coupling a user interface (UI) to the database and presenting a set of parameters via the UI. The plurality of parameters includes the set of parameters. The method comprises receiving via the UI at least one selected parameter of the set of parameters. The method comprises revising the set of parameters presented in response to the at least one selected parameter. The method comprises identifying a product that includes at least one component consistent with the set of parameters, and presenting the product via the UI.

Embodiments described herein include a method comprising: providing a database comprising a plurality of components and a plurality of parameters, wherein the plurality of parameters represent at least one of physical characteristics and operational characteristics consistent with the plurality of components; coupling a user interface (UI) to the database and presenting a set of parameters via the UI, wherein the plurality of parameters includes the set of parameters; receiving via the UI at least one selected parameter of the set of parameters; revising the set of parameters presented in response to the at least one selected parameter; and identifying a product that includes at least one component consistent with the set of parameters, and presenting the product via the UI.

The set of parameters includes a product category.

The product category includes cable systems.

The set of parameters includes an interface type.

The interface type comprises a bayonet locking mechanism.

The interface type comprises at least one of a circular shape and a rectangular shape.

The receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of a first cable termination.

The receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of a second cable termination. The receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of an external cable.

The receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of a power delivery direction.

The receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of a material.

The receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of a size.

The receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of a pin count, wherein the at least one parameter of the pin count includes at least one of a standard pin configuration and a modified pin configuration.

The presenting includes presenting a custom option regarding final configuration of the product, wherein the custom option comprises at least one of a plating

configuration and a keying configuration.

The interface type comprises a threaded locking mechanism.

The receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of a threaded interface.

The at least one parameter of the threaded interface includes a parameter of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface.

The at least one parameter of the threaded interface includes a parameter of an

Ethernet interface.

The receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of a first cable termination, wherein the at least one parameter includes a cable termination type and an interface type.

The receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of a second cable termination, wherein the at least one parameter includes a cable termination type and an interface type.

The receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of an external cable. The at least one parameter includes at least one of a standard configuration and a modified configuration.

The interface type comprises a sealed rectangular mechanism.

The receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of a rectangular interface.

The at least one parameter of the rectangular interface includes a parameter of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface.

The at least one parameter of the rectangular interface includes a parameter of an Ethernet interface.

The at least one parameter of the rectangular interface includes a parameter of a pin/socket interface.

The receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of an external cable.

The at least one parameter includes at least one of a standard configuration and a modified configuration.

The revising comprises adding parameters to the set of parameters.

The revising comprises narrowing contents of the set of parameters.

The product includes at least one component.

The product is an assembly that includes a plurality of components, wherein each component of the plurality of components is a product.

The presenting comprises presenting technical information corresponding to the product, wherein the technical information comprises at least one of technical data and links to the technical data. The technical information includes at least one of a graphic image of the product and a specification drawing of the product.

The technical information includes technical specifications of the product.

The links include links to one or more of engineering drawings, footprint specifications, three-dimensional models, electrical models and technical reports corresponding to the product.

The links include a technical specifications link, wherein the technical specifications link provides click through access to a comprehensive set of technical information for a series of products corresponding to the product.

The links include links for requesting at least one of a physical sample of the product and pricing information of the product.

The technical information includes a link for initiating contact with technical support.

The method comprises presenting via the UI a simulation control that controls access to at least one of a simulator and simulation data resulting from execution of a real-time simulation of operation of the product.

The method comprises presenting the simulation data in response to activation of the simulation control.

The method comprises launching the simulator in response to selection of the simulation control, wherein the launching comprises running the simulator using product data of the product.

The launching comprises presenting a simulator UI and presenting a set of simulation parameters via the UI, comprising receiving via the simulator UI at least one simulation parameter of the set of simulation parameters and controlling the simulation in response to the at least one simulation parameter.

The simulation data comprises electrical data resulting from simulated operation of the product, wherein the electrical data comprises at least one of raw data, data plots, crosstalk plots, insertion loss plots, and eye diagram plots. The method comprises generating in real-time and presenting a model of the product via the UI, wherein the model is a three-dimensional model.

The method comprises receiving via the UI a selection of a modeling application of a plurality of modeling applications. The method comprises generating the model using the selected modeling application.

Embodiments described herein include a system comprising a server comprising a processor coupled to a database. The database includes information of a plurality of components and a plurality of parameters. The plurality of parameters represents at least one of physical characteristics and operational characteristics consistent with the plurality of components. The system comprises a user interface (UI) coupled to the server. The UI accesses information of the database. The UI presents a set of parameters. The plurality of parameters includes the set of parameters. The UI receives at least one selected parameter of the set of parameters. The processor revises the set of parameters presented in response to the at least one selected parameter. The processor identifies a product that includes at least one component consistent with the set of parameters. The UI presents the product via the UI.

Embodiments described herein include a system comprising: a server comprising a processor coupled to a database, wherein the database includes information of a plurality of components and a plurality of parameters, wherein the plurality of parameters represent at least one of physical characteristics and operational characteristics consistent with the plurality of components; and a user interface (UI) coupled to the server, wherein the UI accesses information of the database, wherein the UI presents a set of parameters, wherein the plurality of parameters includes the set of parameters, wherein the UI receives at least one selected parameter of the set of parameters; wherein the processor revises the set of parameters presented in response to the at least one selected parameter, wherein the processor identifies a product that includes at least one component consistent with the set of parameters; wherein the UI presents the product via the UI.

Embodiments described herein include a method comprising providing a database comprising a plurality of components and a plurality of parameters. The plurality of parameters represents at least one of physical characteristics and operational

characteristics consistent with the plurality of components. The method comprises coupling a user interface (UI) to the database. The method comprises receiving via the UI a selected product category of a plurality of product categories. The method comprises presenting a set of parameters via the UI in response to the selected product category. The plurality of parameters includes the set of parameters. The method comprises receiving via the UI at least one selected parameter of the set of parameters. The method comprises revising the set of parameters presented in response to the at least one selected parameter. The method comprises identifying a product that includes at least one component consistent with the set of parameters, and presenting the product via the UI.

Embodiments described herein include a method comprising: providing a database comprising a plurality of components and a plurality of parameters, wherein the plurality of parameters represent at least one of physical characteristics and operational characteristics consistent with the plurality of components; coupling a user interface (UI) to the database; receiving via the UI a selected product category of a plurality of product categories; presenting a set of parameters via the UI in response to the selected product category, wherein the plurality of parameters includes the set of parameters; receiving via the UI at least one selected parameter of the set of parameters; revising the set of parameters presented in response to the at least one selected parameter; and identifying a product that includes at least one component consistent with the set of parameters, and presenting the product via the UI.

The revising comprises narrowing contents of the set of parameters.

The revising comprises adding parameters to the set of parameters.

The product categories include cable systems.

The selected product category includes radio frequency (RF) cable systems.

The set of parameters includes at least one end parameter for at least one end of the product. The at least one end parameter includes a first end type for a first end of the product.

The at least one end parameter includes a first end style for a first end of the product.

The at least one end parameter includes a second end type for a second end of the product.

The at least one end parameter includes a second end style for a second end of the product.

The set of parameters includes at least one cable parameter.

The at least one cable parameter includes a cable style.

The cable style comprises a double-ended style.

The cable style comprises a strip and tin style.

The cable style comprises a blunt cut style.

The at least one cable parameter includes a cable type.

The at least one cable parameter includes a cable length.

The set of parameters includes at least one board-level mate for at least one end of the product.

The product includes at least one component.

The presenting includes presenting a custom configuration option regarding final configuration of the product.

The custom configuration option comprises at least one of a labeling

configuration and a heat shrink configuration.

The presenting comprises presenting technical information corresponding to the product.

The technical information comprises a system configuration of the product.

The technical information comprises a part number of the product.

The technical information comprises pricing information of the product. The technical information comprises at least one of technical data and links to the technical data.

The technical information includes at least one of a graphic image of the product and a specification drawing of the product.

The technical information includes technical specifications of the product.

The links include links for requesting a physical sample of the product.

Embodiments described herein include a system comprising a server comprising a processor coupled to a database. The database includes information of a plurality of components and a plurality of parameters. The plurality of parameters represents at least one of physical characteristics and operational characteristics consistent with the plurality of components. The system comprises a user interface (UI) coupled to the server. The UI receives a selected product category of a plurality of product categories. The UI presents a set of parameters in response to the selected product category. The plurality of parameters includes the set of parameters. The UI receives at least one selected parameter of the set of parameters. The processor revises the set of parameters presented in response to the at least one selected parameter, and identifies a product that includes at least one component consistent with the set of parameters. The UI presents the product.

Embodiments described herein include a system comprising: a server comprising a processor coupled to a database, wherein the database includes information of a plurality of components and a plurality of parameters, wherein the plurality of parameters represent at least one of physical characteristics and operational characteristics consistent with the plurality of components; and a user interface (UI) coupled to the server, wherein the UI receives a selected product category of a plurality of product categories, wherein the UI presents a set of parameters in response to the selected product category, wherein the plurality of parameters includes the set of parameters, wherein the UI receives at least one selected parameter of the set of parameters; wherein the processor revises the set of parameters presented in response to the at least one selected parameter, and identifies a product that includes at least one component consistent with the set of parameters;

wherein the UI presents the product. Embodiments described herein include a method comprising providing a database comprising a plurality of components and a plurality of parameters. The method comprises coupling a user interface (UI) to the database. The method comprises presenting a first set of parameters via the UI. The method comprises receiving via the UI at least one first selected parameter of the first set of parameters and, in response, revising the first set of parameters presented. The method comprises presenting via the UI an initial product version consistent with the first set of parameters and a second set of parameters corresponding to the initial product version. The method comprises receiving via the UI at least one second selected parameter of the second set of parameters and, in response, revising the second set of parameters; identifying a product that includes at least one component consistent with the first set of parameters and the second set of parameters, and presenting the product via the UI.

Embodiments described herein include a method comprising: providing a database comprising a plurality of components and a plurality of parameters; coupling a user interface (UI) to the database; presenting a first set of parameters via the UI;

receiving via the UI at least one first selected parameter of the first set of parameters and, in response, revising the first set of parameters presented; presenting via the UI an initial product version consistent with the first set of parameters and a second set of parameters corresponding to the initial product version; receiving via the UI at least one second selected parameter of the second set of parameters and, in response, revising the second set of parameters; identifying a product that includes at least one component consistent with the first set of parameters and the second set of parameters, and presenting the product via the UI.

The plurality of parameters represents at least one of physical characteristics and operational characteristics consistent with the plurality of components.

The plurality of parameters includes the first set and the second set of parameters. The first set of parameters includes a system parameter.

The presenting of the first set of parameters is in response to receiving via the UI a selected system parameter. The system parameter corresponds to one of connectors and cables.

The first set of parameters includes a system category parameter.

The presenting of the first set of parameters is in response to receiving via the UI a selected system category parameter.

The revising comprises adding parameters to at least one of the first set and the second set of parameters.

The adding of parameters is based on at least one of a selected system parameter and selected category parameter.

The revising comprises narrowing contents of at least one of the first set and the second set of parameters.

The method comprises launching the simulator in response to selection of the simulation control.

The launching comprises running the simulator using product data of the product. The launching comprises presenting a simulator UI and presenting a set of simulation parameters via the UI.

The simulator comprises an insertion loss simulator.

The simulator comprises a crosstalk simulator.

The method comprises receiving via the simulator UI at least one simulation parameter of the set of simulation parameters and controlling the simulation in response to the at least one simulation parameter.

The at least one simulation parameter includes at least one operational characteristic of the product.

The at least one simulation parameter includes at least one environmental condition of an operating environment of the product. The at least one simulation parameter includes at least one configuration parameter of the product.

The simulation data comprises electrical data resulting from simulated operation of the product.

The simulation data comprises raw data.

The simulation data comprises data plots.

The simulation data comprises crosstalk plots.

The simulation data comprises eye diagram plots.

The product includes at least one component.

The technical information comprises a system configuration of the product. The technical information comprises a part number of the product.

The technical information comprises pricing information of the product.

The product includes at least one component.

The technical information comprises at least one of technical data and links to the technical data.

The technical information includes a multi-dimensional model of the product.

The technical information includes technical specifications of the product.

The links include links to one or more of engineering drawings, footprint specifications, three-dimensional models, electrical models and technical reports corresponding to the product. The links include a technical specifications link, wherein the technical

specifications link provides click through access to a comprehensive set of technical information for a series of products corresponding to the product.

The links include links for requesting a physical sample of the product.

Embodiments described herein include a system comprising a server comprising a processor coupled to a database. The database includes information of a plurality of components and a plurality of parameters. The plurality of parameters represents at least one of physical characteristics and operational characteristics consistent with the plurality of components. The system comprises a user interface (UI) coupled to the server. The UI presents a first set of parameters. The UI receives at least one first selected parameter of the first set of parameters. The processor, in response to the at least one first selected parameter, identifies an initial product version consistent with the first set of parameters and generates a second set of parameters corresponding to the initial product version. The UI presents the initial product version and the second set of parameters. The UI receives at least one second selected parameter of the second set of parameters. The processor, in response to the at least one second selected parameter, revises the second set of parameters. The processor identifies a product that includes at least one component consistent with the first set of parameters and the second set of parameters. The UI presents the product.

Embodiments described herein include a system comprising: a server comprising a processor coupled to a database, wherein the database includes information of a plurality of components and a plurality of parameters, wherein the plurality of parameters represent at least one of physical characteristics and operational characteristics consistent with the plurality of components; and a user interface (UI) coupled to the server, wherein the UI presents a first set of parameters, wherein the UI receives at least one first selected parameter of the first set of parameters; wherein the processor, in response to the at least one first selected parameter, identifies an initial product version consistent with the first set of parameters and generates a second set of parameters corresponding to the initial product version, wherein the UI presents the initial product version and the second set of parameters; wherein the UI receives at least one second selected parameter of the second set of parameters; wherein the processor, in response to the at least one second selected parameter, revises the second set of parameters, wherein the processor identifies a product that includes at least one component consistent with the first set of parameters and the second set of parameters; wherein the UI presents the product.

Embodiments described herein include a method comprising providing a database comprising a plurality of components and a plurality of parameters. The method comprises coupling a user interface (UI) to the database and presenting a set of parameters via the UI. The plurality of parameters includes the set of parameters. The method comprises receiving via the UI at least one selected parameter of the set of parameters and revising the set of parameters presented in response to the at least one selected parameter. The method comprises presenting via the UI a product that includes at least one component consistent with the set of parameters. The method comprises presenting via the UI a simulation control that controls access to at least one of a simulator and simulation data resulting from execution of a real-time simulation of operation of the product.

Embodiments described herein include a method comprising: providing a database comprising a plurality of components and a plurality of parameters; coupling a user interface (UI) to the database and presenting a set of parameters via the UI, wherein the plurality of parameters includes the set of parameters; receiving via the UI at least one selected parameter of the set of parameters and revising the set of parameters presented in response to the at least one selected parameter; presenting via the UI a product that includes at least one component consistent with the set of parameters; and presenting via the UI a simulation control that controls access to at least one of a simulator and simulation data resulting from execution of a real-time simulation of operation of the product.

The launching comprises running the simulator using product data of the product.

The launching comprises presenting a simulator UI and presenting a set of simulation parameters via the UI.

The at least one simulation parameter includes at least one environmental condition of an operating environment of the product.

The at least one environmental condition comprises a temperature.

The at least one environmental condition comprises a current.

The at least one environmental condition comprises an impedance.

The at least one environmental condition comprises a data rate.

The at least one environmental condition comprises a bandwidth.

The at least one simulation parameter includes at least one configuration parameter of the product.

The at least one configuration parameter includes a connector type.

The at least one configuration parameter includes a cable length.

The simulation data comprises raw data.

The simulation data comprises data plots. The simulation data comprises crosstalk plots.

The simulation data comprises insertion loss plots.

The simulation data comprises eye diagram plots.

The revising comprises narrowing contents of the set of parameters.

The set of parameters includes a product category.

The set of parameters includes an interface type.

The receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of a second cable termination.

The receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of power delivery.

The receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of a pin count.

The presenting includes presenting at least one custom option regarding final configuration of the product.

The receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of an interface component.

The product includes at least one component.

The product is an assembly that includes a plurality of components, wherein each component of the plurality of components is a product. The presenting of the product comprises presenting technical information corresponding to the product, wherein the technical information comprises at least one of technical data and links to the technical data.

The technical information includes technical specifications of the product.

Embodiments described herein include a system comprising a server comprising a processor coupled to a database. The database includes information of a plurality of components and a plurality of parameters. The plurality of parameters represents at least one of physical characteristics and operational characteristics consistent with the plurality of components. The system comprises a user interface (UI) coupled to the server. The UI presents a set of parameters. The plurality of parameters includes the set of parameters. The UI receives at least one selected parameter of the set of parameters. The processor revises the set of parameters presented in response to the at least one selected parameter. The UI presents a product that mcludes at least one component consistent with the set of parameters. The UI presents a simulation control that controls access to at least one of a simulator and simulation data resulting from execution of a real-time simulation of operation of the product. Embodiments described herein include a system comprising: a server comprising a processor coupled to a database, wherein the database includes information of a plurality of components and a plurality of parameters, wherein the plurality of parameters represent at least one of physical characteristics and operational characteristics consistent with the plurality of components; and a user interface (UI) coupled to the server, wherein the Ul presents a set of parameters, wherein the plurality of parameters includes the set of parameters, wherein the Ul receives at least one selected parameter of the set of parameters; wherein the processor revises the set of parameters presented in response to the at least one selected parameter; wherein the UI presents a product that includes at least one component consistent with the set of parameters; wherein the UI presents a simulation control that controls access to at least one of a simulator and simulation data resulting from execution of a real-time simulation of operation of the product.

Embodiments described herein include a method comprising providing a database comprising a plurality of components and a plurality of parameters. The method comprises coupling a user interface (UI) to the database and presenting a set of parameters via the UI. The plurality of parameters includes the set of parameters. The method comprises receiving via the UI at least one selected parameter of the set of parameters and revising the set of parameters presented in response to the at least one selected parameter. The method comprises presenting via the UI a product that includes at least one component consistent with the set of parameters. The method comprises generating in real-time and presenting a model of the product via the UI.

Embodiments described herein include a method comprising: providing a database comprising a plurality of components and a plurality of parameters; coupling a user interface (UI) to the database and presenting a set of parameters via the UI, wherein the plurality of parameters includes the set of parameters; receiving via the UI at least one selected parameter of the set of parameters and revising the set of parameters presented in response to the at least one selected parameter; presenting via the UI a product that includes at least one component consistent with the set of parameters; and generating in real-time and presenting a model of the product via the UI. The revising comprises adding parameters to the set of parameters. The revising comprises narrowing contents of the set of parameters.

The product includes at least one component.

The model is a three-dimensional model.

The model is compatible with a plurality of modeling applications.

The method comprises receiving via the UI a selection of a modeling application of the plurality of modeling applications.

The generating of the model comprises generating the model using the selected modeling application.

The modeling application includes ACIS.

The modeling application includes Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES).

The modeling application includes Parasolid.

The modeling application includes STEP.

The modeling application includes PADS.

The presenting of the product comprises presenting technical information corresponding to the product, wherein the technical information comprises at least one of technical data and links to the technical data.

The links include at least one model link corresponding to the model.

The method comprises initiating the generating of the model in response to activation of the model link.

The method comprises downloading the model via the UI in response to activation of the model link.

The method comprises displaying the model via the UI in response to activation of the model link. The technical information includes a graphic image of the product.

The technical information includes a specification drawing of the product.

The technical information includes technical specifications of the product.

The technical information includes pricing information of the product.

The links include links to one or more of engineering drawings, footprint specifications, electrical models and technical reports corresponding to the product.

The links include links for requesting a physical sample of the product.

The links include links for requesting pricing information of the product.

The method comprises presenting via the UT a simulation control that controls access to at least one of a simulator and simulation data resulting from execution of a real-time simulation of operation of the product.

The at least one simulation parameter includes at least one environmental condition of an operating environment of the product. The at least one environmental condition comprises at least one of a temperature, a current, an impedance, a data rate, and a bandwidth.

The simulation data comprises at least one of raw data, data plots, crosstalk plots, insertion loss plots, and eye diagram plots.

Embodiments described herein include a system comprising a server comprising a processor coupled to a database. The database includes information of a plurality of components and a plurality of parameters. The plurality of parameters represents at least one of physical characteristics and operational characteristics consistent with the plurality of components. The system comprises a user interface (Ul) coupled to the server. The Ul presents a set of parameters. The plurality of parameters includes the set of parameters. The Ul receives at least one selected parameter of the set of parameters. The processor revises the set of parameters presented in response to the at least one selected parameter. The processor identifies a product that includes at least one component consistent with the set of parameters. The processor generates in real-time a model of the product; wherein the Ul presents the product and the model.

Embodiments described herein include a system comprising: a server comprising a processor coupled to a database, wherein the database includes information of a plurality of components and a plurality of parameters, wherein the plurality of parameters represent at least one of physical characteristics and operational characteristics consistent with the plurality of components; and a user interface (Ul) coupled to the server, wherein the Ul presents a set of parameters, wherein the plurality of parameters includes the set of parameters, wherein the Ul receives at least one selected parameter of the set of parameters; wherein the processor revises the set of parameters presented in response to the at least one selected parameter, wherein the processor identifies a product that includes at least one component consistent with the set of parameters; wherein the processor generates in real-time a model of the product; wherein the UI presents the product and the model.

Computer networks suitable for use with the embodiments described herein include local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), Internet, or other connection services and network variations such as the world wide web, the public internet, a private internet, a private computer network, a public network, a mobile network, a cellular network, a value-added network, and the like. Computing devices coupled or connected to the network may be any microprocessor controlled device that permits access to the network, including terminal devices, such as personal computers, workstations, servers, mini computers, main-frame computers, laptop computers, mobile computers, palm top computers, hand held computers, mobile phones, TV set-top boxes, or combinations thereof. The computer network may include one of more LANs, WANs, Internets, and computers. The computers may serve as servers, clients, or a combination thereof.

The web interface can be a component of a single system, multiple systems, and/or geographically separate systems. The web interface can also be a subcomponent or subsystem of a single system, multiple systems, and/or geographically separate systems. The web interface can be coupled to one or more other components (not shown) of a host system or a system coupled to the host system.

One or more components of the web interface and/or a corresponding interface, system or application to which the web interface is coupled or connected includes and/or runs under and/or in association with a processing system. The processing system includes any collection of processor-based devices or computing devices operating together, or components of processing systems or devices, as is known in the art. For example, the processing system can include one or more of a portable computer, portable communication device operating in a communication network, and/or a network server. The portable computer can be any of a number and/or combination of devices selected from among personal computers, personal digital assistants, portable computing devices, and portable communication devices, but is not so limited. The processing system can include components within a larger computer system.

The processing system of an embodiment includes at least one processor and at least one memory device or subsystem. The processing system can also include or be coupled to at least one database. The term "processor" as generally used herein refers to any logic processing unit, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), etc. The processor and memory can be monolifhically integrated onto a single chip, distributed among a number of chips or components, and/or provided by some combination of algorithms. The methods described herein can be implemented in one or more of software algorithm(s), programs, firmware, hardware, components, circuitry, in any combination.

The components of any system that include the web interface can be located together or in separate locations. Communication paths couple the components and include any medium for communicating or transferring files among the components. The communication paths include wireless connections, wired connections, and hybrid wireless/wired connections. The communication paths also include couplings or connections to networks including local area networks (LANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), wide area networks (WANs), proprietary networks, interoffice or backend networks, and the Internet. Furthermore, the communication paths include removable fixed mediums like floppy disks, hard disk drives, and CD-ROM disks, as well as flash RAM, Universal Serial Bus (USB) connections, RS-232 connections, telephone lines, buses, and electronic mail messages.

Aspects of the web interface and corresponding systems and methods described herein may be implemented as functionality programmed into any of a variety of circuitry, including programmable logic devices (PLDs), such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable array logic (PAL) devices, electrically programmable logic and memory devices and standard cell-based devices, as well as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Some other possibilities for implementing aspects of the web interface and corresponding systems and methods include: microcontrollers with memory (such as electronically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM)), embedded microprocessors, firmware, software, etc. Furthermore, aspects of the web interface and corresponding systems and methods may be embodied in microprocessors having software-based circuit emulation, discrete logic (sequential and combinatorial), custom devices, fuzzy (neural) logic, quantum devices, and hybrids of any of the above device types. Of course the underlying device technologies may be provided in a variety of component types, e.g., metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) technologies like complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS), bipolar technologies like emitter-coupled logic (ECL), polymer technologies (e.g., silicon- conjugated polymer and metal-conjugated polymer-metal structures), mixed analog and digital, etc.

It should be noted that any system, method, and/or other components disclosed herein may be described using computer aided design tools and expressed (or

represented), as data and/or instructions embodied in various computer-readable media, in terms of their behavioral, register transfer, logic component, transistor, layout geometries, and/or other characteristics. Computer-readable media in which such formatted data and/or instructions may be embodied include, but are not limited to, nonvolatile storage media in various forms (e.g., optical, magnetic or semiconductor storage media) and carrier waves that may be used to transfer such formatted data and/or instructions through wireless, optical, or wired signaling media or any combination thereof. Examples of transfers of such formatted data and/or instructions by carrier waves include, but are not limited to, transfers (uploads, downloads, e-mail, etc.) over the Internet and/or other computer networks via one or more data transfer protocols (e.g., HTTP, FTP, SMTP, etc). When received within a computer system via one or more computer-readable media, such data and/or instruction-based expressions of the above described components may be processed by a processing entity (e.g., one or more processors) within the computer system in conjunction with execution of one or more other computer programs. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of "including, but not limited to." Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, the words "herein,"

"hereunder," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the word "or" is used in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list.

The above description of embodiments of the web interface and corresponding systems and methods is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the systems and methods to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the web interface and corresponding systems and methods are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the systems and methods, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The teachings of the web interface and corresponding systems and methods provided herein can be applied to other systems and methods, not only for the systems and methods described above.

The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the web interface and corresponding systems and methods in light of the above detailed description.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A method comprising:

providing a database comprising configuration information that includes configuration options for configuration of components;

providing an interface to the database, wherein the interface comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion includes product information of components corresponding to the product category, and the second portion includes a plurality of filters comprising a first filter and a second filter;

receiving data identifying the configuration options for configuration of components corresponding to the product category, and generating filtered configuration options by filtering the identified configuration options;

providing the plurality of filters corresponding to the product category, displaying from the first filter a first collection of the filtered configuration options, and displaying from the second filter a second collection of the filtered configuration options;

receiving a first selection of the first collection and updating the second collection based on the first selection;

receiving a second selection of the second displayed collection;

identifying a product comprising at least one component of the components using the first selection and the second selection; and

presenting the product with corresponding visual representation including presenting technical links for accessing technical information corresponding to the product.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the visual representation includes an exact image of the product.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the visual representation includes a product series default image.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the providing of the plurality of filters includes providing a third filter displaying a third collection of the filtered identified configuration options and a fourth filter displaying a fourth collection of the filtered identified configuration options.

5. The method of claim 4, comprising:

receiving a third selection of the third displayed collection and updating the fourth displayed collection based on the third selection;

receiving a fourth selection of the fourth displayed collection; and

identifying the product comprising at least one component of the components using the third selection and the fourth selection.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the providing of the plurality of filters includes providing a fifth filter of the plurality of filters displaying a fifth collection of the filtered identified configuration options.

7. The method of claim 6, comprising:

updating the fifth displayed collection based on the fourth selection;

identifying the product comprising at least one component of the components using the fifth selection.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the provid ing of the plurality of filters comprises providing at least two and at most six filters, the at least two and at most six filters selected on a basis of relevance to the product category according to one or more of industry and market experience of a seller.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the providing of the plurality of filters includes providing a sidebar corresponding to the filtered identified configuration options, the sidebar comprising the plurality of filters.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the sidebar is identified by a unique numeric entity.

1 1. The method of claim 10, wherein the providing of the plurality of filters includes identifying and retrieving the plurality of filters using the unique numeric entity.

12. The method of claim 1 1 , wherein the providing of the plurality of filters includes rendering data of one or more data types corresponding to the plurality of filters, wherein the data type is at least one of numeric, alpha and combined.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the providing of the plurality of filters includes ordering values of the one or more data types.

14. The method of claim 1 1 , wherein the providing of the plurality of filters includes combining mutually exclusive filters of the plurality of filters.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the combining of the mutually exclusive filters includes combining configuration options of a filter of the plurality of filters with configuration options of another filter of the plurality of filters into a combined filter, the combined filter including a set of discrete mutually exclusive set of configuration options.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the combining of the mutually exclusive filters includes combining stack height and orientation options.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the combining of the mutually exclusive filters includes combining pin position and row options.

18. The method of claim 1 , wherein the filtering of the identified configuration options includes applying one or more business rules to identify a portion of the identified configuration options.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the filtering of the identified configuration options includes filtering the portion from the identified configuration options.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the applying of the one or more business rules includes at least one of identifying technical configuration options, identifying add-on configuration options, identifying plating configuration options, and identifying non- catalog standard options, wherein the portion of the identified configuration options includes the identified technical configuration options, add-on configuration options, plating configuration options, and non-catalog standard configuration options.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the identifying of the technical configuration options includes identifying options exceeding current application needs of a typical user.

22. The method of claim 21 , wherein the technical configuration options comprise differential pair configuration options.

23. The method of claim 21 , wherein the technical configuration options comprise twisted pair configuration options.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein the technical configuration options comprise shielded twisted pair configuration options.

25. The method of claim 21 , wherein the technical configuration options comprise discrete wire configuration options.

26. The method of claim 21 , wherein the technical configuration options comprise shielded configuration options.

27. The method of claim 20, wherein the identifying of the add-on configuration options includes identifying a first state of a product comprising at least one of the add-on configuration options and a second state of a product without the at least one of the add- on configuration options, wherein electrical properties of the product in the first state are the same as electrical properties of the product in the second state.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the add-one configuration options include latches, guide posts, and packaging options.

29. The method of claim 20, wherein the identifying plating configuration options includes identifying a standard level of plating that provides electrical conductivity properties of the product suitable for application needs of a user.

30. The method of claim 20, wherein the identifying of the non-catalog standard options comprises identifying standard options appearing in product print and absent from catalog print.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the product print provides a greater level of product detail than the catalog print, the product print comprising an engineering reference, the catalog print comprising a sales reference.

32. The method of claim 20, wherein the applying the one or more business rules comprises applying a mutual best fit determination, the mutual best fit determination identifying mutual best fit configuration options that maximize at least one benefit in respect of a product and with respect to a purchaser and a seller of the product.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the at least one benefit includes one or more of quality, gross profit, simplicity and price.

34. The method of claim 32, wherein the filtering of the identified configuration options includes identifying a first set and a second set of the filtered identified configuration options, the first set including the mutual best fit configuration options and the second set including the remainder of the filtered identified configuration options.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the filtering of the identified configuration options comprises filtering the second set from the portion of the identified configuration options.

36. The method of claim 1 , wherein the technical links include links to one or more of engineering drawings, footprint specifications, 3D models, electrical models and technical reports corresponding to the product.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the technical links include a technical specifications link, wherein the technical specifications link provides click through access to a comprehensive set of technical information for a series of products corresponding to the product.

38. The method of claim 36, wherein selecting one of the technical links comprises retrieving at least one corresponding file.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the retrieving of the at least one corresponding file includes matching delimiter separated segments of a part number corresponding to the product with delimiter separated segments of a filename of the at least one corresponding file.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the retrieving of the at least one corresponding file comprises converting the number of matching delimiter separated segments to a metric and identifying the at least one corresponding file for retrieval using the metric.

41. The method of claim 38, wherein the retrieving of the at least one corresponding file includes retrieving a technical document in-browser alongside the presented product.

42. The method of claim 38, wherein the retrieving of the at least one corresponding file includes retrieving a technical document presented as an electronic document alongside the presented product, wherein the electronic document comprises a document in a PDF format.

43. The method of claim 38, wherein the retrieving of the at least one corresponding file includes downloading industry standard files that are compatible with one or more third party applications.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein the one or more third party applications include one or more of ACIS, 1GES, Parasolid, STEP and PADS.

45. The method of claim 1 , wherein the identifying of the product comprises identifying one or two mated set solutions, wherein a mated set solution of the one or two mated set solutions comprise a matching set of interconnects.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein the interconnects comprise at least one of High Speed Board To Board connectors, Edge Card/Micro Backplane connectors, Micro Pitch Board to Board, and Rugged/Power connectors.

47. The method of claim 45, wherein the presenting of the product comprises navigating to a product page.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein the product page comprises an intermediate product page presenting two mated set solutions.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein the intermediate product page provides a visual representation of the two mated set solutions.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein the intermediate product page provides click through access to the technical links for accessing technical information corresponding to the two mated set solutions.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein the intermediate product page provides an option to select one of the two mated set solutions.

52. The method of claim 47, wherein the product page comprises a product landing page presenting a single mated set solution.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein the product landing page provides the technical links for accessing technical information corresponding the single mated set solution.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein the product landing page includes an input option for delivering product sample and a link for initiating live chat with an engineer.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein the input option provides a mechanism for requesting the delivery of the product sample.

I l l

56. The method of claim 55, wherein the delivering of the product sample includes delivering the product sample within a pre-specified time of the request.

57. The method of claim 54, wherein the live chat links provide live online access to an engineer for discussing the configuration options for configuration of components.

58. The method of claim 54, wherein the product landing page includes a

specification kit email option.

59. The method of claim 58, wherein the specification kit email option comprises a mechanism for requesting an email corresponding to the single mated set solution.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein the email comprises the technical links for accessing technical information, the input option for delivering product sample and the links for initiating live chat with an engineer.

61. The method of claim 60, wherein the email comprises a link providing access to the product landing page.

62. The method of claim 1 , wherein the filtered identified configuration options include one or more of pin options, stack height options, orientation options, pitch options, impedance options, card thickness options, position options, contact system options, wire gauge options, and application options.

63. A method comprising:

providing an interface to a database comprising configuration information that includes configuration options for configuration of components, the interface comprising a first portion that includes product information of components corresponding to a product category and a second portion that includes a plurality of filters; generating filtered configuration options by filtering selected configuration options for configuration of components corresponding to the product category;

providing the plurality of filters to correspond to the product category, displaying from the first filter a first collection of the filtered configuration options, and displaying from the second filter a second collection of the filtered configuration options;

updating the second collection based on a first selection from the first collection; identifying a product comprising at least one component of the components using the first selection and a second selection from the second displayed collection; and

64. A system comprising,

one or more servers coupled to at least one database comprising configuration information, the configuration information including configuration options for configuration of components;

an electronic interface coupled to the one or more servers and accessing information of the at least one database, the accessing the information including navigating to an interface of the electronic interface corresponding to a product category, the interface providing product information of components corresponding to the product category and a plurality of filters, the accessing the information including identifying the configuration options for configuration of components corresponding to the product category, filtering the identified configuration options using one or more business rules, and providing the plurality of filters corresponding to the product category, the first filter of the plurality of filters displaying a first collection of the filtered identified

configuration options and the second filter display ing a second collection of the filtered identified configuration options;

the interface receiving a first selection of the first displayed collection and updating the second displayed collection based on the first selection; the interface receiving a second selection of the second displayed collection; and the electronic interface identifying a product comprising at least one component of the components using the first selection and the second selection and presenting the product through the interface with corresponding visual representation including presenting technical links for accessing technical information corresponding to the product, a link for requesting delivery of a product sample, and links for initiating live chat with an engineer.

65. A method comprising:

providing a database comprising a plurality of components and a plurality of parameters, wherein the plurality of parameters represent at least one of physical characteristics and operational characteristics consistent with the plurality of components; coupling a user interface (UI) to the database and presenting a set of parameters via the UI, wherein the plurality of parameters includes the set of parameters;

receiving via the UI at least one selected parameter of the set of parameters;

revising the set of parameters presented in response to the at least one selected parameter; and

identifying a product that includes at least one component consistent with the set of parameters, and presenting the product via the UI.

66. The method of claim 65, wherein the set of parameters includes a product category.

67. The method of claim 66, wherein the product category includes cable systems.

68. The method of claim 67, wherein the set of parameters includes an interface type.

69. The method of claim 68, wherein the interface type comprises a bayonet locking mechanism.

70. The method of claim 69, wherein the interface type comprises at least one of a circular shape and a rectangular shape.

71 . The method of claim 69, wherein the receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of a first cable termination.

72. The method of claim 69, wherein the receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of a second cable termination.

73. The method of claim 69, wherein the receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of an external cable.

74. The method of claim 69, wherein the receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of a power delivery direction.

75. The method of claim 69, wherein the receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of a material.

76. The method of claim 69, wherein the receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of a size.

77. The method of claim 69, wherein the receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of a pin count, wherein the at least one parameter of the pin count includes at least one of a standard pin configuration and a modified pin configuration.

78. The method of claim 69, wherein the presenting includes presenting a custom option regarding final configuration of the product, wherein the custom option comprises at least one of a plating configuration and a keying configuration.

79. The method of claim 68, wherein the interface type comprises a threaded locking mechanism.

80. The method of claim 79, wherein the receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of a threaded interface.

81. The method of claim 80, wherein the at least one parameter of the threaded interface includes a parameter of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface.

82. The method of claim 80, wherein the at least one parameter of the threaded interface includes a parameter of an Ethernet interface.

83. The method of claim 79, wherein the receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of a first cable termination, wherein the at least one parameter includes a cable termination type and an interface type.

84. The method of claim 79, wherein the receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of a second cable termination, wherein the at least one parameter includes a cable termination type and an interface type.

85. The method of claim 79, wherein the receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of an external cable.

86. The method of claim 79, wherein the at least one parameter includes at least one of a standard configuration and a modified configuration.

87. The method of claim 68, wherein the interface type comprises a sealed rectangular mechanism.

88. The method of claim 87, wherein the receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of a rectangular interface.

89. The method of claim 88, wherein the at least one parameter of the rectangular interface includes a parameter of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface.

90. The method of claim 88, wherein the at least one parameter of the rectangular interface includes a parameter of an Ethernet interface.

91. The method of claim 88, wherein the at least one parameter of the rectangular interface includes a parameter of a pin/socket interface.

92. The method of claim 88, wherein the receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of a first cable termination, wherein the at least one parameter includes a cable termination type and an interface type.

93. The method of claim 88, wherein the receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of a second cable termination, wherein the at least one parameter includes a cable termination type and an interface type.

94. The method of claim 88, wherein the receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of an external cable.

95. The method of claim 88, wherein the at least one parameter includes at least one of a standard configuration and a modified configuration.

96. The method of claim 65, wherein the revising comprises adding parameters to the set of parameters.

97. The method of claim 65, wherein the revising comprises narrowing contents of the set of parameters.

98. The method of claim 65, wherein the product includes at least one component.

99. The method of claim 65, wherein the product is an assembly that includes a plurality of components, wherein each component of the plurality of components is a product.

100. The method of claim 65, wherein the presenting comprises presenting technical information corresponding to the product, wherein the technical information comprises at least one of technical data and links to the technical data.

101. The method of claim 100, wherein the technical information includes at least one of a graphic image of the product and a specification drawing of the product.

102. The method of claim 100, wherein the technical information includes technical specifications of the product.

103. The method of claim 100, wherein the links include links to one or more of engineering drawings, footprint specifications, three-dimensional models, electrical models and technical reports corresponding to the product.

104. The method of claim 100, wherein the links include a technical specifications link, wherein the technical specifications link provides click through access to a comprehensive set of technical information for a series of products corresponding to the product.

105. The method of claim 100, wherein the links include links for requesting at least one of a physical sample of the product and pricing information of the product.

106. The method of claim 100, wherein the technical information includes a link for initiating contact with technical support.

107. The method of claim 100, comprising presenting via the UI a simulation control that controls access to at least one of a simulator and simulation data resulting from execution of a real-time simulation of operation of the product.

1 08. The method of claim 107, comprising presenting the simulation data in response to activation of the simulation control.

109. The method of claim 108, comprising launching the simulator in response to selection of the simulation control, wherein the launching comprises running the simulator using product data of the product.

1 10. The method of claim 109, wherein the launching comprises presenting a simulator UI and presenting a set of simulation parameters via the UI, comprising receiving via the simulator UI at least one simulation parameter of the set of simulation parameters and controlling the simulation in response to the at least one simulation parameter.

1 1 1. The method of claim 108, wherein the simulation data comprises electrical data resulting from simulated operation of the product, wherein the electrical data comprises at least one of raw data, data plots, crosstalk plots, insertion loss plots, and eye diagram plots.

1 12. The method of claim 65, comprising generating in real-time and presenting a model of the product via the UI. wherein the model is a three-dimensional model.

1 13. The method of claim 1 12, comprising:

receiving via the UI a selection of a modeling application of a plurality of modeling applications;

generating the model using the selected modeling application.

1 14. A system comprising:

a server comprising a processor coupled to a database, wherein the database includes information of a plurality of components and a plurality of parameters, wherein the plurality of parameters represent at least one of physical characteristics and operational characteristics consistent with the plurality of components; and

a user interface (UI) coupled to the server, wherein the UI accesses information of the database, wherein the UI presents a set of parameters, wherein the plurality of parameters includes the set of parameters, wherein the UI receives at least one selected parameter of the set of parameters;

wherein the processor revises the set of parameters presented in response to the at least one selected parameter, wherein the processor identifies a product that includes at least one component consistent with the set of parameters;

wherein the UI presents the product via the UI.

1 15. A method comprising :

providing a database comprising a plurality of components and a plurality of parameters, wherein the plurality of parameters represent at least one of physical characteristics and operational characteristics consistent with the plurality of components; coupling a user interface (UI) to the database; receiving via the UI a selected product category of a plurality of product categories;

presenting a set of parameters via the UI in response to the selected product category, wherein the plurality of parameters includes the set of parameters;

receiving via the UI at least one selected parameter of the set of parameters; revising the set of parameters presented in response to the at least one selected parameter; and

1 16. The method of claim 1 15, wherein the revising comprises narrowing contents of the set of parameters.

1 17. The method of claim 1 15, wherein the revising comprises adding parameters to the set of parameters.

1 18. The method of claim 1 15, wherein the product categories include cable systems.

1 19. The method of claim 1 18, wherein the selected product category includes radio frequency (RF) cable systems.

120. The method of claim 1 19, wherein the set of parameters includes at least one end parameter for at least one end of the product.

121 . The method of claim 120, wherein the at least one end parameter includes a first end type for a first end of the product.

122. The method of claim 120, wherein the at least one end parameter includes a first end style for a first end of the product.

123. The method of claim 120, wherein the at least one end parameter includes a second end type for a second end of the product.

124. The method of claim 120, wherein the at least one end parameter includes a second end style for a second end of the product.

125. The method of claim 1 19, wherein the set of parameters includes at least one cable parameter.

126. The method of claim 125, wherein the at least one cable parameter includes a cable style.

127. The method of claim 126, wherein the cable style comprises a double-ended style.

128. The method of claim 126, wherein the cable style comprises a strip and tin style.

129. The method of claim 126, wherein the cable style comprises a blunt cut style.

130. The method of claim 125, wherein the at least one cable parameter includes a cable type.

131. The method of claim 125, wherein the at least one cable parameter includes a cable length.

132. The method of claim 1 19, wherein the set of parameters includes at least one board-level mate for at least one end of the product.

133. The method of claim 1 15, wherein the product includes at least one component.

134. The method of claim 1 15, wherein the product is an assembly that includes a plurality of components, wherein each component of the plurality of components is a product.

135. The method of claim 1 15, wherein the presenting includes presenting a custom configuration option regarding final configuration of the product.

136. The method of claim 135, wherein the custom configuration option comprises at least one of a labeling configuration and a heat shrink con figuration.

137. The method of claim 1 15, wherein the presenting comprises presenting technical information corresponding to the product.

138. The method of claim 137, wherein the technical information comprises a system configuration of the product.

139. The method of claim 137, wherein the technical information comprises a part number of the product.

140. The method of claim 137, wherein the technical information comprises pricing information of the product.

141. The method of claim 1 15, wherein the technical information comprises at least one of technical data and links to the technical data.

142. The method of claim 141 , wherein the technical information includes at least one of a graphic image of the product and a specification drawing of the product.

143. The method of claim 141 , wherein the technical information includes technical specifications of the product.

144. The method of claim 141 , wherein the links include links to one or more of engineering drawings, footprint specifications, three-dimensional models, electrical models and technical reports corresponding to the product.

145. The method of claim 141 , wherein the links include a technical specifications link, wherein the technical specifications link provides click through access to a comprehensive set of technical information for a series of products corresponding to the product.

146. The method of claim 141 , wherein the links include links for requesting a physical sample of the product.

147. The method of claim 141 , wherein the technical information includes a link for initiating contact with technical support.

148. The method of claim 1 15, comprising presenting via the UI a simulation control that controls access to at least one of a simulator and simulation data resulting from execution of a real-time simulation of operation of the product.

149. The method of claim 148, comprising presenting the simulation data in response to activation of the simulation control.

150. The method of claim 148, comprising launching the simulator in response to selection of the simulation control, wherein the launching comprises running the simulator using product data of the product.

151. The method of claim 150, wherein the launching comprises presenting a simulator UI and presenting a set of simulation parameters via the UI, comprising receiving via the simulator UI at least one simulation parameter of the set of simulation parameters and controlling the simulation in response to the at least one simulation parameter.

152. The method of claim 148, wherein the simulation data comprises electrical data resulting from simulated operation of the product, wherein the electrical data comprises at least one of raw data, data plots, crosstalk plots, insertion loss plots, and eye diagram plots.

153. The method of claim 1 15, comprising generating in real-time and presenting a model of the product via the UI, wherein the model is a three-dimensional model.

154. The method of claim 153, comprising:

generating the model using the selected modeling application.

155. A system comprising:

a user interface (UI) coupled to the server, wherein the UI receives a selected product category of a plurality of product categories, wherein the UI presents a set of parameters in response to the selected product category, wherein the plurality of parameters includes the set of parameters, wherein the UI receives at least one selected parameter of the set of parameters; wherein the processor revises the set of parameters presented in response to the at least one selected parameter, and identifies a product that includes at least one component consistent with the set of parameters;

wherein the UI presents the product.

156. A method comprising:

providing a database comprising a plurality of components and a plurality of parameters;

coupling a user interface (UI) to the database;

presenting a first set of parameters via the UI;

receiving via the UI at least one first selected parameter of the first set of parameters and, in response, revising the first set of parameters presented;

presenting via the UI an initial product version consistent with the first set of parameters and a second set of parameters corresponding to the initial product version; receiving via the UI at least one second selected parameter of the second set of parameters and, in response, revising the second set of parameters;

identifying a product that includes at least one component consistent with the first set of parameters and the second set of parameters, and presenting the product via the UI.

157. The method of claim 156, wherein the plurality of parameters represent at least one of physical characteristics and operational characteristics consistent with the plurality of components.

158. The method of claim 156, wherein the plurality of parameters includes the first set and the second set of parameters.

159. The method of claim 156, wherein the first set of parameters includes a system parameter.

160. The method of claim 159, wherein the presenting of the first set of parameters is in response to receiving via the UI a selected system parameter.

161. The method of claim 159, wherein the system parameter corresponds to one of connectors and cables.

162. The method of claim 156, wherein the first set of parameters includes a system category parameter.

163. The method of claim 162, wherein the presenting of the first set of parameters is in response to receiving via the UI a selected system category parameter.

164. The method of claim 156, wherein the revising comprises adding parameters to at least one of the first set and the second set of parameters.

165. The method of claim 164, wherein the adding of parameters is based on at least one of a selected system parameter and selected category parameter.

166. The method of claim 156, wherein the revising comprises narrowing contents of at least one of the first set and the second set of parameters.

167. The method of claim 156, comprising presenting via the UI a simulation control that controls access to at least one of a simulator and simulation data resulting from execution of a real-time simulation of operation of the product.

168. The method of claim 167, comprising presenting the simulation data in response to activation of the simulation control.

169. The method of claim 167, comprising launching the simulator in response to selection of the simulation control.

170. The method of claim 169, wherein the launching comprises running the simulator using product data of the product.

171. The method of claim 169, wherein the launching comprises presenting a simulator Ul and presenting a set of simulation parameters via the UI.

172. The method of claim 171, wherein the simulator comprises an insertion loss simulator.

173. The method of claim 171 , wherein the simulator comprises a crosstalk simulator.

174. The method of claim 171 , comprising receiving via the simulator UI at least one simulation parameter of the set of simulation parameters and controlling the simulation in response to the at least one simulation parameter.

175. The method of claim 174, wherein the at least one simulation parameter includes at least one operational characteristic of the product.

176. The method of claim 174, wherein the at least one simulation parameter includes at least one environmental condition of an operating environment of the product.

177. The method of claim 174, wherein the at least one simulation parameter includes at least one configuration parameter of the product.

178. The method of claim 167, wherein the simulation data comprises electrical data resulting from simulated operation of the product.

179. The method of claim 178, wherein the simulation data comprises raw data.

180. The method of claim 178, wherein the simulation data comprises data plots.

181. The method of claim 178, wherein the simulation data comprises crosstalk plots.

182. The method of claim 178, wherein the simulation data comprises eye diagram plots.

183. The method of claim 156, wherein the product includes at least one component.

184. The method of claim 156, wherein the product is an assembly that includes a plurality of components, wherein each component of the plurality of components is a product.

185. The method of claim 156, wherein the presenting comprises presenting technical information corresponding to the product.

1 86. The method of claim 185, wherein the technical information comprises a system configuration of the product.

187. The method of claim 185, wherein the technical information comprises a part number of the product.

188. The method of claim 185, wherein the technical information comprises pricing information of the product.

189. The method of claim 156, wherein the product includes at least one component.

190. The method of claim 156, wherein the product is an assembly that includes a plurality of components, wherein each component of the plurality of components is a product.

191. The method of claim 156, wherein the technical information comprises at least one of technical data and links to the technical data.

192. The method of claim 191 , wherein the technical information includes at least one of a graphic image of the product and a specification drawing of the product.

193. The method of claim 191 , wherein the technical information includes a multidimensional model of the product.

194. The method of claim 191 , wherein the technical information includes technical specifications of the product.

195. The method of claim 191, wherein the links include links to one or more of engineering drawings, footprint specifications, three-dimensional models, electrical models and technical reports corresponding to the product.

196. The method of claim 191 , wherein the links include a technical specifications link, wherein the technical specifications link provides click through access to a comprehensive set of technical information for a series of products corresponding to the product.

197. The method of claim 191 , wherein the links include links for requesting a physical sample of the product.

198. The method of claim 191, wherein the technical information includes a link for initiating contact with technical support.

199. The method of claim 191 , comprising presenting via the UI a simulation control that controls access to at least one of a simulator and simulation data resulting from execution of a real-time simulation of operation of the product.

200. A system comprising:

a user interface (UI) coupled to the server, wherein the UI presents a first set of parameters, wherein the UI receives at least one first selected parameter of the first set of parameters;

wherein the processor, in response to the at least one first selected parameter, identifies an initial product version consistent with the first set of parameters and generates a second set of parameters corresponding to the initial product version, wherein the UI presents the initial product version and the second set of parameters;

wherein the UI receives at least one second selected parameter of the second set of parameters;

wherein the processor, in response to the at least one second selected parameter, revises the second set of parameters, wherein the processor identifies a product that includes at least one component consistent with the first set of parameters and the second set of parameters;

wherein the UI presents the product.

201. A method comprising: providing a database comprising a plurality of components and a plurality of parameters;

coupling a user interface (UI) to the database and presenting a set of parameters via the UI, wherein the plurality of parameters includes the set of parameters;

receiving via the UI at least one selected parameter of the set of parameters and revising the set of parameters presented in response to the at least one selected parameter; presenting via the UI a product that includes at least one component consistent with the set of parameters; and

presenting via the UI a simulation control that controls access to at least one of a simulator and simulation data resulting from execution of a real-time simulation of operation of the product.

202. The method of claim 201 , wherein the plurality of parameters represent at least one of physical characteristics and operational characteristics consistent with the plurality of components.

203. The method of claim 201 , comprising presenting the simulation data in response to activation of the simulation control.

204. The method of claim 201 , comprising launching the simulator in response to selection of the simulation control.

205. The method of claim 204, wherein the launching comprises running the simulator using product data of the product.

206. The method of claim 204, wherein the launching comprises presenting a simulator UI and presenting a set of simulation parameters via the UI.

207. The method of claim 206, comprising receiving via the simulator UI at least one simulation parameter of the set of simulation parameters and controlling the simulation in response to the at least one simulation parameter.

208. The method of claim 207, wherein the at least one simulation parameter includes at least one environmental condition of an operating environment of the product.

209. The method of claim 208, wherein the at least one environmental condition comprises a temperature.

210. The method of claim 208, wherein the at least one environmental condition comprises a current.

21 1. The method of claim 208, wherein the at least one environmental condition comprises an impedance.

212. The method of claim 208, wherein the at least one environmental condition comprises a data rate.

213. The method of claim 208, wherein the at least one environmental condition comprises a bandwidth.

214. The method of claim 207, wherein the at least one simulation parameter includes at least one configuration parameter of the product.

215. The method of claim 207, wherein the at least one configuration parameter includes a connector type.

216. The method of claim 207, wherein the at least one configuration parameter includes a cable length.

217. The method of claim 201 , wherein the simulation data comprises electrical data resulting from simulated operation of the product.

218. The method of claim 217, wherein the simulation data comprises raw data.

219. The method of claim 217, wherein the simulation data comprises data plots.

220. The method of claim 217, wherein the simulation data comprises crosstalk plots.

221. The method of claim 217, wherein the simulation data comprises insertion loss plots.

222. The method of claim 217, wherein the simulation data comprises eye diagram plots.

223. The method of claim 201, wherein the revising comprises narrowing contents of the set of parameters.

224. The method of claim 201 , wherein the set of parameters includes a product category.

225. The method of claim 201 , wherein the set of parameters includes an interface type.

226. The method of claim 201, wherein the receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of a first cable termination.

227. The method of claim 201 , wherein the receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of a second cable termination.

228. The method of claim 201, wherein the receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of an external cable.

229. The method of claim 201 , wherein the receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of power delivery.

230. The method of claim 201, wherein the receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of a material.

231. The method of claim 201 , wherein the receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of a size.

232. The method of claim 201, wherein the receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of a pin count.

233. The method of claim 201, wherein the presenting includes presenting at least one custom option regarding final configuration of the product.

234. The method of claim 201 , wherein the receiving the at least one selected parameter comprises receiving at least one parameter of an interface component.

235. The method of claim 201 , wherein the at least one parameter includes at least one of a standard configuration and a modified configuration.

236. The method of claim 201 , wherein the product includes at least one component.

237. The method of claim 201 , wherein the product is an assembly that includes a plurality of components, wherein each component of the plurality of components is a product.

238. The method of claim 201, wherein the presenting of the product comprises presenting technical information corresponding to the product, wherein the technical information comprises at least one of technical data and links to the technical data.

239. The method of claim 238, wherein the technical information includes at least one of a graphic image of the product and a specification drawing of the product.

240. The method of claim 238, wherein the technical information includes technical specifications of the product.

241. The method of claim 238, wherein the links include links to one or more of engineering drawings, footprint specifications, three-dimensional models, electrical models and technical reports corresponding to the product.

242. The method of claim 238, wherein the links include a technical specifications link, wherein the technical specifications link provides click through access to a comprehensive set of technical information for a series of products corresponding to the product.

243. The method of claim 238, wherein the links include links for requesting at least one of a physical sample of the product and pricing information of the product.

244. The method of claim 238, wherein the technical information includes a link for initiating contact with technical support.

245. A system comprising:

a user interface (UI) coupled to the server, wherein the UI presents a set of parameters, wherein the plurality of parameters includes the set of parameters, wherein the UI receives at least one selected parameter of the set of parameters;

wherein the processor revises the set of parameters presented in response to the at least one selected parameter;

wherein the UI presents a product that includes at least one component consistent with the set of parameters;

wherein the UI presents a simulation control that controls access to at least one of a simulator and simulation data resulting from execution of a real-time simulation of operation of the product.

246. A method comprising:

generating in real-time and presenting a model of the product via the UI.

247. The method of claim 246, wherein the revising comprises adding parameters to the set of parameters.

248. The method of claim 246, wherein the revising comprises narrowing contents of the set of parameters.

249. The method of claim 246, wherein the product includes at least one component.

250. The method of claim 246, wherein the product is an assembly that includes a plurality of components, wherein each component of the plurality of components is a product.

251. The method of claim 246, wherein the plurality of parameters represent at least one of physical characteristics and operational characteristics consistent with the plurality of components.

252. The method of claim 246, wherein the model is a three-dimensional model.

253. The method of claim 252, wherein the model is compatible with a plurality of modeling applications.

254. The method of claim 253, comprising receiving via the UI a selection of a modeling application of the plurality of modeling applications.

255. The method of claim 254, wherein the generating of the model comprises generating the model using the selected modeling application.

256. The method of claim 255, wherein the modeling application includes ACIS.

257. The method of claim 255, wherein the modeling application includes Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES).

258. The method of claim 255, wherein the modeling application includes Parasolid.

259. The method of claim 255, wherein the modeling application includes STEP.

260. The method of claim 255, wherein the modeling application includes PADS.

261. The method of claim 246, wherein the presenting of the product comprises presenting technical information corresponding to the product, wherein the technical information comprises at least one of teclinical data and links to the technical data.

262. The method of claim 261 , wherein the links include at least one model link corresponding to the model.

263. The method of claim 262, comprising initiating the generating of the model in response to activation of the model link.

264. The method of claim 262, comprising downloading the model via the UI in response to activation of the model link.

265. The method of claim 262, comprising displaying the model via the UI in response to activation of the model link.

266. The method of claim 261 , wherein the technical information includes a graphic image of the product.

267. The method of claim 261 , wherein the technical information includes a

specification drawing of the product.

268. The method of claim 261 , wherein the technical information includes technical specifications of the product.

269. The method of claim 261 , wherein the technical information includes pricing information of the product.

270. The method of claim 261 , wherein the links include links to one or more of engineering drawings, footprint specifications, electrical models and technical reports corresponding to the product.

271 . The method of claim 261 , wherein the links include a technical specifications link, wherein the technical specifications link provides click through access to a comprehensive set of technical information for a series of products corresponding to the product.

272. The method of claim 261 , wherein the links include links for requesting a physical sample of the product.

273. The method of claim 261 , wherein the links include links for requesting pricing information of the product.

274. The method of claim 261 , wherein the technical information includes a link for initiating contact with technical support.

275. The method of claim 246, comprising presenting via the UI a simulation control that controls access to at least one of a simulator and simulation data resulting from execution of a real-time simulation of operation of the product.

276. The method of claim 275, comprising presenting the simulation data in response to activation of the simulation control.

277. The method of claim 275, comprising launching the simulator in response to selection of the simulation control.

278. The method of claim 277, wherein the launching comprises running the simulator using product data of the product.

279. The method of claim 277, wherein the launching comprises presenting a simulator UI and presenting a set of simulation parameters via the UI.

280. The method of claim 279, comprising receiving via the simulator UI at least one simulation parameter of the set of simulation parameters and controlling the simulation in response to the at least one simulation parameter.

281 . The method of claim 280, wherein the at least one simulation parameter includes at least one environmental condition of an operating environment of the product.

282. The method of claim 281, wherein the at least one environmental condition comprises at least one of a temperature, a current, an impedance, a data rate, and a bandwidth.

283. The method of claim 280, wherein the at least one simulation parameter includes at least one configuration parameter of the product.

284. The method of claim 275, wherein the simulation data comprises electrical data resulting from simulated operation of the product.

285. The method of claim 284, wherein the simulation data comprises at least one of raw data, data plots, crosstalk plots, insertion loss plots, and eye diagram plots.

286. A system comprising:

a user interface (UI) coupled to the server, wherein the UI presents a set of parameters, wherein the plurality of parameters inclvides the set of parameters, wherein the UI receives at least one selected parameter of the set of parameters;

wherein the processor generates in real-time a model of the product;

wherein the UI presents the product and the model .