Multi-level connector and use thereof that mitigates data signaling reflections

摘要

An improved electrical connector for connecting bus lines to a card such as a memory card or media card, including a multi-level connector comprising a latching device having a plurality of insertable latch positions that advantageously allows for selectively connecting or isolating an electrical path to an adjoining connector. The connectors of unpopulated DIMM slots are disconnected from the network along with the traces that would normally form a stub with associated undesirable signal reflections that would otherwise disturb the signal transmitted to the receiving end if not properly terminated. The contacts of the edge connector itself are used as a means to selectively connect or disconnect adjacent/downstream cards in a serially cascaded architecture. The burden of the stubs due to unpopulated card slots and the need to place one card at the far end of the network are thus eliminated.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising a multi-level connector configured to receive a board having one or more electrical components attached thereto, wherein the multi-level connector comprises a latching device having a plurality of board-insertable latch positions at different physical levels within the multi-level connector, wherein each of the latch positions are configured to selectively provide an electrical connection between an electrical contact portion of the multi-level connector and a pin portion of the multi-level connector based on how deep the board is plugged into the multi-level connector.