U.S. patent application number 12/425506 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-21 for portable assembly having a subscriber identification module.
Invention is credited to Todd A. Braun, Kenneth C. Clark, Michael A. Hajicek, Christopher M. Masucci, Christopher J. Schmit, David M. Thompson.
Application Number | 20100265673 12/425506 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42980835 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100265673 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Masucci; Christopher M. ; et
al. |
October 21, 2010 |
PORTABLE ASSEMBLY HAVING A SUBSCRIBER IDENTIFICATION MODULE
Abstract
An electrical assembly comprises a housing having a frame
portion. A substrate has a first side and a second side opposite
the first side. A subscriber identification module is mounted to a
first side of the substrate and has device terminals. A first
connector portion is secured to the second side of the substrate
and has connector terminals. A retainer is associated with an
interior of the frame portion. The retainer retains at least one of
the substrate and the first connector portion. Conductive (e.g.,
conductive vias or through-holes) in the substrate connect the
connector terminals to the device terminals.
Inventors: |
Masucci; Christopher M.;
(Des Moines, IA) ; Clark; Kenneth C.; (Ankeny,
IA) ; Thompson; David M.; (Hope, ND) ;
Hajicek; Michael A.; (West Fargo, ND) ; Braun; Todd
A.; (Fargo, ND) ; Schmit; Christopher J.;
(Fargo, ND) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DEERE & COMPANY
ONE JOHN DEERE PLACE
MOLINE
IL
61265
US
|
Family ID: |
42980835 |
Appl. No.: |
12/425506 |
Filed: |
April 17, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/752 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 5/0204
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/752 |
International
Class: |
H05K 5/00 20060101
H05K005/00 |
Claims
1. An electrical assembly comprising: a housing having a generally
annular frame portion with an interior that defines a central
hollow region; a substrate have a first side and a second side
opposite the first side; a subscriber identification module mounted
to a first side of the substrate and having device terminals; a
first connector portion secured to the second side of the substrate
and having connector terminals; a retainer associated with the
interior of the frame portion, the retainer retaining at least one
of the substrate and the first connector portion; and conductive
vias or through-holes in the substrate for connecting the connector
terminals to the device terminals.
2. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein the retainer comprises
a retaining groove for receiving an edge of the substrate.
3. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein the retainer comprises
a retaining groove for receiving a combined edge of a sandwiched
substrate and flange of the first connector portion.
4. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein the retainer comprises
a snap-fit connector portion for resiliently deforming and
retaining the substrate.
5. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein the frame portion
defines a central region that is filled with a filler to cover at
least an outward facing portion of the subscriber identification
module.
6. The assembly according to claim 5 wherein the retainer comprises
a radially extending portion of that extends radially inward from
the frame portion on one side and the filler on the opposite
side.
7. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein the first electrical
connector portion comprises a plug or a socket.
8. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein the device terminals
comprise conductive pads.
9. The assembly according to claim 5 wherein the filler comprises
one or more of the following: a polymer, a plastic an elastomer, an
adhesive and a potting compound.
10. The assembly according to claim 1 further comprising: a
secondary substrate; and a second connector portion for mating with
the first connector portion, the second connector portion mounted
to the secondary substrate.
11. The assembly according to claim 1 further comprising: a
peripheral recess around a periphery of a second side of the
housing opposite a first side of the housing; a seal within the
peripheral recess for preventing the ingress of dirt, debris, salt,
water, moisture, or other foreign material.
12. The assembly according to claim 11 further comprising: a
mounting surface having a generally annular protrusion for
interlocking with the peripheral recess.
13. The assembly according to claim 12 wherein the generally
annular protrusion aligns the first connector portion and the
second connector portion for interlocking engagement.
14. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein the housing further
comprises a flange extending around at least part of the perimeter
of the housing, the flange having bores for receiving fasteners for
fastening the assembly to a mounting surface.
15. An electrical assembly comprising: a housing having a frame
portion; a substrate have a first side and a second side opposite
the first side; a subscriber identification module mounted to a
first side of the substrate and having device terminals; a first
connector portion secured to the second side of the substrate and
having connector terminals; a retainer associated with an interior
of the frame portion, the retainer retaining at least one of the
substrate and the first connector portion, the retainer comprising
a snap-fit connector portion for resiliently deforming and
retaining the substrate; and conductive vias or through-holes in
the substrate for connecting the connector terminals to the device
terminals.
16. The assembly according to claim 15 wherein the frame portion
defines a central region that is filled with a filler to cover at
least an outward facing portion of the subscriber identification
module.
17. The assembly according to claim 16 wherein the retainer
comprises a radially extending portion of that extends radially
inward from the frame portion on one side and the filler on the
opposite side.
18. The assembly according to claim 16 wherein the filler comprises
one or more of the following: a polymer, a plastic an elastomer, an
adhesive and a potting compound.
19. The assembly according to claim 15 wherein the first electrical
connector portion comprises a plug or a socket.
20. The assembly according to claim 15 wherein the device terminals
comprise conductive pads.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a portable assembly having a
subscriber identification module.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Subscriber identification modules are used in wireless
transceivers to assign unique identifiers for each subscriber or
user of the wireless transceiver. Further, the subscriber
identification module may be associated with a network service
provider or a wireless access provider or the level of service
available for a particular subscriber. Accordingly, there is need
for a portable assembly having a subscriber identification module
for reliably adding a subscriber identification module to a
wireless device or transceiver, consistent with resistance to
shock, vibration, and thermal stress.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In accordance with one embodiment, an electrical assembly
comprises a housing having a frame portion. A substrate has a first
side and a second side opposite the first side. A subscriber
identification module is mounted to a first side of the substrate
and has device terminals. A first connector portion is secured to
the second side of the substrate and has connector terminals. A
retainer is associated with an interior of the frame portion. The
retainer retains at least one of the substrate and the first
connector portion. Conductive vias or plated through-holes in the
substrate connect the connector terminals to the device
terminals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of a first
embodiment of an assembly having a subscriber identification
module.
[0005] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the
assembly in accordance with FIG. 1A.
[0006] FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the assembly as viewed
along reference line 1C-1C of FIG. 1B.
[0007] FIG. 1D is another exploded perspective view of the first
embodiment of an assembly in accordance with FIG. 1A.
[0008] FIG. 1E is a perspective view of the assembly mounted on a
mounting surface with the filler cut away to reveal the subscriber
identification module.
[0009] FIG. 1F is another perspective exploded view of the assembly
spaced apart from the mounting surface.
[0010] FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of a second
embodiment of the assembly.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0011] A first embodiment of the assembly 11 is generally
illustrated in FIG. 1A through FIG. 1F, inclusive. In accordance
with the first embodiment of the assembly 11, FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B,
FIG. 1C, and FIG. 1D illustrates a housing 10 having a first side
14 and a second side 16. The housing 10 has a frame portion 15. As
illustrated in FIG. 1A, the frame portion is generally annular or
elliptical. A substrate 50 has a first side 52 and a second side 54
opposite the first side 52. A subscriber identification module
(SIM) 12 is mounted to a first side 52 of the substrate 50 and has
device terminals 72 (in FIG. 1C). A first connector portion 56 is
secured to the second side 54 of the substrate 50 and has connector
terminals 69 (in FIG. 1C). For example, the first connector portion
may be secured to the substrate 50 via fasteners 77. A retainer 66
is associated with an interior 58 of the frame portion 15. The
retainer 66 retains at least one of the substrate 50 and the first
connector portion 56. Conductive vias 65 or metal or alloy plated
through-holes (filled with an electrically conductive material) in
the substrate connect the connector terminals 69 to the device
terminals 72.
[0012] The housing 10 includes a first side 14 and a second side 16
opposite the first side 14. The housing 10 comprises a frame
portion 15 with one or more flanges 73 extending (e.g., radially)
from the frame portion 15. The flange 73 is arranged for securing
the housing 10 and the assembly 11 to a mounting surface 32 (FIG.
1E) via fasteners, adhesive bonding or otherwise, for example. The
frame portion 15 has an interior 58 associated with the retainer
66. The frame portion 15 of the housing defines a central hollow
region.
[0013] The electrical connector comprises a first connector portion
56 that mates with a second connector portion 124 (FIG. 1F). Each
connector portion (56, 124) comprises a dielectric body 83 (FIG.
1C) and conductors 81 (shown as dashed lines) having connector
terminals 69 and mating terminals (87). The mating terminals (87)
of the first connector portion 56 physically contact and
electrically contact the mating terminals 89 of the second
connector portion 124 to allow the reliable transmission of
electrical signals within the voltage and current ratings of the
connector. The first connector portion 56 may comprise a first plug
or a first socket, whereas the second connector portion 124
comprises a second plug or second socket that is compatible with or
interlocks with the first connector portion 56. In one embodiment,
the electrical connector supports a group of conductor terminals
for a subscriber identification module (SIM) 12. For example, the
group of conductor terminals may comprise one or more of the
following: a reset input terminal, a clock input terminal, a ground
terminal, a clock output terminal, a data input terminal, a data
output terminal, and power input. The input and output terminals
may be arranged for serial input or output of digital signal
levels, for example.
[0014] The second connector portion 124 may be mounted in or on a
mounting surface 32 or wall of an electronic device (e.g., wireless
transceiver) or on a chassis.
[0015] In an alternate embodiment, the second connector portion 124
may comprise a surface mount device or a device designed for
through-hole mounting, or otherwise on a substrate (e.g., circuit
board) of an electronic device.
[0016] The subscriber identification module (SIM 12) comprises an
electronic device that is capable of communication with an electric
device (e.g., a wireless transceiver or terminal). In one
embodiment, the SIM 12 comprises electronic memory (e.g.,
nonvolatile random access memory) and a card interface circuit
(e.g., logic circuit) for wireless transceivers or terminals. For
example, the SIM 12 may comprise a smart card that supports storage
and retrieval of user data. The SIM 12 device may facilitate
storage of user data, such as a user identifier, user location,
subscriber number (e.g., user phone number) or user electronic
address, network authorization data, user contact lists, stored
text messages, user security data, and user passwords. The SIM 12
device may provide a personality to the associated electronics
device based on the data stored within the SIM 12, where the
personality tailors the electronics device to particular user
preferences, particular user data, particular user settings, a
particular selection of user programmable features, or particular
functionality.
[0017] The SIM 12 is associated with a group of device terminals
72. For example, the group of device terminals 72 may comprise one
or more of the following: a reset input terminal, a clock input
terminal, a ground terminal, a clock output terminal, a data input
terminal, a data output terminal, and power input.
[0018] In one embodiment, the SIM 12 is mounted within an interior
58 of the housing 10 or frame portion 15 of the housing 10 within
the central hollow region. In a first example of the retainer 66,
the combination of the SIM 12, the substrate 50, and the first
connector portion 56 form a module that may be inserted into the
interior 58 while the retainer 66 (e.g., snap-fit connectors) is
generally elastically or resiliently movable (or even temporarily
deformable). Once the assembly is assembled, one side of the module
may rest against stop 75, whereas other opposite side of the module
may be retained by retainer 66, which snaps back or returns back to
its rest state after generally elastic or resilient deformation.
The rest stop 75 may comprise a nib, shelf or other protrusion in
the interior 58 of the housing 10 or the frame portion 15.
[0019] A first alternate retainer may be substituted for the
retainer 66, where the third alternate retainer comprises a
radially extending portion that extends radially inward from the
frame portion 15 on one side and filler on the opposite side, where
the substrate 50 or combination for the substrate 50, first
connector portion 56 and SIM 12 are placed against the third
alternate retainer and potted with the filler 74 on the opposite
side to retain the combination or substrate 50. In the third
alternate retainer, the stop 75 may be omitted or it may comprise
nibs that deform as the substrate 50 is pressed past it against the
third alternate retainer.
[0020] Once the module is snapped, locked or secured into place by
the retainer 66, the volume above the SIM 12 and within a recess of
first connector portion 56 is filled with a filler 74. Although
FIG. 1E illustrates the volume partially filled with a filler 74,
it is understood that the filler 74 of FIG. 1E is cut away to
better reveal SIM 12. In one embodiment, the filler 74 is generally
flush with an outer surface 91 of the housing 10 and generally
fills any voids or air pockets within the interior 58. The filler
72 may comprise a potting compound, a polymer, a plastic, a fiber
reinforced polymer, a fiber reinforced plastic, or a resin matrix
the binds a reinforcing material. In one embodiment, the hardened
or cross-linked filler 74 forms a hard shell or a protective
membrane that is bonded to the housing 10 to isolate the SIM 12
from the external environment. For example, the filler 74 may
isolate the SIM 12 from moisture, salt, water, or other foreign
materials.
[0021] The housing 10 collectively with the filler 72 provides a
rigid shell that protects the SIM 12 from mechanical or
environmental damage on one side, and the filler 38 dampens
vibrations.
[0022] In another embodiment, the filler 72 may comprise an
elastomer, resilient polymer or other resilient material to dampen
vibration and may further include ceramic particles in an
elastomeric matrix to promote heat dissipation from the SIM 12
device.
[0023] The substrate 50 may comprise a circuit board, such a
printed circuit board, a ceramic circuit board, or a fiberglass
circuit board. The substrate 50 comprises a dielectric layer 93 and
one or more conductive layers. For example, the substrate 50 may
comprise a double-sided circuit board in which the dielectric layer
93 has first conductive traces 71 and second conductive traces 67
on opposite sides of the dielectric layer 93. The first conductive
traces 71 may comprise conductive pads for mounting the SIM 12 with
a surface mounting package (e.g., flip-chip) or other device
terminals, for example. The second conductive traces 67 may
comprise conductive pads or conductive through-holes for mounting
the first connector portion 56. The conductive traces (67,71) may
be formed by electrodeposition, chemical etching, laser ablation,
adhesive metallic layers, adhesively bonded metal foil, printed
circuit board fabrication techniques, or otherwise.
[0024] Conductors 65 or conductive passages electrically connect
the connector terminals 69 to the device terminals 72. In one
embodiment, the conductors 65 are formed integrally in or on the
substrate 50. The conductors 65 may comprise conductive vias or
metallic plated through-holes in the substrate 50, for example.
Further, the conductive vias or plated through holes may be filled
with a conductive material such as an electrically conductive
adhesive, solder, or an electrically conductive filler. The
conductors 65 are mechanically and electrically connected to the
conductive traces 71 or associated metallic pads on opposite sides
of the dielectric layer 93.
[0025] The assembly 11 is capable of mounting on a mounting surface
32 (FIG. 1E and FIG. 1F) with a protrusion 20 that mates with,
interlocks with, or engages a peripheral recess 18 in the housing
10. The peripheral recess 18 is located around a periphery of a
second side 16 of the housing opposite a first side 14 of the
housing 10. The protrusion 20 may be generally elliptical, annular,
or rectangular with rounded edges or have virtually another
suitable geometric shape. In one embodiment, the protrusion 20
aligns the first connector portion 56 and the second connector
portion 124 for interlocking engagement as an electrical connector.
In one configuration, the second connector portion 124 may be
mounted on a secondary substrate (e.g., circuit board of an
electronic device) or on the mounting surface 32 (e.g., an outer
wall of a casing of the electronic device).
[0026] A seal 95 (e.g., a lip seal) may be placed in or in contact
with the peripheral recess 18 to seal (e.g., hermetically seal) or
to provide protection against the environment, including salt, fog,
moisture, or liquids. Further, the seal 95 within the peripheral
recess may prevent the ingress of dirt, debris, salt, water,
moisture, or other foreign material into the assembly 11 that might
otherwise interfere with the reliable operation of the SIM 12.
[0027] In one embodiment, the seal 95 comprises an elastomer, a
resilient polymer or resilient plastic material. The flange 73
supports attachment to the mounting surface 32 via one or more
fasteners. For example, in one configuration, the housing 10 has
one or more bores 40 that support attachment of the assembly 11 to
the mounting surface 32 via one or more fasteners.
[0028] The manufacturing process for the assembly 11 of FIG. 1A may
be carried out as follows. First, the first connector portion 56 is
soldered or electrically connected to one side of the substrate 50
and then the SIM 12 is soldered or electrically connected to the
opposite side of the substrate 50. Second, the module comprising
the first connector portion 56, the substrate 50 and SIM 12, is
secured to a frame portion of the housing 12 via a retainer 66.
Third, an outward facing portion of the SIM 12 may be potted or the
recess filled with a filler 74 to encapsulate the SIM. Accordingly,
the SIM is securely attached to the housing and is protected from
the ingress or environmental exposure to salt, fog, debris and
other materials.
[0029] The assembly 111 of FIG. 2 is similar to the assembly 11 of
FIG. 1A through FIG. 1F, except that the assembly of FIG. 2 further
includes a groove 88 in the interior 58 of the frame portion 15 and
the retainer 66 may be omitted. The groove 88 may comprise a
retainer or retention mechanism for receiving the substrate 50, the
first connector portion 56, or both. In one embodiment, the groove
88 comprises generally linear groove) of a suitable size and shape
for receiving a combined edge of a sandwiched substrate 50 and
flange (or base) of the first connector portion 56. For instance,
the groove may be located in an interior 58 such as a top, bottom
or side to support a press-fit of the edge of the substrate 50 and
the first connector portion 56. Alternately, the groove 88 may be
of suitable size and shape for receiving an edge of a substrate 50
to secure the substrate 50 within the groove with or without an
adhesive.
[0030] Having described the preferred embodiment, it will become
apparent that various modifications can be made without departing
from the scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying
claims.
* * * * *