Apparatus, system and method for achieving accurate insertion count on removable modules

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to apparatuses, systems, and methods that enable accurate insertion counts on removable modules. A disclosed apparatus for enabling such a task can include (1) a circuit board incorporated into a module designed for insertion into a slot of a computing device, (2) at least one conductive contact disposed on the circuit board, (3) a counter circuit disposed on the circuit board and communicatively coupled to the conductive contact, wherein the counter circuit includes (A) a signal change detector to detect a signal change when the module is inserted into one of the slots of the computing device, and (B) a counter device to maintain a dynamic count based at least in part on the signal change, the dynamic count indicating a number of times the module has been inserted into one of the slots of the computing device, (4) a battery electrically coupled to the counter circuit, wherein the battery powers the counter device prior to insertion. Various other apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to counter circuits. Background Technology

[0002] Computing devices typically undergo quality control testing before being shipped and / or delivered to retailers and / or customers. To perform this quality control testing, manufacturers may insert test modules into slots in computing devices (such as routers and / or switches) to ensure functionality and / or diagnose defects. Unfortunately, these test modules may have a limited lifespan and / or need to be replaced after a certain number of uses and / or insertions to ensure proper testing of the computing device.

[0003] For example, a test module may include a circuit board having conductive edge fingers that mate with connectors and / or interface connections. In this example, the conductive edge fingers may wear and / or degrade to a point where they are no longer reliably usable for testing purposes. To determine whether the test module has reached the wear and / or degradation point, the test module may implement a counting mechanism designed to track the number of times the slot for a computing device has been used and / or inserted.

[0004] Unfortunately, conventional counting mechanisms can have limitations that can affect the accuracy and / or precision of tracking usage and / or insertion counts. For example, if the slot being tested loses power for one reason or another, a conventional counting mechanism might incorrectly increment the insertion count once power is restored. Therefore, the test module might be inserted more times than it actually was. In another example, if the test module is inserted without ever receiving power from the slot, a conventional counting mechanism might fail to increment the insertion count. Therefore, the test module might be inserted fewer times than it actually was.

[0005] Therefore, this disclosure identifies and addresses the need for additional and improved apparatus, systems, and methods for achieving and / or maintaining accurate insertion counts on removable modules. Summary of the Invention

[0006] As will be described in more detail below, this disclosure generally relates to apparatus, systems, and methods for implementing and / or maintaining accurate insertion counts on removable modules. In one example, an apparatus for implementing such a task may include (1) a circuit board incorporated into a module designed for insertion into a slot of a computing device, (2) at least one conductive contact disposed on the circuit board, (3) a counter circuit disposed on the circuit board and communicatively coupled to the conductive contact, wherein the counter circuit includes (A) a signal change detector that detects a signal change when the module is inserted into a slot of the computing device, and (B) a counter device that maintains a dynamic count at least in part based on the signal change, the counter device indicating the number of times the module has been inserted into a slot of the computing device since a first moment, and (4) a battery electrically coupled to the counter circuit, wherein the battery powers the counter device prior to insertion of the module into a slot of the computing device.

[0007] Similarly, a system for performing such a task may include (1) one or more network devices including slots suitable for receiving optical modules, (2) a test module designed for insertion into a slot included in the network device, wherein the network device includes (A) a circuit board including at least one conductive contact, (B) a counter circuit disposed on the circuit board and communicatively coupled to the conductive contact, wherein the counter circuit includes (I) a signal change detector that detects a signal change when the module is inserted into a slot in the computing device, and (II) a counter device that maintains a dynamic count based at least in part on the signal change, the dynamic count indicating the number of times the module has been inserted into a slot in the computing device since a first moment, and (C) a battery electrically coupled to the counter circuit, wherein the battery powers the counter device prior to insertion of the module into a slot in the computing device.

[0008] One corresponding method may include (1) placing at least one conductive contact on a circuit board, (2) placing a counter circuit on the circuit board, the counter circuit including (A) a signal change detector and (B) a counter device communicatively coupled to the signal change detector, (3) electrically coupling a battery to the counter circuit on the circuit board, and (4) incorporating the circuit board and the battery into a module designed for insertion into a slot of a computing device, such that (A) when the module is inserted into a slot of the computing device, the signal change detector detects a signal change, (B) the counter device maintains a dynamic count at least in part based on the signal change, the dynamic count indicating the number of times the module has been inserted into a slot of the computing device since a first moment, and (C) the battery powers the counter device prior to insertion of the module into a slot of the computing device.

[0009] Features from any of the embodiments mentioned above may be used in combination with each other in accordance with the general principles described herein. These and other embodiments, features, and advantages will be more fully understood when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The accompanying drawings illustrate several exemplary embodiments and are part of the specification. Together with the following description, these drawings illustrate and explain various principles of this disclosure.

[0011] Figure 1 This is an illustration of an exemplary apparatus for implementing and / or maintaining an accurate insertion count on a removable module, according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 This is an illustration of an exemplary test module capable of achieving and / or maintaining accurate insertion counts according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 3 This is an illustration of an exemplary module slot suitable for accommodating an optical module in a network device, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 4 This is an illustration of an exemplary system for implementing and / or maintaining accurate insertion counts on a removable module, according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 5 This is an illustration of an exemplary connector that mates with a module and / or interfaces when inserted into a corresponding slot, according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 6 This is an illustration of an exemplary implementation of the conductive contacts of a test module engaging with the finger leads of a connector and / or interface connection according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a diagram of exemplary conductive contacts disposed on a circuit board of a test module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 8 This is another illustration of exemplary conductive contacts disposed on a circuit board of a test module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 9 This is an illustration of an exemplary contact configuration disposed on a circuit board of a test module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 10This is a diagram of an exemplary counter circuit disposed on a circuit board of a test module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of an exemplary method for implementing accurate insertion counting on a removable module according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals and descriptions indicate similar but not necessarily identical elements. While the exemplary embodiments described herein are readily adaptable to various modifications and alternatives, specific embodiments have been illustrated by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, this disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0023] This disclosure describes various apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving accurate insertion counting on a removable module. As will be explained in more detail below, embodiments of this disclosure may include and / or involve counter circuitry communicatively coupled to one or more conductive contacts disposed on a circuit board. In some examples, the counter circuitry may maintain a dynamic count, indicating the number of times the removable module has been inserted into the slot, based at least in part on signal changes caused by insertion. Additionally or alternatively, embodiments of this disclosure may include and / or involve a battery electrically coupled to the counter circuitry. In some examples, the battery may power the counter device prior to the removable module being inserted into the slot.

[0024] In some examples, this configuration of the counter circuitry and battery can be implemented in a test module used to ensure functionality and / or diagnose defects in the slot and / or corresponding computing device. This configuration of the counter circuitry and battery enables the test module to achieve and / or maintain accurate insertion counts even when the slot and / or computing device undergoing functional and / or diagnostic testing is powered off and / or even when insertions occur without power being transferred from the slot and / or computing device to the test module. Therefore, this configuration of the counter circuitry and battery enables the test module to achieve and / or maintain accurate insertion counts, which is previously impossible using conventional insertion counting techniques.

[0025] The following will refer to Figures 1 to 10 Detailed descriptions are provided of exemplary components, apparatuses, systems, configurations, and / or implementations for achieving accurate insertion counting on removable modules. Additionally, corresponding to... Figure 11 The discussion will provide a detailed description of exemplary methods for assembling and / or manufacturing devices for achieving accurate insertion counting of removable modules.

[0026] Figure 1 An exemplary device 100 for achieving accurate insertion counting on a removable module is illustrated. Figure 1 As illustrated, the exemplary device 100 may include and / or represent a circuit board 102 incorporated into a module designed for insertion into a slot of a computing device. In some examples, device 100 may also include and / or represent conductive contacts 104 disposed on the circuit board 102. In such an example, device 100 may also include and / or represent a counter circuit 106 disposed on the circuit board 102 and communicatively coupled to the conductive contacts 104.

[0027] In one example, counter circuitry 106 may include and / or represent a signal change detector that detects a signal change when the module is inserted into a slot in the computing device. In this example, counter circuitry 106 may also include and / or represent a counter device that maintains a dynamic count based at least in part on the signal change, the dynamic count indicating the number of times the module has been inserted into a slot in the computing device since a first moment. In one embodiment, the first moment may include and / or represent the creation and / or origin of the module. In another embodiment, the first moment may include and / or represent the occurrence of an event that causes the dynamic count to reset.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, device 100 may include and / or represent a battery 108 electrically coupled to counter circuitry 106. In some examples, battery 108 may power the counter device prior to inserting the module into one of the slots in a computing device.

[0029] In some examples, circuit board 102 may include and / or contain a variety of materials. Some of these materials may be conductive. Other materials included in circuit board 102 may insulate the conductive materials from each other.

[0030] In some examples, circuit board 102 may include and / or incorporate various conductive layers, planes, and / or traces. In one example, each conductive layer, plane, and / or trace may include and / or represent conductive material etched during the manufacturing phase to create various conductive paths throughout circuit board 102. In this example, the etched conductive paths may be separated from each other and / or interconnected as needed to form one or more circuits that incorporate electrical components and / or electronic devices on circuit board 102. Examples of such conductive materials include, but are not limited to, copper, aluminum, silver, gold, one or more alloys thereof, combinations or variations thereof, and / or any other suitable material.

[0031] In some examples, circuit board 102 may include and / or incorporate insulating material that facilitates the mounting (e.g., mechanical support) and / or interconnection (e.g., electrical coupling) of electrical components and / or electronic components. In one example, circuit board 102 may include and / or represent a printed circuit board (PCB). Additionally or alternatively, circuit board 102 may include and / or represent a single-layer board or a multilayer board.

[0032] like Figure 1 As illustrated, circuit board 102 may include and / or represent an insulating material that electrically insulates certain conductive layers from each other. In some examples, the insulating material may be disposed, laid, and / or applied as a plane between conductive layers. In such examples, the insulating material may constitute and / or represent a dielectric material that is a poor conductor of electricity and / or polarized by an applied electric field.

[0033] Dielectric materials can be realized as solids, liquids, and / or gases. Examples of dielectric materials include, but are not limited to, ceramics, glass, plastics, industrial coatings, silicon, germanium, gallium arsenide, mica, metal oxides, silicon dioxide, sapphire, alumina, polymers, ceramics, one or more variations or combinations thereof, and / or any other suitable dielectric material.

[0034] Conductive contacts 104 typically represent conductive pads and / or leads of any type or form. In one example, conductive contacts 104 may include and / or represent an assembly of edge fingers arranged and / or configured to mate and / or interface with the finger leads of a connector incorporated into a slot in a computing device (e.g., a switch or router). In this example, conductive contacts 104 may carry and / or transmit electrical and / or communication signals between the module and the slot of the computing device.

[0035] The conductive contact 104 may include and / or represent any type or form of conductive material. Examples of such conductive materials include, but are not limited to, copper, aluminum, silver, gold, one or more alloys thereof, combinations or variations thereof, and / or any other suitable material.

[0036] Counter circuit 106 may include and / or represent a single integrated circuit and / or multiple components communicatively coupled to each other on circuit board 102. In some examples, the signal change detector in counter circuit 106 may include and / or represent a set-reset trigger having a set input communicatively coupled to one conductive contact and a reset input communicatively coupled to another conductive contact. In one example, the counter device may include and / or represent a 4-bit counter capable of counting and / or storing records of up to 16 insertions without transferring power from the slot to the modules. The 4-bit counter may reset after 16 insertions without power.

[0037] Battery 108 may include and / or represent any type or form of portable power source. In some examples, battery 108 may include and / or represent an electrochemical cell that provides power to counter circuitry 106 on the module. Examples of battery 108 include, but are not limited to, lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, primary lithium batteries, alkaline batteries, coin cells, button cells, rechargeable batteries, combinations or variations thereof, and / or any other suitable type of battery.

[0038] Figure 2 An exemplary test module 200 for achieving accurate insertion counting is illustrated. In some examples, test module 200 may include and / or represent Figure 1 An implementation of the exemplary device 100 is described below. In this example, the test module 200 can be formatted to fit into a slot designed to accommodate optical modules and / or transceivers in network devices such as routers and switches. Thus, the test module 200 may include and / or represent a circuit board 102, conductive contacts 104, a counter circuit 106, and / or a battery 108.

[0039] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the ability to... Figure 2 The exemplary module slot 300 of the computing device is used to test the test module 200. In some examples, the exemplary module slot 300 may be formatted to accommodate, accept, and / or hold optical modules and / or transceivers in network devices such as routers and switches. In this example, the module slot 300 may also be formatted to accommodate, accept, and / or hold the test module 200 during testing to ensure functionality and / or diagnose defects.

[0040] like Figure 3 As illustrated, the module slot 300 may include and / or represent a connector 304 that facilitates mating and / or interface connection with the test module 200. For example, the connector 304 may include and / or represent finger leads that make physical and / or electrical contact with one or more conductive contacts 104 of the test module 200 when the test module 200 is inserted into the module slot 300. In this example, the finger leads may slide and / or glide over the conductive contacts 104 to generate a signal indicating insertion of the test module 200.

[0041] Figure 4 An exemplary system 400 is illustrated, which includes a test module 200 inserted into a module slot 300 for testing and / or diagnostic purposes. In some examples, the test module 200 may detect its insertion into the module slot 300 via one or more signal changes occurring on conductive contacts 104. In this example, a counter circuit 106 may interpret and / or record the insertion by incrementing a dynamic count indicating the number of times the test module 200 has been inserted.

[0042] Figure 5 A cross-section of an exemplary connector 304 is illustrated, which includes finger leads 502(1), 502(2), 502(3), and / or 502(4) for communicating and / or electrically coupling with a removable module. In some examples, when the test module 200 is inserted into the module slot 300, the finger leads 502(1) to 502(4) may make physical and / or electrical contact with the conductive contacts 104 of the test module 200. In one example, the finger leads 502(1) to 502(4) may slide and / or glide on the conductive contacts 104 to generate a signal indicating insertion of the test module 200.

[0043] In some examples, when the test module 200 is installed into the module slot 300, the finger leads 502(1) to 502(4) can convey and / or transmit certain signals to or from the test module 200. For example, finger lead 502(1) can be set to ground. Thus, during the insertion of the test module 200, the conductive contacts of the test module 200 in contact with finger lead 502(1) can be pulled to ground (e.g., from high to low).

[0044] Figure 6 An exemplary implementation 600 of a circuit board 102 is shown, inserted between finger leads 502(1) to 502(4) of connector 304, for communication and / or electrical coupling test module 200 and corresponding slot. Figure 6 As illustrated, implementation 600 may involve physical and / or electrical contact between finger leads 502(1) to 502(4) and conductive contacts 104 of the test module 200 when the test module 200 is inserted into the module slot 300. In some examples, one or more finger leads 502(1) to 502(4) may slide and / or glide over multiple conductive contacts each time the test module 200 is inserted into and / or removed from the module slot 300.

[0045] Figure 7 and Figure 8 An exemplary implementation of conductive contacts 104 disposed on circuit board 102 is illustrated. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As illustrated, conductive contact 104 may include and / or represent an array of pads. In some examples, some of these pads may be linearly arranged to contact certain finger leads of connector 304 as test module 200 is inserted into module slot 300. In this example, different pads aligned in the same column may contact the same finger leads as test module 200 reaches different stages of insertion into module slot 300.

[0046] In one example Figure 7 The conductive contact 104 in the diagram may show and / or represent the implementation of pads disposed on the top of the circuit board 102. Additionally or alternatively, Figure 8 The conductive contact 104 in the circuit can be shown and / or represent the implementation of the pads provided on the bottom of the circuit board 102.

[0047] Figure 9 An exemplary contact configuration 900 disposed on circuit board 102 is illustrated. Figure 9 As illustrated, the exemplary contact configuration 900 may include and / or represent four columns of contacts. In some examples, the leftmost column of the contact configuration 900 may include and / or represent a linear arrangement of ground contact 902(1), set contact 904, reset contact 906, and / or ground contact 902(2). In this example, ground contact 902(2) may be positioned closest to the edge of the circuit board 102 between the finger leads inserted into connector 304. In one example, the rightmost column of the contact configuration 900 may include and / or represent a ground contact 902(3) spanning a combined length of ground contact 902(1), set contact 904, reset contact 906, and / or ground contact 902(2).

[0048] In some examples, the ground contact 902(1), the set contact 904, the reset contact 906, and the ground contact 902(2) may contact the same finger lead at different stages of insertion of the test module 200. For example, at the start of insertion, the corresponding finger lead may first contact the ground contact 902(2). After sliding on the ground contact 902(2) during the first stage of insertion, the same finger lead may then contact the reset contact 906. After sliding on the reset contact 906 during the second stage of insertion, the same finger lead may subsequently contact the reset contact 906. After sliding on the set contact 904 during the third stage of insertion, the same finger lead may finally contact the ground contact 902(1). When the test module 200 is fully inserted, the finger lead may rest and / or contact the ground contact 902(1).

[0049] In some examples, ground contacts 902(1) through 902(3) may be communicatively and / or electrically coupled to signals in the ground plane and / or counter circuit 106, respectively. In one example, set contact 904 may be communicatively coupled to the set input of a signal change detector (e.g., a trigger) in counter circuit 106. In this example, reset contact 906 may be communicatively coupled to the reset input of a signal change detector in counter circuit 106.

[0050] Figure 10 An exemplary implementation of a counter circuit 106 disposed on a circuit board 102 is illustrated. Figure 10 As illustrated, the exemplary counter circuit 106 may include and / or represent a signal change detector 1004, a counter device 1006, and a battery 108. In some examples, the signal change detector 1004 may include and / or represent a set-reset trigger, with its set input communicatively coupled to a set contact 904 and its reset input communicatively coupled to a reset contact 906. In this example, the output of the signal change detector 1004 may be communicatively coupled to the input of the counter device 1006.

[0051] In some examples, the counter device 1006 may maintain a dynamic count indicating the number of times the test module 200 has been inserted into the appropriate slot of the computing device since a specific event resetting the dynamic count occurred. In one example, this event resetting the dynamic count may be a power transfer from the appropriate slot of the computing device to the test module 200. Additionally or alternatively, the counter device 1006 may increment the dynamic count in response to a signal change (e.g., from high to low or from low to high) at the output of the signal change detector 1004. In this example, the signal change may occur as the finger lead 502 (1) slides over the reset contact 906 and the set contact 904 within the conductive contact 104.

[0052] like Figure 10 As illustrated, battery 108 can power counter device 1006. Additionally, battery 108 can effectively pull up set and reset signals that are communicatively coupled to the inputs of signal change detector 1004, keeping those set and reset signals high unless acted upon by another force. For example, pull-up resistor 908 can be electrically coupled between the power output of battery 108 and the set and reset inputs of the set-reset trigger. In one example, finger lead 502(1) can pull down those set and reset signals when test module 200 is inserted into the corresponding slot. This pull-down of the set and reset signals may cause a change in the output of signal change detector 1004, thereby causing counter device 1006 to increment dynamically.

[0053] In some examples, processing device 1002 may be communicatively coupled to counter device 1006 of counter circuit 106. In one example, processing device 1002 may obtain a dynamic count from counter device 1006 after test module 200 is inserted into module slot 300. In this example, processing device 1002 may draw power from module slot 300 instead of battery 108. Therefore, processing device 1002 may draw power only from the slot where test module 200 is inserted.

[0054] For example, processing device 1002 can obtain a dynamic count of 1 from counter device 1006, indicating that test module 200 has been inserted into only one slot since the last time processing device 1002 received power from a suitable slot. As another example, processing device 1002 can obtain a dynamic count of 5 from counter device 1006, indicating that test module 200 has been inserted into five slots since the last time processing device 1002 received power from a suitable slot. In this example, a dynamic count of 5 might be due to test module 200 being inserted without ever receiving power from a slot. The purpose of this dynamic count could be to measure and / or estimate wear and / or degradation of the conductive edge fingers, at least in part, based on the number of times test module 200 has been inserted. Therefore, to account for all contributions to wear and / or degradation, counter device 1006 can increment the dynamic count even if processing device 1002 does not draw power from a slot.

[0055] In some examples, upon obtaining a dynamic count from counter device 1006, processing device 1002 may instruct counter device 1006 to reset the dynamic count. Additionally or alternatively, processing device 1002 may store a total count in non-volatile memory, indicating the total number of times a module has been inserted into the appropriate slot of the computing device. In one example, the non-volatile memory may be incorporated into processing device 1002. In another example, the non-volatile memory may be external to processing device 1002.

[0056] In one example, processing device 1002 may obtain a dynamic count from counter device 1006 after the test module 200 is inserted into another slot module at a subsequent time. In this example, processing device 1002 may update the total count stored in non-volatile memory based at least in part on the dynamic count obtained from counter device 1006 at a subsequent time. For example, if the total count stored in non-volatile memory indicates that the test module 200 has been inserted 33 times and the newly obtained dynamic count indicates that the test module 200 has only been inserted 1 time since the last update, then processing device 1002 may update the total count to indicate that the test module 200 has now been inserted a total of 34 times.

[0057] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of an exemplary method 1100 for assembling and / or manufacturing a module capable of achieving and / or maintaining accurate insertion counts. Method 1100 may include the step (1110) of setting at least one conductive contact on a circuit board. Step 1110 may be performed in a variety of ways, including in conjunction with the above. Figures 1 to 10 Any of those methods described. For example, a computing device manufacturer or subcontractor may set, etch, grind, and / or plate conductive contacts 104 on circuit board 102.

[0058] Method 1100 may further include the step of setting up a counter circuit on a circuit board, the counter circuit including a signal change detector and a counter device (1120) communicatively coupled to the signal change detector. Step 1120 may be performed in a variety of ways, including in combination with the above. Figures 1 to 10 Any of those described. For example, a computing device manufacturer or subcontractor may solder and / or conductively adhere the counter circuit 106 to the circuit board 102. In this example, the counter circuit 106 may include and / or represent a signal change detector and / or a counter device communicatively coupled to the signal change detector.

[0059] Method 1100 may further include the step (1130) of incorporating the circuit board and battery into a module designed for insertion into a slot of a computing device. Step 1130 may be performed in a variety of ways, including the combination described above. Figures 1 to 10 Any of those described. For example, a computing device manufacturer or subcontractor may incorporate circuit board 102 and battery 108 into a module designed for insertion into a slot of a computing device such that (1) when the module is inserted into one of the slots of the computing device, a signal change detector detects a signal change, (2) a counter device maintains a dynamic count based at least in part on the signal change, the dynamic count indicating the number of times the module has been inserted into one of the slots of the computing device since a first moment (e.g., since the last reset event), and (3) the battery powers the counter device before the module is inserted into one of the slots of the computing device.

[0060] While the foregoing disclosure uses specific block diagrams, flowcharts, and examples to illustrate various embodiments, each block diagram component, flowchart step, operation, and / or component described and / or illustrated herein can be implemented individually and / or collectively using a wide range of hardware, software, or firmware (or any combination thereof) configurations. Furthermore, any disclosure of components contained within other components should be considered exemplary in nature, as many other architectures can be implemented to achieve the same functionality.

[0061] The process parameters and sequences of the steps described and / or illustrated herein are given by way of example only and may vary as needed. For example, while the steps illustrated and / or described herein may be shown or discussed in a particular order, these steps do not necessarily need to be performed in the order illustrated or discussed. The various exemplary methods described and / or illustrated herein may also omit one or more of the steps described or illustrated herein, or may include additional steps in addition to the disclosed steps.

[0062] The foregoing description has been provided to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize various aspects of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. This exemplary description is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. Reference should be made to the appended claims and their equivalents in determining the scope of this disclosure.

[0063] Unless otherwise stated, the terms “connected to” and “coupled to” (and their derivatives) as used in the specification and claims shall be interpreted as allowing direct and indirect (i.e., via other elements or components) connections. Additionally, the terms “a” or “an” as used in the specification and claims shall be interpreted as meaning “at least one”. Finally, for ease of use, the terms “including” and “having” (and their derivatives) as used in the specification and claims may be used interchangeably with the word “comprising” and have the same meaning.

Claims

1. An apparatus for insertion counting, comprising: The circuit board is incorporated into a module designed to be inserted into a slot in a computing device; Multiple conductive contacts are disposed on the circuit board; A counter circuit is disposed on the circuit board and communicatively coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts, wherein the counter circuit includes: A signal change detector that detects a signal change when the module is inserted into one of the slots of the computing device, the signal change detector including a set-reset trigger having a set input communicatively coupled to one of the plurality of conductive contacts and a reset input communicatively coupled to another of the plurality of conductive contacts; as well as A counter device that maintains a dynamic count based at least in part on the signal changes, the dynamic count indicating the number of times the module has been inserted into one of the slots of the computing device since a first moment; and A battery is electrically coupled to the counter circuit, wherein the battery powers the counter device prior to the insertion of the module into one of the slots of the computing device.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A processing device, communicatively coupled to the counter circuit, wherein the processing device: At a second time, a dynamic count is obtained from the counter device indicating the number of times the module has been inserted into one of the slots of the computing device since the first time. Once the dynamic count is obtained at the second moment, the counter device is instructed to reset the dynamic count; as well as The total count is stored in non-volatile memory, indicating the total number of times the module has been inserted into one of the slots of the computing device.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the processing device: At a third time, obtain from the counter device the dynamic count indicating the number of times the module has been inserted into one of the slots of the computing device since the second time; and The total count stored in the non-volatile memory is updated based at least in part on the dynamic count obtained from the counter device at the second time.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein after the module is inserted into the slot of the computing device, the processing device draws power from the computing device.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of conductive contacts are linearly arranged between a pair of ground contacts on the circuit board.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the plurality of conductive contacts are positioned to contact a ground pin, the ground pin being incorporated into a slot into which the module is inserted.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the counter circuit comprises: A first pull-up resistor is electrically coupled between the power output of the battery and the setting input of the set-reset trigger; as well as A second pull-up resistor is electrically coupled between the power output of the battery and the reset input of the set-reset trigger.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the set-reset trigger comprises a 4-bit trigger capable of recording up to 16 insertions prior to reset.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the module is formatted to fit into a slot designed to accommodate an optical module in a network device.

10. A system for insertion counting, comprising: Network equipment, including slots suitable for accommodating optical modules; as well as A test module is designed to be inserted into a slot included in the network device, wherein the network device includes: A circuit board, comprising multiple conductive contacts; A counter circuit is disposed on the circuit board and communicatively coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts, wherein the counter circuit includes: A signal change detector that detects a signal change when the test module is inserted into one of the slots of the network device, the signal change detector including a set-reset trigger having a set input communicatively coupled to one of the plurality of conductive contacts and a reset input communicatively coupled to another of the plurality of conductive contacts; and A counter device that maintains a dynamic count based at least in part on the signal changes, the dynamic count indicating the number of times the test module has been inserted into one of the slots of the network device since a first moment; and A battery is electrically coupled to the counter circuit, wherein the battery powers the counter device prior to the insertion of the test module into one of the slots of the network device.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the testing module further comprises: A processing device, communicatively coupled to the counter circuit, wherein the processing device: At a second time point, a dynamic count is obtained from the counter device indicating the number of times the test module has been inserted into one of the slots included in the network device since the first time point; After obtaining the dynamic count at the second moment, the counter device is instructed to reset the dynamic count; as well as The total count is stored in non-volatile memory, indicating the total number of times the test module has been inserted into one of the slots of the network device.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the processing device: At the third moment, obtain from the counter device the dynamic count indicating the number of times the test module has been inserted into one of the slots of the network device since the second moment; and The total count stored in the non-volatile memory is updated based at least in part on the dynamic count obtained from the counter device at the second time.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein after the test module is inserted into the slot of the network device, the processing device draws power from the network device.

14. A method for insertion counting, comprising: Multiple conductive contacts are placed on the circuit board; A counter circuit is mounted on the circuit board, and the counter circuit includes: A signal change detector, the signal change detector including a set-reset trigger, the set-reset trigger having a set input communicatively coupled to one of the plurality of conductive contacts and a reset input communicatively coupled to another of the plurality of conductive contacts; and A counter device is communicatively coupled to the signal change detector; The battery is electrically coupled to the counter circuit disposed on the circuit board; and The circuit board and the battery are incorporated into a module designed for insertion into a slot in a computing device, such that: When the module is inserted into one of the slots in the computing device, the signal change detector detects a signal change; The counter device maintains a dynamic count based at least in part on the signal changes, the dynamic count indicating the number of times the module has been inserted into one of the slots of the computing device since a first moment; and The battery powers the counter device prior to the insertion of the module into one of the slots of the computing device.

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