Modular adapter card for electronic devices

Abstract

A modular adapter card, an electronic device having a modular adapter card, and a method of determining a modular adapter card pin connection type are disclosed. The modular adapter card includes a circuit board and a removable connector assembly. The circuit board includes a first receptacle having a plurality of first pins. The removable connector assembly includes a connector body and an opening formed in the connector body adjacent to a second receptacle, the connector body defining the second receptacle having a plurality of second pins. The connector body is mounted on the circuit board such that the first receptacle protrudes through the opening and is aligned with the second receptacle. The first receptacle and the second receptacle form an adapter card connector configured to removably receive an expansion card of an electronic device.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Electronic devices such as computers and networking devices may include a mainboard (e.g., a printed circuit board) containing hardware components such as a central processing unit, resistors, and capacitors to provide basic functionality. To achieve greater performance and / or expand device functionality, additional hardware components such as expansion cards (e.g., graphics cards) can be coupled to the mainboard. In some electronic devices, the mainboard may include connectors that can directly receive expansion cards. However, in other electronic devices, the mainboard may lack the appropriate number or type of connectors required to receive one or more desired expansion cards, or the connectors may be present but in inconvenient locations. Therefore, in some electronic devices, the mainboard may include another card (or intermediate card) carrying connectors suitable for coupling expansion cards to the mainboard, thus providing the necessary connection points for the expansion cards. Such intermediate cards are often referred to as adapter cards. Attached Figure Description

[0002] Various examples will be described below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0003] Figure 1 A block diagram of a modular adapter card according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0004] Figure 2A A top view of a circuit board according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0005] Figure 2B A perspective view of a circuit board according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0006] Figure 3A A top view of a removable connector assembly having a connector body and a data communication cable, according to an example of this disclosure, is shown.

[0007] Figure 3B A perspective view of a removable connector assembly having a connector body and a data communication cable, according to an example of this disclosure, is shown.

[0008] Figure 3C A perspective view of the clip of a modular adapter card according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0009] Figure 4A An example of having according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 2A-2B circuit boards, Figures 3A-3B Removable connector assembly, and Figure 3C Exploded perspective view of the modular adapter card for the clip.

[0010] Figure 4B Examples according to this disclosure are shown Figure 4A An assembly perspective view of the modular adapter card.

[0011] Figure 5A A block diagram of an electronic device according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0012] Figure 5B An example of the following is shown: along Figure 5A The line 5B-5B' in the middle is intercepted. Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of a portion of a modular adapter card for an electronic device.

[0013] Figure 5C An example of the following is shown: along Figure 5A The line 5C-5C' in the middle is cut off. Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of another part of the modular adapter card for electronic devices.

[0014] Figure 5D Examples according to this disclosure are shown Figure 5A A block diagram of the controller and electrical circuitry of a modular circuit board.

[0015] Figure 6 A block diagram of the controller and electrical circuitry of a modular circuit board according to another example of this disclosure is shown.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a flowchart depicting a method for determining the pin connection type of a modular adapter card according to an example of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. For illustrative purposes, reference is made to... Figure 1-7 The components shown are used to describe certain examples. However, the functions of the shown components may overlap, and they may be present in fewer or more elements and components. Furthermore, the disclosed examples can be implemented in various settings and are not limited to the examples shown. Where possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar parts. However, it should be clearly understood that the drawings are for illustrative and descriptive purposes only. While several examples are described in this document, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are also possible. Therefore, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosed examples. Rather, the appropriate scope of the disclosed examples may be defined by the appended claims.

[0018] As used herein, a "modular adapter card" refers to an electronic card having a circuit board configured to be detachably connected to one of a variety of connectors (e.g., electrical connectors). The circuit board includes power and sideband receptacle portions, the connectors include data receptacle portions, and the data receptacle portion and the power and sideband receptacle portion are further configured to be coupled to the main system board of an electronic device and to removably receive a corresponding connector for an expansion card, such that the expansion card is electrically connected to the main system board via the modular adapter card. As used herein, an "expansion card" refers to another electronic card having a circuit board and an electrical connector that can engage (e.g., insert) with the electrical connector of the modular adapter card or with a connector (e.g., expansion slot) on the main board of an electronic device to increase and / or expand the functionality of the electronic device.

[0019] Adapter cards typically consist of a circuit board and connectors. Therefore, when installed in an electronic device, an adapter card allows additional hardware components, such as expansion cards (e.g., graphics cards), to be included to improve the device's performance or expand its functionality. Typically, the adapter card first electrically connects to the main board of the electronic device, and the expansion card then connects to the adapter card's connector, allowing the expansion card to electrically connect to the main board via the adapter card. Thus, when the expansion card is connected to the adapter card, electrical signals from the expansion card can be transmitted to the main board through the adapter card. This allows for the addition of a connector that is missing from the main board (e.g., a Peripheral Component Interconnect Fast (PCI-e) connector), or an expansion of the number of such connectors, or relocation of such connectors to a more convenient location. Expansion cards can have various types of pin connections, such as 8-pair or 16-pair connections. Therefore, the adapter card may need to have a compatible (or matching) number of pin connections (e.g., 8-pair or 16-pair connections) to provide the main board with the appropriate functionality of the expansion card via the adapter card.

[0020] In some use cases, if an adapter card pre-installed in an electronic device has one connection configuration (e.g., 8 pin pairs), while an expansion card the customer intends to use in the electronic device has another connection configuration (e.g., 16 pin pairs), the expansion card may not function properly with the host board due to pin connection incompatibility between the expansion card and the adapter card. In such use cases, it may be necessary to replace the pre-installed adapter card with a new adapter card with the correct connections so that the expansion card can function properly with the host board via the adapter card. For example, if an expansion card initially connected to a pre-installed adapter card needs to be replaced with an advanced expansion card to perform one or more complex workloads, the advanced expansion card may be incompatible with the connection type of the pre-installed adapter card (e.g., the pre-installed adapter card may have an incompatible number of pin connections compared to the advanced expansion card's pin connections). In this case, it may be necessary to replace the pre-installed adapter card with a new adapter card with compatible connectors. Therefore, the utility of a pre-installed adapter card in an electronic device may be limited to (or become dependent on) the pin connection type of the expansion card that may be used in the electronic device. Furthermore, replacing a pre-installed adapter card with a new one can be cumbersome, time-consuming, and expensive, and depends on the availability of the new compatible adapter card in stock. Additionally, it may be necessary to produce multiple different types of adapter cards, each with a different type of connector, which could result in additional SKUs and the need to maintain different inventories, further increasing costs.

[0021] A technical solution to the aforementioned problem includes providing a modular adapter card that can be configured / customized to be compatible with different types of pin connections of expansion cards. For example, the modular adapter card may have a circuit board that can be detachably connected to one of a variety of removable connector assemblies to form different types of adapter card connectors on the adapter card (e.g., connector bodies with 8 or 16 pin pairs) to match the connector type requirements of the expansion card (e.g., connectors with 8 or 16 pin pairs). For example, the removable connector assembly may include a data communication cable and a socket coupled (e.g., soldered) to a first end of the data communication cable, wherein the socket is configured to receive part of the expansion card, and a second end of the data communication cable is configured to connect to a host board. In other words, the modular adapter card can be customized by assembling one of a variety of removable connector assemblies compatible with the expansion card's connectors on a circuit board, thereby overcoming the need to replace an entire adapter card incompatible with the expansion card. Therefore, the modular adapter card provides flexibility, upgradeability, maintainability, and benefits the supply chain in terms of reducing the number of adapter cards required in inventory.

[0022] In one or more examples of this disclosure, an adapter card connector formed on a modular adapter card for connection to an expansion card includes multiple connector portions (e.g., sideband connector portions, power connector portions, and data connector portions), some of which may be permanently coupled to a circuit board of the modular adapter card, while other connector portions may be part of a removable connector assembly of the modular adapter card. In such an example, when the removable connector assembly is coupled to a circuit board, one or more connection portions that are part of the removable connection assembly and one or more connection portions permanently mounted on the circuit board together form the adapter card connector of the modular adapter card configured to connect to an expansion card.

[0023] In some examples, the connection portion forming the adapter card connector includes a receptacle configured to receive an expansion card (e.g., a PCB edge connector). These receptacles may include, for example, sideband and power receptacles and data receptacles. In some examples, the power and sideband receptacle portions are decoupled (or separated) from the removable connector assembly and mounted (e.g., soldered) on the adapter card's circuit board, while the data receptacle portion remains within the removable connector assembly. The data receptacle portion of the removable connector assembly may have multiple pins. In some examples, eight pairs of wires from the data communication cable of the removable connector assembly are connected (e.g., directly soldered) to a first set of pins among the multiple pins of the data receptacle portion to form a removable connector assembly with eight pairs of pin connections. In some other examples, sixteen pairs of wires from the data communication cable are connected (e.g., directly soldered) to first and second sets of pins among the multiple pins of the data receptacle portion to form another removable connector assembly with sixteen pairs of pin connections. In such an example, the modular adapter card can be assembled by: i) mounting a removable connector assembly having an 8-pin connector socket portion for data communication cables or a 16-pin connector socket portion for data communication cables onto a circuit board having power and sideband connector portions; and ii) detachably connecting such a removable connector assembly to the circuit board using fasteners.

[0024] In one or more examples, the circuit board includes a first socket having a plurality of first pins (e.g., power and sideband connector pins), and a removable connector assembly includes a connector body including a second socket and an opening formed in the connector body adjacent to the second socket, the second socket having a plurality of second pins (e.g., data connector pins). The opening in the connector body is configured to receive the first socket when the connector body is mounted to the circuit board. In some examples, a removable connector assembly is selected from several different removable connector assemblies (e.g., connectors with 8-pair pin connections, 16-pair pin connections, and 4-pair pin connections, etc.) based on compatibility with the connector of the expansion card to be installed. Furthermore, the selected removable connector assembly is mounted on the circuit board such that the first socket is received within (protruding through) the opening in the connector body and aligned with the second socket. Subsequently, this connector body is detachably attached to the circuit board using fasteners (e.g., screws) to define a modular adapter card.

[0025] Multiple first pins are electrically connected to a power connector on the host board of the electronic device. In some examples, the multiple first pins are electrically connected to multiple third pins on the board via traces in the board. Additionally, the multiple third pins are electrically connected to the power connector via power cables to electrically connect the multiple first pins to the power connector. In some other examples, the multiple first pins are directionally coupled to the power connector on the host board via power cables. In some other examples, the board of the modular adapter card can be directly connected to a slot on the host board to establish a board-to-board electrical connection. For example, electrical fingers on the board directly connect to pins in a slot on the host board to establish an electrical connection between the board and the host board.

[0026] Multiple second pins are electrically connected to a data source connector on the main board of an electronic device via a data communication cable. For example, wires of a data communication cable connected (e.g., directly soldered) to at least one set of second pins in a first group of multiple second pins or a second set of second pins are connected to the main board to electrically connect the removable connector assembly to the main board.

[0027] In addition, the expansion card is detachably connected to the first and second sockets to electrically connect the expansion card to the main board via a modular adapter card. In one or more examples, depending on the requirements of the expansion card (e.g., based on the number of pin connections), the removable connector assembly of the modular adapter card may have 8-pair pin connections, 16-pair pin connections, or 4-pair pin connections for data communication cables, etc.

[0028] In some examples, the modular adapter card may also include a controller and a circuit bridging mechanism to determine the pin connection type of the modular adapter card (e.g., a removable connector assembly with 8-pin, 16-pin, and 4-pin connections for data communication cables, etc.) and transmit it to the host controller of the electronic device. Thus, the host controller can perform a power-on self-test of the removable connector assembly and make the modular adapter card usable for removably receiving expansion cards. In some examples, the circuit bridging mechanism may include a first pair of pads, a second pair of pads, power terminals, and clips coupled to the connector. The first and second pairs of pads are spaced apart from each other and disposed on a circuit board. Furthermore, each pair of pads in the first and second pairs is electrically isolated from each other.

[0029] In one example, a first pad in a first pair of pads and a third pad in a second pair of pads are connected to a first power terminal and a second power terminal, respectively. Furthermore, the first and third pads are connected to a first signal input terminal and a second signal input terminal of the controller, respectively. Therefore, the controller receives a first electrical signal from the first pad and a second electrical signal from the third pad. In such an example, when the removable connector assembly is mounted on a circuit board, the clip electrically bridges the pads in the first pair of pads to each other (e.g., bridging the first pad in the first pair to the second pad) or electrically bridges the pads in the second pair of pads to each other (e.g., bridging the third pad in the second pair to the fourth pad), causing a change (e.g., a voltage drop) in one of the first or second electrical signals to the controller. In other words, the clip electrically bridges the pads in the first pair of pads to each other or electrically bridges the pads in the second pair of pads to each other, causing one of the first or second electrical signals to have a first voltage and the other to have a second voltage. Therefore, the controller can determine the modular adapter card pin connection type based on a change in either a first electrical signal received via the first pad or a second electrical signal received via the second pad. Furthermore, the controller can transmit the modular adapter card pin connection type to the host controller.

[0030] In another example, the first pad in the first pair of pads and the third pad in the second pair of pads are connected to the first power terminal and the second power terminal, respectively. Furthermore, the second pad in the first pair of pads and the fourth pad in the second pair of pads are connected to the first signal input terminal and the second signal input terminal of the controller, respectively. Therefore, the controller receives a first electrical signal from the second pad and a second electrical signal from the fourth pad. In such an example, when the removable connector assembly is mounted on a circuit board, the clip electrically bridges the pads in the first pair of pads to each other (e.g., bridging the first pad with the second pad) or to each other in the second pair of pads (e.g., bridging the third pad with the fourth pad), causing a change (e.g., an increase in voltage) in one of the first or second electrical signals to the controller. In other words, the clip electrically bridges the pads in the first pair of pads to each other or to each other in the second pair of pads, causing one of the first or second electrical signals to have a first voltage and the other to have a second voltage. Therefore, the controller can determine the modular adapter card pin connection type based on a change in either a first electrical signal received via the first pad or a second electrical signal received via the second pad.

[0031] Modular adapter cards offer flexibility, upgradeability, and maintainability, and benefit from a supply chain advantage in reducing the number of adapter cards required in inventory, as they can be easily configured to be compatible with different types of expansion cards. Furthermore, modular adapter cards are inexpensive to assemble, maintain, and replace because the circuit board with the first socket is retained, and only the removable connector assembly with the connector body is replaced to form a modular adapter card compatible with different types of expansion cards.

[0032] Refer to the attached diagram. Figure 1 A block diagram of the modular adapter card 100 is depicted. It should be understood that... Figure 1 It is not intended to show a specific shape, size, or other structural details precisely or to scale, and embodiments of the modular adapter card 100 may have different numbers and arrangements of the components shown, and may also include other parts not shown.

[0033] In some examples, the modular adapter card 100 can be an auxiliary card (or intermediate card) of the electronic device 500 (e.g., Figure 5A(As shown). When installed in an electronic device 500, the modular adapter card 100 can provide the electronic device 500 with the addition of one or more additional hardware components, such as an expansion card (e.g., a graphics card), to meet / expand the further requirements or functionality of the electronic device 500. In one or more examples, the modular adapter card 100 includes a circuit board 102 and a removable connector assembly 103, the removable connector assembly 103 including a connector body 104 removably coupled to the circuit board 102 and a data communication cable 130 coupled to the connector body 104.

[0034] Circuit board 102 includes a first socket 106 having a plurality of first terminals 108. It should be noted that only one first socket 106 is described for convenience, but in practice, multiple first sockets 106 may be included in a single circuit board 102. Connector body 104 includes a second socket 110 having a plurality of second terminals 112. It should be noted that only one second socket 110 is described for convenience, but in practice, multiple second sockets 110 may be included in a single connector body 104. The first socket 106 and the second socket 110 together form an adapter card connector 105 in a coupled state between connector body 104 and circuit board 102. In some examples, the first socket 106 may serve as the power and side socket portion of the adapter card connector 105. In some examples, the second socket 110 may serve as the data socket portion of the adapter card connector 105. The first terminals 108 and the second terminals 112 may be electrical terminals for engaging with complementary terminals of a connector for an expansion card and establishing an electrical connection. For example, the first terminals 108 and the second terminals 112 may be pins, spring fingers, edge connectors, or other electrical contacts.

[0035] In some examples, the circuit board 102 also includes multiple traces 120 and a third socket 122 having multiple third terminals 124. In such an example, multiple first terminals 108 are electrically connected to multiple third terminals 124 via multiple traces 120. The third socket 122 can be configured to removably receive the power cable 300 of the electronic device 500 (e.g., ...). Figure 4B and 5A (As shown). In such an example, multiple first terminals 108 can be electrically connected to the main equipment board 502 of the electronic device 500 via multiple traces 120, multiple third terminals 124, and power cables 300 (e.g., Figure 5A The power connector 504 on the (as shown) Figure 5A(As shown). The connector body 104 also includes an opening 114 formed adjacent to the second socket 110. The portion of the connector body 104 surrounding and defining the opening 114 may be referred to herein as a hollow socket 116. In some examples, the hollow socket 116 includes a support lip 118 disposed on an inner surface (not marked) of the hollow socket 116 to provide support to the first socket 106. As used herein, “electrical connection” refers to coupling a first component to a second component via a conductive path (e.g., wire, trace, etc.) to allow the transfer of data and power between the first and second components.

[0036] The removable connector assembly 103 also includes a data communication cable 130. In some examples, the data communication cable 130 includes wires 132 and a data communication connector 134 having a plurality of fourth terminals 140 pre-connected to the wires 132. In such examples, the wires 132 are further connected (e.g., directly soldered) to a plurality of second terminals 112 of the second socket 110. In some examples, the data communication connector 134 has a first data communication connector 136 and a second data communication connector 138, each having eight pairs of wires 132A pre-connected to a plurality of fourth terminals 140A of the first data communication connector 136. In such examples, the eight pairs of wires 132A are further connected (e.g., directly soldered) to a first set of second terminals 112A of the plurality of second terminals 112. Furthermore, the remaining eight pairs of wires 132B pre-connected to the plurality of fourth terminals 140B of the second data communication connector 138 are further connected (e.g., directly soldered) to a second set of second terminals 112B of the plurality of second terminals 112. In one or more examples, the first data communication connector 136 and the second data communication connector 138 can be detectably connected to the data source connector 506 on the main device board 502 (e.g., Figure 5A (As shown).

[0037] In one or more examples, the connector body 104 connected to the data communication cable 130 is mounted on the circuit board 102 such that a first socket 106 protrudes through the opening 114 and aligns with a second socket 110. For example, the first socket 106 extends through the hollow socket 116 and contacts a support lip 118. In such an example, the support lip 118 provides support for the first socket 106.

[0038] In one or more examples, the modular adapter card 100 further includes a first fastener 126 and a second fastener 128. In such an example, the connector body 104 is detachably connected to the circuit board 102 via the first fastener 126 and the second fastener 128 to form the modular adapter card 100. In some examples, each of the first fastener 126 and the second fastener 128 may be a dielectric fastener, or may have a dielectric coating or other dielectric material applied to or coupled thereto.

[0039] In one or more examples, the adapter card connector 105, formed by the first socket 106 and the second socket 110 of the modular adapter card 100, is configured to removably receive a connector for an expansion card (not shown) of the electronic device 500, such as a PCB edge connector. In one or more examples, depending on the type of connector (not shown) of the expansion card (e.g., a connector with 8-pair pin connections, 16-pair pin connections, etc.), the removable connector assembly 103 can be selectively and detachably connected to the circuit board 102 to form the modular adapter card 100.

[0040] In some examples, when the expansion card's connector has 8 pairs of pins, a connector body 104 electrically connected to wire 132A of the first data communication connector 136 is selected and detachably connected to the circuit board 102 to form a modular adapter card 100. In other words, a removable connector assembly 103 is selected and detachably connected to the circuit board 102 to form a modular adapter card 100, wherein the connector body 104 has a first set of second terminals 112A connected to wire 132A and a second set of second terminals 112B not connected to wire 132B. In some other examples, when the expansion card's connector has 16 pairs of pins, a connector body 104 electrically connected to wire 132 of the first data communication connector 136 and the second data communication connector 138 is selected and detachably connected to the circuit board 102 to form a modular adapter card 100. In other words, the removable connector assembly 103 is selected and detachably connected to the circuit board 102 to form a modular adapter card 100, wherein the connector body 104 has a first set of second terminals 112A connected to wire 132A and a second set of second terminals 112B connected to wire 132B. Therefore, the modular adapter card 100 can be easily customized according to the type of connector of the expansion card.

[0041] Because the modular adapter card 100 can be easily configured to be compatible with different types of expansion cards, it offers flexibility, upgradeability, maintainability, and benefits the supply chain in reducing the number of adapter cards required in inventory. Furthermore, the modular adapter card 100 is inexpensive to assemble, maintain, and replace because the circuit board 102 is retained, and only the removable connector assembly 103 with the connector body 104 is replaced to form different types of modular adapter cards 100 (compatible with different types of expansion cards).

[0042] Refer to the attached diagram. Figure 2A A top view of the circuit board 202 of the modular adapter card 200 is depicted. Figure 2B A perspective view of the circuit board 202 of the modular adapter card 200 is depicted. In the following description, for ease of explanation, it is also described... Figure 2A-2B In one or more examples, circuit board 202 may be an electronic circuit board, such as a printed circuit board. Figure 2A-2B In the example, circuit board 202 is shown with a U-shaped profile to allow access from connector body 204 (such as...). Figure 4B (As shown) Routing data communication cable 230 (e.g.) Figure 4B (As shown). The shape of the circuit board 202 can vary according to the design requirements of the modular adapter card 200.

[0043] Circuit board 202 includes a first socket 206 and multiple traces (such as...) Figure 1 As shown, the circuit board 202 includes a third socket 222, a pair of mounting holes (e.g., first mounting hole 244 and second mounting hole 246), a first pair of pads 248, and a second pair of pads 250. The circuit board 202 may also include multiple electronic components, such as capacitors, resistors, etc. (not shown for ease of illustration), and this omission of multiple electronic components should not be construed as a limitation of this disclosure. In the example shown, the circuit board 202 has a U-shaped profile with a pair of supports 263 connected to the body 265 of the circuit board 202 to define a mounting space 260 between the pairs of supports 263. In such an example, the first socket 206 and the third socket 222 are disposed on each of the pairs of supports 263 of the circuit board 202.

[0044] The first socket 206 includes a plurality of first pins 208 (e.g., terminals). In some examples, the plurality of first pins 208 are conductive pins disposed within a recess 262 of the first socket 206 and contacting a pair of sidewalls 264 of the first socket 206. The first socket 206 can be used as a power and sideband socket portion of a modular adapter card 200. The first socket 206 is mounted on a circuit board 202, and the plurality of first pins 208 are soldered to the circuit board 202 such that the plurality of first pins 208 establish an electrical connection with the first ends of a plurality of traces formed on the inner surface 241 of the circuit board 202.

[0045] The third socket 222 includes a plurality of third pins 224 (e.g., terminals). In some examples, the plurality of third pins 224 are conductive pins disposed within a recess 266 of the third socket 222 and contacting a pair of sidewalls 268 of the third socket 222. The third socket 222 can be used as an intermediate connector of the circuit board 202 and is configured to removably receive a power cable. The third socket 222 is mounted on the circuit board 202, and the plurality of third pins 224 are soldered to the circuit board 202 such that the plurality of third pins 224 establish an electrical connection with the second ends of a plurality of traces formed on the inner surface 241 of the circuit board 202. Thus, a plurality of first pins 208 are electrically connected to a plurality of third pins 224 via a plurality of traces.

[0046] A first mounting hole 244 is formed adjacent to a first socket 206, and a second mounting hole 246 is formed adjacent to a third socket 222. In one or more examples, each of the first mounting hole 244 and the second mounting hole 246 is a through-hole. Each of the first pair of pads 248 and the second pair of pads 250 is a conductive pad. In some examples, the first pair of pads 248 and the second pair of pads 250 are formed on the outer surface 261 of the circuit board 202. Specifically, the first pair of pads 248 includes a first pad 252 and a second pad 254, which are disposed around the first mounting hole 244 and electrically isolated from each other. Similarly, the second pair of pads 250 includes a third pad 256 and a fourth pad 258, which are disposed around the second mounting hole 246 and electrically isolated from each other.

[0047] Figure 3A A top view is depicted of a removable connector assembly 203 having a connector body 204 with a modular adapter card 200 and a data communication cable 230. Figure 3B A perspective view is depicted of a connector body 204 with a modular adapter card 200 and a removable connector assembly 203 with a data communication cable 230. Figure 3C A perspective view of the clip 274 of the modular adapter card 200 is depicted. In the following description, for ease of explanation, it is also described... Figures 3A-3CIn one or more examples, the connector body 204 is a Peripheral Component Interconnect Quick Connect (PCI-e) connector. The connector body 204 includes a receptacle portion 270 and a mounting portion 272.

[0048] The connector body 204 has a first pair of sidewalls 276 and a second pair of sidewalls 278, which are connected to define a receptacle portion 270. In such an example, the connector body 204 also has a third sidewall 280, which is arranged parallel to the second pair of sidewalls 278, offset from one of the sidewalls 278A by a distance “D”, and connected to the first pair of sidewalls 276 to define a second receptacle 210 and an empty receptacle 282. In some examples, the second receptacle 210 includes a plurality of second pins 212. The plurality of second pins 212 are conductive pins disposed within a recess 284 of the second receptacle 210 and contacting the portion of the first pair of sidewalls 276 corresponding to the second receptacle. The second receptacle 210 can be used as a data receptacle portion of a modular adapter card 200. The empty receptacle 282 includes an opening 214 formed adjacent to the second receptacle 210. The width of the opening 214 is equal to the width of the first receptacle 206 (e.g., ...). Figure 2A (As shown). In such an example, the empty socket 282 also includes a support lip 218 disposed on the inner surface (not marked) of the empty socket 282.

[0049] The connector body 204 also has a pair of mounting posts, such as a first mounting post 286 and a second mounting post 288. This pair of mounting posts defines a mounting portion 272 of the connector body 204. In some examples, the first mounting post 286 extends from sidewall 278A of the second pair of sidewalls 278, and the second mounting post 288 extends from the other sidewall 278B of the second pair of sidewalls 278. In some examples, the first mounting post 286 has a third mounting hole 290. Similarly, the second mounting post 288 has a fourth mounting hole 292. In one or more examples, each of the third mounting hole 290 and the fourth mounting hole 292 is a through hole.

[0050] In some examples, the modular adapter card 200 also includes a clip 274. (See reference...) Figure 3CThe clip 274 has a U-shaped profile. For example, the clip 274 includes a peripheral sidewall 274A, a top wall 274B, and a bottom wall 274C, wherein the top wall 274A and the bottom wall 274A are connected to the peripheral sidewall 274A to define the U-shaped profile. Furthermore, the top wall 274B has a fifth mounting hole 294, and the bottom wall 274C has a sixth mounting hole 296, the fifth and sixth mounting holes being aligned with each other. The clip 274 can be disposed on one of the first mounting post 286 or the second mounting post 288. In the example shown, the clip 274 is disposed on the first mounting post 286 such that the fifth mounting hole 294 and the sixth mounting hole 296 of the clip 274 are aligned with the third mounting hole 290 of the first mounting post 286. In other words, the top wall 274B is disposed on the top surface (not marked) of the first mounting post 286, and the bottom wall 274C is disposed on the bottom surface (not marked) of the first mounting post 286.

[0051] Data communication cable 230 includes wires (not shown). In such an example, the first end of one or more wires is connected (e.g., directly soldered) to one or more second pins 212 of a plurality of second pins 212 of connector body 204. Furthermore, the second end of each wire is pre-connected to data communication connector 234 (e.g., Figure 4B The corresponding fourth pin among the plurality of fourth pins (shown). In some examples, the first group of second pins 212A among the plurality of second pins can be directly soldered to eight lines in the wires of the data communication cable 230, and the second group of second pins 212A among the plurality of second pins 212 can be directly soldered to another eight lines in the wires of the data communication cable 230. Therefore, in such an example, the connector body 204 can have 16 pairs of pins connected to the data communication cable 230.

[0052] The modular adapter card 200 may also include a shield 298 coupled to the bottom surface (not marked) of the connector body 204, such that the shield 298 conceals the pin connections between the plurality of second pins 212 and the wires 232. The data communication cable 230 is further bent to turn radially upward from the bottom surface of the connector body 204 and extends parallel to contact one of the sidewalls of the first pair of sidewalls 276.

[0053] Figure 4A An exploded perspective view of the modular adapter card 200 is shown. Figure 4B An assembled perspective view of the modular adapter card 200 is shown. In the following description, for ease of explanation, it is also described... Figures 4A-4B In one or more examples, the modular adapter card 200 is an auxiliary card (or intermediate card) of the electronic device 500 (e.g., Figure 5A(As shown). When installed in an electronic device 500, the modular adapter card 200 can provide the electronic device 500 with the addition of one or more additional hardware components, such as an expansion card (e.g., a graphics card), to meet / expand the further requirements or functionality of the electronic device 500. In one or more examples, the modular adapter card 200 includes a circuit board 202 and a removable connector assembly 203 having a connector body 204 and a data communication cable 230. In some examples, the modular adapter card 200 is a Peripheral Component Interconnect Fast (PCI-e) card.

[0054] like Figures 3A-3C As illustrated in the example, a plurality of second pins 212 of the connector body 204 are connected to wires of the data communication cable 230. Therefore, the connector body 204 has 16 pairs of pins connected to the data communication cable 230. In such an example, the connector body 204 is mounted on a circuit board 202 such that the first mounting hole 244 and the third mounting hole 290 are aligned with each other, and the second mounting hole 246 and the fourth mounting hole 292 are aligned with each other. Furthermore, when the connector body 204 is mounted on the circuit board 202, the first socket 206 protrudes through the opening 214 and aligns with the second socket 210. Specifically, the first socket 206 protrudes through the empty socket 282 of the connector body 204 and aligns with the second socket 210. In such an example, the first socket 206 and the second socket 210 together form an adapter card connector 205, which is configured to removably receive an expansion card from an electronic device. In this example, a clip 274 disposed on the first mounting post 286 contacts the first pair of pads 248 and electrically bridges the first pad 252 of the first pair of pads 248 to the second pad 254 of the first pair of pads 248. Since the clip 274 is only coupled to the first mounting post 286 and disposed to contact the first pair of pads 248, the second pair of pads 250 remain electrically isolated from each other.

[0055] Data communication cable 230 extends outward from the bottom surface of connector body 204 and circuit board 202 via mounting space 260 formed between a pair of supports 263 on circuit board 202, and onto the outer surface 261 of circuit board 202. (As in...) Figure 1 As discussed in the examples, the data communication cable 230 includes a data communication connector 234. In some examples, the data communication connector 234 has a first data communication connector 236 and a second data communication connector 238, each having a plurality of fourth pins pre-connected to eight pairs of wires. Furthermore, the first data communication connector 236 and the second data communication connector 238 are configured to connect to a data source connector 506 on the host board 502 (e.g., ...). Figure 5A (As shown).

[0056] The modular adapter card 200 also includes a first fastener 226 and a second fastener 228. In such an example, the connector body 204 is detachably connected to the circuit board 202 via the first fastener 226 and the second fastener 228 to form the modular adapter card 200. Specifically, the first fastener 226 extends through a third mounting hole 290 in the connector body 204 and a first mounting hole 244 in the circuit board 202 to detachably connect the connector body 204 to the circuit board 202. Furthermore, the first fastener 226 extends through a fifth mounting hole 294 and a sixth mounting hole 296 of the clip 274 to hold the clip 274 together with the first mounting post 286.

[0057] The modular adapter card 200 also includes a power cable 300. In some examples, the power cable 300 includes a first power connector 302 and a second power connector 304 located at a first end of the power cable 300, and a third power connector 306 and a fourth power connector 308 located at a second end of the power cable 300. In such an example, the first power connector 302 and the second power connector 304 are connected to a third socket 222 on the circuit board 202. Furthermore, the third power connector 306 and the fourth power connector 308 are configured to connect to a power connector 504 on the main device board 502.

[0058] Figure 5A A block diagram of electronic device 500 is depicted. Figure 5B Depicting along Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of a portion of the modular adapter card 200 of electronic device 500, taken from line 5B-5B'. Figure 5C Depicting along Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of another part of the modular adapter card 200 of electronic device 500, taken from line 5C-5C'. Figure 5D The controller 310 and electrical circuitry of the modular adapter card 200 are depicted. In the following description, for ease of explanation, the controller 310 and electrical circuitry are also described. Figures 5A-5D Electronic device 500 can be a computer (e.g., a server, storage device, etc.), a networking device (e.g., a transceiver, wireless access point, router, switch, etc.), etc. Figure 5A In the example, electronic device 500 is a server. In some examples, electronic device 500 includes a chassis and electronic components, such as a main board 502 (e.g., a motherboard) and a modular adapter card 200.

[0059] The main device board 502 may be a printed circuit board of electronic device 500, in which electrical circuitry is integrated, such as conductive strips disposed on or within a dielectric sheet, and one or more integrated circuits (ICs), one or more input / output ports, power ports, electronic components, etc., are attached to the printed circuit board. In some examples, the main device board 502 may also include a power connector 504, a data source connector 506, and a host controller 508 (e.g., a complex programmable logic device (CPLD)).

[0060] As discussed herein, the modular adapter card 200 includes a circuit board 202, a removable connector assembly 203, and a clip 274. The removable connector assembly 203 includes a connector body 204, a data communication cable 230, and a power cable 300. In some examples, the circuit board 202 includes a first socket 206, a first pair of solder pads 248, and a first mounting hole 244 (e.g., ...). Figure 2A As shown), second mounting hole 246 (as shown) Figure 2A (As shown), third socket 222, and controller 310. First socket 206 includes a plurality of first pins 208, and third socket 222 includes a plurality of third pins 224. Connector body 204 includes second socket 210, first mounting post 286, second mounting post 288, and empty socket 282 including opening 214. In some examples, second socket 210 includes a plurality of second pins 212. First mounting post 286 includes third mounting hole 290, and second mounting post 288 includes fourth mounting hole 292. As discussed herein, wires in data communication cable 230 are coupled to the plurality of second pins 212 of second socket 210. Wires in data communication cable 230 are further electrically connected to data source connector 506 on main device board 502. As discussed herein, modular circuit board has 16 pairs of pin connections to data communication cable 230. The plurality of first pins 208 in first socket 206 are electrically connected to the plurality of third pins 224 of third socket 222. In this example, power cable 300 is connected to third socket 222 and power connector 504 to supply power to modular adapter card 200. Additionally, clip 274 is disposed on first mounting post 286, such that the fifth mounting hole 294 of clip 274 (as shown) Figure 3C (as shown) and the sixth mounting hole 296 (as shown) Figure 3C (As shown) Align with the third mounting hole 290.

[0061] Furthermore, the connector body 204 is mounted on the circuit board 202 such that a first socket 206 of the circuit board 202 protrudes through an empty socket 282 of the connector body 204 and aligns with a second socket 210. Additionally, a first mounting hole 244 aligns with a third mounting hole 290. Similarly, a second mounting hole 246 aligns with a fourth mounting hole 292. In such an example, a first fastener 226 is disposed on a first mounting post 286 such that it extends through a sixth mounting hole 296, a third mounting hole 290, a fifth mounting hole 294, and a first mounting hole 244. Similarly, a second fastener 228 is disposed on a second mounting post 288 such that it extends through a fourth mounting hole 292 and a second mounting hole 246. In one or more examples, the first fastener 226 and the second fastener 228 are used to detachably connect the connector body 204 of the removable connector assembly 203 to the circuit board 202. In some examples, the first socket 206 and the second socket 210 together form an adapter card connector 205, which is configured to removably receive an expansion card of the electronics 500. Additionally, the first fastener 226 couples the clip 274 to the first mounting post 286. As used herein, "removably connected" refers to connecting a first component to a second component in a manner that allows the two components to be separated without damage when needed; for example, a detachable connection can be established by fasteners that allow loosening, such as tightening / loosening, friction coupling, unlockable latches, friction connections, or other types of connections (which can be reversed without damaging or destroying the parts involved). Reference Figure 5B A clip 274, mounted on and coupled to the first mounting post 286, bridges the first pad 252 of the first pair of pads 248 to the second pad 254 of the first pair of pads 248. (Refer to...) Figure 5CSince clip 274 is not disposed on and coupled to the second mounting post 288, the third pad 256 in the second pair of pads 250 is electrically isolated from the fourth pad 258 in the second pair of pads 250. It should be understood that the mounting post on which clip 274 is disposed can vary depending on the type of removable connector assembly 203 (e.g., connector body 204) used. That is, the type of connector body 204 coupled to the circuit board 202 can be encoded based on the coupling position of clip 274. For the two mounting posts 286 and 288 to which clip 274 can be coupled, up to three types of connector bodies 204 are allowed to be encoded: for example, a first type of connector body 204 can be indicated by only disposing of clip 274 on the first mounting post 286, a second type of connector body 204 can be indicated by only disposing of clip 274 on the second mounting post 288, and a third type of connector body 204 can be represented by disposing of both clips 274 on the first and second mounting posts 286 and 288. In some examples, for instance, the connector body 204 of the first type may be an indication of a 16-pin connection, the connector body 204 of the second type may be an indication of an 8-pin connection, and the connector body 204 of the third type may be an indication of a 4-pin connection. In the accompanying drawings and description herein, for convenience, it is assumed that the clip 274 is coupled to the first mounting post 286, but this is only for the sake of illustration.

[0062] In one or more examples, the first pair of pads 248 is part of (but incomplete) a first electrical circuit 350, and the first electrical circuit 350 is complete when the clip 274 bridges the first pair of pads 248, and an electrical signal flows along the first electrical circuit 350 through the first pair of pads 248. The controller 310 has terminals (not shown) coupled to a node of the first electrical circuit 350, and can therefore sense whether the first pair of pads 248 is bridged by sensing the voltage at that node. In some examples, the first electrical circuit 350 is configured to pull the voltage at that node from 0V to a non-zero value when the clip 274 bridges the first pair of pads 248, while in other examples, the first electrical circuit 350 is configured to pull the voltage at that node from a non-positive value to 0V when the clip 274 bridges the first pair of pads 248. In either case, the controller 310 can detect the voltage change and thereby identify that the first pair of pads 248 is bridged. Similarly, the second pair of pads 250 is part of a second electrical circuit 352 (which is incomplete) coupled to the controller 310, and the controller 310 can detect when the clip 274 bridges the second pair of pads 250 based on detected voltage changes at nodes in the second electrical circuit 352. Therefore, the controller 310 can be configured to determine the type of connector present based on which pair of pads is bridged (e.g., based on the voltage at each node).

[0063] As described above, in some examples, the first electrical circuit 350 and the second electrical circuit 352 respectively include a first pair of pads 248 and a second pair of pads 250, which are configured to pull the voltage up from 0V to a non-zero voltage when bridged by the clip 274, while in other examples, the first electrical circuit 350 and the second electrical circuit 352 are configured to pull the voltage down from a non-zero value to 0V when bridged by the clip 274. Figure 5D An example of a circuit configured to pull up a voltage when bridged is shown, while Figure 6 Another example of the circuitry being configured as a pull-down voltage is shown.

[0064] refer to Figure 5D The first electrical circuit 350 is formed by a first electrical path 326, a first pair of pads 248, a first power terminal 322, and a first electrical path 314. Similarly, the second electrical circuit 352 is formed by a second electrical path 328, a second pair of pads 250, a second power terminal 324, and a second electrical path 318. In some examples, the first electrical path 326 extends from the first pad 252 in the first pair of pads 248 to the ground connector 334 via a first node 331 and a first resistor 330. Similarly, the second electrical path 328 extends from the third pad 256 in the second pair of pads 250 to the ground connector 334 via a second pad 333 and a second resistor 332. Furthermore, the first electrical path 314 extends from the second pad 254 in the first pair of pads 248 and is electrically connected to the first power terminal 322, and the second electrical path 318 extends from the fourth pad 258 in the second pair of pads 250 and is electrically connected to the second power terminal 324. In such an example, the first power terminal 322 and the second power terminal 324 may be further connected to one of i) power connector 504, ii) third socket 222, or iii) power cable 300 to supply electrical signals to the second pad 254 and the fourth pad 258, respectively.

[0065] In some examples, controller 310 is electrically connected to a first electrical circuit 350 and a second electrical circuit 352. For example, controller 310 is: i) electrically connected via a first signal input 312 to a first pad 252 in a first pair of pads 248, and ii) electrically connected via a second signal input 316 to a third pad 256 in a second pair of pads 250. Specifically, the first signal input 312 of controller 310 is connected to a first node 331 of a first electrical path 326, and the second signal input 316 of controller 310 is connected to a second node 333 of a second electrical path 328. Figure 5A As shown, controller 310 is also connected to host controller 508 of electronic device 500 via control signal 320.

[0066] In one or more examples, clip 274 electrically bridges one pair of pads from the first pair of pads 248 or the second pair of pads 250 to each other. For example, clip 274 electrically bridges the first pair of pads 248 to each other, such as first pad 252 being electrically bridged to second pad 254. However, the second pair of pads 250 are electrically isolated from each other, such as third pad 256 being electrically isolated from fourth pad 258. In such an example, with the modular adapter card 200 connected to the main board 502 of the electronic device 500: i) a first electrical signal 336 can flow from the first power terminal 322 to the controller 310 via the first signal input terminal 312. When clip 274 bridges the second pad 254 to the first pad 252, the first power terminal 322 (via clip 274) is coupled to the first node 331, and therefore the voltage at the first node 331 is pulled up by the first power terminal 332. Assuming the resistance of clip 274 and its connection to pads 252 and 254 are negligible, the voltage at the first node 331 will be pulled up to the same voltage as the first power terminal 322 (e.g., Figure 5D If a non-negligible resistance exists between the first power terminal 322 and the first node 331, this resistance, together with resistor 330, will form a voltage divider, and thus the voltage of the first node 331 will be pulled up to an intermediate voltage (e.g., 2V) between ground and the voltage of the first power terminal 332. On the other hand, when clip 274 is not present at the first electrical circuit 350, the first node 331 is coupled to ground 334 via resistor 330, and since there is no other voltage source coupled to ground, the voltage of the first node 331 will be 0V. Therefore, in response to the bridging of the first pair of pads 248 by clip 274, the controller 310 can (e.g.) receive a first electrical signal 336 from the first pad 252 via the first node 331, which may have a first non-zero voltage (e.g., approximately 3V or 2V). However, since the second pair of pads 250 are electrically isolated from each other, the second power terminal 324 cannot supply an electrical signal 340 to the controller 310. In this example, the second node 333, connected to the controller 310 and the ground connector 334 (via resistor 332), is at 0V. Since no voltage source is coupled to the second node 333 (e.g., via the second pair of pads 250), the ground connector 334 pulls the voltage of the second node 332 down to 0V. Therefore, in response to the electrical isolation of the second pair of pads 248, the controller 310 can receive a second electrical signal 342 from the second signal input 316, which can be at 0V.

[0067] In one or more examples, after receiving the first and second electrical signals 336 and 342, the controller 310 can set the counter corresponding to the first electrical signal 336 to "0" (because the voltage in the first electrical signal increases) and keep the counter corresponding to the second electrical signal 342 at "1" (because the voltage in the second electrical signal 342 remains the same). In other words, the controller 310 can keep the counter data at "1" when receiving an electrical signal that has no voltage (e.g., 0V) or does not have the same voltage, and set the counter data to "0" when receiving an electrical signal with a certain voltage (e.g., 3V) (or the voltage increases from 0V to 3V). Furthermore, the controller 310 can determine the modular adapter card connection type based on the counter data corresponding to the first electrical signal 336 and the second electrical signal 342. For example, the controller 310 can compare the counter data corresponding to the first electrical signal 336 and the second electrical signal 342 with pre-stored counter data corresponding to the stored first electrical signal and the stored second electrical signal to determine the modular adapter card connection type. In some examples, the pre-stored counter data can be stored in the memory (not shown) of the modular adapter card 200. Table 1 below shows a sample of pre-stored counter data for reference.

[0068]

[0069] Table 1

[0070] In one or more examples, based on a comparison of counter data with pre-stored counter data, controller 310 can determine the modular adapter card connection type; for example, connector body 204 has 16 pairs of pins connected to data communication cable 230. (Return to Reference) Figure 5A The controller 310 can further transmit the modular adapter card connection type to the host controller 508 via control signal 320. In such an example, the host controller 508 can instruct a manageable controller (not shown) to perform a power-on self-test of the connector body 204 and, after successful verification of the 16-pin connection of the connector body 204, enable the modular adapter card 100 to removably receive an expansion card (e.g., a graphics card, not shown). In some examples, the expansion card may have 16 pin connections. In one or more examples, the first socket 206 and the second socket 210 of the adapter card connector 205 forming the modular adapter card 100 can receive a connector corresponding to the expansion card. Because the expansion card has a compatible number of pin connections (e.g., 16 pin connections) compared to the pin connections (16 pin connections) of the connector body 204, the modular adapter card 200 can provide the host board 502 with the appropriate functionality of an expansion card. In some examples, the expansion card may be a PCI-e card.

[0071] Figure 6 The controller 610 and electrical circuitry of another modular adapter card 600 are depicted. In one or more examples, the modular adapter card 600 is substantially similar to... Figures 5A-5D The modular adapter card 200 discussed in the examples differs only in its electrical circuitry. For instance, the modular adapter card 600 includes a controller 610, a first electrical circuit 670, and a second electrical circuit 672.

[0072] The first electrical circuit 670 is formed by a first electrical path 614, a first pair of pads 648 disposed on a circuit board (not shown) of the modular adapter card 600, a first power terminal 622, and a first electrical path 626. Similarly, the second electrical circuit 672 is formed by a second electrical path 618, a second pair of pads 650 disposed on a circuit board, a second power terminal 624, and a second electrical path 628. In some examples, the first electrical path 614 extends from the first pad 652 of the first pair of pads 648 and is electrically connected to the first power terminal 622 via a first node 631 and a first resistor 630, and the second electrical path 618 extends from the third pad 656 of the second pair of pads 650 and is electrically connected to the second power terminal 624 via a second node 633 and a second resistor 632. Similarly, the first electrical path 626 extends from the second pad 654 in the first pair of pads 648 to the ground connector 634, and the second electrical path 628 extends from the fourth pad 658 in the second pair of pads 650 to the ground connector 634.

[0073] In some examples, controller 610 is electrically connected to a first electrical circuit 670 and a second electrical circuit 672. For example, controller 610 is: i) electrically connected via a first signal input 612 to a first pad 652 in a first pair of pads 648, and ii) electrically connected via a second signal input 616 to a third pad 656 in a second pair of pads 650. Specifically, the first signal input 612 of controller 610 is connected to a first node 631 of a first electrical path 614, and the second signal input 616 of controller 610 is connected to a second node 633 of a second electrical path 618. Modular adapter card 600 may also include clip 674, which is coupled to a connector body and mounted on a circuit board corresponding to the first electrical circuit 670 to electrically bridge the first pair of pads 648 or the second electrical circuit 672 to the second pair of pads 650.

[0074] In one or more examples, when the connector body is mounted on a circuit board corresponding to the second electrical circuit 672, the clip 674 electrically bridges the second pair of pads 650 to each other; for example, the third pad 656 is electrically bridged to the fourth pad 658. However, the first pair of pads 648 are electrically isolated from each other; for example, the first pad 652 is electrically isolated from the second pad 654. In such an example, with the modular adapter card 600 connected to the main board of an electronic device, the first power terminal 622 can provide an electrical signal to the first pad 652, and the second power terminal 624 can provide an electrical signal to the third pad 656. Because the first pair of pads 648 are electrically isolated from each other, the electrical signal provided by the first power terminal 622 may not reach the ground connector 634. In such an example, the voltage at the first node 631 to which the controller 610 is coupled is the same as the voltage at the first power terminal 622 (e.g., Figure 6 The first node 631 is coupled to the first power terminal 622 when no other voltage source is coupled to it. Therefore, the controller 610 can receive a first electrical signal 636 from the first pad 252 (e.g., from the first node 631), which may have a first non-zero voltage (e.g., 3V in the first terminal 622). Figure 6 (approximately 3V in the middle).

[0075] However, since clip 674 electrically bridges the second pair of pads 650 to each other, ground connector 634 can be electrically connected to the second node 633 via the second pair of pads 650. In other words, when clip 674 bridges the third pad 656 to the fourth pad 658, the second electrical path 618, which is at a first non-zero voltage, is connected to ground connector 634, which is at 0V. Therefore, ground connector 634 pulls the voltage of the second node 633 down to the same voltage as ground 634 (e.g., ...). Figure 6 (0V in the context of the second node 634). Because the second node 633 is coupled to the controller 610, the controller 610 can sense the change in voltage of the second node 634 from a high voltage (e.g., 3V) to ground voltage (e.g., 0V). In other words, the controller 610 can (e.g.) receive a second electrical signal 642 from the second pad 654 via the second node 633, and the second electrical signal 642 can be 0V.

[0076] In one or more examples, after receiving the first and second electrical signals 636 and 642, the controller 610 may retain the counter data corresponding to the first electrical signal 636 as "1" (because the voltage in the first electrical signal 636 remains the same (e.g., 3V)) and change the counter data corresponding to the second electrical signal 642 to "0" (because there is a voltage drop in the second electrical signal 642). In other words, the controller 610 may retain the counter data as "1" when receiving an electrical signal with a certain voltage (e.g., 3V) and change the counter data to "0" when receiving an electrical signal without voltage (e.g., 0V) (or a voltage drop from 3V to 0V). Furthermore, the controller 610 may determine the modular adapter card connection type based on the counter data corresponding to the first electrical signal 636 and the second electrical signal 642. For example, the controller 610 may compare the counter data corresponding to the first electrical signal 636 and the second electrical signal 642 with pre-stored counter data corresponding to the stored first electrical signal and the stored second electrical signal to determine the modular adapter card connection type. In some examples, the pre-stored counter data can be stored in the memory (not shown) of the modular adapter card 600. Table 2 below shows a sample of the pre-stored counter data for reference.

[0077]

[0078] Table 2

[0079] In one or more examples, based on a comparison of counter data with pre-stored counter data, controller 610 can determine the modular adapter card connection type. For example, the connector body of modular adapter card 600 has 8 pairs of pins connected to a data communication cable. In one or more examples, controller 610 can further transmit the modular adapter card connection type to the host controller. In some examples, the expansion card may have 8 pairs of pins. Because the expansion card has a compatible number of pins (e.g., 8 pairs) compared to the pins of the connector body (e.g., 8 pairs), modular adapter card 600 can provide the host board with the appropriate functionality of an expansion card. In some examples, the expansion card may be a PCI-e card.

[0080] Figure 7 A flowchart depicts a method 700 for determining the connection type of a modular adapter card in an electronic device. It can be noted here, for example, that... Figure 1 Method 700 is described using -2, 3A-3B, 4A-4B, and 5A-5D. Method 700 begins at block 702 and continues to block 704. In one or more examples, method 700 is executed by the controller of a modular adapter card.

[0081] At block 704, method 700 includes receiving a first electrical signal via a first signal input terminal coupled to one of a first pair of pads electrically isolated from each other and disposed on a circuit board of a modular adapter card. In some examples, one of the pads in the first pair is a first pad, which is further electrically connected to a first power terminal, and a second pad in the first pair is electrically connected to a ground connector. Method 700 continues to block 706.

[0082] At block 706, method 700 includes receiving a second electrical signal via a second signal input terminal, the second signal input terminal being coupled to a third pad in a second pair of pads electrically isolated from each other and disposed on a circuit board. In some examples, another pad in the second pair of pads is a third pad electrically connected to a second power terminal, and a fourth pad in the second pair of pads is electrically connected to a ground connector. In some examples, the modular adapter card also includes a removable connector assembly having a connector body mounted on and detachably connected to the circuit board and a clip coupled to the connector body. Method 700 continues to block 708.

[0083] In block 708, method 700 includes determining the modular adapter card connection type based on first and second electrical signals. In some examples, the clip electrically bridges a first pair of pads to each other (e.g., the first pad is electrically bridged to the second pad), or electrically bridges a second pair of pads to each other (e.g., the third pad is electrically bridged to the fourth pad), and causes one of the first or second electrical signals to have a first voltage, and the other of the first or second electrical signals to have a second voltage. In some examples, if the controller senses no voltage (e.g., 0V) at the first pad (or first node) or the third pad (or second node) via the first signal input or the second signal input, the controller can hold the counter data of the first or second electrical signal at "1". In some examples, if the controller senses a voltage (e.g., 3V) at the first pad or the third pad via the first signal input or the second signal input, the controller can change the counter data of the first or second electrical signal to "0". Therefore, the controller can compare the counter data corresponding to the first and second electrical signals with pre-stored counter data corresponding to the stored first or second electrical signals to determine the modular adapter card connection type. In some examples, when the connector body has a 16-pin connection to the data communication cable, the clip is configured to electrically connect the first pair of pads to each other. In this case, the controller senses a voltage (e.g., 3V) at the first node via the first signal input and accordingly sets the counter data to "0". Since the clip is not configured to contact the second pair of pads, the controller may not sense a voltage (e.g., 0V) at the second node via the second signal input and therefore hold the counter data at "1". Figure 5D As discussed in the examples, the controller can compare the first and second electrical signal counter values ​​with stored first and second electrical signal counter values ​​and determine that the modular adapter card connection type is a 16-pin connection with a data communication cable. In such examples, the controller can further transmit the modular adapter card connection to the host controller of the electronic device. In some examples, the first and second sockets of the adapter card connector forming the modular adapter card can receive an expansion card with 16-pin connections and provide the appropriate functionality of the expansion card to the host board of the electronic device. In some examples, the expansion card can be a PCI-e card. Method 700 ends at block 710.

[0084] Modular adapter cards offer flexibility, upgradeability, and maintainability, benefiting the supply chain by reducing the number of adapter cards required in inventory, as they can be easily configured to be compatible with different types of expansion cards. Furthermore, since the circuit board with the first socket is retained, and only the removable connector assembly with the connector body is replaced to form a modular adapter card compatible with different types of expansion cards, modular adapter cards can be assembled, maintained, and replaced inexpensively. Because modular adapter cards can be assembled (formed) with different types of removable connector assemblies, it may not be necessary to maintain or produce different types of adapter cards, each with a different type of connector. This reduces the required SKUs and the different inventories that need to be maintained, thereby reducing costs.

[0085] Numerous details have been set forth in the foregoing description to provide an understanding of the subject matter disclosed herein. However, embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these details. Other embodiments may include modifications, combinations, and variations of the foregoing details. The following claims are intended to cover such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A modular riser card, comprising: a circuit board including a first socket having a plurality of first pins; and a removable connector assembly including a connector body and an opening, the connector body defining a second socket having a plurality of second pins, the opening formed in the connector body adjacent the second socket, wherein the connector body is mounted on the circuit board such that the first socket protrudes through the opening and is aligned with the second socket, and wherein the first socket and the second socket form a riser card connector configured to removably receive an expansion card of an electronic device.

2. The modular adapter card of claim 1, wherein, the circuit board further includes a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole, wherein the connector body further includes a third mounting hole and a fourth mounting hole, and wherein the first mounting hole and the third mounting hole are aligned with each other and the second mounting hole and the fourth mounting hole are aligned with each other.

3. The modular adapter card of claim 2, further comprising a first fastener and a second fastener, and wherein, the first fastener extends through the first mounting hole and the third mounting hole and the second fastener extends through the second mounting hole and the fourth mounting hole to detachably connect the connector body to the circuit board.

4. The modular adapter card of claim 2, wherein, the circuit board further includes a first pair of pads electrically isolated from each other and disposed at the first mounting hole and a second pair of pads electrically isolated from each other and disposed at the second mounting hole.

5. The modular adapter card of claim 4, further comprising a controller, wherein a first pad of the first pair of pads is electrically connected to a first signal input of the controller and a second pad of the first pair of pads is electrically connected to a first power terminal, and wherein, a third pad of the second pair of pads is electrically connected to a second signal input of the controller and a fourth pad of the second pair of pads is electrically connected to a second power terminal.

6. The modular riser card of claim 5, further comprising a clip coupled to the connector body adjacent one of the third mounting hole or the fourth mounting hole and electrically bridging pads of the first pair of pads to each other or electrically bridging pads of the second pair of pads to each other to electrically connect the first power terminal to the first signal input or the second power terminal to the second signal input.

7. The modular adapter card of claim 6, wherein, the controller is configured to, in a state in which the modular riser card is connected to the electronic device, i) determine a modular riser card pin connection type based on whether a first electrical signal is received via the first signal input or a second electrical signal is received via the second signal input, and ii) communicate the modular riser card pin connection type to a host controller of the electronic device.

8. The modular adapter card of claim 7, wherein, the modular riser card pin connection type includes one of 8 pairs of pin connections or 16 pairs of pin connections.

9. The modular adapter card of claim 1, wherein, the removable connector assembly further includes a data communication cable including wires connected to the plurality of second pins.

10. The modular adapter card of claim 1, wherein, the connector body is a Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCI-e) connector and wherein the expansion card is a PCI-e card.

11. An electronic device, comprising: a host device board; and a modular riser card, comprising: a circuit board including a first socket having a plurality of first pins; and A removable connector assembly including a connector body defining a second receptacle having a plurality of second pins, an opening formed in the connector body adjacent the second receptacle, wherein the connector body is mounted on the circuit board such that the first receptacle protrudes through the opening and is aligned with the second receptacle, a data communication cable including wires connected to the plurality of second pins, wherein the plurality of first pins are electrically connected to a power connector on the host device board, wherein the data communication cable is electrically connected to a data communication connector on the host device board, and wherein the first receptacle and the second receptacle form a riser card connector configured to removably receive an expansion card and electrically connect the expansion card to the host device board.

12. The electronic device of claim 11, further comprising a first fastener and a second fastener, wherein, The circuit board further includes a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole, wherein the connector body further includes a third mounting hole and a fourth mounting hole, wherein the first mounting hole and the third mounting hole are aligned with each other and the second mounting hole and the fourth mounting hole are aligned with each other, and wherein the first fastener extends through the first mounting hole and the third mounting hole and the second fastener extends through the second mounting hole and the fourth mounting hole to detachably connect the connector body to the circuit board.

13. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein, The circuit board further includes a first pair of pads electrically isolated from each other and disposed at the first mounting hole and a second pair of pads electrically isolated from each other and disposed at the second mounting hole.

14. The electronic device of claim 13, further comprising a controller, wherein a first pad of the first pair of pads is electrically connected to a first signal input of the controller, and a second pad of the first pair of pads is electrically connected to a first power terminal, and wherein, A third pad of the second pair of pads is electrically connected to a second signal input of the controller and a fourth pad of the second pair of pads is electrically connected to a second power terminal.

15. The electronic device of claim 14, further comprising a clip coupled to the connector body adjacent one of the third mounting hole or the fourth mounting hole and electrically bridging pads of the first pair of pads to each other or electrically bridging pads of the second pair of pads to each other to electrically connect the first power terminal to the first signal input or the second power terminal to the second signal input.

16. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein, The controller is configured to, in a state in which the modular riser card is connected to the host device board of the electronic device: i) determine a modular riser card pin connection type based on whether a first electrical signal is received via the first signal input or a second electrical signal is received via the second signal input, and ii) communicate the modular riser card pin connection type to a host controller of the electronic device, and wherein the modular riser card pin connection type includes one of 8-pin connection or 16-pin connection.

17. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein, The plurality of first pins are electrically connected to the power connector via traces formed in the circuit board or a power cable.

18. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein, The plurality of second pins are directly soldered to wires of the data communication cable.

19. A method comprising: receiving, by a controller of a modular adapter card, a first electrical signal via a first signal input coupled to one of a first pair of pads that are electrically isolated from each other and disposed on a circuit board of the modular adapter card, wherein the pad of the first pair of pads is electrically connected to a first power terminal; receiving, by the controller, a second electrical signal via a second signal input coupled to one of a second pair of pads that are electrically isolated from each other and disposed on the circuit board, wherein the pad of the second pair of pads is electrically connected to a second power terminal, wherein the modular adapter card further comprises a removable connector assembly comprising a connector body mounted on and detachably connected to the circuit board and a clip coupled to the connector body; and determining, by the controller, a modular adapter card pin connection type based on the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal, wherein the clip electrically bridges pads of the first pair of pads to each other or electrically bridges pads of the second pair of pads to each other and causes one of the first electrical signal or the second electrical signal to have a first voltage and causes the other of the first electrical signal or the second electrical signal to have a second voltage.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, communicating, by the controller, the modular adapter card pin connection type to a host controller of an electronic device, and wherein the modular adapter card pin connection type comprises one of 8 pairs of pin connections or 16 pairs of pin connections. receiving, by a controller of a modular adapter card, a first electrical signal via a first signal input coupled to one of a first pair of pads that are electrically isolated from each other and disposed on a circuit board of the modular adapter card, wherein the pad of the first pair of pads is electrically connected to a first power terminal; receiving, by the controller, a second electrical signal via a second signal input coupled to one of a second pair of pads that are electrically isolated from each other and disposed on the circuit board, wherein the pad of the second pair of pads is electrically connected to a second power terminal, wherein the modular adapter card further comprises a removable connector assembly comprising a connector body mounted on and detachably connected to the circuit board and a clip coupled to the connector body; and determining, by the controller, a modular adapter card pin connection type based on the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal, wherein the clip electrically bridges pads of the first pair of pads to each other or electrically bridges pads of the second pair of pads to each other and causes one of the first electrical signal or the second electrical signal to have a first voltage and causes the other of the first electrical signal or the second electrical signal to have a second voltage. communicating, by the controller, the modular adapter card pin connection type to a host controller of an electronic device, and wherein the modular adapter card pin connection type comprises one of 8 pairs of pin connections or 16 pairs of pin connections.

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