Modular connector for electronic device

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular connector for an electronic device. The electronic device includes a chassis, a system mainboard mounted to the chassis, a first connector and a second connector, and a set of support members coupled to the chassis. The first connector is directly mounted and electrically connected to the system main board, and includes a first support wall and a second support wall, and a first pin protruding from the first support wall. The second connector includes a cable electrically connected to the system mainboard, and includes a third support wall and a fourth support wall, a first hole formed in the third support wall, and a second hole formed in the fourth support wall. A support member of the set of support members includes a second pin. The first pin protrudes into the first hole to couple the second connector to the first connector, and the second pin protrudes into the second hole to further couple the second connector to the first support member.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Electronic devices such as computers and networking devices may include a system motherboard (e.g., a motherboard or host platform module) having electronic components such as a central processing unit, resistors, capacitors, etc. to provide some basic functions. In order to expand the functionality of the electronic device, additional electronic modules such as integrated circuit modules, memory modules, etc. may have to be removably connected to the system motherboard. Therefore, the system motherboard may include a connector that can be removably connected to a complementary connector of the electronic module, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the electronic module and the electronic device and expanding the functionality of the electronic device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] Various examples will be described below with reference to the following drawings.

[0003] Figure 1A A block diagram of a modular connector system for assembling a connector assembly for an electronic device according to an example of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0004] Figure 1B The example according to the present disclosure is shown in FIG. Figure 1A Block diagram of an example connector assembly assembled from a modular connector system.

[0005] Figure 1C The example according to the present disclosure is shown in FIG. Figure 1A 0026] Block diagram of another example connector assembly assembled with a modular connector system.

[0006] Figure 2A A perspective view of a first connector having a first configuration according to an example of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0007] Figure 2B A perspective view of a second connector having a second configuration according to an example of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0008] Figure 2C A perspective view of a third connector having a first configuration according to an example of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0009] Figure 3A A perspective view of a first support member according to an example of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0010] Figure 3B A perspective view of a second support member according to an example of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0011] Figure 3C A perspective view of a third support member according to an example of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0012] Figure 4 The example according to the present disclosure is shown in FIG. Figure 2AA perspective view of a system mainboard connected to a first connector.

[0013] Figure 5 Illustrated is a perspective view of a main circuit board (PCB) electrically coupled to a cable according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0014] Fig. 6A An electronic module having a large form factor according to examples of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0015] Figure 6B Another electronic module having a small form factor according to an example of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0016] Fig. 7A FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a connector assembly connected to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 4 A perspective view of a system motherboard, the connector assembly having Figure 2A The first connector, Figure 2B The second connector, Figure 5 PCB, Figure 3A a first supporting member and Figure 3B A second supporting member.

[0017] Figure 7B An example of a computer system having a chassis and a Figure 4 A perspective view of an electronic device having a system motherboard, the system motherboard being Fig. 7A Connector components and Fig. 6A Electrical connections for electronic modules.

[0018] Fig. 8A The present invention illustrates an example of a connector assembly connected to another connector assembly. Figure 4 A perspective view of a system motherboard, the other connector assembly having Figure 2A The first connector, Figure 2C The third connector, Figure 3A a first supporting member, Figure 5 PCB, Figure 3B a second supporting member, and Figure 3C A third supporting member.

[0019] Figure 8B An example of an embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown. Fig. 8A A perspective view of another electronic device having a system motherboard, the system motherboard being connected to the Fig. 8A The connector assembly has two Figure 6B Electrical connections for electronic modules.

[0020] Fig. 9 is a flow chart depicting a method of mounting a connector assembly to a system motherboard of an electronic device according to one example of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of explanation, reference is made to Figures 1 to Fig. 9 The components illustrated in the drawings describe certain examples. However, the functions of the illustrated components may overlap and may be present in a smaller or larger number of elements and components. In addition, the disclosed examples can be implemented in various environments and are not limited to the illustrated examples. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar components. However, it should be clearly understood that these drawings are for illustration and description purposes only. Although several examples are described in this document, modifications, adaptations and other implementations are possible. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosed examples. Instead, the appropriate scope of the disclosed examples may be defined by the appended claims.

[0022] The connector and support member defining the bay can facilitate the inclusion of electronic modules such as open compute program (OCP) modules in electronic devices (e.g., servers) to expand the functionality of the electronic devices. Accordingly, in an electronic device configured to receive an electronic module, a system motherboard (e.g., a motherboard or a host platform module) of the electronic device has a connector pre-arranged at its rear edge to cooperate with a complementary connector of the electronic module when the electronic module slides into the bay of the electronic device. Traditionally, the connector is a socket connector that is fixedly attached to the edge of the system motherboard and electrically connected to the system motherboard via edge-type (e.g., gold finger-type) contacts on the system motherboard. Accordingly, when the electronic module is inserted into the bay, the complementary connector can be removably connected to the connector, thereby electrically connecting the electronic module to the system motherboard via the connector. Therefore, when the electronic module is removably connected to the connector, an electrical signal from the electronic module can be transmitted to the system motherboard via the connector.

[0023] The electronic modules may have different form factors, such as a first electronic module having a large form factor and a second electronic module having a small form factor. In such an example, the first electronic module may have a first width and include a set of complementary connectors (e.g., a first complementary connector and a second complementary connector), the second electronic module may have a second width and include a complementary connector (e.g., a third complementary connector), wherein the first width is greater than the second width, and each of the first complementary connector and the third complementary connector has a common profile (a first profile), and the second complementary connector has a second profile different from the first profile. Therefore, a connector assembly that can be used to facilitate the inclusion of at least one electronic module in an electronic device may also need to have different configurations, such as a first connector assembly having a first configuration associated with a large form factor of the first electronic module and a second connector assembly having a second configuration associated with a small form factor of the second electronic module, so that the connector can be removably coupled to at least one electronic module having a corresponding form factor. In particular, the first connector assembly may require a set of connectors, such as a first connector having a profile compatible with the first profile of the first complementary connector and a second connector having another profile compatible with the second profile of the second complementary connector, so that the first connector assembly can be removably coupled to the first electronic module. Similarly, the second connector assembly may also require a set of connectors, such as a third connector and a fourth connector, each having a profile compatible with the second electronic module, so that the second electronic module can be removably connected to any one of the third connector or the fourth connector. It can be noted herein that each of the first connector in the first connector assembly and the third connector and the fourth connector in the second connector assembly has a common profile. Accordingly, when an electronic device including an electronic module with a large form factor needs to be switched to a new electronic module each having a small form factor, the pre-installed connector assembly configured to be removably connected to the electronic module with the large form factor must be replaced with a new connector assembly to allow the new electronic module to be removably connected to the new connector assembly. For example, if a pre-installed first connector assembly with a first configuration is installed in an electronic device to be removably connected to the first electronic module, and the first electronic module needs to be replaced with a second electronic module later, the pre-installed first connector assembly may also have to be replaced with a second connector assembly with a second configuration to allow the second electronic module to be included in the electronic device. Therefore, replacing an electronic module with a new electronic module (or vice versa) may be cumbersome, time-consuming, expensive, and dependent on the availability of inventory of such new compatible connector assemblies. Additionally, multiple different types of connector assemblies may need to be produced, which may result in the need to add additional SKUs and maintain different inventories, which may increase costs.

[0024] Additionally, since the connector is fixedly attached to the edge of the system motherboard, any tolerance stack-up in the connector may result in a misaligned connector, thereby causing the electronic module to be unable to removably couple with such a misaligned connector. As a result, the electronic device may be forced to undergo an unavoidable shutdown to resolve the alignment issues associated with the misaligned connector.

[0025] A technical solution to the aforementioned problem may include providing a connector assembly that can be reconfigured to be compatible with multiple different form factors of an electronic module. More specifically, the reconfigurable connector assembly includes a first connector (e.g., a common connector) and a second connector (e.g., a replaceable connector) that is removably connected to the first connector, wherein the second connector is one of a group of multiple different second connectors that are interchangeably connected to the first connector. Therefore, by disconnecting the currently connected second connector from the first connector and then connecting another of the second connectors to the first connector, the connector assembly can be reconfigured to have a different configuration (e.g., for accommodating different electronic modules). Therefore, reconfiguring the connector assembly does not require replacing the first connector (which has a common profile for all configurations of the electronic module), and therefore in the process of reconfiguring the connector assembly, the first connector can remain connected to the system motherboard, and only the second connector can be changed according to the profile of the corresponding complementary connector of the electronic module. Therefore, it is easier to replace the electronic module in an electronic device that utilizes the example replaceable connector assembly disclosed herein.

[0026] In the examples disclosed herein, a given configuration of a connector assembly compatible with a given form factor of an electronic module can be formed by: i) selecting a second connector corresponding to a given complementary connector of the electronic module (e.g., having a profile commensurate therewith) from a plurality of interchangeable second connectors, and ii) assembling the second connector so selected to the first connector. In addition, by changing which second connector is used, the connector assembly can be changed to accommodate different form factors of the electronic module, but without replacing the entire connector assembly. For example, a first connector having a common profile compatible with a first profile of a first complementary connector of a first electronic module having a large form factor and a third profile of a third complementary connector of a second electronic module having a small form factor can be retained in the connector assembly. In such an example, a second connector having a profile compatible with a second profile of a second complementary connector of the first electronic module can be selected, and the second connector can be removably connected to the first connector to form a first connector assembly, thereby enabling the first connector assembly to be removably connected to a first electronic module having a large form factor. Similarly, a third connector having a profile compatible with a third complementary connector of a second electronic module may be selected and removably coupled to the first connector to form a second connector assembly, thereby enabling the second connector assembly to be removably coupled to two second electronic modules, each having a small form factor. More specifically, the first connector may be retained as is, and the second and third connectors may be selected interchangeably based on compatibility with the electronic module and removably coupled to the first connector to form a first connector assembly or a second connector assembly. Since the first connector is retained and only the second connector is interchanged to assemble a new connector assembly compatible with the electronic module, this new connector assembly provides flexibility, upgradeability, maintainability, and benefits the supply chain in terms of reducing the number of off-the-shelf connector assemblies required in inventory.

[0027] In some cases, the first connector can be a 4C+ connector, and the second connector can be a 4C connector or one of a 4C+ connector. In some examples, the first complementary connector and the second complementary connector of the first electronic module with a large form factor (LFF) can be compatible with the 4C+ connector and the 4C connector of the first connector assembly, respectively. Similarly, each of the first complementary connector and the third complementary connector of the second electronic module with a small form factor (SFF) can be compatible with the 4C+ connector of the second connector assembly. In one or more examples, each of the first electronic module and the second electronic module can be an open computing program (OCP) module. In some examples, the OCP module can be a modular network module with multiple network interface ports, which can be configured to support various networking protocols, such as Ethernet, Modbus TCP, PROFINET, IEC 61850, etc.

[0028] In some examples, when the selected second connector is connected to the first connector to form the desired connector assembly, the second connector is not fixedly connected to the system motherboard, but the second connector includes a flexible cable member electrically connected to the system motherboard. In other words, the second connector is not electrically connected to the edge-type contacts on the system motherboard, but is connected to the system motherboard via a flexible cable member. Accordingly, since the second connector with the flexible cable member is not fixedly attached directly to the system motherboard, the second connector is fixed in place by a pin-type connection to the first connector (which is fixedly attached to the system motherboard) and to a support member that guides and supports the electronic module. Therefore, the pin-type connection allows the second connector to float or move within a limited range relative to the first connector, thereby allowing the second connector to be aligned with the electronic module while taking into account the tolerance stack-up. In addition, since the second connector is not fixed to the system motherboard, it can be relatively easily removed and replaced with a different version of the second connector. This can allow for different combinations of electronic modules with different connector requirements to be accommodated. For example, if a configuration with two SFF OCP modules is desired, a second connector (e.g., a floating connector compatible with an OCP 4C+ connector) can be used with a first connector (e.g., a fixed connector compatible with an OCP 4C+ connector). If a different configuration including one LFF OCP module is desired, another second connector (e.g., another floating connector compatible with an OCP 4C connector) can be used with the same first connector (e.g., a fixed connector compatible with an OCP 4C+ connector) (rather than a floating connector compatible with an OCP 4C+ connector).

[0029] In some examples, an electronic device includes a chassis, a system motherboard, a connector assembly including a first connector, a second connector, and a set of support members. The system motherboard is mounted to the chassis and includes a processing circuit. The first connector is directly mounted and electrically connected to the system motherboard. The first connector includes a first support wall, a second support wall, and a first pin protruding from a side of the first support wall and extending along a first direction. The second connector includes a cable electrically connected to the system motherboard, a third support wall, a fourth support wall, a first hole formed at a side of the third support wall, and a second hole formed at a rear face of the fourth support wall. The first pin at least partially protrudes into the first hole to removably couple the second connector to the first connector. A set of support members is coupled to the chassis and defines at least one bay, wherein a first support member in the set of support members includes a front face and a second pin protruding from the front face and extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second pin protrudes into the second hole to removably couple the second connector to the first support member. In some examples, at least one electronic module can be inserted into at least one bay to be detachably coupled to at least one of the first connector and the second connector to electrically connect the at least one electronic module to the system motherboard via the first connector and the second connector. In such an example, the first hole and the second hole allow the second connector to move relative to the first pin and the second pin along a first direction to allow the second connector to be aligned with the at least one electronic module.

[0030] With reference to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1A A block diagram of a modular connector system 100 for assembling a connector assembly 1000 for an electronic device is depicted. Figure 1B and Figure 1C Two example connector assemblies, such as a first connector assembly 1000-1 and a second connector assembly 1000-2, are illustrated, each assembled from the modular connector system 100. It should be understood that Figures 1A to 1C It is not intended that specific shapes, sizes, or other structural details be illustrated accurately or to scale, and embodiments of the modular connector system 100 may have different numbers and arrangements of components than those illustrated, and may also include other components not illustrated. The modular connector system 100 may function as a stock of components that may be needed to assemble the connector assembly 1000. In some examples, the modular connector system 100 includes components such as a fixed connector (e.g., a first connector 102) and a set of mutually different floating connectors 104 that are interchangeably and removably connected to the first connector 102. The set of floating connectors 104 may include at least a second connector 106 and a third connector 106A.

[0031] One of the second connector 106 or the third connector 106A is removably coupled to the first connector 102 to form the connector assembly 1000, wherein the connector assembly 1000 can take a variety of different configurations depending on which of the second connector 106 or the third connector 106A is removably coupled to the first connector 102. For example, Figure 1B and Figure 1C Two example configurations of the connector assembly 1000 are illustrated, namely, a first configuration in the form of a first connector assembly 1000-1 (which includes a second connector 106 removably coupled to the first connector 102) and a second configuration in the form of a second connector assembly 1000-2 (which includes a third connector 106A removably coupled to the first connector 102). The connector assembly 1000 is also capable of being reconfigured between these different configurations. For example, by removing the second connector 106 and replacing it with the third connector 106A, the connector assembly 1000 can be reconfigured from the configuration of the first connector assembly 1000-1 to the configuration of the second connector assembly 1000-2, and vice versa. Below, the description will focus on the first connector assembly 1000-1 and the second connector assembly 1000-2 as two illustrative examples, but it should be understood that the connector assembly 1000 may be capable of having additional configurations, such as those formed by using other connectors in a set of floating connectors 104. In some examples, each of the first connector and the third connector is a 4C+ connector, and the second connector is a 4C connector. Additional details of these components are described in more detail below.

[0032] The first connector 102 includes a first support wall 130, a second support wall 132, and a first hollow body portion 134 defined between a first side 136 and a second side 138 of the first connector 102. The first hollow body portion 134 includes a pair of first peripheral end portions (not labeled) interconnected with the first support wall 130 and the second support wall 132. The first connector 102 further includes a first pin 140 protruding from a side 142 of the first support wall 130 and extending along the first direction 10. The first pin 140 has a diameter "D1". Further, the first connector 102 includes a set of first contacts 146 on the first side 136 and a first socket 144 at the second side 138, wherein the first socket 144 includes a set of second contacts 148. In some examples, the set of first contacts 146 and the set of second contacts 148 can each be a conductive spring finger. The set of first contacts 146 and the set of second contacts 148 can be interconnected via a first inner conductor 124 extending along the first hollow body portion 134. In some examples, the first side 136 of the first connector 102 can be mounted to an edge of a system motherboard (not shown). For example, a set of first contacts 146 can be configured to snap onto an edge of the system motherboard. Accordingly, a set of first contacts 146 at the first side 136 can be configured to be electrically connected to a first edge connector (not shown) of the system motherboard. Similarly, the second side 138 of the first connector 102 having the first receptacle 144 can be configured to receive a second edge connector (or complementary connector) of one of at least one electronic module (not shown), and a set of second contacts 148 can be configured to snap onto a second edge connector of at least one electronic module. Accordingly, a set of second contacts 148 at the second side 138 can be configured to be electrically connected to a second edge connector of at least one electronic module. Further, the first connector 102 includes a plurality of first mounting holes 126 disposed on the first support wall 130 and the second support wall 132. In some examples, the first connector 102 can have a first profile. For example, the first profile of the first connector 102 is defined by four connector bays "CB1" separated from each other by three support elements 128. Further, the first connector 102 has a first width “ W1 ” extending along the first direction “ 10 .” In some examples, the first connector 102 is a 4C+ connector.

[0033] As described above, the modular connector system 100 includes a set of floating connectors 104. For ease of illustration, two exemplary floating connectors are described below, namely the second connector 106 and the third connector 106A, but in examples, additional floating connectors may be included in the set of floating connectors 104. In some examples, each of the second connector 106 and the third connector 106A has the same second width "W2" extending along the first direction "10".

[0034] In some examples, the second connector 106 includes a third support wall 150, a fourth support wall 152, and a second hollow body portion 154 defined between a first side 156 and a second side 158 of the second connector 106. The second hollow body portion 154 includes a pair of second peripheral end portions (not labeled) interconnected with the third support wall 150 and the fourth support wall 152. The second connector 106 further includes a first hole 160 formed at a side 162 of the third support wall 150 and a second hole 180 formed at a rear face 182 of the fourth support wall 152. The first hole 160 extends inwardly in the third support wall 150 along a first direction 10, and the second hole 180 extends inwardly in the fourth support wall 152 along a second direction 20 opposite to the first direction 10. The first hole 160 has another diameter "D2" equal to the diameter "D1" of the first pin 140. The second hole 180 has a first diameter "D3". In some examples, the first pin 140 of the first connector 102 can be configured to at least partially protrude into the first hole 160 to removably couple the second connector 106 to the first connector 102. Further, the second connector 106 includes a set of third contacts 166 on the first side 156 and a second socket 164 at the second side 158, wherein the second socket 164 includes a set of fourth contacts 168. In some examples, the set of third contacts 166 and the set of fourth contacts 168 can each be a conductive spring finger. In some other examples, the set of third contacts 166 can be a conductive strip. The set of third contacts 166 and the set of fourth contacts 168 can be interconnected via a second inner conductor 174 extending along the second hollow body portion 154. In some examples, the first side 156 of the second connector 106 can be coupled to one of the cables 121 of the first cable member 120 or the cables 121A of the second cable member 120A, and the second side 158 of the second connector 106 having the second receptacle 164 can be configured to receive a third edge connector (or another complementary connector, not shown) of one of the at least one electronic module. For example, a set of third contacts 166 can be configured to snap onto a fourth edge connector 127 of a printed circuit board (PCB 123A) or directly soldered onto a set of fifth contacts 116 of the cable 121. Similarly, a set of fourth contacts 168 can be configured to snap onto a third edge connector of at least one electronic module. Further, the second connector 106 includes a plurality of second mounting holes 172 disposed on the third support wall 150 and the fourth support wall 152. In some examples, the second connector 106 can have a second profile. For example, the second profile of the second connector 106 is defined by three connector bays "CB2" separated from each other by two support elements 178. In some examples, the second connector 106 is a 4C connector.

[0035] In some examples, the third connector 106A includes a third support wall 150A, a fourth support wall 152A, and a second hollow body portion 154A defined between a first side 156A and a second side 158A of the third connector 106A. The second hollow body portion 154A includes a pair of second peripheral end portions (not labeled) interconnected with the third support wall 150A and the fourth support wall 152A. The third connector 106A further includes a first hole 160A (also referred to as a third hole) formed at a side surface 162A of the third support wall 150A and a second hole 180A (also referred to as a fourth hole) formed at a rear surface 182A of the fourth support wall 152A. The first hole 160A extends inwardly in the third support wall 150A along a first direction 10, and the second hole 180A extends inwardly in the fourth support wall 152A along a second direction 20. The first hole 160A has another diameter "D1" equal to the diameter "D2" of the first pin 140. 2A The second hole 180A has a first diameter "D 3A In some examples, the first pin 140 of the first connector 102 can be configured to at least partially protrude into the first hole 160A to removably couple the third connector 106A to the first connector 102. Further, the third connector 106A includes a set of third contacts 166A on the first side 156A and a second socket 164A at the second side 158A, wherein the second socket 164A includes a set of fourth contacts 168A. In some examples, the set of third contacts 166A and the set of fourth contacts 168A can each be a conductive spring finger. In some other examples, the set of third contacts 166A can be a conductive spring finger. A set of third contacts 166A and a set of fourth contacts 168A can be interconnected via a second inner conductor 174A extending along the second hollow body portion 154A. In some examples, the first side 156A of the third connector 106A can be coupled to the cable 121 of the first cable member 120 or the cable 121A of the second cable member 120A, and the second side 158A of the third connector 106A having the second socket 164A can be configured to receive a third edge connector (another complementary connector, not shown) of one of the at least one electronic modules. For example, a set of third contacts 166A can be configured to snap onto a PCB. 123A or directly soldered to a set of fifth contacts 116 of the cable 121. Similarly, a set of fourth contacts 168A can be configured to snap onto a third edge connector of at least one electronic module. Further, the third connector 106A includes a plurality of second mounting holes 172A disposed on the third support wall 150A and the fourth support wall 152A. In some examples, the third connector 106A can have a third profile. For example, the third profile of the third connector 106A consists of four connector bays "CB" separated from each other by three support elements 178A.2A ” defined. It may be noted herein that the third profile may be substantially similar to the first profile of the first connector 102. In particular, the first hollow body portion 134 of the first connector 102 is similar to the second hollow body portion 154A of the third connector 106A. Further, the first support wall 150 and the second support wall 152 of the second connector 106 are similar to the first support wall 150A and the second support wall 152B of the third connector 106A. In some examples, the third connector 106A is a 4C+ connector.

[0036] A set of support members 110 includes a first support member 114, a second support member 114A, and a third support member 114C. The set of support members 110 can be coupled to a chassis (not shown) of an electronic device to define at least one bay 151 for receiving at least one electronic module. In some examples, the first support member 114 and the second support member 114A can be selected from the set of support members 110, and the first support member and the second support member are spaced apart from each other and coupled to the chassis to define a first bay 151-1 configured to receive at least one electronic module (e.g., a first electronic module) having a large form factor (LFF). In some other examples, a first support member 114, a second support member 114A, and a third support member 114B can be selected from a set of support members 110, and the first support member, the second support member, and the third support member are spaced apart from each other and connected to the chassis to define a second bay 151-1A configured to receive at least one electronic module (e.g., a second electronic module having a small form factor (SFF)) and a third bay 151-1B configured to receive at least one electronic module (e.g., a third electronic module having an SFF).

[0037] The first support member 114 includes a front face 188 defined at a first end 184 of the first support member 114 and a second pin 190 protruding outwardly from the front face 188. The second pin 190 extends along a second direction 20 that is perpendicular to the first direction 10. The second pin 190 can protrude into one of the second holes 180, 180A to removably couple the second connector 106 or the third connector 106A to the first support member 114. The second pin 190 has a second diameter "D4" that is smaller than the first diameter "D3" of the second hole 180 in the second connector 106. Similarly, the second diameter "D4" of the second pin 190 is also smaller than the first diameter "D4" of the second hole 180A in the third connector 106A. 3A In some examples, the second diameter “D4” of the second pin 190 is smaller than the first diameters “D3”, “D 3A” can allow the corresponding second connector 106, 106A to move along the first direction 10. The first support member 114 includes a body portion 189 defined between a first end 184 and a second end 186 of the first support member 114, a first guide rail 176 formed between the first end 184 and the second end 186, and a plurality of first fastener holes 179. In some examples, the first guide rail 176 is defined along an inner side 192 of the first support member 114. In some examples, each of the plurality of first fastener holes 179 can be formed on a corresponding flange of a plurality of flanges 194 disposed on an outer side 196 of the body portion 189. The first support member 114 has a length “L” extending between the first end 184 and the second end 186.

[0038] The second support member 114A includes a body portion 189A defined between a first end 184A and a second end 186A of the second support member 114A, a second rail 176A formed between the first end 184A and the second end 186A, and a plurality of second fastener holes 179A. In some examples, the second rail 176A is formed along an inner side 192A of the second support member 114A. In some examples, each of the plurality of second fastener holes 179A can be formed on a corresponding flange of a plurality of flanges 194A disposed on an outer side 196A of the body portion 189A. The second support member 114A has a length "L" extending between the first end 184A and the second end 186A.

[0039] The third support member 114B includes a body portion 189B defined between a first end 184B and a second end 186B of the third support member 114B. The third support member 114B further includes a third guide rail 176B formed between the first end 184A and the second end 186A on a first side 192B of the third support member 114B, and a fourth guide rail 176C formed between the first end 184A and the second end 186A on a second side 192C of the third support member 114B opposite to the first side 192B. In other words, each of the third guide rail 176B and the fourth guide rail 176C is formed on a corresponding side of the third support member 114B. Further, the third support member 114B includes a plurality of third fastener holes 179B, wherein each of the plurality of third fastener holes 179B may be formed on the body portion 189B. The third support member 114B has a length "L" extending between the first end 184B and the second end 186B.

[0040] A set of cable assemblies 112 includes a first cable member 120 and a second cable member 120A. One of the first cable member 120 or the second cable member 120A can be coupled to the first side 156 of the second connector 106 and a surface mount connector (not shown) of the system printed board. Similarly, one of the first cable member 120 or the second cable member 120A can be coupled to the first side 156A of the third connector 106A and a surface mount connector (not shown) of the system printed board. Therefore, the second connector 106 or the third connector 106A is not fixedly connected to the system motherboard, but the second connector 106 or the third connector 106A includes a flexible first cable member 120 and a flexible second cable member 120A, respectively, which are electrically connected to the system motherboard. In other words, the second connector 106 or the third connector 106A is not electrically connected to the edge contacts on the system motherboard, but is connected to the system motherboard via the flexible first cable member 120 and the flexible second cable member 120A.

[0041] The first cable member 120 includes a cable 121 and a surface connector 122. The cable 121 has a first end 108 and a second end 118. The first end 108 of the cable 121 includes a set of fifth contacts 116. In such an example, the set of fifth contacts 116 can be soldered to a set of third contacts 166 of the second connector 106 or a set of third contacts 166A of the third connector 106A. Further, the second end 118 of the cable 121 can be coupled to the surface connector 122. In such an example, the surface connector 122 can be configured as a surface mount connector (not shown) mounted to a system printed board.

[0042] The second cable member 120A includes a cable 121A, a printed circuit board (PCB 123A), a first surface connector 122A, and a second surface connector 125A. The cable 121A includes a first end 108A and a second end 118A. The first end 108A of the cable 121A is coupled to the second surface connector 125A, and the second end 118A of the cable 121A is coupled to the first surface connector 122A. In such an example, the second surface connector 125A can be configured to be mounted to the second end (not labeled) of the PCB 123A, and the first surface connector 122A can be configured to be mounted to a surface mount connector (not shown) of a system printed board. The PCB 123A includes a fourth edge connector 127 disposed at its first end (not labeled), which can be configured to be coupled to a set of third contacts 166 of the second connector 106 or a set of third contacts 166A of the third connector 106A.

[0043] As discussed herein, the first connector 102 can be configured to be directly mounted and electrically connected to a system motherboard. Further, the second connector 106 and the third connector 106A are configured to be interchangeably and removably connected to the first connector 102 to assemble the connector assembly 1000.

[0044] In some examples, a second connector 106 is selected from the modular connector system 100 and removably coupled to the first connector 102 to form the first connector assembly 1000-1. In particular, the third support wall 150 of the second connector 106 is placed adjacent to the first support wall 130 of the first connector 102, such that the first pin 140 of the first connector 102 at least partially protrudes into the first hole 160 of the second connector 106 to removably couple the second connector 106 to the first connector 102. Further, the front face 188 of the first support member 114 is disposed adjacent to the fourth support wall 152 of the second connector 106, such that the second pin 190 of the first support member 114 protrudes into the second hole 180 of the second connector 106 to removably couple the second connector 106 to the first support member 114. Since the first diameter "D3" of the second hole 180 is greater than the second diameter "D4" of the second pin 190, the second connector 106 is allowed to move relative to the first connector 102 along the first direction 10, thereby allowing the second connector 106 to be aligned with the electronic module while taking into account the tolerance stack-up. In other words, the first hole 160 and the second hole 180 allow the second connector 106 to move relative to the first pin 140 and the second pin 190 along the first direction 10. The second support member 114A is spaced apart from the first support member 114 so that the front face of the first end 184A in the second support member 114A contacts the second support wall 132 and defines at least one bay 151, such as a first bay 151-1, between the first support member 114 and the second support member 114A and the first connector 102 and the second connector 106. Further, each of the first support member 114 and the second support member 114A can be coupled to a chassis. In particular, a plurality of first fasteners 191 may extend into a plurality of first fastener holes 179 in the first support member 114 and into a plurality of first holes (not shown) in the chassis to couple the first support member 114 to the chassis. Similarly, a plurality of second fasteners 191A may extend into a plurality of second fastener holes 179A in the second support member 114A and into a plurality of second holes (not shown) in the chassis to couple the second support member 114A to the chassis. In some examples, at least one electronic module (e.g., a first electronic module having a large form factor) may be inserted into the first bay 151-1 to be detachably coupled to the first connector 102 and the second connector 106, and the first electronic module may be electrically connected to the system motherboard via the first connector 102 and the second connector 106. For example, the first electronic module may be slidably engaged with the first rail 176 and the second rail 176A to move within the first bay 151-1 and be detachably coupled to the first connector 102 and the second connector 106.

[0045] In some examples, the first side 136 of the first connector 102 is configured to mount to an edge of a first edge connector (not shown) in a system motherboard. More specifically, a set of first contacts 146 at the first side 136 of the first connector 102 can be configured to snap onto an edge of the first edge connector and be electrically connected to the first edge connector of the system motherboard. Further, the first socket 144 at the second side 138 of the first connector 102 is configured to receive a complementary connector, such as a second edge connector of a first electronic module. More specifically, a set of second contacts 148 at the second side 138 of the first connector 102 can be configured to snap onto a second edge connector of the first electronic module and be electrically connected to the second edge connector of the first electronic module.

[0046] Further, the first side 156 of the second connector 106 is coupled to the first cable member 120, such as the cable 121, and the second socket 164 at the second side 158 of the second connector 106 is configured to receive another complementary connector, such as the third edge connector of the first electronic module. In particular, a set of third contacts 166 at the first side 156 of the second connector 106 are soldered to a set of fifth contacts 116 of the cable 121 to electrically connect the cable 121 to the surface connector 122. In such an example, the surface connector 122 can be configured as a surface mount connector mounted to a system printed board. Further, the second socket 164 at the second side 158 of the second connector 106 is configured to receive the third edge connector of the first electronic module. More particularly, a set of fourth contacts 168 at the second side 158 of the second connector 106 can be configured to snap onto the third edge connector of the first electronic module and be electrically connected to the third edge connector of the first electronic module.

[0047] In some examples, the first connector 102 can be coupled to the system printed board by extending the plurality of first fasteners 197 through the plurality of first mounting holes 126 in the first connector 102. Similarly, after snapping the first electronic module to the first connector 102 and the second connector 106, the second connector 106 can be optionally coupled to the system printed board by extending the plurality of second fasteners 199 through the plurality of first mounting holes 172 in the second connector 106.

[0048] Accordingly, in some examples, when the first connector 102, the second connector 106 and a set of support members 110 are in an installed state: the first pin 140 extends into the first hole 160 to removably connect the second connector 106 to the first connector 102, and the second pin 190 extends into the second hole 180 to removably connect the second connector 106 to the first support member 114, so that the second connector 106 can be moved relative to the first connector 102 and the first support member 114, and a complementary connector of at least one electronic module inserted into at least one bay 151-1 can engage with the first connector 102 and the second connector 106.

[0049] In some other examples, a third connector 106A is selected from the modular connector system 100 and is removably coupled to the first connector 102 to form the second connector assembly 1000-2. In particular, the third support wall 150A of the third connector 106A is placed adjacent to the first support wall 130 of the first connector 102, such that the first pin 140 of the first connector 102 at least partially protrudes into the first hole 160A of the third connector 106A to removably couple the third connector 106A to the first connector 102. Further, the front face 188 of the first support member 114 is disposed adjacent to the fourth support wall 152A of the third connector 106A, such that the second pin 190 of the first support member 114 protrudes into the second hole 180A of the third connector 106A to removably couple the third connector 106A to the first support member 114. Since the first diameter "D3" of the second hole 180A is greater than the second diameter "D4" of the second pin 190, the third connector 106A is allowed to move relative to the first connector 102 along the first direction 10, thereby allowing the third connector 106A to be aligned with the electronic module while taking into account the tolerance stack-up. In other words, the first hole 160A and the second hole 180A allow the third connector 106A to move relative to the first pin 140 and the second pin 190 along the first direction 10. The second support member 114A is spaced apart from the first support member 114 so that the front surface of the first end 184A of the second support member 114A contacts the second support wall 132. Further, the third support member 114B is disposed between the first support member 114 and the second support member 114A, so that the front surface of the first end 184B of the third support member 114B contacts the first support wall 132 and the third support wall 150A, and defines a first bay 151-1A between the first support member 114 and the third support member 114B and the third connector 106A, and a second bay 151-1B between the third support member 114B and the second support member 114A and the first connector 102. Further, each of the first support member 114, the second support member 114A, and the third support member 114B can be coupled to the chassis. In particular, the plurality of fasteners 191 can extend into the plurality of first fastener holes 179 in the first support member 114 and into the plurality of first holes (not shown) in the chassis to couple the first support member 114 to the chassis. Similarly, the plurality of second fasteners 191A can extend into the plurality of second fastener holes 179A in the second support member 114A and into the plurality of second holes (not shown) in the chassis to couple the second support member 114A to the chassis. Further, the plurality of third fasteners 191B can extend into the plurality of third fastener holes 179B in the third support member 114B and into the plurality of third holes (not shown) in the chassis to couple the third support member 114B to the chassis.In some examples, a second electronic module having a small form factor may be inserted into the first bay 151-1A to be detachably coupled to the third connector 106A, and the second electronic module is electrically connected to the system motherboard via the third connector 106A. For example, the second electronic module may be slidably engaged with the first rail 176 and the third rail 176B to move within the first bay 151-1A and detachably coupled with the third connector 106A. Similarly, a third electronic module having a small form factor may be inserted into the second bay 151-1B to be detachably coupled with the first connector 102, and the third electronic module is electrically connected to the system motherboard via the first connector 102. For example, the third electronic module may be slidably engaged with the fourth rail 176C and the second rail 176A to move within the second bay 151-1B and detachably coupled with the first connector 102.

[0050] In some examples, the first side 136 of the first connector 102 is configured to mount to an edge of a first edge connector (not shown) in a system motherboard. More specifically, a set of first contacts 146 at the first side 136 of the first connector 102 can be configured to snap onto an edge of the first edge connector and be electrically connected to the first edge connector of the system motherboard. Further, the first socket 144 at the second side 138 of the first connector 102 is configured to receive a complementary connector, such as a second edge connector of a third electronic module. More specifically, a set of second contacts 148 at the second side 138 of the first connector 102 can be configured to snap onto a second edge connector of a third electronic module and be electrically connected to the second edge connector of the third electronic module.

[0051] Further, the first side 156A of the third connector 106A is coupled to the second cable member 120A. For example, the PCB 123A is coupled to the cable 121A at the second surface connector 125A, and the fourth edge connector 127 of the PCB 123A is electrically connected to a set of third contacts 166A at the first side 156A of the third connector 106A. More specifically, a set of third contacts 166A of the third connector 106A can be configured to snap onto the fourth edge connector 127 of the PCB 123A and electrically connect the cable 121A to the first surface connector 122A. In such an example, the first surface connector 122A can be configured to be further mounted to another surface mount connector of the system printed board. Further, the second socket 164A at the second side 158A of the third connector 106A is configured to receive the third edge connector of the second electronic module. More specifically, a set of fourth contacts 168A at the second side 158A of the third connector 106A can be configured to snap onto and electrically connect with a third edge connector of a second electronic module.

[0052] In some examples, the first connector 102 can be coupled to the system printed circuit board by extending the plurality of first fasteners 197 through the plurality of first mounting holes 126 in the first connector 102. Similarly, after snapping the second electronic module to the third connector 106A, the third connector 106A can be coupled to the PCB 123A by extending the plurality of second fasteners 199A through the plurality of second mounting holes 172A in the third connector 106A.

[0053] Accordingly, in some other examples, when the first connector 102, the third connector 106A and a set of support members 110 are in the installed state: the first pin 140 extends into the third hole 160A to removably connect the third connector 106A to the first connector 102, and the second pin 190 extends into the fourth hole 180A to removably connect the third connector 106A to the first support member 114, so that the third connector 106A can be moved relative to the first connector 102 and the first support member 114, and the complementary connector of at least one electronic module inserted into at least one bay 151-1A, 151-1B can engage with the first connector 102 and the third connector 106A.

[0054] Figure 2A A perspective view of a first connector 202 is depicted. In some examples, the first connector 202 includes a conductor component that can be configured to create an electrical connection between two electronic components. The first connector 202 includes a first support wall 230, a second support wall 232, and a first hollow body portion 234 defined between a first side 236 and a second side 238 of the first connector 202. The first connector 202 further includes a first pin 240 protruding from a side 242 of the first support wall 230 and extending along a first direction 10. Further, the first connector 202 includes a set of first contacts (not shown) on the first side 236 and a first socket 244 at the second side 238, wherein the first socket 244 includes a set of second contacts 248. Further, the first connector 202 includes a plurality of first mounting holes 226 disposed on the first support wall 230 and the second support wall 232. In some examples, the first connector 202 can have a first profile. For example, the first profile of the first connector 202 is defined by four connector bays "CB1" separated from each other by three support elements 228. Further, the first connector 202 has a first width extending along the first direction “10.” In some examples, the first connector 202 is a 4C+ connector.

[0055] Figure 2BA perspective view of the second connector 206 is depicted. In some examples, the second connector 206 includes a conductor component that can be configured to create an electrical connection between two electronic components. In some examples, the second connector 206 includes a third support wall 250, a fourth support wall 252, and a second hollow body portion 254 defined between a first side 256 and a second side 258 of the second connector 206. The second connector 206 further includes a first hole 260 formed at a side 262 of the third support wall 250 and a second hole 280 formed at a rear face 282 of the fourth support wall 252. The first hole 260 extends inwardly in the third support wall 250 along a first direction 10, and the second hole 280 extends inwardly in the fourth support wall 252 along a second direction 20 opposite to the first direction 10. In some examples, the first pin 240 of the first connector 202 can be configured to at least partially protrude into the first hole 260 to removably couple the second connector 206 to the first connector 202. Further, the second connector 206 includes a set of third contacts (not shown) on the first side 256 and a second socket 264 at the second side 258, wherein the second socket 264 includes a set of fourth contacts 268. Further, the second connector 206 includes a plurality of second mounting holes 272 disposed on the third support wall 250 and the fourth support wall 252. In some examples, the second connector 206 can have a second profile. For example, the second profile of the second connector 206 is defined by three connector bays "CB2" separated from each other by two support elements 278. In some examples, the second connector 206 is a 4C connector.

[0056] Figure 2CA stereogram of the third connector 206A is depicted. In some examples, the third connector 206A includes a conductor component that can be configured to create an electrical connection between two electronic components. In some examples, the third connector 206A includes a third support wall 250A, a fourth support wall 252A, and a second hollow body portion 254A defined between a first side 256A and a second side 258A of the third connector 206A. The third connector 206A further includes a first hole 260A (or a third hole) formed at a side 262A of the third support wall 250A and a second hole 280A (or a fourth hole) formed at a rear face 282A of the fourth support wall 252A. The first hole 260A extends inwardly along a first direction 10 in the third support wall 250A, and the second hole 280A extends inwardly along a second direction 20 in the fourth support wall 252A. In some examples, the first pin 240 of the first connector 202 can be configured to at least partially protrude into the first hole 260A to removably couple the third connector 206A to the first connector 202. Further, the third connector 206A includes a set of third contacts (not shown) on the first side 256A and a second socket 264A at the second side 258A, wherein the second socket 264A includes a set of fourth contacts 268A. Further, the third connector 206A includes a plurality of second mounting holes 272A disposed on the third support wall 250A and the fourth support wall 252A. In some examples, the third connector 206A can have a third profile. For example, the third profile of the third connector 206A is composed of four connector bays "CB" separated from each other by three support elements 278A. 2A ” defined. It can be noted herein that the third profile can be substantially similar to the first profile of the first connector 202. In particular, the first hollow body portion 234 of the first connector 202 is similar to the second hollow body portion 254A of the third connector 206A. Further, the third support wall 250 and the fourth support wall 252 of the second connector 206 are similar to the third support wall 250A and the fourth support wall 252B of the third connector 206. In some examples, the third connector 206A is a 4C+ connector.

[0057] Figure 3AA perspective view of a first support member 314 is depicted. The first support member 314 can be coupled to a chassis (not shown) of an electronic device and the second connector 206 or the third connector 206A to define at least one bay (not shown) for receiving at least one electronic module (not shown). The first support member 314 includes a front face 388 defined at a first end 384 of the first support member 314 and a second pin 390 protruding outwardly from the front face 388. The second pin 390 extends along a second direction 20 perpendicular to the first direction 10. The second pin 390 can protrude into one of the second holes 280, 280A to removably couple the second connector 206 or the third connector 206A to the first support member 314. The second pin 390 has a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter of the second hole 280 in the second connector 206. Similarly, the second diameter of the second pin 390 is also smaller than the first diameter of the second hole 280A in the third connector 206A. In some examples, a second diameter of the second pin 390 that is smaller than the first diameter of the first hole 260 can allow the second connector 206 to move along the first direction 10. Similarly, a second diameter of the second pin 390 that is smaller than the first diameter of the first hole 260 can allow the third connector 206 to move along the first direction 10. The first support member 314 includes a first rail 376 formed between the first end 384 and the second end 386, and a plurality of first fastener holes 379. In some examples, the first rail 176 is defined along an inner side 392 of the first support member 314.

[0058] Figure 3B A perspective view of a second support member 314A is depicted. The second support member 314A can be coupled to the chassis to define at least one bay (not shown) for receiving at least one electronic module (not shown). The second support member 314A includes a first end 384A and a second end 386A, a second rail 376A formed between the first end 384A and the second end 386A, and a plurality of second fastener holes 379A. In some examples, the second rail 376A is formed along an inner side 392A of the second support member 314A.

[0059] Figure 3BA perspective view of a third support member 314B is depicted. The third support member 314B may be disposed between the first support member 314 and the second support member 314A, coupled to the chassis to define at least two bays (not shown) therebetween for receiving at least one electronic module (not shown). The third support member 314B includes a first end 384B and a second end 386B. The third support member 314B further includes a third guide rail 376B formed on a first side 392B of the third support member 314B between the first end 384A and the second end 386A, and a fourth guide rail 376C formed on a second side 392C of the third support member 314B opposite to the first side 392B between the first end 384A and the second end 386A. Further, the third support member 314B includes a plurality of third fastener holes 379B.

[0060] Figure 4 A perspective view of a system board 475 of an electronic device is depicted. System board 475 is a motherboard or host platform module of an electronic device. System board 475 includes processing circuitry 477, a plurality of surface mount connectors 479, and a first edge connector 481. Processing circuitry 477 may be a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, etc. Processing circuitry 477 may be electrically coupled to one or more surface mount connectors 479 and first edge connector 481.

[0061] Figure 5 A perspective view of one of the cable members (e.g., second cable member 520A) in a set of cable assemblies is depicted. The second cable member 520A includes a cable 521A, a printed circuit board (PCB 523A), a first surface connector 522A, and a second surface connector 525A. Figure 5 In the example of , two cables 521A are shown. Cable 521A includes a first end 508A and a second end 518A. The first end 508A of cable 521A is connected to a second surface connector 525A, and the second end 518A of cable 521A is connected to the first surface connector 522A. In such an example, the second surface connector 525A is mounted to the second end (not marked) of PCB 523A. Further, PCB 523A includes a fourth edge connector 527 arranged at the first end (not marked) of PCB 523A.

[0062] Fig. 6AA perspective view of a first electronic module 600 is depicted. In some examples, the first electronic module 600 is an open computing program (OCP) module 600-1. In such an example, the OCP module may be a modular network module having a plurality of network interface ports that may be configured to support various network protocols, such as Ethernet, ModbusTCP, PROFINET, IEC 61850, etc. The first electronic module 600 has a large form factor. The first electronic module 600 includes a housing 601 in which a plurality of electronic components (not shown) are disposed, a front panel 603, a rear panel 605, and a side wall 609 connecting the front panel 603 and the rear panel 605. The front panel 603 may include a network interface port (not shown) electrically connected to the plurality of electronic components, and the rear panel 605 has a second edge connector 607 (or a second complementary connector) and a third edge connector 607A (or a third complementary connector) each electrically connected to the plurality of electronic components. In one or more examples, the second edge connector 607 and the third edge connector 607A may be collectively referred to as complementary connectors. In such an example, the second edge connector 607 has a first profile that is identical to the first connector 202 (see Figure 2A ) . Similarly, the third edge connector 607A has a second profile that is commensurate with the third connector 206A (see Figure 2B ) commensurate with the second complementary profile. Further, the first electronic module 600 has a full width "W" that can be equal to the total width of the first connector 202 and the second connector 206A. F In one or more examples, each side wall 609 of the first electronic module 600 includes a third guide rail 611 .

[0063] Figure 6B A perspective view of a second electronic module 600A is depicted. In some examples, the second electronic module 600A is an open computing program (OCP) module 600-1A. The second electronic module 600A has a small form factor. The second electronic module 600A includes a housing 601A in which a plurality of electronic components (not shown) are disposed, a front panel 603A, a rear panel 605A, and a side wall 609A connecting the front panel 603A and the rear panel 605A. The front panel 603A may include a network interface port (not shown) electrically connected to the plurality of electronic components, and the rear panel 605A has a fifth edge connector 607B (also referred to as a third edge connector of the second electronic module 600A) electrically connected to the plurality of electronic components. In such an example, the fifth edge connector 607B has a third profile (see FIG. 2 ) that is aligned with the third connector 206A. Figure 2C) . In other words, the third complementary profile of the fifth edge connector 607B is substantially similar to the first complementary profile of the second edge connector 607. The second electronic module 600A has a half width "W" that can be equal to the width of the first connector 202 or the third connector 206A. H In one or more examples, each side wall 609A of the second electronic module 600A includes a fifth guide rail 611A.

[0064] Fig. 7A Depicted is a first connector assembly 700-1 connected to the Figure 4 A perspective view of a system motherboard 475, wherein the first connector assembly has Figure 2A The first connector 202, Figure 2B The second connector 206, Figure 5 The second cable member 520A, Figure 3A The first support member 314 and Figure 3B The second support member 314A. It can be noted herein that the following reference FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B , FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B and Figures 4 to 5 discuss Fig. 7A .

[0065] In some examples, the first side 236 of the first connector 202 is mounted to an edge of a first edge connector 481 in the system motherboard 475. More specifically, a set of first contacts of the first connector 202 snap onto the edge of the first edge connector 481 to electrically connect the first connector 202 to the system motherboard 475. Further, the first side 256 of the second connector 206 is coupled to the second cable member 520A. For example, the PCB 523A is coupled to the second connector 206. More specifically, a set of third contacts 266 of the second connector 206 snap onto the fourth edge connector 527 of the PCB 523A to electrically connect the PCB 523A to the first surface connector 522A via the second surface connector 525A and the cable 521A. In such an example, the first surface connector 522A is further mounted to the surface mount connector 479 of the system motherboard 475 to electrically connect the second connector 206 to the system motherboard 475.

[0066] Further, the second connector 206 is removably coupled to the first connector 202 to form the first connector assembly 700-1. In particular, the third support wall 250 of the second connector 206 is placed adjacent to the first support wall 230 of the first connector 202, so that the first pin 240 of the first connector 202 at least partially protrudes into the first hole 260 of the second connector 206 to removably couple the second connector 206 to the first connector 202. Further, the front face 388 of the first support member 314 is disposed adjacent to the fourth support wall 252 of the second connector 206, so that the second pin 390 of the first support member 314 protrudes into the second hole 280 of the second connector 206 to removably couple the second connector 206 to the first support member 314. Since the first diameter of the second hole 280 is greater than the second diameter of the second pin 390, the second connector 206 is allowed to move relative to the first connector 202 along the first direction 10. In other words, the first hole 260 and the second hole 280 allow the second connector 206 to move relative to the first pin 240 and the second pin 390 along the first direction 10 .

[0067] In some examples, the first connector 202 can be coupled to a system printed circuit board by extending a plurality of first fasteners (not shown) through a plurality of first mounting holes 226 in the first connector 202. Similarly, the second connector 206 can be coupled to the PCB 523A. Further, the second support member 314A is spaced apart from the first support member 314 so that the front surface of the first end 384A in the second support member 314A contacts the second support wall 232 of the first connector 202, and at least one bay 751, such as a first bay 751-1, is defined between the first support member 314 and the second support member 314A and the first connector 202 and the second connector 206.

[0068] Figure 7B Depicted is a computer having a chassis 752, Figure 4 A perspective view of an electronic device 750-1 having a system motherboard 475, the system motherboard being Fig. 7A The first connector assembly 700-1 and Fig. 6AThe first electronic module 600 is electrically connected to the first electronic module 600. The first electronic module 600 is inserted into the first bay 751-1 so that the third guide rail 611 of the first electronic module 600 is slidably engaged with the first guide rail 376 of the first support member 314 and the second guide rail 376A of the second support member 314A to guide the first electronic module 600 into the first connector assembly 700-1 and removably connect the first electronic module 600 to the electronic device 750-1. In some examples, when the first electronic module 600 is inserted into the first bay 751-1, the first socket 244 of the first connector 202 receives a complementary connector (e.g., the second edge connector 607 of the first electronic module 600), and the second socket 264 of the second connector 206 receives another complementary connector (e.g., the third edge connector 607A of the first electronic module 600). More specifically, a set of second contacts 248 of the first connector 102 snap onto the second edge connector 607 of the first electronic module 600, and a set of fourth contacts 268 of the second connector 206 snap onto the third edge connector 607A of the first electronic module 600 to electrically connect the first electronic module 600 to the system main board 475 via the first connector 202 and the second connector 206. Further, the first support member 314 and the second support member 314A are coupled to the chassis 752 by projecting a plurality of first fasteners and a plurality of second fasteners (not shown) into a plurality of first fastener holes 379 in the first support member 314 and a plurality of second fastener holes 379A in the second support member 314A and into a plurality of first holes and a plurality of second holes (not shown) in the chassis 752. Since the second connector 206 is not fixedly attached directly to the system motherboard 475, but is instead fixed in place with the first connector 206 and the first support member 314 via a pin-type connection (i.e., the first pin 240 and the second pin 390), the second connector 206 is allowed to float or move within a limited range relative to the first connector 202 and to be aligned with the first electronic module 600 while taking into account tolerance stack-up.

[0069] Fig. 8A Depicted is a diagram of a second connector assembly 800-1 connected to the Figure 4 The perspective view of the system main board 475, the second connector assembly has Figure 2A The first connector 202, Figure 2B The third connector 206A, Figure 5 The second cable member 520A, Figure 3A The first support member 314, Figure 3B The second support member 314A and Figure 3C The third support member 314B. It can be noted herein that the following reference FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B , FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C and Figures 4 to 5discuss Fig. 8A .

[0070] In some examples, the first side 236 of the first connector 202 is mounted to an edge of a first edge connector 481 in the system motherboard 475. More specifically, a set of first contacts of the first connector 202 snap onto the edge of the first edge connector 481 to electrically connect the first connector 202 to the system motherboard 475. Further, the first side 256A of the third connector 206A is coupled to the second cable member 520A. For example, the PCB 523A is coupled to the third connector 206A. More specifically, a set of third contacts 266A of the third connector 206A snap onto the fourth edge connector 527 of the PCB 523A to electrically connect the PCB 523A to the first surface connector 522A via the second surface connector 525A and the cable 521A. In such an example, the first surface connector 522A is further mounted to the surface mount connector 479 of the system motherboard 475 to electrically connect the third connector 206A to the system motherboard 475.

[0071] Further, the third connector 206A is removably coupled to the first connector 202 to form the second connector assembly 700-2. In particular, the third support wall 250A of the third connector 206A is disposed adjacent to the first support wall 230 of the first connector 202, so that the first pin 240 of the first connector 202 at least partially protrudes into the first hole 260A of the third connector 206A to removably couple the third connector 206A to the first connector 202. Further, the front face 388 of the first support member 314 is disposed adjacent to the fourth support wall 252A of the third connector 206A, so that the second pin 390 of the first support member 314 protrudes into the second hole 280A of the third connector 206A to removably couple the third connector 206A to the first support member 314. Since the first diameter of the second hole 280A is greater than the second diameter of the second pin 390, the third connector 206A is allowed to move relative to the first connector 202 along the first direction 10. In other words, the first hole 260A and the second hole 280A allow the third connector 206A to move relative to the first pin 240 and the second pin 390 along the first direction 10 .

[0072] In some examples, the first connector 202 can be coupled to a system printed board by extending a plurality of first fasteners (not shown) through a plurality of first mounting holes 226 in the first connector 202. Similarly, the third connector 206A can be coupled to the PCB 523A. Further, the second support member 314A is spaced apart from the first support member 314 so that the front surface of the first end 384A in the second support member 314A contacts the second support wall 232 of the first connector 202. Similarly, the third support member 314B is arranged between the first support member 314 and the second support member 314A, so that the front face of the first end 384B in the third support member 314B contacts the first support wall 230 and the third support wall 250 of the first connector 202 and the second connector 206A, respectively, and defines at least one rack 851, such as the second rack 851-1 between the first support member 314 and the third support member 314B and the third connector 206A, and the third rack 851-2 between the third support member 314B and the second support member 314A and the first connector 202.

[0073] Figure 8B Depicted is a computer having a chassis 852, Figure 4 A perspective view of an electronic device 850-1 having a system motherboard 475, the system motherboard being Fig. 7A The second connector assembly 700-2 and Fig. 6A The second electronic module 600A and the third electronic module 600B are electrically connected. In some examples, the third electronic module 600B is an open computing program (OCP) module 600-1B. In such an example, the third electronic module 600B is similar to the second electronic module 600A. Therefore, the third electronic module 600B is not discussed in detail herein, and such non-description of the third electronic module 600B should not be interpreted as a limitation of the present disclosure.

[0074] The second electronic module 600A is inserted into the first bay 851-1, so that the fifth guide rail 611A of the second electronic module 600A is slidably engaged with the first guide rail 376 of the first support member 314 and the third guide rail 376B of the third support member 314B, so as to guide the second electronic module 600A into the second connector assembly 800-1 and removably couple the second electronic module 600A to the third connector 206A of the second connector assembly 800-1. Similarly, the third electronic module 600A is inserted into the second bay 851-2, so that the sixth guide rail 611B of the third electronic module 600B is slidably engaged with the fourth guide rail 376C of the third support member 314B and the second guide rail 376A of the second support member 314A, so as to guide the third electronic module 600B into the second connector assembly 800-1 and removably couple the third electronic module 600B to the first connector 202 of the second connector assembly 800-1. In some examples, when the second electronic module 600A is inserted into the first bay 851-1, the second receptacle 264A of the third connector 206A receives a complementary connector (e.g., the fifth edge connector 607B of the second electronic module 600A), so that a set of fourth contacts 268A of the third connector 206A snap onto the fifth edge connector 607B of the second electronic module 600A to electrically connect the second electronic module 600A to the system main board 475 via the third connector 206A. Similarly, when the third electronic module 600B is inserted into the second bay 851-2, the first receptacle 244 of the first connector 202 receives a complementary connector (e.g., the third edge connector 607C of the third electronic module 600B), so that a set of second contacts 248 of the first connector 202 snap onto the third edge connector 607C of the third electronic module 600B to electrically connect the third electronic module 600B to the system main board 475 via the first connector 202. Further, the first support member 314, the second support member 314A, and the third support member 314B are coupled to the chassis 852 by projecting the plurality of first fasteners, the plurality of second fasteners, and the plurality of third fasteners (not shown) into the plurality of first fastener holes 379 in the first support member 314, the plurality of second fastener holes 379A in the second support member 314A, and the plurality of third fastener holes 379B in the third support member 314B, and into the plurality of first holes, the plurality of second holes, and the plurality of third holes (not shown) in the chassis 852. Since the third connector 206A is not fixedly attached directly to the system motherboard 475, but is fixed in place with the first connector 206 and the first support member 314 by a pin-type connection (i.e., the first pin 240 and the second pin 390), the third connector 206A is allowed to float or move within a limited range relative to the first connector 202 and to align the third connector with the second electronic module 600A while taking into account tolerance stack-up.

[0075] Fig. 9 A flow chart showing a method 900 of installing a connector assembly to a system motherboard of an electronic device is depicted. It can be noted herein that the method 900 is combined with, for example, FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C , FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C , Figures 4 to 5 , FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B , FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B ,as well as FIG. 8A to FIG. 8B Method 900 begins at block 902 and continues to block 904 .

[0076] At block 904 , method 900 includes mounting a first connector to an electronic device by directly mounting and electrically connecting the first connector to a system motherboard of the electronic device at a first connector location in the system motherboard, the first connector including a first post protruding from a side of the first connector. Method 900 continues to block 906 .

[0077] At block 906 , method 900 includes coupling a set of support members to a chassis of an electronic device to define at least one bay configured to removably receive at least one electronic module, wherein a first support member in the set of support members includes a front face and a second rod projecting from the front face. Method 900 continues to block 908 .

[0078] At block 908, method 900 includes interchangeably mounting a second connector to the electronic device. In some examples, interchangeably mounting the second connector includes: i) electrically connecting a first cable of the second connector to the system motherboard at a second connector location in the system motherboard, the second connector including a first hole formed at a side of the second connector and a second hole formed at a rear face of the second connector, and ii) removably coupling the second connector to the first connector by extending a first rod into the first hole, and removably coupling the second connector to the first support member by extending a second rod into the second hole, such that the second connector is movable relative to the first connector and the first support member, wherein the first connector and the second connector are compatible with complementary connectors of at least one electronic module having a first configuration.

[0079] In some examples, method 900 further includes uninstalling the second connector from the electronic device by: i) disconnecting the first cable at the second connector location from the system mainboard; and ii) disengaging the second connector from the first support member by removing the second rod from the second hole, and disengaging the second connector from the first connector by removing the first rod from the first hole.

[0080] The method 900 further includes mounting a third connector to the electronic device by: i) electrically connecting a second cable of the third connector to the system motherboard at a second connector location, the third connector including a third hole formed at a side of the third connector and a fourth hole formed at a rear face of the third connector, and ii) removably coupling the third connector to the first connector by extending a first rod into the third hole, and removably coupling the third connector to the first support member by extending a second rod into the fourth hole, such that the third connector is movable relative to the first connector and the first support member, wherein the first connector and the third connector are compatible with complementary connectors of at least one electronic module having a second configuration. The method 900 ends at block 910.

[0081] In the foregoing description, many details are set forth 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 details discussed above. The appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: Chassis; a system mainboard mounted to the chassis and including processing circuitry; a first connector, the first connector being directly mounted and electrically connected to the system mainboard, the first connector comprising a first support wall, a second support wall, and a first pin protruding from a side of the first support wall and extending along a first direction; a second connector comprising a cable electrically connected to the system motherboard, a third support wall, a fourth support wall, a first hole formed at a side of the third support wall, and a second hole formed at a rear face of the fourth support wall, wherein the first pin at least partially protrudes into the first hole to removably couple the second connector to the first connector; as well as a set of support members coupled to the chassis and defining at least one bay, wherein a first support member of the set of support members includes a front face and a second pin protruding from the front face and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein the second pin protrudes into the second hole to removably couple the second connector to the first support member, wherein at least one electronic module can be inserted into the at least one bay to be detachably coupled to at least one of the first connector and the second connector, thereby electrically connecting the at least one electronic module to the system mainboard via the first connector and the second connector, and The first hole and the second hole allow the second connector to move relative to the first pin and the second pin along the first direction.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the second hole has a first diameter, and wherein the second pin has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter to allow the second connector to move along the first direction.

3. An electronic device as described in claim 1, wherein the set of support members further includes a second support member, which is spaced apart from the first support member to define a first bay of the at least one bay, and wherein the at least one electronic module includes an open computing program (OCP) module with a large form factor, the OCP module can be inserted into the first bay so that the OCP module is engaged with and supported by the first support member and the second support member, and the first complementary connector and the second complementary connector of the OCP module are detachably connected to the first connector and the second connector, respectively.

4. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the first support member comprises a first guide rail, the second support member comprises a second guide rail, wherein each side wall of the OCP module comprises a third guide rail, and wherein when the OCP module is inserted into the first bay, the third guide rail slidably engages with the first guide rail and the second guide rail to guide the OCP module into the first bay and removably connect the OCP module to the electronic device.

5. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the set of support members further comprises a second support member and a third support member, wherein the first support member, the second support member, and the third support member are each spaced apart from one another to define a first bay and a second bay of the at least one bay, wherein the at least one electronic module comprises a first open computing program (OCP) module and a second OCP module, the first OCP module and the second OCP module each having a small form factor, and wherein the first OCP module and the second OCP module are insertable into the first bay and the second bay, respectively, such that a first complementary connector of the first OCP module is detachably coupled to the first connector, and a second complementary connector of the second OCP module is detachably coupled to the second connector.

6. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein the first supporting member includes a first guide rail, the second supporting member includes a second guide rail, and the third supporting member includes a third guide rail and a fourth guide rail, each of the third guide rail and the fourth guide rail being formed on a corresponding side of the third supporting member, wherein each side wall of the first OCP module includes a fifth guide rail, and each side wall of the second OCP module includes a sixth guide rail, and wherein when the first OCP module is inserted into the first bay, the fifth guide rail engages with the first guide rail and the third guide rail to guide the first OCP module into the first bay and removably couple the first OCP module to the electronic device, and wherein when the second OCP module is inserted into the second bay, the sixth guide rail engages with the second guide rail and the fourth guide rail to guide the second OCP module into the second bay and removably couple the second OCP module to the electronic device.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the system mainboard includes a first edge connector electrically connected to the first connector and a surface mount connector electrically connected to the cable; wherein a first side of the first connector is mounted to an edge of the system motherboard at the first edge connector, and a second side of the first connector includes a first receptacle configured to receive a second edge connector of one of the at least one electronic module; and Wherein a first side of the second connector is coupled to the cable, and a second side of the second connector includes a second receptacle configured to receive a third edge connector of one of the at least one electronic modules.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the first connector includes a set of first contacts electrically connected to the first edge connector on a first side of the first connector and a set of second contacts disposed in the first socket to electrically connect to the second edge connector; and The second connector includes a PCB having a fourth edge connector and electrically connected to the cable, a set of third contacts electrically connected to the fourth edge connector on a first side of the second connector, and a set of fourth contacts arranged in the second socket to be electrically connected to the third edge connector.

9. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the first connector includes a set of first contacts electrically connected to the first edge connector on a first side of the first connector and a set of second contacts disposed in the first socket to electrically connect to the second edge connector; and The second connector includes a set of third contacts soldered to the cable on a first side of the second connector and a set of fourth contacts disposed in the second socket to be electrically connected to the third edge connector.

10. A modular connector system for an electronic device, the modular connector system comprising: a first connector configured to be directly mounted and electrically connected to a system motherboard of the electronic device, the first connector comprising a first pin protruding from a side of the first connector; a second connector including a first cable configured to be electrically connected to the system motherboard, a first hole formed at a side of the second connector, and a second hole formed at a rear face of the second connector; a third connector including a second cable configured to be electrically connected to the system motherboard, a third hole formed at a side of the third connector, and a fourth hole formed at a rear face of the third connector; as well as a set of support members configured to be coupled to a chassis of the electronic device to define at least one bay configured to removably receive at least one electronic module, wherein a first support member of the set of support members includes a front face and a second pin protruding from the front face, wherein the first connector is mountable at a first connector position of the electronic device, and the second connector and the third connector are interchangeably mountable at a second connector position of the electronic device, wherein in an installed state of the first connector, the second connector and the set of support members: the first pin extends into the first hole to removably couple the second connector to the first connector, and the second pin extends into the second hole to removably couple the second connector to the first support member, so that the second connector can be moved relative to the first connector and the first support member, and a complementary connector of the at least one electronic module inserted into the at least one bay can engage with the first connector and the second connector, Wherein, when the first connector, the third connector and the set of supporting members are in an installed state: the first pin extends into the third hole to removably connect the third connector to the first connector, and the second pin extends into the fourth hole to removably connect the third connector to the first supporting member, so that the third connector can move relative to the first connector and the first supporting member, and the complementary connector of the at least one electronic module inserted into the at least one bay can engage with the first connector and the third connector.

11. A modular connector system as described in claim 10, wherein the second hole has a first diameter, wherein the second pin has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter to allow the second connector to move along the first direction relative to the first support member; and wherein the fourth hole has a third diameter larger than the second diameter of the second pin to allow the third connector to move along the first direction relative to the first support member.

12. A modular connector system as described in claim 10, wherein the set of support members further includes a second support member, the second support member is spaced apart from the first support member to define a first bay of the at least one bay, and wherein the at least one electronic module includes an open computing program (OCP) module with a large form factor, the OCP module can be inserted into the first bay so that the OCP module is engaged with and supported by the first support member and the second support member, and a first complementary connector and a second complementary connector of the complementary connectors of the OCP module are detachably connected to the first connector and the second connector, respectively.

13. The modular connector system of claim 12, wherein each of the first support members includes a first guide rail, the second support member includes a second guide rail, wherein each side wall of the OCP module includes a third guide rail, and wherein when the OCP module is inserted into the first bay, the third guide rail slidably engages with the first guide rail and the second guide rail to guide the OCP module into the first bay and removably connect the OCP module to the electronic device.

14. The modular connector system of claim 10, wherein the set of support members further comprises a second support member and a third support member, wherein the first support member, the second support member, and the third support member are each spaced apart from one another to define a first bay and a second bay of the at least one bay, wherein the at least one electronic module comprises a first open computing program (OCP) module and a second OCP module, the first OCP module and the second OCP module each having a small form factor, and wherein the first OCP module and the second OCP module are insertable into the first bay and the second bay, respectively, such that a first complementary connector of the complementary connectors of the first OCP module is detachably coupled to the first connector, and a second complementary connector of the complementary connectors of the second OCP module is detachably coupled to the third connector.

15. The modular connector system of claim 14, wherein the first support member includes a first guide rail, the second support member includes a second guide rail, and the third support member includes a third guide rail and a fourth guide rail, each of the third guide rail and the fourth guide rail being formed on a corresponding side of the second support member, wherein each side wall of the first OCP module includes a fifth guide rail, and each side wall of the second OCP module includes a sixth guide rail, and wherein when the first OCP module is inserted into the first bay, the fifth guide rail engages with the first guide rail and the third guide rail to guide the first OCP module into the first bay and removably couple the first OCP module to the electronic device, and wherein when the second OCP module is inserted into the second bay, the sixth guide rail engages with the second guide rail and the fourth guide rail to guide the second OCP module into the second bay and removably couple the second OCP module to the electronic device.

16. The modular connector system of claim 10, wherein in the installed state of the first connector, the second connector, and the set of support members: A first side of the first connector is mounted to an edge of the system board at a first edge connector, and a second side of the first connector includes a first receptacle configured to receive a second edge connector in a complementary connector of a first of the at least one electronic module; and A first side of the second connector is coupled to a surface mount connector of the system motherboard via the first cable, and a second side of the second connector includes a second receptacle configured to receive a third edge connector in a complementary connector of the first electronic module, and Wherein the first electronic module comprises an open computing program (OCP) module having a large form factor.

17. The modular connector system of claim 10, wherein in the installed state of the first connector, the third connector, and the set of support members: A first side of the first connector is mounted to an edge connector of the system board at a first edge connector, and a second side of the first connector includes a first receptacle configured to receive a second edge connector in a complementary connector of a first electronic module of the at least one electronic module; and A first side of the third connector is coupled to a surface mount connector of the system motherboard via the second cable, and a second side of the third connector includes a second receptacle configured to receive a third edge connector of a complementary connector of a second electronic module of the at least one electronic module, and Wherein each of the first electronic module and the second electronic module comprises an open computing program (OCP) module having a small form factor.

18. A method comprising: mounting the first connector to the electronic device by directly mounting and electrically connecting the first connector to the system motherboard at a first connector location in the electronic device, the first connector including a first pin protruding from a side of the first connector; coupling a set of support members to a chassis of the electronic device to define at least one bay configured to removably receive at least one electronic module, wherein a first support member of the set of support members includes a front face and a second pin protruding from the front face; as well as Interchangeably mounting a second connector to the electronic device, the interchangeably mounting the second connector to the electronic device comprising: electrically connecting a first cable of the second connector to the system mainboard at a second connector location in the system mainboard, the second connector comprising a first hole formed at a side of the second connector and a second hole formed at a rear face of the second connector; as well as removably coupling the second connector to the first connector by extending the first pin into the first hole, and removably coupling the second connector to the first support member by extending the second pin into the second hole, such that the second connector is movable relative to the first connector and the first support member, Wherein the first connector and the second connector are compatible with complementary connectors of the at least one electronic module having a first configuration.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising uninstalling the second connector from the electronic device by: disconnecting the first cable at the second connector location from the system mainboard; and The second connector is disconnected from the first support member by removing the second pin from the second hole, and the second connector is disconnected from the first connector by removing the first pin from the first hole.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising mounting a third connector to the electronic device, the mounting the third connector to the electronic device comprising: electrically connecting a second cable of the third connector to the system mainboard at the second connector location, the third connector comprising a third hole formed at a side of the third connector and a fourth hole formed at a rear face of the third connector; as well as removably coupling the third connector to the first connector by extending the first pin into the third hole, and removably coupling the third connector to the first support member by extending the second pin into the fourth hole, such that the third connector is movable relative to the first connector and the first support member, Wherein the first connector and the third connector are compatible with complementary connectors of the at least one electronic module having a second configuration.

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