Modular network cable termination connector

Abstract

A device configured to provide enhanced distributed network cable termination connectivity, modularity, and / or customization. The device may include a first printed circuit board (PCB) configured to receive a first wire portion and a second wire portion of a cable, which may comprise a single pair ethernet cable, a second PCB configured to be connected to and removed from the first PCB, and a plug portion configured to connect the second PCB with a component of a distributed network. The first and second PCBs may include a first capture portion having a first conductive portion configured to engage a first wire portion of the cable, and a second capture portion having a second conductive portion configured to engage at second wire portion of the cable. The second PCB and plug portion may be configured to be selectively removed from the device and replaced by another second PCB and plug portion without requiring removal of the first and / or second wire portions from the first PCB so as to provide distributed network cable termination connectivity, modularity, and / or customization.

Description

DEVICE CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE ENHANCED DISTRIBUTED NETWORK CABLE TERMINATION CONNECTIVITY, MODULARITY, AND / OR CUSTOMIZATIONCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 736,398, filed on December 19, 2024, which is incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to a cable termination device and, more particularly, to a device configured to provide enhanced distributed network cable termination connectivity, modularity, and / or customization.BACKGROUND

[0003] The volume of users utilizing digital information has increased significantly in the recent past. Such increase in demand for digital information transmission has prompted the research and development of improvements to distributed data networks to accommodate greater demand, which corresponds with increased volumes of installations and heightened performance expectations, such as signal strength, speed, latency, or consistency overtime. While new distributed network hardware may provide abilities to customize site installations with different components catered to the demands of the local users, such installations may be wrought with challenges to the reliability and / or integrity of connections between separate signal carrying components.

[0004] For instance, a diverse variety of distributed network hardware may be configured to be connected to form signal pathways with desired performance capabilities. However, the use of different network component hardware may introduce installation and connectivity challenges due to the introduction of different physical terminations, configurations, and connections. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed to a wired cable connection that employs a printed circuit board to allow modular termination selection and utilization that may accommodate a robust variety of distributed network connectivity.SUMMARY

[0005] In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, a modular termination device for a cable providing enhanced connectivity with a distributed network during operation is provided. The modular termination device may include a first printed circuit board (PCB) configured to receive a first wire portion and a second wire portion of a cable, a second PCB configured to be removably connected to the first PCB, and a plug portion configured to connect the second PCB to a component of a distributed network. The first PCB and the second PCB may each include a first capture portion and a second capture portion. The first PCB may include a terminal end portion positioned on a first longitudinal side configured to receive the second PCB. Each of the first and second capture portions of the first and second PCBs may include a conductive portion structurally configured to engage at least one wire portion of the cable. The first and second conductive portions of the first PCB may be configured to be electrically connected to a contact portion in the terminal end portion of the first PCB. The second PCB may be configured to electrically connect the contact portion of the first PCB with the plug portion. The second PCB may include a substrate configured to engage the plug portion. The second PCB and the plug portion may be configured to be selectively removed from the device and replaced by another second PCB and plug portion without requiring removal of the first and / or second wire portions from the first PCB so as to provide the device enhanced connectivity with the cable and the distributed network during operation.

[0006] According to certain embodiments, the contact portion of the first PCB may include a pad contact or a biasing contact portion.

[0007] According to certain embodiments, the cable may be a single pair ethernet cable.

[0008] According to certain embodiments, the device may further include a wireguide portion configured to connect the first PCB to the cable.

[0009] According to certain embodiments, the cable may include a single pair ethernet cable. The plug portion may include a plug port portion configured to connect the second PCB to the component of the distributed network.

[0010] According to certain embodiments, the device may include a housing portion configured to accommodate at least a portion of the cable, the first PCB, the second PCB, the substrate, and at least a portion the plug portion.

[0011] According to certain embodiments, the device may include a cover portion configured to accommodate at least a portion of the housing portion.

[0012] According to certain embodiments, the cover portion may include a fastening portion configured to connect the device to the component of the distributed network.

[0013] According to certain embodiments, the first PCB and the second PCB may each include at least one external contact portion.

[0014] According to certain embodiments, the conductive portion in the first and second capture portions of each of the first and second PCBs may include a piercing contact portion or a biasing contact portion.

[0015] According to certain embodiments, the device may further include an interface housing portion configured to contact the first PCB and secure the removable connection between the first PCB and the second PCB.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Further advantages and features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, to which reference is made.

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates portions of a distributed network in which assorted embodiments can be practiced.

[0018] FIG. 2 represents aspects of a wired cable connection that may be employed in the distributed network of FIG. 1 in some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a line representation of portions of a cable assembly that may be utilized in the distributed network of FIG. 1 in various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 4 displays a line representation of aspects of a cable assembly configured in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a line representation of a portion of a cable assembly that may be utilized in the cable assembly of FIGS. 3 and 4 in some embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a line representation of aspects of a cable assembly that may be employed in assorted embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 7 shows a line representation of portions of a cable assembly capable of being utilized in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 8 displays a line representation of aspects of a cable assembly structurally configured in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 9 illustrates a line representation of portions of a cable assembly arranged in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 10 is a line representation of aspects of a cable assembly constructed and operated in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Embodiments provide reliable connectivity for a single pair ethernet cable by employing modular cable terminals that utilize printed circuit board substrates. The use of a printed circuit board to terminate the constituent wires of a single pair ethernet cable may provide reliable, and repeatable, physical engagement for cable terminals that produce robust, and repeatable, connections the correspond with stable signal carrying pathways in a relatively small form factor.

[0028] Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments and methods of the present disclosure, which constitute the best modes of practicing the present disclosure presently known to the inventors. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the present disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for any aspect of the present disclosure and / or as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

[0029] It is also to be understood that this present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments and methods described below, as specific components and / or conditions may, of course, vary. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is used only for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0030] As distributed networks employ technology to provide greater capabilities to consumers, the use of wired cabling has increased. A variety of different cables may be employed by a distributed network to provide customized physical specifications, such as form factor or resiliency to environmental conditions, as well as customized signal carrying capabilities, such as latency, bandwidth, or speed. However, the greater volume, and diversity, of network cabling may introduce challenges and inefficiencies corresponding to installation, connectivity, and / or use over time. Hence, embodiments are directed to a wired cable termination that employs printed circuit board substrates to provide increased installation efficiency, greater customization capabilities, and heightened reliability over time.

[0031] A block representation of a distributed network 100 is shown in FIG. 1 in which various embodiments of a cable assembly may be employed to provide optimized characteristics, such as installation efficiency, connectivity, and reliability. The distributed network 100 may utilize any number of sources 110 connected to any number of destinations 120 via one or more signal pathways 130. In some embodiments, a signal pathway 130 is configured to transfer data and other signals via a wireless signal pathway 132 while other embodiments transfer data and signalsbetween sources 110 and destinations 120 via one or more wired signal pathway 134 that employs tangible wires.

[0032] The distributed network 100 may supply one-way or two-way signal transmission with any number, and type, of signal pathway 130 concurrently, individually, and sequentially. While a single, continuous wired signal pathway 134 may be utilized, the distributed network 100 may also form wired signal pathways 134 with separate cables that provide multiple wires within a protective jacket. It is noted that the wired signal pathway 134 is not limited to a particular type, size, or signal carrying speed. In contrast to the wireless signal pathway 132 that converts signals into a form that may be distributed without the physical aspects of wired signal pathway 134, transmitting data via a wired cables may provide greater performance and / or capabilities, such as signal integrity, reliability, speed, and cost.

[0033] In the non-limiting embodiment of the distributed network 100 shown in FIG. 1 , separate wired pathways 136 are arranged to from a single connection between sources 110 and destinations 120 via an interconnect 140, such as a server, switch, cassette, or splitter. While wired signal pathways 134 / 136 may provide some operational advantages over wireless signal pathways 132, the presence of a physical cable may present operational challenges. For instance, a wired cable may not be long enough, or physically compatible with, some installation sites, such as multi-residence complexes or complex industrial installations. A wired cable, in other instances, may not provide the operational capabilities compatible with signal demand.

[0034] In addition to the operational challenges of utilizing wired cabling to produce signal pathways 134 / 136, the availability of different cable terminations may introduce installation and operational variables that jeopardize the quality of connection between sources 110 and destinations 120. That is, different cable terminations may provide customization and operational capabilities, but may introduce challenges during installation, connection, and operation that potentially reduce the performance of one or more aspects of a distributed network 100. In other words, the use of an interconnect 140 may provide the ability to employ different wired cables to customize the physical delivery, and electrical capabilities, of the distributed network 100. However, employing separate wired cables to form a signal pathway 136add cable terminations and physical connections that may present installation and / or operational challenges that are to be overcome to provide intended operational performance and reliability.

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional line representation of a wired cable connection 200 of a network, such as the distributed network 100 of FIG. 1 , to establish a stable signal pathway 136 between sources and destinations with separate signal carrying cables 210 / 220. Through the use of an interconnect component 230, such as a coupler, splice, or interface, separate cables 210 / 220 are physically and electrically joined to form concurrently stable signal pathways for each signal carrying wire 212 / 222. It is noted that the respective wired cables 210 / 220 may have matching, or dissimilar, constructions and / or capabilities.

[0036] In the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 2, each wired cable 210 / 220 is structurally configured as an ethernet cable that presents a single pair of signal conducting wires 212 / 222. Such cable construction may be characterized as a single pair ethernet (SPE) cable that provides a relatively small physical form factor and sufficient signal carrying capabilities to service a diverse variety of destinations, such as sensors, devices, components, and computing systems. In a specific, but not required, embodiment, an SPE cable is utilized to connect assorted sensors, motors, and devices to a central processing unit of a residence, workspace, or industrial site.

[0037] Embodiments of the coupling interconnect 230 provide conducting portions 232 that provide a transition between wires 212 / 222 of the respective cables 210 / 220. However, the physical attachment of a cable 210 / 220 to the coupling interconnect 230 may present an electrical connection that has degraded capabilities. Even with an ideal installation of the cables 210 / 220, and constituent wires 212 / 222, to the coupling interconnect 230, environmental conditions, such as movement and vibrations over time, may degrade the physical and electrical connections between aspects of the cables 210 / 220.

[0038] The risk of installation imprecision and / or environmental conditions that jeopardize the quality of the signal connection between each wire 212 / 222 and the conducting portions 232 of the coupling interconnect 230 may be addressed by variousembodiments of a cable assembly that employs a printed circuit board termination for each cable 210 / 220. With a cable 210 / 220 installed with a printed circuit board, the respective wires 212 / 222 terminate in reliable contacts that may be utilized to repeatedly form a stable connection that is resistant to environmental conditions. That is, the structural configuration of a cable 210 / 220 termination with a printed circuit board allows for a more consistent and reliable connection to a coupling interconnect 230 than the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 that connects wires 212 / 222 via conducting portions 232 without use of any rigid substrates, supports, or guides.

[0039] A cable assembly 300 employing assorted embodiments of a cable termination are illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. The cable assembly 300 that may be employed in the cable connection 200 of FIG. 2 and the distributed network 100 of FIG. 1 to provide enhanced installation and operational efficiency, accuracy, and reliability. It is noted that the perspective view of FIG. 3 conveys a first lateral side of the cable assembly 300 while the perspective view of FIG. 4 conveys an opposite, second lateral side of the cable assembly 300.

[0040] The cable assembly 300 presents a cable portion 310 that terminates with an end portion 320. The cable portion 310 may be any size, type, or construction of signal carrying component while the end portion 320 may terminate any number of signal carrying wires, such as wires 230 of FIG. 2, present in the cable portion 310 by providing contact portions 322 that are structurally configured to physically engage aspects of a receiving portion of a port, coupling interconnect, device, or other electrical termination. For instance, the cable portion 310 may be an SPE cable providing a single pair of signal carrying wires 312 / 314 collectively packaged within a single jacket 316, which may be insulating, reinforced, flexible, or rigid to allow for diverse installation capabilities.

[0041] While not required or limiting, the cable portion 310 may have a wireguide portion 318 that partially, or completely, surround aspects of the transition between the cable portion 310 to the end portion 320. A wireguide portion 318 may, in some embodiments, provide structural support for the end portion 320 as well as attachment features, such as tabs, grooves, ridges, or protrusions, that may aid the physicalattachment, and retention, of the end portion 320 with a receiving aspect of an electrical connection.

[0042] The end portion 320 is structurally configured with a rigid substrate 324, such as a glass, silicon, or resin, that provides physical strength conducive to repeated engagement, and removal, with one or more receiving portions. The end portion 320 may be structurally configured as a unitary piece of material, or an assembly of materials, to physically mate with a matching end portion of a separate cable or, in some embodiments, with a port of an electronic device or network interconnect. The construction of the end portion 320 with the rigid substrate 324 allows for various lithography and other manufacturing techniques to create electrical leads that may be directed to any number, and type, of electrical contacts 326. With the ability to construct stable and precise electrical leads through, or atop of, the rigid substrate 324, the end portion 320 may be arranged with multiple different electrical contacts 326 for each signal carrying wire 312 / 314.

[0043] As shown by the respective perspective views of FIGS. 3 and 4, the rigid substrate 324 may guide and support electrical leads from separate wire capture portions 340 to multiple different contacts 326. Although not required or limiting, each wire 312 / 314 may connect, through the rigid substrate 324, with a pad contact 328 and a spring contact 330. It is noted that the pad contacts 328 are positioned on opposite lateral sides of the rigid substrate 324 to provide access to the different signal carrying wires 312 / 314 while the separate spring contacts 330 also provide access to the respective signal carrying wires 312 / 314. That is, each wire 312 / 314 electrically connects to a pad contact 328 and a spring contact 330 physically located on opposite lateral, or vertical, extents of the rigid substrate 324.

[0044] In accordance with some embodiments, the respective spring contacts 330 are positioned in a cutout portion 332 of the rigid substrate 324, which allow for efficient application of force onto contact pads 328 of a separate end portion 320 when inserted into the cutout portion 332. Hence, the end portion 320 may provide concurrent electrical connections from the respective pad contact 328 and spring contact 330 for each signal carrying wire 312 / 314 when a separate end portion 320 is rotated ninety degrees relative to, and inserted into, the cutout portion 332 of the rigid substrate 324.As such, the end portion 320 may reliably provide separate physical and electrical connections from each signal carrying wire 312 / 314 to one or more separate end portions 320 over time.

[0045] The end portion 320, in other embodiments, may be constructed with different numbers and types of electrical contacts via a rigid substrate 326. For instance, multiple different pads, of matching or dissimilar sizes, shapes, or electrical contact material, may be present on various aspects of a rigid substrate 324 while different numbers or types of cantilevered springs may extend from the rigid substrate 324 with the ability to concurrently engage and connect each signal carrying wire 312 / 314 when the end portion 320 engages another component’s end portion.

[0046] While the rigid substrate 324 supports reliable and precise electrical contacts 328 / 330 for engagement with a separate component, such as a cable interconnect, the rigid substrate 324 may additionally provide reliable and efficient engagement of the respective signal carrying wires 312 / 314 via the capture portions 340. For instance, the rigid substrate 324 may allow for repeatable engagement and disengagement with other terminated cables, which provides robust, and diverse, capabilities for a distributed network.

[0047] The capture portions 340 are further illustrated in the end portion 500 of FIG. 5. In accordance with some embodiments, the end portion 500 has a unitary substrate 510 that provides rigidity and size conducive to reliable physical and electrical engagement. While not shown in FIG. 5, some embodiments of the end portion 500 utilize a wireguide, such as wireguide portion 318, other fastener, or fastening mechanism to securely position the end portion 500 relative to the signal carrying wires of a network cable, such as an SPE cable.

[0048] The substrate 510 has contacts 328 / 330 that respectively correspond with wire capture portions 340 by continuously extending through, or on, the material of the substrate 510. That is, various embodiments electrically connect separate wire terminations 520 with both a pad contact 328 and a spring contact 330. The size, shape, and orientation of the respective capture portions 340 is not required or limited to a particular configuration, but may each have an insulation displacement contact(IDC) 520 that may engage a bare, covered, or insulated section of a signal carrying wire to establish an electrical pathway from the respective contacts 328 / 330 to the respective wires. A capture portion 340 structurally configured with an IDC 520 may physically engage an insulating wire jacket, wire conductor, or combinations thereof to secure the wire in place while maintaining an electrical pathway to the respective electrical contacts 328 / 330 presented by the substrate 510 of the end portion 500.

[0049] In some embodiments, the IDC 520 may have aspects sharpened to allow for the penetration of a wire’s jacket to establish an electrical connection. The capture portions 340, in other embodiments, are structurally configured with one or more electrically conductive portions 522 that apply consistent force onto a signal carrying wire. As a result of the structural configuration of the capture portion 340, IDC 520, and conductive portion 522, the end portion 500 may provide efficient installation and establishment of an electrically conductive pathway from a cable to the respective contacts 328 / 330 of the end portion 500. However, the arrangement of the capture portions 340 of the end portion 500 shown in FIG. 5 are not required and may be customized to accommodate a variety of different wires, different installation techniques, and different amounts of reliability for maintaining the electrical connection over time.

[0050] For instance, the conductive portions 340 may have different sizes, or shapes, than shown in FIG. 5, that allow a cable wire to physically engage a conductive portion 522 in a customized manner that is conducive to efficient installation, reliable operation, or both. Similarly, embodiments of the capture portion 340 arrange the conductive portions 522 with one or more components that apply force onto a signal carrying wire, which may provide physical feedback during installation as well as consistent physical retention of contact with the signal carrying aspects of a wire to promote reliable operation despite the presence of movement, vibrations, and environmental conditions over time.

[0051] A possible, but not required, alternate capture portion 340 structural configuration is illustrated in FIG. 5 with an insulation piercing contact (IPC) establishing physical and electrical engagement that corresponds with stable signal carrying pathways through the end portion 500. In the event the end portion 500employs a unitary substrate 510 that physically supports a pair of IPC contacts in place of the IDC shown in FIG. 5, any number, and type, of electrical contact may be present, such as the pad 328 and spring 330 contacts shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0052] The substrate 510 may further support a wire retention portion that may move, slide, or rotate relative to the substrate 510 and IPC contacts. Such adjustment of the retention portion may allow for efficient installation and engagement of signal carrying wires with the respective IPC contacts to maintain reliable electrical connections and stable signal pathways. The use of the IPC contacts may allow for a customized size, shape, wire engagement, and reliability compared to the IDC contacts shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, an end portion 500 of a cable assembly may employ different wire contacts (IDC / IPC), retention portions, and conductive portions to provide a customized balance of size, installation efficiency, and operational reliability. Through the ability to customize an end portion 500, and a corresponding cable assembly that employs the end portion 500, nearly any number, and type, of wire engaging components may be accommodated to provide assorted installation and / or operational characteristics.

[0053] While some embodiments utilize matching end portions 500 to physically mate and form concurrently stable electrical connections from one cable to another cable, the rigid substrate 510 of the end portion 500 provides additional capabilities and custom izations for a distributed network. FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 respectively illustrate perspective views of different interface portions of a cable portion 310 that may be reliably installed and utilized through attachment to the rigid substrate 324 / 510 of an end portion 320 / 500. In accordance with various embodiments, an SPE cable 310 is terminated with a printed circuit board 510 that allows for modularity by physically attaching a selected interface portion 610 / 710 / 810 / 910 / 1010 that presents electrical access to the respective wires 312 / 314 of the SPE cable 310.

[0054] In FIG. 6, aspects of an interface assembly 600 illustrate how an SPE cable 310 terminates in a printed circuit board 510 via a wireguide 318. It is noted that the printed circuit board 510 may have any number of electrically conductive pads, such as contact pad 328 shown in FIG. 6, that may, or may not, be employed by the interface portion 610 to translate signals from the respective SPE wires 312 / 314 to aplug portion 620 in response to a plug printed circuit board portion 630 engaging the cable terminating printed circuit board 510, as shown.

[0055] As conveyed in FIG. 6 as an outline, aspects of the SPE cable 310, printed circuit board 510, and plug printed circuit board portion 630 may be covered by a housing 650 that continuously extends from the SPE cable jacket 316 to present a plug port portion 622, which may increase physical support of the constituent components while keeping environmental conditions, such as water and debris, away from the signal carrying aspects of the interface portion 610. The housing 650 may be structurally configured as a unitary piece of material, or an assembly of multiple separate pieces of material, that surround and protect the plug printed circuit board portion 630 as it engages the printed circuit board termination 510 of the SPE cable 310.

[0056] Although not required or limiting, the housing 650 may define one or more receptacles, or apertures, in the plug port portion 622 that allow selected physical access to the plug printed circuit board portion 630. Such physical access may correspond with a connection of the interface assembly 600 with a component of a distributed network, such as a distribution box, cassette, server, device, or other element accepting SPE signals. It is noted that the physical engagement of the housing 650 with an external component may contact a substrate portion 632 of the plug printed circuit board portion 630, the substrate portion 632 having signal carrying pathways continuing from the terminating printed circuit board 510 to the electrical signal carrying leads, vias, and circuits of the plug printed circuit board portion 630.

[0057] The plug printed circuit board portion 630 may have any number, and type, of supplemental wire capture portions 634 that may serve to connect to the respective wires 312 / 314 instead of the wires 312 / 314 being captured by the terminating printed circuit board 510. Regardless of which printed circuit board 510 / 630 the SPE cable wires 312 / 314 engage, one or more electrically conductive pads 636 may be present on the plug printed circuit board portion 630 to allow for external connections when the interface assembly 600 is installed into an external network component. Various embodiments structurally configure conductive pads 636, and / or spring contacts,throughout the substrate 632, such as on or in the engagement portion 638 that is most proximal the exterior of the housing 650.

[0058] The structural configuration of the plug printed circuit board portion 630 allows for selective connection, or removal, with respect to the terminating printed circuit board 510, which corresponds with modularity of the interface assembly 600 to provide different plug portions 620 without altering the installation and connection of the respective wires 312 / 314. It is noted that the modularity of the plug printed circuit board 630 and plug portion 620 may correspond with some, or all, of the housing 650 being replaced. For instance, removal of the plug printed circuit board 630 may also remove aspects of the housing 650 that are replaced in the event the terminating printed circuit board 510 is physically and electrically engaged by a plug printed circuit board 630. It is contemplated that the plug portions 620 may be replaced without replacing the plug printed circuit board 630, which allows different external features to be incorporated into the interface assembly 600, such as retention tabs 624, levers, or protrusions.

[0059] The perspective view shown in FIG. 6 conveys the internal structure of the plug portion 620 while outlining the shape and size of the housing 650. FIG. 7 similarly illustrates an internal structure of an interface assembly 700 that engages a terminal end portion 500 of the terminating printed circuit board 510 with an interface portion 710 that presents a plug interface 720, such as an IP20 or IP67 rated plugs 722. While not required, the interface portion 710 may cover a plug printed circuit board (PCB) 730 with an interface housing 724 that may provide structural support while preventing contamination of the electrical aspects of the plug PCB 730. That is, the interface housing 724 may physically contact the terminal end portion 500 to secure the position and connection between the respective PCBs 730 / 510.

[0060] Along with the interface housing 724, the interface portion 710 may have a cover portion 740 that surrounds and continuously extends from the cable 310 to the plug interface 720 to provide structural and environmental support. While, in some embodiments, the cover portion 740 may be integrated into the plug interface 720 and / or interface housing 724, other embodiments separate the cover portion 740 from the plug interface 720 to allow efficient and accurate engagement of the plug interface720 with the terminal end portion 500. For instance, the cover portion 740 may remain in place, relative to the cable 310 and terminal end portion 500, while one or more different plug interfaces 720 are installed into, or removed from, the terminating PCB 510. The presence of the cover portion 740 may provide physical guidance and / or protection of the connection between the plug PCB 730 and the terminating PCB 510.

[0061] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of another interface assembly 800 arranged in accordance with various embodiments to provide a different interface portion 810 than the assemblies 600 / 700 of FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively. The interface portion 810 has a plug portion 820 that continuously extends from a terminal end portion 500 of the terminating PCB 510 to present a plug 822 that may engage and connect to an external port. The plug 822 is physically and electronically connected to a plug PCB 830 that engages the terminating PCB 510 to pass signals from the respective cable wires 312 / 314 to the conducive aspects of the plug 822. As shown, the plug PCB 830 has a pair of wire capture portions 832 that may provide replacement, or supplemental, cable wire 312 / 314 securement with the aspects of the terminating PCB 510. The plug PCB 830 may additionally provide one or more contact pads 834 that allows for supplemental, or replacement, signal pathways from the cable wires 312 / 314 to the plug 822.

[0062] As illustrated in the perspective view of FIG. 9, an interface assembly 900 may have a cable 310 terminating in a PCB 510 may connect with an interface portion 910 arranged, in accordance with various embodiments, to present a plug portion 920 that may be selectively engaged with an external component of a distributed network, such as a server, computer, or other device. Attachment of the plug portion 920 to the terminal end portion 500 allows signals from the respective cable wires 312 / 314 to pass to the conductive aspects of the plug 922.

[0063] As with other interface assemblies 600 / 700 / 800, a plug PCB 930 may have wire capture portions 932 and / or external contact pads 934 that may supplement, or replace, aspects of the terminating PCB 510. In the interface portion 910 of FIG. 9, a cover portion 940 surrounds an protects the cable 310 continuously to the plug 922. The cover portion 940 may have a housing 942 with a unitary construction, or be an assembly of components, that serve to shield the interface portion 910 fromcontaminants, such as water, dirt, and other debris. Additionally, the cover portion housing 942 may provide a fastening portion 944 that allows the interface assembly 900 to be physically secured to an external component, such as via threads, keyed engagements, or spring mechanisms.

[0064] FIG. 10 conveys a perspective view of another, non-limiting interface assembly 1000 arranged in accordance with assorted embodiments to provide modular connectivity for interface portions. That is, the SPE cable 310 is terminated with an end portion 500 that allows for selective engagement of an interface portion 610 / 710 / 810 / 910 / 1010 and customized connectivity with external distributed network components. For instance, the terminal end portion 500 and housing 940 may allow for different interface portions to be efficiently installed, removed, and replaced to provide selected plug configurations.

[0065] In comparison of the interface assemblies 900 / 1000 of FIGS. 9 and 10, the plug portion 920 may be replaced within the same housing 940 for the plug portion 1020 shown in FIG. 10. Such customization of the interface assemblies 900 / 1000 through simple removal of one interface portion 910 and installation of a new interface portion 1010 provides heightened accuracy and efficiency due to the reliable PCB capture of both the SPE cable wires 312 / 314 as well as the plug PCB 1030. In other words, arranging the interface assembly 900 / 1000 with a physical attachment of rigid printed circuit boards 510 / 930 / 1030, consistent and secure electrical connections from cable 310 to plug 922 / 1022 may be provided despite any modular activity that replaces a plug portion 920 / 1020. That is, the plug PCB 930 / 1030 structural configuration allows for modular activity that corresponds with a single terminated cable 310 to be efficiently connected to a variety different external components via selected plug configurations. As with other interface assemblies 600 / 700 / 800 / 900, the plug PCB 1030 may have wire capture portions 1032 and / or external contact pads 1034 that may supplement, or replace, aspects of the terminating PCB 510.

[0066] Through the use of cable terminations that employ a rigid substrate, wired cable connections may be more efficient to install and provide more robust operation compared to other manners of coupling wires of separate cables. The combination of capture portions that aid in accurate electrical contact with a cable wire and thepresence of one or more types of electrical contacts on the rigid substrate of each cable termination allows for repeatable physical engagement, and disengagement, along with resistance to operational degradation in response to changing electrical conditions. With the rigid substrate of each cable termination allowing reliable formation of electrical leads, traces, vias, and channels, quality electrical connections may be efficiently established and maintained.

[0067] Additional embodiments include any one of the embodiments described above, where one or more of its components, functionalities or structures is interchanged with, replaced by or augmented by one or more of the components, functionalities or structures of a different embodiment described above. It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

[0068] Although several embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to which the disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein above, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the present disclosure, nor the claims which follow.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A device for providing enhanced distributed network cable termination connectivity, modularity, and / or customization comprising: a first printed circuit board (PCB) configured to receive a first wire portion and a second wire portion of a cable; a second PCB configured to be connected to and removed from the first PCB; a plug portion configured to connect the second PCB to a component of a distributed network; wherein the first PCB and the second PCB each comprise a first capture portion and a second capture portion; wherein the first PCB comprises a terminal end portion positioned on a first longitudinal side configured to receive the second PCB; wherein each of the first and second capture portions of the first and second PCBs comprise a conductive portion configured to engage the first wire portion and the second wire portion of the cable, respectively; wherein the first and second conductive portions of the first PCB are configured to be electrically connected to a contact portion in the terminal end portion of the first PCB; wherein the second PCB is configured to electrically connect the contact portion of the first PCB with the plug portion; wherein the second PCB comprises a substrate configured to engage the plug portion; and wherein the second PCB and the plug portion are structurally configured to be selectively removed from the device and replaced by another second PCB and plug portion without requiring removal of the first and / or second wire portions from the first PCB so as to provide enhanced distributed network cable termination connectivity, modularity, and / or customization.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the contact portion of the first PCB comprises a pad contact or a biasing contact portion.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the cable comprises a single pair ethernet cable.

4. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a wireguide portion configured to connect the first PCB to the cable.

5. A device for providing enhanced distributed network cable termination connectivity, modularity, and / or customization comprising: a first printed circuit board (PCB) configured to receive a first wire portion and a second wire portion of a cable; a second PCB configured to be connected to and removed from the first PCB; and a plug portion configured to connect the second PCB with a component of a distributed network; wherein the first PCB and the second PCB each comprise a first capture portion and a second capture portion; wherein the first and second capture portions of each of the first and second PCBs comprise a conductive portion configured to engage the first wire portion and the second wire portion of the cable, respectively; wherein the second PCB comprises a substrate configured to engage the plug portion; and wherein the second PCB and the plug portion are structurally configured to be selectively removed from the device and replaced by another second PCB and plug portion without requiring removal of the first and / or second wire portions from the first PCB so as to provide enhanced distributed network cable termination connectivity, modularity, and / or customization.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the cable comprises a single pair ethernet cable and wherein the plug portion comprises a plug port portion configured to connect the second PCB to the component of the distributed network.

7. The device of claim 5 or claim 6, further comprising a housing portion configured to accommodate at least a portion of the cable, the first PCB, the second PCB, the substrate, and at least a portion the plug portion.

8. The device of claim 7, further comprising a cover portion configured to accommodate at least a portion of the housing portion.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the cover portion comprises a fastening portion configured to connect the device to the component of the distributed network.

10. The device of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the first PCB and the second PCB each comprise at least one external contact portion.11 . The device of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the conductive portion in the first and second capture portions of each of the first and second PCBs comprises a piercing contact portion or a biasing contact portion.

12. The device of claim 5 or claim 6, further comprising an interface housing portion configured to contact the first PCB and secure the removable connection between the first PCB and the second PCB.

13. A device for providing enhanced distributed network cable termination connectivity, modularity, and / or customization comprising: a first printed circuit board (PCB) configured to receive a first wire portion and a second wire portion of a cable; a second PCB configured to be connected to and removed from the first PCB; a plug portion configured to connect the second PCB with a component of a distributed network; and wherein the second PCB and the plug portion are structurally configured to be selectively removed from the device and replaced by another second PCB and plug portion without requiring removal of the first and / or second wire portions from the first PCB so as to provide enhanced connectivity of the device with the cable and the distributed network during operation.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the cable comprises a single pair ethernet cable and wherein the plug portion comprises a plug port portion configured to connect the second PCB to the component of the distributed network.

15. The device of claim 13 or claim 14, further comprising a housing portion configured to accommodate at least a portion of the cable, the first PCB, the second PCB, and at least a portion the plug portion.

16. The device of claim 15, further comprising a cover portion configured to accommodate at least a portion of the housing portion.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the cover portion comprises a fastening portion configured to connect the device to the component of the distributed network.

18. The device of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the first PCB and the second PCB each comprise at least one external contact portion.

19. The device of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein first PCB and the second PCB each comprise a piercing contact portion or a biasing contact portion.

20. The device of claim 13 or claim 14, further comprising an interface housing portion configured to contact the first PCB and secure the removable connection between the first PCB and the second PCB.

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