Electrical connector with embedded processor
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An apparatus, comprising:
- a housing to mechanically support one or more components of the apparatus,the housing permitting the apparatus to function as an electrical connector;
a processor that permits the apparatus to process a signal that is received or provided via the apparatus,the processor including an integrated circuit, andthe processor being mechanically supported within the housing of the apparatus; and
a plurality of contacts that permit the apparatus to mate with another component or another apparatus,the plurality of contacts permitting the processor to receive or provide the signal,the plurality of contacts being mechanically supported within the housing of the apparatus, andat least one of the plurality of contacts extending outside the housing for connection to another apparatus.
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Abstract
An apparatus may comprise a board that can mechanically support one or more components of the apparatus. The one or more components may include a processor to process a signal received or provided via the apparatus. The apparatus may comprise one or more sets of contacts via which the processor is to receive or provide the signal. The one or more sets of contacts may be associated with permitting the apparatus to function as a connector. The apparatus may comprise one or more electrical connections that provide connectivity between the processor and the one or more sets of contacts.
16 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus, comprising:
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a housing to mechanically support one or more components of the apparatus, the housing permitting the apparatus to function as an electrical connector; a processor that permits the apparatus to process a signal that is received or provided via the apparatus, the processor including an integrated circuit, and the processor being mechanically supported within the housing of the apparatus; and a plurality of contacts that permit the apparatus to mate with another component or another apparatus, the plurality of contacts permitting the processor to receive or provide the signal, the plurality of contacts being mechanically supported within the housing of the apparatus, and at least one of the plurality of contacts extending outside the housing for connection to another apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A connector, comprising:
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a housing; a board within the housing that is mechanically supported by the housing; a processor mechanically supported by the board, the processor being capable of processing a signal provided or received via the connector, and the processor including an integrated circuit; one or more electrical connections mechanically supported by the board, the one or more electrical connections providing electrical connectivity between the processor and one or more other components of the connector; and a plurality of sets of contacts connected to the processor via the one or more electrical connections, one or more of the plurality of sets of contacts extending outside the housing to provide connectivity between the processor and at least one of; another connector, or a component of a device with which the connector is associated. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An apparatus, comprising:
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a housing; a board, within the housing, that can mechanically support one or more components of the apparatus, the one or more components including; a processor to process a signal received or provided via the apparatus, the processor including an integrated circuit; a plurality of sets of contacts via which the processor is to receive or provide the signal, at least one of the plurality of sets of contacts extending outside the housing to permit the apparatus to function as a connector; and one or more electrical connections that provide connectivity between the processor and one or more of the plurality of sets of contacts. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification