Toolless method for alignment, retention, connection, termination and test on printed circuit boards

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for testing and mounting a PCB in a device. A PCB may be placed on one or more standoffs so that a head portion of the standoff protrudes from one or more apertures of the PCB. A push-pin type standoff cap may then be placed on the protruding heads to mechanically restrain the PCB to the standoffs. Furthermore, one or more cables may be coupled with the standoff caps to provide power or test signals to one or more connector pads on the PCB. Therefore, the standoff caps provide a system for aligning, retaining, connecting, terminating, and testing printed circuit boards.

1 . A method for testing a printed circuit board (PCB), comprising: 
 placing the PCB on a plurality of standoffs, each standoff comprising a body, a securing element disposed in and protruding from the body, and a PCB resting surface formed at an interface of the head and the body, wherein the securing element is narrower than the body thereby allowing each securing element to register with and be disposed through an aperture formed in the PCB and allowing the PCB to rest on the respective PCB resting surface;    securing the PCB to the standoffs by fitting a standoff cap over a portion of each securing element protruding from the apertures, wherein one or more of the standoff caps include one or more electrically conductive elements coupled to one or more respective electric cables for carrying test signals; and    registering the one or more conductive elements with one or more connector pads on the PCB surface to exchange test sigals with the PCB.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein securing the PCB to the standoff comprises: 
 pressing a coupling button on the standoff cap, wherein the coupling button, when pressed, causes a plurality of gripping fingers of the standoff cap to flare outwardly into a receiving configuration;    axially receiving the securing element in an opening defined by the flared fingers; and    releasing the coupling button causing the gripping fingers to be biased inwardly into a retaining configuration in which the gripping fingers grip the securing member.    
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the securing element is a threaded member.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein each gripping finger comprises ridges configured to lock against the threading of the securing element.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of gripping fingers are concentrically arranged in a hollow sleeve of the standoff cap.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising removing the standoff cap by pressing the button further causing the plurality of gripping fingers to flare outwards and away from the surface of the securing element, thereby releasing the securing element.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein registering the one or more conductive elements with one or more connector pads on the PCB surface comprises registering a slot on the standoff cap with a protruding key formed on the PCB to lock the standoff cap in a predetermined position and prevent the standoff cap from rotating.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the securing and registering is performed during a PCB testing phase and further comprising, after the testing phase: 
 removing each standoff cap from the respective securing element; and    placing a retaining element on each securing element to secure the PCB to the standoffs.