Apparatus and methods for nanoplasma switches are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a nanoplasma switching system includes a nanoplasma radio frequency (RF) switch that receives an RF signal, and a nanoplasma DC switch that receives a DC bias voltage. The nanoplasma DC switch is positioned adjacent to but spaced apart from the nanoplasma RF switch. The nanoplasma DC switch induces a nanoplasma through the nanoplasma RF switch when the DC bias voltage is set to a first voltage level. By implementing the nanoplasma switching system in this manner, DC bias to turn on or off the nanoplasma RF switch can be realized without needing to use passive components such as DC blocking capacitors, choke inductors, or baluns for isolation.

Patch cords are provided that include a communications cable that has at least first through fourth conductors and a plug that is attached to the cable. The plug includes a housing that receives the cable, a printed circuit board, first through fourth plug contacts, and first through fourth conductive paths that connect the first through fourth conductors to the respective first through fourth plug contacts. The first and second conductors, conductive paths, and plug contacts form a first differential transmission line, and the third and fourth conductors, conductive paths, and plug contacts form a second differential transmission line. Each of the first through fourth plug contacts has a first segment that extends longitudinally along a first surface of the printed circuit board, and the signal current injection point into the first segment of at least some of the first through fourth plug contacts is into middle portions of their respective first segments.

Communications plugs are provided which include a printed circuit board having a plurality of elongated conductive traces and a plurality of plug blades. Each plug blade has a first section that extends along a top surface of the printed circuit board and a second section that extends along a front edge of the printed circuit board. Additionally, each plug blade may have a thickness that is at least twice the thickness of the elongated conductive traces. The plug blades may be low profile plug blades that are manufactured separately from the printed circuit board.

Multichannel RF Feedthroughs. In some examples, a multichannel RF feedthrough includes an internal portion and an external portion. The internal portion includes a top surface on which first and second sets of traces are formed. Each set of traces is configured as an electrical communication channel to carry electrical data signals. The external portion includes a bottom surface on which the first set of traces is formed and a top surface on which the second set of traces is formed. A set of vias connects the first set of traces between the top surface of the internal portion and the bottom surface of the external portion.

A board-level pad pattern includes a printed circuit board (PCB) substrate; an exposed pad region disposed within a surface mount region of the base substrate; and multiple staggered ball pads disposed within the surface mount region arranged in a ring shape around the exposed pad region. The staggered ball pads includes first ball pads arranged in a first row and second ball pads arranged in a second row. The first ball pads in the first row are arranged at two different pitches, and the second ball pads in the second row are arranged at a constant pitch. Multiple square-shaped ball pads are arranged in a third row between the exposed pad region and the staggered ball pads.

A printed circuit board (PCB) includes lead pads that are shaped and sized to account for offset leads of an electronic component, such as a capacitor. A proximal end of the lead pad has a first dimension and a distal end of the lead pad has a second dimension that is larger than the first dimension. The larger width of the proximal end of the lead pad accommodates offset leads and helps ensure lead joint integrity. The narrower width of the proximal end prevents solder from overflowing onto other areas on the PCB.

An inlay for a component carrier includes a gas-permeable porous layer structure, an upper layer structure, arranged on the gas-permeable porous layer structure, the upper layer structure defining a cavity such that a portion of the gas-permeable porous layer structure is exposed and an upper metal layer structure arranged on the upper layer structure. A component carrier with the inlay and manufacturing methods of the inlay and the component carrier are described.

An inlay for a component carrier includes a gas-permeable porous layer structure, an upper layer structure, arranged on the gas-permeable porous layer structure, the upper layer structure defining a cavity such that a portion of the gas-permeable porous layer structure is exposed and an upper metal layer structure arranged on the upper layer structure. A component carrier with the inlay and manufacturing methods of the inlay and the component carrier are described.

According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a wall and a substrate. The substrate is provided with an opening. The substrate includes an organic compound layer, a first surface of the organic compound layer, a second surface of the organic compound layer opposite the first surface, first wiring on the second surface, second wiring on the second surface, a first pad, and a second pad. The first surface is attached to the wall. The first pad is connected to the first wiring. The second pad is connected to the second wiring away from the first pad. The opening penetrates the organic compound layer to open to the first surface and the second surface between the first pad and the second pad.

A printed circuit board (PCB) includes lead pads that are shaped and sized to account for offset leads of an electronic component, such as a capacitor. A proximal end of the lead pad has a first dimension and a distal end of the lead pad has a second dimension that is larger than the first dimension. The larger width of the proximal end of the lead pad accommodates offset leads and helps ensure lead joint integrity. The narrower width of the proximal end prevents solder from overflowing onto other areas on the PCB.