A new line of quad-level light pipes incorporates the use of surface mount LEDs on both sides of PC boards. The design specifically addresses use in Advanced TCA and CompactPCI mezzanine cards, breaking previously experienced size and height barriers. The new Advanced TCA light pipe
(shown in foreground) allows designers to take advantage of both sides of the PC board when used in conjunction with two right-angle SMR series surface mount LEDs. The right-angle surface mount LEDs facilitate the lower, bottom-sided display and lower two light pipe positions on the quad-level assembly. The top two light pipe displays within the assembly align with traditional surface mount LEDs in either 0603 or 0805 packages. This footprint allows for a quad-level indicator in less than 0.5 in. of front panel space as well as use in Advanced TCA and CompactPCI mezzanine cards. According to the company, there is no other solution recognized by PICMG for incorporation of four indicators in a single light pipe within the front panel envelope and PC board footprint for the Advance TCA specification.
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