Abstract:
A plurality of plate-like circuit component carrier packages having the same size and shape are stacked adjacent one to another with the flat faces thereof in contact to form a carrier package assembly in the form of a prismatic or cylindrically solid. Each carrier package houses one or more electrical circuit components and is provided at portions of the flat faces thereof with electrical contacts which cooperate with similarly located contacts on the flat faces of adjacent carrier packages to electrically interconnect the circuit components. The electrical contacts may take the form of a cooperating system of pins and apertures, serving also to align adjacent carrier packages. The carrier package assembly is useable in cooperation with a flexible, printed circuit board having on one side thereof an array of contact sites selectively interconnected by printed routing traces. Electrical contacts on the peripheral surfaces of the carrier packages are coupled with the circuit components housed therein and engage the contact sites on the circuit board when it is wrapped around the carrier package assembly. The ends of the carrier package assembly are fitted with connector blocks of a convenient shape which serve to support the carrier package assembly and to interconnect the electrical components therein with others exterior thereto. Several types of circuit boards and a variety of carrier package shapes are disclosed.