Tracing interface module for patch cords in a telecommunications system

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention is a tracing interface module for use in a patch cord tracing system, wherein the patch cord tracing system traces patch cords in a telecommunications patching system.
The tracing interface module attaches to the face of the patch panels in a telecommunications closet.
The tracing interface modules provide a means of detecting when patch cords have been removed from, or added to, the connector ports on the patch panels.
The tracing interface modules also have the ability to provide a technician with some type of indication as to the location of a specific patch cord during a patch cord tracing procedure.
The tracing interface module has three primary components.
The first component is a support plate that attaches to the patch panel.
The second component is a printed circuit board that is supported by the support plate.
The support plate is manufactured with voids that correspond in position to surface mounted components on the printed circuit board.
Consequently, the components on the printed circuit board pass into the support plate, thereby creating a highly space efficient assembly.
The third major component of the tracing interface module is a graphics overlay that protects the printed circuit board and helps identify the visual manifestations of the various functions performed by the printed circuit board.