Contamination protection for module and connector interface in a network device

1. An apparatus comprising:

a module; and

a frame for attaching to the module with contacts of the module exposed for mating with a connector operable to couple the module to a printed circuit board, the frame comprising a seal for positioning on opposing faces of the module adjacent to the contacts to protect a module to connector interface from contaminants passing through a network device with the module installed in the network device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the frame is connected to at least a portion of a periphery of the module.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the frame exposes chips installed on the module.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the module comprises a memory module and the connector is configured for receiving the module positioned 180 degrees from the printed circuit board.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the frame comprises a plastic frame and the seal comprises a foam material.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the frame comprises an aluminum frame and the seal comprises a thermal pad.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the frame comprises a two piece frame, each of said pieces of the frame attached to one of said opposing faces of the module.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said two pieces of the frame are snap fitted to one another.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the seal comprises sealing elements extending longitudinally along an edge of each of said two pieces of the frames.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the frame is rectangular in shape and comprises a stiffening rib.

11. An apparatus comprising:

a module comprising contacts for mating with contacts on a connector, the connector operable to couple the module to a printed circuit board; and

a frame attached to the module with the contacts of the module exposed for mating with the connector, the frame comprising a seal positioned on opposing faces of the module adjacent to the contacts of the module to protect a module to connector interface from contaminants passing through a network device with the module installed in the network device.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the frame extends around at least a portion of a periphery of the module.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the frame exposes chips installed on the module.

14. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the frame comprises a plastic frame and the seal comprises a foam material.

15. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the frame comprises an aluminum frame and the seal comprises a thermal pad.

16. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the frame comprises a two piece frame, each of said pieces attached to one of said opposing faces of the module.

17. An apparatus comprising:

a module comprising contacts;

a printed circuit board,

a connector connected to the printed circuit board and comprising contacts mating with the contacts of the module and coupling the module to the printed circuit board; and

a frame attached to the module with the contacts of the module mating with the contacts of the connector, the frame comprising a seal protecting the contacts of the connector and the module from contamination when the module is inserted into the connector.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 further comprising a seal coating applied to a surface of the connector and interposed between the seal of the frame and the connector.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the seal coating comprises a fugitive adhesive.

20. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the seal coating comprises a strippable film.