Abstract: A pin connection arrangement spanning a series of slots on a backplane 1 printed circuit board. The arrangement allows replaceable printed circuit board assemblies to be paired or mated while further allowing the printed circuit board assemblies to vary incrementally in width. The printed circuit board assemblies can be one slot wide 10a, 10b, two slots wide, 12a, 12b, three slots wide, 14a, 14b, on up to ‘n’ slots wide while being paired to a mate for sparing purposes. Backplane 1 provides a direct connection between paired printed circuit boards. The arrangement(s) allow expansion of printed circuit board area and volume while supporting paired applications that require only a single slot for a backplane connection per printed circuit board. Backplane 1 can be used for different width printed circuit board assemblies.