Abstract: A method for manufacturing a mid-plane. a multi-layer board having a connection assembly is provided and a dielectric layer with a channel formed therein to define a perimeter of a connector area is provided. The dielectric layer is bonded to the multi-layer board such that the connector area overlaps the part of the connection assembly of the multi-layer board. At least a portion of the connector area in the dielectric layer is removed to expose the connection assembly of the multi-layer board. A rigid multilayer is also disclosed. The rigid multilayer includes a multi-layer board and a dielectric layer. The multi-layer board has a connection assembly. The dielectric layer has a channel formed therein to define a perimeter of a connector area. The dielectric layer is bonded to the multi-layer board such that the connector area overlaps the connection assembly of the multi-layer board. The connector area can then be removed such as by depth controlled routing.