Abstract: An optical backplane for use in a high-speed, parallel signal processing tem. A plurality of circularly shaped optical conductors are arranged in a cylindrical topology. A plurality of printed circuit card connectors are disposed radially about the perimeter of the optical conductors. Each connector consists of a linear array of optical transceivers. The lens of each optical transceiver is mounted in a socket provided at the perimeter of each optical conductor. The optical transceivers convert electrical data information from printed circuit boards plugged into the circuit card connectors into optical data information. The optical data information propagates throughout the optical conductor thereby allowing data to be shared by the printed circuit boards.