Abstract: Optical spine backplane apparatus for interconnecting circuit cards. The apparatus comprises a central spine structure formed of a bundle of optical fibers extending between circular collars each positioned along the spine and formed around the optical fiber bundle to form a shelf for mounting circuit cards. Each circular collar has an optics pad consisting of optical transmitters and receivers coupled with ones of the optical fibers and with signal leads connected to a first coupling device. A circular collar is constructed of a bundle of electrical conductors formed around the outside of the central spine with each electrical conductor coupled to the first coupling device and to second coupling devices positioned around the outside of the collar. Each of the second coupling devices is connected by signal leads to a socket intended to receive a plug-in circuit card.