Abstract: A data transport module includes a connector to be received and coupled to a backplane within a modular platform. The data transport module also includes another connector to be received and coupled in a slot resident on a board such that the data transport module is coplanar to the board when received and coupled in the slot. The data transport module further includes one or more data transport interfaces to forward data between the board and the backplane via the connectors.

Abstract: An Advanced Mezzanine Card (AMC) adapter may be used to connect a non-AMC mezzanine card to an AMC carrier. The AMC adapter may include a card edge connector configured to be connected to an AMC connector on the AMC carrier and one or more mezzanine connectors configured to be connected to the non-AMC mezzanine card. The AMC adapter may also include a bridge to convert between communication protocols used by the non-AMC mezzanine card and the AMC carrier. Of course, many alternatives, variations, and modification are possible without departing from this embodiment.

Abstract: Insertion and ejection mechanisms for modular boards and cards. Mechanisms are provided for coupling the motion of insertion/ejection handles coupled to a modular board or a board carrier frame to which a board is attached. The mechanisms include a single-bar linkage, a rack and pinion-based configuration, a two-bar linkage, and a telescoping configuration. Applying an input force to one of the handles causes the board to be urged inward in a chassis slot, thus coupling the connectors on the board with mating connectors on a backplane mounted within the chassis. The input force is coupled via the various handle-coupling mechanisms to the other handle, producing a result similar to if a force was applied to both handles at the same time. In a similar manner, a board may be ejected by applying a force to a single handle to cause that handle to rotate outward. An automated retention screw insertion and extraction mechanism is also disclosed.

Abstract: A data transport module includes a connector to be received and coupled to a backplane within a modular platform. The data transport module also includes another connector to be received and coupled in a slot resident on a board such that the data transport module is coplanar to the board when received and coupled in the slot. The data transport module further includes one or more data transport interfaces to forward data between the board and the backplane via the connectors.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment may include providing a circuit board having a connector footprint including a plurality of electrical contacts and providing a mezzanine card including a first plurality of conductive traces on a first side of the mezzanine card. The method of this embodiment may also include providing a first wiring board disposed between at least a portion of the circuit board and at least a portion of the mezzanine card. The first wiring board may electrically couple at least a portion of the electrical contacts of the connector footprint to at least a portion of the conductive traces of the mezzanine card. Of course, many alternatives, variations, and modifications are possible without departing from this embodiment.

Abstract: An Advanced Mezzanine Card (AMC) adapter may be used to connect a non-AMC mezzanine card to an AMC carrier. The AMC adapter may include a card edge connector configured to be connected to an AMC connector on the AMC carrier and one or more mezzanine connectors configured to be connected to the non-AMC mezzanine card. The AMC adapter may also include a bridge to convert between communication protocols used by the non-AMC mezzanine card and the AMC carrier. Of course, many alternatives, variations, and modification are possible without departing from this embodiment.

Abstract: A switching system includes a backplane having slots, each including a first set of connectors designed according to a common specification. The slots include at least one extended slot and at least two normal slots, each normal slot including the first set of connectors, each extended slot including the first set of connectors and an additional second set of connectors. The backplane has signal lines to support a data channel between first set of connectors of the normal slot and the extended slot. The backplane also has signal lines to support a data channel between first set of connectors of the normal slot and the second set of connectors of the extended slot.

Abstract: Insertion and ejection mechanisms for modular boards and cards. Mechanisms are provided for coupling the motion of insertion/ejection handles coupled to a modular board or a board carrier frame to which a board is attached. The mechanisms include a single-bar linkage, a rack and pinion-based configuration, a two-bar linkage, and a telescoping configuration. Applying an input force to one of the handles causes the board to be urged inward in a chassis slot, thus coupling the connectors on the board with mating connectors on a backplane mounted within the chassis. The input force is coupled via the various handle-coupling mechanisms to the other handle, producing a result similar to if a force was applied to both handles at the same time. In a similar manner, a board may be ejected by applying a force to a single handle to cause that handle to rotate outward. An automated retention screw insertion and extraction mechanism is also disclosed.

Abstract: A switching system includes a backplane having slots, each including a first set of connectors designed according to a common specification. The slots include at least one extended slot and at least two normal slots, each normal slot including the first set of connectors, each extended slot including the first set of connectors and an additional second set of connectors. The backplane has signal lines to connect the connectors of the extended and normal slots to support at least one data channel between the first set of connectors of each of one or more of the at least one extended slot and the first set of connectors of each of one or more of the at least two normal slots. The backplane also has signal lines to connect the connectors of the extended and normal slots to support at least one data channel between the second set of connectors of each of one or more of the at least one extended slot and the first set of connectors of each of one or more of the at least two normal slots.