Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention take advantage of the extra slot and connectors in the P0/J0 position that are reserved for future use in the VXS standard to create a VXS-compliant backplane that has increased performance. The backplane is considered VXS-compliant in that it is compatible with VXS-compliant payload boards and switch boards. The backplane utilizes in the extra slot another VXS-compliant switch slot for a third VXS-compliant switch. The wiring of the switch slots are slightly modified to provide two differential pair serial connected between each of the three switch slots. Furthermore, wiring is added to the J0 connectors in at least one payload slot so that the payload slot is directly connected to each of the three switch slots. A payload board is also disclosed that is adapted to directly communicate with through the additional wiring with each of the three switches.

Abstract: Disclosed is a molten metal holding furnace system and a baffle and/or heater for use therein. The baffle/heater includes, among other things, a heat conductive body, at least one heater apertures and at least one passageways from a first side of the baffle body to the second side of the baffle body. Heaters within the heater apertures are isolated within the baffle body from the molten metal.