Modular backplane

A backplane module which may be removably mounted in a platform having backplane guide means and which may when mounted in the platform support at least one removable circuit module having a circuit connector, the backplane module comprising:

• a module body;
• a backplane connector, matable with the circuit connector, mounted to a rear portion of the module body;
• guide means on said module body for interfacing with the platform guide means to define a travel path for the backplane module during insertion and removal of the module;
• means for making electrical connection to the backplane connector, and
• wherein said means for making electrical connection includes an I/O board mounted to a front portion of said module body, and electrical conductors interconnecting said I/O board and said backplane connector.

A method for permitting replaceable backplane modules to be maneuvered around platform structural elements during insertion and removal of the modules in the platform comprising the steps of:

• (a) pivoting the module at a pivot position, rearward of a point where the module would contact said platform structural elements if the module were in its fully inserted orientation, between said fully inserted orientation and an angled orientation where the module will not contact said structural elements when moved forward of the pivot point;
• and
• (b) guiding the module through a lateral section of its travel path with the module generally in the angled orientation, the second lateral section being between the pivot point and the forward end of the platform;
• steps (a) and (b) being performed in that order for removal of a backplane module from the platform and in reverse order for the insertion of a module into the platform.