Backplane assembly with ejection mechanism

A chassis having a system backplane board, a subassembly backplane board, and at least one connector disposed on each of the system backplane board and subassembly backplane board for electrically connecting the system backplane board to the subassembly backplane board, the chassis comprising:

• mounting means for rotatably coupling the system backplane board to the chassis, the mounting means defining a path of rotation for the system go backplane board,
• an ejection mechanism mounted to the system backplane board to unseat the connector of the system backplane board from the connector of the subassembly backplane board, the ejection mechanism selectively exerting a force against the chassis substantially linearly outwardly from and generally perpendicular to the system backplane board, the ejection mechanism further comprising a fastener for releasably engaging the system backplane board to the chassis, and
• a span comprising a length of between about 18 inches and about 36 inches extending between the mounting means and the ejection mechanism, the span being selected such that the path of rotation for the system backplane board for a distance sufficient to unseat the connector of the system backplane board from the connector of the subassembly backplane board is substantially linear.

A method for selectively electrically connecting a system backplane board to a subassembly backplane board of a chassis and disengaging the system backplane board from the subassembly backplane board, the method comprising the steps of:

• coupling a system backplane board to a chassis frame such that the system backplane board is rotatably mounted to the frame at a bottom edge of the system backplane board and is movable from a closed position to an open position;
• aligning a connector of the system backplane board in a horizontal plane with a connector of the subassembly backplane board by rotating the system backplane board upwardly;
• manipulating a fastener mechanism mounted to the system backplane board to seat the connector of the system backplane board with the connector of the subassembly backplane board.