Apparatus and methods for connecting modules using remote switching

A module connection assembly, comprising:

• a plurality of module connectors for connecting with modules;
• and
• a backplane structure that provides a plurality of links which electrically connect the plurality of module connectors in a logical torus having multiple dimensions, each link being a cableless electrical path formed exclusively of rigid metallic material, each link including a pair of unidirectional channels, each channel carrying differential signals.

A module connection assembly, comprising:

• a plurality of module connectors for connecting with modules;
• and
• a backplane that provides a plurality of conducting paths for connecting the module connectors to each other in a torus with the conducting paths connected in an end-around manner, and for connecting the module connectors with another backplane to form torus connections with the conducting paths connected in a pass-through manner.

A method for connecting modules, comprising the steps of:

• providing sets of end-around connections to a first backplane to form a first topology, each set of end-around connections providing electrical paths between two modules electrically connected with the first backplane;
• and
• remotely switching a set of end-around connections to a set of pass-through connections to form a second topology that is different than the first topology, the set of pass-through connections providing electrical paths between a module of the first backplane and a module of a second backplane.

A module connection assembly, comprising:

• a plurality of module connectors for connecting with modules;
• and
• a backplane structure that provides a plurality of links which electrically connect the plurality of module connectors in a logical torus having multiple dimensions, each link including a cableless electrical signal path formed exclusively of rigid metallic material, the backplane structure including a plurality of switches that are remotely controlled to electrically connect the plurality of module connectors in the logical torus, individual activation of one of the plurality of switches enabling the assembly to be expanded incrementally.

A module connection assembly, comprising:

• a plurality of module connectors for connecting with modules;
• and
• a backplane structure that provides a plurality of links which electrically connect the plurality of module connectors in a logical torus having multiple dimensions, each link including a cableless electrical signal path formed exclusively of rigid metallic material, each link including a pair of unidirectional channels, each channel carrying differential signals.