Modular devices and systems configured to receive a plurality of removable modules and to enable data transfer between the modules

An electronic device comprising:

• a backplane including a set of slots configured to receive user-removable modules;
• a set of rails defining the set of slots, wherein the set of rails comprises a spine extending along the length of a metal housing and a set of ribs positioned perpendicular to the spine and extending from the spine to a perimeter of the backplane, wherein the spine comprises a set of metal inserts, each metal insert of the set of metal inserts positioned within a slot of the set of slots, wherein the set of metal inserts is configured to retain modules inserted in the set of slots via magnetic force;
• a printed circuit board, coupled to the backplane;
• and
• a set of interface blocks, electrically connected to the printed circuit board, that enable power and data transfer between modules coupled to the set of interface blocks.

An electronic device comprising:

• a backplane including a set of slots configured to receive user-removable modules;
• a set of rails defining the set of slots, wherein the set of rails comprises a spine extending along the length of a housing and a set of ribs positioned perpendicular to the spine and extending from the spine to a perimeter of the backplane, wherein the spine comprises a set of electropermanent magnets, each electropermanent magnet of the set of electropermanent magnets positioned within a slot of the set of slots;
• wherein the set of electropermanent magnets is configured to retain modules inserted in the set of slots via magnetic force;
• a printed circuit board, coupled to the backplane;
• and
• a set of interface blocks, electrically connected to the printed circuit board, that enable power and data transfer between modules coupled to the set of interface blocks.