Microsoft Corporation
BACKPLANE INTERCONNECT SYSTEM EMPLOYING FLOATING BACKPLANE INTERCONNECTS FOR COUPLING A BACKPLANE WITH BLADE COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Abstract:

Backplane employing floating backplane network interconnects for electrical coupling with blade computer systems and related methods. To provide a displacement tolerant interconnection system between the backplane interconnects and respective blade backplane interconnects of blade computer systems to establish electrical connections therebetween, the backplane interconnects are provided as floating backplane interconnections. The floating backplane interconnects are configured to move and be displaced relative to the backplane while still retaining an electrical connection to the backplane. The backplane interconnects each include one or more flex circuits connected to electrical interconnects on the backplane on a first end, and electrical interconnects on a backplane connector on a second end. The flex circuit(s) include an electrical cable that includes a polymer or other material surrounding electrical wires to allow the flex circuit and its internal electrical wires to bend and flex, and thus move relative to backplane.