A network device having improved thermal cooling is provided. The network device includes a first printed circuit board (PCB) having a plurality of common connectors and one or more second PCBs, each second PCB coupled to the first PCB by a respective common connector of the plurality of common connectors. Each second PCB may include a set of ports, each port in the set of ports coupled to the respective common connector via the second PCB. The one or more second PCBs may be arranged vertically parallel on a front side of the first PCB such that each second PCB forms a 90 degree angle with the first PCB to allow air to flow in spaces defined between vertically adjacent second PCBs.

A network device having improved thermal cooling is provided. The network device comprising a first printed circuit board (PCB) having a plurality of common connectors and one or more second PCBs, each second PCB coupled to the first PCB by a respective common connector of the plurality of common connectors. Each second PCB may include a set of ports, each port in the set of ports coupled to the respective common connector via the second PCB. The one or more second PCBs may be arranged vertically parallel on a front side of the first PCB such that each second PCB forms a 90 degree angle with the first PCB to allow air to flow in spaces defined between vertically adjacent second PCBs.

Systems and methods for improved circuit board removal and/or reinstallation are provided. A circuit board removal system can include a frame including a channel arranged in a plate of the frame. A disengagement slider can include a mounting surface and a first portion including a first cam surface, where the disengagement slider is arranged within the frame. A separator can include a second cam surface and can be arranged in the channel of the plate. The first cam surface and the second cam surface can be nested with each other when the disengagement slider is in an inserted position. The disengagement slider can be configured to slide the separator in the longitudinal direction when the disengagement slider is removed from the frame due to the interaction of the first cam surface with the second cam surface.

An apparatus and a method of use are disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises a disaggregated fault tolerant backplane having a front side and a back side with at least two daughter card slots configured on the front side and configured to receive slot fanout signals over the backplane. The apparatus further comprises at least two switch boards (SBs) configured to provide electrical power to the at least two daughter card slots and at least one main fanout board (MFB) configured to send and receive SB control signals to and from the at least two SBs. The at least one MFB connects to the backplane through at least one MFB connector configured on the back side of the backplane. In one embodiment, the MFB receives control signals from the daughter card slots and sends slot fanout signals to the daughter card slots.

A storage device includes a casing; a drive that records data; a controller that controls a data processing of the drive; and a midplane that connects the drive to the controller, in which the midplane includes a plurality of split midplanes which are replaceable, a drive side connector is disposed on a drive side of the split midplane, and the drive side connector is connected to the drive.

Blind mate connection techniques and associated connectors are disclosed. Blind mate connectors provide connections where visual inspection at time of connection may not be available. Stacking tolerance increases when connectors have a different set of datums (e.g., a different relative orientation) relative to adjacent connectors. Different datums permit twinning two printed circuit boards (“PCBs”) prior to insertion into a slot of a chassis. Each connector may be attached to a respective PCB utilizing a spring and offset feature to provide a standoff on a respective PCB. Control of standoff and rotational movement (e.g., via brackets) allows each individual connector to have a “float” for improved insertion tolerance. Connector pairs may connect through an opening in a midplane while simultaneously connecting to the midplane. Switch trays and node trays may be inserted through opposing sides of a chassis and be connected through the midplane of that chassis.

A backplane is for electrically connecting electrical components. An embodiment is directed to the backplane and to a method for producing the same. An embodiment of the backplane includes a carrier plate, conductor tracks, which extend on and/or in the carrier plate, and at least one cooling element arranged on a conductor track for cooling the conductor track.

A storage device includes a casing; a drive that records data; a controller that controls a data processing of the drive; and a midplane that connects the drive to the controller, in which the midplane includes a plurality of split midplanes which are replaceable, a drive side connector is disposed on a drive side of the split midplane, and the drive side connector is connected to the drive.

A retention assembly includes a first retention member with a first set of ribs and a second set of ribs. The first set of ribs are positioned to form slots, which are shaped to receive data storage devices. The first set of ribs are arranged to separate adjacent data storage devices and have a first length. The second set of ribs extend into respective slots to form air channels within the slots, and the second set of ribs have a second length that is shorter than the first length.

A mid-plane assembly includes a main circuit board portion including a plurality of electrical connectors configured to releasably engage a plurality of devices, a first circuit board portion, and a first electrical coupling assembly configured to electrically couple the first circuit board portion to the main circuit board portion and position the first circuit board portion essentially orthogonal to the main circuit board portion.