Often referred to simply as a backplane, this special type of printed circuit board is used as a support structure for connecting other PCBs. The backplane connector adds mechanical strength and stability while also acting as a plane for integrating other system components called daughterboards.

What is the purpose of a backplane?

The backplane is a printed circuit board containing connections (slots) for expansion boards and allows for communication between all connected boards. An example of a backplane used with earlier computers was the NLX form factor, which had connections for expansion cards and a motherboard.

How does a backplane work?

A backplane (or "backplane system") is a group of electrical connectors in parallel with each other, so that each pin of each connector is linked to the same relative pin of all the other connectors, forming a computer bus. ... A backplane uses plug-in cards for storage and processing.