# backplane system > PCB containing connectors for daughterboards electrically linked pin-by-pin **Wikidata**: [Q545913](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q545913) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backplane) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/backplane-system ## Summary A backplane system is a printed circuit board (PCB) that contains connectors for daughterboards, electrically linking them pin-by-pin. It allows multiple cards to attach to a computer bus without the need for intervening cables, facilitating modular expansion within a computing device. ## Key Facts - A backplane system is a printed circuit board (PCB) containing connectors for daughterboards electrically linked pin-by-pin. - It is classified as a subclass of a backplane and a system board. - It connects specifically with daughterboards. - A backplane system is considered the opposite of a motherboard. - Its aliases include "passive backplane," "backplane computer," "backplane," and "背板." - The entity has a Wikipedia title of "Backplane" and is referenced in 15 sitelinks. - It has a Freebase ID of /m/01dbc. - An associated image depicts a Dell PowerEdge 2800 SCSI backplane. - It is described on Wikipedia in languages such as English, German, French, Spanish, and Japanese. ## FAQs ### Q: What is a backplane system? A: A backplane system is a printed circuit board (PCB) equipped with connectors designed to electrically link daughterboards pin-by-pin. It facilitates the connection of multiple cards to a computer bus without using cables, enabling modularity in computing devices. ### Q: What are other names for a backplane system? A: A backplane system is also known by aliases such as passive backplane, backplane computer, and simply backplane. It also has the Chinese alias "背板." ### Q: What does a backplane system connect to? A: A backplane system is designed to connect with daughterboards, providing the electrical pathways for them to communicate with a computer bus. ### Q: How does a backplane system differ from a motherboard? A: A backplane system is considered the opposite of a motherboard. While a motherboard is the main printed circuit board for a computing device, often integrating the CPU and core components, a backplane primarily provides connectors for other cards without necessarily containing the main processing components itself. ### Q: What is the primary function of a backplane system? A: The primary function of a backplane system is to provide a centralized, cable-free electrical connection point for multiple daughterboards to interface with a computer bus, simplifying system architecture and enabling modular expansion. ## Why It Matters The backplane system is a fundamental component in many computing and electronic architectures, particularly where modularity, expandability, and reliability are paramount. By providing a PCB with connectors for daughterboards that are electrically linked pin-by-pin, it eliminates the need for numerous individual cables. This significantly reduces clutter, improves airflow, and enhances the overall reliability of the system by minimizing potential points of failure associated with cables. Its importance is evident in server systems, industrial control systems, and telecommunications equipment, where the ability to easily add, remove, or replace expansion cards (daughterboards) is crucial for maintenance, upgrades, and customization. The backplane system enables a robust and scalable infrastructure, allowing for specialized functionalities to be integrated efficiently. Furthermore, its role as the "opposite of a motherboard" highlights its distinct purpose: rather than being the main processing hub, it acts as a sophisticated wiring harness, centralizing communication pathways for peripheral components. This design philosophy underpins the architecture of many high-performance and mission-critical systems. ## Notable For - Providing cable-free electrical connections for multiple daughterboards to a computer bus. - Being classified as the "opposite" of a motherboard, indicating a distinct architectural role in computing devices. - Serving as a "system board" that facilitates modular expansion and integration of various cards. - Its passive nature, often referred to as a "passive backplane," meaning it typically does not contain active processing components itself. - Its widespread use in systems requiring high modularity and reliability, such as servers and industrial equipment. ## Body ### Definition and Function A backplane system is fundamentally a printed circuit board (PCB) designed with an array of connectors. Its primary purpose is to electrically link daughterboards pin-by-pin, allowing them to connect to a computer bus without the need for intervening cables. This design facilitates the integration of multiple cards into a computing device, providing a structured and efficient method for expansion and communication. ### Classification and Relationships The backplane system is categorized as a subclass of both a general "backplane" and a "system board." It is specifically designed to connect with daughterboards. A key distinction in its classification is that it is considered the "opposite of" a motherboard. While a motherboard typically serves as the main PCB for a computing device, integrating core components like the CPU, a backplane system primarily provides the interconnection infrastructure for other cards. ### Aliases and Identifiers The entity is known by several aliases, including "passive backplane," "backplane computer," and simply "backplane." It also has the Chinese alias "背板." It is associated with the following identifiers and references: - **Freebase ID**: /m/01dbc (referenced on 2013-10-28) - **Quora Topic**: Backplane - **Wikipedia Title**: Backplane - **Sitelink Count**: 15 - **Commons Category**: Backplanes - **Wikipedia Languages**: ca, commons, de, en, es, fa, fr, hi, ja, ko - **Wikidata Description**: PCB containing connectors for daughterboards electrically linked pin-by-pin - **Microsoft Academic ID (discontinued)**: 134256836 ### Visual Representation An image associated with the backplane system depicts a "Dell PowerEdge 2800 - SCSI backplane." ## References 1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 2. Quora 3. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)