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Backplane Configuration
Cubix Systems are rack mount or desktop systems that can hold up to eight independent computers. Each computer consists of a BC or DP Series plug-in motherboard and additional slots in the group assigned to that computer. The number and configuration of the groups are defined by the system backplane.
Backplanes
The key to flexibility in Cubix Systems is the backplane. It is installed in the bottom of the system, and determines how many BC or DP Series motherboards can be installed, and what bus or bus's are supported (ISA, EISA, or PCI).
The above photo shows a "8 x 2 ISA " backplane. The 8 signifies the number of groups, the 2 signifies the number of slots per group, and ISA specifies the Bus type.
With this backplane, you can install up to 8 BC Series motherboards. Each group will contain the motherboard and one additional slot for third party boards, such as an internal modem, or fax board.
Each group with a BC series motherboard becomes an independent computer in the system.
Backplane Configurations
To increase the number of available configurations, some system backplanes can be reconfigured for a different number of groups, and slots per group. This is done by using shunt slots and shunt boards.
In the picture above, notice the black slots. They are ISA slots for the BC Series plug-in motherboards. Each group of ISA slots is separated by a brown connector called a shunt slot.
If the shunt slot is empty, there is no physical connection between the groups on either side of the shunt slot.
If a shunt board is installed in a shunt slot, the groups on either side of the shunt slot, are now physically combined into one group.
For example, if a shunt board is installed between group 1 and group 2 in a 8 x 2 ISA backplane:
Group 1 would now have 4 available slots instead of two.
The backplane would now have 7 groups (1 group of 4 slots and 6 groups of 2 slots).
Note: Not all backplanes can be reconfigured! If you do not have shunt slots BETWEEN the groups on the backplane, then it is a fixed configuration that cannot be changed.
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