Avoiding Connector and Backplane Damage During CRU/FRU Replacement

The Cycle (How Damage Propagates)
Figure 1 shows a pin crushed against the wall of a backplane connector. When a good CRU/FRU is
installed in this slot, the damaged pin will cut a notch in the edge of the CRU/FRU connector (Figure 2). If
that CRU/FRU is then plugged in to a good slot, the notched connector will bend a pin in that slot (Figure
3). Figure 4 shows the bent pin. When a good CRU/FRU is then installed in this slot, the bent pin can be
crushed to look like Figure 1 and the cycle of damage continues.
Figure 1 Figure 2
Crushed backplane pin, ready to
damage connector shell of next
CRU/FRU plugged into slot.
Notched CRU/FRU connector after unit is plugged in
to a slot with bent pin. (Note:
pin aperture is blocked; window ramp is deformed.)
Figure 3 Figure 4
Pin in good slot being bent by seating
a CRU/FRU with a damaged connector.
Bent pin in slot, ready to damage
connector shell of next CRU/FRU
plugged in to slot.