Front Panel I/O Connectivity Design Guide

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Preface
This guide describes connection and mechanical recommendations for all main boards having
internal connectors requiring external connection. Recommendations include (among others):
front panel I/O header pin-out definition, chassis I/O aperture size, I/O interface board dimensions
and motherboard to front panel board I/O cable shielding and size. Front panel I/O legacy
connectors, internal legacy and legacy-free connectors are also addressed. Specific to front panel
I/O the goal is for any particular setup of main board, interface board, interface cable and chassis
that meets the pinout and physical dimension recommendations of this design guide will be
physically compatible with another setup that also meets the requirements of this design guide.
Environmental and electrical compatibility testing should be conducted for all designs arising from
use of this design guide.
Intended Audience
The guide is intended to provide detailed, technical information to vendors, system integrators, and
other engineers and technicians who need this level of information. It is specifically not intended
for general audiences.
What This Document Contains
Chapter Description
1 Supporting Documentation
2 Front Panel Legacy I/O
3 Front Panel High Speed Serial Bus
4 Cabling Design Guidelines
5 Interface Board Design Guidelines
6 Chassis and I/O Shield Guidelines
7 Internal Legacy Connectors (Reference)
8 Internal Legacy-Free Connectors (Reference)