The midplane provides the interconnect between the power supply modules, fans, Chassis Monitoring Modules (CMMs), Network Express Modules (NEMs), PCI Express ExpressModules (EMs; Sun Blade 8000 Chassis only), and the Server Modules (blades). All modules at the front and rear of the chassis, with the exceptions of the AC input and system fans, connect directly to the midplane.
The main functions of the midplane include the following:
Provide mechanical connection points for all blades
Provide 48V and 12V standby power from the power supply to each replaceable unit
Provide an I/O interconnection between the blade to the PCI Express ExpressModules (Sun Blade 8000 Chassis only) and Network Express Modules
Connect the blades, Chassis Monitoring Modules, ExpressModules (Sun Blade 8000 Chassis only), and Network Express Modules to the chassis management system