Keysight Technologies M9010A - Avoiding Bent Pins; Methods to Avoid Bent Pins

Keysight PXIe Chassis Family User Guide 23
Installing PXI Modules in the Chassis Introduction to the PXIe Chassis
Avoiding Bent Pins
The chassis backplane contains hundreds of pins. These pins mate with the
sockets on the module when you slide the module into the chassis. When you
first insert the module, you insert it between the top and bottom rails. As you
slide the module in, the side of the connectors touch to further align the
module's connector over the pins. The final push to insert the module seats the
pins tightly in the connectors.
Be aware that misuse can result in bent pins. If a chassis backplane has a single
bent pin, it is possible that scope of the damage is limited to one slot. However, a
bent pin can touch an adjacent pin, causing an electrical short that further
damages all slots in the chassis. The impact of a bent pin can range from none,
to subtle, to severe. A bent pin can cause unpredictable behavior in the chassis
and the instruments. It can be very difficult to determine the root cause of this
erratic behavior.
Methods to avoid bent pins
- Insert modules in horizontal chassis
Only insert modules in a chassis that is positioned horizontally, such as in a
rack or on a bench. Do not stand the module on the floor and slide the
modules in vertically. The mechanical engineering tolerances do not support
quality alignment while the chassis is in the vertical position. Once the
modules are secured and all blanking plates installed, the chassis can be used
in a vertical position.
- Avoid open slots in a vertical chassis
If a chassis is positioned vertically and slots are open, it is easy for debris to
fall onto the connector pins. If the slots are open, avoid the vertical position
even if it is temporary while deploying the chassis. It is easy for debris to fall in
unnoticed and lodge into the connectors.
- Do not use force
Use very gentle pressure when you slide in the modules. If there is an unusual
restriction, pause and inspect. Pushing harder might bend a pin.
- Inspect before use
Prior to sliding a module into a slot, inspect the end of the connector for
damage. Look at the holes into which the pins insert to ensure that the holes
are empty. Look for scratches or groves in the plastic connector that might
cause misalignment or hint at past damage. If you find damage, repair it
before use.