Hot-pluggable/interchangeable circuit module and universal guide system

Abstract

A module and module guide is disclosed which facilitates user access to electronic circuits such as serial transceiver circuits without need to remove the host system housing or to power down the system. The module and module guide system permits this easy access while maintaining electromagnetic emissions below standard specifications. The module and module guide system also permits hot pluggablity of the circuit into the host system by providing discharge paths for static electricity that might have built up on the outside of the module during handling. The module has a housing with cooling vents and and an EMI shield. The module has guide grooves in the sides of the housing, and at least two connectors, one being a straddle mount connector on the host side and typically serial connectors on the remote side. The module guide has a frame with window forming members, the window for receiving the module. The frame also has guide rails which are received by the guide grooves of the module and which guides the module to an interface with a host connector. The module guide also has guide door which is conductive and which is spring loaded. The door remains closed until insertion of a module to prevent leakage of EMI, and also maintains conductive contact with the module during and after insertion. The dust door is conductively coupled to system ground through EMI clips which are attached to the widow forming members and which are conductively coupled to the system chassis.