Equipment Chassis Form Factors
The size and shape of an electronic equipment chassis is dictated by a number of factors. The type of card used within the chassis plays a large role, but many of the Board configurations result in the same size case.
Equipment enclosures can be sub-divided into four main categories; Rack-Mount, Wall-mount, Tower, or table-top. Any of these types of chassis may be further categorized into either of these sub-categories; Commercial, Industrial, Rugged, or Military. Additional configurations include a Sub-rack which is not a complete electronic enclosure and may only include a metal frame and a card cage. A Card Cage has no enclosure at all and is just a frame [with card guides] to support the particular CCA form factor used.
Rack-Mount chassis are designed to fit inside a rack. The physical size of the rack sets the maximum width of the chassis. The most common rack width is 19", and there are a number of commonly used depths.
Wall-Mount chassis are not that common. Normally Wall Mounted Enclosures are more equipment cases than chassis. Because of weight issues a wall mount chassis will not support many cards.
Table-top chassis are designed to rest on a table. A table top chassis can be any size or shape, but will almost always have large rubber feet to support the chassis on the table.
Chassis Height; Next section on designing a chassis.
Index page; How To Specify a Equipment Chassis
