Patent attributes
A dummy module is inserted into an open slot in a modular rack to provide a cover for that slot. The dummy module is formed of the same housing as an operational module and contains a similar PCB as an operational module, without all the electrical and electronic components mounted thereon that an operational module would have. The PCB may have no components and no electrical tracks thereon, or it may be provided with some limited functionality. The PCB may have a memory device, such as an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read only Memory (EEPROM) mounted thereon, with at least an electrical track leading thereto from the connector block to enable a rack controller to interrogate the EEPROM. Thus, the rack controller would receive a positive identification from the EEPROM that the particular slot is empty, rather than simply trying to interrogate the slot and receiving no answer whatsoever.
