Embodiments of a system are described. This system includes an array of chip modules (CMs) and a baseplate, where the baseplate is configured to communicate data signals via optical communication. Moreover, the array includes first CMs mechanically coupled to first alignment features on the baseplate, and adjacent second CMs mechanically coupled to second alignment features on the baseplate. In this array, a given first CM is electrically coupled to a given set of electrical proximity connectors. Additionally, the array includes bridge components, wherein a given bridge component is electrically coupled to the second SCM and another set of electrical proximity connectors, which is electrically coupled to the set of electrical proximity connectors, thereby facilitating communication of other data signals between adjacent first CMs and second CMs via electrical proximity communication. Moreover, the given bridge component is optically coupled to the baseplate, thereby facilitating optical communication of the data signals between CMs via the baseplate.