The CMS silicon strip tracker: systems aspects

A brief description of the CMS tracker and its sub-systems will be given. The performance of the silicon strip modules integrated into larger structures (up to 28 modules) will be described, with emphasis on the achieved signal-to-noise ratio for the chosen system components. These components include the mechanical support, cooling system, power supply, cabling, interconnect boards and grounding scheme. The final optical read-out and control components are used. Results from laboratory system tests and dedicated beam tests will be presented.