December 18, 2007 -- Elma Bustronic Corp. recently introduced its 3U VPX backplanes. The company now offers VPX backplanes in 3U, 6U, and 6U hybrid (VPX/VME mix) versions.
The 6-slot 3U version of the VPX backplane features a twisted-ring topology and is compliant to the latest VITA 46 specifications. Utilizing a twisted-ring versus a mesh topology allows for more I/O pins and the ability to use mezzanines such as the XMC type, contends the company.
The backplane facilitates two channels at the top of the J1 connector, typically for Gigabit Ethernet traffic in a fat pipe (4x bi-directional links). The remaining channels in J1 together with those in the J2 leave 24 XAUI capable ports that can be utilized entirely for rear panel IO. The 24 thin pipe (one or two bi-directional links) channels remaining can be used by a PMC or XMC mezzanine or can allow the 3U VPX modules to interface with external equipment, networks, displays or storage systems.
The VPX backplane also incorporates the Gigabit Ethernet Control Plane per VITA 46.20. This sub-specification adds a Gigabit Ethernet switch, providing a separate star or dual star network for out-of-band communication. This can be particularly important for system management, software and firmware upgrades, and initiating new processes on specific boards, notes the company.
The backplane was designed with a 12-layer controlled-impedance stripline design. To ensure optimal performance, signal integrity analysis was also performed on the backplane.
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