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Backplane manufacturer Elma Bustronic has released a 3U VPX backplane with interconnects for RF and analog signals. Use of RF connectors is expected to be a key requirement for aerospace and military connector applications where the VITA 46/65 specifications for VPX are highly targeted.
The Bustronic backplane meets OpenVPX design considerations. Work is underway on a VITA 67 specification for RF signals over VPX; Bustronic plans to develop a version that will meet the specification when it is finalized.
The 3U backplane features a five-slot mesh routing configuration with the RF connectors housed in three slots. The four-cavity RF connector is installed in the lower half of the standard J2 connector. This corresponds to rows 9 through 16 of slots 3, 4, and 5. The coax interconnects provide better signaling, higher data rates, less noise, and less crosstalk than discrete wire, according to the company.
In addition to a range of VPX and OpenVPX backplanes in 3U and 6U heights, the company also offers a variety of VPX accessories, including 3U and 6U load boards in both convection-cooled and conduction-cooled styles, test extenders, air baffles, rear transition modules, and serializer/deserializer test devices.
Pricing for the 3U VPX backplane including RF connectors is under $2500, depending on volume and configuration. Lead time is 2 to 3 weeks. More information can be found at www.bustronic.com/switchFabric/vpx_3u.html.
