2 April 2008Enclosures, Racks, Cabinets & Panel Products
The design of MicroTCA systems for industrial applications demands compact and modular solutions for small multiprocessor systems based on PCI Express (PCIe), Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) or Serial Rapid IO (SRIO) in the backplane. Costly components such as power modules may be dispensed with. Together with its partner Kontron, Schroff has now developed a MicroTCA system of this type. In doing so Schroff has applied its know-how in the areas of mechanical design, backplane technology, thermal management and simulation. The cooling design was simplified by the appropriate choice of assembly type.
The 3 U high, 250 mm deep and 156 mm wide case contains four slots for AdvancedMC single full-size modules, arranged vertically. By employing mechanical adaptors it is also possible to use mid-size AdvancedMC modules. For industrial applications the system may be installed vertically or horizontally, or alternatively used as a desktop system. Ventilation is provided by two axial fans without redundancy and without fan monitoring. Since no AdvancedMC modules are arranged in rows, but rather each module receives ventilation individually, this ventilation design is highly effective.
A 150 W a.c. power supply behind the backplane provides the DC voltage and permits a dissipation loss of 30 W for each AdvancedMC slot and for the MCH (MicroTCA Carrier Hub). Optionally, a 250 W unit is also available that offers 50 W per slot. A mains switch is provided on the rear side of the system.
This system uses MCHs that conform to the MicroTCA standard, but does not employ a MicroTCA power module (PM). As an option, connection of the 12 V power supply can be time-delayed to allow the MCH to check the system configuration in advance and to negotiate with the AdvancedMC modules via e-keying. A further option is an upgrade to a simple power management via I2C bus.
GbE switch, PCIe clocks, PCIe switch or SRIO switch are included in the MCH. The backplane provides the appropriate connections between the AdvancedMC modules and the MCH in a Single Star topology. GbE is connected to port 0 on each AdvancedMC slot. PCIe is implemented on each AdvancedMC slot with 4 x PCIe lanes (ports 4 to 7), thus providing sufficient bandwidth for even high-speed I/O boards. Because of the PCIe switch, the PCIe lanes are decoupled from one another. Optionally, the system can also be operated with Serial Rapid IO via the PCIe lanes. In addition, the backplane contains SAS/SATA lanes allowing the connection of AdvancedMC hard disks to two AdvancedMC slots.
All AdvancedMC sockets in the system are fully compatible with PIGMG AMC.0 R2.0, the Advanced Mezzanine Card base specification. The system uses standard MCHs and thus is also intended as an entry into MicroTCA.
Clearing the Static: Electrostatic Discharge Actum
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
A cordless ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) wrist strap does not work by grounding the person in the same way as a traditional wired wrist strap. Instead, it works by reducing or balancing the static charge on your body so that you are less likely to discharge electricity into sensitive electronic components.
Read more...Polypropylene pole-top boxes support smarter, more secure electricity networks
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services Enclosures, Racks, Cabinets & Panel Products
As South Africa accelerates the rollout of smart prepaid electricity metering, innovative enclosure technology from Power Process Systems (PPS) is helping utilities improve network security, reduce electricity theft and protect critical electrical infrastructure.
Read more...Cabinets for industrial applications Vepac Electronics
Enclosures, Racks, Cabinets & Panel Products
Verotec’s VERAK cabinets addresses the most stringent enclosure requirements providing both IP65 environmental protection and EMC screening.
Read more...Flat-pack enclosures
Enclosures, Racks, Cabinets & Panel Products
The launch of Rittal’s FR IT flat-pack enclosure marked a milestone for the company, introducing the local market to a high-capacity, top-tier IT enclosure in a convenient and cost-effective flat-pack format for the first time.
Read more...Clearing the Static: Ensuring effective ESD control Actum
Circuit & System Protection
To maintain reliable electrostatic discharge control, regular testing and accurate measurement are essential, with grounding products and ESD testing equipment being vital.
Read more...Clearing the Static: The importance of ESD audits Actum
Circuit & System Protection
An ESD audit is the first step in establishing an effective static control programme in the workplace, and will help identify vulnerable areas and potentially hazardous static zones that require improvement.
Read more...Flat-pack IT enclosure Rittal
Enclosures, Racks, Cabinets & Panel Products
The introduction of the FR IT flat-pack enclosure by Rittal marked an important milestone for the company, bringing a high-capacity, premium IT enclosure to the local market in a convenient and cost-effective flat-pack format for the first time.
Read more...Click-in module carrier frames Phoenix Contact
Enclosures, Racks, Cabinets & Panel Products
The tool-free Heavycon series click-in module carrier frame from Phoenix Contact simplifies the assembly and installation of heavy-duty connectors significantly.
Read more...Die-cast enclosures in non-rectangular formats Communica
Enclosures, Racks, Cabinets & Panel Products
These models from Hammond Manufacturing, the 1590TRP and 1590STP, provide additional flexibility for product designers who require strong aluminium enclosures, but want alternatives to the traditional rectangular form factor.
Read more...Enclosures engineered for extremes RS South Africa
Enclosures, Racks, Cabinets & Panel Products
When electronic components face the relentless demands of heavy industry or unpredictable outdoor elements, Takachi’s IP67 diecast aluminium enclosures provide a robust line of defence.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version