Computing Node provides real-time data and signal processing.

Press Release Summary:




PowerNode3 features dual and single Motorola PowerPC G4 7457 processors running at 1 GHz, each equipped with 2 MB L3 cache and 2 MB private SRAM, linked via 133 MHz Avignon host bridge. ALMA2e VME-PCI bridge enables 2eSST data transfers at up to 180 MB/s for VME board interconnection. Dual Gigabit Ethernet interfaces and 4 asynchronous RS232/422/485 lines provide high-speed networking and connection options. Board typically consumes 30 W for dual CPU configuration.




Original Press Release:



New Single/Dual PowerPC G4 High-Performance Computing Node from Thales Computers Features Enhanced Connectivity, Reduced Power Consumption



Raleigh, NC, September 2003 - Thales Computers, a leader in providing integrated PowerPC(TM) and Pentium®-based VME COTS computing systems and solutions to OEMs and system integrators, has introduced the PowerNode3, a single/dual 1 GHz PowerPC G4 high-end computing node featuring enhanced connectivity and reduced power consumption. PowerNode3 is designed for state-of-the-art applications requiring real-time data and signal processing, including sonar, radar, medical imaging and machine vision systems.

Product Details
The new PowerNode3 features dual and single Motorola PowerPC G4 7457 processors running at 1 GHz, each equipped with a 2 MB L3 cache and 2 MB private SRAM, linked via a 133 MHz Avignon host bridge. Up to 1 GB onboard SDRAM is accessible at the local bus speed of 133 MHz. The new board provides twin PCI Mezzanine Card (PMC) slots (one 64-bit 66 MHz and one 32-bit 33/43 MHz).

PowerNode3 is designed for connectivity, with an ALMA2e VME-PCI bridge that enables 2eSST data transfers at up to 180 MB/s for VME board interconnection. Dual Gigabit Ethernet interfaces and 4 asynchronous RS232/422/485 lines provide a range of high-speed networking and connection options. In addition, three differential 4x high-speed links are routed to the P0 backplane (as per PICMG 2.17), enabling the PowerNode3 CPU board to be interconnected to fabric technologies based on the LVDS standard.

The PowerNode3 sets a new standard for low power consumption in a high-end node, with a typical draw of 30 W for dual CPU configuration, versus competitive boards that draw up to 60 W (with 7455 1 GHz solutions). The new board is available in three convection-cooled versions (standard, extended temperature, and rugged), as well as a rugged conduction-cooled version for harsh environment applications.

Thales Computers also offers COTS hardware and software as well as dedicated services in a value-added program including high-performance communication layers, machine development and supervision software, built-in test, machine integration, acceptance tests, and configuration and life-cycle management.

The PowerNode3 also comes with Thales Computers' PowerLine4 toolkit for platform management, which speeds development cycles and time-to-market for COTS-based signal processing solutions. PowerLine4 supports LynuxWorks and VxWorks operating systems.

Pricing for the new PowerNode3 starts at $5,870. The new board is available now in all versions and temperature ranges.

For more information about the PowerNode3 and the entire Thales Computers line of high-end computing nodes, please visit Thales Computers' website at www.thalescomputers.com, or contact Thales Computers at 1-800-848-2330, fax 919-231-8001.

About Thales Computers: Thales is a world leader in professional electronics in three key markets: Aerospace, Defense and Information Technology & Services (IT&S). The Group employs 60,000 people in nearly 50 countries worldwide, and generated revenues of over Euros11 billion in 2002.

Thales Computers is the leading developer of commercial and ruggedized VMEbus hardware and software solutions based on PowerPC and Pentium microprocessors. The company's products are optimized for a wide variety of applications in military, aerospace, communications and industrial markets and are in active use by customers worldwide, including Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Boeing, Toshiba, EADS, British Aerospace, Ericsson, Alcatel and the Thales Group.

All Topics