Configurable PMC I/O Modules feature conduction cooling.
Press Release Summary:
Enabling users to configure custom I/O boards using application-specific instruction sets, PMC-CX series features Xilinx® Virtex-II FPGAs with 11k or 24k logic cells and choice of 32 differential RS422/485 lines or 24 RS422/485 lines with 16 CMOS I/O channels. All models have PCI interface with 32-bit 66 MHz bus mastering and support dual DMA channel data transfer to CPU. Allotted memory gives users flexibility to embed their code or modify signal processing operations on-the-fly.
Original Press Release:
Acromag Releases User-Configurable Virtex®-II FPGA PMC Modules with Conduction Cooling and Differential Digital I/O
New PMC I/O modules combine the ruggedness of a conduction-cooled circuit board with customizable FPGA computing while maintaining a price point that is affordable for many mid-level applications.
Wixom, MI: Acromag's new PMC-CX series of user-configurable FPGA modules feature conduction cooling and differential digital I/O and with a cost/performance mix that is suitable for many mid-level computing functions. The four new models feature Xilinx® Virtex-II FPGAs with either 11k or 24k logic cells and a choice of 32 differential RS422/485 lines or 24 RS422/485 lines with 16 CMOS I/O channels. These modules bring the ability to configure custom I/O boards using application-specific instruction sets within the reach of more system developers. Plenty of memory gives users the flexibility to embed their code into the FPGA or to modify signal processing operations on the fly by loading new code into flash memory as requirements change. Typical applications include avionics, military vehicles, communications, and systems without adequate cooling airflow. All models feature a fast PCI interface with 32-bit 66MHz bus mastering and support dual DMA channel data transfer to the CPU. Prices start at $2600.
Numerous features and plentiful I/O capacity offer powerful signal processing capabilities. Conduction cooling enables use in airborne systems and harsh environments with thermal management complexities.
PMC-CX1000 models are equipped with a Xilinx Virtex-II XC2V1000 FPGA offering 11,500 logic cells, while the higher performance PMC-CX2000 models employ the larger XC2V2000 FPGA with 24,192 logic cells. The CX2000 models feature 56 18 x 18 embedded multipliers and 12 digital clock managers. Both FPGA versions can be ordered with either high-density differential I/O (32 RS422/485 lines) or a combination of 16 bi-directional CMOS and 24 RS422/485 lines. Two memory sources provide data buffers both inside and outside the FPGA. Engineers can access up to 1MB of configurable block RAM within the FPGA for high-speed data transfers. Additional memory storage is available on a 256K x 36-bit SRAM device. Dual-ported memory sits between the FPGA and PCI bus controller to optimize DMA data transfers. A PLX® PCI9056 device handles system connectivity with a high-performance interface to the PCI bus.
An Engineering Design Kit provides basic information required to develop a custom program for the Xilinx FPGA. Utilities help users load VHDL into the FPGA, and to establish DMA transfers between the FPGA and the CPU. It is recommended that users be familiar with Xilinx development tools. Acromag's Engineering Design Kit includes a compiled FPGA file and example VHDL code provided as selectable blocks with examples for the local bus interface, read/writes, and change-of-state interrupts to the PCI bus.
Although there is no limit to the capabilities of Acromag's FPGA I/O boards, several applications are ideal. Common uses include manned and unmanned vehicles, battleground SIGINT and communication systems, deployment on tanks or torpedoes, or any system in which ambient or forced air will not provide adequate cooling. The FPGA can generate recipe-based responses to input stimulus or function as a high-speed communication processor. Embedded multipliers make fast work of computation-intensive algorithms for signal preprocessing without involving the CPU or an external DSP board. And with extensive logic resources, the FPGA is excellent for waveform generation, pulse measurement, or custom serial interfaces.
For easy integration of the boards with Windows® applications, Acromag developed an ActiveX® (OLE) controls software package that functions as drivers for compatibility with Microsoft® Visual C++(TM), and Visual Basic. ActiveX can also link I/O signals to HMI devices to display and record data.
For connectivity with real time application programs, Acromag offers C libraries for VxWorks®, QNX®, and other operating systems. The libraries provide generic routines (source code included) to handle reads, writes, interrupts, and other functions. Demonstration programs enable the developer to quickly exercise the I/O modules before attaching the routines to the application program. This diagnostic tool can save hours of troubleshooting and debugging. Free Linux example programs are also available.
Acromag, a multimillion dollar international corporation, has been manufacturing and developing measurement and control products for more than 50 years. They offer a complete line of embedded I/O products including bus boards, mezzanine modules, wiring accessories, and software.
For more information about Acromag products, call Inside Sales or Marketing Communications at (248) 624-1541, (877) 295-7092, FAX (248) 624-9234, or write Acromag, Inc. at P.O. Box 437, Wixom, MI 48393-7037 USA. Information is also available on the Internet at www.acromag.com.
Contacts: Sales - Inside Sales Department (e-mail: solutions@acromag.com)
