I/O Modules provide reconfigurable FPGA.
Press Release Summary:
Industry Pack IP-1K125 Modules allows users to download their own instruction sets into Altera® EP1K100 FPGA via JTAG port for specialized signal processing of TTL-level or RS485 differential I/O data. FPGA can control up to 48 TTL or 24 EIA-485 I/O signals or mix of both types. Pre-programmed internal CPLD facilitates initialization by acting as bus controller during power-up and while program is downloading. Local static RAM is controlled by FPGA.
Original Press Release:
New Industry Pack I/O Module Has a Reconfigurable FPGA for Customized Data Processing of TTL or Differential I/O Signals
This mezzanine module allows users to download their own instruction sets into the Altera® EP1K100 FPGA via a JTAG port for specialized signal processing of TTL-level or RS485 differential I/O data.
Wixom, MI: Acromag's new IP-1K125 series provides a reconfigurable FPGA on an Industry Pack (IP) mezzanine module. The IP modules allow users to install their own signal processing algorithms and instruction sets in the FPGA for custom computing applications. Processing the data on dedicated hardware is much faster than using a separate DSP card or a CPU. Up to five IP modules can be installed on an Acromag IP carrier board requiring only a single card slot in a VME, CompactPCI, or PCI platform computer. Typical uses include specialized communication systems, hardware simulation, in-circuit diagnostics, and data analysis using custom mathematical formulas such as those developed with MathWorks's MatLab® software. IP-1K125 modules sell for $850 each plus a one-time required purchase of the $300 Engineering Design Kit software.
The Altera EP1K100 FPGA on Acromag's IP-1K125 modules can control up to 48 TTL or 24 EIA-485 I/O signals or a mix of both types. User application programs are downloaded into the FPGA through the JTAG port. A pre-programmed internal CPLD facilitates initialization by acting as the bus controller during power-up and while the program is downloading. This bus controller is limited to functions necessary for power-up and downloading. After the program downloads, the FPGA takes control of the IP bus and the CPLD is disabled. Local static RAM (64K x 16) is controlled by the FPGA. Other features include a user-programmable PLL-based clock synthesizer and interval timer.
The Engineering Design Kit provides users with basic information required to develop a custom FPGA program for download to the Altera FPGA. Example FPGA design code is provided as VHDL for functions such as an 8MHz IP bus interface, digital I/O control register, and more. Users should be fluent in the use of Altera MAX+PLUS or Quartus design tools.
Additionally, users should also purchase either Acromag's IPSW-API-VXW (VxWorks source code library) or IPSW-ATX-PCI (ActiveX driver package). These programs include important driver support programs to assist in transferring developed code between user's processor and Altera FPGA. They also simplify integration of the carrier card and IP modules with real time software programs and Windows® 95/98/2000/NT/XP® applications. The C libraries provide generic routines (source code included) to handle reads, writes, interrupts, and other functions. ActiveX controls are object-based software components that function as drivers to interface the IP modules with compatible software development programs such as Microsoft® Visual C++(TM) and Visual Basic®. ActiveX controls can also link I/O data to Human Machine Interface (HMI) process control applications, data acquisition programs like LabView®, and Microsoft Office® products such as Excel® and Access®.
The IP mezzanine's modular format enables multiple functions and high-density I/O on a single board to lower costs and save card slots. With its rugged design, open architecture, and high performance, the IP concept is ideal for a wide variety of I/O applications. Typical uses include data acquisition, process control, test & measurement, motion control, and network data communications.
Acromag, a multimillion dollar international corporation, has more than 45 years experience producing measurement and control products. 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, (800) 881-0268, 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.
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