Active extender card aids CompactPCI integration

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Jan 15, 2004

A novel active extender card aims to simplify CompactPCI system integration, board validation and test.

Elma has launched an active extender card to simplify CompactPCI system integration, board validation and test.

The controlled impedance eight-layer PCB extends all pins of a 6U cPCI slot for easy access to plug-in boards and provides test points and individual switching for all signals.

An active PCI to PCI bridge ensures maximum signal integrity for cPCI signals on P1 and P2.

Access and control of each P1, P2, P3, P4 and P5 line are provided by individual SMD isolation switches, together with test points each side of each switch.

For maximum electrical flexibility, 0, +3.3, +5, +12 and -12V power is available via Faston connectors, and I/O can be switched between 3.3 and 5V.

This new active extender builds on the field experience of the Elma's existing VME64x extender, delivering 65ohm +/-10% characteristic impedance with a 2.2mm thick 6U PCB, and providing secure support that brings the card under test 163mm clear of the cage for easy access.

Insertion/extraction handles are incorporated, and the card edges are milled to 1.6mm to ensure compatibility with standard card guides.

Complying with PICMG 2.0, Rev 3.0, the extender provides a convenient way to measure and isolate each signal line, and includes a silkscreen table that maps each signal to its isolation switch.

With high integrity signal paths for all P1-P5 pins, support for 32 and 64bit devices, and both 33 and 66MHz buses, the active extender is designed to deliver a convenient and reliable debug and test tool to cPCI board designers and system integrators.