Backplanes are ready for CompactTCA systems

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Jun 7, 2005

Elma Electronic has released what it reckons is the world's first range of CompactTCA backplanes and system platforms complying with PICMG 2.5x.

Elma Electronic has demonstrated its commitment to new backplane architectures by launching what is believed to be the world's first range of CompactTCA backplanes and system platforms, complying with PICMG 2.5x.

This early support of CompactTCA is designed to enable system builders to explore this new route to advanced telecomms equipment, especially where cost and size issues limit the suitability of AdvancedTCA.

These CompactTCA units support the portability and scalability of telecomms requirements, while maintaining appropriate compatibility with existing cPCI products.

As well as leveraging cPCI equipment, PICMG 2.5x aims to provide a synergy with AdvancedTCA platform management features, and include backward compatibility with existing PICMG 2.16 boards that do not require the cPCI bus.

Access is also provided to TDM or fabric interfaces without the cost of full AdvancedTCA.

Elma not only supports all three PICMG 2.5x variants, but is able to offer special backplanes with mixed 2.50, 2.51 and 2.52 segments, covering PICMG 2.16 Ethernet, PICMG 2.5 H110, PICMG 2.20 mesh fabric capabilities, and PICMG 2.9 IPMB management bus.

The PICMG 2.5x specifications eliminate the cPCI bus, and each backplane includes dual redundant shelf managers, with control for up to 12 fans, and temperature sensors for modern high-power systems.

The first CompactTCA backplane from Elma is a 6U unit, featuring 21 slots, with one slot location for two 3U shelf manager cards, two 2.16 fabric slots and 14 slots with PICMG 2.51 packet switching links with up to 1Gbit/s in P3, and a TDM bus in P4.

The PICMG 2.9 IPMB bus is available on all slots, with management and power in the P1/P2 area.

Positronic connectors are used for standard voltages and M3 bolts are available for telecom power.

As usual, Elma is also able to supply either backplane boards, or complete system platforms, customised to suit individual requirements, and delivered "card-ready" with subrack, cooling and power supplies.