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SBC raises bar for UltraSPARC on VME

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team May 8, 2003

Force Computers reckons its CPU-56 is the highest performance UltraSPARC-IIi+ processor-based VMEbus single board computer on the market.

Force Computers reckons its CPU-56 is the highest performance UltraSPARC-IIi+ processor-based VMEbus single board computer on the market.

As the successor to the well-regarded CPU-54 SBC, the CPU-56 offers greater processing power at 650MHz, more bandwidth with dual Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) interfaces and an option for an onboard IDE hard-disk drive with 30 to 60Gbyte storage capacity - which combine to produce the best-in-class VMEbus embedded computing platform.

It also features up to 2Gbyte of SDRAM as well as three optional PCI mezzanine card (PMC) slots when used with the IO-56 companion board.

With the UltraSPARC-IIi+ processor - the fastest, most energy-efficient processor from the Sun Microsystems technology roadmap - the CPU-56 provides a high-performance Solaris-OS-based "system-on-a-board" solution.

It is particularly suitable for benign defence and aerospace, medical, industrial control, communications and other demanding applications.

By launching this SBC, Force has completed its widely recognised line of VME offerings with this industry-first implementation of dual Gigabit Ethernet and an onboard large-capacity hard disk drive in conjunction with the high-performance SPARC processor - features not found altogether on competing platforms.

The CPU-56 provides maximum functionality in minimum space.

The technologies found on this single-slot design allow OEMs to quicken time-to-market, save development costs and update products to industry standards.

Other features include: up to three Ultra3 SCSI (LVD) interfaces - 160Mbyte/s capability; one Fast Ethernet interface (in addition to the dual GigE interfaces); dual USB interfaces; four RS232 serial interfaces (two on front panel, two on rear panel); and one standard PMC slot (three optional PMC slots via IO-56 companion board).

In addition, the CPU-56 offers the option for conformal coating to address the special requirements of ruggedised military applications.

CPU-56 SBCs will be available through Force's Early Access Unit (EAU) programme in May.