PowerPC computing node cuts power consumption

The PowerNode3 is a single/dual 1GHz PowerPC G4 high-end computing node featuring enhanced connectivity and reduced power consumption.

The PowerNode3 is a single/dual 1GHz PowerPC G4 high-end computing node featuring enhanced connectivity and reduced power consumption.

PowerNode3 is designed for state-of-the-art applications requiring real-time data and signal processing, including sonar, radar, medical imaging and machine vision systems.

The new PowerNode3 features dual and single Motorola PowerPC G4 7457 processors running at 1GHz, each equipped with a 2Mbyte L3 cache and 2Mbyte private SRAM, linked via a 133MHz Avignon host bridge.

Up to 1Gbyte onboard SDRAM is accessible at the local bus speed of 133MHz.

The new board provides twin PCI Mezzanine Card (PMC) slots (one 64bit 66MHz and one 32bit 33/43MHz).

PowerNode3 is designed for connectivity, with an ALMA2e VME-PCI bridge that enables 2eSST data transfers at up to 180Mbyte/s for VME board interconnection.

Dual Gigabit Ethernet interfaces and four asynchronous RS232/422/485 lines provide a range of high-speed networking and connection options.

In addition, three differential 4x high-speed links are routed to the P0 backplane (as per PICMG 2.17), enabling the PowerNode3 CPU board to be interconnected to fabric technologies based on the LVDS standard.

The PowerNode3 sets a new standard for low power consumption in a high-end node, with a typical draw of 30W for dual CPU configuration, compared with competing boards that draw up to 60W (with 7455 1GHz solutions).

The new board is available in three convection-cooled versions (standard, extended temperature and rugged), as well as a rugged conduction-cooled version for harsh environment applications.

Thales Computers also offers COTS hardware and software as well as dedicated services in a value-added programme including high-performance communication layers, machine development and supervision software, built-in test, machine integration, acceptance tests, and configuration and life-cycle management.

The PowerNode3 also comes with Thales Computers' PowerLine4 toolkit for platform management, which speeds development cycles and time-to-market for COTS-based signal processing solutions.

PowerLine4 supports LynuxWorks and VxWorks operating systems.

Pricing for the new PowerNode3 starts at $5870.

The new board is available now in all versions and temperature ranges.

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