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CompactFlash cards make RAID in embedded systems

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Feb 22, 2007

The VMS1 is an IEEE P1386.1 compliant PMC module that allows one or two CompactFlash memory cards to be used to build a compact and robust mass storage solution for embedded systems.

The VMS1 is an IEEE P1386.1-compliant PMC module that allows one or two CompactFlash memory cards to be used to build a compact and robust mass storage solution for embedded systems.

The VMS1 is the latest addition to Varisys' family Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) products; where VME, PCI and PMC form factors host processor, I/O and storage functions.

With 16Gbyte cards now shipping, the VMS1 is able to support up to 32Gbyte storage capacity, with a roadmap to even higher capacities in the future.

Dual CompactFlash card support on the VMS1 also allows software RAID to provide either striping for high capacity and performance (level 0) or mirroring for enhanced reliability (level 1).

VMS1 ruggedisation options are available to support industrial, airborne and military applications, including industrial temperature operation, conduction cooling and conformal coating.

The VMS1 offers several factory options for the positional mounting of CompactFlash cards.

The first card is located on the primary (under) side.

This card may either be concealed (suitable for conduction cooling), or accessed through a slot in the bezel.

The second card (if specified) is located on the secondary (top) side.

The bus-mastering IDE controller has dual channels, and supports the full range of PIO and UDMA data-transfer modes, up to and including ATA/100, allowing users to take full advantage of the latest high-speed CompactFlash cards.

As a factory option, an IDE channel may be routed to the PMC Pn4 user I/O connector - for example to allow control of an externally mounted CF card, or a conventional hard drive.

SFF-8038i compliance means the VMS1 is register compatible with standard PCI IDE controllers, and is supported by the standard ATA/IDE device drivers in Windows, Linux, VxWorks and many other operating systems.