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PCI-X based control boosts VMEbus I/O

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Feb 23, 2004

The PowerMidas 5000 is an intelligent, dual-PMC, I/O controller for VME-based systems.

The PowerMidas 5000 is an intelligent, dual-PMC, I/O controller for VME-based systems.

The new controller is designed to promote the easy integration of CPUs and I/O devices and is intended for high-performance embedded applications such as those found in surveillance, signal intelligence, and telemetry as well as semiconductor and medical imaging systems.

The PowerMidas 5000 is a carrier card optimised for high-performance I/O and designed for engineers wishing to maximise their systems' potential for future performance and functionality upgrades.

By adding a Processor PMC (PrPMC) and/or I/O interface, PowerMidas 5000 can scale and evolve in a wide variety of applications.

The new controller card is based on an IBM PowerPC 440GX processor and includes dual PMC sites and two independent PCI-X buses (one for each PMC site).

It offers support for up to two Gigabit Ethernet or Fibre Channel ports (or one of each) without sacrificing any PMC sites.

It also features differentially routed P0 and P2 I/O for high-speed signalling (such as Star Fabric), an optional Race++ interface and an optional mezzanine card with three additional PMC sites.

"Carrier boards optimised for I/O and able to support Processor PMCs are an important part of next-generation embedded architecture", said Dr Jeffrey M Harris, Motorola's Director of Research and System Architecture.

"We are working closely with Vmetro to validate its I/O controller with Motorola's line of PrPMCs to deliver truly powerful and modular solutions".

The PowerMidas 5000 provides a powerful and flexible platform for all types of embedded applications.

By using it, users gain very high performance I/O capabilities and are able to better focus on the development of their own core intellectual property.

The result is faster time-to-market, reduced cost and better product differentiation.

"Our customers are looking for powerful, flexible and easy to use products that enable them to build systems easily and adapt to changes quickly", said Thomas Nygaard, Vmetro's Chief Technology Officer.

"PowerMidas 5000 is an excellent solution for customers with changing functionality and/or performance requirements".