Advanced Low-Power PMC Supports Dual Graphics Heads
A blend of graphics and video performance is vital for advanced sensor fusion, image/frame capture and recording in applications like tactical, Red Force/Blue Force tracking and for avionics and tactical area moving map applications. Aitech Defense Systems offers a high-performance 3D graphics and imaging functionality available in a single, low-power PMC. Based on the ATI M9 graphics processor, the new M590 Multi-standard Graphics and Video PMC uses dual independent graphics heads to simultaneously output information from two separate data streams to two different monitors, whether analog or digital.
Designed for harsh environments, the PCI-X Rev. 1.0b and PCI Rev. 2.3-compliant M590 supports advanced 2D/3D video displays and image capture/frame grabbing with overlay and underlay for high-resolution man-machine interfaces with resolutions of up to 1536 x 2048 at 30 to 200 Hz refresh rates and up to 32 bits per pixel (Truecolor+). A host of channel-independent analog and digital video input and output formats are provided, including DVI, LVDS single/double link, progressive RGBHV/RGsB, RS-343 and composite/S-video supporting RS-170, NTSC and PAL, as well as internal or external sync. The M590 is available in commercial, rugged and military temperature ranges, and in either conduction-cooled or air-cooled versions. Pricing for an M590 starts at $3,440 in OEM quantities.
Aitech Defense Systems, Chatsworth, CA. (888) 248-3248. [www.rugged.com].
USB-to-Serial Adapters Is Software Configurable
Embedded military applications are rapidly finding ways to use USB for functions once served by serial ports. Sealevel Systems announces two additions to the popular SeaLINK USB to serial product line, the SeaLINK.SC and SeaLINK+2.SC. Offering one or two serial ports that are software configurable for RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485, the adapters eliminate the need to open the enclosure to change jumper settings or dipswitches. The devices maintain their electrical interface settings locally, allowing the host computer to be repaired or upgraded without reconfiguring the serial ports.
The serial ports on each SeaLINK adapter appear as standard COM ports to the host computer enabling compatibility with legacy software. All Sealevel SeaLINK USB serial adapters use a state-machine architecture that greatly reduces the host computer’s overhead when communicating over multiple serial ports simultaneously while supporting data rates to 921.6 Kbits/s. Status LEDs on the front of the enclosure indicate serial data activity, electrical interface and power. Standard operating temperature range for SeaLINK products is 0-70°C, and extended temperature range (-40° - +85°C) models are available. Both are available immediately from stock priced at $259 for the SeaLINK.SC (Item# 2123) and $309 for the SeaLINK+2.SC (Item# 2223).
Sealevel Systems, Liberty, SC. (864) 843-4343. [www.sealevel.com].
SATA Solid-State Drive Family Meets MIL-STD-810F
Flash-based solid-state drives are rapidly growing in capacity to where rotating disk solutions are now needed for only a shrinking niche of rugged military systems. Apacer Technology has introduced the SDM (SATA Disk Module) to meet an expanded range of SATA storage demand applications. The new SDM SSD (solid-state disk) series is available with a 7-pin or 22-pin connector that is oriented at 90 degrees or 180 degrees and is designed for a variety of housing configurations adopted in embedded computers. Supporting SATA 1.5 Gbit/s and read and write speeds up to 35 Mbytes/s and 25 Mbytes/s respectively, the SDM offers outstanding reliability based on high-speed SLC (Single Level Cell) flash memory in capacities of 128 Mbytes to 4 Gbytes.
For strict rugged requirements, the SDM offers competitive and innovative features based on Apacer’s advanced technology. Certified for MIL-STD-810F shock-resistance and anti-vibration, the SDM is suitable for harsh operating conditions in extended temperatures of -40° to 85°C, and includes industry-leading 8-bit ECC (Error Correcting Code) for high reliability. With less than 300 defective parts per million (DPPM), the SDM has undergone on-going reliability testing (ORT) to guarantee product dependability and longevity, with a mean time between failures (MTBF) of two million hours.
Apacer Memory America, Milpitas, CA. (408) 586-1291. [www.apacer.com].
Power Manager ICs Aim at Li-Ion/Polymer Battery Apps
Power management circuitry that used to require several components is now possible in one chip. That’s a great benefit for space, weight and power constrained battery-power military gear. Linear Technology has announced the LTC3586, its most highly integrated PMIC in a family of multi-function, compact power management solutions for Li-Ion/Polymer battery applications. The LTC3586 integrates a switching PowerPath manager, a stand-alone battery charger, always-on LDO and four high-efficiency synchronous switching regulators: one buck-boost, one boost and two buck regulators, all in a compact, low-profile 4 mm x 6 mm QFN package.
The LTC3586’s PowerPath control seamlessly manages power flow between multiple input sources such as a wall adapter or USB port and the Lithium battery while preferentially providing power to the system load. In addition, its “instant-ON” operation ensures system load power even with a dead battery. For fast charging, the LTC3586’s switching input stage converts nearly all of the 2.5W available from the USB port to charging current, enabling up to 700 mA from a 500 mA limited USB supply or up to 1.5A when wall powered. The LTC3586 is available in a compact, low-profile (0.75 mm) 4 mm x 6 mm QFN-38 package. Pricing starts at $5.30 each for 1,000-piece quantities.
Linear Technology, Milpitas, CA. (408) 432-1900.[www.linear.com].
Slot-Card Disk Drive Offers New Media Options
The rise in software-based functionality in military systems is driving demand for ever more programs and data storage. VMETRO has added new storage alternatives for its VMDRIVE. The VMDRIVE 6U VME/cPCI slot storage products now include rotating media options as well as several larger capacity solid-state storage options. The rotating media VMDRIVE offers 300 Gbytes or 450 Gbytes storage capacity. This dual-slot VME or cPCI alternative is available in commercial air-cooled models. The VMDRIVE rotating media version stores data at 100 Mbytes/s via dual channels of 2 Gbit/s Fibre Channel. For demanding applications that require solid-state storage, the VMDRIVE is available with dual channel 2 Gbit/s Fibre Channel interfaces using both high and low-density media.
The low-density VMDRIVE stores data at 60 Mbytes/s and is available with up to 256 Gbytes of storage capacity. The low-density models occupy a single VME or cPCI slot in air and conduction-cooled versions. High-density VMDRIVEs offer 146 Gbytes and 500 Gbytes storage capacity. Available as a dual-slot, air-cooled solution, the high-density solid-state stores data at 120 Mbytes/s.
VMETRO, Houston, TX. (281) 584-0728. [www.vmetro.com].
Test and Burn-In Socket Supports CSP/MicroBGA Devices
The squeeze on test and development costs has hit every industry and the military is not immune. The more you can combine more than one function in the same equipment the better. Aries Electronics has released its new CSP/MicroBGA test and burn-in socket that accommodates devices of up to 6.5 mm squared and is ideal for use with test and burn-in of CSP, MicroBGA, DSP, LGA, SRAM, DRAM and flash devices.
The socket offers solderless pressure mount compression spring probes, which can be accurately located by two molded plastic alignment pins and mounted with two stainless steel screws, which allow the sockets to be easily mounted to and removed from the burn-in-board (BIB). The socket accommodates up to 500,000 cycles and operates at a temperature of -55° to 150°C (-67° to 302°F). The sockets are comprised of spring probes with contact forces of 15g per contact on 0.30 mm to 0.35 mm pitches, 16g per contact on 0.40 mm to 0.45 mm pitches, 25g per contact on 0.50 mm to 0.75 mm pitches and 25g per contact on an 0.80 mm pitch or larger. Spring probes are heat-treated beryllium copper alloy plated with 30µ min. (.75µ) gold per Mil-G-45204 over 30µ min. (.75 µm) nickel per SAE-AMS-QQ-N-290. The socket’s molded components are UL94V-0 Ultem and machined components are UL94V-0 PEEK or Torlon. All hardware is stainless steel. Pricing for a 100 lead socket starts at $200.
Aries Electronics, Bristol, PA. (215) 781-9956. [www.arieselec.com].
Digital Signal Conditioning System Is Network Centric
Programmable signal conditioning is vital in a broad range of testing applications including jet and rocket engine testing, vibration testing, acoustic chamber monitoring, wind tunnel testing and other challenging applications requiring high performance. GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced the DSC-2300 Series of high-performance signal conditioning systems. Developed to satisfy the growing customer requirement for powerful, modular signal conditioning solutions that are programmable and network-centric, the DSC-2300 is housed in a compact 3U, 16-slot rack-mountable chassis.
The DSC-2300 Series achieves its significant performance benefits through its ability to process the input from a wide range of sensors, supporting up to 32 sensor channels (2 channels per slot). Its high channel density keeps its cost per channel low, while its 3U form factor makes it compact and capable of being deployed in space-constrained environments. The DSC-2300 Series currently supports four plug-in signal conditioning modules that are fully configurable and programmable for gain, filter, cut-off frequencies and calibration. The DSC-2320 module is designed for static strain applications, and provides a two-channel voltage excitation bridge amplifier. The DSC-2325 module is used for dynamic strain applications, and features a two-channel current excitation bridge amplifier. The DSC-2330/31 module supports charge/ICP and voltage inputs.
GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, Charlottesville, VA. (800) 368-2738.
[www.gefanucembedded.com].
DC/DC Converters Provide Brown-Out Protection
Forward deployed military systems must wrestle with uncertain and unreliable power conditions. Serving that need, Calex has announced its Hold Up and Hold Up Light product offerings. The Hold Up modules are designed for use with Calex DC/DC Converters to protect against brown-out and temporary power loss conditions and provide a clean, uninterrupted source of power for downstream circuitry. The Hold Up model, part number HU-28, provides a complete turnkey solution for easy design integration. The Hold Up Light model, part number HUL-28, requires the use of an external capacitor bank in addition to the HUL module.
The HU-28 and HUL-28 have an input range of 15.5VDC to 36VDC. Both the HU-28 and HUL-28 offer user programmable hold-up trip voltage. Both modules have two modes of operation: “stand-by” and “tripped.” During stand-by, the module charges the hold-up capacitors to 45V and maintains that voltage. When tripped, the module stops charging the hold-up capacitors and connects them to the Vout pins. The operating temperature range for both models is -40° to 100°C.
Calex, Concord, CA. (925) 687-4411. [www.calex.com].
Digital Power Supply Family Reduces Parts Count
Although power supplies are still primarily analog components, the addition of digital circuitry and interfaces offers significant benefits for military system designers–especially given the wide variation of power supply characteristics demanded across the military market. Lambda has introduced a new range of digitally controlled modules to its innovative NV-Power family of configurable AC-DC power supplies, enabling increased power output of up to 1450W peak rating for 10 seconds. The new modules enable Lambda to satisfy the increasing demand for low-profile configurable power solutions from 350W to above 1,000W.
The new digitally controlled modules incorporate many innovative design features including a new integrated magnetics transformer that allows for small size and increased efficiency. The digital control allows customizations based on the application’s requirements. NV-Power employs an 8-bit microcontroller to handle housekeeping routines, replacing the array of comparators, op amps and other discrete components used in less integrated designs. This brings a 50% parts count reduction, which in turn allows 40% more board space for power components. All units operate with an input range of 90 - 264 VAC. The NV-Power series is available now with prices starting at $214 each in 100 piece quantities depending upon the configuration.
Lambda Americas, San Diego, CA. (619) 575-4400. [www.lambdapower.com].
Linux Board Support Package Rolls for Sidewinder SBC
Military system developers have found the Linux operating system a dependable choice to get started with. It lets them begin software development without committing to any one commercial embedded OS vendor. VersaLogic has announced the release of the DEV-CD-L5, a Linux quick-start Board Support Package (BSP) for their “Sidewinder,” a VIA Eden-based single board computer. Using this BSP streamlines the hardware setup task by eliminating the need for Operating System (OS) configuration and driver installation. This allows embedded developers to create applications in a shorter time frame and reduce time-to-market.
The package is based on the popular Debian Linux 4.0 (etch/stable) product running Linux kernel 2.6.25-2. The bootable CD has been configured for easy installation and support of the Sidewinder’s basic hardware features, including Ethernet, audio, video, USB and serial communications. Three stable images are provided to meet a range of functionality requirements. Additionally, an Advanced User Package (AUP) is available containing kernel sources, a customized config file, and driver patches for users who wish to run a Linux distribution other than Debian. The DEV-CD-L5 BSP is available immediately to qualified applicants for a nominal charge.
VersaLogic, Eugene, OR. (541) 485-8575. [www.VersaLogic.com].
Atom Processor Climbs Aboard Nano-ITX
Low-power systems and handheld mobile devices represents one of the most active areas of military design and development. Feeding those needs, American Portwell Technology has announced the NANO-8044. This is the first embedded board using the Nano-ITX form factor that is based on the Intel Atom processor Z510/Z530 and the Intel System Controller Hub US15W. At a mere 120 mm x 120 mm (4.72 x 4.72 inches), the compact NANO-8044 measures only 50 percent of the standard Mini-ITX. The NANO-8044 is specifically designed to operate at very low power consumption (less than 10 W at full loading) and low heat, so it can be a truly fanless configuration and battery operated.
It supports 1 Gbit Ethernet, audio, 6 USB and dual display by LVDS and SDVO connector. The NANO-8044 supports one 200-pin SO-DIMM memory slot for DDR2 SDRAM up to 1 Gbyte and comes with one IDE, one Type II CompactFlash socket, one SD card and one PCI-E expansion slot.
American Portwell Technology, Fremont, CA. (510) 403-3399.
[www.portwell.com].
160 MHz FPGA-Based Digitizer Delivers 16-bit Resolution
Today’s powerful FPGAs offer unprecented levels of embedded processing and serial transceiver capabilities. Defense system developers are applying them to all sorts of high-speed data acquisition and signal data recording applications. Satisfying those demands, Signatec has announced the PDA16 high-speed digitizer. Designed to meet demanding high-speed data acquisition, signal data recording and real-time FPGA processing applications, the PDA16 leverages the processing performance of Xilinx Virtex FPGAs with embedded PowerPC processors.
With 512 Mbytes of onboard memory configured as a large FIFO and a 64-bit PCI-X bus, Signatec’s PDA16 can continuously sustain up to two channels recording at 160 Msamples/s per channel and transfer the digitized and/or processed data to PC disk storage at rates up to 640 Mbytes/s non-stop without any break in the analog record. The PDA16 comes with either a Virtex-4 FX20 (one immersed IBM PowerPC 405 processor) or an FX60 FPGA, (two immersed IBM PowerPC 405 processors). The PDA16 was designed to maximize the quality of captured signals in terms of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) over a very wide frequency range. Signatec’s PDA16 is currently shipping.
Signatec, Newport Beach, CA. (949) 729-1084. [www.signatec.com].
PICMG 1.0 SBC Has Quad-Core CPU
Because of their long deployment cycles, military programs always gravitate toward the most advanced computing platforms possible because they’ll inevitably get out-dated. Pushing the performance curve, ADLINK Technology has released the NuPRO-935A, a PICMG 1.0 full-size SBC powered by the next-generation Intel Core2 Quad/Duo processor on 45nm process.
Featuring a 1333 MHz front side bus and Intel Q35 Express chipset, the NuPRO-935A is specifically designed for high-performance computing. With processor speeds up to 3 GHz, the NuPRO-935A is designed to be a high-performance industrial computing solution. High-bandwidth dual-channel DDR2 800 MHz memory up to 4 Gbytes is supported, meeting high-speed data transfer requirements. The NuPRO-935A offers an ample range of I/O ports for data processing and storage. It provides up to five USB ports, two Serial ATA II storage ports, five USB 2.0 ports, two 10/100/1000 Mbit/s Ethernet ports, one RS-232 port, one RS-232/422/485 port and one parallel port. Other features include a PS/2 keyboard/mouse port, Watchdog timer and Hardware Monitor. Prices start in the mid $400s for the NuPRO 935A/LV and high $400s for the NuPRO 935A/DV in small quantities.
ADLINK, Irvine, CA. (949) 423-2354. [www.adlinktech.com].
3U VPX SBC Serves Up Dual-Core PowerPC
Designed with military needs in mind, VPX is the newest VITA embedded computing scheme. Curtiss-Wright Controls Embedded Computing has announced the VPX3-127, a new Power Architecture-based 3U VPX (VITA 46) SBC. The powerful, small form-factor VPX3-127 SBC is the latest addition to Curtiss-Wright’s extensive family of rugged VPX SBC and DSP engines, and brings the high-bandwidth, serial switched fabric support and ESD protection benefits of the VPX board architecture to space and weight constrained 3U embedded applications.
The VPX3-127 is Curtiss-Wright’s first 3U VPX SBC to feature Freescale’s MPC864OD Power Architecture system-on-chip (SOC) platform processor. This high-performance dual core e600 Power Architecture processor operates at 1.0 GHz. The board offers up to 2 Gbytes of DDR2 memory with ECC at 500 MHz on dual memory controllers and 256 Mbytes of NOR flash and 1 Gbyte of NAND flash. The board supports one XMC/PMC site and two x4 lane fabrics offering either 2 x4 lane PCI Express ports, or a single x4 lane PCI Express port and a single x4 lane SRIO port. Two 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports, RS-232 and RS-422 Serial Channels, a USB 2.0 Host port and Discreet Digital I/O round out the board’s I/O features. A VPX-REDI (VITA 48) version is available. Volume pricing for commercial and rugged versions of the VPX3-127 is available.
Curtiss-Wright Controls Embedded Computing, Leesburg, VA.
(703) 779-7800. [www.cwcembedded.com].
Synchronous WAN Module Supports MicroTCA and ATCA
Advanced WAN-level communications gear plays a critical role in a variety of military systems. An intelligent synchronous four-port WAN, AdvancedMC module from Performance Technologies is designed for providing communications connectivity in a small form factor. The AMC335 can be easily integrated into MicroTCA offerings that include the company’s 1U MicroTCA chassis, the MTC5070, and the highly integrated, ready-to-use Advanced Managed Platform, the AMP5070.
The AMC335 is a programmable communications subsystem that is capable of sustaining high data rates for a variety of protocols that are used in synchronous data communications. The architecture of the AMC335 capitalizes on the intelligence of the Freescale MPC8270 Quad Integrated Communications Controller (PowerQUICC II), which enables it to act as an optimized communications controller. The module is ideally suited for use in creating flexible and efficient radar gateways, radar recorders, protocol converters, serial gateways and front-end I/O elements as well as many other communications devices that require RS-232, RS-422 (RS-449/EIA530) and V.35 connectivity. The AMC335 is fully supported by NexusWare, the company’s CGL 4.0 Registered Linux OS and development environment, as well as a complete set of installable WAN communications protocols.
Performance Technologies, Rochester, NY. (585) 256-0200. [www.pt.com].
Streamlined CANopen Configuration Tool Gets New Rev
CANopen, a communication protocol and device profile specification for embedded systems, is a power component in CAN-based military systems. The new version 1.6 of the IXXAT’s CANopen ConfigurationStudio significantly simplifies the configuration of PDO messages within the “Visual Object Linker.” PDO configuration is performed by simple drag & drop operations, so even users without an in-depth knowledge of fundamental CANopen mechanisms can operate the tool.
Further enhancements include a complete redesign of the CANopen Device Configuratior plug-in that enables the extensive configuration of CANopen Manager devices according to CiA 302. In addition, the configuration of node guarding and error behavior was simplified and a new front-end for LSS Master services was implemented. To access the CANopen bus an IXXAT CAN interface with VCI 3.1 driver installed is necessary. The CANopen ConfigurationStudio can be used on systems running Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP (32 and 64 bit) as well as Windows Vista (32 and 64 bit).
IXXAT, Bedford, NH. (603) 471-0800. [www.ixxat.com].
Mini-ITX Motherboard Targets Low-Power Apps
SWaP (Size, Weight and Power) has become the new watchword for many military apps like small UAVs, radio gear and unmanned ground vehicles. Feeding such needs, ITOX has introduced a Mini-ITX motherboard that uses the Mobile Intel 910GMLE Express chipset with Intel ICH6M I/O controller hub. The G5G100-L10C from ITOX comes equipped with a 1 GHz Intel Celeron M Ultra Low Voltage 373 processor with 512K cache, 400 MHz front-side bus, and integrated passive heatsink cooler. The low-cost G5G100-L10C embedded motherboard consumes less than 17W, making it suitable for applications with thermal or power restrictions.
The G5G100-L10C features one 184-pin DDR 333 SDRAM DIMM socket accepting memory modules with capacities up to 1 Gbyte. Additional features include one VGA port with integrated Intel GMA 900 graphics (2048 x 1536 at 75 Hz), two Serial ATA ports with speeds up to 1.5 Gbits/s, UltraDMA/100 IDE interface, eight USB 2.0/1.1 ports, four serial COM ports, and one Gigabit Ethernet controller/ Expansion is provided by one PCI slot, which accepts optional riser boards with 1, 2 or 3 slots for low-profile PCI cards. Pricing starts at $350 with OEM volume pricing available.
ITOX, East Brunswick, NJ. (732) 390-2815. [www.itox.com].
JTAG/Boundary Scan Platform Incorporates PXI Controllers
PXI holds a solid place in the mindshare of military test instrumentation developers. A new series of PXI-Bus-based controllers has been added for the Scanflex Boundary Scan hardware platform from Goepel Electronic. The new SFX/PXI1149/C4-FXT controllers incorporate the normally external Scanflex TAP transceivers into the 1 slot/3U unit, whereas the TAP interface cards (TIC) are linked externally. The TICs are active so complete signal conditioning is performed directly within the test fixture or environmental test chamber for HASS/HALT applications. Four different auto-identified TIC types are available to accommodate various applications. The differential signal interface ensures a secure transmission of the TAP signals, even through multiple interconnections and with over 4 meters of cable length, a TCK clock frequency of up to 80 MHz can be maintained.
The new controller series offers four truly parallel TAPs and is available in three performance classes A, B and C. The classes differ in their respective maximum TCK clock frequency of 20, 50 and 80 MHz as well as in the degree of implementation of the advanced Space II chipset for high-performance scan operations.
Goepel Electronic, Jena, Germany. +49 03641 6896-739. [www.goepel.com].
ATCA Blade Sports Quad-Core Processors
ATCA’s acceptance in military applications has been mixed. But there’s definitely a niche it’s carving out, particularly in communications-centric defense programs. The ATCA-7350 processor blade from Emerson Network Power is a new ATCA blade that combines quad-core Intel Xeon processors with a wide range of memory options, plus redundant 10GbE support. The blade is based on two 2.13 GHz quad-core Intel Xeon processors and features a main memory capacity of up to 32 Gbytes. Dual hot-swappable and RAID-capable onboard disk drives can provide enterprise-class disk performance and storage capacity.
The PICMG 3.1-compliant fabric interface provides two 10 Gbit Ethernet interfaces for applications requiring higher network throughput in the backplane. Several rear transition module (RTM) configurations are available for external connectivity to suit application requirements, providing two or four optional 1 GbE interfaces, support for 10GbE, a USB 1.1 management interface and two optional 2 Gbit/s Fibre Channel interfaces. The ATCA-7350 will be available in the fourth quarter of 2008.
Emerson Network Power, Tempe, AZ. (800) 759-1107.
[www.EmersonNetworkPower.com].
MPEG4 Codec Board Is Credit Card Sized
Small form factor boards are rapidly gaining in importance as the military looks for ways to add functionality like video to a variety of mobile platforms. Serving just such needs, the microMPEG4 from Advanced Micro Peripherals is a 4-channel MPEG4 Codec on a Mini PCI form factor that measures just 60 mm x 45 mm. This sub-credit-card-sized board is ideal for capturing and compressing up to 4 concurrent live analog video inputs to the MPEG4 standard. The microMPEG4 not only provides MPEG4 compression but can also decompress and play back recordings from storage to display.
Using the 32-bit PCI architecture, the microMPEG4 allows high-quality real-time video and audio capture and compression from 1, 2 or 4 concurrent PAL or NTSC video sources to disk while simultaneously providing an additional path for incoming video to be previewed on the host screen. Text overlay with time and date stamping is supported. The high-performance MPEG4 video data compression requires minimal CPU involvement. This plus the compact size, low heat dissipation and low power consumption makes the microMPEG4 ideal for space-constrained and deeply embedded video/audio recording applications. The microMPEG4 is supported by a suite of drivers for Windows-NT/2000/XP, Linux and QNX.
Advanced Micro Peripherals, Witchford, Cambridgeshire, UK.
+44 1353 659 500. [www.ampltd.com].
Low-Profile DC/DC Converters Boast High Efficiency
Distributed power architectures have become a fixture in military applications. Martek Power announced two new series of highly efficient DC/DC power converters, which are specially designed to address the application needs for data communication equipment, mobile battery-driven equipment and distributed power systems. The 200WFRs are fully isolated DC/DC converters in a low-profile SIP package. Measuring 0.86 x 0.36 x 0.44-inches, the 200WFRs feature a rated output power of 2W, precisely regulated single outputs of 3.3V, 5V and 12V and typical full-load efficiency up to 81 percent. Available in 5, 12, 24 and 48 VDC Inputs and 2:1 input range, the 200WFRs are priced at $8.70 per unit for volume orders.
The 200LFR series 2W single and dual power modules are designed to provide low output ripple and tight regulation in a low-profile 1.25 x 0.8 x 0.4-inch 24 pin DIP package. The series consists of 20 models with input voltages of 5V, 12V, 24V and 48V, and offers regulated output voltages of 3.3V, 5V, 12V, 15V, ±5V, ±12V and ±15V. The 200FRs are priced at $7.55 per unit for volume orders. All new models are available in RoHS-compliant versions.
Martek Power, Torrance, CA. (310) 202-8820.
[www.martekpower.com].
Rugged Enclosure Family Features Lightweight Design
Enclosures rank high in the weight count of a system, and reducing weight ranks high in today’s mobile and airborne military applications. With that in mind, the family of 12R1 enclosures from Elma Electronic is up to 20 percent lighter than the company’s standard 12R2 line of rugged COTS chassis. The lighter units also help avionics and other applications meet weight constrictions. The system platforms are modular and come in various sizes and configurations. This includes 19” rackmount enclosures in 3U, 5U, 7U and 10U heights and 22 inches and 25 inches. The 12R1 line is also optionally Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) compliant. RoHS 5/6 versions are also available for military applications.
The 12R1 line has complete EMC shielding integrity with braided gasketing, honeycomb filtering and blind-riveting. The rugged chassis shell is made of aluminum frames and extruded profiles. Power supplies from 350W to over 1400W are available with both air-cooled and conduction-cooled options. The light 12R1 design withstands up to 15Gs of shock and vibration, while the heavy duty 12R2 version can handle up to 25Gs. Pricing for the 12R1 rugged chassis starts under $12,000 depending on size and configuration.
Elma Electronic, Fremont, CA. (510) 656-3400.[www.elma.com].
SBC Brings Low-Power Core 2 Duo to the VME
The multicore processor trend has hit the military embedded computing realm with the same force as it did the general computing market. A VME SBC, the TC2D64 from Themis Computer, is designed for a wide range of commercial and military applications in challenging environments–up to 30G shock 20ms. The TC2D64 is based on the low-power Intel Core 2 Duo processor clocked up to 2.16 GHz, and Intel’s 7520 chipset used in high-performance Xeon servers. The Intel 7520 chipset includes an ECC memory controller to maintain the highest system integrity, and provides the bandwidth necessary to support high-performance I/O. TC2D64 memory is expandable to 4 Gbytes of DDRII-400 memory. TC2D64’s memory modules feature a screw down design to withstand high shock and vibration.
The TC2D64 has extensive I/O including two Gbit Ethernet ports, a SATA port and two USB 2.0 ports. I/O expansion is provided by an onboard 64 bit/66 MHz PMC slot along with a PCI Express connector to a new, optional XMC expansion board with two XMC slots for either PMC modules or new PCI Express XMC modules, such as the latest cutting-edge graphics solutions.
Themis Computer, Fremont, CA. (510) 252-0870. [www.themis.com].
PC/104-Express Frame Grabber Boasts 16 Video Inputs
PC/104-Express marries the inherent compact size of PC/104 with the greater bandwidth of PCI Express. Digital-Logic’s latest PC/104-Express offering is a video frame grabber that can connect up to 16 video cameras or one S-Video camera respectively. The MSMG104EX from Digital-Logic is a compact module equipped with four BT878 frame grabbers with 4-channel video multiplexer, a PCIe/PCI bridge and 16 TTL Inputs/Outputs. The frame grabber supports common image formats like PAL and NTSC, and software supports toggling between both formats. The bandwidth for PAL is 4x 25 frames/sec and for NTSC 4x 30 frames/sec. The maximum transfer rate is 133 Mbytes/s.
The video cameras are connected by SMA coaxial connectors, which guarantee a high mechanical robustness thanks to bolted connection. Standard pass-through connectors allow the board to be used either above or below other PC/104 modules. It is connected to the PCI Express bus via one lane. Included in delivery are drivers for Windows or Linux and optional demo software for display and storage of 16 video streams. The MSMG104EX has dimensions of 90 mm x 96 mm x 17 mm and a weight of 120 grams. It requires a 5V/3.3V power supply and operates within the standard temperature range of -25° to +50°C.
Digtal-Logic, Luterbach, Switzerland. +41 (0)32/ 681 58 40.
[www.digitallogic.ch].
